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Volume 7 • Issue 21 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

‘From Drive-Thru to Drive-To’ Ballston Spa Business is Booming

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA – After years of careful planning, millions of dollars secured through grants, numerous renovations to properties and storefronts and a strong revitalization effort, downtown Ballston Spa is booming. With the village firing on all cylinders, longtime businesses are thriving, new businesses are opening up regu-

larly and foot traffic through the beautified village has never been better.

“Our storefront vacancy in the village is at what I would term as historic lows,” said Ballston Spa Mayor John Romano, who said he

See Ballston page 7

Marching On Local Saves Memorial Day Parade Photo by Kallie Day

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS- Although the Memorial Day parade was threatened with cancellation due to a perceived lack of interest and funds, its comeback is largely due to the efforts of one local man.

Ballston Spa resident Paul Brisson has managed to organize the parade in less than one week. To Brisson,

See Community page 8

Cuomo Takes The Reins State Reorganizes NYRA

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Left: The Iron Roost at 36 Front Street. Right: Ballston Spa’s beautified downtown district.

SARATOGA SPRINGS- In an unexpected move of cooperation and transparency, New York Racing Association (NYRA) officials publically relinquished temporary control of the region’s beloved horse racing industry to the state on Tuesday.

Receiving heavy scrutiny from several recent scandals, NYRA executives buckled to pressure from

the governor to move toward a more state-regulated form of operation and announced plans to create a NYRA Reorganization Board to help guide the faltering organization back into good standing.

The new, primarily state-appoint-

See State page 6

A Local Horsewoman Weighs In pg 5

Inside TODAY...

Women of Influence Special Supplement Jane Doe No More pg 8 Parade Listings pg 15 Prom Pictures pg 22 Memorial Day Recipes pgs 26-27

10,000 copies distributed weekly • Call To Advertise • (518) 581-2480

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Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

Bikeatoga's "Saratoga Bike to Work Challenge" on National Bike to Work Day 2012 featured over 225 registered riders on more than 30 different teams. Saratoga Springs High School freshman Adam Marino, who was recently featured in Bicycling Magazine, was in attendance and took a break from his ride for a photo.

Photo by Charlie Samuels of Bikeatoga.org

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BLOTTER

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Rick Sweet, 24, of 55 Mechanic St., 2nd floor, Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree burglary, a class-D felony.

Sweet was arrested November 23 in Ballston Spa and has been sentenced to two to four years in prison.

Eugene A. Bowling, Jr., 31, of 829 Rock City Rd., Apt. 2, Milton, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree burglary, a class-D felony.

Bowling was arrested October 14 in Wilton for an incident that occurred August 28 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing August 6.

Shawn E. Bouchard, 29, of 11 Arbor Ave., Mechanicville, was resentenced May 18 by Judge Jerry J. Scarano to one year in Saratoga County Jail and probation terminated after a violation of probation. Bouchard was originally convicted September 9, 2010, of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for which he had been sentenced to 60 days in jail and five years of probation.

Sean T. Rice, 28, of 127 East High St., Ballston Spa, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree criminal sexual act, a class-B felony. Rice was arrested September 9 in Ballston Spa for an incident that occurred August 24 and has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison and 25 years of post release supervision.

Kody L. Dean, 25, of 3 Third Ave., Hudson Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, a class-B felony. Dean was arrested August 16 in Moreau for incidents that occurred between May 2006 – September 2006, and is expected to return to court for sentencing at a later date.

Bradley W. Mates, 57, of 135 Canal Rd., Clifton Park, was resentenced May 17 by Judge Jerry J. Scarano to 60 days in Saratoga County Jail and continued probation after a violation of probation. Mates was originally convicted August 5, 2010, of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for which he was sentenced to time served and five years of probation.

Luis F. Aleman, 24, of 450 5th St., 4B, Hoboken, NJ, pleaded guilty to charges of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony, and second-degree identity theft, a class-E felony. Aleman was arrested July 21 in Clifton Park for incidents that occurred July 20, August 23 and December 10 – January 1. He has been sentenced to one year in Saratoga County Jail with credit for time served, five years of probation, and to pay $78,750 in restitution.

Donald R. Henderson, 44, of 26 Bensonhurst Ave., Saratoga Springs, has been charged with second-degree criminal mischief, a class-D felony; third-degree fleeing a police officer, a class-A misdemeanor; reckless endangerment of property, a class-B misdemeanor; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a class-E felony; driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor; ignition interlock, a class-A mis-

demeanor, reckless driving, a misdemeanor; and several traffic violations. Henderson was arrested March 9, 2011, in Malta and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Timothy Ippoliti, 32, of 900 Rock City Rd., Milton, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree rape, a class-E felony. Ippoliti was arrested August 7 in Milton and has been sentenced to time served and 10 years of probation.

Douglas E. Amsler, 21, of 1500 Whithall St., Watervliet, pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree burglary, a class-D felony. Amsler was arrested October 9 in Malta for an incident that occurred September 28 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing June 11.

Darin E. Davis, 42, of 122 Tallow Wood Dr., Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree unlawful surveillance, class-E felonies. Davis was arrested October 31 in Clifton park for incidents that occurred October 29 and October 30 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing August 7.

George B. Clark, 53, of 2865 Route 9, Apt. 120, Malta, pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, a class-D felony. Clark was arrested August 20 in Saratoga Springs for an incident that occurred August 17 and has been sentenced to seven years in state prison and 10 years of post release supervision.

Maurice J. Trant, aka “Mo,” 45, of 95 Lakeside Dr., Malta, has

been charged with fourth-degree conspiracy, a class-E felony; firstdegree criminal nuisance, a classE felony; two counts of thirddegree criminal sale of a controlled substance, class-B felonies; two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, class-B felonies; and two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, class-A misdemeanors.

Trant was arrested October 26 in Malta for incidents that occurred September 1 and September 21 and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Michael J. Wheeler, 36, of 160 Bay St., Glens Falls, has been charged with two counts of firstdegree sexual abuse, class-D felonies.Wheeler was arrested March 29 in Hadley for incidents

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that occurred from June 2007 August 2007 and is expected to return to court at a later date.

Jackie L. Clark, 44, of Kathy’s Cottages, Chalet E, Lake George, pleaded guilty to a charge of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class-E felony. Clark was arrested March 15 in Wilton for incidents that occurred February 14 and February 15 and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing July 23.

Joshua I. Entrup, 24, of 1712 Route 9, South Glens Falls, pleaded guilty to a charge of thirddegree attempted burglary, a classE felony. Entrup was arrested April 26 in Moreau and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing July 9.

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WEEK IN REVIEW

Search for Missing Teen Comes to a Tragic End GREENWICH – After almost a week of searching, the body of missing 17-year-old Jesse Cale was discovered in the Hudson River near the campsite where he was last seen. Cale had been camping with his father and others when he left to find more firewood and did not return. Searchers discovered Cale’s body on the afternoon of May 18, while conducting an independent search of the area where he was last seen. A forensic pathologist has ruled Cale’s death to be accidental, and that the official cause of death was determined to be “asphyxia due to drowning due to Grand Mal Seizure disorder.” Cale was a senior at Schuylerville High School and was expected to graduate next month.

Maple Avenue Middle School Teacher Arrested SARATOGA SPRINGS – A math teacher at Saratoga Springs School District’s Maple Avenue Middle School was arrested May 18 on misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

Joseph Bruno, 29, of Gansevoort is accused of subjecting a 14-yearold student to unwanted and inappropriate contact while attempting to engage her in a sexual conversation. New York State Police say the incident allegedly took place in a classroom at the middle school on the afternoon of May 14, after regular class hours.

Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said the innuendo, context and subject matter of the conversation is what turned it into a criminal matter. Bruno has been placed on administrative leave by the school district. He

was arraigned in Wilton Town Court before being released on his own recognizance. If convicted of the maximum penalty, Bruno could face up to a year in jail.

Man Arrested After Early Morning Assault SARATOGA SPRINGS – A 67year-old woman was assaulted in the early morning hours of May 22 near Congress Street and South Franklin Street. The woman was sitting in her car awaiting her husband when the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Antonio LopezBautista, allegedly approached the car from behind before pulling the victim out of her seat. The suspect was reportedly kicking and striking the woman as he attempted to drag her to a more secluded area, as the victim called for help and tried to escape. An unidentified caller alerted police to a “physical domestic incident” taking place.

The suspect fled upon the police’s arrival. As EMS and the firstresponding officer tended to the victim, other policemen began searching the immediate area for the suspect. That’s when they discovered Lopez-Bautista hiding under bushes in a dark area close to the crime scene. After a brief struggle, the suspect was taken into custody. The victim was treated at Saratoga Hospital for a bloody nose, as well as cuts and bruises to her arms, elbows, neck and face. She has since been released.

Lopez-Bautista is charged with second-degree attempted kidnapping a class-C felony; first-degree attempted rape, a class-C felony; seconddegree assault; and misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. The suspect was arraigned in Saratoga City Court by Judge Jeffery Wait. He

was sent to Saratoga County Jail, where his bail has been set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.

During the course of the investigation it was discovered that LopezBautista is here in the United States illegally. Saratoga Springs Police have contacted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau, and the investigation is currently ongoing.

Car Crashes into Congress Park, Another Hits Building SARATOGA SPRINGS – How’s this for a Sunday drive?

Two separate incidents the evening of May 20 involving drivers going off the road and damaging property happened within an hour of each other several blocks apart. The first incident happened around 7:15 p.m., when a Cadillac Escalade barreled through the intersection of Union Avenue and Circular Street in front of the entrance to Congress Park. The SUV hit the fence and concrete posts on its way into the park. Other drivers who witnessed the crash pulled over and attempted to check on the driver, but he managed to flee the scene. Police say they received reports of an erratic driver just before the accident, and managed to catch up to the driver who had made it to the parking lot behind the Banana Republic store on Broadway. He was issued a pre-screening test for drugs and alcohol, but he was not arrested. The driver was given traffic tickets and released.

About an hour later, a drunk driver allegedly crashed into a building at Franklin and Division streets. Christopher McCarthy, 42, of South Franklin Street was charged with aggravated driving

SARATOGA Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012 while intoxicated; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and driving while intoxicated, all felonies. McCarthy was reported to have had a bloodalcohol content of .18 at the time of his arrest.

HIV-Positive Sentenced

Attacker

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The HIV-positive man convicted of raping his ex-girlfriend last year was sentenced to 20 years in prison May 17. Samuel SerranoGonzalez, 28, was found guilty of the attack in March. The Waterford man repeatedly maintained his innocence prior to the sentencing. Prosecutors said the attack happened in June 2011, about a month after SerranoGonzalez learned he had tested positive for the virus. Assistant District Attorney Michele Schettino read a statement by the victim, who did not attend, prior to asking for the maximum sentence. Serrano-Gonzalez’s representation, Assistant Public Defender Joseph Hammer had asked for a sentence between eight to ten years, which was what was offered by the district attorney’s office before trial.

Serrano-Gonzalez received 20 years for the rape conviction, and seven years for the sexual assault charge. Both of the prison sentences will run concurrently.

Judge Jerry Scarano also issued a permanent order of protection for the victim, barring any contact by Serrano-Gonzalez.

Adirondack Trust Branch Robbed, Armed Suspect Apprehended After Car Chase BALLSTON SPA – Authorities have arrested a man who alleged-

TODAY

ly entered the Adirondack Trust Company branch on Church Avenue during the afternoon of May 23 and displayed a handgun to a teller before making off with an undisclosed amount of money.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s office would eventually identify the suspect as Nigel R. Guy, 31, of Ballston Spa. After the suspect left the bank, he entered the woods toward Ballston Spa High School. A coach at the high school said he noticed a black male wearing a ski cap exit the woods and enter a silver car, before leaving the school’s parking lot in a hurry. Police spotted a vehicle matching the description on Middle Line Road. Once the police began pursuing the vehicle, a chase ensued. The suspect would crash the car before fleeing on foot, where authorities caught up to him shortly after.

The suspect claimed he had an accomplice, who was unaccounted for, but surveillance footage would eventually refute that claim and a search for the second robber was called off. In response to the suspect being seen on the campus of Ballston Spa High School, the administration called for a “stay in place” lockdown drill until the school dismissed at 3:15 p.m, about an hour later than normal dismissal.

Ballston Spa School District also locked down their four elementary schools, as a precautionary measure. The suspect was taken to Saratoga Hospital for minor injuries sustained in his apprehension, but no other injuries were reported. Nigel R. Guy is facing felony second-degree robbery charges and is being held in Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $50,000 or $100,000 bond.

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Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

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History, Health, Horses and NYRA at the SPA

Marilyn Lane Editorial The New York Racing Association (NYRA) dates back to 1955, when the not-for-profit organization acquired the assets of four racing associations operating Aqueduct, Belmont, Jamaica and Saratoga racetracks. Jamaica was sold in the late 50s and from there NYRA and its top executives enjoyed quite a run.

In recent years, alternative gambling choices and internal problems within racing, such as too many racing dates, too much medication, racing fatalities, and too much take-out caused the day-in and day-out crowds and pari-mutuel handle to diminish. New York racing cast its hope toward Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), approved for Aqueduct in 2001.

When the NYRA franchise was due to expire on December 31, 2007, taxpayers were tapped to furnish operating capital to the struggling organization. First, it was $75 million to emerge them from bankruptcy. The franchise was up for grabs, but NYRA somehow held on. In 2008, they were granted a 25-year franchise renewal. In the smelt, they forfeited the ownership rights of the tracks to the state. Taxpayers were hit for an additional $30 million to cover NYRA’s 2008 operating costs.

Political posturing continued to block the start-up of VLTs. All-told, the VLT process would take a staggering nine years and an additional year to get them up and running.

What went on behind the scenes, we’ll perhaps never know.

What we do know is that Genting Bhd. put up $380 million in an upfront payment to the state to eventually land the VLT contract and they are very happy with the cash flow their investment is yielding. The VLT contract is a 30-year license and a faltering racing industry is piggybacking on what appears to be a panacea. The question to ask is how long will gaming want to carry this extra passenger?

During the prolonged waiting period, NYRA was unable to make racing vibrant on a daily basis. The

quality of racing was in demise and all too often NYRA made mistakes.

They behaved like an errant youth awaiting a trust fund. They put forth some good efforts, but at the same time, they spent money they didn’t have on things they didn’t need.

Whether they were arrogant, crooked or careless is now a moot point.

Genting was the lone survivor of three bidders for the Aqueduct VLT contract. The other two companies seemingly bumped against the state’s bid specifications and as NYRA has now learned, you can’t be both jockey and steward in this state.

The Genting Group is Malaysia’s leading corporation. They control Asia’s second-biggest gaming company. According to a report picked up by Bloomberg, their 2011 fourthquarter profit jumped 66 percent with revenue contributions from its newly minted New York City Casino. The big gain becomes even more significant when you consider the opening occurred on October 28.

No wonder their plans include building this country’s biggest convention center.

Would it surprise you to hear Genting begin to chant “I’ll Have Another”? – Casino, that is.

The business of running any single racetrack is complicated. To manage three major tracks racing year-round in today’s competitive gambling market is an unfathomable task. NYRA’s plants occupy more than 1,000 acres of land, and the floor space in three grandstands exceeds 2,685,000 square feet.

There is parking for more than 32,000 cars and 14 training and/or race tracks. In spring, summer and until late fall, it is possible for all of these tracks to be open for training at the same time. There are dormitory rooms for 2,000-plus workers and more than 4,500 horse stalls. For 57

years and through thick and thin, NYRA put on the show. Whatever else they did is history, but gratefully, from this day forward, the goal will be to improve the racing product.

Racing is part of Saratoga’s brand, and here we are just a year away from its sesquicentennial anniversary. It’s due time to get our ducks in a row!

Thoroughbred racing contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s economy. The industry supports a myriad of small businesses and employs more than 35,000 people. We have 300-plus breeding farms in this state. NYRA has paid more than $3 billion in direct revenue to the state of New York. The economic impact of Saratoga Race Course in the Greater Capital District exceeds $200 million annually.

Casinos, however, are more efficient tax producers, and that places racing at risk. Racing is sitting much like the favored Bodemeister did in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

He was the favorite and he was in front at every pole – except the last one. I’ll Have Another came away with the spoils and proved, once again, that the favorite does not always win.

Racing has been in front at every pole in Saratoga for a long time, and until this decade, the sport was the winning form of gambling tax production. Those days are gone, and we’re not going to get them back.

But that doesn’t mean racing has to die.

Governor Cuomo has offered what appears to be a reasonable and fair temporary resolve to the woes of NYRA. We’ll have a racing season and hopefully more than 21 more. At least part of the credit for Cuomo’s attempts to save racing should go to the brilliant colt, I’ll Have Another, who followed his Kentucky Derby victory with a score in the Preakness and carries a chance for a Triple Crown to New York. The spotlight will be on New York Racing through the Belmont Stakes and we could not have had a more fortuitous situation at this time. The passion for racing rings loud and clear and no public official could ignore the ancillary advantages it carries with it. But let us not be complacent. The long-term survival of racing cannot ride on short-term solutions.

Racing has an image to clean up and the sport needs to generate new fans. To accomplish these essential goals will require an elevated consciousness from our community. To simply enjoy racing or appreciate the revenue it delivers is not enough.

You have to get involved and bring your gifts to racing just as it has delivered gifts to this city for 149 years. If we do this right, we can win the governor’s continued support of our treasured culture. If we lull ourselves to sleep, we may no longer have to travel to the end of Nelson Avenue to find slot machines and perhaps even table games.

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State Takes Over NYRA continued from Page 1 ed board will be made up of 17 directors, only five of whom will be selected by the current NYRA board. Currently, NYRA’s board consists of 25 directors, 14 NYRAappointed and 11 selected by public officials, and the new arrangement will require legislation to implement, which both state and NYRA officials have agreed to support.

"The Historic Saratoga Race Course is a leading economic driver with an annual economic impact to the region of more than $200 million bringing visitors from across the globe to our communities,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud Governor Cuomo for taking the lead in reforming NYRA so our bettors and members of the public can have their confidence restored in the racing industry for years to come.”

The public’s confidence of the organization’s ability to effectively self-manage was shaken when bettors learned that they had been overcharged over $8 million on certain winnings, and insult was added to financial injury when the public learned that top NYRA executives CEO Charles Hayward and Senior Vice President Patrick Kehoe were told about the problem but neglected to fix it.

Photo provided by NYRA.com

When NYRA replaced Hayward with Ellen McClain, the COO who worked at NYRA below Hayward during the alleged bettor-overcharging, the state, the public, and horse racing lovers everywhere felt betrayed.

The state sees the formation of a reorganized board as a step toward regaining some of the public’s trust, and both state officials and NYRA representatives are eager to start the restructuring.

“The bettors, fans, public and government deserve trust in their racing,” said NYRA board member John Hendrickson. “This resolution is a necessary first step.”

“It’s especially significant that progress is made so that the upcoming Saratoga race meet is a successful one,” said Senator Roy McDonald, “due to the considerable economic impact six weeks of racing has on Saratoga Springs,

Saratoga County, the Capital Region and the North Country.”

To areas like Saratoga Springs that rely heavily on horse racingrelated income, racing industry reform is essential, and New York racing has more on its plate than just a defunct chain of command.

Despite die-hard fans, a storied history and a lot of tax-payer support, horse racing has been struggling for years. With increasing reports of horse fatalities, accusations of drug use in horses and the economic success of casinos, the state feels that the industry is overdo for a makeover.

“With the structure of the gaming industry changing here in New York, the state needs to take a new approach to how it manages and governs racing,” Governor Cuomo said. “New Yorkers can be assured that the NYRA Reorganization Board will act in the interests of the

members of the public who enjoy horse racing, the taxpayers who support it, and the horses themselves, to make racing in our state the strongest, safest and most enjoyable in the country.”

While the exact effect that these changes will have on the upcoming season remains to be seen, area leaders are optimistic.

“In 2012, we look forward to again hosting the best horses, the best jockeys, the best owners and hundreds of thousands of visitors and families in Saratoga,” said Shimkus, “and to celebrating 150 years of racing in Saratoga in 2013.”

“The NYRA Reorganization Board will help ensure that racing in New York has a strong and stable future as the gaming and racing industry evolves,” said NYRA board chair Steven Duncker. “Together we will work to ensure a smooth transition and bright future for New York racing."

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Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

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Ballston Spa Business Boom continued from Page 1 believes there may only be one or two empty storefronts along the main section of town. “When my board and I assumed office a number of years ago, we made economic development and revitalization of our village a top priority. The question was: how do you get people interested in Ballston Spa? At one point we were a drive-thru community. Now, we’re a drive-to community.”

Ballston Spa’s transformation from drive-thru to drive-to took many years of careful planning, not to mention a communal effort to bring the village up to where it is today.

“We have the outstanding Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA), who works very hard hand, in hand with the village to promote economic development and the revitalization of the community,” said Mayor Romano.

Together, the village and the BSBPA started hosting familyfriendly events to attract out-oftown residents to the downtown district. Each event – the farmers’ market, First Fridays, outdoor movies, Thursday concerts in the park, the annual film festival and more – got bigger and better with each passing month, drawing consistently larger crowds.

“We also did a lot of work and revitalized one of our main and major business district streets – Front Street,” said Mayor Romano, who said Ballston Spa has successfully applied for over $2,025,000 in grants and funding for upgrades to properties. “We put in Victorian street lighting; we put in (what I

call) simulated brick crosswalks; we repaved Front Street; we put all the wiring underground along the major business section on Front Street; we also worked with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation to create Empire Zones that would help businesses and give them some tax breaks if they were part of those zones.”

The village has also seen businesses taking advantage of a private/public partnership that helps pay for half of the cost to upgrade or replace worn down sidewalks, and several businesses have taken advantage of the grant money available to renovate and upgrade their properties and storefronts.

With the revitalization effort well underway, longtime businesses in Ballston Spa are beginning to reap the rewards from their beautified village.

“We’ve been here for 10 years now, and when I first came here, Ballston Spa was kind of in the beginning stages of revitalization,” said Clifford Baum, owner of Coffee Planet at 100 Milton Ave. in Ballston Spa, which recently underwent major renovations inside and out. “It’s grown enormously. There are a number of businesses here that have really sustained themselves that have been here for more than five years now. And the diversity in businesses that have come here has been tremendous.”

The kinds of businesses coming to Ballston Spa run from A to Z. From antique stores to fine jewelry and craft shops, The Whistling Kettle tea shop to the Sunset Café, the recently renovated Medbery Inn and Spa to new businesses like the Iron Roost waffle and coffee house, the downtown district has a lot to

offer.

“I’m a seven-year resident of the village, so I’ve seen a lot of the efforts to beautify the village,” said Linnaea DiNallo, owner of the Iron Roost at 36 Front Street. “The flowers, the care that went into the actual streets and the parks has all really kind of stepped up over the last couple of years, and you see a lot of new businesses coming in too. It’s become more and more of a destination place, and I think things like what I’m doing at the restaurant add to that.”

Businesses in Ballston Spa, new and old, are also starting to see increased foot traffic and patronage at their stores.

“We’ve really been on an uptick,” said Baum. “We’ve come back very strong [after the 2008 recession] and we’ve gotten to the point where we were able to remodel the store.”

Speaking of Ballston Spa as a whole, Baum added, “I think right now we’re probably in the best position we’ve ever been in. A lot of businesses that have been here for more than five years – they’ve gained strength. They’ve got a clientele built up and they’re pretty well known.”

One of the biggest differences Baum has seen is the way in which Ballston Spa is now working with neighboring communities.

“We market the tourist trade in Saratoga very strongly now,” Baum said. “When I first came here, August was actually my worst month. Now it’s my best month of the year.”

Mayor Romano and the village of Ballston Spa came up with a strategic economic development and revitalization plan, with the input of community residents and leaders,

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Downtown Ballston Spa

shortly after he came into office. As budgets permit, the village has tried to accomplish a series of specific goals laid out by the plan to make the village more attractive and more sustainable. It’s a roadmap for the future, said the mayor, but one that takes a lot of help and communal effort to make it work.

“I can’t emphasize this enough – I can attribute a lot of this to the efforts of the BSBPA,” said Mayor Romano. “They’re a significant and major player in our revitalization.”

For the mayor, BSBPA, and Ballston Spa businesses alike, everyone is feeling bullish on downtown’s recent successes. “But you can’t rest on your past accomplishments. You’ve got to continue to promote your community and come up with new and creative ideas that will keep the interest alive in your community,” said Mayor Romano.

“But if we can continue that momentum forward by continuing to have that interest, I think we will see more successes in the future.”

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Community Ensures Parade Will Continue continued from Page 1 Memorial Day signifies more than just the start of summer.

“No matter what your viewpoints on politics or war are, this is about the men and women who never made it back or are still over there.

I think they deserve a day just for that, and they deserve a parade,” said Brisson.

Brisson has received approval from the city of Saratoga Springs, the required permit and insurance, and has raised the money needed

for this year’s parade.

Marchers in the May 28, 2012, Memorial Day Parade on Monday will meet in front of the Old Bryan Inn at 8 a.m. in Saratoga Springs.

From there, they will line up commencing from Maple Ave. and Grove St. at 9 a.m., and proceed down Broadway to Congress Park.

Organizers are seeking veterans who would like to march or ride in the parade.

Brisson quickly attracted the attention of local media, but what served his cause more was the community’s interest received through

Jane Doe No More

by Emily Fowler Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Former Saratoga Springs Police Chief Ed Moore, Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy III, along with assault victims Lindsey Ferguson and Donna Palomba presented a symposium May 23 to local law enforcement discussing how they worked together and recognized what went right in catching and prosecuting convicted rapist

and kidnapper John Regan.

According to District Attorney James Murphy III, who prosecuted Regan in the local 2005 case, there have been four abduction attempts in the last three years in Saratoga County, including the latest alleged attempt that occurred just days ago, May 22. Murphy presented that the police department’s correct gathering and utilization of evidence along with their cooperation with state police, police in Connecticut and the FBI was crucial in

social media. The Facebook group he created, entitled Saratoga Memorial Day Parade 2012, attracted over 500 members in a matter of days, prompting an outpour of hundreds of dollars of donations.

Over the past 15 years, the parade was put on by the Saratoga Springs VFW, the Italian American Club, and the American Legion.

Brisson will use funds collected through his PayPal account on the group’s Facebook page to finance the promotion and purchases necessary for future parades, avoiding

a similar situation next year.

Local four-year navy Korean War veteran Gene Corsale says he’s sure to be in attendance on Monday.

Corsale, who was a young man during WWII, remembers the war as a time when the country was unified, and he equates that unification with what he sees being done with the parade.

“We have to come together every year. The people want the parade,” Corsale said.

“We remember the fellows that made the supreme sacrifice for our

freedom, everyone that served and has passed on. This is a time when we decorate graves and honor and memorialize those that served the country regardless of what war. It’s a labor of love for those that made it possible to enjoy the freedoms and our way of life that we have today. That’s a big thing,” Corsale continued.

For veterans seeking to march or ride in the parade or more information, contact organizer Janice Pancake (518) 584-1648.

nabbing Regan.

Donna Palomba of Connecticut is one of Regan’s victims. She is now training police, first responders and prosecutors through her foundation, “Jane Doe No More.”

What does Donna Palomba have in common with local Lindsey Ferguson? Her attacker.

Lindsey Ferguson was a senior at Saratoga Springs High School and the star athlete of their nationally ranked cross-country team when she was attacked by Regan in the high school’s parking lot on Halloween in 2005. Due to her strength, Ferguson was able to fight off her attacker, who was caught by her coaches and arrested by local law enforcement. Ferguson’s case, an actual attempted abduction, was a rare experience for police and first responders here, experience that would prove useful in the years ahead. Ferguson’s attempted abduction occurred 12 years after Palomba’s case in Connecticut.

Unlike Ferguson, Palomba wasn’t

believed by her local police to be a victim of Regan, who is part of a prominent family in that community. This mistreatment as a victim led Palomba to found her organization.

Besides addressing schools and community groups to educate people about sexual assaults and prevention through self defense classes, the mission of the “Jane Doe No More” organization is to improve the way society responds to victims of sexual assault. Palomba believes this begins with law enforcement ensuring that victims of sexual assaults are treated with dignity and respect. It’s important, she says, because how a victim is treated can have a powerful and direct impact on the case. If law enforcement builds trust with victims it will help them obtain the right information in order to catch that perpetrator. For example, teaching victims to get to a hospital quickly after an assault can result in the securing of DNA evidence. In Palomba’s case, it eventually solved it.

The impact made by her national movement has even changed laws, including the removal of Connecticut’s statute of limitations laws for rape in cases where DNA evidence can be used in the prosecution.

Her organization has created videos and materials for police training with the help of real victims telling their stories. According to the video, some victims say speaking out and sharing their stories gives them a voice and power.

Palomba was known only in the case as Jane Doe for 14 years until “Dateline NBC” approached her for her story and she decided it was time to speak out.

“This is something we all need to know about because too many [assault] cases go unreported and stay silent. Most victims are under the age of 24,” said Palomba.

Palomba says the group’s “Escape Alive Survival Skills,” self-defense classes are providing techniques and concepts that can prevent victimization, preparing people to defend themselves against violent crimes. However, she strongly advises an even simpler means of self-protection.

“One of the most important things is to trust your gut,” Paolmba said. “If you sense that something is wrong, take action. Your instincts tell you a lot, just by being aware of your surroundings, just by being in tune. Young people are so involved with their technology, they’re often distracted and their heads are down.

A perpetrator is going to try to prey on someone that looks vulnerable.

They could sneak up behind them.

If you walk with confidence and look around, you’ll be less likely to be a target.”

For more information on “Jane Doe No More,” visit their organization on Facebook.

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TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

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BUSINESS

Four-Legged Friends Get Indoor Social Club sPAW City Social Club Indoor Dog Park Open for Business in Ballston Spa

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA - Come rain or shine, during the coldest winter days or sultriest summer afternoons, convivial canines have a place to “leap, bark and be hairy,” at the sPaw City Social Club, a new indoor dog park in Ballston Spa. “We really felt like there was a void in the area for this type of venue,” said Keith Augustine, who owns the indoor park with his wife, Amy. Located at 101 Ford St. in Ballston Spa, the indoor puppy playground opened April 17, offering 2,750 square feet of off-leash, climate controlled space for dogs to play and socialize in year-round. Also owners of the Lazy Dog Cookie Co. on the ground floor, the Augustines’ new doggie venture also boasts an additional 2,000 square feet of on-leash space, a coffee bar with seating for human companions and free WiFi access.

Private rental rooms at the new dog

park will be made available in time are $8 for one dog per owner, with $5 for the fall season for dog trainers, for each additional dog up to three dog groups, private parties and dogs total. events. The private, off-leash area Weekend prices for four hours of will add 1,200 square feet of space to play are $10 for the first dog per the social club. owner, with $5 for each additional “We’re creating a clean, safe, dog up to three dogs total. secure indoor facility for people to Packages will be made available bring their pets and socialize - fully for 10, 20, 60 and 120-day climate controlled!” said Augustine. passes.

“The dogs also have toys they can Owners are asked to make sure play with - a ramp with a slide and a dogs have all their proper shots and bridge in the center, different balls vaccines before visiting. and bones and other fun stuff to keep To learn more, visit www.lazydogthem happy.” cookies.com, search “sPAW City The sPaw City Social Club will Social Club Indoor Dog Park” on hold regular hours Tuesday - Facebook or call (518) 309-3732.

Thursday from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Sundays from 10 a.m. 2 p.m.

Hours may change for the summer season. Call (518) 309-3732 for updated information.

Weekday prices for 2.5 hours of play time photo provided

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

2012

Women of Influence

photo by Deborah Neary for MarkBolles.com

Saratoga TODAY's 2012 Women of Influence awards luncheon drew nearly 200 people to Longfellows restaurant to recognize and celebrate six of the region’s top movers and shakers who help to shape Saratoga County. To learn more about these 'Women of Influence' turn to our special 24page pull-out section in today's paper.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Business Briefs Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. Announces Addition to Board of Directors

photo provided

Stephen J. Obermayer BALLSTON SPA - Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB), announced that Stephen J. Obermayer, CPA, has been elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.

Obermayer’s appointment fills the vacant seat created upon the departure of director Ronald G. Harrington, who retired recently after 24 years of distinguished service.

Obermayer is the chief financial officer with BBL Construction Services, LLC and the president of BBL Hospitality, LLC. He is a certified public accountant with experience in the financial services and construction industries.

A resident of Ballston Spa, Obermayer also serves on the boards of Junior Achievement, St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and the Capital District YMCA. "Steve is a welcome addition to the BSNB board of directors,” said Robert E. VanVranken, chairman of the board. “His strong business background and commitment to the greater Saratoga community will be extremely valuable in executing our oversight responsibilities and in pursuit of the company’s longterm growth objectives.”

Palio Picks up 12 ADDY Awards SARATOGA SPRINGS Palio, an inVentiv Health company, announced that they recently picked up 12 prestigious ADDY awards from the Albany Ad Club. The company earned 10 Silver ADDY awards for, among other things, their work on Saratoga Shakespear Company’s

“The Merchant of Venice” poster in the Advertising for Arts & Sciences Poster and Public Service Poster categories; Gilead’s Without Exception Resource Kit and website in the Sales Promotion Packaging category and Interactive Media Website, B-to-B Flash, Services category, respectively; and for Palio’s “Destination Paradise” video for the Advertising Industry SelfPromotion Broadcast category among others.

Palio also picked up two Bronze ADDYS for their work.

Palio is an advertising agency revolutionizing pharmaceutical and health care marketing to create experiences that will “Never be forgotten.”

To learn more about Palio, visit www.palio.com.

Saratoga Hospital Receives American College of Radiology Accreditation SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Hospital has been awarded a three-year accreditation in

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR is a national professional organization that focuses on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology as part of the delivery of comprehensive health care services. MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards after a peerreview evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

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SARATOGA

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Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

World Semiconductor Conference Highlights Saratoga’s Growing Role as a Semiconductor Manufacturing Superpower

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Springs has long been a world-class destination for health, history and horses – and now, semiconductor technology and manufacturing.

With the arrival of GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Springs has once again caught the eye of the

world, primed to become one of the major semiconductor manufacturing sites across the globe – a fact that the World Semiconductor Council (WSC) has taken note of. A worldwide organization formed in 1996 that meets in the United States only once every six years, WSC choose Saratoga Springs as its destination of choice this year, arriving Monday, May 21 to hold their week-long conference.

TODAY

“This year, the [WSC] chose Saratoga Springs, NY, due to the area’s emerging status as a cluster for semiconductor innovation,” the council said in a written statement.

“The combined presence of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University at Albany, GlobalFoundries’ investment in a $4.2 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant known as Fab 8, and the recent announcement by the State of New York in partnership with Intel, IBM, GlobalFoundries, TSMC and Samsung of a $4.4 billion investment to create the next generation computer chip technology, all lead to [the] selection of Saratoga Springs.”

According to Todd Garofano, president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, Saratoga Springs stood out to the WSC not only for its semiconductor activity, but also because, “they were really blown away with the hospitality shown to them at another semiconductor conference held here last year.”

While Saratoga knows how to treat its guests (another conference, the SEMI Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference, chose Saratoga Springs as its host city this year and last year, the first time the organization has ever returned to the same place two years in a row) there is, of course, a possible upside for the local community.

“One of the big attractions of this World Semiconductor Council meeting that’s going on is it’s bringing CEOs and top-level executives from the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturing companies,” said Garofano. “All it takes is one of those CEOs to say, ‘Hey, look at this region and what’s going on here. Maybe my company needs to have a presence here.’ And if that happens, that’s fantastic! The return on our investment i s significant.”

Garofano and the Convention and Tourism Bureau have worked closely with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to attract conferences like the WSC, which in turn is working to market Saratoga Springs to some of these key semiconductor industry players.

“Being able to show your product – which is your community – is half the battle,” said J. Shelby Schneider, director of marketing and economic development specialist with SEDC. “And getting key decision makers here to understand what’s going on in the business environment and the resources we have can really help.

We are building a critical mass for the industry,” she added, “and that’s generating a lot of interest. If they can do business here as well as see what’s going on with GlobalFoundries, the Nanosacle School and [other major players], it really is a win-win for our region.”

SARATOGA

FOOD Celebrate our Local Spring Bounty

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Suzanne Voigt Farmers’ Market

I have been away in the dry, warm deserts of Utah. I had hoped to come home with a new recipe that I could apply to fresh farmers’ market ingredients, but all I came home with was an even greater appreciation for the farmers in our area and their ability to bring quality fresh ingredients to us all year-round. In Utah, I was told it was too early for local vegetables, despite their much milder climate. Humph.

So what can you find fresh at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market these

days? Unlike Utah, lots and lots of fresh spring product: asparagus, greens of all varieties, edible flowers, kale, chard, radishes, spinach and more. Also, thanks to great storage methods, one can also find the last of the winter root crops, sunchokes, potatoes and rutabagas. Add to these products the humanely produced meat, poultry and eggs, along with mushrooms, cheeses, wine, breads and dairy products, and it’s clear that we don’t lack great fresh local food.

After talking with a big fan of our market, I decided to celebrate the vegetable bounty of our current market in this week’s recipe. My friend had made a rutabaga-sunchokes-potato gratin, combining Kilpatrick and Pleasant Valley ingredients, accompanied by Chinese broccoli from Denison Farm sautéed in Saratoga Olive Oil's Tuscan oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic. We concurred that the rich taste of a gratin was a wonder-

ful combination with the fresh taste of spring market greens, though one could have easily substituted chard, spinach or fresh asparagus in the sauté.

Since I didn’t have all the same ingredients on hand, I cooked a savory mushroom-potato gratin using Zehr shiitakes, Sheldon Farm potatoes, Homestead Artisan Parmesan cheese and Battenkill half-and-half. My spring greens combined fresh greens and asparagus in olive oil with a sprinkle of lemon and pine nuts.

You can follow my recipes that follow exactly or do as I did: take the idea and put in whatever you have on hand or your heart desires.

It is impossible to go wrong with our great spring bounty. (Sorry, Utah.)

Mushroom Gratin for Four 1/2 lb Zehr shiitakes (discard shiitake stems), trimmed and coarsely chopped

Delicious Nespresso Espressos!

John Reardon Compliments to the Chef Hello Foodies!

Today we will get to know a product from my store that has been receiving a lot of press lately. The company is called Nespresso and they make machines that make delicious espresso.

Twenty-five years ago, Nespresso pioneered the concept of portioned premium coffee and patented an exclusive system for perfectly mastering the preparation process of the espresso, from the selection of the rarest coffee beans right through to the exquisite tasting moment.

A perfect espresso is the fruit of a complex alchemy between coffee of exceptional quality, freshness and water at high pressure to bring out its body

and intensity and to reveal all the subtleties of its aromas. I know, Lynn Russrev- you are saying to Manny right now, “Hey, look: John came up with ‘complex alchemy’ all by himself! Well, the truth is, I did have some help from Nespresso. But I know espresso, and this stuff is great!

I know there are a lot of great ways to make espresso, but you have to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. This machine is a quick and easy way to do it without sacrificing quality. The coffee quality is monitored by Nespresso and when you buy their machine you become a member of the Nespresso Club. You order your coffee directly from them so there is no compromise on the quality. They offer 16 Grand Crus coffees, each one featuring a distinct personality. All the Nespresso machines are equipped with a patented extraction system that works at a very high pressure (up to 19 bars). Each parameter has been calculated with great precision to ensure that all the aromas from each Grand Cru can be expressed, giving it body and creating an incomparably dense and smooth crema.

Now how about if some of you out there stop by Compliments to the Chef on Broadway and share a hot cup of espresso with me? They have three different types of decafe too- so no excuses! You will love it and we might share something you don’t get online: conversation!

Remember my friends, “Life happens in the kitchen.”

Take care, John

2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoons minced garlic 1 ½ lb. Sheldon Farm or Pleasant Valley Farm potatoes 1 1/2 cups Battenkill Half and Half cream ¾ teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 cup finely grated Homestead Artisan Parmesan

Directions Put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 400°F. Cook shiitakes with salt and pepper to taste in 2-tablespoons of butter in nonstick skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until the liquid that the mushrooms give off is evaporated and mushrooms are tender. Transfer to a bowl. Toss mushrooms with ½ tsp. of garlic.

Peel potatoes and cut crosswise into thin slices. Bring potatoes, halfand-half, salt, pepper and remaining ½ teaspoon garlic to a boil in a 4quart heavy pot, stirring once or twice, and then remove from heat.

Transfer half the potatoes to buttered gratin dish with a slotted spoon, spreading evenly. Spread

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mushrooms evenly over potatoes, and then top with remaining potatoes. Pour cooking liquid over potatoes and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake gratin until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender, 4555 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Sautéed Asparagus and Spinach Chop desired amount of fresh market asparagus into 2-inch lengths, discarding the hard, large ends.

Take one bunch of fresh market spinach, wash, spin and shred/cut into 2-inch size.

In a large sauté pan, put in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat to medium high. Add one garlic clove minced and 2 tablespoons of minced onion and sauté for one minute.

Put in cut asparagus, continuing to sauté for 3 minutes. Then add pine nuts (optional) and spinach and sauté until spinach is done. Turn off heat and immediately sprinkle with a ¼- ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately with gratin on the side for a rich fresh vegetarian meal.

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CALENDAR

living May

25 - June 1 events Weekend-Long 42nd Pick’n & Sing’n & GottaGetGon Festival Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa Come on down for a folk music festival at Saratoga County Fairgrounds. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. Adult tickets are $50 for the weekend or $26 for a single day. Weekend rates include camping. Tickets for students aged 19-22 are $25 for the weekend or $15 for a single day, students under 19 are free with paying adult. Evening-only tickets are $5 a night. For more information, visit www.pickingandsinging.org or call (518) 882-6809.

Gillette Carnival Halfmoon Town Hall, Halfmoon The Gillette Carnival comes to town until Monday, May 28. A 20 percent portion of the proceeds from all ride tickets sold go to the American Cancer

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

Society Relay for Life event to be held at the Shenendehowa Campus June 8.

and open to the public from 23:30 p.m. For reservations and information, call (518) 580-8080.

Monday, May 28

Wednesday, May 30

Friday, May 25

‘Celebrate Shavout’

Book Bag Shop Sale

Family Game Night

Shaara Tfille/The Jewish Community Center Synagogue, 84 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs Join the congregation as they celebrate at 7:30 p.m. A Maariv (evening) service including Havdalah (to conclude Shabbat) will be followed by Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an evening study session. There will be an oneg (joy) of dairy desserts following the service. There is no charge for the program. However, in order to plan accordingly, contact (518) 584-2370 or saratogajcc@verizon.net to RSVP.

Be sure to check our list of local Memorial Day Parades in your area!

Barnes & Noble, 3029 Rte. 50, Saratoga Springs Come play a variety of games with your family beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Opening Day at Adirondack Museum 9097 State Route 30, Blue Mountain Lake The 2012 season will run from May 25 to October 14, 2012, seven days a week, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday, May 26 Guided Nature Hike Saratoga National Historical Park, Stillwater Visitors interested in discovering an amazing array of trees, wildflowers and stories from lesserknown areas of the park, join in for fresh air, wonderful scenery, great stories and light exercise from 10-11:30 a.m. For more information, call the visitor center at (518) 664-9821, ext. 1777 or visit www.nps.gov/sara.

Tang Museum Family Day Tang Museum, Skidmore College Children ages 5 and up with an adult can enjoy a brief tour of a current Tang exhibition followed by a hands-on art activity. Free

Safety City Obstacle Course Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs May is national Bike Safety Month. Bring your bike and helmet to practice bike safety while driving around the museum’s outdoor obstacle course from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Weather permitting. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org or call (518) 584-5540.

Community Bingo 1 Elks Lane, Rte. 9, Saratoga Springs Come spend the evening playing 17 regular games and two cover-all specials with two different bell jar games for old and young alike. Every Monday night doors open at 4 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. Food will be available. For information, call (518) 584-2585.

Eclectic Book Reading 110 Spring St., Saratoga Springs Chase Twichell, an acclaimed poet and the founder of the publishing house, Ausable Press, will host an eclectic, genre-busting reading at the Second Annual Spring Street Reading Series co-sponsored by the Spring Street Gallery and the Adirondack Center for Writing.

Free event begins at 7:30 p.m.

For information, call Maureen Sager at (518) 587-6433.

Tuesday, Sunday, May 27 May 29 8th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs The 2012 Saratoga Lions Duathlon will be held at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway beginning at 8 a.m. Race participants will tackle a 5K run, followed by a 30K bike ride, and ending with another 5K run.

Race start time is scheduled for 8 a.m. Participants can be individual, two-person or three-person teams. Area businesses can also participate with a threeperson team in the Corporate Challenge category. On the day of the race, entry fees are $65 per individual, $100 per twoperson team and $130 per three-person team. Free shirts will be provided to the first 300 entrants. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category and results will be computerized. Proceeds will further the foundation’s work in sight and hearing conservation, diabetes, community and youth programs. To register, visit www.saratogalions.com or call (518) 527-8787.

Lunchtime Meditations, 19 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs Let go of daily stress and enjoy a mid-day meditation in a peaceful space from noon-12:45 p.m. Cost is $5 per class. For information, visit www.MeditateInSaratoga.org or call (845) 856-9000.

Tuesday Toddlers & Moms Group Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. From 10-11:30 a.m. bring along your toddler and join in the fun located in the Glasby Room of the library. For information, contact Joanna Redden at (518) 361-3846.

Tuesday for Tots Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs A special time designated for the museum’s littlest visitors.

Featuring play dough, arts and crafts, and building materials, this week’s theme is “Reptiles and Amphibians.” Free with museum admission, held from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org or call (518) 584-5540.

Saratoga Springs Library, 49 Henry St., Community Room The Book Bag Shop will conduct a one-day 10-cent paperback sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Items in the Book Bag Shop will be 20 percent off from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Book Bag Shop is a project of the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Funds raised are used to enhance library services. For information, call (518) 584-7860.

Saratoga Farmers’ Market High Rock Park, High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs Saratoga’s premier market featuring meats, local produce, eggs, soaps, seasonal items and more. Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call (518) 638-8530.

Gospel Jam hosted by The Bluebillies Little Theater on the Farm, 27 Plum Rd., Fort Edward Beginning at 7 p.m., pickers and listeners welcome. Free of charge. Refreshments and raffles will be available. Donations are appreciated. For information, call Mel at (518) 632-5026.

Eight Steps to Happiness Meditation Class 19 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs Eight steps transform our daily relationships with family, friends and co-workers and become a more loving and compassionate person. Each class includes a guided meditation, teaching, and discussion from 7-8:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 per class.

Love and Light Benefit Fifty South Restaurant, 2128 Rte. 50, Ballston Spa Hungry? Have a Heart? Eat dinner at Fifty South from 4:30-11 p.m. to help Jonah, a TILT and Energetically Sensitive child, get an education that will support his health, social-emotional, educational, and behavioral needs. Please be sure to mention you are at the restaurant for the Love and Light Benefit.

There will also be Character of Nature artwork sold and a silent auction of 27 local business items and an autographed Harlem Globetrotter Basketball.

For more information, call (518) 884-2926.

SARATOGA

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CALENDAR

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Exhibition RIOT: Selections from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection Skidmore College, Tang Museum The Ann and Mel Schaffer Family Collection is the result of over 40 years of collecting by Skidmore alumna Ann Schapps Schaffer and her husband, Mel Schaffer. Their extensive collection reflects a passion for contemporary art with a focus on narrative-driven works that explore issues of identity. The collection includes work in all media and when viewed together, makes a strong case for the vibrancy and urgency of late 20th -century art. The show will be on display until June 10. For information, call (518 )580-8080.

Thursday, May 31

Science.” Each week the museum will explore the different ways science is all around us.

This month, those in attendance will be able to see live arachnids, learn about our sense of touch, see the different shapes water can take, learn about camouflage and how people and animals use it, and identify different animal tracks. For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org or call (518) 584-5540.

Friday, June 1 St. Paul Portrayal Notre Dame-Visitation Church, 18 Pearl St., Schuylerville Beginning at 7 p.m., a program will detail St. Paul’s days as a missionary. Program will support mission work in China and be followed by refreshments.

For more information, email oldsaratogareformed@verizon.net.

Anime Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, Teen Room Teens meet to hang out and watch anime, Japanese animation and eat plenty of popcorn.

This program is from 7-8:30 p.m.

For more information, call Trevor Oakley at (518) 584-7860, ext.

239.

Music, Models, Mingling & More Saratoga Polo Field, Bloomfield Rd., Greenfield Center The Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga's biggest fundraising event of the year, “Music, Models, Mingling & More,” will be an exciting and unique evening featuring gourmet foods, specialty cocktails, a mini-fashion show, a cigar gazebo, an extensive silent auction and live dance music performed

by Grand Central Station from 710 p.m. For more information, call (518) 584-1621.

Saratoga Miss Softball Meeting Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Glasby Room The meeting will take place from 6-8:45 p.m. For more information, call Stephenie Jones at (518) 587-3711 or visit www.SaratogaMiss.org.

Silly Science: Animal Tracks Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs Join the Children’s Museum at Saratoga from 10:30 a.m.–noon for their newest program, “Silly

Wiggle and Giggle Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs Stop by to experiment with movement and music. Walk the balance beam, crawl through a tunnel, toss bean bags, and try out new instruments. This is a great time to meet new friends and get some exercise. The program is free with museum admission from 10-11:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org or call (518) 584-5540.

First Friday in Ballston Spa Visit the village of Ballston Spa from 6-9 p.m. and enjoy special happenings in many of the downtown shops, restaurants and galleries. Live music, art displays and demonstrations, refreshments and featured shop promotions. Free and open to the public.

Art & Craft Show Malta Presbyterian Church, Dunning St, Malta Friday, June 1, from 1-6 p.m. and Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watercolor and oil paintings, aromatherapy, turned wood pens, pampered chef, jewelry and more. To become a vendor, contact Carol@jcparkerfineart.com or call (518) 899-7311.

Upcoming Saturday, June 2 D-Day Recognition and Remembrance Holiday Inn Express, 400 Old Loudon Rd., Latham A special day of recognition is scheduled for all veterans, active military and the public beginning at 11 a.m. U.S. Congressman Colonel Chris Gibson will be the keynote speaker. Last year the event had 30 survivors and 275 people attended in total. This year will have 45 survivors. For information, call Frank DeSorbo at (518) 439-9265 or email him at fomservice@aol.com.

Memorial Day Events Saratoga Springs Ceremony Wednesday, May 30 | 7 p.m.

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs This year Saratoga Springs will honor those who fought for our country on Decoration Day, the Wednesday after Memorial Day

Saratoga Springs Parade Monday, May 28 | 10 a.m.

The parade will begin at the City Center, proceed down Broadway, and conclude at Congress Park.

See cover story for details.

Stillwater Parade Friday, May 25 | 6:15 a.m.

June 7-10 SaratogaArtsFest June 7-10 (Thurs-Sunday) A collaboration of over 40 community arts organizations will come together for this sixth-annual citywide celebration of the arts. Events include the Beekman St. Art Fair, jazz and theater performances, and much more.

Send your calendar items to Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com before 5 pm on Monday for Friday publication.

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bridge and ends at the VFW on Abeel Ave. with a final ceremony, followed by food and refreshments

Ballston Spa Parade Saturday, May 26 | 9 a.m.

Starting at South St. Naval Memorial with Memorial Service at Low St. after parade. Submariners will be dedicating sub vets memorial after parade memorial service.

Sponsored by VFW Post 358 and American Legion Post 234

Albany Parade Monday, May 28 | 9:30 a.m.

Parade starts at Patridge St. and Central Ave. and continues east on Central to Washington Ave. to North Hawk St.

South Glens Falls Parade Friday, May 25 | 6 p.m.

Celebrate Memorial Day with a hometown parade and ceremony!

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. starting at the corner of Main St. and William St. and continue down Main St. to the Village Triangle Park

Greenwich Parade Friday, May 25 | 6 p.m.

Main St., Greenwich V.F.W. and American Legion sponsor Greenwich's annual parade; which steps off at 6 p.m. from the

Glens Falls Parade Monday, May 28 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. starting at Bay St. by the Civil War Monument, proceeding north on Glen St.

Corinth Parade Monday, May 28 | 6 p.m.

Parade starts at the corner of Fifth St. and Palmer Ave., proceeds down Palmer Ave., right on Main St., left on Maple St. to St. Mary's Cemetery

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

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upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 5/29: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

5/30: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 5/28: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 5/29: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 5-29: Town Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 5/30: Civil Service, 5 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 5/29: Zoning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com Saratoga County Board of Supervisors 40 McMaster St., # 1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020-1985 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov

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

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Adirondack Museum offers Free Admission to Active Military The Adirondack Museum announced the launch of Blue Star Museums. The initiative is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,500 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2012. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

For more information, visit www.adirondackmuseum.org or call (518) 352-7311.

Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network gets new Name The Board of Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network announced the organization will be changing its name to Bikeatoga. The name change reflects the culmination of a rebranding effort.

The local bicycle advocacy organization is dedicated to pushing for a better future by making functional cycling more convenient, accessible and safe in and around Saratoga Springs. Bikeatoga’s volunteer members work to emphasize the environmental, economic and health-related benefits of everyday cycling, as well as the pleasure of it.

For more information, visit www.bikeatoga.org.

Ballston Spa’s Village Wide Garage Sale Ballston Spa’s Village Wide Garage Sale weekend is June 9-10.

If you are having a garage/yard sale or related event in the Ballston Spa area that weekend and would like your location included with the compiled listing to be posted on the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s website and printed in the Ballston Journal the week before- call or email Ellen at (518) 885-2772 or info@ballston.org no later than Thursday, May 31. You do not need to be a BSBPA member to be listed. Community groups are encouraged.

Inaugural Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga

Fire Tower Hours at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

The Saratoga Springs community will celebrate its legendary relationship with Thoroughbreds at the inaugural Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga with a day of racing and spirited activities set for Saturday, September 15, 2012. The particulars for this event are still unfolding, but it is shaping up to be one “Super Saturday in September” celebration.

The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will present five steeplechase events, four of which sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association, and carrying purses totaling $100,000. The feature race will be the $50,000 Saratoga Steeplechase Cup. Post time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Renowned sports announcer Marshall Cassidy will be the Master of Ceremonies for the day and will be calling all the races.

General admission tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 day of the event. Discounted group sales are also available. Tickets can be purchased online and at locations around Saratoga County by the end of June.

For more information including sponsorship/entertainment and volunteer opportunities, contact Barry Potoker at (518) 366-0946 or bpotoker@nycap.rr.com. For information about reserving a booth at the Vendor Village, contact Greg Cuda at (518) 587-0723 or gcuda@saratogabridges.org.

The Cornell Hill Fire Tower will be open on the following dates from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: June 9 and 10, July 14 and 15, August 11 and 12, September 8, 9, 22 and 23, and October 13, 14, 27 and 28. The tower will also be open on June 2 for the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s Wildlife Festival.

The fire tower will only be open if the weather permits. To confirm that it is open, call (518) 469-0918.

Parking for the tower is in Parking lot #3 on Scout Rd. For more information, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra Seeks Student Musicians Are you a discriminating musician looking for an alternative, dynamic and energizing orchestra experience? Then consider joining our team of exceptional young artists under the direction of a world class conductor. The Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra (SSYO) is seeking serious student musicians ages 13-25 from the Saratoga Region who are looking for a unique musical experience to join an alternative, dynamic and energizing orchestra experience as part of their team of exceptional young artists under the direction of world class conductor Maestro Gioacchino Longobardi. Auditions begin Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m.4 p.m. at the Waldorf School, 122 Regent Street. For information and audition requirements, visit www.ssyo.org or call Jackie Royal at (229) 224-5672.

Seeking Vendors and Crafters Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake Christ the Savior Orthodox Church is seeking vendors and crafters for their second annual flea market taking place July 7, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church. Outside and indoor spaces are available. For more information, email xcsavior@yahoo.com or call (518) 3630001.

Saratoga Tourism Bureau Needs Volunteers!

The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau is offering an exciting opportunity for local residents, students, professionals and others to support and promote all of the things that make Saratoga a wonderful place to visit! We are looking for volunteers with flexible hours and the ability to do various assignments such as event support, staffing the bureau’s hospitality table and tent, and assisting event organizers. To volunteer, fill out an application form at www.discoversaratoga.org/volunteers or call (518) 584-1531, ext.

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Drop off Clothing Donations to Cudney’s Drop off your gently-used, in-season clothing Saturday, June 2 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at all Cudney’s locations in Saratoga and Wilton. The clothing will then be sorted, cleaned and donated to Franklin Community Center.

Join the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa Are you looking for ways to share your management skills with the local community? Do you have an interest in supporting international projects? Would you like to help

TODAY

today’s youth develop leadership skills? The Ballston Spa Rotary Club now meets for breakfast Wednesday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at the D-Line Pub. The first few meetings will be educational and will focus on explaining what Rotary is. The club will also continue to meet at The Factory restaurant at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. All meetings last about an hour, feature a speaker and include a meal. For more information, email ballstonsparotary@nycap.rr.com.

Saratoga & North Creek Railway Returns with an Expanded Season The Saratoga & North Creek Railway is returning to the rails with an expanded daily schedule for summer and fall 2012. For the first time in its history, the railway will offer service seven days a week to its seven flag stops throughout the First Wilderness Corridor, with the new season beginning Saturday, May 26.

The expanded daily schedule will double the railway’s capacity from summer 2011, with an anticipated 24,000 passengers traveling between North Creek and Saratoga Springs.

The railway carried approximately 12,000 travelers during its inaugural and abbreviated summer/fall season in 2011.

From Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28, all active duty military and veterans will receive free round-trip and one-way rides.

Additionally, passengers are encouraged to bring an item to donate to Operation Adopt-a-Soldier.

Collection bins will be stationed at railway stops in Saratoga Springs and North Creek. Suggested donation items include toiletries, socks, rechargeable batteries, powdered drink mix and non-perishable snacks such as energy bars.

Round-trip tickets for adults start at $27 for coach cars and $50 for dome seating. Round-trip tickets for children ages 12 and under start at $23 for coach cars and $45 for dome seating.

No charges apply for baggage or luggage. The railway offers a free separate luggage car for recreational equipment, including bicycles.

Passengers receive a baggage check when picking up tickets at the train station; space is limited.

For more information on the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, visit www.snccr.com.

One-room Schoolhouse Exhibit Open Brookside volunteer Craig Gould worked in collaboration with Paul Perreault, Malta Town Historian, to create a small exhibit on one-room

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

schoolhouses in the Town of Malta.

Items on display include photographs and archival documents from Brookside’s collection, as well as some items from the Malta Town Historian’s office.

The exhibit will be on display at the Malta Branch of the Round Lake Library. The library hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.

Karner blue butterflies Emerge at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park The season’s first Karner blue butterflies were observed at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. These endangered butterflies can best be seen on the Camp Saratoga North trail, located off of Scout Road in Gansevoort; and the Old Gick Farm and Fox trails, which are accessed from parking areas off of Route 50, north of King Road.

Annual Food Sale United Methodist Church, 243 Main St., Corinth The United Methodist Church will be holding their annual food sale June 2 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Homemade soups, salads, baked goods and much more!

Saratoga Springs Retired Teachers Association Meeting Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs Meeting is on Monday, June 4 at noon. Membership is open to retired educators who taught in and/or live in Saratoga County. For new member information and luncheon reservations, please call (518) 587-5356.

Halfmoon Legion Memorial Day Ceremonies American Legion Post 1450 Pavilion, 275 Grooms Rd., Halfmoon Post Commander Jim Valenti invites the public to attend the legion’s annual Memorial Day ceremonies to be held Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m..

This year’s principal speaker will be Senior Chief Rich Cavalier, a 21year Navy veteran and native New Yorker who is currently serving as the Regional Supervisor for Officer Recruiting. The public is urged to attend and participate in this patriotic event to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Youth Orchestra Auditions Waldorf School, 122 Regent St., Saratoga Springs Are you a musician looking for an alternative, dynamic and energizing orchestra experience? Then consider joining a team of exceptional young artists under the direction of a world class conductor. The Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra (SSYO) is seeking serious student musicians ages 13-25 from the Saratoga region who are looking for a unique musical experience. Auditions begin Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For information and audition requirements, visit www.ssyo.org or call Jackie Royal at (229) 224-5672.

Park Your Car to Support Saratoga Shakespeare Co. Instead of hunting for hard-to-find parking spots during what promises to be a wildly successful ArtsFest weekend, support free professional theater by parking downtown with Saratoga Shakespeare. Saratoga Shakespeare Company will open The Saratogian’s private lot for public parking during ArtsFest on Saturday, June 9, from noon-midnight. The lot, located at Maple Ave. and Caroline St., has its entrance on Pavilion Row. For only a $10 donation to Saratoga Shakespeare Company, drivers can park in the lot.

Donation is payable by cash, check, or credit card. Additional taxdeductible donations to Saratoga Shakespeare will be gratefully accepted as well. For more information, visit www.saratogashakespeare.com.

Hudson River Cleanup Project U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Judith Enck was joined by Congressional Representative Paul Tonko, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Deputy Commissioner Eugene Leff and Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia on the shore of the Hudson River to mark the third season of dredging to remove PCB-contaminated sediment from a 40-mile stretch of the river between Fort Edward and Troy, New York. From the site of a former junkyard in Troy currently slated for cleanup and redevelopment, the officials noted progress on the federal Superfund cleanup of the Hudson River and efforts to restore properties along its shorelines. The group also toured the Mercury Refining Superfund site, a former mercury reclamation facility in the towns of Colonie and Guilderland.

The Superfund cleanups of the Hudson River and Mercury Refining

17 sites are being paid for by the companies responsible for the contamination. The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters should pay for the cleanups, rather than passing the costs to taxpayers. When sites are placed on the Superfund list, the EPA looks for parties responsible for the pollution and requires them to pay for the cleanups. Cleanups are funded by taxpayer dollars when the responsible parties cannot be found or are not financially viable. These cleanups also produce jobs, with the Hudson River Superfund project creating an estimated 500 jobs. In 2011, Superfund cleanups supported an estimated 1,800 jobs across New York State.

The EPA has finalized a cleanup plan for the site that will address soil, sediment and ground water that is extensively contaminated with mercury and has overseen study and design work that is needed before the cleanup can begin. That work is expected to be completed by the spring of 2013.

For more information about the Hudson River dredging project, visit http://www.epa.gov/hudson and http://www.hudsondredgingdata.co m. For more information about Mercury Refining site, visit http://epa.gov/Region2/superfund/n pl/mercuryrefining/.

Cantina Kids’ Fun Run Cantina restaurant in downtown Saratoga Springs is teaming up with the Saratoga Hospital Foundation to sponsor the fifth annual Cantina Kids’ Fun Run Presented by CDPHP

on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The race benefits the Saratoga Hospital Pediatric Emergency Services and is for kids ages 12 and under.

Festivities begin with registration at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. Medals will be given to all children with the top three boys and the top three girls from each course receiving special recognition.

Additionally, there will be a bounce house and goodies.

The pre-registration fee is $12 per child on or before May 25. After that date and on race day, the registration fee is $15. Parents running with children must also pay and register. For more information or to register, visit www.saratogahospitalfoundation.or g or call (518) 583-8779.

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SARATOGA

OBITUARIES

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Andrew Charles Ragan Saratoga Springs, NY - Andrew Charles Ragan, 45, passed away May 20, 2012, after a six-year courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig Disease. His wife of 16 years, Kelly, favorite sisters, lifelong friends and loving hospice nurse were by his side.

Andrew was born November 29, 1966, in Schenectady, NY, to James T. Ragan and the late Susan H. Ragan.

In addition to his mother, Andrew was predeceased by his father-in-law, Robert Conboy.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly Conboy Ragan; children, Briggs Kingsley and Quinn Willing Ragan; father, James T. Ragan; siblings, James T. (Kim) Ragan, Maria (Peter) Decker and Carey (Paul) Guerra; mother-in-law, Gerry Conboy; brothers-in-law, Sean

George Wright

Conboy and Kevin (Megan) Conboy; and many nieces and nephews, Ragan, Torren, Ben, Michael, Kiernan, Abby, Daniel, Jacob, Lizzy, Logan and Caleigh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2012, at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrew’s memory to Briggs and Quinn Ragan College Fund, c/o Adirondack Trust Company, 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; or to St. Peters Hospital ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

William H. Northrup Saratoga Springs, NY – William H. Northrup, 90, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Born July 4, 1921, William was born and raised in Ithaca, NY, where he graduated from Ithaca High School in 1936.

William met his late wife, Dorothy M. Northrup, in 1943.

Survivors include his granddaughter, Tracey L. LaBelle; and very close friends,

Sharon Chamberlain and Paul Wesselman.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 5845373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.\

To view the full-text version of the obituaries printed on this page, visit the archive section of SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to publish obituaries as a service to our readers. Please send your obituaries to Christina James at cjames@saratogapublishing.com.

TODAY

Saratoga Springs, NY- George Wright, 83, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

He was born to Mildred and Harold Wright on August 18, 1928, in Saratoga Springs.

George was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and his brother, Will Wright.

Survivors include his children, Don (Laura), Carly (Paul) and Stephen (Janet); grandchildren, Erica and Brian Wright, Turi and Ian Scilipoti, Kit Wright and Rebecca Standish.

There will be a celebration of

George’s life Wednesday, May 23 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. with an informal service at 5 p.m. at the Niskayuna Reformed Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga or the Empire State Youth Orchestra.

Arrangements under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY. Online remembrances may be made at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Joseph E. Ruccio Jr. Saratoga Springs, NY – Joseph E. Ruccio Jr., 76, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012.

Born September 7, 1935, in Waterbury, Conn., he was the son of the late Joseph and Angeline Barbiero Ruccio of Naugatuck, Conn.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; daughters, Karen Ruccio, Christina (Leo Boudreau) Ruccio; son, Jed (Courtney) Ruccio; grandchildren, Nole and Oliver Ruccio and Annalise Boudreau. Joe is also survived by his special friend, Luke, a dog of uncommon loyalty.

There will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215-5450, (www.dana-farber.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 5845373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Memorial Day Ballston Spa now has a Memorial to Submariners from New York State that paid the ultimate sacrifice. This shrine to the fallen serves as a reminder of friends and family lost. Maybe more importantly it will serve to educate future generations of the sacrifice and dedication to our country so many men and women made.

Memorial Day is one of respect, honor, gratitude and admiration. For many of us it has special meaning. The old saying “freedom isn't free” rings load and clear this time of year. For my family it is a day to truly reflect on those that serve and give thanks for each and everyone of them. February 8, 2009, will be etched in my family’s heart forever. We lost Army 1st Lt. Jared Southworth while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom. He embodied the warrior spirit. To honor all those like Jared, we must keep their legacy alive.

The motto "God, Family and Country" is a way of life to those that serve in our military. Putting on the uniform requires courage, selflessness, dedication and humility. Let us never forget what they have sacrificed. We have a debt to each and everyone that we can never repay.

Not only on this day, but every day, let us honor and salute our fallen brothers and sisters who have truly given us the land of the free and home of the brave. As many hearts ache for their loss, as do ours, let their memories never fade. God Bless America.

Patti Southworth Town of Ballston Supervisor

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

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Summer Camp Directory This Week’s Spotlight Wilton Rec

Wilton Recreation offers a fullday summer camp program for children in grades one through nine. With available pre-camp and post-camp care, working parents can ensure their children are having fun in a safe environment before and after the camp’s regular 9 a.m.-3 p.m. hours.

Parents who register their children for before and after camp care can drop off their children prior to camp opening at 8:30 a.m. and can pick them up at 5:30 p.m. Bussing is available for Wilton residents who register for regular camp hours (9 a.m.-3 p.m.).

Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full schedule of daily onsite activities, themed events, and exciting trips for kids who register for off-site adventures. Daily on-site activities include arts and crafts, sports, playground fun, and other organized group games. This year’s scheduled field trips include: Million Dollar Beach in Lake George, Saratoga County Fair, bowling, white water rafting, and at least two swimming days per week at nearby pools and beaches.

The summer 2012 camp will open June 26 and run until August 10. Registration begins has begun at Gavin Park and will close June 13. As there are only 300 spaces available, be sure to mark your calendar! Camp registration forms are available online at http://www.townofwilton.com/ or can be picked up, weekdays, at Gavin Park 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For any other questions, call the park office at (518) 584-9455.

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EDUCATION

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

From Team Captain to Cadet, Saratoga Central Catholic Sends Off Graduate

by Emily Fowler for Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Central Catholic High School senior John Walsh is visibly excited these days, and it’s not because graduation and summer are both near. In fact, it’s quite the opposite of prospective relax-

ation time. The United States Military Academy at West Point has accepted Walsh’s application for admission. He leaves for cadet basic training two days before the 4th of July.

“I’m so excited because I’ve tried so hard to get this. I worked so hard,” said Walsh.

According to Walsh, of the

12,000 applicants he submitted his application among, only 1,000 were accepted. Walsh will receive his education there free of charge in exchange for the eight years of military service he will commit to.

Walsh is no stranger to service.

He put in over 200 hours volunteering as a runner in a local emergency room. Faculty and staff at Saratoga Central Catholic have been impressed with his drive, even asking him to give speeches at neighboring parishes.

“I’ve gone to private school my whole life,” said Walsh. “I talk about my transformation as a student and a leader through everything SCC had to offer. I talk about my grades- I went from being a B student to having high 90s at the end of my junior year, I credit that to SCC. Here, I got the opportunity to play sports. I may not be the best athlete, but the chance to play sports and become (team) captain, I wouldn’t have had elsewhere.

“People look to you, you’re supposed to lead by example,” said Walsh. “It’s about your character not just how good you are. I

hope this translates well [to life at West Point]. I feel prepared academically, and mentally I feel I have the leadership skills.”

Walsh credits Director of Guidance and Admissions Margot Barnes and science teacher Jennifer DuBois with helping him throughout his preparation and application process which has lasted years.

“It was a long process to get him to this point. He’s very independent,” said Barnes.

DuBois helped Walsh keep his passion for learning glowing.

“We have great math and science teachers here,” said Walsh.

“Ms. Dubois never lets you falter and makes class fun. Physics is tough, but every day it’s a good feeling when you walk in that room.”

Walsh also reflected on how his parents, James and Lucy Walsh, helped get him to this point.

“They never pushed but have always supported me in whatever I’ve wanted to do,” Walsh said.

Before the hard work gets harder, Walsh will be jet skiing with friends and spending time with

classmates before they say goodbye.

“I’ve been going to class with relatively the same 20 kids for six years; they’ll be what I miss most.

We’ve really become like a family as a class,” said Walsh.

Walsh sees the academy as a way to fulfill his goal of making a difference through the Army.

“This is rewarding,” said Walsh. “I did so much work to finally get this and now I get to attend the school. This is how I can fulfill all my life goals best, through West Point. I want to do something that makes a difference, serving my nation in the Army is the best way to do that.”

Math and science were Walsh’s strong points throughout his schooling so far. Walsh will major in engineering as part the school’s requirement. It’s a field he imagines he’ll continue to pursue.

Walsh will likely continue his service and engineering aspirations after the required time commitment is served.

“Once I graduate, I’m sure I’ll have the tools to do whichever is calling me,” said Walsh.

Photo Provided

Saratoga Central Catholic senior John Walsh in his physics classroom.

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Stephanie Ferradino A Perfect Balance

Photos by Deborah Neary

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY

For Stephanie Ferradino, a sense of societal obligation came genetically. What she did with that sense, however, continues to exceed everyone’s expectations.

Born and raised in the Saratoga region, Ferradino is the daughter to Saratoga County Supreme Court Justice Stephen A. Ferradino.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Ferradino attended Siena College, graduating in the top 4 percent of her class, and then Albany Law School, just as her father did. After her admission to the New York Bar in 1997, Stephanie has been a catalyst for change in her community ever since.

Ferradino is an outstanding woman in the field of law. She practices at Jones Ferradino, Attorneys at Law, and she practices in an area unique for women in her field, real estate development.

Ferradino has enthusiastically represented her clients on some of the most significant projects in our region.

“My favorite area of practice is real estate development, which includes zoning and planning,” said Ferradino. “When a new commercial or residential development comes to an area, the project goes through a series of municipal approvals before they are allowed to build. My firm facilitates obtaining those approvals for our clients.

This month, I’m representing an asphalt plant, Saratoga Hospital and a new hotel in Malta. My particular area of work is definitely exciting and interesting, especially as my projects help shape my community.”

You don’t have to look long or hard to see the impact of Ferradino’s involvement in her community. In 2007, when her firm was contacted by an innovated technology company named Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Ferradino worked with them to help obtain municipal approvals from the towns of Malta and Stillwater to bring the highly-lucrative company, GlobalFoundries, to the Luther Forest Tech Campus.

“[My firm] spent the better part of two years modifying the legislation and getting the site plan approved to allow the construction to begin,” said Ferradino.

“Working with so many talented professionals and community leaders was a highlight of my career. I am very proud of the work our community has done in order to attract a world-class facility to upstate New York. It [was] an honor to work with such exceptional people.”

And the results of their work speak for themselves. Already employing over 1,000 people, GlobalFoundries looks to be one of the most valuable additions to the region in recent memory, and Ferradino was a prominent contributor to its development.

“I am not a delegator who pulls back from the work; instead, I prefer to be fully engaged with sleeves rolled up working with my team,” said Ferradino. “This [work ethic] has served me well and inspires loyalty and confi-

dence among my coworkers and clients.”

Her dedication to each individual client is evident in the relationships that she is able to build and the results that she achieves time after time.

“My clients realize in pretty short order that I care about finding the best possible solution for

3

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 the challenge confronting them, and that if it is possible to forge a consensus to reach a positive result, I am able to do that,” Ferradino explains. “Taking the time to get to know the people I’m working with on a personal and professional level, and seeking a collaborative result, if one is obtainable, has always been rewarding to me and facilitates a more well-rounded approach to development, resulting in better projects.”

And Ferradino’s law firm isn’t the only outlet for her collaborative approach to problem-solving. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ferradino gives back to her community daily, through her volunteer work and presence on the boards of several nonprofit and business organizations.

As a board member for the Saratoga Springs History Museum, the Malta Business and P r o f e s s i o n a l Association (MBPA) and the Saratoga

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 County and Italian-American Bar Associations, Ferradino has made giving back to the community a large part of her life. She is currently helping the MBPA to organize their annual 5K race in September, and later this month she will be participating in a 144-mile bike ride to help raise money for Moveable Feast, a Baltimore-based charity that provides meals for people throughout the state living with breast cancer, HIV or other life-threatening conditions.

With so many things on her plate, Ferradino’s

biggest problem is finding the time for it all.

“I tend to throw myself wholeheartedly into most everything I do,” said Ferradino. “However, that isn’t without its downside. I’m learning that there are times when you need to just set aside [work] in order to be more engaged in family, friends and life. While I find it almost comically difficult to slow down, I have discovered that when I do, there is immense enjoyment in very simple things, be it my daughter, a view from the top of a peak or a job well done. The occasional conscious taming of my passion for work has some really positive benefits in other areas of my life.”

This balancing act, consciously setting time aside from work to enjoy life’s everyday moments, is what revitalizes Ferradino. It gives her the energy to be committed and passionate about so many things, and it’s something that she recommends that all women do.

“Balance is essential,” Ferradino explained.

“Rather than sitting on numerous boards and spreading yourself too thin, pick one organization that sparks your interest, and concentrate your energies on making an impact there. I suspect women my age are sometimes torn between advancing their careers, taking care of families, and maintaining their health. That does not leave much additional time for community involvement. However, every person can make a difference in their community, even in small ways that don’t take a significant amount of time.”

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 Photos by Deborah Neary

Melissa Zieker An Eye for Details

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY

M

elissa Zieker has lived in quite a few different places.

Growing up primarily in Georgia and Alabama, attending high school in Connecticut, college in Washington, and then living in Massachusetts, Zieker has seen enough of the country to know a good place when she sees one.

And she thinks Saratoga Springs is a very good place.

Relocating to the region permanently in 2005, she, and her husband of now 13 years, Chris, fell in love with the area almost immediately and decided to open up an ophthalmology private practice here.

“We love that Saratoga is small enough to feel a tight sense of community, yet large enough to have the cultural offerings that it does,” said Zieker.

“Saratoga blends the best aspects of living in a large, cosmopolitan city with the best aspects of living in a historic, small town. I love how it harmonizes both.”

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management with an emphasis in marketing

from Washington State University, Zieker was originally introduced to the area by a Capital Region local, her husband. After being accepted to medical school at Albany Medical, the pair moved to Albany where she began working as a recruiter for a public accounting firm.

“I spent the majority of the next decade in corporate training and development for that company,” Zieker said. “It was a wonderful experience, and I learned much of what I rely on today to run our own business.”

That business, Zieker Eye Ophthalmology, is the definition of “family-owned and operated.”

Zieker’s husband, Chris, is an MD specializing in cataract surgery.

Her brother-in-law is a physician assistant and the other provider at the practice.

One sister-in-law works in the front office, and another sister-in-law is the billing manager.

And Melissa?

“I run the business operations,” Zieker said. “It is my job to manage the day-to-day operations of running a medical practice as an employer, bookkeeper, marketer or problem-solver. Essentially, anything that does not involve seeing patients likely involves me!

A truly local, family-owned business, the Ziekers decided that they could better-serve patients and practice medicine in a more meaningful way by working from a small, private office rather than a larger one.

The Zieker staff can take time to engage with each patient, listening to what they have to say, and since they control their schedule, they can provide care on a

more personalized level, something that is becoming increasingly uncommon.

The decision to open a business was not an easy one. Despite wanting to really make a difference in the community, there were a lot of obstacles.

“My husband and I took a big risk opening a new business in this economy,” said Zieker. “It is even riskier since medicine and health care are so fragile right now and so dynamic.

The changes in government policy make our field a difficult one to plan for long term.”

But Zieker’s business background allowed them to press forward.

“Market research showed that the growth in our community could support an additional eye surgeon,” Zieker explained. “We also saw a trend toward simpler, more meaningful experiences as a consumer.

For example, home milk delivery is back, there is a greater push toward shopping locally and supporting

small businesses. We knew we could offer that type of environment in a medical office. The very large practices leave so many people feeling as if they are on a conveyor belt.

The experience is so impersonal, or worse, patients feel like the enemy.

We feel patients deserve better. So that is what we provide.”

And their research was right.

People who live in this region go out of their way to support each other, and they genuinely appreciate a more “personal” approach, so Zieker Eye Ophthalmology has had no trouble finding and keeping clients.

“We just had a patient say, ‘I wish I had a third eye’ so he would have a reason to come see us more often,” Zieker said. “Our mission is to preserve and protect the miracle of vision with expertise, kindness and efficiency. That mission is why I am passionate about my job.”

But Zieker’s community influence isn’t only through her business.

As a member of both Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s (SPAC) Action Council and Executive Committee, Zieker

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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has found another way to use her marketing and philanthropic skills to benefit the community.

Created to work cooperatively with SPAC, the Action Council provides assistance with public rela-

tions and puts on several of SPAC’s fundraising events. The Rock & Run 5K, Ballet Gala, Lecture Luncheon and Nutcracker Tea are all events orchestrated by the Action Council.

Their events help raise money to support the summer residencies of the NYC Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as provide funding for the Vivienne Anderson Children’s Program,

which allows underprivileged children a chance to experience the arts at SPAC. Zieker’s involvement at SPAC stems from her deep appreciation for what the facility does and how

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much it influences our community.

“SPAC is one of the most amazing cultural gems I have been to, and we are so lucky to have it right in our backyard,”

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Zieker said. “SPAC is a major economic engine, generating over 100 million dollars of ancillary revenue for the Capital District each year – so not only is SPAC a world-class cultural icon, it’s also a job-creator and revenue stream for the whole region.”

Despite these successes, SPAC is still in need of a lot of community support. As a nonprofit organization, SPAC receives little to no state or government support, it operates mostly on donations from members and corporate sponsorships. To Zieker, keeping this community mainstay thriving is vital.

“I could not imagine our community without SPAC in it,” said Zieker. “Even with budgets repeatedly cutting the arts, SPAC continues to stand up and keep the arts relevant and vibrant, inspiring kids not only in arts and music, but science, technology – it’s what makes our culture rich. The arts are critically important.”

Membership to SPAC begins at just $75, and according to Zieker, “becoming a member is a great way to ensure that this powerful eco-

nomic engine remains viable in our community.”

In addition to her work with SPAC, Zieker is a volunteer for Junior Achievement, a member of the Yaddo Summer Benefit Committee, and a member of a newly formed organization that serves children with severe food allergies. She is also on the board of directors for the relatively new nonprofit Taylor’s Heroes, an organization that promotes fitness and nutrition for children.

“I see myself as a woman who has the great opportunity to live in this amazing community where women are celebrated and can shine,” said Zieker. “As a small business owner, mother and volunteer I feel that I have found so many outlets where my efforts are appreciated and where I can interact with, learn from and develop bonds with other strong, thoughtful women.

All of the organizations I am involved with have women in the top leadership positions. It is inspiring. I have a daughter and I want her to see all that women can do, especially when they work together. The possibilities are endless!”

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Valerie Muratori Finding a Fit Photos by MarkBolles.com

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY

F

or Valerie Muratori, being proactive is a way of life. She isn’t a waitand-see person; she’s a plan-andexecute. It’s this strategy, this hands-on approach to life, which has helped Valerie not only lead the nonprofit organization she directs through some difficult times, but to more than quadruple the number of people they serve.

As the executive director of Saratoga Bridges, a nonprofit organization servicing individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs), Muratori has grown the fairly small nonprofit to one of the largest in the county, with a budget of $26 million, and one of the top 15 largest county employers, with over 600 employees.

“When I came in, the agency didn’t really know anything about residential services and was looking for someone to spearhead,” Muratori said. “I came [to Saratoga Springs]

and worked for another organization known as AIM, or Alternatives in Mankind, and was the clinical coordinator there for about three years.

The experience that I had with AIM, running residential services, allowed me to move to Saratoga Bridges and I was responsible for opening up its first residential program.”

In 1984, that program opened the first accessible community-based home in the county, and under Muratori’s guidance, now houses 107 individuals in 17 homes and just keeps growing.

“We keep a very active and long wait-list for residential services,” Muratori explained. “Anybody from Saratoga County can be added to our wait list, and then when we have an opening, we reach out to who we think is probably the person who needs the services the most. It’s not necessarily first-come first-served; it’s more of a ‘who is the most in need of services.’”

Residents in the program receive a lot more than just a roof over their

heads. They are given the tools needed to become independent, with services such as 24-hour supervision, training to develop decisionmaking skills, nutritional consultation, as well occupational and physical therapy that allow them to live, work and socialize within their community.

“The individuals that we support are family members to other members of this community- they’re sisters; they’re brothers,” said Muratori. “They could be aunts or uncles of other members of the community and they have grown up here. All they want to do is be able to give back and be considered positive members to the community. One of our biggest challenges is to find where our individuals fit.”

Finding that fit is something that Muratori considers a top priority.

She herself struggled to find her place in the world.

“If you would have asked me in

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college what I wanted to do, I would have said: ‘I have no clue,’” Muratori said. “My mom suggested I do some volunteer work. So, I went to work with a family who had a child with a degenerative disease, and it was my first experience working with someone

who had a DD. That’s really where I started my relationship with people with DDs.” Up until then, Valerie had been working with preschoolers at Prospect School in Glens Falls and as a teacher’s assistant, while she pursued her psychology master’s from UVM, so individuals with DDs weren’t something Muratori had a lot of

experience with.

“I grew up in a community where, down the street, there were two kids that just never went to school because their DD was so significant that the school district just didn’t have a program for them,” Moratori said. “Now, I’m always thinking about how I can support and advocate for people with DDs.”

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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New York has seen a lot of progress in regards to programming opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, and Muratori has done her best to capitalize on that, bringing everything she possibly can to Saratoga Bridges.

“I think we have been very fortunate in New York,” said Muratori.

“Over the last 25 years, there has been a significant amount of growth

in serving people with developmental disabilities. In this community they can access, pick and choose what kinds of services they’re interested in.”

But with the economic downturn, particularly in the last five years as New York State struggles with budget reductions, Muratori and Saratoga Bridges have seen their share of difficulties.

“The opportunities have kind of plateaued- meaning there hasn’t been a lot of recent growth and development for people,” explained Muratori. “So, because of the budget crisis in New York State, we are directly impacted.

We haven’t opened up a new home since 2008

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 because of the budget problems here.”

Instead of cutting back services, Muratori, with her normal can-do attitude, simply looked at the budget cuts and instead said, “What could we do that isn’t a traditional home for people?”

So, Saratoga Bridges has done other things like open up independent living for people with DDs. And Muratori sees the circumstances as a learning experience. “[The budget cuts] have made us take a step back, and say, ‘what ways can we support people if we don’t have the traditional ways that used to be available to us?’” said Muratori.

Her ability to think outside the box has been beneficial to the Saratoga Springs community even beyond her work with Saratoga Bridges. Muratori has volunteered for numerous local organizations, including Operation Adopt a Soldier; Maplewood Manor; Ronald McDonald House; the Salvation Army; Shelters of Saratoga; and many, many more. “[A lot of] my volunteer work has been in the field of supporting people with developmental disabilities,” said Muratori. “Anybody who knows me will tell you that what I do for a living is just something that makes me very passionate.”

It’s that passion that has made Muratori one of our area’s most dedicated servants, a leader among even the movers and shakers. And having raised three kids of her own here, she is happy to keep investing in Saratoga.

“I think Saratoga is a great community to have your kids grow up in because they have so many opportunities for different experiences,” Muratori said. “The community is just very supportive of offering a lot of diverse opportunities for kids, whether in sports, or in arts, there’s something available.”

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Melissa Ward “A life of experience and service” Photos by MarkBolles.com

by Helen Susan Edelman Saratoga TODAY

W

atching a baseball game in Zimbabwe was a pivotal moment in the life of Ballston Spa resident Melissa Ward. Ward was in Zimbabwe with a Rotary Club group deployed to help improve a school for 600 children. The school building was in shambles. She helped pour cement floors, build desks and chairs and provide supplies the kids needed to achieve the education they deserved. She also helped teach them baseball with wiffle balls and bats.

“Every day we would take a long car ride to the site, but park half a mile away because the sand was too soft to drive on,” Ward recalls. “We walked in the last half mile. And the kids would be waiting for us, singing and dancing in welcome.”

But Ward became ill,

spiking a 104-degree fever. She was taken to a hospital in Victoria Falls at midnight, where the wife of a pharmacist acquired antibiotics to stem her sickness. Still, she wouldn’t rest the next day.

“I didn’t travel all that way to stay in bed,” she said.

When the group she was in arrived at the site that morning, some of the kids were singing and dancing, as always, but some were playing baseball.

“They were leaping, laughing, playing,” Ward remembers, teary. “My heart burst open. If I’m ever sad, I think about that moment,” she says. “There was a little shift in the universe. We had spread some joy and I was a part of that. Since then, a lot of things that had been aggravating to me on a daily basis roll off my shoulders.”

On her journey, Ward saw living c onditions she describes as “hideous, like people living in 10-by-10 tin houses.” She says of the lifechanging journey, “We were feeding them and they were saying ‘thank you.’”

The trip was one of many experiences Ward has had as a dedicated member of the Rotary Club community, a highly respected service organization comprising 34,282 clubs worldwide. The 1.2 million members of these clubs adhere to the organization’s motto, “Service above self.”

Ward’s first exposure to the Rotary was as a Long Island high-schooler, where she participated in Gift of Life, a project bringing children from outside the United States to America for lifesaving surgery. Her role during the project was to visit and play with the kids. One early champion of Gift of Life was first lady Nancy Reagan, who helped bring national awareness to its extraordinary work of furthering the cause of world peace and understanding by facilitating free medical services, primarily for children suffering from heart defects and other similar or allied illnesses, regardless of race, gender, creed or national origin, and who would other-

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 wise lack access to such services.

“After I graduated, I forgot about it,” she says. “Then in 2002, a friend in the Capital Region called and invited me to a meeting of a new Rotary chapter in an area aligned with the Southern Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. I went, expecting to see a lot of male retirees, but, instead, I met a lot of young, hip, cool, intelligent 40somethings, and I became a charter member of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club. That’s where I learned about the school in Zimbabwe. I was hooked.”

All of her activities aren’t so exotic. She serves up Thanksgiving people to the homeless, works in the Ronald McDonald House, packs potatoes at the Regional Food Bank, helped clean up a summer camp in Albany for city youth and volunteers at the Mechanicville Community Center.

“The point is to get involved with other organizations with a service mission and help them amplify that mission,” she explains, “whether it’s by providing bodies, knowledge or money. We collaborate and build partnerships, extending everybody’s reach. It’s very fulfilling.”

Ward’s commitment to the allvolunteer organization is colossal in

both principle and practice. She recently agreed to take on the role of district governor, the equivalent of the CEO for the region, which represents about 1,300 club members in 40 clubs. She intends to tap into the membership for help and hopes to promote awareness about Rotary and its good works. “I can’t do everything myself,” she said. “I am going to call on others with skills, wisdom, funds and hours to contribute. And I’m going to be the one who signs the checks. It’s never a solo effort.”

At this writing, Ward was in Bangkok, presenting three social media sessions to participants at a Rotary Club International meeting.

While her work with Rotary evolved, Ward also raised two daughters as a single parent and launched NewWard Development, LLC, a thriving business in a competitive industry. NewWard fills a niche in the online Web-development industry, catering to small to mid-size companies looking to improve their clients' and prospective customers' online experience without breaking their website budget. Incorporated in 2004, NewWard has maintained a reputation for timely, cost-effective designs and earns accolades from

clients for excellent customer service. Ward, who has a B.S. in computer science and an M.B.A., started NewWard as a sole proprietor, but in 2004 partnered with Robert Newberry to build a Web-development firm that offers the full gamut of Web services, including web graphic design, application development, database integration, ecommerce solutions and internet marketing. She is the company’s expert in social-media marketing, Web design, marketing plans, customer engagement and loyalty.

“I help companies build design strategies for marketing in a way that articulates the voice of the client,” Ward says. “Most of the time I am coaching, not doing it for my clients. We use Facebook, we use webinars; we put our collective fingers on the pulse of what people are doing, seeing and feeling.”

Ward is a more mature voice in an industry largely dominated by 20-somethings. “I am an early adapter of technology,” she explains. “It’s intuitive for me.”

Here is another aspect of her life – her professional acumen – Ward is willing to share. As a successful entrepreneur, Ward knows what it takes to set up a business, and she has stepped

up to help other women jumpstart theirs.

At the moment, she is working with three women to write their business plans, connect to resources, work with towns for various permits, and research possible grant dollars available.

“I do not do the work for her,” Ward emphasizes. “I teach her how to do it – same as my

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Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012 NewWard clients. I might do a little hand-holding. But we talk about possible scenarios, how to brand, how to turn what might have been a hobby into a successful business.”

She says, “I really love to watch people when the light goes on, they take the leap and their business flourishes. I warn them that it might take years to make a profit, that it might be grueling at first – but there’s nothing better than working to market your passion – even if it’s not what you envision on opening day.”

She remembers her own trajectory: “In my third year, I finally believed I could keep a roof over my head and my girls’.”

Ward loves watching her friends fulfill their dreams.

“It’s a way for me to connect with interesting, determined women, and I have a blast doing it,” she says.

“Life is about experiences and service, but not just my experiences and not just my service.

Whether it’s in Rotary, private business or informally consulting, it’s all energy-producing and inspirational.”

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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Sue Commanda

by Christina James Saratoga TODAY

H

aving reached the top, Sue Commanda is known for pulling people up to join her, not looking down on them.

As the CEO of the incredibly successful Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU), Commanda has the desire to make real positive change in the community and the resources to do it.

Born and raised on L o n g Island, New York, in a town c a l l e d

Northport, Commanda left the island to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Plattsburgh State University. While at college, she fell in love with upstate New York, and after she graduated in 1984, she decided to relocate.

Residing on a horse farm in Schuylerville with her husband, Gil, and son, Christian, 11, Commanda reflects on the key to her success.

“I believe that I have been able to reach the position of CEO of one of the largest credit unions in the Capital District because I do what I love to do,” Commanda said.

“My enjoyment is reflected in the enthusiasm and optimism that I carry through to my daily life. I have been able to combine this positive

attitude with an aptitude for numbers. I truly believe that it is the combination of these two traits that has taken me where I am at this point.”

With 27 years of experience as a consultant and manager in the financial services industry, Commanda began her credit union career as an auditor with Credit Union Services Inc., an arm of the New York State Credit Union League.

Later, as HRCCU’s CFO, she was instrumental in obtaining the union’s community charter, assisting in implementing their small business lending program, and streamlining several operational areas to improve efficiency.

“As Chief Executive Officer of a major financial institution, I like to compare my daily

Photos by

MarkBolle

s.com

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activities to those of an orchestra conductor,” said Commanda. “My role is to identify the best resources (human, technological and educational) available to our organization and apply those resources in order to provide the best products and services at the best rates to our members in the most effective and efficient manner.”

Her application of resources to benefit the common good can be seen in a unique partnership that she developed with SUNY Empire State College. To help her employees obtain degrees, Commanda worked with Empire State to tailor education programs for her staff. This was an important addition to the union’s existing tuition reimbursement program for employees.

“As CEO, it is my responsibility to ensure that our member/owners are provided with the best service possible,” said Commanda. “The best way to ensure that service levels are at their highest is through the use of a motivated and well-educated staff.”

HRCCU has offered a tuition reimbursement policy for employees for many years.

However, Commanda’s initiative took the desire to provide educational opportunities a step further. Discussions with Empire State led to the development of a unique program that makes the required classes or degrees the union’s staff needed and wanted available – when it best fits their schedules.

Offering this educational resource to employees gives the union’s benefit program a decided edge, and it shows both current and future employees, as well as potential customers, that the union cares.

Commanda also stresses a sense of civic duty to her employees and encourages a lot of community involvement.

“Volunteering is an important part of what makes our communities great places to live, work and play,” said Commanda. “As the CEO of a community credit union, it is important that I lead by example. Through my leadership and active participation, for the fourth year in a row, Hudson River Community Credit Union has provided the largest percentage of participation in the annual Run for the ROC, a charity run to support the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center at Saratoga Hospital.”

It is important to Commanda to not only run a successful organization, but also make an impact on the community around her.

She does this in traditional ways like volunteering and donating money and services, but she also has an unusual way of making a real difference in the lives of others: her horses.

“I love to ride and share my love of horses with others,” said Commanda. “My husband, Gil, and I purchased and an abandoned farm several years ago, and over the last few years we rehabbed the house and built a horse farm on the property. We train horses, sell hay and offer horseback riding lessons to make the farm profitable.”

The horse farm was just a second job for the Commandas until one day, several years ago, a family friend brought her daughter to the farm to take riding lessons.

“She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had significant behavioral issues,” Commanda recalls. “I worked with her oneon-one for a few months and was able to teach her how to ride and behave appropriately. She [ended up doing] so well, she transitioned into a regular class and was able to enjoy meeting other girls her age and control her actions.”

After that, the couple began working with other kids who had behavioral issues. And recently, they started working with a child who suffered a stroke at 9.

“My husband, who is an RN, is working with her to restore her mobility on her left side,” Commanda said. “Gil and I have a firm belief that anything is possible and convey this to our riding students. No child is limited, no matter what the issue; we work with them to help them realize their dream of riding a horse!”

No matter what Commanda is working on, she is fully-invested and has the community in mind.

“It is my vision to enrich the lives of our members and employees by providing the tools they need to realize their dreams,” said Commanda. “Whether they are to purchase a home, send a child to college, or attend college themselves, I believe hard work, determination and access to resources makes anything possible.”

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Mary Gavin The Charitable Choice

Photos by MarkBolles.com

by Helen Susan Edelman Saratoga TODAY

I

n 2001, Mary Gavin and her husband and partner, business James LaVigne, moved to Saratoga Springs for its quality of life. And then they enhanced it.

The couple, owners of Gavin and LaVigne Incorporated - a company that has arranged more than $8 billion of FHAinsured loans for hospitals and nursing homes for new projects and refinancings - could have established their office anywhere, but they chose a city that offered them an energetic downtown they could walk to easily from their residential neighborhood near Skidmore College, where they are raising their daughter.

“I love the mental exercise of going up and down Broadway, Phila Street and Caroline Street in my head, planning my errands or where to go to dinner,” says Gavin, a native of Troy and alumna of Siena College who already had been

familiar with the area.

The common knowledge that if you want something done, you ask a busy person to do it has never been truer than where it applies to Gavin.

A certified public accountant, she works from home, often day and night, and sometimes goes on the road to meet with clients. But the vast intensity of her professional life hasn’t stopped her from taking on impressive responsibilities as a volunteer in Saratoga Springs.

“When I first moved here, I enrolled my daughter at St. Clement’s, and I met Kristie Roohan [wife of realtor Tom Roohan], also a parent in the Catholic school community,” Gavin recalls. “I was working full-time, my husband was traveling a lot and I was volunteering in my daughter’s classroom.

Kristie said, ‘You should get involved with the Saratoga Hospital Gala.’ I told her I was busy. And Kristie said to me, ‘Mary, we’re all busy.’ So, I said ‘Yes, I’ll try.’ This was what spawned my volunteer work in Saratoga Springs.”

Since that conversation, Gavin has served on the major hospital fundraiser committee nine times, twice as chair.

She also served on the boards of both the Saratoga Hospital Foundation and Saratoga Hospital and Nursing Home.

“Everyone has something they can bring to the table,” she says.

“This year, my role is to ask for large sums of money. It’s not hard to do; it’s not work,” she said. “It’s easy to ask for support for something as meaningful as a community health-resource center for people in need of help, which is what the hospital foundation is focused on now.”

Gavin emphasizes that the foundation’s executive d i r e c t o r, Terry Lee, is

“extraordinary to work for and with.

She creates a sense of camaraderie.

Everyone interested in fundraising should be required to be exposed to her style. And, I have the opportunity to interact with people like A.C. Riley [former mayor of Saratoga Springs as A.C. Dake] and Linda Toohey [former executive vice president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce], whose knowledge and generosity make me want to be part of the effort even more. I learn so much from them.”

She says that one person on the gala committee might get a donation of a car for the silent auction and another might get a donation of a massage, and that both are

greeted with genuine excitement.

“When you have limited time, you have to make some hard decisions about where to volunteer, but since I work with hospitals for a living, I have a special appreciation for this industry from a business perspective,” she points out. “And, this is such a great group of people. The whole experience brings out the best in you.”

She also is on the advisory council for the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund, established in 2009 to serve as a perpetual source of philanthropic support for the needs of local charities such as Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services, First Baptist Church, Grant Cottage and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, among many others.

“When Charles Wait [president of ATC] asks you to do something you say, ‘yes,’” Gavin says. “Having a chance to work with him was very appealing. He is a role model for giving back to the community you care about.”

She also contributes significant time as a board member to the Saratoga Central Catholic School, where her daughter is a student.

“I think it’s important for the community to have the alternative of a private Catholic school for those who want their children to be educated there,” she says.

And, by example, she has taught her daughter - who also has been pressed into service to stuff envelopes and to set up chairs for various events - about the rewards of giving. For her daughter’s 16th birthday, 85 kids were invited to a special kind of party; instead of bringing gifts for the honoree, each guest brought a toy, which then was donated to the Franklin Community Center to be redistributed to children in the area.

“You can’t actually teach someone to be charitable, they have to develop the desire on their own,” Gavin says. “But you can share some ideas of how to do it.”

And Gavin has lots of those. Some of them she has been able to share with the Mardi Gras Committee that steers an

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

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annual event launched by Hattie’s Restaurant proprietor Beth Alexander to raise money for local nonprofits. Last year’s efforts yielded $26,000 for Sponsor-AScholar, a relatively new organization that helps financially disadvantaged Saratoga Springs students prepare for and get accepted into college. The charity is close to the heart of Gavin’s husband, LaVigne, who serves as its executive director (another person with no time who makes time). The donation represented more than 25 percent of Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar’s yearly budget and will provide funding for 10 new students.

“I’ve never seen a more generous community or one that comes together more to do good work,” Gavin comments.

She knows her situation is both unique and ideal – working from home and for herself, Gavin can get up from the kitchen table and get to a board meeting without asking permission, there’s no wasted time dealing with a jammed copier or chitchat with office mates. Plus, she has been able to be an at-home

parent, when necessary.

“I can’t imagine stopping any of the things I do,” she says. ”I have the best of both worlds- a stay-at-

home mom with a career. It’s remarkable.”

Renewal is important too. Gavin

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22

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Week of May 25 - 31, 2012

Women of Influence 2012 Saratoga County’s Top 6

Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Writers Helen Susan Edelman Christina James Art Director Tiffany Garland

Graphic Designers Eric Havens Katy Holland Account Executives Chris Bushee Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Photographers Mark Bolles Deborah Neary Printing Leader Herald

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: 518.581.2480, fax: 518.581.2487 SaratogaPublishing.com

and LaVigne sometimes escape to the Adirondacks for a few days to decompress.

“Balance is important,” Gavin says.

“Taking a little break can make a big difference after you’ve worked on a deal that gets you up at 6 a.m. and continues all day and even at night, when you bring work to bed.”

Having a loving and supportive partner also makes a difference, Gavin stresses.

“Whichever one of us is available can do the grocery shopping, pick up our daughter, make the big ask for a charity. We divide things up. I take the lead on a lot of our business with clients, but there are things Jim is

just better at, and he’ll always back me up.

And, I always back him up.”

Gavin confirms that she has the same 24 hours in a day as everybody else; she has just learned to maximize them.

“Volunteering is the life blood of a community,” she concludes. “The shops can be nice, the people can be nice, the place can be pretty, but without volunteers, there are no extras. Think of First Night, one of the best and most exciting events in the city, started and operated by volunteers. I like to think I am passing on to some women with potential the wisdom and friendship that Kristie Roohan passed on to me. I think not that there is too much on my plate, but, ‘this is what I am giving, is it enough?’”

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Ballston Spa Teachers Association Presents Scholarships BALLSTON SPA - The board of directors of the Ballston Spa Teachers Association (BTSA)

Scholarship Fund would like to announce the recipients of the BSTA Scholarships for 2012.

Cassandra Grandeau and Molly Constantine have each received a scholarship of $1200. Cassie is the daughter of Steve and Debbie

EDUCATION Grandeau of Malta. She will be attending Clark University in the fall to major in international development and social change. Molly is the daughter of Kevin and Kathleen Constantine of Ballston Spa. She will be attending Boston University

Saratoga Springs Students are Winners in Business SARATOGA SPRINGS - Students from Saratoga Springs High School headed home with several honors earned at the 19th annual SUNY Adirondack Business Day on May 7. Students from Saratoga took first place in Business Math, third place in Career and Financial Management and Keyboard Timing, fourth place in Marketing and Business Communications, and fifth place in Accounting and Financial Literacy competitions.

Award winners in the individual events were Lauryn Huck, Nicole Kommer, Kristi Krulcik, Alex Lewis, Nick Shields and Jon Zinter. In addition to the individual tests, Saratoga students participated and placed second in a display contest focusing on the day’s theme: “Why Business Education?” Display team members were Corina Hasbrouck, Caitlyn Juliano, Kristi Krulcik and Mackenzie Lewis. The Saratoga students Photo Provided in the ACC Business Day Club were among the more than 300 from 14 area schools who participated in the event.

Business teacher Stacey Ralston is the group’s advisor.

"The students represented Saratoga Springs so well, both with professional behavior and academic achievement,” Ms. Ralston said.

in the fall with a major in political science and education. The members of the BSTA Scholarship Committee were impressed with the quality of the applicants for the scholarship and are proud of the accomplishments of the recipients.

Each recipient was able to showcase their desire to enter the field of

21

teaching through their excellent work in their internships and teaching experiences. The BSTA is supported solely by direct donations from the faculty and staff of the Ballston Spa Central School District. The BSTA has been awarding scholarships annually since 1960.

22

Community Corner

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Prom 2012

TODAY

the

Tooth fairy club Take a look at this week’s new club members

Declan

Above: Junior Annalise Fosnight and senior David Murauskas pose at the Saratoga Spings High School Prom.

Right: Deanna Jenison a Saratoga High School senior at prom.

Madeleine

Maeve Above: Seniors Royoni Salisbury and Kyrie Johnson at the Saratoga Springs High School prom.

Top: A couple at the Saratoga Senior High School prom.

Middle: Senior Kevin Sacca and junior Alexandra Chouinard at prom.

Right: Briana Moultrie poses before prom

Olivia

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by:

659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

News from Saratoga Bridges Saratoga Bridges recently received a grant in the amount of $1,098 from Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health. The funds will be used to purchase a greenhouse that will incorporate a horticultural project into the schedule of activities at their Malta facility.

Additionally, Saratoga Bridges’ employee, Clark Spickerman, received a NYSARC Jonathan Weingold Scholarship, and another employee, Lydia, graduated from the agency’s Leadership Institute.

Scholarship winner Clark Spickerman

HELPING HANDS 23 SHELLSTRONG BE STRONG STROLL On Saturday, June 2 through Sunday, June 3, the SHELLSTRONG Foundation is hosting the BE STRONG STROLL to raise money for The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer at Albany Medical Center, Double H Ranch and local families. The event, which takes place at the Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake High School, is a carnival leading up to an all-night walk celebrating life and community. The evening will feature music, games, prizes, concessions and souvenirs. For information on how to participate as a stroller or as a sponsor, go to www.shellstrongfoundation.org or contact Chrissie Ormsbee at (518) 944-1258 or cormsbee@vzw.blackberry.net.

The SHELLSTRONG Foundation was founded by Burnt Hills residents Matt and Kim Shell, parents of Jacob Shell, who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in May 2009. Jacob underwent months of intensive treatments, mostly at Albany Medical Center, and in July 2010, he was declared cancer-free. Throughout his cancer treatment, as Jacob lost his curly red hair, a quarter of his body weight, and half of his hearing (due to chemotherapy drugs), his fighting spirit and personality attracted the attention and support of people across the Capitol District and beyond.

For more information, visit www.shellstrongfoundation.org.

2012 Saratoga Relay for Life Lydia King on the left and Karen Heggen, vice president of the board of directors

On Friday, June 8 the Relay for Life will take place at the East Side Recreation Field in Saratoga. Here are a few ways you can help this great cause!

Donate your Hair Locks of Love is a-not-for profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children 18 and younger with medical hair loss. This year at the relay from 6-9 p.m., there will be a stylist from Broadway Salon in Saratoga available for anyone who would like to donate at least 10 inches of their hair.

The stylist will be available to professionally cut and prepare the hair to be donated. Those wishing to donate, call Marcy at (518) 893-0671 to make an appointment.

Luminary Bags

Luminary bags that are decorated and marked in memory of or in honor of lost loved ones are available for a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society. These bags with a candle inside will light the track all night for the walkers raising money to help wipe out cancer. All money raised will go to the Saratoga Relay for Life to help fight cancer and support patients’ needs. For more information, call Debbie at (518) 885-6506 or visit www.relayforlife.org/saratogaspringsny.

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar Invites You to the Fourth Annual Bowling for Scholars & Gutterball Bash Saturday, June 2 Saratoga Strike Zone, 32 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs Half-price family bowling begins at 11 a.m.

Gutterball Bash cocktail party begins at 7 p.m.

Music by 2's Company and food by Hattie's Restaurant.

Bash tickets: $75; $50 for Saratoga City School District employees RSVP: Volunteer Executive Director Jim Lavigne: jclavigne@aol.com, (518) 587-2472 Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar is a nonprofit organization committed to helping fiscally disadvantaged students graduate from high school and succeed in college. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable. SSAS was founded in 2008 by a group of community members, the Saratoga Springs City School District, the Saratoga Mentoring Program and Skidmore College.

2012 Saratoga Secret Gardens Tour Tickets are on sale now for the 18th annual Secret Gardens Tour taking place July 8. The self-guided tour benefits local organizations and programs, particularly Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County. Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 on the day of the tour, while they last. Tour tickets and raffle tickets may be ordered online at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org.

For more information, call (518) 581-1201, ext. 4184 or email secretgardensinfo@gmail.com.

Upcoming Blood Drives Queensbury Masonic Lodge 15 Burke Rd., Queensbury Saturday, May 26, from 8 a.m.-noon.

Tour de Cure Get ready to ride your bike to stop diabetes! Join the Saratoga Springs Tour de Cure at Saratoga Springs High School.

This ride is for all levels of cyclists. Offering distances of 100, 62.5, 50, 25, and a familyfriendly 10-miles (through Saratoga State Park). The event takes place Sunday, June 3 from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

There are over 25 million Americans in the United States with diabetes. This fundraising event raises much needed funds for research, advocacy, support and education.

Register today!

For more information or to register, visit www.diabetes.org/saratoga.

Malta Community Center 1 Bayberry Rd., Malta Tuesday, May 29, from 1-6 p.m.

RELIGION

24 Adirondack Christian Fellowship

8 Mountain Ledge, Wilton 587-0623; acfsaratoga.com Services: Sunday 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.

Adirondack Friends Meeting 27 Saratoga Ave., S. Glens Falls 793-3755, AdirondackFM@ nycap.rr.com; www.adirondackfriendsmeeting.org Regina Baird Haag, pastoral minister Services: 10:30 a.m. Sunday The Alliance Church 257 Rowland St., Ballston Spa 885-6524 Services: Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

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

Assembly of God Saratoga 118 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6081 Services: Sunday Worship 10 a.m., coffee served at 9:45 a.m.

Bacon Hill Reformed Church 560 Route 32N, Bacon Hill 695-3074 • Rev. Janet Vincent Services: Worship service 10 a.m.

Sunday School 10 a.m.

All are welcome. Handicapped accessible Baha’i Community of Saratoga Springs 584-9679; 692-7694; usbnc.org.

Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 885-7312; ballstoncenterarpchurch.org Services: Sunday Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.

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

Bethesda Episcopal Church 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs 584-5980 Services: Sunday 6:30, 8 & 10 a.m.

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

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

Services: Sundays 10 a.m.

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

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

Congregation Shaara Tfille 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga Springs 584-2370; saratogasynagogue.org

Services: Saturday 9:30 a.m., Monday & Thursday 7:30 a.m., third Friday each month 7:30 p.m. Handicapped Accessible

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

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

Cornerstone Community Church Malta Commons 899-7001; mycornerstonechurch.org Associate Pastor Paul Shepherd Services: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Community 2001 Route 9 Round Lake 877-8506, ccorpusc@nycap.rr.com Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.; Weekday Masses: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.

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

Services: Sunday: 9:15 a.m.

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

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa 202 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50) 885-8361; fbcballstonspa.org Services: 10:15 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. • 885-5583 Services: Sunday at 10 a.m.

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

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

Handicapped accessible.

Grace Community Church of Malta Services: Wednesday 7:30 p.m.-Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd., 2nd Floor; Friday 7:30 p.m.-Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds.; Sunday 10 a.m.Comfort Suites, Clifton Park Greater Grace Community Church 43 Round Lake Rd. Ballston Lake (Malta Mall) 899-7777; .ggcc-malta.org Pastor David Moore Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012 Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville • 6644442 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 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

LivingWaters 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. • 581-0210 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Handicapped accessible

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Jim Knapp Services: Sunday 9 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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

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

St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-6122.

Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 8, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. & 5 p.m.

New Life Fellowship 51 Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs 580-1810; newlifeinsaratoga.org.

Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m.-noon Childcare is available at all services.

NorthStar Church Shenendehowa High School West Auditorium, Clifton Park 371-2811; northstarchurch.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Old Stone Church (American Baptist) 159 Stone Church Rd., Ballston Spa 583-1002 Services: Sunday: 9 a.m. Adult Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Service; 11:45 a.m.

Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Presbyterian-NE Congregational Church 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 584-6091; pnecc.org Services: Sunday 10:45 a.m.

587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Rd., Saratoga Springs 584-3720; saratogaumc.com.

Services: Sunday 9 & 10:45 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

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

Worship Service: 11:30 a.m.

Shenendehowa United Methodist 971 Route 146, Clifton Park 371-7964 Services: Sunday 7:45, 9 & 10:45 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m.

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

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

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

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; rcda.org/churches/St.JosephsChurch Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible

New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

TODAY

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7411; stmarysbsta.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon. Handicapped accessible St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church 771 Route 29, Rock City Falls 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; rcda.org/churches/ St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 149 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-0904 Services: Saturday 5 p.m. with Holy Communion. Sundays 8:30 & 11 a.m. with Holy Communion.

St. Peter Lutheran Church 2776 Route 9, Malta • 583-4153 Services: Sunday mornings 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Saratoga Chabad 130 Circular St., Saratoga Springs 526-0773; saratora@aol.com; saratogachabad.com Saratoga Friends Meeting(Quaker) Rts. 32 and 71, Quaker Springs

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-8730 Services: Friday 8 p.m. Handicapped accessible The Salvation Army Worship, Service & Community Center 27 Woodlawn Ave., Saratoga Springs 584-1640; Mail-P.O. Box 652 Captain Aaron A. Boone, Sr. Captain Amber S. Boone Commanding Officers/Ministers Services: Sunday School 10 a.m.; Praise & Worship 11 a.m.; Trinity United Methodist Church 155 Ballard Rd., Gansevoort 584-9107 tumcwilton.com Rev. Gail Falsetti-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; saratoga-uu.org Services: 10 a.m. Religious education and nursery care at the 10 a.m. service each Sunday.

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

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

Wilton Baptist Church 755 Saratoga Rd, Wilton 583-2736; wiltonbaptist@gmail.com; wiltonbaptistchurch.com Services: Sunday Service 11 a.m.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

25

Congratulations to our 2012 Women of Influence!

Photos by Deborah Neary for MarkBolles.com

Valerie Muratori

Melissa Ward

Stephanie Ferradino

Mary Gavin

Melissa Zieker

Sue Commanda

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

26

TODAY

Have a Memorable Memorial Day! (Family Features) On Memorial Day, the perfect party calls for friends, food and plenty of red, white and blue.

“It’s an easy party to pull off,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “Our celebration experts have created a patriotic themed spread of sweet and savory treats to provide fun for everyone.”

Set the event’s tone by using patriotic decorations— and continue utilizing the American theme throughout the meal.

“Serve an easy-to-eat meal dressed up with holiday colors,” says Siler. “All-Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns are a delicious spin on the classic burger. The cornbread buns are baked using the Wilton Star Whoopie Pie Pan to add a festive twist to the traditional bun.”

And if these warm temperatures continue, cool down with refreshing, fruity Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade. Have a blast decking out the glasses with stripes, stars and swirls using edible blue Sparkle Gel.

Visit www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas or to order baking and decorating supplies.

All-Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns Makes 12 buns and 12 sliders

Cornbread Buns 3/4 3/4 1

cup all-purpose flour cup yellow cornmeal tablespoon granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 eggs, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray Star Whoopie Pie Pan with vegetable cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add sour cream, oil and eggs, stirring just until smooth. Fill cavities 3/4 full, spreading batter to edges of star.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until center of bun springs back when touched. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove to cooling grid. Repeat with remaining batter.

Sliders 3/4 1 1/2 1/3 1

pound ground chuck egg, lightly beaten small yellow onion, minced (about 1/3 cup) cup shredded pepper jack cheese teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 1/4 5-6

teaspoon salt teaspoon chili powder dashes hot sauce, or to taste Preheat grill or broiler to medium high heat.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Form into a dozen 2-1/2-inch patties. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve with star buns and your favorite condiments.

Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade Makes about 8 servings 1 1/3 cups (about 6 ounces) fresh raspberries, divided 1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate Water Blue Sparkle Gel Place one raspberry in each cavity of the Star Ice Cube

Silicone Mold. Cover with water; freeze several hours to set. Reserve remaining raspberries.

In large pitcher, mix lemonade according to package instructions. In food processor or blender, pulse remaining raspberries until smooth; strain through sieve to remove seeds.

Stir raspberry puree into lemonade. Serve with raspberry ice cubes in glasses decorated with Blue Sparkle Gel.

Thank you to the brave men and women of the US military. Keep up the good work.

- Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

27

Chef Secrets: (Family Features) When it comes to making the perfect burger, every grill master needs a few tricks up their sleeve. From choosing the right ingredients, to knowing how to best maintain the flavor of the meat, mastering the basics is key.

Chef David Eisel of Bob Evans understands that following a specific method can produce a truly mouthwatering burger. “A better-tasting, restaurant-worthy burger starts with quality ingredients and a little creativity,” explains Eisel.

Here, Eisel shares his tips for grilling the perfect burger, his Backyard Burger recipe made with Bob Evans Original Sausage Roll for a fun twist, as well as a Country Sausage Macaroni and Cheese that will be the hit of the season.

Tips for Building a Better Burger For a better tasting burger, purchase ground chuck that contains 80 percent lean beef and 20 percent fat.

For additional flavor, add Bob Evans Original Sausage Roll to your burger mixture.

The flavor-enhancing effects of the sausage will add a nice layer of flavor and creativity to your classic burger recipe.

Create nicely shaped burger patties by making an indent in the middle of the patty with your thumb after forming. The indent helps the patty expand lengthwise as the meat tightens during cooking, rather than width-wise.

When making your own marinade, use a mixture of oil,

Grill the Perfect Burger

an acid such as vinegar, lime or lemon juice, an aromatic like garlic and onion, as well as salt and pepper. Make sure to marinate the meat in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours.

When grilling, prevent flareups by using the grill lid.

Use an instant-read thermometer and cook the patties until the internal temperature is at least 165°F. An internal temperature below this is not recommended when cooking with sausage.

To maintain the flavor and juiciness of the meat, never turn the burgers more than once while grilling.

Always toast the buns – either on the grill, or in a skillet – with butter or cooking spray to add another layer of flavor and crunch to the burger.

For more grilling favorites and recipes for entertaining, visit www.bobevans.com.

Backyard Burger Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10-15 minutes Makes: 8 burgers 1

pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Roll 1 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 teaspoon ground pepper 8 hamburger buns lettuce (optional) sliced tomato (optional) sliced onion (optional) In large bowl, combine first five ingredients. Form into 8 patties.

Over medium heat on a grill, cook burgers on each side until done, about 10-15 minutes. Serve with buns and favorite toppings.

Country Sausage Macaroni and Cheese Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Makes: 6-8 servings 1

2

1

pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Roll or Bob Evans Zesty Hot Sausage Roll packages Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese (20 ounces) can sliced mushrooms,

drained (4.5 ounces) cup diced tomatoes cup sliced green onions tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350°F. In large skillet, crumble and cook sausage until browned.

In a large bowl, combine sausage, macaroni and cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and 1 1/3 2

onions. Spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.

Cover and bake 30 minutes or until hot. Stir and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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SARATOGA

PULSE

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

Local Gigs Week of 5/25-5/31:

Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 5.25:

•Radio Junkies, 9 pm

•Tim Olsen Quartet, 9 pm

•Off the Hook, 10 pm

@ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•The Black Outs, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Laughter The Best Medicine, 8 pm @ didonna’s south shore - 584.0227

•Rick Bolton & Jeff Walton, 5 pm

•The High Peaks Band, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Rich Ortiz, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Double Take, 6 pm •Kings English, 10:30 pm @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Frankie Lessard, 4 pm •Vivid, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•Garcia Project, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

•Just Nate, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Underground Knowledge 4, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•The Refrigerators, 8 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip, 8:30 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Saturday, 5.26: •Jon Savage/Tim Veeder, 9 pm @ 9 maple avenue - 587.7759

•The High Peaks Band, 9 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•The Improv Club, 8 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Nouveau Jazz Beat, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106

•Tim Wechgelear Band, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ irish times - 583.0003 @ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

•Dan Sherwin, 9 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•Out of the Box, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Sweatpant$ Money, DJ Tony Platinum and more, 9 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Club Crush w/ DVDJ Reel, 9 pm @ vapor - 581.5772

•Joe Gitto, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Sunday, 5.27: •Memorial Day Open Stage, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

Thursday, 5.31: •Virgil Cain, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Jeff Walton, 6 pm @ horseshoe inn - 587.4909

•The Play Doughs, 8:30 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

•Jim Hood, 6:30 pm @ the mill - 899.5253

•Rich Ortiz, 6:30 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

•Tim Pohl, 9 pm @ wallabee’s jazz bar - 792.8282

Open Mics: •Sun. Open Mic, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

•Tue. w/Rick Bolton, 8 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

•Wed. Open Mic, 8 pm @ putnam den - 584.8066

•Thur. Open Mic, 7 pm @ caffè lena - 583.0022

•Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm @ circus café - 583.1106

SARATOGA

TODAY

PULSE

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

View to Hold Second Annual Gala Benefit OLD FORGE - Join the View art center for one of the most radiant celebration in the Adirondacks.

Held the evening of Friday, July 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m., View will celebrate the arts with its second annual gala benefit “A Bright View.” Back by popular demand, the enchanting evening is sure to inspire and entertain attendees as they celebrate the arts center’s bright future.

The evening will begin with a champagne greeting and an open bar cocktail hour, as well as a silent auction and live music. A tropically inspired dinner by A Moveable Feast will follow, with a live auction and spirit-lifting elixirs and wine provided by Swedish Hill Winery.

The evening will be sure to surprise and delight gala guests. View is keeping this year’s surprise performances a secret but is hinting that

they involve unbelievable feats of agility and brightness. With live predatory birds greeting attendees at last year’s gala, the anticipation is high for the surprises that are sure to come.

“Afterglow” will precede dinner with live music and dancing in View’s gorgeous performing arts space, Gould Hall, as well as an outdoor island cocktail lounge.

“A Bright View” is open to the public, with ticket prices beginning at $250 per person. Patron tables are also available for groups and businesses. Tickets can be purchased at www.ViewArts.org or by calling View at (315) 369-6411. Proceeds will help to fund View’s programming in their new 28,000 square foot building.

To learn more about View programming, visit www.ViewArts.org or call (315) 369-6411.

photo provided

Artist Drayton Jones takes a brush to canvas at View’s first annual gala benefit.

29

Wendy Whelan, Principal Dancer with NYCB, to Teach Master Class at Myers Dance Center in Saratoga SARATOGA SPRINGS Wendy Whelan, principal dancer with NYCB and artistic advisor of the Myers Dance Center, will teach a master ballet class in the Saratoga Springs Studio July 19, 2012. The class is only open to students who are registered in either the Schenectady or Saratoga summer dance pro-

grams. Class is for intermediateadvance levels.

“I am so excited to have Miss Myers and her excellent staff and dancers in Saratoga,” said Whelan.

“I have worked with them for many years performing in their annually sold-out performances of the “Nutcracker” at Proctor’s and am thrilled to be able to teach a class.

Registration for summer and fall courses at both locations is available online at www.myersnortheast.org. A full schedule of class descriptions will be available at both studios.

Myers Dance Center is located at 153 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs. For more information, call (518) 374 -0376.

30

SARATOGA

PULSE

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

Calling All Artists for Art in the Park Exhibitions SARATOGA SPRINGS Saratoga Arts is looking for its next batch of talented, enterprising artists to participate in two of its upcoming outdoor art exhibitions.

As two of the most popular outdoor art sales in the region, Saratoga Arts’ Art in the Park exhibition and sale will hold its first event Saturday, July 7, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Congress

Park. The second exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For artists looking to sell original fine art, this is a great opportunity to show Saratoga what you have to offer - assuming you register for the events on time.

Artists hoping to participate must register by Friday, June 4. (An extended deadline for September 15 will be set for August 15, only if the second event has not been filled by the 4th.) For fees and registration forms, visit www.saratogaarts.org/exhibitions, contact Saratoga Arts at (518) 584-4132 or email snatale@saratoga-arts.org. ~ Daniel Schechtman

Saratoga Adult & Senior Center hosts their Biggest Fundraising Event of the Year SARATOGA SPRINGS Music, Models, Mingling & More is the Saratoga Springs Adult and Senior Center’s largest fundraiser of the year, and tickets are on sale now for the May 31 event. Held from 7 - 10 p.m. at the Saratoga Polo Field, the event features an exciting and unique evening filled with gourmet foods, specialty cocktails, a mini-fashion show, a cigar gazebo, an extensive silent auction and live dance music performed by Grand Central Station.

The event also showcases: • Saratoga Polo Field

• Old Daley catering • Aggie Mullaney Boutique • Saratoga Saddlery • Saratoga Trunk • Life Rocks Jewelry • Joe Carr Wine • Saratoga Eagle • Lake Placid Vodka • Hudson Whiskey • James & Sons Tobacconists • Plum Dandy • The Bread Basket • Elizabeth's Table • Lily & the Rose Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online at www.saratogaseniorcenter.org or by calling (518) 584-1621.

Wilton Wildlife Park & Preserve Gears up for Wildlife Festival June 2

by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY WILTON - The Wilton Wildlife Park and Preserve has set its annual Wildlife Festival to coincide with National Trails Day, a Saturday, June 2 event at Camp Saratoga from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The festival, if everything goes according to plan, should also coincide with the emergence of the first batch of Karner Blue Butterflies, a species near extinction the park has worked to protect.

The festival will include nature walks, arts and crafts, food and drinks, live hawks, owls, reptiles, amphibians, rescue dogs and more. The animal programs will begin at 11 a.m., with repeat showings at 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.

The Cornell Hill Fire Tower will also be opened to the public during the event.

Rain or shine, head to Camp Saratoga June 2 to take part in the fun. Visit www.wiltonpreserve.org or call (518) 450-0321 to learn more.

photo by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAY

Take time to smell the flowers at Wilton Wildlife Park and Preserve.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

PULSE

31

Opening Reception for ‘Christopher Duggan at Inside/Out’ Photography Exhibition at National Museum of Dance SARATOGA SPRINGS - The National Museum of Dance is welcoming guests Wednesday, May 30 at 6 p.m. to the opening reception for artist Christopher Duggan’s photography exhibition “Christopher Duggan at Inside/Out: In Celebration of Jacob's Pillow's 80th Season.” The show was selected under the museum’s annual Art in the Foyer program, which annually welcomes dance-inspired fine art and is slated to run through May 2013.

Christopher Duggan has been the festival photographer at the worldrenowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival since 2006, and is the founder and principal photographer of Christopher Duggan Photography, a New York Citybased wedding and dance photography studio. He has worked with celebrated choreographers and performers of international acclaim, as well as upstarts in the city's diverse performance scene.

Each summer, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival welcomes top dance companies from around the globe.

This year marks the Pillow's 80th anniversary season, and Duggan’s exhibition draws from one of the festival’s most celebrated series.

Inside/Out offers free outdoor dance performances four nights per week during the festival season, each show set in the lush scenery of the Berkshire Hills. Duggan's specially curated exhibit comprises 15 large fine art prints that reflect the grandeur of the Inside/Out experience - watching dance atop a mountain, under the open sky - and features an array of dance styles and companies including Amanda Selwyn Dance Theater, Collage Dance Collective, and Yaa Samar!

Dance Theatre. Outdoor dance scenes have been iconic of Jacob’s Pillow since its founding by modern dancer and choreographer Ted Shawn, a C.V. Whitney Hall of Fame member. Duggan’s work at Inside/Out pays homage to this tradition while lending a fresh and intelligent eye to the world of movement art.

Wine and light hors d’oeuvres will be served during the reception.

Guests will have a chance to speak with the photographer about his work throughout the evening.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs to the museum are encouraged. To do so, call (518)584-2225, ext. 3009 or email sue@dancemuseum.org.

Tang Teaching Museum Presents 12th ‘UpBeat on the Roof’ Summer Series SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College has announced the 2012 lineup for their 12th annual “UpBeat on the Roof” summer concert series.

Featuring regional and local artists, these open-air performances bring together a wide array of musical talents and sensibilities performing in a variety of genres. The rooftop is accessible via the museum elevator or outdoor staircase, and in the case of rain or inclement weather, performances will be held inside the museum.

All performances are free and begin at 7 p.m.

The bands and performing dates are as follows: June 8: Railbird, indie pop/experimental July 6: Low ‘N Lonesome, fingerstyle/acoustic blues July 13: Holly and Evan, blues/jazz/soul July 20: Street Corner Holler, roots/blues and raw Americana July 27: The Blue Olives, funky blues/jazz/classic rock Aug. 3: Brian Patneaude Quartet, modern jazz Aug. 10: Steven L. Smith Band, roots rock/alternative country Aug. 17: Three Gals and Their Buddy Larry, folk rock Aug. 24: Deja Voodoo Boys, New Orleans-derived swing Aug. 31: Bryan Thomas, acoustic soul The Tang Museum is located at 815 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. To learn more, visit www.tang.skidmore.edu or call (518) 580-8080.

photo by Christopher Duggan

One of Christopher Duggan’s photographs, featured at the National Museum of Dance.

32

SARATOGA

PULSE

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Yaddo Garden Rock Fountain Restored SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Adirondack Trust Company provided the Yaddo Gardens with a $83,300 gift to help restore the retreat’s beautiful rock garden. The gift was given in honor of Jane A. Wait, founder of the Yaddo Garden Association, (YGA) and mother of Adirondack Trust Company President and Executive Director Charles Wait.

“In her role as a member of the Corporation of Yaddo and as founder of the YGA, Jane has accomplished so much and she has the gratitude of all of us involved

with Yaddo,” said Yaddo President Elaina Richardson. “We are delighted that she is being honored this way. The rock garden is a dramatically beautiful spot and it is thrilling to know it has been restored to its original luster.”

Wait stepped down from her role with the YGA in 2011. Today, the YGA boasts 180 members, who in 2011 spent over 4,289 hours to restore and maintain the gardens, which are open to the public and attract approximately 35,000 visitors annually. ~Daniel Schechtman

photos by MarkBolles.com

Top: Jane Wait, founder of the Yaddo Garden Association, readies to cut the ribbon to celebrate the garden’s restored fountain along with her son, Charles Wait, president and chief executive officer of Adirondack Trust Company.

Right: Yaddo President Elaina Richardson, Jane Wait and granddaughter Sascha Wait enjoy the gardens before the ceremony.

TODAY

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES

Sudoku

33 Smile at each other; smile at your wife; smile at your husband; smile at your children; smile at each other.

Mother Teresa

Words to know: scuttlebutt: n, gossip or rumor

Crossword

See puzzle solution on page 36

Scrabblegram

Movie Review

See puzzle solution on page 36

ACROSS 1 Platoʼs “T” 4 Golfing countryman of Sergio and José María 8 Petal oils 14 Good times 15 Canned 16 Big Apple musical attraction 17 Where to find joe at the hotel?

19 1980s Cabbage Patch Kids producer 20 Pier gp.

21 Clasp in a boardroom 23 Knock 24 When in Act I Hamletʼs fatherʼs ghost first speaks 26 Metal recycling center sound?

28 Air intake spot 30 Address 31 NFL extra periods 32 Siouan language 34 “Illmatic” performer 35 Bit of surfing damage?

38 Pay stub?

40 Dirt 41 ISP option 44 Like C work 47 iPhone current events app 49 Gang of market pessimists?

51 Like string in catʼs cradle 52 Bug 53 Sister of Janet 55 Rush find 56 Muffle 58 Basketball contest champ?

61 Baby on a cliff 62 “For here __ go?”

63 Old pro 64 Draft holders 65 Addams family nickname 66 Network logo since 1951 DOWN 1 Soaking place 2 Jam fruit 3 Futile 4 Dated 5 Permit to leave the country 6 Caesarean section?

7 Just beat 8 Where some kids spend summers 9 1912 Olympic legend 10 Rolodex no.

11 Kafka novel 12 Takes back 13 Like much rush-hour traffic 18 Desire

The Cabin in the Woods

If you’ve ever watched a horror movie, you’ve seen characters headed for their doom after making an obvious mistake and asked yourself, ‘How could they be so stupid?’ What if your job depended on that very stupidity? Better yet, what if the world as we knew it depended on that stupidity?

Five college students, Dana (played by Kristen Connolly), Curt (played by Thor himself Chris Hemsworth), Jules (played by Anna Hutchison), Marty (played by Fran Kranz) and Holden (played by Grey’s Anatomy’s Jesse Williams) are all packed and ready for some much-needed rest and relaxation in a remote cabin in the woods (I know, the title was no help in predicting that). Separately, two men in a corporate facility whose nature is not fully explained are gearing up for a series of operations taking place worldwide and one happening domestically that determines the future of their employment. While enroute to their secluded cabin, our college students stop for gas and are more than moderately spooked by the station attendant who tells them that tragedies have befallen more than one of the previous owners. Still they press on and the attendant, Mordecai (played by Tim de Zarn), then relays that to the two men in the cor-

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

See puzzle solutions on page 36

22 Transported from another area, as a special work force 24 __-Cat 25 Switch back?

27 Twinge 29 ʼ70s-ʼ80s Seahawks receiver Steve 33 East Berlin was its cap.

35 “Roseanne” star 36 Some dental work 37 Fiddling tyrant 38 Pig out 39 Amount getting out

41 Strip (of) 42 Eliotʼs “__ Among the Nightingales” 43 ʼ60s “trip” drug 44 Puts up with 45 “Americaʼs Funniest People” co-host Sorkin 46 West Coast team 48 Kindle rival 50 Literary no-show 54 Doctor Zhivago 57 Half of MCII 59 __-i-noor diamond 60 Verizon forerunner

porate facility (played by Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford) while they laugh at the man’s ghoulish demeanor which he maintains long after the collegians depart.

There’s a good deal more to this story, but to reveal any more would give away too much.

What I can tell you is that I enjoyed this movie immensely. The relatively unknown cast members serve their purpose and the more accomplished professionals, namely Whitford, Jenkins, and a largely unseen Sigourney Weaver add an entirely different dimension to a film that might otherwise be cookie-cutter from its inception. If you enjoy horror or enjoy a good parody, you will enjoy The Cabin the Woods. (7.0/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

SARATOGA

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

34

classified TODAY’s

M A R K E T P L A C E

Call (518) 581-2480 x 204 Publication day Friday

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Ad Copy Due Wednesday 12:00 p.m.

MERCHANDISE

AVIATION MAINTENANCE /AVIONICS Graduate in 14 Months. FAA Approved; Financial aid if qualified.Job placement assistance.

Call National Aviation Academy Today! 800-292-3228 or NAA.edu

'05 Pursuit Motor Home 35 wide, (2) 12' slideouts, well maintained. 35K miles, new tires, many extras. Best Offer. Call 482-5715

Driver- Up to $.42/mile plus $.02/mile safety bonus. Daily Pay. Weekly Hometime. Van and Refreigerated. CDL-A, 3 months recent esperience required 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

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

"Not applicable in Queens county"

VETERANS CAREER TRAINING-Use your post 9/11 G I benefits to become a professional tractor trailer driver.

National Tractor Trailer School, Liverpool, Buffalo NY branch www.ntts.edu 800-243-9300 Consumer Information: www.ntts.edu/ programs/disclosures Drivers: Great Hometime, $.40 CPM plus Bonus, Benefits, 99% No-Touch, 24 hr. dispatch, late model equip.

CDL-A 2yrs tractor/trailer exp. req.

Logistics One: 1-888-598-7248 , x120

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Paid expenses. Signing Bonus.

Energetic & fun? Call: 866-251-0768 AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job Placement Assistance.

CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093

SAWMILLS from only $3997.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N Privacy Hedge, Windbreak, Cedar Tree, Evergreen Mail Order $7.50, Delivery, Installation Other Species Available! Services Available in NY, NJ, & New England. CALL 1-800-889-8238 or 518-314-1446 discounttreefarm.com

ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. Work from anywhere 24/7.

Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/ mo. Full Time. Training provided. www.workservices3.com Albany, NY Area Athletic Republic Training Franchise! Turnkey business includes: equipment, build-out, established customer base, protected territory. Perfect for sports medicine pros. Call 518-879-4002, Jack@AthleticRepublicCP.com

SERVICES

Business Service Directory cleaning

Clean As A Whistle Professional Residential Cleaning From our shining customer service, to your sparkling clean home, you can count on Clean As A Whistle!

Reliable. Insured. Bonded 518-894-4476

decorating ELEGANT INTERIORS Custom painting and wallpapering. Residential/ light commercial. Faux finishes. Custom Molding.

Free estimates fully insured/ ref. Evenings & weekend schedules avail.

When attention to detail matters.

Greg Perreault (518)366-5743

small engine repair Adirondack Equipment Repair Snowblowers, Chain Saws, Lawn Equipment. Pick up & Delivery 581-3809 87 Old Schuylerville Rd, Saratoga Springs, 12866

Reach the most readers with Saratoga TODAY Classifieds!

Call 581-2480 TODAY!!

GARAGE SALE CRAFT/GARAGE SALE VENDORS WANTED The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Ladies Auxiliary is looking for market vendors for an indoor market to be held once a month at the Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, off Rte.9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga, on Sundays from 11 to 3:30 pm. Admission is free and the cost for an 8 foot table space will be $15 each paid in advance. Doors will open to set up at 9:30 am. The next dates are June 24, September 23, October 28, and November 25, 2012.

Come and enjoy; for an application or to answer any questions please call Linda at 289-5470 or Debbie at 885-6506. The money is used for our ongoing community donations.

Space Reservation Due Monday 5:00 p.m.

TODAY

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SARATOGA

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CLASSIFIED

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

ADOPTION ADOPTION: DEVOTED FAMILY promises to cherish your child unconditionally. Financially secure, expenses paid. Your child is already loved in our hearts!

Susan/Patrick 1-877-266-9087. www.susanandpatrickadopt.com ADOPT: A happy couple promise your newborn a life of love, laughter, security and large extended family.

Expenses paid. Please call Brian and Jennifer. 888.262.0237 Pregnant, scared, need help?

Licensed agency offers free confidential counseling, financial assistance, guidance, opened/closed adoption, choice of loving, pre-approved families. Call Joy: 866-922-3578. www.ForeverFamiliesThrough Adoption.org.

FOR RENT

WILTON McGregor Village Apts.

SPRING SPECIAL - 1ST MONTH FREE 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only.

(A/C avail) 518-886-8013 All 1st flr. units includes features for persons w/disabilities required by the Fair Housing Act. Now $775/month.

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

Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

$314,900

37 LUTHER RD, SARATOGA SPRINGS Attention all Globalfoundries employees relocating! Look no farther... Immaculate colonial set back on almost 5 acres only minutes to plant, dowtown saratoga and saratoga lake.

Long private driveway and professionally bricked entry enhance your first impression of this lovely home. Open floor plan, exposed natural beamed ceiling and brick fireplace welcome you upon entry. Updates include windows, security system and wood stove hookup. Very peaceful setting with everything you need just minutes away.

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Virginia Seaside Lots- Spectacular 3+ acre estate lots in exclusive development on the seaside (the mainland) overlooking Chincoteague Bay, islands and ocean beyond. Gated entrance, caretaker, private paved roads, community pier, pool and club house which includes 2 bedroom guest suites for property owners. Great climate, fishing, clamming and National Seashore beaches nearby. Just 30 miles south of Ocean City, Md. Absolute buy of a lifetime, recent bank sale makes these lots available at 1/3 original price! Priced at only $49,000 to $65,000. For info call (757) 824-5284, email: oceanlandtrust@yahoo.com, pictures on website:www.corbinhall.com

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In town, 8 yr old, 4 bdrm Colonial for under $300k.

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Large living room, formal dining room, eat in kitchen w/slider to backyard, family room w/gas fp. Ist floor laundry. Great neighborhood and close to all Saratoga has to offer. No need to go out to the burbs, priced to sell! Open House Sunday 6/3 12-2.

Jane W Mehan 587-4500 jmehan@roohanrealty.com RoohanRealty.com

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

35

36

SARATOGA

SPORTS

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

TODAY

Community Sports Bulletin Wilton Rotary Club Presents the Seventh Annual Wilton Rotary Golf Classic The Rotary Club of Wilton proudly presents its seventh annual Golf Classic sponsored

by Turbine Services, Ltd. at Airway Meadows Golf Club on Saturday, June 16, 2012. It will be a shotgun-start, four-person scramble followed by a buffet dinner under the clubhouse tent.

Tickets cost $90 per person to golf or $25 to join us for dinner and the auction afterward.

The club will conduct a live auction for a variety of wonderful prizes donated by local businesses. There will also be a Golf Ball Drop sponsored by Minich

MacGregor Wealth Management and Saratoga Veterinary Hospital PC. Golf balls are sold for $5 each. If your ball rolls in the cup, you could win $500 cash. All proceeds from the sales of golf balls will be donated to Jake’s Help From Heaven, a local nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple medical challenges and disabilities.

Funds raised through the golf tournament will help support the Wilton Rotary Club’s numerous charitable projects and various local organizations such as the

Nominees Sought For Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame The Saratoga Springs City School District is seeking nominations for the Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. The program honors former student-athletes and coaches, as well as other individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the athletics program.

Nomination forms are due by June 15 and are available at the high school athletic office or the school district website at www.saratogaschools.org/h alloffame. Nominees can include former student-athletes who graduated from the high school at least five

years ago and former coaches who retired from coaching at least three years ago. There is also a category for honorary members, who can include supporters of the athletic program.

Examples include counselors, faculty managers, scorekeepers, media and administrators.

There is no specific timetable for nominees for the honorary category.

Nominations will be kept on file and considered for induction for three consecutive years.

A committee composed of current and former coaches, high school administrators, community members, and current and retired athletic direc-

tors will review the nominations and select the honorees.

Peter Sheehan, director of physical education and athletics, said the Hall of Fame will be self-supporting, with financial support generated through the efforts of patrons, sponsors, booster clubs and targeted fundraising efforts.

Puzzle Solutions from p.33 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

Wilton Food Pantry, YMCA, Wilton Youth Baseball, Christopher Dailey Foundation, and the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. Wilton Rotary also contributes to Rotary International Foundation projects such as Pure Water for the World, Gift of Life, Shelterbox and the Water Buffalo Project.

The Rotary Club of Wilton is one of 31,000 similar clubs in 165 countries. Since Rotary began in 1905, the good work of the club and its volunteers has spanned the globe. Rotary International’s 1.2 million mem-

bers worldwide are dedicated to volunteer community service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations, and furthering international peace. In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, Rotary International contributes millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and relief in the United States and around the world.

For more information and registration forms, visit www.wiltonrotary.com or call Don Wildermuth at (518) 583-3114.

Malta Community Center Announces Summer Break Basketball Camp The Malta Community Center will be offering two separate weeks of basketball camp. The camp will focus on developing players skills along with games, contests and T-shirts for boys and girls ages 8-12. The camp begins during summer break and will be run

by Chris Cordes.

The first session will be June 25 June 29 and the second session will run August 27 - August 31. Both weeks will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - noon for boys and 1-4 p.m. for girls. Registration costs $110 for Malta residents and $121 for non-residents for each session.

For more information, call Malta Community Center at (518) 899-4411.

Registration will be open until June 18.

SARATOGA

TODAY

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Kids Need More Than Just a Great T-shirt

Damian Fantauzzi The never-ending process of learning about our favorite sports reveals the fact that we don't know everything about the game, whichever game that might be.

There's always something to learn about the game, new or old.

Basketball, for example, has so many aspects and concepts that as a coach or player you can never be fully satisfied with the knowledge of the sport. It's important to have an open mind to accept what might be the new concepts or developments that are imperative to teaching or learning the sport. There's a certain genius related to the game that hasn't been fulfilled.

There may be fundamentals in athletics that some coaches, players and parents don't deal with as principles that need to be physically worked on. Reasons for the "without attention to detail" philosophy is an approach of not teaching certain preliminary fundamentals, and in my opinion, is a deficiency in the instruction and knowledge of how to teach those skills. Many young athletes are lacking the ability to perform certain skills, and most likely, they were never taught the basics. The old saying that “you can't teach old dogs new tricks” really comes into play when trying to de-program a youngster in the development of necessary fundamentals. In relationship to my passion, basketball, I have seen so many kids with the potential of becoming good players lose interest in the game of basketball because of their fear of failure to change their skills, resulting in the inability to perform at a higher level.

This is not a criticism of the youth-level coaches. In some instances, these kids were on teams coached by parents who might lack the knowledge to teach the skills such as the important little things of the game: the basic fundamentals.

These parent-coaches are to be given credit for sacrificing their time to be there for and mentor young athletes. This is a story that is pretty much a scenario throughout the country, especially in American Amateur Union-level (AAU) sports which has grown to an unimaginable number of participants. There are many coaches and players involved in this national organization that there is an epidemic regarding the lack of space and time for these teams to practice.

With the rampant growth of social media, there is so much information that can be downloaded from the Internet, where coaches and players alike can have their needs satisfied.

Understanding and processing that information is another story. Can too much knowledge be detrimental to anyone? Is too much of a good thing overpowering? I find this to be a contradictory concept mainly because there is another old saying that is athletically philosophical to staying focused. The acronym KISS (keep it simple, stupid) is used by coaches all over the country. I can both agree and disagree with this acronym. On one hand, it isn’t meant to overwhelm the players (and in some cases the coaches) and the other related cliché is that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

Keeping it simple for the players makes sense to a degree, but a little knowledge doesn't mean you will be prepared to perform in pressured situations. Relating to practice, I always believed in preparing my basketball teams for the many scenarios that they might be confronted with during a game, while understanding the fact that I couldn't ready them at 100 percent for the serendipitous reactions that can and do happen in basketball.

As a coach, it is important to keep pace with the ever-growing or

changing tools of sports that are out there and have the attitude that you need to be like a sponge that's saturated with the knowledge of the game. You can't know everything because there is so much to learn, so it's necessary to store what you have learned on your computer or note pads and use that information and knowledge as a necessary reference when needed.

A continual evaluation of individual players and the team's progress is also a process that is an absolute necessity for a coach's records. All of that’s important, as well as preparing children for a possible future in sports, from elementary all the way through their future years, whether they're going to play at a higher level or not! To demonstrate my point, a couple of important basketball concepts that all of my former team players, both boys and girls, had to learned were man-to-man defense and the development of shooting skills. To this day, some of my ex-players can remember learning those skills and have always been grateful for it. A coach has a duty to teach the athletes the right stuff and the parents have to have the common sense to not live their lives or dreams of athletic prowess through their kids.

There should not be any excuses for failure. Take the responsibility for these failures or weaknesses and use them as learning tools.

Don't speed up the process. There are no collegiate-level athletic scholarships for elementary or middle school athletes. If the parents love the game, shouldn’t the kid? It has to be their passion.

Parents, be on the same team as the coach and allow the coach to teach your child! Get them to camps where they will be taught the little things of the game, the fundamentals, not a camp to see someone famous that offers minimal instruction, and, of course, a great T-shirt!

37 SPORTS Adirondack Phantoms Dismiss Head Coach Joe Paterson

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY GLENS FALLS – As the collective hockey world shifts its attention to the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals, the Adirondack Phantoms will begin their next season with a new head coach behind the bench.

The National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers organization announced on May 22 that Joe Paterson had been relieved of his duties as the head coach for their minor league affiliate Adirondack.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said in a press release that the team needed a “new voice moving forward” and thanked Paterson for his commitment and dedication to the team. Paterson had been the coach since December 2010 and managed a 37-35-2-2 record this season before finishing five points shy of the final Eastern Conference berth in the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs. A former member of the Flyers, Paterson lasted 125 games total as the head coach of the Phantoms and went a respectable 6255-8 over the course of a season and a half with the club.

Paterson’s dismissal may come as a bit of a surprise to some Adirondack fans who know how difficult the season could have been. Despite a less than stellar roster, and numerous players called up to the NHL during the season, they fought hard to finish just shy of a playoff berth.

Along with having logged ice time for the Flyers in the past, Paterson has ties locally, playing 169 games as a member of the now-defunct Adirondack Red Wings. His firing becomes a bit questionable, and even surprising, once you start to look at how Philadelphia operates their farm system.

Philadelphia doesn’t seem to use their minor league affiliates as a place to develop young talent as much as a roster to store potential fourth-line injury replacements. The fact that three of the Phantoms top four scoring players are signed to AHL-only contracts, meaning they cannot be

called up to the NHL, serves to further support that theory. The only exception is the team’s leading scorer, Jason Akeson. In fact, only five players on the entire roster were drafted

by Philadelphia.

Another factor to consider regarding Paterson’s level of coaching can be found in the praise both Holmgren and Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette had for Phantoms players who were called up to the big league level and how well they seemed to be prepared for the transition. Left wing Eric Wellwood even managed to tally five goals and four assists in just 25 games after being called up to Philadelphia, and he played well despite not scoring a point during 11 playoff games.

Paterson had been able to manage a decent record despite the Flyers cherry-picking their best players, who were sparse to begin with. Die-hard hockey fans can tell you when teams overachieve despite inferior talent, the accolades typically end up supporting the idea of strong coaching.

Instead of praise, Paterson was rewarded by being fired. The Flyers have yet to announce who will replace Paterson.

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SARATOGA

SPORTS

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

34th Annual Freihofer’s Run for Women Expects Extremely Competitive Field for Masters Division ALBANY Defending Freihofer’s Run for Women champion Lisa Harvey is set to headline another strong masters field at the 34th annual Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K on Saturday, June 2 in Albany, New York.

A 10K specialist who represented Canada at 10,000 meters at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Harvey hit the tape last year in a time of 17:49, almost 30 seconds ahead of 2011 USA Masters 5K victor Emily Bryans.

The Calgary resident, who recently finished first overall at the 2012 Ice Breaker Five-Mile race, will toe the line with another of her nation’s top over-40 distance runners, Paula Wiltse of Brockville, Ontario. Wiltse is a 2008 Freihofer’s masters champion whose recent results include first master at both the 2012 Toronto Yonge Street 10K and 2012 Harry's Spring Run-Off 8K. "This is definitely going to be a hard-fought race," said Freihofer’s Run for Women Elite Athlete Recruiter John Tope, noting that the course is home to Colleen DeReuck’s 2004 Masters World and U.S. All-Comers record of 15:48. "Any of our over-40 entrants could run off with the coveted 5K title."

Polish distance runner Dorota Gruca, who finished 30th in the marathon at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, has also booked her ticket to New York’s Capital Region. Gruca, 42, has been running well this year as evidenced by her first-place masters finish at last weekend’s Lilac Bloomsday Run, coupled with a first-place masters finish at April’s Carlsbad 5000 (16:58) against a strong field of past Olympic and world-class runners.

The U.S. field will be well represented in Sheri Piers, the 10th place overall and first American woman finisher at the 2012 Boston Marathon. Piers, 40, who

TODAY

Hannah Martin Reaches Number One in United States Judo Rankings Career-high ranking thanks to World Cup gold medal

hails from Falmouth, Maine, and is coached by three-time Australian Olympian and Freihofer’s Run for Women champion Benita Willis, is a 2:37 marathoner and the 2011 national masters champion at the distance.

She is currently ranked third in the 40-44 age group.

Piers will be joined on the starting line by fellow Mainer and running icon Joan Samuelson, the first gold medalist for the inaugural women's Olympic Marathon at the Los Angeles Games.

Samuelson, 54, who has been running competitively for more than three decades, remains an inspiration for runners and athletes of all ages. Earlier this year she was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions.

Kara Haas, a competitive runner for the past 23 years, will also make her Freihofer’s debut. The 41-year-old Chelmsford, Mass., resident, who played basketball in college before switching to cross country, has personal records that include 17:27 5K and 81:37 Half Marathon.

The St. Anselm College graduate was the second master at the 2012 BAA 5K, and first master at the 2012 USATFNE Half Marathon Championships, the 2011 BU Mini Meet 3,000m and the 2011 Philadelphia Half Marathon.

Hoping to block everyone from the podium will be five-time Freihofer’s masters champion Carmen Troncoso of Austin, Texas. The 5-foot-1-inch, 93pound dynamo, who ran 17:46 in

2010 to win the event’s over-50 title, knows the Freihofer’s course like the back of her hand and will certainly use that inside knowledge to her advantage. Troncoso continues to run strongly and recently earned second in the 1500m and first in the 5,000m at the 2011 Masters World Championships.

Rounding out the field in style — and showing that it’s never too late to run competitively — will be Libby James, a mother of four and grandmother of 12 who didn’t start running until her mid-40s.

Since that time James has made her mark, setting national records in the 5K (both 70-74 and 75-79 age groups), as well as the 10K (75-79 age group) and the 10-mile (75-79 age group). She is the 2011 Running Times "Master Runner of the Year" in age groups 70-74 and 75-79 and was recently inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame.

"I’m really looking forward to this one," added longtime Event Director George Regan. "All the elements are in place for this race to be a real nail biter."

For more information or to register for the 2012 Freihofer’s Run for Women, Freihofer’s Community Walk, Freihofer’s Kids’ Run, Freihofer’s Junior 3K and the CapitalCare/CDPHP Health & Fitness Expo, visit http://www.freihofersrun.com.

From the home page, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

Photo Provided

Martin (in blue) made quick work of the competition in El Salvador EL SALVADOR - Burnt HillsBallston Lake High School graduate Hannah Martin, 23, captured her first 63-kilogram World Cup gold medal in El Salvador over the weekend. Martin dominated Kathrin Unterwurzacher of Austria and Catherine Pinard of Canada in her first two bouts before slamming long time Canadian rival Stephanie Tremblay with harai for ippon (full point) in the final. The win improved her record against Tremblay to 8-4. This result catapults Martin to a career-high number-one ranking in the United States after being in this weight class for only one year now. Martin was ranked numberone briefly at 57-kilograms before having to move up to 63kilograms.

Martin’s move up the rankings comes just one week after Glenville’s Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) athletes won two USA World Cup bronze medals, seven U.S. Open medals (one gold, six bronze) and placed two athletes on the 2012 United States Olympic team during an event last week in Miami.

Martin currently trains at the JMJC. In other JMJC news, Tony Sangimino, 21, posted a 3-1

record to earn a silver medal beating Manny Galvez of Spain, Reginald De Windt of Netherlands Antilles and Scott McCrandle of Canada before falling in the final to Max Buga from Russia. Sangimino jumps from number-five all the way to number-two on the U.S. rankings list right behind former JMJC teammate and 2012 Olympian, Travis Stevens.

Brad Bolen, 23, stretched his medal streak to five straight events, as he picked up a bronze in the 66-kilogram weight class, posting a 3-1 record which culminated with a big win over Francinildo Bernardes of Brazil in the bronze medal match. Bolen previously won the U.S. Nationals event in Dallas, took bronze medals at the Pan-Am event in Montreal, USA World Cup and the U.S. Open in Miami.

Nick Kossor went 2-2 to place fifth at 60-kilogram weight class to close out the JMJC's participation in El Salvador.

While his JMJC teammates were in competing at the World Cup, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High junior, Jack Hatton won a bronze medal at the 73-kilogram weight class during the Ontario Open in Toronto in the 17-19year-old division.

SARATOGA

TODAY

SPORTS

Week of May 25 - May 31, 2012

Third Annual SPAC Rock & Run Starts 2012 Season

Photos by Lawrence White Photography

Men’s and Women’s Overall Winners:

Rick Bush (16:25)

Mesha Brewer (17:43)

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) kicked off their 2012 season May 20 with the third annual “Rock & Run” 5K fundraiser event.

The first event of the venue’s calendar year saw over 1,000 runners tackle a certified 5K course on SPAC grounds. The family-friendly

event also had a 1K Kids’ Run to get the young ones involved, and bands were stationed along the course route to provide live music for the race participants. Proceeds for the event went to help support SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson program, which provides underserved children a chance to see classical performances.

The gorgeous day made for some

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great running weather and yielded impressive times from the two overall winners. The men’s division was won by 35-year-old Rick Bush from Gansevoort. Bush crossed the finish line in 16 minutes, 25 seconds. The women’s division was won by Saratoga Springs’ own Mesha Brewer. The 32-year-old finished the course in 17 minutes, 43 seconds.

Coach Fired page 37

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sports

Masters page 38 Week of May 25 May 31, 2012

Vol. 7 • Issue 21 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY Photos by Lawrence White Photography