Saratoga Today 12-07

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Volume 7 • Issue 49 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

Changing the Way a Community Eats

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY MIDDLE GRANVILLE – As more and more people become conscious of where the food they eat comes from, the demand for more organically produced or locally sourced food increases. As demand for food increases, so too does the need for new farming practices and techniques that minimize the effect on the planet, while maximizing the return in a completely natural manner.

Dog Flu Warning

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY

Enter Michael Kilpatrick.

Kilpatrick, of the eponymous Kilpatrick Family Farm, is already an accomplished farmer in his own right. Kilpatrick Farm is one of the largest vendors at the Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market, as well as the Glens Falls Farmers’ market.

The young farmer’s thriving business offers consumers over 50 vegetables – everything from artichoke to watermelon – throughout the

See Story page 7

BALLSTON SPA – While national attention has been paid to the spreading of a new canine influenza on the East Coast, and after a couple of cases have been reported in the area, a local veterinarian is urging the public not to panic.

“I do not want to underplay it nor do I want to overplay it,” said Dr. Eric Anderson of the Ballston

See Canine Flu page 5

Inside TODAY…

Around We Go . . . Again

Education

hearing December 3 to voice their concerns on the safety of roundabouts.

An advisory committee comprised of both residents and town officials was formed in 2011 to prepare a Malta Round Lake Road Corridor Plan which the Board

Gift Guide

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY MALTA - As the Malta Town Board moves closer to completing a concept plan for a project that would add more roundabouts to lessen the traffic burden on Round Lake Road, dozens of residents made an appearance at a public

pg 8

pg 10-12 Families Today pg 18-28 Pulse pg 31-33

See Roundabouts page 6

Rendering provided

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Festival of Trees Wraps Up with Breakfast with Santa Photos by MarkBolles.com SARATOGA SPRINGS – The annual Festival of Trees event ran through the weekend at Saratoga Springs City Center, kicking off the month of December with three separate breakfasts with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus herself. As visitors filed in to view all the nicely decorated trees, the little ones got to break bread with the most popular man of the holiday season. Our photographer captured all the smiling faces and joyous tidings as they unfolded that day.

Young Anna Ramsdill shows Mr. and Mrs. Claus her favorite toy, in hopes of scoring a few more come Christmas morning.

Annika, Anissa and Amaya Kilinski inside the festival showroom.

Raquelle Hughes-Fox’s smile lights up like a Christmas tree.

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Lloyd E. Taylor, 47, of Route 146 in Clifton Park was sentenced November 28 to time served and a five year probationary period to include Drug Treatment Court after pleading guilty October 4 to the charge of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony.

James J. Garafalo, 18, of Hillcrest Lane in Saratoga Springs was sentenced November 28 to one year in Saratoga County Jail to run consecutively with a second, separate one year sentence for two separate charges of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony.

He was arrested April 29, 2012 and then again on September 26, 2012 on the same charge.

Robin M. Talback, 50, of Younglove Avenue in Cohoes was indicted November 29 in Saratoga County Court on charges of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony.

Michael B. Williams, 24, of Maple Avenue in Hudson Falls was indicted November 29 in Saratoga County Court on charges of robbery in the second-degree, a Class C felony, and assault in the second degree, a Class D felony.

Richard Collier, 31, of Saratoga Avenue in South Glens Falls was indicted in Saratoga County Court on charges of robbery in the second-degree, a Class C felony, and assault in the second degree, a Class D felony.

Michael J. Wheeler, 37, of Bay Street in Glens Falls pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court to charges of attempted sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class E felony.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2013.

David P. Kownack, 43, of Nottingham Way South in Clifton Park, was re-sentenced by Saratoga County Judge Jerry Scarano to enlarged conditions of probation stemming from charges of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, to include Drug Treatment Court according to a spokesperson for the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office.

Richmond A. Principe, 20, of Fort Edward Road in Fort Edward pleaded guilty In Saratoga County Court to making an apparently sworn false statement in the first degree, a Class E felony.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2013.

Michael J. Torturo, 28, of Burrello Court in Mechanicville pleaded guilty in Saratoga County

BLOTTER

Court to burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2013.

Joel J. Torres, 22, of East Main Street in Amsterdam was sentenced to one-and-a-half to three years in a New York State prison and restitution of $4,462.47 after pleading guilty November 5 to attempted reckless endangerment in the firstdegree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourthdegree, both Class E felonies.

Thomas M. Allen, 24, of Palmer Avenue in Corinth was resentenced December 4 in Saratoga County Court by Judge Jerry Scarano to two years in New York State prison, five years of post-release

supervision concurrent with federal failure to register as a sex offender imposed May 11, 2012.

Joseph E Leonard, 20, of Henry Street in Amsterdam pleaded guilty to criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2013.

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James R. Evans, 52, of Pyramid Pines in Saratoga Springs was sentenced to five years probation to include Drug Treatment Court and the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device stemming from charges of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony.

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WEEK IN REVIEW Two Teens Die in Northway Accident

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Editorial Andrew Marshall 581-2480 x 206 Managing Editor Sports amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Chelsea DiSchiano 581-2480 x 214 Features Editor Pulse, Community Corner chelsea@saratogapublishing.com Patricia Older 581-2480 x 203 Business, Obituaries, Briefs patricia@saratogapublishing.com

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HALFMOON – Two teenagers from the Shenedehowa High School died in a horrific two-car accident on the Northway Saturday night, while two more were hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle that hit the rear of their Ford Explorer was allegedly driving erratically moments before the accident, weaving in and out of traffic and travelling at a high rate of speed.

Christopher Stewart and Deanna Rivers, both 17, died in the accident. Classmates Matthew Hardy, also 17, and Bailey Wind, 17, a Shaker High School senior, were severely injured. Hardy has since been released from the hospital while Wind remains hospitalized.

The students were on their way home after watching a basketball game at the Times Union Center.

Their Ford was in the far right lane of the Northway, just north of the Twin Bridges. Eyewitness accounts say that the Volvo driven by 22-year-old Dennis S. Drue of Clifton Park was in the far left lane before it quickly switched to the middle lane behind another car. He then allegedly switched again to the far left ending up behind the Explorer. The Volvo smashed into the back of the SUV sending both off the road. The Explorer flipped several times before

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

ending up on its side in the trees.

Wind and Hardy were admitted to Albany Medical Center with severe injuries while Drue was treated for head injuries at Ellis Hospital and released. Drue’s injury had prevented police from administering a field sobriety on the scene, but a breath screening revealed the presence of alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. Toxicology results will not be in for several weeks.

Drue has had several driving infractions in recent years, including speeding. No charges against Drue have been filed.

Man Admits Guilt in Girl’s Death MILTON – The man accused of hitting a 14-year-old Milton girl and killing her in a drunk driving accident plead guilty to the highest charge against him minutes before the grand jury was scheduled to hear testimony in the case.

Gavin Staulters, 22, of 1021 Rock City Road, admitted this week in front of Saratoga County Court Judge Jerry J. Scarano to a felony charge of second-degree vehicular manslaughter in the death of Kari Liedel, 14, who would have been a high school freshman this year at Ballston Spa High School.

He is scheduled to be sentenced January 30 and faces up to seven years in prison.

Saratoga Springs City Council for December 4, 2012 SARATOGA SPRINGS – As downtown gears up for the holiday season, it was business as usual for the Saratoga Springs City Council’s first meeting of December. Prior to the meeting, the city swore in two new firefighters to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, and held four separate presentations on various projects going on in the city.

First, Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco summarized the improvements to both the downtown Visitor’s Center’s roo as well as the renovations to the exterior of the Canfield Casino in Congress Park including the installation of a handicapped-accessible ramp. The presentation ultimately revealed the $130,000 price tag for the casino’s improvements.

Next, County Supervisor to Saratoga Springs Joanne Yepsen indicated there would be a coming increase to the city’s sewer rates, though details remained vague as Yepsen questioned the numbers presented by the visiting sewer commissioners after they spoke.

Following an update regarding

Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry master plan, the main presentation was regarding the city’s Gateway Action Program of Saratoga (GAPS).

Accounts Commissioner John Franck and Supervisor Matthew Veitch are co-chairs on the committee, which earlier this year began identifying ways to improve South Broadway leading into downtown Saratoga Springs.

Recommendations officially proposed during the presentation included ideas such as burial of powerlines for improved asthetics, the determination of an “anchor” store to lure other, smaller business to the area, an aggressive marketing campaign and re-zoning sections for more flexible usage. Also suggested was the creation of a “park district” with benches, street trees and pedestrian amenities to create a new identity seperate from downtown.

The Central section considered for improvements is located from West Fenlon Street to East-West Road. The Southern portion is considered the land between East-West Road and city limits.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Canine Flu Reported in Area continued from Page 1

Spa Veterinarian Clinic, pointing out that the virus is only deadly in approximately one percent of the cases. “It is a concern and if the virus is left untreated, it can develop into other diseases, such as pneumonia.”

He pointed out that for most dogs the virus is a mostly a nuisance illness but even so, the owner should take them to the vet as soon as possible.

“Eighty percent of the cases will exhibit mild symptoms and can resolve on its own,” said Dr. Anderson. “Others can develop into other diseases and if left untreated, the animal can have

trouble [recovering.] It is best if they bring the [dog] in as soon as they begin to exhibit any symptoms.”

Symptoms include upper respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, or runny noses, as well as lethargy, fever and loss of appetite.

Canine influenza is a fairly new disease and has been commonly referred to as “dog flu.” First reported in 2004, it can be passed from one dog to another and is considered highly contagious.

Areas with high density populations of dogs run a greater risk of

the disease being transmitted, such as dog shelters, doggie day cares and groomers.

“It is not an epidemic. It started in Florida and has worked its way up the Eastern seaboard,” said Dr. Anderson. “We have seen some cases that don’t fit the [description] of kennel cough, but oftentimes [the dog] has quit shedding [the cells necessary to diagnose dog flu] by the time we see them so it is not easily diagnosed.”

Dr. Anderson said that a dog exposed to the virus is contagious within 72 hours, but that symptoms may not manifest for up to 10 days.

He advised people who use doggie daycares, visit dog parks or live in areas where their dogs may be exposed to other canines, to take advantage of the new vaccine for the virus.

“This is a new virus for dogs – their immune systems are naïve to it,” said Dr. Anderson. “The vaccine, much like the human vaccine for the flu, may not prevent the virus, but it will lessen the severity of it.”

Dan Butler, director of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, said that while the shelter has not seen any cases of the dog flu, they still take precautions like they do for other contagious diseases such

as parvovirus and rabies.

“Knock on wood, we have not seen anything,” said Butler. “But we can isolate a dog that has a cough or other symptoms. Not only do we have to protect the animals we have up for adoption, but lots of peoples’ pets end up here for one reason or another and we have to protect them as well.”

While the virus, which is thought to be related to the equine influenza, is not a danger to humans or other animals, there is a slight possibility a person could inadvertently transfer it to the canine in their family.

“I’d err on the side of caution,” said Dr. Anderson. “There is a

possibility that if someone handled an infected dog and came home and handled their own dog, they could infect them.”

Dr. Anderson suggested dog owners do “a lot of hand washing” if they spend time around other canines. He also noted that dogs that are not exposed to other dogs are pretty safe from contracting the disease.

“Dogs not exposed to the virus should be okay,” he said.

But he cautioned, if your dog does begin to exhibit any signs of an upper respiratory infection, get them into the vet as soon as possible.

“Don’t wait. Once they start showing symptoms, get them seen right away,” said Dr. Anderson.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Potential Roundabouts on Round Lake Road Controversial at Malta Town Meeting continued from Page 1

Proposed Roundabouts Chango Drive Ruhle Road/Raylinski Road Roads affected by the Plan: East Line Road Hearthwood Drive Malta Mall Driveway Curry Road/Round Lake Bypass Intersection

Rendering provided

Round Lake Road/I-87 Exit 11 Southbound Intersection Curry Road/I-87 Exit 11 Northbound Intersection

would ultimately approve and adopt as part of the town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Paul Cummings, a community planner at Chazen Companies, along with Don Adams from Creighton Manning Engineering, presented the committee’s concept plan at the public hearing.

Cummings said traffic studies were conducted along the 1.25 mile “corridor” of Round Lake Road, including the intersections at SIDEBAR: East Line Road, Chango Drive, Hearthwood Drive/Malta Mall Driveway, Ruhle Road/Raylinski Road, the Round Lake Road and I-87 Exit 11 SB intersection, the Curry Road/I-87 Exit 11 NB intersection, and the Curry Road/Round Lake Bypass intersection to determine the traffic conditions and improvements that may be needed at those crossroads.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) requires a consideration of roundabouts for the plan, and as the town and advisory committee formed the concept plan with “complete streets” in mind—that is, roads that consider the needs of all users of roadways, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, motorists and citizens of all ages and abilities—roundabouts were chosen as the safest plan for all roadway users.

The committee examined existing pedestrian safety and access issues and opportunities, along with ways to improve the aesthetics of the corridor through attractive landscaping, lighting, and site design improvements, Cummings added.

The completed studies show that due to different growth factors in Malta, traffic at these intersections will increase by 30 percent within the next ten years.

NYS DOT actually favors round-

abouts as the preferred method of road improvements, as opposed to adding extra turning lanes, which is the alternative design offered by the committee in their concept plan. NYS DOT supports the use of roundabouts because of federal data that indicates that signalized intersections are less safe for pedestrians. Signalized intersections have 16 potential points of contact with pedestrians, whereas roundabouts have only eight, and if a vehicle/pedestrian accident does occur in a roundabout, vehicular speed is typically far less than at a signalized intersection, according to Adams’ presentation during the public hearing.

Cummings also added that though conventional intersections cost less to build, roundabouts usually cost less over time due to less maintenance needs such as replacing poles, lighting and energy costs of lighted intersections. Roundabouts also are more fuel-efficient due to less vehicleidling time.

The current Round Lake Road concept plan offers one singlelane roundabout at the intersection of Round Lake Road and Chango Drive and a second single-lane roundabout would be located at the intersection of Ruhle Road and Raylinski Road. Bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian connections will be created throughout the corridor. The project would cost $4.75 million of federally-allocated funds.

The alternative design includes the development of a two-way, leftturn lane on Round Lake Road from Chango Drive through to Exit 11 southbound (where a new traffic signal will be placed), creating a three-lane section for a segment of the corridor.

Support for the alternative design was strong in the crowd at the

Town Board meeting, as many stated concerns about the safety of roundabouts for the elderly and the children, particularly at Chango Drive, which is near the elementary school. Many of the residents also added that they feel people do not slow down when going through the roundabouts, and any pedestrians attempting to walk through them could still get seriously injured— one resident even made a semiserious joke that “pedestrians would be playing Frogger to get across those roundabouts.”

Another speaker and area resident of 34 years, Val Manley, spoke to the fact that many residents are still learning how to drive through Malta’s infamous roundabouts.

“If we lived in a perfect world, we would have roundabout school,” she said. “I would feel much safer if we had a turn lane there, and I would also like to have a stoplight for my grandson if he was going to cross that road.” “[Roundabouts] are a system that rewards movement bordering on aggression,” said local resident Mark Spitaro. “I’m embarrassed to say I probably wouldn’t notice pedestrians while driving through one. That’s just how these rotaries are designed: to move a lot of traffic through.”

“The plan does still consider the non-roundabout options as a viable alternative,” Cummings said. “The design phase of the project will require additional public input and hearings, and that more accurate engineering-level data will be used to reevaluate the entire plan, which is only a concept at this point.”

With that in mind, it is now ultimately up to the Malta Town Board to decide whether or not to make roundabouts a part of their official concept plan and decide if ‘the town known for its roundabouts’ will continue to stay true to its motto.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Local Farmer Worked with Industry Leader continued from Page 1

Michael Kilpatrick year. Their focus is entirely organic, as the farm openly pledges on their website not to use chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds to meet or exceed National Organic Standards.

Yet at only 25 years old, Michael jumped at the rare opportunity to work side-by-side with renowned organic farmer Joel Salatin during a four-month-long apprenticeship at Salatin’s Polyface Farms in Riverheads, Virginia.

Salatin is the author of books such as “You Can Farm” and “Salad Bar Beef.” Polyface farms have been featured in the documentary film “Food, Inc.” He is considered at the forefront of the organic movement, and his holistic approach to animal farming he considers “beyond organic.” His farm offers apprenticeships to a select few individuals each year.

“It was an awesome experience,” Kilpatrick recalls. “Joel works just as hard as we do while on the farm. He was out as early in the morning as we were. He worked as late as we would, sometimes later. He’s an incredibly hard worker and an incredibly positive person. He never really let anything negative affect him, and I think that it’s important as a leader to stay positive.”

According to Kilpatrick, the farmers were looking for individuals more suited to working together in a farm environment than someone with lots of farming experience. It just so happened to be

Photo provided.

Kilpatrick’s good fortune to possess both.

“Most people thought ‘Oh, they’re looking for farmers to come here,’ which wasn’t true,” recalls Kilpatrick. “They were looking for attitude. They were looking for people who could adapt quickly, for instance if the weather changed suddenly and a storm arrived and you have to bring the hay in. So being able to adapt, but also being able to listen well was important. They wanted positive attitudes and people who were open to different ideals.”

Considering that Joel Salatin openly refers to himself as a “Christian Libertarian environmental capitalist lunatic farmer,” one could begin to see why an even demeanor would be such a prerequisite.

“Life at Polyface is not easy,” said Kilpatrick. “There are 16 hour days and 100 degree heat.

You’re going to be with a bunch of other people and are going to have to get along with them, and you kind of need those evenkeeled, easy-going types.”

Kilpatrick shared his story during a November 29 lecture presentation at Fifty South Restaurant in Ballston Spa, which was accompanied by a meal of farm-fresh organic ingredients by the restaurant’s executive chef and owner, Kim Klopstock. The standing room only lecture covered much of what Kilpatrick learned in his time at Salatin’s farm, while touching on how he could use that back home.

“We believe local food changes communities and heals the land,” said Kilpatrick. “Our goal as a farm is to change the way the community eats, to change the way our region eats.”

Kilpatrick estimates that about seven people will be selected for the next stay at Polyface out of over 200 eager, qualified applicants. He himself was one of nine selected out of about 100.

“Percentage wise, it’s harder to get accepted to Polyface than it is to Harvard,” joked Kilpatrick. “I went to an elite school.”

While Polyface farms focuses more on sustainable animal farming, Kilpatrick Farms is more of a vegetable farm throughout the year.

So, how can they help each other?

Kilpatrick explained that vegetable farming is very hard on the soil, and depletes the nutrients over time. Sustainable animal farming can be used as a way to heal the land over time.

“Did you know an acre of grass will grow more insect protein than beef? That’s rather remarkable. So they have chickens eating the fly larvae [from cow pies] and the cows eating the grass.”

Most cows are fed grain by nonorganic farmers in attempts to fatten them up quicker for slaughter.

With the chicken eating fly larvae, it prevents the use of insecticides, which allows the cows to eat what their bodies can naturally digest, grass. This method also heals soil, as cows produce their nutrient rich manure for fertilizer.

Polyface has grown from 110 cows in the 1960s to over 1,000 this past year alone. They also process anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 chickens every three weeks.

Using this method has garnered the farm lots of praise for the quality of both poultry and beef.

While known for his farming, Joel Salatin is also an accomplished author, which Kilpatrick credits certain insight into the way food is produced and why changes are so necessary.

“Joel has an 80-page consumer guide called ‘Holy Cows and Hog Heaven,’ which is a quick-read and goes over what the food system is now and what to look for if you’re trying to change the way you eat. His latest book just came out last month in paperback called ‘Folks, This Ain’t Normal,’ and

that goes into even greater detail.

It’s funny, it makes you think and it pulls a ton of information together and really points out what is wrong with America’s food supply right now.”

Kilpatrick Farms is available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, as well as the Glens Falls Farmers’ Market. They also offer what’s called a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. In a CSA, you pay a farmer ahead of time to buy seeds, equipment and hire workers. The farmers get to work and every week, farm fresh produce is delivered to you directly from the farmer.

Kilpatrick credits his family above all in helping him succeed as a farmer at such an early stage of his life. He said his family’s encouragement that he could do anything inspired his attempt to change the way people eat. He adds that the local farming community has also been helpful.

“The different mentors in this area have been so helpful. I mentioned Paul Arnold in my lecture but he was one of our farming mentors from day one. He shared every secret he knew, and he’s direct competition for us at the market. There have been so many people who have helped me along the way.”

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EDUCATION

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Schuylerville Teacher Creates Night School to Combat Curriculum Challenges

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE - After seeing a lot of change in curriculum this year due to the newly-implemented New York State Regents Reform Agenda in schools, Schuylerville Elementary fourthgrade teacher Peter Carner decided to take matters into his own hands and begin a night school for both students and parents to attend.

Carner said that it can be hard to get through all the new curriculum during the limited time of school days, making him think about different ways to effectively teach all the material to the kids.

“Basically what I’m doing is hosting parents and students in my class once a month, and we go through a full math and reading lesson so the students’ parents can see how it’s done,” Carner said. “I also teach the background of it so that [the parents] are teaching their chil-

dren the same way I am. During the last [class], I taught them different ways to go to websites to re-teach lessons using videos and different manipulatives so kids can actually have multiple learning styles, and have their parents and teacher working with them, along with other tools.”

Carner said bringing the parents in with the students has helped him apply lessons to real-life scenarios—for example, if he has taught a multiplication lesson, parents can chime in with how they still use multiplication as adults.

“I love that the parents are so connected and come along with the children,” Carner said. “For so many years I’ve been able to do this kind of stuff in the classroom, but because this new core curriculum has guided us in a certain direction, we’re almost taking away a little bit during the regular class day. So now with the parents’ help, I can bring that back into the regular lessons.”

Carner did add that there are a lot of online components to go along with the new curriculum.

“We’re fortunate that a lot of our curriculum now has an online component, so basically if we can get through the meat and potatoes of the lesson in class, we can do the

enrichment part of it in the night school component,” he said. “This way we can all work together using same the language styles, and parents can also be heard in the classroom.”

So far, the night school has been a great success: when it started in October, the class had 43 participants—including every student in the class (except one), and one or both of their parents. Attendance has been steady, and Carner said the parents and students like it. The program has been so effective that it is even spreading to other fourthgrade classrooms.

“Another fourth-grade teacher is starting her [night class] this week, and the other teachers are going to

pair up and do similar projects, so it seems to be pretty beneficial right now,” Carner said.

Carner added that he meets with the students and parents one Tuesday a month, usually providing them with pizza and drinks— parents have even started showing up with desserts for everyone to enjoy.

“It all works out really nicely,” Carner said. “The class has been growing in number since we started—I’m not making it a set precedent, but I think it was something that was important and was well enough received in the first one that I would continue, and we’ll continue it right up through the end of the year.”

Holiday Concerts Schedule December 10 Orchestra and Chorus Winter Concert at Geyser Road Elementary, 6 p.m.

Chorus 6, Select Chorus perform at Maple Avenue Middle School, 7:30 p.m.

December 12 Winter Choral Concert at Caroline St. Elementary, 6:30 p.m.

5th Grade Winter Orchestra Concert at Dorothy Nolan Elementary, 5 p.m.

5th Grade Winter Choral and Orchestra Concert at Greenfield Elementary, 6:30 p.m.

Symphonic Orchestra, Percussion, Mixed Choir Concert at Saratoga Springs High School, 7:30 p.m.

December 13 Holiday Craft Fair and Concert at Division St. Elementary, 6:30 p.m.

December 20 Holiday sing-a-long at Geyser Road Elementary, 9:30 a.m.

Holiday sing-a-long at Lake Avenue Elementary Chorus 7 & 8 Concert at Maple Avenue Middle School, 7:30 p.m.

December 21

Holiday sing-a-long at Division St. Elementary, 9:45 a.m.

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Your Local Gift

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Holiday Guide

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Your Local Holiday Gift Guide

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

RELIGION

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

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

Hope Church 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa 885-7442 Services: Sunday 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

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

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

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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; bspabaptist.org Services: 10:30 a.m. worship 9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa 22 West High St. 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.

Galway United Methodist Church 2056 East Street (at intersection of Route 147), Galway 882-6520 www.galway-united-methodistchurch.com Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m. (9:00 a.m. in July and August) Grace Brethren Church 137 W. Milton Rd., Ballston Spa 587-0649 Rev. Dan Pierce Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible.

Greater Grace Community Church Pastor David Moore 899-7777, thechurch@ggccmalta.org Services: Wednesday 7:30 pm. Good Times Restaurant, Lake Rd. 2nd floor;. Friday 7:30 pm Saratoga Chapel, Eastline & Lake Rds; Sunday 10am - Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Rd. Greenfield Center Baptist Church 30 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center 893-7429 Services: Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 a.m.

Church Service - 11 a.m.

Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Highway Tabernacle Church 90 River Rd., Mechanicville 664-4442 Services: Sunday 10:30 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 New Horizon Church 150 Perry Road Saratoga Springs 587-0711 Services: Sunday 9:30 a.m.

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

Services: Sunday 9:30 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 9:00; Service 10:30 Coffee & Fellowship in Living Stone Hall; Wednesday: noon potluck luncheon; 1 p.m. choir rehearsal; 2 p.m. Bible Study Group Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church 73 Midline Road Ballston Lake 399-5713 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.

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

Handicapped accessible.

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

Quaker Springs United Methodist Church 466 Route 32 South 695-3101; qsumc.com Pastor Al Johnson 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 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.

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

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church 3159 Route 9N, Greenfield Center 893-7680; sjoegctr@nycap.rr.com; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Saturday 4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m. Handicapped accessible 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; www.stjosephschurchgreenfieldcenter.org Services: Sunday 8:30 am.

Handicapped accessible.

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 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School at 9:15 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 587-7477; 399-5013 Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

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Saratoga United Methodist Church Henning Road 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 9 & 10:30 a.m.; Acts II Contempory 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Temple Sinai 509 Broadway Saratoga Springs 584-8730 www.saratogasinai.org Friday 8 p.m. Oneg Sabbat Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Oneg Sabbat 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. Patti Molik-Pastor Services: Sunday 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs 624 North Broadway 584-1555; uusaratoga.org Services, Nursery Care, and Religious Education: Sundays 10 a.m.

Youth Group: Sundays 11:30 a.m.

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.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

upcoming town meetings Town of Ballston: Ballston Town Hall 323 Charlton Road 885-8502 www.townofballstonny.org 12/19: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

12/27: Tentative Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa: 66 Front Street 885-5711 www.ballstonspany.org 12/10: Village Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Greenfield: 7 Wilton Road 893-7432 www.townofgreenfield.com 12/11: Planning Board, 7:00 p.m.

12/13: Town Board, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Malta: 2540 Route 9 899-2818 www.malta-town.org 12/31: Town Board Agenda, 7 p.m.

01/07: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Milton: 503 Geyser Road 885-9220 www.townofmiltonny.org 12/12: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

12/19: Town Board, 7 p.m.

City of Saratoga Springs: 474 Broadway 587-3550 www.saratoga-springs.org 12/12: Planning Board, 7 p.m.

12/17: Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m.

12/18: City Council, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga: 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville 695-3644 www.townofsaratoga.com 12/10: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Village of Schuylerville: 35 Spring Street 695-3881 www.villageofschuylerville.org Town of Stillwater: 66 East St., Riverside Mechanicville, NY 12118 www.stillwaterny.org 12/06: Town Board, 7 p.m.

12/20: Town Board, 7 p.m.

Town of Wilton: 22 Traver Road 587-1939 www.townofwilton.com 12/17: Planning Board, 7:30 p.m.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors: 40 McMaster St, #1 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 885-2240 www.saratogacountyny.gov 12/18: Board of Supervisors, 4 p.m.

L A C LO iefs br

Hope for the Hurting One local church community is lifting spirits by donating over 1,400 gifts and more than 250 volunteer hours that will provide real hope for the hurting. On Wednesday December 5, Northway Church is holding a special service at 7 p.m. in their Clifton Park location on Route 146 when holiday gifts will be collected, sorted and prayed over before being delivered to homes and organizations Thursday morning in time for the Christmas season. Anticipated collections of more than $42,000 worth of Christmas gifts will be donated this holiday season in the Capital Region as well as the Berkshires.

Let’s Dance “Let's Dance” is a gathering of like-hearted individuals to discover and celebrate with each other through free movement. It offers a supportive environment for anybody who loves to move to explore and play in rich musical wave of rhythms, melodies and textures and is about unearthing the hidden parts of ourselves we never dared to express fully. Classes are every other week starting Friday, December 14, 7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Bloom: A Movement Space, 153 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs. Suggested donation is $10. For more information call (917) 575-9362.

Elks Pork Loin Dinner The Saratoga – Wilton Elks will be hosting a pork loin dinner on Wednesday, December 12 from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Dinner will consist of roast pork loin, soup du jour, tossed salad, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, dessert, coffee and tea. Donation requested is adults $9, seniors and military $8, children five to 12 $5, under five is free. Take outs are $10. A cash bar will be available. The Lodge is located at 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs.

Breakfast with Santa Have breakfast with Santa at the Saratoga – Wilton Elks on Sunday, December 16, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

There will be fruit cocktail, pancakes, French toast, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, scrambled eggs, Eggs Benedict, juice, coffee, and tea. Donation requested is $7 for adults, seniors and mili-

tary, $6, children five to 12 $5 and those under five are free. Take outs are available for $8. The Lodge is located at 1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga Springs.

Meatloaf Dinner with Santa There will be a meatloaf dinner with Santa on Saturday, December 8 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Menu consists of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, rolls, assorted desserts and beverages. Kids’ entrée will be available.

Donations accepted and take outs are available. Please call (518) 5849107 for more information.

Interfaith Breakfast Meeting The Monthly Interfaith Prayer Breakfast Meeting will take place on Thursday December 13, in the Courtyard of Longfellows Restaurant 500 Union Ave. Saratoga Springs. The guest Spiritual Leader this month will focus on the Salvation Army mission and accomplishments. The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes no later than 8:30. Signin and continental breakfast begins at 7:15. There are no charges or donations. All are welcome. For more information call (518) 5879104.

Folk Music “Lessons and Carols” Plaintive and little-known carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions are the trademark of the “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” slated for Christ Church, Ballston Spa, on Monday and Tuesday, December 17 and 18. The concert is anchored by folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center with special guest Mark Murphy, and includes Field Horne and Kristin McCabe of Saratoga Springs, and Theresa Bruno of Ballston Spa. The national folk music magazine Dirty Linen calls them “a spirited collection of holiday songs that hail from off the beaten path. If you want different music to make things festive, this is the compilation for you.” The concert is free and takes place by candlelight at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church, on the corner of Route 50 and Route 67 in Ballston Spa. The public is invited for festive refreshments afterward. “Lessons and Carols” has been presented annually since 1994. For further information, call (518) 885-1031.

Saratoga Reads Community Series Saratoga Reads will launch its ninth year of community program-

ming with a book fair featuring activities for the whole family on Sunday, December 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Barnes & Noble, Route 50, Wilton. The event will celebrate this year’s Saratoga Reads book of choice, Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, a compelling account from the pre–Civil War era of the author’s harrowing abduction into slavery and long struggle to regain freedom. The book fair will raise funds to support Saratoga Reads and its series of public events related to Twelve Years a Slave. Door prizes at the event will include a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, as well as copies of the book.

Barnes & Noble will donate to Saratoga Reads a percentage of purchases made that day by shoppers who mention Saratoga Reads at checkout or who use the special book fair voucher. Vouchers and the book fair schedule are available at www.SaratogaReads.org.

Shoppers must use the voucher or specifically mention Saratoga Reads to have their purchases benefit the organization. Those who shop online can also designate their purchases to support Saratoga Reads by entering the book fair ID number (10882611) upon checkout. This will apply to online purchases made from December 2 through December 7. The book fair will feature a performance by the Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club, an Elf on the Shelf holiday story time and an American Girl Doll tea. For a full schedule of the day’s events visit the website www.SaratogaReads.org.

Local Author to host book signing A Stop in the Park is a recently published contemporary novel by local author Peggy Strack. It is a moving novel depicting a modern family’s struggle to restore the sense of simple fun and romance that once united them. It has earned a glowing editorial review from Kirkus Reviews and a five star Readers Favorite award. Strack will be at several venues throughout Saratoga County to sign books.

Please order from Amazon.com or purchase at an area bookstore and bring it to one of the following places to meet the author and get her signature: 12/15: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Uncommon Grounds, Broadway, Saratoga Springs; 12/15: 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Parting Glass, Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs; 12/18: 3:30 p.m.

6 p.m. – Mocha Lisa's, Clifton Country Mall, Clifton Park; 12/20: 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Coffee Traders, Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit The Mr Holland’s Opus Foundation, an

organization that helps keep music alive in high-needs schools. Learn more at www.peggystrack.com.

Make your own Christmas tree Make your own ceramic Christmas tree in the Adult & Senior Center’s Ceramic Class.

The traditional style tree is 13” tall with a base, colored lights and a star on top. After cleaning the green ware tree, it is kiln-fired and ready to glaze and decorate. The ceramic class meets every Wednesday from 12 – 2 and Friday from 10 – 12.

Expect to attend about 3 – 4 classes to complete the project.

Members pay a one-time fee of $35 and non-members pay $50. Fee includes tree, two firings, glazes, bulbs, light kit and instruction.

Sign-up is required so trees can be ordered in time for the holidays.

Call (518) 584-1621 for more information.

Brown Bag Lunch Program On December 13th, the final installment of the 2012 fall series of the Brown Bag Lunch Program will present a lecture on Gideon Putnam. Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel present this notto-be missed talk about Saratoga Springs’s founding father. In 1789 Gideon and Doanda Putnam arrived in Saratoga Springs and recognized that the naturally occurring mineral springs were an asset that could be used as a drawing card for visitors. Gideon not only built the first hotel in Saratoga Springs, he also tubed the springs, laid out many of the streets, donated the land for schools, churches and a cemetery. Gideon had the vision that helped to turn a pine forest into a world-class resort in the 1800’s. Come hear the discussion on the life and times of Gideon, which is marked by his death 200 years ago on December 1 of this year. The Brown Bag Series is a monthly, hour-long program presented in partnership by the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center and the Saratoga Springs Public Library. This event is conducted in the Dutcher Community Room located on the main floor of the library. The program is free and open to the public and begins promptly at noon. Tea and coffee are provided. For more information please contact the Visitor Center at (518) 587-3241.

Christmas Cookies Fresh homemade Christmas Cookies will be sold on December 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, 349 Eastline Road, Ballston Lake. home to enjoy. Call (518) 885-4681 or (518) 363-0001.

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

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

living

7 - Dec 13

Dec

events Friday, December 7 Gavin Park Tree Lighting Gavin Park 6–8:45 p.m.

Meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and Santa’s Elves. The celebration begins with Jim Burton at the piano playing and singing holiday songs. Movies, music and refreshment from 7–8:30 pm. For more information call (518) 5849455.

Ballston Spa Christmas Parade Downtown Ballston Spa 6:30 p.m.

This parade has become a hometown-style holiday tradition with fire trucks, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. Before and after the parade there will be carolers and musicians on the street corners and many village shops and restaurants will be open with music, demonstrations and displays as part of the First Friday, which also falls on this festive evening. For more information contact Ellen at (518) 8852772.

Winter Dance Concert Skidmore College Dance Theater 8 p.m.

The Skidmore Dance Department presents an evening of dance with choreography by faculty and guest artists. Cost $10 for adults; students and senior citizens $5. No advance reservations.

Tickets sold 45 minutes prior to each performance. Arrive early for best seating. For more information call (518) 580-5392.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Candlelight House Tour Eastside Neighborhood, Saratoga Springs The annual tour is a premier holiday event; explore the interiors of some of Saratoga’s most beautiful homes in historic neighborhoods.

This year’s tour will take you through homes in the Eastside neighborhood of Marion – Court St. with an after party at the historic Union Gables Bed & Breakfast.

Tour only tickets only $40 members ($50 members. Tour & Reception tickets $75 members ($85 non-members). For more information visit: www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 5875030.

The Firefly Store Holiday Sale Waldorf School, 212 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs Friday 12/7, 3–7 p.m.

Saturday 12/8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Featuring many one-of-a kind handmade items and toys for people of all ages from local artisans.

We specialize in natural fiber and wood toys, beeswax candles, and supplies to make your own holiday gifts.

Saturday, December 8 Breakfast with Santa St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson St. Ballston Spa $5 per person includes breakfast (courtesy of the Union and Eagle Matt Lee Fire Companies) Craft table and activities for the kids, musical performances and time to chat with Santa. No reservations necessary.

A Hometown Christmas Celebration Victory Mills Fire Department 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hosted by the Village of Victory Vendor Fair, Food Concession, Bake Sale and Raffles. Santa 122pm. Proceeds to Benefit Victory Mills Fire Department. For more information call (518) 858-6110.

CALENDAR

Meatloaf Dinner with Santa Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Road, Wilton 3:30–6:30 p.m. Mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables, rolls, assorted desserts and beverages. Kids entrée available. Take out available.

Handicap Accessible. Cost: By Donation. For more information call (518) 584-9107

Snow Silliness at Camp Saratoga 11:00 a.m.

The winter weather is upon us!

What better way to enjoy it than by making a snowman? Come enjoy the outdoors with a craft or walk!

Snow or no snow, this will be a fun program for all ages. If there is snow, we will also have snowshoes available for rental and a guide to lead participants on a snowshoe walk. For more information call 518450-0321 or visit www.wiltonpreserve.org.

Sunday, December 9 Santa Set to Wheel a Porsche into Children’s Event Saratoga Automobile Museum 1–3p.m.

Santa dons a racing fire suit and helmet and burns around the Northland in his favorite car, a “Santa Red” Porsche Boxter. Kids can get a free photo with Santa and the family can enjoy milk and cookies, and watch classic holiday movies in the museum theater.

Enjoy the newly opened exhibits featuring the cars of noted journalist and screenwriter Brock Yates (including memorabilia from the famed Cannonball Run & supercars from a pair of Ferraris to an Alfa Romeo TZ 3 Stradale by Zagato Children under age 16 will be admitted to the event free of charge, with their photo with Santa Claus included in the admission of the accompanying adult. For more information visit www.saratogaautomuseum.org.

Regina’s Revenge Fundraiser

The Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room, 462 Rte 29 W, Saratoga Springs 1– 4 p.m. Drink wine for a good cause! Come support Regina’s fight against cancer. Food & wine tasting, live music by Bob Buckler of Skyler’s Dream Team, and a silent auction. For more information visit www.thesaratogawinery.com.

Monday, December 10 Judy Collins Holiday Hits Charles R. Wood Theater, 207 Glen St., Glens Falls 7:30 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Judy Collins has thrilled audiences for over 50 years. Judy will perform her holiday show, mi8xing seasonal favorites with her greatest hits. For more information visit: www.woodtheater.org.

Tuesday, December 11 Skidmore College 30th Anniversary Orchestra Arthur Zankel Music Center, Ladd Concert Hall 8 p.m.

The Filene Concert Series presents a celebration of the Skidmore College Orchestra with Music Director Anthony G. Holland. The program includes VERDI: The Force of Destiny Overture, IVES: The Unanswered Question, GRIEG: Norwegian Dances, Op 35, and LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6. $8 adults, $5 senior citizens For ticket information call (518) 580-5321 or go to www.skidmore.edu/Zankel

Wednesday, December 12 Roast Pork Loin Dinner Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elk Circle, Saratoga Springs 4:30–7 p.m. Soup de jour, roast pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, tossed salad, rolls & butter, dessert, coffee & tea. Adults $9, Seniors & military $8, Children 5-12 yrs. $5, Under 5 free. Take out $10. For more information call (518) 5842585.

15

Chanukah on ICE Saratoga Springs Ice Rink, 30 Weible Ave. Saratoga Springs 4:30 p.m.

Menorah lighting, gelt and dreidels, and Kosher Latkes & Donuts. Skate to Jewish music and spin like a dreidel on ice.

RSVP Saratoga Chabad. (518) 526-0773. $5 per person.

Saratoga Builder’s Association Holiday Mixer Saratoga National Golf Club 6–9 p.m. Featuring music from Bobby Dick & Suzie Q, Santa Clause appearance, great food, open bar & holiday raffle. $40 per person. Call or email reservations to Barry Potoker, Executive Director, (518) 366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.

Thursday, December 13 Brown Bag Lunch Program Gideon’s Travels – The Life & Times of Gideon Putnam Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room.

Noon – 1 p.m.

Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel present this not-to-be missed talk about Saratoga Springs’s founding father. Free & open to the public. Tea and coffee provided. For more information call (518) 587-3241.

Farmers’ Markets Saratoga Springs Division Street Elementary School Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

Burnt Hills / Ballston Lake Corner of Lake Hill Rd. and Route 50 Saturdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Send items calendar@saratogapublishing.com beforebefore 5 p.m. on on Monday for Sendyour your calendar calendar items toto Emily Fowler at efowler@saratogapublishing.com 5 pm Monday forFriday Friday publication. publication.

16

BUSINESS

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Dan Rossignol: The Adirondack Dog Whisperer

by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY MALTA – The owners were at their wit’s end. Their family dog, a small, fluffy wisp of dog, a PomaPoo, had turned into a fourlegged nightmare. What was once a cute puppy had grown into an unpredictable mess. Ironically named Chewie, the canine would snap and bite on a whim, urinate throughout the house and jump on anyone and everyone.

“You are our last resort,” said the owner to Dan Rossignol of Dan Trains Dogs during a recent doggie intervention. “Our vet said we really need to consider putting him down if we can’t get him to change his behavior.”

That revelation had come during Chewie’s last veterinarian visit for a bladder infection. The small 10 pound canine decided he did not like the vet trying to treat him and had turned violently aggressive toward her, snapping and biting her during the routine examination.

The chocolate-colored dog had not always been that way. When they had purchased him three years before, he had been a sweet addition to the household. The family thought they were doing everything correctly. They brought the puppy a large crate, took him on long daily walks, and fed him the best dog food available.

“We treated him like a member of the family,” she said. “But he only got worse. He just took over.”

In spite of the love they showered on him, Chewie became increasingly aggressive. His wire crate became off-limits, his behavior more unpredictable, his outbursts unmanageable. Even something as simple as trying to pick up a pair of shoes left by the doorway sent the dog into a frenzy.

“We just do not know what to

do,” she said. “I feel bad that our love may have resulted in his having to lose his life because of something we are doing wrong.”

Known as the Adirondack Dog Whisperer, Dan said it is the type of love we show to dogs nowadays that is creating many of the problems.

“Today we give them people love instead of dog love,” he noted, adding that in spite of how we feel about our canine family members, they still carry the instincts of wolves and those innate predispositions create confusion in today’s domestic world.

Many canines feel a need to protect the entire household and act like Alpha dogs, but the majority of the dogs are not meant for those high stress roles. Most, he said, like Chewie, are beta or omega dogs and need to be just a pet. That is one of the reasons Dan travels to the family’s home to work one on one with both the owners and the dogs.

“I am the troubleshooter,” said Dan, who traded an executive position to work with dogs. “I don’t leave until all your issues are resolved.”

Passionate about dogs and his life’s calling, Dan also studied with master trainer Judy Sherman and has trained dogs for police and sheriff departments before opening his own business, specializing in aggressive canines.

Resolving the dog’s issues is not the only solution to the problem, said Dan. The owners have to learn how to treat their dogs so that the canine understands their place in the household.

“They need to know who the head of the pack is,” said Dan, pointing out that the owners needed training as well.

“I do an intervention with dogs and their owners,” explained Dan, who estimates he has a 90 percent

photo provided

Dan Rossignol with his family dogs, Bacca, Reggie, and Kelsey. success rate. “People wait until they have a foot out the door before they call or wait until the dog has bitten more than once. Mostly the dog is confused and so are the owners. The first thing you have to teach is the pack leadership walk. Until the dog walks by your side, they are the leader.”

Dogs naturally have a prey-mode mentality placing the dog in a state of mind where he does not think, he just acts and reacts to the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding them.

“Once a dog realizes who the leader is, overall, obedience opens up and he begins thinking with his brain,” said Dan. “They are now no longer in prey-drive.”

In today’s urban landscape, having a dog that knows how to behave at the end of a leash is necessary, even for those who live in the country. And it is that leash that will aid in the training.

“Discipline cannot be done with the hands,” he added. “It is the timing – it must be done within two seconds of the deed or the dog does not know what the discipline is for.”

The leash, he said, allows for gaining control over the dog in the household if he reverts to unacceptable behaviors, as well as establishes leadership when on walks.

Using short, one word strong

commands, a special collar, and unwavering confidence, Dan said the key was consistency and quick response to the bad action.

“We use a citrus and water based spray,” said Dan, showing a small, palm-sized can. He explained that the spray does not hurt the animal, but causes enough discomfort that they do not want to repeat the bad act after a couple of douses in the mouth.

Chewie’s behaviors, Dan said, were learned behaviors and could be rectified with constant attention over the next 30 days.

“The dogs will pick up on our fears and frustrations and relay those fears and frustrations into bad behavior,” said Dan, adding that the owners’ actions inadvertently end up teaching dogs how to behave badly.

As for Chewie, by the end of the session he was learning his place in the family pack and seemed content with his new, less stressful role as family dog and not family protector.

Sitting quietly next to Dan, Chewie did not try to hide beneath the dining room table as he had done earlier or retreat into his room off the kitchen. Instead, he waited at the end of his leash for his next cue as the family and Dan outlined the course of action for the next four weeks.

“You have to be consistent and you have to pay attention,” said Dan. “If you are busy and off doing this or doing that, it won’t work.

Leave the leash on him while you are home for the next 30 days and if you see behavior you do not want, simply step on the leash or give it a slight tug. He will learn what you want.”

He added every case is different and may need slightly different tactics or approaches, depending on the dog, its reasons for its aggression and the home it is in.

“People want immediate results,” said Dan. “While the owners will see some immediate differences in their pet’s behavior, they will have a strict policy to follow for the next 30 days. The dog loves you more and will pay attention to you more and thinks you are better than sliced bread if you do what you need to do.”

Midway through the season, Chewie’s owner looked at her dog and said she could not believe just the change in the one day’s session.

“He is not the same dog,” she said. “He is almost normal again. I can’t believe the difference in Chewie.”

For information on Dan Trains Dogs, call (518) 232-8106 or visit his website at www.dantrainsdogs.com

Send your business briefs to patricia@saratogapublishing.com before Monday at 5 p.m. for Friday publication

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

BUSINESS

17

23rd [and Fourth] Has Grand Opening Wijburg Chosen Fab 8 Lead SARATOGA SPRINGS – The ribbon cutting ceremony recently took place at the new fine furnishings store 23rd [and Fourth]. Owned by Janet Longe, the store offers fine furnishings, gifts and home accessories. 23rd [and Fourth] also offers a full range of interior design services, ranging from simple color consultation and space planning through whole house design and decorating. There is also custom furniture, upholstery and window treatments available. For more information please call (518) 584-3700.

left to right, Denise Romeo, Beatrice Longe, Jamie Davies, owner Janet Longe, Patricia Miller, Deborah Iuliano and Jeff Shinaman

SEDC Releases Anniversary Video MALTA – Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) launched a new marketing video at their annual holiday reception to mark their upcoming 35th anniversary. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the video presentation to start at 6:30 p.m.

The video was produced by SEDC member, Modern Mix Marketing. SEDC president, Dennis Brobston also unveiled a 35th Anniversary Logo with the “Success Without Limits” tagline to commemorate the important milestone year of the public-private partnership.

The video highlights the organization’s 35 year history of serving as the lead economic development organization in Saratoga County and their many successes including Ball Metal Container, QUAD Graphics, State Farm Insurance and more recently GLOBALFOUNDRIES. In the video, community, business leaders and public officials tell the story of the economic climate in Saratoga County dating back to the mid-1970s.

The video will serve as a marketing tool for SEDC and Saratoga County and can now be viewed YouTube at http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=8AN7Ihw18os Over their 35 year history, SEDC

has delivered an estimated $2.1 billion in new assessed property value in Saratoga County which pays over $34 million per year in county, school and local taxes. The work of this public-private partnership has also spurred the creation of

over 17,000 jobs and over $8 billion in new capital investment. The investment by Saratoga County and the private sector has produced tangible and sustained return for Saratoga County and the regional community.

MALTA — GlobalFoundries has appointed Rutger Wijburg, who oversees its two Fab 1 computer chip plants, to also oversee operations at its Fab 8 complex in Malta.

Fab 8 is currently the largest commercial capital expansion project in the United States. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, GlobalFoundries also has manufacturing centers in Germany and Singapore as well as regional sales and support offices in Shanghai, Yokohama, Hsinchu, Austin, London, and Munich.

Wijburg, GlobalFoundries senior vice president, will continue to oversee the Fab 1 operations in Dresden, Germany and will split his time between the two locations.

Wijburg joined GlobalFoundries last year from the Netherlandsbased company NXP

Semiconductors, where he was responsible for that company’s seven wafer fabrication facilities.

GlobalFoundries, now the world’s second largest chip foundry company, has six production facilities in Singapore, as well as the advanced-technology plants in Dresden and Malta.

GlobalFoundries makes computer chips under contract for technology companies — like the makers of smartphones that need computer chips but either don’t have their own factories or need more chips than they can produce themselves.

GlobalFoundries has received approval to build a 556,652 square foot technology development center.

Fab 8 employs approximately 1,900 people.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Families

TODAY

A special supplement to Saratoga TODAY • Pages 18-28 Senior Calendar of Events Saratoga Springs Library and Classes 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs (518) 584-7860 Brown Bag Lunch Series: “Gideon’s Travels: The Life and Times of Gideon Putnam” On December 13, Dave Patterson and Charlie Kuenzel present this notto-be missed talk about Saratoga Springs’ founding father. Gideon had the vision that helped to turn a pine forest into a world-class resort in the 1800s. Come hear Dave and Charlie discuss the life and times of Gideon, which is marked by his death 200 years ago on December 1st of this year. When: Noon – 1 p.m., December 13.Location: H. Dutcher Community Room. Contact: Teri Blasko, Saratoga Room. Contact Number: 584-7860 ext. 254.

An Afternoon with an Adirondack Harper Song, story, poetry, and improv celebrating the Winter and holiday season will be performed by Martha Gallagher, acclaimed

singer, songwriter, harper, storyteller and actress. Gallagher is renowned not only for her songwriting and storytelling, but for the diversity of music that she plays on the harp, delightfully dashing people’s preconceived notions of what harp music is. A gifted storyteller, she weaves together music, story, and more, creating an experience that goes far beyond one’s usual expectations for a holiday program.

This unique one-woman show appeals to people of all ages. www. adkharper.com. When: 2 – 4 p.m., December 16. Location: H. Dutcher Community Room.

Contact: Chris Alexander. Contact Number: 584-7860 ext. 248.

Digital Camera Three-Class Series Digital Cameras I This one-session course exclusively explores digital cameras, their features and options, menus, resolution, compression, and types of image storage. Students will also learn how to get photographs from the camera to computer. Monday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Digital Cameras II Prerequisite: Digital Cameras I (see below for details). This onesession course explores detailed features of most digital cameras including lighting, flash, zoom, and a few manual settings. Menus, functions, and experimenting with images will be covered in more detail. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Digital Cameras III—Movie Mode & Movie Maker Prerequisite: Digital Cameras I and II. This course explores just the movie mode on many digital cameras. Sound and importing movies to a computer will be covered.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Computer Lab. Other Information: This is an advanced level class. An advanced level learner is someone who is comfortable with computer applications and office software and is looking for more in-depth instruction or practice with software and general computer issues. Solid mouse skills as well as experience and familiarity with computer terms and using computer menus, ribbons, and user interfaces are required. Telephone registration will begin Friday, December 7 by calling (518) 5847860 ext. 257. No early registrations will be accepted. Online registration will begin Tuesday, December 11 at www.sspl.org.

Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-1621 Hearing Aid Cleanings Beginning December 10, a representative from Miracle Ear will be at the Center on the second Monday of

each month from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to clean and service all brands of hearing aids. The representative is available to answer questions about various hearing aid options. This is a free service open to the public and appointments are recommended.

Call the Center at (518) 584-1621 to schedule an appointment.

Alzheimer’s Association Monthly Caregiver Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association Monthly Caregiver Support Group meets on Tuesday, December 11, at 11 a.m. The group provides emotional and educational support for caregivers of people suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

For additional information, contact the Alzheimer Association at (518) 867-4999 ext. 303. This is free and open to the public.

Hand-painted Dish Towel Workshop Join us for a hand-painted dish towel workshop this month!

Decorate white cotton dish towels with textile paints and stamps to create a functional work of art. Make a personalized gift or keep it for yourself! This workshop will be offered on Wednesday, December 12 and Monday, December 17, both from 9 -11 a.m. The cost is $3 each for class. Advance sign up required.

Game Day Juniors from Spa Catholic High School are hosting Game Day at the Senior Center on Thursday, December 13! Come and play “The Price is Right” and “Christmas Bingo” from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Prizes and refreshments are included.

Game Day is free and open to the public. Sign up is recommended.

Sign Up for Florida Getaway Bus Trip The Center is sponsoring a Florida getaway bus trip from February 23 to March 3, 2013 to Amelia Island, St. Augustine & Jacksonville, FL. Minimum signup required by December 14th to guarantee trip. The cost is $769 per person, double occupancy.

The trip runs for nine days and eight nights and includes motorcoach transportation , lodging, guided tours and 14 meals. Spend four consecutive nights in Florida with tours of historic Kingsley Plantation, Amelia Island St. and St. Augustine. Enjoy a narrated cruise on the St. John’s River and stops in Savannah, GA and Fayetteville, NC. A $75 deposit is due at sign-up and payment in full is due by Friday, January 4, 2013.

For full details visit the Trips page of our website at www.SaratogaSeniorCenter.org.

Annual Board Meeting The annual board meeting of the Senior Center is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18 at 2 p.m. This meeting is held at the Center and is open to the public.

Board nominees will be elected at this meeting. Ballots are available to all members of the Senior Center and have to be in by December 17.

Senior Give Back Day Senior Give Back Day is Friday, December 21 from 10 a.m. noon! Seniors from Spa Catholic High School will be at the Center hosting a Holiday Party with Christmas songs, games and more. Refreshments served.

Please sign up.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

For Joan Gailor, It’s the Little Things That Count

photo provided

by Chelsea DiSchiano Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS - Most people know that staying cheerful during the holidays can be a hard thing to do. There is the stress of arranging family get-togethers, tough emotions to face if you have lost a loved one, and the pressure to provide gifts for family members during a time when most families are under financial strains.

But for Saratoga Springs native Joan Gailor, it’s the little things that can brighten someone else’s day and bring them joy. That’s why her little home in Jefferson Terrace can be found decked out in themed decorations for almost every holiday of the year—for Halloween, she puts out scarecrows and pumpkins; for Easter, she hangs large Easter eggs and has jellybeans on hand for any kids passing by; and for Christmas, she goes all out with large ornaments of all colors that glisten when the sun hits them just the right way, not to mention an inflatable Santa sitting on a lawn chair in the front yard and lights in her windows.

“I’ve been living in Jefferson Terrace for 10 years, and I’ve been doing this every year,” Gailor said.

“I do all the holidays, and I just love it.”

Gailor said that her decorations cheer up her neighbors and delight the kids from Head Start who pass by often, since the Franklin Community Center is located just blocks away from Gailor’s home.

Though an elderly woman (when

asked her age, she replied, “How old do you think I am?” Laughing, she said, “I think my mother made a mistake on my birth certificate.”), she continues to dig out her decorations from her basement year after year in her efforts to keep the holiday spirit alive in her Jefferson Terrace neighborhood.

“I go up and down my basement stairs over and over,” Gailor said, who is affected by arthritis. “My daughter Debbie says, ‘Mom, you shouldn’t be doing that!’ and I say, ‘As long as I can do it, I’m going to keep doing it!’”

But decorating isn’t the only joy that Gailor finds—she consistently shares little acts of kindness with everyone she knows, including construction workers who are currently working in her neighborhood.

“You see that little dangly thing hanging off that Porta Potty?” she asked, pointing out her front window. “It’s a Santa hat I hung there with a big Christmas card. One of the workers said ‘Joan, was that you who did that?’ And I said yes, and he said ‘Well, that just made my day!’”

Along with taking care of her neighbors or friends who are sick or need help, Gailor said that baking is one of her biggest passions.

“I bake all the time for everybody,” she said. “I bake for the maintenance men who work around here, my neighbors, and every week I bake for my daughter and her office at ESPEY and if I don’t happen to send something they’ll say, ‘Debbie, is your mother sick?’ I love to bake. As long as I can keep baking and doing things for people, I’ll be fine.”

Gailor is probably the proudest and most passionate when she speaks of her six children and eight grandchildren who are currently living scattered out in the South, as she continually raved about all of their different accomplishments.

But with family, Gailor has also had to face plenty of hardships— after losing one of her daughters to

Hodgkin’s disease and having two husbands pass away, she said helping others is what helps her through it all.

“There are times I get depressed, especially this time of year—I lost one of my daughters in the month of December—but if I can do something, I get such a nice feeling,” Gailor said.

For now, Gailor is keeping busy

with plenty of holiday baking and planning get-togethers with the many friends she has accumulated over the years—and she plans on continuing to brighten everyone’s days with small, thoughtful acts of kindness.

“I love it when I can do something for somebody, I truly do. It doesn’t have to be Christmas—it can be anytime.”

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Creating Beautiful Displays for Christmas and Beyond

by Dawn DiLorenzo for Saratoga TODAY We’ve finally pushed through the fall season and made it through Thanksgiving! With Christmas right around the corner, now it’s time to take down your fall décor and get ready to usher in the new season. Whether you decorate every corner of every room for the Christmas season or keep it simple with just a tree, you can create beautiful displays to enjoy long after Christmas is over.

When putting up your holiday items, focus on incorporating more non-specific holiday items like wreaths, garlands and pretty candle holders mixed in with Advent calendars, Christmas trees and stockings hung from the mantel. Last year, I did our usual Christmas tree and traditional decorations, but I also used lots (and I do mean lots!) of mercury glass candle holders,

trees and owls. Once Christmas was over and I was ready to reclaim my living room corner, I simply removed the Christmas-specific items and was able to enjoy my other decorations for another month and a half. In fact, I liked my owls so much that I kept them out all year! This year, I’ve added even more mercury glass elements and cannot wait to get decorating.

Personally, I decorate just about every area in my home – I lived in Texas for half of my life, and you know the saying: “Everything’s Bigger in Texas!” So I firmly believe “go big, or go home!”

Here’s how I recommend starting: 1. Mantel – the mantel is the focal point of any living room, so it should be decorated accordingly.

Use 3M Command hooks to safely hang garland without damaging the finish. Use the smallest hooks possible so they will be hidden behind the garland.

Whether you use real or fake garland, be sure to add lots of extras to it. Every year I purchase rope garland from a local nursery, then I send my boys outside to bring me branches from our cedar and other evergreen trees, and any other found objects like pine cones or berry branches. I weave those into my $10 garlands, add some lights, some ball ornaments and it looks like I spent $80 (don’t tell anyone my secret!).

2. Dining Room Table – The

dining room table is one place that demands to be noticed and admired. Start with a simple runner – burlap is my favorite because it’s so versatile and looks great with anything you put on it.

With the runner as your base, begin layering on your decorations.

I like an asymmetrical design, but if you’re more comfortable with two candlesticks on either side of a centerpiece to start with, go for it. Then begin adding other elements like small votives, colored glass balls in hurricanes or glass compotes, some greenery like cut pine branches in antique vases or pitches and add candy canes to a pretty dish or cup.

You can even scatter small ornaments or decorations around the table to add a little extra sparkle.

And all those gourds leftover from Thanksgiving? Spray them silver, copper and gold and add them to your table for an extra “je ne sais quoi!” And while you’re still in the dining room, spruce up your light fixture with ornaments hung on pretty ribbons at different levels, or even jute rope and adorn the whole thing with more garlands or a wreath hung upside down and attached to the bottom of your fixture!

3. Stairs – who doesn’t love the idea of a beautifully decorated staircase to walk down on Christmas morning? Well, those of us who clean our own houses do!

Real garlands are messy as they begin to drop their needles, so

photo provided

unless you’re committed to spritzing it daily with water to keep it fresh, then stick with the faux garlands. Wrap the garland in lots of sparkly lights, add bows, pinecones, ornaments and even tiny wrapped packages and attach to the outside balustrades to keep the handrail clear and safe.

4. Front doors – everyone notices the front doors whenever they pull up to your home, so if you’re only up for decorating one area, make this the one! Add large urns filled with evergreen branches, outdoor hurricanes filled with glass balls (or candles) and don’t forget to add a wreath and garlands to complete the look. I prefer real evergreens outdoors and add lots of pretty elements like pinecones, colored balls, and clippings from other outdoor plants like berry branches. You can even use your left over bittersweet vines from your fall decorations for an unexpected twist on traditional Christmas colors. Be sure to add a string of lights and turn it on!

If you don’t have time to create the perfect holiday display, don’t worry! With my One Day Makeover, you can have a beautiful winter wonderland without spending a lot of time or money. But with less than one month before Christmas, don’t wait to book your in-home appointment! I can rearrange your space for a party, decorate for that special Christmas morning or create a one-of-a-kind outdoor display. Be sure to find me on Facebook and my website: www.locustgrovedesigns.com.

Happy decorating!

About Locust Grove Designs Dawn DiLorenzo founded Locust Grove Designs in 2011. She is a graduate of Skidmore College and principal at Locust Grove Marketing, a marketing firm specializing in internet marketing.

Connect with her on Facebook at “Locust Grove Designs,” visit her website at www.locustgrovedesigns.com or give her a call at (518) 222-9551.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

by Kate Towne Sherwin for Saratoga TODAY I came to motherhood with certain ideas about everything—from the daily routine that my children and I would have, to the traditions we as a family would adopt, the foods the kids would love, the games they would play, the clothes they would wear. No surprise that this vision looked remarkably like my own childhood, as that’s what I knew and loved and therefore

thought would be best for my little ones (My poor husband has been very patient with me over the years!).

I was particularly wound-up about the holidays—I so loved the way my parents celebrated every holiday, and I was desperate for my kids to have equally joyous memories, especially about Christmas.

My favorite memories of Christmas in my childhood home have nothing to do with presents; instead, it’s so many small details that comprise the flavor notes of Christmas for me. For example, my dad always played Christmas records in the weeks leading up to Christmas. He’s still playing them—the same ones I remember—and even the crackle of the record static before the music starts playing is enough to send me right back to being a little girl.

We always got our Christmas tree

at St. Clement’s, and we were all so excited when Dad put it up in the designated spot. Dad has always taken the time to re-tell the story of when he was a little boy and he snuck downstairs during the night on Christmas Eve, and saw Santa leaving him the bike Dad had asked for! Dad was so excited as he crept back to bed, but the next morning there wasn’t any bike there at all, and Dad knew it was because he’d broken the rule and gotten out of bed. (My boys listen wide-eyed and silent every time they hear that story, just like my siblings and I always did!) I remember Santa leaving sooty footprints on the living room floor and forgetting to close the fireplace screen when he went back up the chimney. We had cinnamon buns with orange glaze and my mom’s homemade bread on Christmas morning, and we often went for a walk after dinner

Christmas night.

When my husband and I started our own family, I found that some things turned out just the way I hoped, while others didn’t. I admit I might have made myself (and probably my husband too) a little crazy in those first few years, frantic that we didn’t have a record player on which to play old Christmas records or a fireplace for Santa to come down. And the kids don’t like cinnamon buns with orange glaze! Christmas just isn’t Christmas without these things!

Of course, as you all know, it was just a matter of coming to know our own family’s dynamic and character, and blending the traditions of our families of origin as well as coming up with new ones, and I found that much of that only really cemented as the kids got older—old enough to remember what we did at the last holiday and want to repeat it, or to request that we do a certain thing or eat a certain food.

While we also get our Christmas tree from St. Clement’s every year, just like my family, a new tradition to our household is the event we make of trimming the tree. When the older boys were little, we decorated the tree after they went to bed (sort of a date night, with a nice dinner, which we ate while decorating), but last year I really wanted the boys to be excited about the lights and the ornaments, and somewhat involved, so I decided to make a whole evening of it: I made a lot of different fun foods (pigs-in-blankets, potato pancakes, popcorn, cheese and crackers, and non-alcoholic eggnog [which was really more like vanilla milkshakes]), and I put them out on a little table near the tree (a big deal in our house—I hardly ever let the kids eat away from the kitchen table!). We put Christmas movies on in the next room (Frosty, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa), and let the boys wander around eating and watching the Christmas shows while we all took part in decoratContinued on page 23

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Holiday Baby Proofing 101

by Ilissa Goman for Saratoga TODAY With the holidays looming ahead, there are so many things that are different about your child’s surrounding that may be unsafe that you aren’t thinking of. From the usual decorations to handmade toy gifts, there are numerous safety hazards to account for.

Let’s start with the Christmas tree. You have to be sure to put breakable ornaments out of the reach of little one’s hands. Also, be sure to keep an eye on your child when the lights are plugged in, as a baby gnawing on a light strand is a recipe for disaster. Light strands usually have a high concentration of lead in them, so be sure to wash your hands after hanging the lights.

Another good idea is to secure your tree to the wall. Trees tipping over are a common occurrence. Make sure to check your tree area daily for broken ornaments, loose orna-

ment hooks, and dead pine needles on the floor.

Now, on to toys. It’s a common occurrence for a baby or toddler to receive some handmade toys or gifts from the grandparents or others. Be very careful with these toys—you want to check for loose buttons, eyes, or anything else that could come off and be a choking hazard.

There’s a lot of baking and cooking that go on during the holiday season. You want to make sure you are aware of where your baby is when you open that oven door. Also be mindful of turning pot handles in towards the back of the stovetop, so toddlers can’t pull whatever is cooking onto them. You should also be on the lookout for hidden ingredients that may pose an allergy or choking risk for a young child. Many types of bread, cookies, and other baked goods may contain nuts or other things that you wouldn’t necessarily know about or be able to see.

A roaring fire is a sure sign of holiday warmth, bur fireplaces can pose many risks. You’ll want to make sure the hearth has no sharp corners. There are many fireplace screens available on the market so little ones can stay far away from the fire. Many fireplace screens are meant to be more decorative than a safety device, so make sure you get one that is specifically made for keeping small ones out.

A yearly chimney inspection is ideal; buildup in the chimney is a

common cause of house fires. Be careful with candles, too—they look just as pretty to you as they do to a toddler.

When attending or hosting holiday parties with little ones, make sure they know what drinks are theirs. Properly label their drinks, so they don’t confuse eggnog infused with alcohol as milk, or a cocktail as juice. This could warrant a visit to the ER, so be very careful.

If you are travelling with baby

house). We also make a birthday cake for Baby Jesus—my boys always remember and ask me to do so, and it’s the only cake I decorate (our own birthday cakes don’t get such special treatment!), which of course the boys just love. And as of a couple of years ago, we host a big Christmas midday meal at our house for my in-laws—the only holiday we do so (my mom and mother-in-law still cook the big meals for Thanksgiving and Easter). We do take a walk on Christmas evening to my parents’ house for another meal, and, if we can manage it, we often cap off the evening with a stop at my aunt’s house for her extended family Christmas Party (my

grandmother always hosted this party, in that same house, my whole growing up).

All in all, our preparations for Christmas and the Day itself have finally started to feel as memorable as I always hoped they would be, and for all the right reasons: faith and family, simple traditions, and gratitude for all we have. I hope for the same for all of you! Merry Christmas!

Kate Towne Sherwin is a stayat-home mom (SAHM) living in Saratoga Springs with her husband, Steve, and their sons Thomas (8), Gabriel (6), John Dominic (4), Xavier (2), and Thaddeus (11 months). She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.

Continued from page 22

ing the tree. I loved it! I think the boys did too, and I’m already planning the menu for this year’s tree trimming.

On Christmas Day itself, instead of cinnamon buns with orange glaze, I make chocolate chip pumpkin bread—it’s one of the boys’ favorite things to eat, and I always convince myself it’s healthy-ish, what with all the pumpkin in it. I usually also make my mom’s homemade bread, and I put out bananas and clementines (though no one really wants those on Christmas morning), and of course a big pot of coffee (funny enough, Christmas morning was the only time I remember coffee being brewed in my growing-up

this holiday season, make sure the place you are visiting, whether it be Grandma’s house or a hotel, is properly baby-proofed. You might be relaxed since your baby is used to not playing with outlets, but when they’re uncovered it’s a new toy to them. There are many travel kits on the market for all the basic baby-proofing supplies you’ll need. If staying in a hotel, make sure that their portable crib is up to standards. You’ll want to wipe it down to cut back on the

germs, and also be sure that it’s sturdy. When flying with a baby, always buy them their own seat on the airplane. Most car seats are airplane approved and should be used. In a case of turbulence, you won’t be able to hold onto your child and they could be easily injured.

Hope you all stay safe this holiday season and remember to call Binx with all your baby-proofing needs.

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Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

A locally owned

NEWSPAPER Chad Beatty

Robin Mitchell

publisher/ owner x 212

general manager x 208

cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

rmitchell@saratogapublishing.com

Jim Daley

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account executive x 209

account executive x 201

jdaley@saratogapublishing.com

Cindy Durfey classified account executive x 204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

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Distribution Manager x 205 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

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managing editor x 206

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production director x 202

graphic designer x 215

rhale@saratogapublishing.com

jkane@saratogapublishing.com

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graphic designer

photographer

x 207

ehavens@saratogapublishing.com

by Gayle LaSalle for Saratoga TODAY

Kim Beatty

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amarshall@saratogapublishing.com

Living with Grace

markbolles@gmail.com

Pick us up for FREE every Friday at any of your local Stewart’s shops Team members not shown Patricia Older Dick Countermine Craig Morris Carolina Mitchell Richard Schermerhorn Shaun Cox Larry Phillips Doug Fuller Five Case St, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Phone: (518) 581-2480 • saratogatodaynewspaper.com

It seems that at this time of year, this quote speaks for itself.

Grace is defined in many ways, but the two I like best are: (1) A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill. (2) Disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency When put this way, we can all be graceful, everyday. Simple acts of kindness are easy and when practiced, become unconscious and that's when we are really finding grace in our lives.

We’ve all heard some people called graceful, which can simply mean a physical presence which is not the same as a person we describe as having grace. A person with grace is one who is innately generous of spirit, not necessarily of possessions. There is another saying that ‘it’s not what you do or what you say, it’s how you make someone feel’ that will be remembered. A person of grace will make others feel good in a way that will be remembered for a long time.

Of course, there are those large acts of kindness that get attention. This may be from someone with grace. However, it’s those small acts of courtesy - those that are noticed only by the receiver that are most remembered.

While often these acts come from friends or family, the ones that may be most impactful are those that come from complete strangers. A simple smile or saying thank you for the small things others do for you can make someone else's day. It can be easy to forget. How often have you held a door for someone and they simply walked through without so

Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live. ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

much as a word? Yet, how much better do you feel when that person takes the time to say a sincere thank you - to really notice that you did something nice. Yes, you showed grace by holding the door, and they showed equal grace by acknowledging your act.

And, yes, this example is a very small thing. But think of the large impact it would have if each one of us did one small

thing at a time. Looking back at the quote, at the top of the page, how great would it be if this became a way of life, instead of something that needed to be thought of and talked about?

So, please—let's all think about acting with grace, not only during this holiday season, but every day. The world will be just a bit brighter.

25

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Learning to Honor Your Needs in Every Season

by Meghan D. Lemery for Saratoga TODAY This past Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of spending lots of quality time with my almost two-year-old niece Maeve. What I realized while watching my adorable niece all week is how clear she is at communicating what she wants—and even more importantly, what she needs.

When she was tired, she rubbed her eyes and welcomed her nap time with open arms. When she was hungry, she let us know by pointing to food and running to her high chair. When she stubbed her toe, she screamed and cried until a kiss and hug from her Mamma soothed her tears. When she felt like playing a game, she let me know by hiding and waiting for me to find her.

She was clear and direct at every moment with her body language and developing verbal skills.

I have to ask the question: why, as adults, do we lose this clarity and ability to communicate what we want and what we need? We slowly abandon the ability to be clear about our wants and needs and give way to people-pleasing tendencies.

Perhaps what determines the success of our relationships is doing the work it takes to understand ourselves and be clear about what we want and what we need. If you don’t know what you need, how can you expect someone else to? I think if we committed to being honest with ourselves about what we need and want, it would clear up all the confusion and frustration that can go on in our relationships.

No one can take care of you and figure you out better than you can.

We can not put the burden of responsibility on anyone else to understand what makes us tick.

When we do the work to understand ourselves, the result is a person who is in charge of their lives, communicates clearly and directly, and makes no apologies for knowing what they want. This is a strong person who has little time for drama, game playing and passive aggressive communication.

Imagine you just bought a new car. The salesman hands you the keys and instruction manual and off you drive into the sunset in your new hot rod. As you are cruising down the highway the engine light turns on, warning you that something is not right. You have the option of pulling over and checking the instruction manual to see what the problem is, or continuing down the highway ignoring the warning light. If you look at the manual you can most likely understand the problem and take the action necessary to fix the problem, but if you keep driving you run the risk of blowing up. When we don’t take time to communicate our needs clearly we blow up emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. A person who consistently bends to people pleasing

tendencies and abandons their operating instructions is someone who is frustrated, resentful and bitter. This self abandonment will only lead to feeling victimized by “selfish” people. There is a feeling of victimization that takes root in your heart and you start to believe that everyone around you who gets what they want is selfish and egocentric. This perception is skewed because the truth is you, and only you, are responsible for knowing who you are and what makes you tick. You are only a victim to someone else’s agenda if you fail to stand up for yourself and honor what you need.

The first step to standing up for yourself is to know what your instruction manual says.

Everyone’s instruction manual is unique. Some of us refresh our batteries by being social and trying new things, others prefer to unwind with quiet time at home. Some of us greet the day with songs and birdseed, while others take a few pots of coffee to get percolating. It really doesn’t matter what your thing is, as long as you know how you operate and take the actions necessary to honor your needs.

Knowing this information and honoring it at all costs will remove

drama, confusion, guilt and anger from your relationships.

Self-awareness and care are not the same as selfish. Self-care is knowing who you are and honoring what you need to maintain your balance and well-being in every day life. It is the ability to recognize and honor what you need above people pleasing. Selfishness derives from your ego and has a “take, take, take” mentality. Selfcare is rooted in knowing what your instruction manual says and is spiritually rooted in believing you are worthy of feeling good and getting what you want. Don’t make the mistake of confusing the two and labeling someone selfish for honoring their health above your agenda.

Children can be wonderful teachers to help us honor our instruction manual.

Take a look at any little person’s holiday wish list and chances are you will see everything from a new Barbie to a pool in the backyard.

They are fresh and innocent, believing that they are worthy of getting what they want. They don’t apologize for wanting spaghetti for dinner, or being mad at their new best friend. They are clear, direct and honest with their wants and

needs.

This holiday season, give the gift of attention and care to yourself. A wonderful question to ask yourself every day is: “What do I need today?” The answer could be as simple as, drink more water, slow down and breathe. Sometimes the answer to that simple question is more complex, calling us to face the loss of a loved one, deal with a broken relationship or leave a dead-end job. Regardless of the answer, you are worth taking the time to get to know. No one knows you like you do; make it a habit to communicate your needs and wants clearly with yourself and everyone around you. The side effects of this daily ritual are: peace, love and more joy in your life.

Let the little people in your life teach you how to take charge and communicate clearly what you want and need!

Wishing you a blessed holiday season full of peace and joy!

Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, New York. She is also the author of “Please Pass the Barbie Shoes”.

Visit www.meghanlemery.com or email meghanlemery@yahoo.com for more information.

26

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Planning Your Way Around the Death Tax

by Stephen Kyne for Saratoga TODAY We hear a lot about the coming changes to the tax code, and what it will mean for the “every day Joe.” One of the taxes we often hear about having an impact on families is the estate, or “death” tax.

The estate tax is one of the least understood taxes—yet for many of us, it’s totally avoidable with a little planning. For the purpose of this piece, let’s focus on the estate tax at the federal level.

Currently, a person can pass an estate of up to $5.12 million, without incurring an estate tax. Beyond that amount, the top estate tax rate is 35 percent. Come January 1, the amount a person can pass drops to only $1 million, before incurring a

top estate tax rate of 55 percent.

Over just the last 12 years, the amount that could be passed estate tax-free ranged from as low as $1 million to as high as, well, infinity.

How do you plan when the government is constantly moving the bar?

Unfortunately, a lot of people are going to be impacted by the change who never considered themselves to be wealthy enough to have an “estate.”

Consider the family farm.

Today, there are millions of families across America which are cashpoor yet, because of the land they’ve been working for generations, are land-rich. Many don’t realize that if they attempt to pass the farm from one generation to the next, without taking proper precautions, the inheriting generation may get a tax bill and, without the cash on-hand to pay Uncle Sam at a rate of 55 percent, the farm will have to be liquidated and a legacy will end.

There are other families which have already sold their land, but won’t be able to transfer the proceeds to their heirs without incurring a hefty estate tax after the New

Year, unless they plan!

Simple steps can be taken today which can help pass more of your estate to your children and grandchildren, while cutting out Uncle Sam. With the New Year only weeks away, time is running out.

Your financial advisor can help.

One solution which many are utilizing is to take advantage of the current legislation which allows up to $5 million in lifetime gifts to be made without incurring gift tax.

(This gifting limit also drops to $1 million in the New Year.) By gifting all, or a portion, of the amount which could otherwise be subject to the new estate tax rules to a trust,

you could remove the asset from your estate, and allow your heirs to inherit more.

Taking this concept one step further: Because each individual can currently gift up to $5 million without triggering a gift tax, you and your spouse may be able to transfer up to $10 million gift-tax-free, while also bypassing the estate tax!

It’s important to think about the future use of your assets. When you create a trust, you can create rules dictating how your heirs can use the asset, which allows you control from beyond the grave.

Gifting assets to a trust while you’re alive certainly isn’t the only viable strategy people are utilizing today. There are many strategies which may be applicable to your circumstances, either alone or in combination. The important thing is that you plan for the orderly transfer of your assets at your death.

Planning today, while the thresholds for gifting and estate taxes are historically generous, can help ensure that your family legacy continues. Be sure to contact your financial advisor to find out more!

Stephen Kyne is a partner at Sterling Manor Financial, an independent financial planning company in Saratoga Springs.

27

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Property Transactions

18 Cygnet Circle $513,404. Charlew Builders Inc. sold property to Martin Boarder and Sandra Renner.

Ballston

111 9th St. $207,000. Shelly Taylor sold property to Roseann Demeo and Kenneth Henderson.

71 Railroad Place $435,000. Eckardt Holdings LLC sold property to Saratoga Springs Property Mgt. LLC.

17 Sycamore St., $274,853. Heritage Builders Grouip, LLC sold property to Daniel Halbig.

40 Pennyroyal Rd. $219,500. Elayne Myers and Stuart Miller sold property to Thomas and Jacqueline Jansen.

59 Railroad Place Rear Unit 301, $550,000.

Kenneth Carter sold property to Vincent and Maria Dimura.

23 Beechwood Dr., $210,000. James and Susan Rudaitis sold property to Michael Malizia and Nicole Bardin.

26 Albany Ave. $10,350. County of Saratoga and Helen Smith sold property to Dave Blair and Josh Cottrell.

13 Clubhouse Dr. $205,000. Holliday Rossi sold property to Erin Dewey and Stephen Rossi.

29 Beacon St., $250,906. Traditional Builders, LTD sold property to Gary and Maureen Rowe.

Saratoga Springs

112 Lake Hill Rd. $170,000. Ronald and Dawn Wetsel sold property to Denes Laplante.

22 Sherman Lane, $341,000. Christopher Rice sold property to Jack and Patricia Carstensen.

8 Kingsbridge Ct. $437,566. Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to Kuang Ya Li and Yi Ju Chen.

22 Middle Rd. $203,000. Teresa Roben sold property to Shelley Leatherwood.

31 Beacon St. $239,851. Traditional Builders LTD. sold property to George and Kathleen Rovery.

336 Charlton Rd. $367,500. Allen and Susan Look sold property to Thomas and Sharon Clavie.

54 Everson Way $320,000. Thuy Lieu sold property to Kimmie Lieu.

43 Lundy Lane, $300,000. Edward and Barbara Murphy sold property to Stephen Levan.

729 Goode St. $155,000. John and Dianne Eldridge sold property to Benjamin and Emma Eldridge.

27 Round Table Rd. $272,500. Harrison and Nancy Wertz sold property to Frank Armenio and Jodi Streich.

15 White St. $269,000. Matthew and Constance Evans sold property to Gerald Curtin and Alicia Brabazon-Curtin.

425 Broadway (Unit 1) $457,500. Anicetus Group LLC sold property to Demma Holdings LLC. 87 State St. $185,500. Joe Coffin sold property to John and Jean Buhac.

352 County Rte 75 (portion of) $100,000.

John and Barbara Sheridan (as Trustees) sold property to Vincent Laurenzo..

9 Make Your Own Way $1,100,000. Carmine and Marybeth DeCrescente sold property to Larry and Julie Wash.

106 Spring St. (Apt. 4) $355,000. Salvatore and Joan Antonicelli sold property to Holliday Rossi.

Wilton

125 Adams St. $622,000. James Doyle sold property to Michael Piazza.

8 Ridge View Rd. $429,000. Janet Bonnette sold property to Terri Holt.

7 Iroquois Dr. $412,000. Lmia Groce-Tymann sold property to Stephen and Lynn Bardsley.

51 Rolling Hills Dr. $230,000. Ronald and Anne Pastore sold property to Stephen Kyne.

29 Elizabeth Lane $272,000. Nancy Davis (by Atty) sold property to Shiri and Gilad Zorn.

29 Hearthstone Dr. $415,000. David and Kimberly Dennis sold property to Eugene Blizzarro.

3067 Route 50. $20,223,121. Natick NY 1992 Realty Corp. sold property to LBW Saratoga LLC.

39 Trottingham Rd. $207,000. David and Kathryn Longley sold property to Kerri Tanner and Patrick McGowin.

14 Patricia Lane $297,000. Elizabeth Roberts sold property to Harold and Ellen Moran.

65 Nelson Ave. $260,000. Chrisana McGill and William Moore sold property to Mark and Pamela Pehl.

10 Turner Dr. $265,000. James and Margaret Chirgwin sold property to Robert Haren and David Bassani.

Stillwater

943 Route 9 (Saratoga Ave.) $232,000.

Nathan and Keri Charboneau sold property to Tyson and Heather Weller.

10 Champlain Ave. $120,500. Ann Marie Pepe sold property to Matthew Torino.

17 Jessica Trace $520,000. Nicole Byrne sold property to Jerry and Meghan Leary.

5 Ridge Ct. $265,000. Debra Wilbur sold property to Robert Brand and Melissa Marshall-Brand.

8 Sydney Hill Rd. $530,000. James and Carol Camerino sold property to Ryan and Christine Maclellan.

33 Evergreen Dr. $334,000. James and Lorinda Verro sold property to John Demeo and Janice Kelsey.

58 Warren St. $521,000. Richard Cooley sold property to Rene Farrington.

Malta

29 Waterview Dr. $375,000. Philip Diamond (Tenant and as Trustee) sold property to Ernest and Julianne Pappas.

3 Sophia Marie Lane. $643,118. Bella Home Builders Inc. sold property to Bradley and Francesca Harring.

110 VanDam St. $255,000. Timothy Yates sold property to Arthur Perkowski.

627 Route 9P $150,000. Household Finance Realty Corporation sold property to Donald Coulter.

6 Richard Ave. $429,000. John and Jennifer Lefner sold property to Krista Grassia.

159 Washington St. $281,900. Catherine and Roger Wilcox sold property to Jeffrey and Nichola Durte.

2299 Route 9. $893,930. Michelle Wildgrube (as Ref) and Everything Just 4 Trucks Inc. (by Ref) sold property to Bayview Loan Servicing LLC.

228 Church St. $360,000. Metzger Family Foundation Inc. sold property to DGD Holdings LLC.

73 Trottingham Rd. $160,000. Justin Roberts sold property to Michael and Romana Jemison.

15 County Rte 75 $177,000. John Alonzo sold property to Rebecca Schultz.

24 Summerfield Lane, $545,000. Robert and Elizabeth Gunter sold property to Benjamin Katz.

12 St. Patrick Place $343,293. Tradition Builders Ltd. sold property to Oscar and Stephanie Rojas.

304 Brownell Rd. $150,000. Barbara Taormina, Susan Belanger and Lorraine Fitzgerald Life Estate sold property to Robert and Patricia Fitzgerald.

14 West Circular St. $212,000. Jason Labarge sold property to Rosemarie Guanill.

27 Granite St. $160,000. Kenneth and Jill Yates sold property to ANW Holdings Inc.

281 Hudson Ave. $58,000. Sherry Parry sold property to Laurence Case.

16 Clark St. $348,375. Paul and Maggie Tucker sold property to Jonathan and Melinda Rose.

16 Derby Dr. $178,000. Jennifer Breeyear sold property to Mary Ellen Walsh.

25 Meadow Rue Place $270,000. Erik and Christina Mendelsohn sold property to Matthew Sorbero and Jennifer Moriale.

7 South Collins Terrace. $447,000. Donald Collins (as Exec) sold property to Edith Dickstein.

5 Ferndell Spring Dr. $208,000. Clarence and Linda Smith sold property to Ashley Fitzgibbon.

21 Champlain Rd. $21,274. Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee) sold property to Maha Ghorayeb.

11 Springwood Dr. $279,000. Robert Lovell sold property to John and Anne Bishop.

19 Sherman Way $288,660. Brian and Shawn Durant sold property to Giovanni and Julie Warren.

15 Cherry Choke Rd. $300,000. Benson and Laura Louie sold property to Ahmed Adellatif.

268 Broadway Unit 508. $985,000. 262 Broadway LLC sold property to Gerald and Jeri Jannicelli.

19-21 Avery St. $337,500. Steven and Jeanne Theiss sold property to JC Avery LLC.

132 Ash St. $455,851. McPadden Builders LLC sold property to Frederick and Maureen Nest.

138 Washington St. $205,000. Margaret Moran sold property to Tricia Cioni.

47 West Harrison St. $460,000. Bruce Levinsky sold property to Nicholas and Lynn Argenti.

39 Hulin St. $131,000. Devan Manwarren and Rebecca Starr-Manwarren sold property to Victor Arroyo.

3246 South Broadway $290,000. Berkshire Bank sold property to El Mondo Properties LLC.

4 Backstretch Ct. $60, 296. Joseph Lucarelli sold property to Saratoga Glen Builders, LLC.

92 Lincoln Ave. $500,000. Christopher Gregory and Ariella Chezar sold property to David and Lynn Feenan.

4 Backstretch Ct. $343,400. Saratoga Glen Builders, LLC sold property to Martha and John Miller.

431 Grand Ave. $210,000. Helen Snyder sold property to Robert and Talara Hedgpeth.

26 Joyce Rd. $295,000. Joseph Buckman sold property to Susan Kohler and Ann Beigel.

76 Catherine St. $391,000. John Reine and Zachary Piech sold property to Paul and Kelly Zanella.

17 Revere Run $224,969. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to Suzanne Pantea.

2 Hawkins Place. $493,870. Charlew Builders Inc. sold property to David and Zuzana Lundeen.

13 Oak Ridge Blvd. $175,000. Oak Ridge Development LLC sold property to Eric and Ashley Cavosie.

26 Gronczniak Rd. $225,000. Victoria Williams sold property to Seth and Taryn Foutz.

24 Vermont St. $604,000. Rejuvenation Homes Inc. sold property to Mary Lynne McKee and Robert Werther.

7 Iris Dr. $427,500. Michael and Jennifer Corrigan sold property to Garo and Mary Derderian.

30 Revere Run $264,900. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders, Inc. sold property to Michael and Shannon McGill.

75 Fifth Ave. $525,000. Stephen and Patricia Brennan sold property to Michael and Pena Basone.

12 Waldron Circle $409,900. Amedore Homes Inc. sold property to Edith Harrison (as Trustee).

8 Sephia Lane $327,000. Justin and Erin Armstrong sold property to Omar and Kanisha Manderson.

10 Riverside Dr. $176,500. Gail Lanthrop sold property to Joseph and Irene Zecca.

7 Connemara Ct. $354,000. Thomas and Debra Roberts sold property to Catherine Szenczy.

532 County Route 75 $224,000. Shirley Painter sold property to Niek Captein and Diane Basirico.

24 Kendrick Hill Rd. $69,000. Rose Laskey Joint Venture sold property to Daniel and Susan Williams.

13 Riverside Dr. $240,000. Harry Helebotis (by Atty) sold property to Barbara Olesen.

Mount McGregor Rd. $60,000. Nina Singh and Michael Crispens sold property to Thomas and Marybeth Giorgianni.

7 McAllister Dr. $310,000. Wallace and Shelley Thomas sold property to Daniel and Doranne Mullan.

70 Railroad Place (Unit 412) $600,000. Mary Lynne McKee sold property to Stephen Rucinski and Mary McLaughlin.

38 Preakness Way $220,000. Adeline Amato sold property to Marc and Jennifer Leidig.

4 Hunters Run $313,000. Michael and Holly Martini sold property to Anthony Canzone.

6 Grey Birch Ct. $219,500. Marek Giurk sold property to Ashley Serfis.

41 Avendale Dr. $400,000. Nicholas and Cheryl McDonald sold property to Kevin and Sharon Rabbitt.

14 Lincoln Ave. $250,000. William Orthwein sold property to Stephen Luttman.

10 Beacon Hill Dr. $1,350,000. John and Claudine Hedbring sold property to Augustine and Lisa Vitiello.

2 Frederick Dr. $233,000. Adam and Megan Madkour sold property to Helen Thomas-James and Philip James.

3 Curry Ave. $300,000. Alice Schielke sold property to Leah Stewart.

3 Bluebird Ct. $375,000. David and Sara Lynn Buschynski sold property to Richard and Joan Fiorini.

344 Eastline Rd. $116,500. Brian and Christopher Donovan sold property to Brandon Vedder.

17 Summerfield Lane $520,000. Joseph and Gretchen DiMaggio sold property to John and Jennifer Lefner.

21 Ventura Ct. $341,606. Mark Lee LLC sold property to John and Patricia Spoor.

146 Middle Ave. $130,000. City of Saratoga Springs sold property to 146 Middle Ave. LLC.

203 Washington St. $345,000. James and Patricia Wolfe sold property to Jonathan and Elizabeth Bonham.

13 Kozy Lane $150,000. Alan Roehr and Karen Potter (as Trustee) sold property to Paul Johnson and Theresa Striano-Johnson.

86 Hathorn Blvd. $229,900. Alex and Laura Taylor sold property to Benjamin Malowski and Roseann Maurantonio.

85 Trottingham Ct. $95,000. Elizabeth McGraw (by Atty) sold property to Milton Crest Apartments LLC.

34 Orenda Spring Dr. $163,500. Robert Lopresti sold property to Jamie and Chelsea Herrera.

6 Jockey Club Ct. $302,500. James and Jean Thomas sold property to Ryan and Meghan Sweeney.

17 Leonard St. $85,000. Ann Cafararo sold property to David Giardino.

7 Artillary Approach $100,000. Camelot Associates Development LLC sold property to John and Tracy Bove.

4 White Birch Lane $229,000. Kevin and Jenice Young sold property to National Residential Nominee Service Inc. 4 White Birch Lane $229,000. National Residential Nominee Service Inc. sold property to Scott and Kaylin Shepard.

16 Fenimore Place $385,500. Flora and Thomas Garrett sold property to Christopher and Courtney Keller.

52 Rolling Hills Dr. $266,500. Edward and Carolyn Hoffman sold property to Douglas Brady.

19 Stoneridge Dr. $247,000. William Layman sold property to Joseph and Sarah Battiste.

64 Cobblehill Dr. $395,000. Aqeel and Shazima Gillani sold property to Justin and Erin Armstrong.

26 Preserve Way $550.000. Camelot Associates Corporation sold property to Frank and Kimberly Allen.

28

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Peter Kevin Fitzpatrick

Catherine Rita King SARATOGA SPRINGS – Catherine Rita King passed away at her Locust Grove Road home on Monday, November 26 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 8, 1922 in Fort Worth, Texas, she was the daughter of Maurice J. and Mary C. Severino.

Rita is survived by her husband of more than 69 years, Joseph G. King and daughters Candace King of Clover, South Carolina and Marikate Matthews of Ocala, Florida,

four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her son, Joseph R. King, daughter, Cordelia (Cordy) Schwartz, brothers Dick and Jerry Severino and her sister Grace Donahue.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, November 30.

Malcolm P. Flanders GLENS FALLS – Malcolm P. Flanders of Fort Edward died suddenly on December 3. He was 55.

Born on February 11, 1957 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Van and Iona Flanders.

Malcolm proudly served in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1980.

He was married to Helen Munier on March 3, 1984.

He is pre deceased by his parents and a brother Ted Flanders.

Survivors include his wife Helen, three daughters; Jennifer Flanders (fiancé Micah) of Gansevoort, Amy Dinuzzo (Louis) of Fort Edward, and Shawna Story (Adam) of Hudson Falls, three grandchildren Patrick, Abigial

and Charlotte and his four legged friends, especially his Chihuahua, Moose. He also looked upon Adam, Louis, and Micah as his own sons.

Family and friends may call from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. on Friday, December 7 at the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave Saratoga Springs.

Services will be held at noon.

Burial will follow at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with full military honors.

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 obits@saratogapublishing.com.

SARANAC LAKE – Peter Kevin Fitzpatrick passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 27.

Born October 24, 1949, he was the son of the late Robert and Leola (Russom) Fitzpatrick.

In addition to his parents, Pete was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Fitzpatrick O’Donovan.

Survivors include his companion, Christine McCoy, of Saranac Lake; his daughter, Leslie Staigar Dussault and her husband Scott of Wilton; his son, Sean Fitzpatrick of East Falmouth, MA; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Jackie Fitzpatrick of McKinney, TX; his nieces and nephews;

Stacey (Mark) Herhusky of Lake Tahoe, Christopher O’Donovan of Auburn, Scott Fitzpatrick, Dan (Alyssa) Fitzpatrick, and Shannon (Marty) Hauser all of Texas and his grandchildren, Trae and Keegan Dussault of Wilton. He is also survived by Christine’s brothers; Peter McCoy and Franklin John (Janet) McCoy. In keeping with his wishes, Pete requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, PO Box 1111, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 or High Peaks Hospice, 19 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Services were held on Saturday, December 1.

Donald R. Gerke MIDDLE GROVE – Donald R. Gerke passed away Friday, November 30. He was 82.

Born on March 9, 1930 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Rudolph and Alwine Gerke who had emigrated from Poland to the United States during the Bolshevik upheaval.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife and best friend of 56 years, the former Patricia C. Holmwood.

Survivors include his daughter, Laurie (Michael) LaBarge

of Middle Grove; his grandson, Robert (Letitia) Williams of Johnstown; great-grandaughter, Jessica Slater of Rochester; great-grandsons, Joshua and Jake Slater of Highmount; several brother and sister- in- laws, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in Donald’s memory to the Milton Fire District #1, PO Box 72, Rock City Falls, New York 12863.

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Saratoga County KidsCare Club spread Holiday Cheer to the residents of Maplewood Manor

Community Corner 29 the Tooth fairy club

On Sunday, December 2, the Saratoga County Kids Care Club visited the residents of Maplewood Manor to distribute over 50 homemade pinecone ornaments and spread holiday cheer with Christmas Carols. While there, the Club members were also able to visit with and distribute ornaments to the 30 residents that were displaced by a fire at the Home of the Good Shepard and relocated to Maplewood Manor!

Saratoga County Kids Care Club members that attended the Maplewood Manor event include Ariana and Aydin Sajjad, Isabella Fuda, Erik, Troy, and Greta Gottman; Members not included in the photo that participated include: Stevie and Elizabeth Peplowski, Jonathan and Ariel Jones.

Take a look at this week’s new club members!

JENNA

KEEGAN

LYLA

EMELIE

Skidmore students conduct research for Saratoga Battlefield Skidmore College juniors Rosalind Rothwell (left) and Madison Lehrhaupt presented their research on newspaper accounts of the Northern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War on Tuesday, Dec. 4 on the Skidmore campus. As summer interns with the Saratoga National Historical Park, the two students researched how newspapers published in New York and New England portrayed the 1777 campaign by the British to control the strategically important Hudson Valley. The campaign led to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.

The tooth fairy club is sponsored by: Nicole Byrne, D.M.D Pediatric Dentistry 659 Saratoga Rd. Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 226-6010

JUSTIN

Service Star Awarded at Saratoga Hospital SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Hospital has named Rose Gibbs of Greenfield Center its October Service Star of the Month. Rose, payroll accountant in fiscal services, has been an employee at Saratoga Hospital for over 36 years. She was lauded for always going above and beyond her responsibilities to help a colleague, patient, or visitor. The Service Star of the Month program recognizes employees and volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide great service to our patients, visitors and staff. A hospital wide celebration was held in her honor.

30

FOOD

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Not Your Ordinary Taco Try a healthy fresh fish taco with ingredients from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market!

It has been a while since we talked fish in this column, but what better time to do so? This is a wonderful time of year for salt water fishing in New York’s waters. The hurricane season has passed, and the ocean has not yet become turbulent as it does in late winter. Fish are most plentiful now.

At the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, we are lucky to have Pura Vida Fisheries from Long Island as one of our vendors. Every Saturday they deliver fresh fish caught in

New York waters.

One of the more abundant and economical fish offered at this time of year is lingcod, a type of hake, and a less widely known member of the cod family. In New York, commercial fishermen sustainably can catch more hake than cod and flounder.

Lingcod is lean and tends to be softer and moister than its cousin the cod. Sold at the farmers’ market in slender fillets, it cooks easily and quickly. The off-white color turns a bright white when cooked, adding a

beautiful contrast to sautéed greens when plated. Lingcod is a versatile and inexpensive choice for anyone who likes a lean white fish like cod.

Lingcod’s characteristics also make it a fine choice to use in fish tacos, a wonderful and healthy variation of the popular Mexican dish. Serve Pura Vida Fisheries lingcod tacos with a fresh cabbageapple salad and you will have an amazing, colorful and quickly prepared meal to present. Younger members of the family will not resist this way to enjoy fish.

Ingredients: (Note. Many ingredients for this recipe are available now at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market and are marked*.)

1 pound Pura Vida Fisheries lingcod fillets* 2 limes to make 2 tablespoons of lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced* ¼ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Jalapeno pepper* (from Gomez Veggie Ville) chopped , or dried red pepper flakes, to taste Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste 5 stalks of Asian greens, from Pleasant Valley Farm* or other vegetable vendors. (Or substitute a cup of shredded cabbage.*) ½ red onion, chopped* ¼ cup cilantro, coarsely chopped* ½ cup of shredded cheese of choice* (Argyle Cheese Factory red pepper cheese curds do well.)

4-6 soft corn tortillas or soft burrito shells (Order from Funky Fresh Foods.*) 1 cup fresh salsa*, from Sheldon Farm or Kilpatrick Family Farms ¼ cup Battenkill Valley Creamery half and half* (optional)

Directions: 1. Place the fish in a glass dish and squeeze or pour ½ the lime over it. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, one tablespoon of the oil and optional jalapeno or red pepper. Season with salt and pepper; turn the fish in the marinade until evenly coated; and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

2. While fish marinates, coarsely chop the stalks and leaves of the Asian greens (or cabbage) into a bowl and add onion and cilantro.

Drizzle with the remaining lime and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper, and then toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

3. Warm the tortillas in a microwave oven or over a warm pan on the stove. (Cover the tortillas with a wet paper towel to retain softness and warmth. Do this one tortilla at a time. Wrap the warm tortillas in a clean dishcloth and set aside while you prepare the fish.)

4. Grill the fish if you can because grilling is the healthiest cooking method and provides the best taste.

Otherwise, cook the fish in a pan on the stove. In either case use a spatula to handle the fish, because it breaks apart easily. Cook only until fish is just done, white and flaky, about three minutes per side. (Note: if grilling lingcod, be sure to oil the grill grates to keep the fish from sticking. If using a pan, coat it with a bit of the marinade.

5. While the fish is cooking, quickly warm the salsa in the microwave. If you prefer to serve a leaner version of the recipe, leave out the cream.

6. Put the warmed tortilla or burrito shells on individual plates and divide fish between them. Divide the Asian greens and put over the fish on each plate. Shred the cheese over the tops and spoon the warmed salsa over all. To eat, fold in the edges of to encase the filling.

7. Serve the tacos with a cabbage-apple* salad dressed with vinaigrette, and optional toppings of sour cream or avocado.

PULSE

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

31

All Welcome to Holiday Open House at Flores Fine Art Gallery SARATOGA SPRINGS - Please join the Gallery on Friday, December 7 from 6-9 p.m. for a holiday open house.

The current exhibition,

Landscapes, features artists like: Internationally acclaimed painter, Frankie Flores; Connie Bush, with Tiger Eye Photography; and visionary & contemporary oil painter,

Marina Petro.

Whether you are considering an original artwork, canvas giclee or a signed print, or a small gift item for your holiday list, we will help you

find the perfect artwork for you!

Stop by and celebrate the merriment of the holiday season! The evening will be filled with cheers, music, and art all wrapped into one!

The Flores Fine Art Gallery is located at 492 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more information, email frankieart7@yahoo.com.

Red Barns Painting by Frankie Flores

32

PULSE

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

8th Annual Center Crafts Show to Take Place at the Saratoga Art Center

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The 8th Annual Center Crafts Show, an annual event that attracts hundreds of visitors each year, takes place from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, and 11 a. m. - 4 p. m. on Sunday, December 9 at the Saratoga Art Center’s Dee Sarno Theater.

The show features more than 13 artists specializing in handmade fine crafts suitable for creative gift-giving. Ceramics, jewelry, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, paper arts, glass, and painting will all be available for purchase. For children and families, admission to the Center Crafts Show is free, as is admission to the Art Center Gallery.

The Annual Center Crafts Show

at the Art Center ranks among the top events for finding handmade fine crafts in the area. The artisans exhibiting here are juried-selected and then invited to display their unique talents.

“The opportunity for artists and patrons to come together and meet directly makes this showcase particularly enjoyable. Some of these artists, like local favorite jeweler Nancy Miller, return each year, and some are new for the first time like Stoneware Potter and Peter Jones of Camden, Maine,” said Sue Brown Gordon, the Craft Show’s organizer and exhibiting jewelry artist. “There is so much enthusiasm for the arts at this show. It is so wonderful to be a part of the Art Center’s exhibits.”

This year is especially strong in

the ceramics and wearable art categories. There will be unique handcrafted jewelry and stunning fiber art to wear, plus the return of many popular fine craft artists.

Leather, sculpted belt buckles and chenille scarves all provide a full range of unique items that may tempt every taste. As an added bonus, Saratoga Art Center members can enjoy a discount from participating artists for purchases of their works.

In the true seasonal spirit of giving, visitors are encouraged to bring a canned good or food item to be donated to the local food bank.

“We feel supported by our local community of art patrons who annually shop here for creative holiday gifts,” Brown Gordon said. “It has become a seasonal tradition to visit the Center Crafts Show at the Saratoga Arts Center.”

Admission to the show is free and refreshments will be served.

The Center Craft Show will be held rain or shine December 8 and 9 at the Saratoga Arts Center, located at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The Art Center is open Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.gordonfinearts.org, or call (518)8526478 or the Arts Center at (518)584-4132.

“Cannonball” Exhibit Hits Saratoga Automobile Museum

SARATOGA SPRINGS - While the image that springs to mind is one of devastation and debris, the reality is that a “Cannonball” is about to land in the Saratoga Auto Museum’s Gallery “B.” This Cannonball is actually a smile generator, as it’s related to the classic movie “Cannonball Run,” Brock Yates’ story of the legendary coastto-coast run that saw the winners traverse the U.S. from ocean to ocean—Darien, Connecticut to Redondo Beach, California—in 36 hours and 41 minutes.

The exhibit made its debut at the Saratoga Automobile Museum to members only on November 30 from 6 - 8 p.m., while the public opening debut took place on December 1 at 10 a.m. The exhibit is titled “Cannonball: The Brock Yates Story,” and will combine cars from his personal collection, vehicles that made the famous coast-tocoast dash - among them a historic Ferrari recently arrived from Washington State - and memorabilia associated with the Car and Driver contributor’s unique career.

Leading the parade of cars from the Yates collection will be his worldfamous Eliminator roadster, a hot rod that won both road races and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The adjacent “A” gallery will feature an array of eye-catching

luxury speedsters entitled “Local 518 SuperCars,” with both exhibits scheduled to run through April 29, 2013.

As for the unusual title of the SuperCars exhibit, the name comes from the region’s area code, as it features exciting cars from the area.

The roster includes a 2011 Alfa Romeo T23 by Zagato, owned by Eric King of Latham, and a 2003 Aston Martin DB7 on loan from Gloversville’s Jim Taylor. They will be joined by Gloversville resident Charlie Montano’s 2008 Dodge Viper, a 2005 Ford GT courtesy of Bruce Tanski of Clifton Park and a 2003 Porsche GT 3 owned by Rexford’s Mike Gogan.

Back on the Italian side, Ron Czajkowski of Mechanicville will have his 1985 Ferrari Testarossa on display alongside the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia of Gansevoort’s Steve Lofgren. And last but not least, the Museum reached out to an ‘import’ from the 315 area code as Alan Rosenblum of Utica will add his 2008 MB McLaren SLR to the amazing exhibit.

More information is available online at www.saratogaautomuseum.org, or by calling (518) 5871935. The Saratoga Automobile Museum is open daily (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is located on the Avenue of the Pines in Saratoga Spa State Park.

PULSE

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Local Gigs

DON’T MISS

Week of 12/7-12/13:

Send listings to amarshall@saratogapublishing.com Send listings to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com

Friday, 12/7:

Saturday, 12/8:

New Regime, 8 pm

Jacqueline Schwab, 8 pm

@ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

Rob Pulsifer, 7 pm

Dwyer Sisters & Arlin Greene, 9 pm

@ bailey’s - 583.6060

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Vivid, 8 pm

Hair of the Dog, 9 pm

@ bentley’s - 899.4300

@ irish times - 583.0003

Dead Spartans, 8 pm

Street Talk, 10:30 pm

@ bayou cafe - 384.7226

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Joy Kills Sorrow, 8 pm

Rusty Edge, 9 pm

@ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ the mill - 899.5253

Live Acoustic Music, 7 pm

DVDJ Dread, 9 pm

@ druther’s - 306.5275

@ vapor - 792.8282

Street Corner Holler, 9 pm

Live Entertainment, 8 pm

@ gaffney’s - 587.7359

@ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

Black Abbey, 9 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

Sunday, 12/9:

The Schmooze, 5:30 pm

Mary McCaslin & Rick Shea, 2 pm

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Vivid (From CT), 10:30 pm

@ @ caffè lena - 583.0022

@ jp bruno’s - 745.1180

Thursday, 12/13:

Marcus Duo, 9 pm

Live Acoustic Music, 8 pm

@ the mill - 899.5253

Big Medicine, 9 pm @ the parting glass - 583.1916

Just Nate, 9 pm @ primelive ultra lounge - 583.4563

@ druther’s - 306.5275

Mikki Bakken, 9 pm @ gaffney’s - 587.7359

Jeff Brisbin, 8 pm @ irish times - 583.0003

CLOSED - 12/7 @ vapor - 792.8282

Saturday, 12/8: Jon LeRoy Trio, 8 pm @ 9 Maple Ave - 583.2582

Ubuntu, 7 pm @ bailey’s - 583.6060

Diva & The Dirty Boys, 8 pm @ bayou cafe - 384.7226

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

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

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

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

Justin Joyner, 7 pm

Thur. Open Mic, 10 pm

@ druther’s - 306.5275

@ circus café - 583.1106

33

Joy Kills Sorrow LIVE at Caffe Lena, Friday, December 7, 2012

Photo provided.

34

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Sudoku Level: 1

2

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

See puzzle solution on page 36

12/3/12

© 2012 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

Scrabblegram

Movie Review Skyfall

See puzzle solution on page 36

PUZZLES PUZZLES PUZZLES Crossword

ACROSS 1 Family nickname 5 Wharton hero 10 Crude letters 14 One of five Norwegian kings 15 Trapperʼs tool?

16 Roast, in Rhone 17 Eye sore 18 Invierno month 19 Nicoleʼs “Moulin Rouge!” co-star 20 Enjoying “O patria mia”?

23 Legal title: Abbr.

24 Artificial 25 “Night Moves” singer 27 Some of its ads feature a pig named Maxwell 30 Prima __ 33 Cuban patriot Martí 36 Ages 38 Fight back, say 39 Aussieʼs school 40 Contract extras, and read differently, a hint to this puzzleʼs theme 42 Layer 43 Time to retire 45 Copycat 46 Vichy waters 47 Kennedy and Waters 49 Like old apples 51 Character piece?

53 “Pork and Beans” band 57 Binge 59 Whomping actor Eric?

62 Literary collections 64 Amity 65 Knee-slapper 66 Star in Lyra 67 Top of a form, perhaps 68 Heraldry border 69 Furthest from the hole, in golf 70 Big key 71 Fade, maybe DOWN 1 Israelʼs Dayan 2 Let out, say 3 Builders of stepped pyramids 4 Nothing special 5 Frantic 6 Signaled oneʼs arrival 7 Ancient theaters

A hard drive containing the names of undercover agents embedded in terrorist organizations is now up for sale and you suffered a near fatal injury trying to stop it. What would it take to send you back into the fray? Money, love, fear?

James Bond (played by Daniel Craig for the third time) and fellow MI6 agent Eve (played by Naomie Harris) have tracked a thief carrying a stolen hard drive with confidential information to a train. After an exhausting chase and an epic amount of destruction, Bond and the thief are locked in a physical struggle. With the thief in her sights, Eve (Harris), on orders from M (played by Judi Dench for the seventh time) takes the shot, misses, and sends 007 plummeting to the water below while the hard drive and the thief are lost. M (Dench) is summoned before a government committee where one member, Gareth Mallory (played by Ralph Fiennes), encourages her to retire. While en route to MI6 headquarters, their servers are breached and, while M watches helplessly in traffic, their offices are destroyed killing several agents. Bond, having taken his fall from the tracks as an opportunity to retire, learns of the attack while watching television in a bar. His return to government service is typically atypical. He breaks into M’s home, reports for duty, and asks how he can be of service. Before returning to duty, Bond must submit to both a physical and a psychological exam. Despite failing both, a desperate M puts Bond back in the field, for lack of a better idea.

This being a Bond movie, there is, of course, a great deal more to the story. The moment we are introduced to the true villain, Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem) marks the Bond series’ return to cinematic greatness. Bardem is truly terrifying and every time you think you’ve figured out his master plan, he shocks you. The introduction of Ben

At The Movies With Trey Roohan

Gasoline Alley

“Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.”

J.C. Watts

Words to know: satiate - tr. V. To satisfy fully.

See puzzle solutions on page 36

8 1961 record breaker 9 Ate at 10 Tram load 11 Supply electricity to a California city?

12 Weather may delay them: Abbr.

13 Half of dix 21 Samsonʼs end?

22 Ancient assembly area 26 Compass hdg.

28 Bars at the end 29 Latish lunch hr.

31 “Because freedom canʼt protect itself” org.

32 “Come Sail Away” band 33 Solstice month 34 Doing the job 35 Spot a flamboyant singer?

37 Bygone blade

40 Rockefeller Center statue 41 Approach 44 Every other hurricane 46 One may be penciled in 48 Like a piece of cake 50 Boost, with “up” 52 Front-end alignment 54 “New” currency replaced by the Congolese franc 55 Gay leader?

56 Triple-A, at times 57 Software product with a cup-andsaucer logo 58 All over again 60 “Categorical imperative” philosopher 61 Slurpee alternative 63 Come out with

Whishaw as 007’s liaison to Q branch breathes new life into an element of the franchise that I assumed had simply been abandoned with the departure of Pierce Brosnan and the death of the much-beloved Desmond Llewelyn. I understand that many Bond fans saw Quantum of Solace as a failure. Putting aside the fact that I was not one of them, this is easily the best Bond film since Craig assumed the role of lead actor, in my opinion. No fan of the franchise should miss seeing Skyfall in theaters.

It is brilliant. (8.1/10) For comments and questions, contact me at movies@roohanrealty.com.

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

classified TODAY’s

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Call (518) 581-2480 x204

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WILTON MCGREGOR VILLAGE APARTMENTS. FALL SPECIAL - 1ST MONTH FREE 2 bdrm, 1 bath. Cats only. (A/C avail) All 1st flr. units includes features for persons w/disabilities required by the Fair Housing Act. Now $775/month.

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Will Pay up to $15.00 for High School Yearbooks 1900-2012.

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Kindergarten teacher longs to give your precious baby endless love, secure home, large extended family, bright future.

Expenses paid. Private. Legal.

Call Jenny 1-866-751-3377

It’s where

gold, gold coins, sterling silver, silver coins, diamonds, fine watches (Rolex, Cartier, Patek, Phillippe), paintings, furs, estates.

Call for appointment 917-696-2024 JAY

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Serious cash buyer seeks investment property, 200 acres and up, with or without mineral rights.

Brokers welcome. For immediate confidential response, call 607-563-8875 ext.13 or e-mail alan@newyorklandandlakes.com.

ADOPTION-YOUR OPTION. NY couple offers your newborn happiness, laughter, financial security, tons of TLC. Expenses paid as permitted. Legal/ confidential. Call Peggy & Sonu 1-888-962-5022

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35

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DRIVER –

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Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093

36

SPORTS

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Martin, Sangimino and Shanahan Win Gold

Saratoga Catholic Girls’ Varsity Basketball Stuggles in Home Opener Against Galway

by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

Photo by Lou DiGesare/realjudo.net

Tony Sangimino (blue) throws opponent on his way to winning the Northeast Championship 81kg title NEW JERSEY - Athletes from the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in Glenville, New York won 10 medals including three gold medals at the Northeast Championships over the weekend in Paterson, New Jersey.

Tony Sangimino, 22, led the way for JMJC, cruising to the 81-kilogram title by going 4-0 to pick up the $250 award for first place. Sangimino then made it all the way to the final of the Grand Championship which is comprised of the winners from each weight class. The final was an overtime thriller which ended in a split decision after the extra period went on with no scoring.

Sangimino picked up another $250 for his second place finish in the Grand Championship.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High school graduate, 24-year-

old Hannah Martin, crushed all comers to win the gold medal in a combined women's division picking up the $250 winner’s purse.

Shenendehowa High School freshman, Cam Shanahan, turned in a good performance going 5-0 to claim gold in the 13-14-year-old 50-kilogram division.

Tony Leggiero, 9, picked up a pair of medals winning silver in the 9-10year-old 32-kilogram category and a bronze in the 9-10-year-old 38kilogram division.

JMJC newcomer and Burnt HillsBallston Lake junior, Eric Skylar, 16, was also a double medalist taking silver in the 15-16-year-old 81kilogram weight class and a silver in the senior’s brown belt 81-kilogram division.

Ashley Hejlik, 26, won bronze in the 52-kilogram division and Brad Bolen picked of a bronze of his own in the 66-kilogram weight class.

Burnt Hills senior Jack Hatton, 17, closed out the JMJC medal count winning a bronze in the same 81-kilogram division in which his teammate, Tony Sangimino, took gold.

While the JMJC group was competing in New Jersey, their teammates Alex and Ashley Hall were in La Verne, California competing in the U.S. Judo Association Winter Nationals.

Alex, 13, won gold in his normal 13-14-year-old 48-kilogram division before moving up and winning a bronze medal in the 13-14-year-old 52-kilogram category. Ashley, 12, took fourth place in the 11-12-year-old 48kilogram division.

Next up for the JMJC: The club will be hosting the 11th JMJC Open development tournament the afternoon of Sunday, December 23.

Puzzle Solutions from p. 34 Send your sports stories or briefs to Andrew Marshall, Sports Editor at amarshall@saratoga publishing.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2012-13 season for the Saratoga Central Catholic Saints girls’ varsity basketball team opened up at home December 6, as the team welcomed the Galway Eagles for a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) game. The Saints would struggle to find their rhythm offensively and only managed to make eight field goals, eventually dropping the game by a final score of 38-25.

For the Saints, sophomore Kaylie Fish led the way with seven points and freshman Alayna Landalfo added six of her own.

Both the Saints and Eagles managed 11 points in the first quarter. Saratoga Central Catholic would go ice cold in the second quarter and did not make a field goal. They would only score two

points off a pair of Landalfo free throws. They would not end their field goal drought until just over four minutes left in the third, when Fish hit a mid-range jumper.

Galway nursed a comfortable lead for the rest of the game, with Galway pushing it to double digits by the fourth quarter. Galway’s Erica Chase paced the Eagles with ten points. Tegan Matthews was right behind her with nine points scored.

The Saints turned the ball over at a staggering pace, finishing with over 40 turnovers. The team turned the ball over seven times in their first eight possessions of the third quarter. They were also unable to follow up on second chance baskets by pulling down only three offensive rebounds for the whole game.

The Saints will hope to rebound December 7 when they travel to Canajoharie for another WAC match up.

Saratoga Catholic senior guard Meghan Mensler (10) puts up a shot over Galway’s Amanda Gould (12) during the December 6 Western Athletic League showdown at SCC.

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

SPORTS

37

Functional Training: Fad or Here to Stay?

by Michael LaPolla From Saratoga Health & Wellness Center “Functional Fitness” has become a popular buzzword lately - In fact, it’s been rated as one of the top fitness trends for 2013, according to the American College of Sports Medicine One thing that I know as an exercise professional is that fitness fads come and go every day, almost with as much regularity as the rising sun.

With each new training method or diet that gains in popularity, it’s my job to determine what has merit and what’s just fluff. The public always seems to be looking for the next great fitness trend, which leads me to my latest topic.

“Functional Training” is a term that’s been gaining in popularity lately, and the concept has merit.

What is Functional Training?

Functional training is a concept that has been around for a long time.

Its roots stem from the therapy and rehabilitation field, and are defined as having the physical capability to perform activities of daily living in a safe, independent manner without undue fatigue. When we say “functional,” we mean that a movement has characteristics that mimic a movement pattern that is seen with everyday activities.

Functional movements are generally weight-bearing, multiplanar and involve multiple joints. Functional exercises challenge dynamic and static balance, coordination and proprioception (awareness of your position).

One of the important concepts with regard to functional training is that human body is a kinetic chain. What’s that mean? It means that the human body is built to do lots of things at once. When you perform an activity, some muscles contract to cause joint movement, other muscles contract to prevent joint movement (to stabilize other body segments) and the body as a whole needs to remain balanced so you don’t fall over or put yourself into a compromised position.

For efficient moving, you must transfer energy and force it from one body part or joint to another, acting as a kinetic chain. You’ve heard it before: you’re only as strong as your weakest link and it couldn’t be truer with human movement. Good position is everything in functional train-

ing. If you have decent mobility to get into good position, and adequate strength to go through the movement, you’re halfway there. The last and perhaps most important concept of functional fitness involve neuromuscular firing patterns and appropriate timing. Can you activate the necessary muscles at the right moment to accomplish the movement safely and without compensation?

An Example Let’s take a look at a simple movement pattern called a straight leg raise. Lie on your back with both legs straight and extended, and while keeping both legs straight, slowly raise one leg (keeping the knee locked) while keeping the other flat on the floor. You’ll begin to notice tension behind your rising leg and the movement will become more challenging. Many people arch their backs and struggle to lift their legs past 45 or 50 degrees for multiple reasons that I won’t discuss now (tight hamstrings, restricted opposite leg hip extension from tight hip flexors, failure to brace core muscles, etc.) But the important concept here is the following: a good movement pattern will see the subject activate and brace their abdominals first prior to activating and raising their legs second. In doing so, they have essentially stabilized their pelvis and allowed their legs a substantial anchor in order to complete their movement. The timing of all of this is a very critical piece of functional movement. Strong muscles are one thing, but learning to activate those muscles at the right time is a different story and very important.

What’s different between strength training and functional training?

Typical Strength Training Many people out there belong to a gym and are very familiar with strength training using free weights and circuit machines. Many die-hard proponents of the ‘functional fitness’ movement would have you think that working out on machines and throwing around free weights is ‘old school’ and not the ideal way to improve strength and improve function. And they’re not all wrong. But, we know that combining typical strength training machines and free weights with functional training movements is really the ticket to improving overall function, both for everyday activities and for more ath-

letic pursuits. It’s important for the fitness professional to understand movement patterns and then use specific corrective exercises to address the weakest link in the so-called ‘kinetic chain’ Once you’ve addressed the weak links, then you can begin to build and rebuild appropriate movement patterns.

But, and I repeat, in order to move properly you have to have adequate strength in the right places and this can be done with typical strength training.

Functional Training Simply stated, functional training trains movements rather than just muscles.

It involves the integration of the nervous system, muscles that produce joint movement as well as the muscles responsible for stabilization of the spine (core), hips and shoulder blades (scapulae). When we use more typical strength training machines, we go through a very specific motion and use very specific muscle groups and often these machines don’t require or challenge other stabilizing muscles or proprioception. Functional training induces additional challenges to your neuromuscular system and often incorporates unstable surfaces (Bosu, stability balls, rubber bands, balance discs, wobble boards, foam rollers, etc.) to help individuals activate sleepy muscles. But be careful, because all of these training devices can actually detract from delivering the types of results you’re looking for. Often people confuse their bodies too much, providing useless and excessive stimuli which minimizes how much emphasis can be placed on the areas requiring help. Use these training modalities sparingly; our advice is to do 75 percent of your training on stable surfaces and 25 percent on unstable surfaces. Remember, sometimes too much of a good thing, can just be

too much.

How to get started?

You may actually be doing some functional training without knowing it. One of the first steps in getting started is having a functional movement assessment.

Many fitness facilities provide fitness assessments and movement screens. Seek them out. Once the assessment is completed you’ll have an idea of how to proceed, usually beginning with strengthening and mobility exercises and then progressing to more complex neuromuscular movement exercises.

Sometimes a movement screen may be just what you need in order to break away from the typical grind of the typical gym workout. Good luck, and as always if you have any questions, we’re more than happy to provide free consults on topics we’ve written!

Michael Lapolla is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Specialist and owns Saratoga Health & Wellness (BEST OF award winner for Best Fitness Facility, 2012).

Michael and his college-degreed staff design custom exercise programs for a wide range of clients. You may contact the team at SH&W at 518-306-6987 or on the web at saratogahealthandwellness.co

38

SPORTS

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

Overcoming the Odds to Inspire Others

Damian Fantauzzi

My sister Ann, and her family, live just outside of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she teaches at East Stroudsburg University as a professor of speech and hearing. She follows my column through the internet and she forwarded an article to me about a program out of Lehigh County.

She thought it would make a great topic for my writing and she was right on target. This is a story about the dreams of handicapped children, who want to play sports. Because of their condition, it seemed impossible but they are now able to participate in football. It is an inspirational story written by columnist Keith Groller of The Morning Call, a local newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In the Lehigh County Youth Association (LCYA) sports programs there are football leagues for inner city kids, mainly from Bethlehem and Allentown. This story is about two young boys who are beneficiaries of these youth football leagues. Of course, there are many kids involved in these leagues.

These two special youngsters are very unique because of their congenital physical handicaps that a couple of decades ago, would have been a barrier for them to participate in sports.

One of the boys is blind and has been since birth. His name is Gage Dannecker, a 10-yearold from Allentown. Gage plays defense for his youth team on the defensive line at nose guard and according to his coach; he's good at what he does. His teammates help position him before the snap on each play but the most amazing thing is that Gage gets many tackles because of his heightened sense of hearing.

His mother, Melissa Hein, said that her son had wanted to play football for three years and she was apprehensive because of his vision impairment. “It has been such an esteembooster for him, more than anyone could possibly imagine. He gets mad when they cancel practice because of rain,� Hein explained.

This experience is not only good for Gage, but for his teammates as well, because they're living the true meaning of youth sports. They are learning the values of teamwork, camaraderie, concern for one another and in the case of Gage, how to overcome adversity.

LCYA's younger flag football team also has a boy, six-year-

old Alonso Hernandez from the community of Emmaus, who also inspires those around him.

Alonso is a first-grader who is nearly deaf.

The LCYA football coordinator, Buddy Farr said: "Our organization encourages participation.

We want to help kids by keeping them off the streets and giving them something positive to do.

In the case of kids like Gage and Alonso, we're saying that even if you have a disability, you can still be part of the team. With a lot of the bad stuff that's going on in [Allentown], this is something very positive to show the kids."

He also goes on and talks about having two girls in the maledominated program, who are playing on the 95-pound team.

Because of his hearing impairment, Alonso wears heading aids which allows partial hearing.

"His condition has slowed his speech development and he still has trouble understanding the differences of some things," his mother Cristine said. "He might not understand when other kids are playing around, for example, but has definitely come a long way. Sometimes the other kids don't understand him when he speaks, especially those who don't know him well. A lot of kids his age think he's wearing ear plugs for an MP3 player or something and don't know that they're actually hearing aids."

Cristine continued, "But the more interaction he gets with other kids, the better.

I've already seen a difference in him and I want him to get involved with other sports."

Alonso's coach, Carlos Caban deserves a lot of credit, according to Cristine Hernandez, getting Alonso to assimilate into the squad. Coach Caban, who grew up in Allentown and came through the LCYA program as a kid, described how he guided Alonso on the field during practice by showing him rather than telling him.

Gage's coach, Mike Rhodes, said he was apprehensive at first about letting Gage play when Melissa Hein approached him.

"I've had kids play with disabilities before, but with him not

being able to see, I was worried about him not being able to defend himself," Rhodes said.

"My first question for him was, how do you know where they're going? He said that he can hear them breathing.

Somehow, he follows that and gets to the ball. After two practices, I saw that he was more than able to defend himself. He's probably just as good as three-quarters of the kids on the team because of his heightened sense of awareness."

Gage had this to say about his ability: "I put my whole heart into football and I love it.

I have good teammates who help me and the coach yells at them to remind them when, especially if it's raining, not to forget about me."

Gage said he wants to become a pro football player and maybe even play for his favorite team, the New York Giants. I think it would be illadvised to doubt him.

Is there anything better than this? Stories like these kids and their opportunities to play sports are so inspirational and are about the learning experiences that come in the quest of being accepted in life, no matter what confronts our own existence in nature. These are stories of the human spirit and especially how we all can learn from what children do when facing the adversity of being handicapped and the determination to overcome.

Carlos Caban, Alonso's coach says it all: "This is what it's all about.

You can learn so much in life at any age. What this shows is that everybody is all the same and that everybody should have their shot at what they want to do. If they want to play, they can play. You just have to put your mind to it."

My closing is simple, the only thing that makes someone different than the norm is the bias of others who are closedminded. Those who are the handicapped (a label by those who are not) or are different in some way, have a message for mankind - we all need to listen and learn from each other!

Functional Training p.37

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2012

SPORTS

Judo p. 36

Vol. 7 • Issue 49 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Central Girls Varsity Opens 2012-13 Season at Home

Photos by MarkBolles.com

Story on Page 36