Your Hometowne April 2013

COMPLIMENTARY

APRIL 2013

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

For Advertising Info: 265.1105

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yourhometowne@gmail.com

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w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

Davidson Brothers

Beer Tasting April 9th A Lavish display of Artisan Cheeses, Assorted Antipasti, Cheddar Ale Soup with Knockwurst, Beef Short Ribs in Ale and Spices, Smoked Ham, Apple Slices, Melted Brie, Miniature Crab Puffs, Shaved Oven Roasted Rib Eye, Clams Casino & Dessert Featuring Davidson Brothers Scotch Ale Charlton Tavern Red, Oatmeal Stout & IPA

$50/person RESERVATIONS A MUST

399-9951 745 Charlton Road, Charlton www.charltontavern.com Social networking at the Tavern couldn’t be easier with WIFI

BRO THERS OF THE MUG Tuesday April 23rd

As 6 Bells Toll (6pm for those not steeped in history) Members of the Charlton Tavern Mug Club are invited to join together for Food, Camaraderie & Converse in Treason!

“After all we are an Historic Pub” Perfect Sunday Fireside Evenings with Bobby Van Detta 4:30-7:30pm

Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Intimate Couture Weddings

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

GRAND REOPENING APRIL 20th & 21st BOAT SHOW & SALE HURRICANE, PARTI KRAFT, QWEST & GILL GETTER BOATS ALL YAMAHA OUTBOARDS ON SALE

SAVE 15% ON DRAW-TITE TRAILER HITCHES SAVE 15% ON MOST PARTS & ACCESSORIES COME SEE OUR NEWLY EXPANDED AND REMODELED PARTS AND ACCESSORY STORE SIX MILES WEST OF CLIFTON PARK, NORTHWAY EXIT 9

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JOINTLY OWNED PROPERTY Jointly owned property is property held between two or more persons where both of the persons own the assets and where, if one person passes away, the other person receives the ownership of the person who passes away. Jointly held property is normally held with the right of survivorship.

Bank accounts and houses between husband and wife are frequently held this way. Homes jointly held between spouses have additional protections against creditors.

Anyone can hold property jointly and when they do, they usually own it with the right of survivorship to avoid having to go to Court. Spouses often own their home as husband and wife when they purchase it. Jointly owned property may be titled Husband and Wife, or Husband or Wife.

Sometimes joint ownership may not be helpful. When someone is receiving nursing home level care and applies for Medicaid, jointly held bank accounts between a parent and child count as if the parent is the complete owner of the account.

Jointly held property can also negatively impact an estate plan where spouses have a taxable estate. Federally, estate taxes apply for estates over 5 million dollars. In New York, the taxable estates exist for estates over 1 million dollars.

Jointly held property is often helpful, but you should consult an attorney about your situation. Please contact me if you wish to consult on planning for yourself or someone in need. It will be my pleasure to help.

TRENDY I UPSCALE I DESIGNER

OPENiNG MAY FiRST! Double M

A Unique Consignment Boutique

WOMEN'S CLOTHING l HANDBAGS l JEWELRY

NOW ACCEPTiNG CURRENT SPRiNG AND SUMMER CLOTHiNG AND ACCESSORiES Call today for an appointment 496.6231

Burnt Hills and Schenectady (518) 370-4645 • jfantauzzi@ecmlaw .com

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE DOUBLE M TACK STORE, ROUTE 67, BALLSTON SPA

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

A message from Emerging from our winter cocoons is a rite of passage here in Upstate New York. Our 4 layers of clothing have now become 2, the birds and animals are sprinting about competing for the best new location for their summer homes. Bicyclists and bikers are braving the chill alongside the diehard dog walkers. Neighbors are chatting in the streets catching up on what's been going on over the past 5 months. It's great to see people again!

Spring makeovers are on everyone's mind. Whether you are focused on personal transformation or your yard and homes the season of change is here! For us, this year we will tackle the breezeway; that poor forlorn room that never gets the attention it deserves. I have visions of a 3 season room, cozy and functional. Because of our change of seasons we Northerners tend to have a lot of “stuff” that travels with us. From boat and gardening supplies to boots and shovels our breezeway is more of a giant closet rather than a gateway to our home. Creating places to hide the items that always end up there is my main goal. Storage will be my focus; I will be hunting through garage sales and 2nd hand stores to find the perfect pieces to repurpose into hideaways for all of our “stuff”. I have promised myself that by July I will be proud of our gateway to our home.

Of course we plan on having some fun too! I look forward to the hot sultry evenings at the marina. I never tire of watching the moon rising over the cliffs, the smell of bon-fires and glow of patio lights strung in front of our fellow boater's docks. Barbeques, picnics and parties! Our marina is so full of life; from the first Ker-Splash of our boat to the day it comes out to rest for the winter we enjoy every moment of being there.

Make the most of these wonderful days as they too will shorten. This winter marked the loss of so many dear ones. I lost my Mom last month and while it was sad; it was nature's course. My heart goes out to those who lost their children this past winter. I pray that there will be comfort and peace to the families and friends of those who were taken away to soon. As the butterflies emerge from their cocoons this spring remember to reach out to your friends and family who have suffered the worst lost of all, the loss of a child. Kindly and gently remember; the butterfly symbolizes the resurrection of your loved one's souls. They are with you always. Love does not die.

ABOUT THE COVER...

Photo courtesy of Rich Lannon - Watersong Art Gallery. Once again Rich has captured the essence of Your Hometowne. His keen eye and sense of adventure are ever present in his photos. We thank him for contributing his work. To see more of Rich’s photos you can stop by the Pig N Whistle where they proudly display his photos in their dining room, visit his website at www.photographybyrichlannon.com, or find him and us on Facebook!

Comments and Input – Paul and Cheryll 280.5260 Advertising – yourhometowne@gmail.com or 265.1105 Photography – hometownephoto@gmail.com Design – kgarriso@nycap.rr.com or 883.3872

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

BRYANT REBATES ARE BACK!!

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

WRENCH TALK with Ken Maynard When you car breaks down, do you replace the part with OEM, (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts?

Who do you listen to, your wallet or your mechanic? Ken suggests you listen to him. Being in the business for so many years, Ken sees a lot of worn out parts, and in some cases the same part that failed much sooner than the owner might like. Sure he can save you a few bucks up front if you want to get out on the cheap, just remember, in many cases you will be back.

After market products are generally not built to the same grade of the original part, therefore if you plan on keeping your vehicle, fix it once and fix it right, use OEM parts. Sure there are expectations with any part you buy to perform and most likely they will perform, just not for the same length of time or with the same functionality of an OEM part.

You get what you pay for! Ken will install whatever the customer wants with the same level of professionalism that goes into all of his work, but if you choose and after market part and the aftermarket dealer doesn't warrantee the part how can you expect Ken to warrantee it?

Remember the image of a shady guy in a trench coat flashing Rolex watches for $25.00? It's no different in auto parts. Knock off artists have even gone as far as to create logos and boxes that “look” like a true replacement parts.

You can find them all over the “AUTO” section of big box stores, cheap imitations of the real deal. Save a few bucks today and SPEND it later when you have to replace it again. Ken listed out a few things you need to pay CLOSE attention to when replacing a worn out or broken part.

1) CATALYTIC CONVERTER'S - the OEM part is built with a significant amount of the rare metal catalysts, Platinum, Palladium or Rhodium, after markets use far less of the same components along with ceramic substrates rendering the Cat converter non effective over the long haul

which leads to O2 sensor failure. Fix it right!

2) U-JOINTS - An OEM part is good for about 100,00 miles, replace it with an aftermarket part WITH GREASE FITTINGS that you service religiously but don't expect anywhere near that mileage out of them. If your keeping your ride, spend a few extra bucks 3) CLOCK SPRINGS - Hundreds of car parts work together to allow the driver control over the vehicle. The clock spring is one of those parts that work directly with the steering wheel. It allows the car's wheel to be turned in a circle while maintaining an electrical connection with the wiring system. Don't cheap out on this one either!

4) DRIVE ACTUATORS - From airbag inflators to gauges , 4 wheel drive, rack and pinion and virtual instrumentation, these parts need to work and work together with other components that you take for granted in driving today's automobile do yourself a favor and stick with the OEM part to be safe.

5)WHEEL BEARINGS - These are critical to your cars suspension , if a bad wheel bearing goes unchecked, the inner wheel bearing race could actually weld itself to the spindle because it gets so hot, and the wheel could seize up or come off. If you intend to keep your vehicle safe to drive, don't let a “frugal” mindset stop you from buying quality parts, your life depends on it.

Don't be fooled by cheap aftermarket parts and pay attention to that noise or light that goes on unexpectedly. When in doubt, Bring it over to Ken's Sunoco and let his well seasoned mechanics take it from there, They won't try to sell you what you don't want, but they WILL guarantee what they do sell you, after all they live and work in YOUR HOMETOWNE, it's alright here!®

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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A WAY THAT YOU CAN SAVE MONEY What if I told you that there is a way that you can save money at many of your favorite Saratoga area destinations? Is that something that you would be interested in? Of course it is! Who doesn't like saving money, right? Enter the Buy Local Card. "Kyle, tell me, what is the reasoning behind the Buy Local Card?" I'm glad you asked; The card is part of a local initiative to reward consumers for buying locally.

Merchants who are part of the program provide special discounts and offers to those who carry the Buy Local Card.

"Okay so something as good as this must cost something, right?" Wrong, this card is completely free; That's right, free! No sign up, no registration.

The card is funded by the local merchants that are dedicated to helping grow the local economy.

"How do I get this card" you ask? Simple, just go to www.locallivingin.com and fill out a quick form and we will send you as many as you would like.

Or you can pick one up at any of our members, just ask.

Go online and check out all the places that are accepting the Buy Local Card, we are always adding new merchants so be sure to check often!

There you can see all the places that want to reward you for being loyal and shopping locally. Is your favorite local business not a member? Give me a call and let me know and I will go out and invite them to join. You can also contact me with any other questions and I would be more than happy to talk to you.

So what are you waiting for? Go get the card and start saving today! Don't wait! Seriously, go get the card.

Good talk, look for me in the Local Living In Smart Car! Kyle Seabury, Sales Manager, Local Living In A merchant driven, consumer rewards program, LocalLivingIn.com and the BuyLocal Reward Card

People always say they want a new life or the chance to start over.Well the truth is, you get that chance everyday but you choose not to change it.

- Author Unknown

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

GET READY FOR SOME (FINANCIAL) SPRING CLEANING Spring is in the air - or, at the very least, it's on the calendar soon. And if you're like many people, you may be looking forward to doing some spring cleaning around your house and yard. But this year, why not go beyond your physical environment and do some “sprucing up” of your financial situation?

Here are a few possibilities to consider: 1. Clean your portfolio of “clutter.” When you go through your house, you may find some clutter in closets, storage areas, on top of desks, under beds or just about any other place. Your investment portfolio also may contain clutter, in the form of investments that no longer meet your needs.

Consequently, it's a good idea to “de-clutter” your portfolio periodically by selling those extraneous investments and using the proceeds to help purchase others that may be more effective in helping you make progress toward your financial goals.

2. Simplify and consolidate your investments. As you clean your house, you may find that you have many common items, such as brooms, hammers, duct tape and so on, scattered among various rooms. It might be more efficient to keep all such objects in one central location; this can help prevent you from needlessly replacing or duplicating them. As an investor, you may have an IRA with one financial services provider, an old 401(k) with a different one, and some other investments with yet another institution. If you consolidated all these investment vehicles with one provider, you might be able to save some fees and expenses. Perhaps even more importantly, by uniting all your investments in one place, you may find it easier to follow a central, unified investment strategy.

3. Check for “gaps” in your financial strategy. Every spring, it's a good idea to check your gutters for leaks, your sidewalks for cracks and your paint for chips. By doing so, you'll help protect your home and surroundings. To help protect your family's future, it's important to have adequate life and disability insurance.

4. Plant seeds for growth. When spring arrives, it's time to plant the seeds for your flowers and vegetables. As an investor, you also have to be concerned about growth. Specifically, you'll want to consider investments that have the potential to grow enough to help provide the financial resources to meet your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement.

Consequently, you should review your portfolio to determine if it contains an appropriate amount of growth-oriented vehicles for your individual objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.

5. Seek professional assistance. When you're tidying up for spring, you may find some jobs that you can't do alone, such as cleaning a heavily stained carpet, unclogging a blocked drain or trimming the highest branches on a tree. For these tasks, you might need to call in trained professionals. It's the same with investing: You can do some things on your own, but for complex tasks such as creating and maintaining an appropriate investment strategy, you may need to work with a financial professional.

Consider putting these spring-cleaning tips to work soon. They may just help put some sparkle and shine into your financial “house.”

Christopher Nyhan runs the Edward Jones office in Burnt Hills, NY. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Chris can be reached at 399-5087 or chris.nyhan@edwardjones.com.

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

APRIL CROSSWORD PUZZLE

14. Cain's brother 15. High society 16. By mouth 17. Candy 19. Nile bird

Find Out What Your Home is Worth On-Line Visit:

www.GlenvilleHomeValues.com Courtesy of Miranda Real Estate Group. Not intended to solicity buyers or sellers currently under contract.

DOWN 1. Russian country house 2. Submarine 3. Compacted

4. Santa's helper 5. Hush-hush 6. Communion table 7. 53 in Roman numerals 8. Amends 9. Lair 10. Commode 11. Botanical garden 12. Principal 13. If not 18. Decree 22. At the peak of 24. A titled peer of the realm 26. Hurried 28. Sarcasm 29. Standard 30. Kid 31. An aquatic bird 32. Laugh 33. Short-tempered 34. Importantly 37. Canine tooth 38. Anagram of "Meat" 40. Group of cattle 41. Vestibule 43. Girdle 44. Obtained 46. Odd-numbered page 47. Hawaiian veranda 48. Hackneyed 49. Luxury boat 50. Snip 51. A flexible pipe 53. Genuine 56. Poetic dusk 57. Not young Answers can be found on page 29

ACROSS 1. Guy 5. A dish of tomatoes and greens 10. Docile

20. Possesses 21. Waste pipe 22. Without company 23. Artist's workroom 25. Fruity-smelling compound 27. ___ober 28. Powerless 31. A garment 34. Someone unpleasantly strange 35. Plaything 36. A division of a hospital 37. Leaf 38. Darkness 39. "Eureka!"

40. Spook 41. French of "Woman" 42. Genesis 44. Snagged 45. Welsh dog 46. Family of a monarch 50. Not first or second 52. Mountain crest 54. Genus of macaws 55. Steals 56. Powered by electricity 58. Small island 59. Gladden 60. Strip of wood 61. Encounter 62. Man-made fiber 63. Weight loss plan

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IDENTIFY AND AVOID TRIGGER FOODS It happens to the best of us: you've eaten right and exercised hard for weeks, and then one slice of cake at a party sends you into a downward spiral of eating too much and exercising too little.

It's common to experience temporary relapses back to unhealthy ways of eating and lack of exercise, especially while a healthy, active lifestyle is still new.

But what triggers these relapses? Finding out the answer to this question will equip you to avoid future relapses altogether.

ANATOMY OF A TRIGGER FOOD Trigger foods come in all flavors and sizes, but nearly all contain one (or all) of the Big Three. 1) Salt, 2) Sugar, or 3) Fat. Processed foods are the most powerful triggers. These foods are literally made with your brain chemistry in mind, factoring in the addictive qualities of salt, sugar and fat. When the desire for sweets feels unbearable your body is literally craving more.

That's why one slice of cake can lead to an entire weekend binge.

To avoid a relapse, steer clear of packaged foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat. See the Wholesome Cravings tip below for snacks to eat when cravings strike.

When you do fall victim to a trigger food, use the following 3 steps to get right back on your feet, and back to eating and exercising right.

1.Draw a line in the sand. Decide here and now that your relapse is over. Stop the self-destructive behavior and enlist the support from the important people in your life.

2.Remove the triggers from your home. Clean out the pantry, the freezer and the stash under your bed. Get these unhealthy foods out of your home and out of your way. See these items for what they really are obstacles that prevent you from getting what you really want out of life.

3 Refocus your goals. Why were you eating healthy and exercising in the first place? Because you have goals. You have a vision of the healthy, fit body that you're working to achieve. Focus your mind on your most desired goals and unleash your inner work ethic and determination.

I believe that it's time for you to reap all the benefits of a fit and active lifestyle.

Call or email today and I will schedule a time to meet with you one-on-one to get you back on track with the quickest and most effective routine for your fitness goals.

424-7878 or email gina@precisefitnessandtraining.com to get started today with a free consultation.

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

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SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS Over the past couple of months I have talked about what the Montessori Philosophy is, and how to recognize if your child is ready to begin preschool.

Perhaps the next question you might ask is “Will my child leave Montessori with the skills necessary to be successful in a tradition educational environment?”. Ninety percent of our students move on to a traditional learning environment with ease. We believe that the essential skills learned in Montessori lead to successful school age students.

Our programming teaches and encourages children to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. As a student works through the Montessori Curriculum we allow them to explore the materials, which are self- correcting, at a pace that is appropriate for them. This allows the child to internalize the skills and concepts for each academic area of the classroom. A basic example of this is a Chair Washing activity. To accomplish this task a child must first decide to take it from the shelf and set it up. This entails laying out a towel, getting a free chair from the classroom, going to the sink to get water, and making sure they have a scrub brush and a drying towel ready. A child must perform many steps to get to the “fun” part, scrubbing. If, for example, they have forgotten to get the water, no bubbles will be made when scrubbing. A child would then have to “problem solve” to figure out their mistake and go to get the water needed. Of course this in not something a 3 year old would be able to do on their first day, but with the teachers support and an environment set up to support these skills it becomes second nature to the child. Montessori also has an extensive Grace and Courtesy curriculum helping to create a comfort level for children in speaking with other children and adults as well as making the first connections in forming friendships.

Our School recognizes that a majority of our students will not continue their education in a Montessori environment. We make sure our students leave us ready to be successful in any type of educational environment they will encounter. We make it a priority to work hand in hand with parents to give each child the support and skills needed to be successful.

“My son, Nicolas, attended the Montessori School for his preschool and Kindergarten years. Nicolas's transition from Montessori to public school was seamless. He was prepared academically, emotionally and socially. The staff gave him a strong foundation to begin his elementary education. He is a well-adjusted child and excels academically. I attribute this to the excellent staff and teaching philosophy at the Montessori school.”

Registration for the 2013-2014 school year is currently in progress. We offer many program options including 1/2 day Kindergarten.

For more information contact 384-0074 or OneFamilyMontessori@gmail.com

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JAVITA COFFEE COMPANY Hi, I’m Jaime and I have struggled with weight gain for years. Recently I was introduced to a new line of products from the Javita Coffee Company. Over the next few months I am going to tell you about these products and keep you posted on mine and my husband’s weight loss success. We live locally and want to share our success with you!

So I know you're asking, 'what is it that makes this coffee so special?' It's the herbs. This tasty coffee (100% natural) is infused with herbs that will give you more of what you're expecting from your cup to help you speed up your body's fat-burning processes and help you control your appetite to reduce the amount of calories you're eating.

JAVITA BURN + CONTROL While your Personal Metabolism plays a role in your weight gain the fact is weight gain is most commonly the result of eating more calories than you burn. To lose weight, then, you need to create an energy deficit by eating fewer calories, increasing the number of calories you burn through physical activity, or both.

Yerba Mate works with your Metabolism Yerba mate is a central nervous system stimulant containing caffeine, but it also contains a number of other nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. The chemical compounds and nutrients in yerba mate tea affect your metabolism to make your body use carbohydrates more efficiently. This means you'll get more energy from the food you eat. You'll also burn more of the calories your body has stored in fat cells as fuel when you drink coffee with yerba mate regularly.

Regular yerba mate consumption also helps keep lactic acid from building up in your muscles so you can decrease post workout soreness and cut your recovery time.Yerba mate has stimulant qualities to help you feel full sooner after you begin eating, and it slows your digestion so that your stomach stays full longer.

Combining yerba mate with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help boost your metabolism to burn more calories, and it can help you eat less by curbing your appetite slightly.

Portion Control Controlling portion size may be the single most effective thing you can do to promote lasting weight loss. Researchers found overweight people who spent the most efforts in controlling the portion size of what they ate were more likely to lose weight and keep it off. Although increasing planned exercise also help people shed pounds, researchers found portion control efforts seem to offer the biggest payoff.

Garcinia Cambogia helps you control your portions Garcinia Cambogia is found naturally in India and parts of Asia, and also on the Pacific coast of South and Central America all the way from Peru up to Mexico, and likes a humid forested environment. Also known as Brindall berries, Garcinia is believed to act as an appetite suppressant and allows you to lose weight by diminishing your desire for food. Not only does Carcinia Cambogia suppress your appetite, but it also limits the body's ability to turn carbohydrates into fat. This factor, combined with increased calorie burning and a suppressed appetite, prohibit the body from converting excess carbohydrates into stored body fat. In fact, instead of increasing your body fat, you'll increase your energy.

Over the past month I have lost 14 lbs and my husband has lost 26! If that isn’t enough; I have also found a way to make money that makes me happy and allows me to help others reach their goals both physically and monitarily.

For more information 858.8786 • www.buyjavita.com/4health

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

STAY TUNED with PAUL HILL Schenectady as we know it was originally the land of the Mohawk Nation as part of the Iroquois confederacy. Interestingly the phrase Schau-naughta-da, was the Mohawk phrase for “the place over the pine plains” or “The Place Beyond the Pines” which is what they called Fort Orange or present day Albany.

When the Dutch settlers arrived in the Hudson Valley in the 17th century, the phrase “Schaunaugh-ta-da” eventually entered their lexicon but referred to the bend in the Mohawk River where the city of Schenectady lies today.

Fast forward to the 21st century and Schenectady happens to be the chosen location for the film aptly called “The Place Beyond the Pines” starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes and Ray Liotta. The plot follows a motorcycle stunt rider who turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child; a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective.

Director by Derek Cianfrance and co- writer Ben Coccio, have personal ties to Schenectady. Cianfrance's wife is from the city, and Coccio is from Niskayuna. Understanding the location, Cianfrance noted that Schenectady gave the film crew more flexibility to work, but Scotia made the final cut. Several scenes were shot at the DAIRY CIRCUS, owned by our friends Robb and Doreen Clemons who gave us a pre- release DVD to view in advance of the theatre screening!

Quite a few local places made it into the film, including the First National Bank of Scotia, Crest Motors in Scotia, Rt 5 in Glenville near Greno Industries, Trustco Bank, Aumiller's Pharmacy as well as Vale Cemetery in scenes shot on State Street, Ellis Hospital, the Schenectady Police Station, the Route 7 Diner, St. John the Evangelist Church on Union Street along with many other local locations.

Doreen of Dairy Circus recounted back to April 2011 when a young man came into their restaurant carrying a binder and a large camera draped over his neck. He introduced himself as Marshall Johnson. He said he was the Location Manager for a movie that was going to be filmed in Schenectady. He asked if she had heard of "The Place Beyond the Pines". Ironically she just had read an article in the paper about it. He asked if he could take a bunch of pictures and check the place out so she said "sure, whatever you need”. Marshall said he was going to show the director the photos.; If he liked them, they would be hearing from him.

A few weeks later in walks Marshall with several other people. Derek Cianfrance, the director was one of them. Derek said he thought the place would be great for the movie. They looked around, grabbed some breakfast and said they'd be in touch; and his wife Shannon was going to be in the movie. Shannon is "The Ice Cream Lady" in the movie. Shannon spent several hours at the restaurant learning the ropes and the crew remembered her as a very funny person that made sure they all had a good time. Days later the entire crew came, along with Eva Mendez & Ryan Gosling. Robb and Doreen's daughter Brooke made 10 identical dishes of ice cream for each take they did.

The crew took two different shoots at their business, one for the beginning of the movie and the other when the son was in High School. Robb and Doreen and Brooke thought it was thrilling to be involved with the movie production and felt that the entire crew was amazing. The celebrities were very kind, just regular people doing their job. Rob and Doreen said “We were very honored to be a part of the production! It was neat seeing the process from behind the scenes”. As an added bonus they were pleased to see that the crew was very fond of their shakes & soft ice cream. In the picture above are Robb, his Daughter Brooke and Ryan Gosling in between takes! Stop by the Dairy Circus and enjoy the food of celebrities and stand in the spot where Hollywood filmed this highly acclaimed movie in YOUR HOMETOWNE!

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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Gift Certificates Available

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

Yankovic, about his college dorm mates then slowly branched out in to more universal topics. Dave became completely immersed in music, buying stacks of CD's, going out to see local Buffalo bands like the Goo Goo Dolls and Rockcandy (whom he still insists should have been bigger than Poison!), and honing his own songwriting. He began recording his little ditties on a 4-Track tape recorder just for fun. The years rolled by with Dave marrying his college sweetheart Michele Misiaszek and returning to his hometown of Burnt Hills where they currently reside with their son Luke (15) and daughter Rory (12). At 18 months Dave's son was diagnosed with autism. Music was not only an outlet for Dave but soon became a way to connect with his son.

Dave Graham knew that being an obsessed music fanatic would pay off someday. Little did he know that his passion wouldn't be fully realized until his son was born some years later. Buying a used acoustic guitar through a newspaper ad (there was no Craigslist or eBay back then!) 18 year old Dave set his sights on learning how to play three chord rock songs by the likes of John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. With a handful of 'cowboy chords' under his belt he began composing his own songs. While acquiring his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Buffalo he started writing song parodies, in the vein of Weird Al

While other aspects of the father-son relationship were lost to autism, music was something they could still enjoy doing together. Dave eventually formed a band called ThE BLiSTeRz and Luke became their #1 fan. The group enjoyed several years of success in the Capital Region's original music scene as well as Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica and NYC. They even garnered radio airplay for some of the tunes Dave penned such as 'Myspace Friend' and 'Friday Night Girls' on local stations 102.7 WEQX, 97.7 WEXT, and Q103 among others. A favorite memory has the family driving back from getting some ice cream at Jumpin' Jacks and hearing a BLiSTeRz song on the radio for the first time. Besides performing with a full

band Dave can also been seen playing solo and duo acoustic shows at many local pubs and clubs even opening for one of his favorite musicians and national recording artist Jesse Malin a few years ago.

Six years ago Dave's love of music came full circle when Wildwood, the non-profit school for children with neurological and developmental disorders that his son attends, reached out to the parents asking for help in raising money to build a playground. Dave quickly called on his generous friends in the local music community and put together a benefit concert aptly called WILDWOODstock. Due to its overwhelming success the school asked Dave if he would consider making it an annual event. On Sunday April 28th the Sixth Annual WILDWOODstock Benefit Concert and Auction will take place at The Parting Glass Pub (42 Lake Ave.-Saratoga) from noon until 9PM featuring some of the area's top original bands such as Hearty Hearty Love, Molly Durnin, North and South Dakotas, Stellar Young, Erin Harkes Band, Holly & Evan, and Charmboy along with Dave's brand new band Legendary Losers with whom Luke will make a guest appearance. Tickets are available for only $5 (they will be $10 at the door) at Parkway Music (1777 Route 9-Clifton Park) or The Parting Glass Pub. More details at WWW.WILDWOODSTOCK.COM or contact rock4wildwood@yahoo.com

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

VISUAL SIDE EFFECTS Most of us know that medicine can sometimes cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, and fatigue. But did you know that medications can also cause vision problems such as dry eyes or sensitivity to light? Some drugs can even lead to serious eye problems or vision loss.

Below are some medications that may cause vision side effects. This list is not comprehensive, if you have any questions about a drug you take, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Antihistamines: (Clarinex, Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec) Antihistamines work by blocking histamines produced by the body that cause a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. In some people, these drugs can cause an emergency condition called angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases rapidly.

If you notice severe eye pain, sudden visual blurring, nausea or other symptoms of angle closure glaucoma, get immediate medical help.

Antimalarial drugs: (hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, Quineprox, chloroquine, Aralen) These medications treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While rare, some people who take these medications over time can develop retinal toxicity, leading to permanent vision loss. Plaquenil toxicity of the retina is typically dose related, in other words, you have to be on a lot of it for a long time in order to be at a high risk. Before taking these medications, you should be examined by an ophthalmologist.

Corticosteroids: (Prednisone, Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicot, Sterapred) Corticosteroids are used to treat conditions such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, severe allergies, ulcerative colitis, and breathing disorders.

Prednisone is well known to increase a patient's risk of developing cataract or glaucoma. The drug can cause an elevation in eye pressure, which is a major risk factor for developing glaucoma. If you notice vision symptoms such as eye pain, halos around lights, or blurred vision, call your doctor right away. If you take corticosteroids often, get a comprehensive eye exam once a year to check for glaucoma or cataracts.

Antiestrogens: (Tamoxifen, Soltamox, Nolvadex) Antiestrogen drugs can lead to a condition called crystalline retinopathy, where small, crystal-like deposits form in the retina, There can be functional and anatomical changes in the retina associated with tamoxifen.

Medication side effects also may include blurred vision, corneal changes, and an increased risk for cataracts.

Anticonvulsants: (Topiramate, Topamax, Topiragen) These medications are also associated with angle-closure glaucoma. If you have sudden vision changes, headache pain around the eyes, blurred vision, or double vision, seek medical help.

When taking a medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any vision problems. It is especially important to let your eye doctor know what medications you are taking as well. Catching problems early can prevent permanent damage to your eyesight.

For more information contact Kristen Cameron, Burnt Hills Optical, 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130 or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com

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Furnaces Plus: Service, Repairs, Upgrades, Replacement and:

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Fully Automatic Generators All Plumbing Services

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$10 OFF ANY SERVICE WITH THIS AD CANNOT BE COMBINED

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HAPPY SPRING Each month I share “Decorating Tips from The Speckled Hen” and introduce you to new ways to decorate your home with primitives.

Spring is here and with it are lots of great decorating ideas and primitive gifts! But first I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came to The Speckled Hen's Open House and helped celebrate our 1year anniversary! We had a great turnout - it was a huge party and I loved it! I truly appreciate your support and can't wait to see you during your next visit!

Well, spring is officially here and nice weather is ahead. So you know what that means - time for spring cleaning. It's an opportunity to throw open the windows and celebrate spring by making your home reflect the freshness and newness of the season. This year, turn your spring cleaning into a revamping and decorating project. To help, I thought I'd give you an overview of decorating with primitives.

“Primitive” is a broad term used to describe early American household items. Primitive antiques are part of country-style decor, which has become very popular. It is a decorating style that is a reflection of nostalgic handmade, everyday items. Examples include wooden crates, vintage enamelware, handmade pottery, furniture, kitchen items, metal items, pottery, household textiles, decorative items like pillows, rugs, curtains, wall décor and more!

Design. Primitives are characterized by their hand-made quality and early American designs. Primitives were designed in a simplistic fashion, with a rough or hand-hewn quality. Primitive antiques often feature folk art designs of birds, animals, flowers and fruits. These household and farm items establish an inviting, comforting atmosphere.

Color. Primitive antiques were often painted with organic plant-dye paints, which do not hold color as long as modern paints. They have survived decades or centuries of wear, so their colors are usually faded and the paint chipped. The muted and distressed colors are a part of the antiques' appeal. Popular colors for primitive antiques are shades of black, colonial blue, barn red, mustard, sage green and cream.

I hope this helps you incorporate primitives into your spring cleaning and decorating ventures!

Answers from Crossword Puzzle on page 20

Maureen Culver • 369.8771 38 Saratoga Road, Scotia thespeckledhen38@gmail.com

We live in a world, where loosing your phone is more dramatic than losing your virginity.

- Author Unknown

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518-399-8174 • kdeangelo@sals.edu BABY BOOKWORMS Tuesdays/Fridays 9:30AM • We will share simple stories, songs and finger plays as well as activities using music and movement. For children birth to 23 months with a caregiver. Registration is required and siblings are welcome.

FAMILY STORY TIME Wednesdays/Fridays 10:30AM • Join us while we read books, sing, do finger plays and movement activities to promote early literacy. This program is designed for 2 and 3 year-olds accompanied by a caregiver. This is a drop in program and siblings are welcome.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME Wednesdays 1:30PM / Thursdays 9:30AM • Share early literacy skills with your child at this 30 minute program which includes a craft. For children ages 3, 4, or 5 who are accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and siblings are welcome.

MUSIC MEDLEY Tuesdays 10:30AM • Join us for a family style sing along led by our favorite musicians Miss Mona and Miss Terri! Each week Miss Mona or Miss Terri will lead a 30 minute sing-along for preschoolers of all ages. This is a drop in program and siblings, parents, grandparents and friends are welcome!

LEGO PLAYTIME Thursday April 4th 1:30PM • Bring your friends and play with Legos! For grades K-5, please sign up.

5TH & 6TH BOOK CLUB Friday April 19th 4PM • Read great books, show off your trivia skills and do crafts!

COMPUTER CLASSES Please stop by, visit our webpage http://toblibrary.sals.edu, or call the library at 399-8174 ext 2 for more information.

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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WHO WANTS A FREE T-SHIRT?!

Participate in our

SAUSAGE QUEST 2013 and fill up your "Quest Card" by the end of this year, and you win a free shirt! It's that easy.

There are 12 different sausages that you must buy, you must get at least one pound of each and then one of our store clerks will stamp your card!

So whose ready for Sausage Quest?!

PAELLA 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 2 c enriched white rice 1/4 tsp saffron threads 1 bay leaf 1 quart chicken broth or stock 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders from Garofalo's, cut into thirds Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 3/4 lb chorizo from Garofalo's, casing removed and sliced on an angle 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp (24) 18 green lipped mussels, cleaned 1 c frozen peas 2 lemons “zested” Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, 4 scallions, chopped, Lemon wedges, Crusty, bread for passing In a wide pan or paella pan, preheated over medium high heat, add 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, rice and sauté 2 --3 minutes.

Add saffron threads, bay leaf, broth, and thyme and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan and reduce heat to simmer. In a separate nonstick skillet, over medium high heat brown chicken on both sides in 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Season chicken with salt & pepper. Add peppers & onions and cook 3 minutes.

Add chorizo & cook 2 minutes more. Remove pan from heat. After about 13 minutes, add shellfish to the rice pan, nesting them in the rice. Pour in peas, scatter lemon zest over the rice then cover the pan again.

After 5 minutes, remove cover and discard any unopened mussel shells. Stir rice and seafood mixture, lift out bay and thyme stems, now bare of their leaves.

Arrange cooked chicken and peppers, onions and chorizo around the pan. Top with parsley and scallions.

Serve with wedges of lemon and warm bread.

The 12 varieties are: Sweet Italian Hot Italian Fresh Kielbasa Smoked Kielbasa Chorizo Andouille Chicken Pesto Bratwurst Breakfast Sausage Veal Sausage Lamb Sausage German Style Hot Dogs

Garafalo's, the taste people travel for!

Stop in and visit the 4th generation, serving QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCTS since 1904. www.garofalosausage.com

GINGER PORTERHOUSE STEAKS WITH ROASTED SESAME SALT 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1-1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper 2 porterhouse steaks, custom cut about 1-1/4 pounds and 1 inch thick from Garofalo's Salt 3 tablespoons sesame seed 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper In a small bowl mix the oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.

Smear the mixture on both sides of each steak.

Allow the steaks to stand at room temperature 15 to 30 minutes before grilling. Prepare the grill or Humphrey's Charcoal from Garofalo's for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F). Heat a 10inch skillet over medium heat. Add the salt ingredients. Cook until deep golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent burning. Pour the roasted salt evenly among four small dipping bowls. Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the steaks over direct high heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until cooked to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes for medium rare, turning once or twice (if flare-ups occur, move the steaks temporarily over indirect heat). Remove from the grill.

GRILLING SEASON IS HERE! Use HUMPHREY's Charcoal for your grilling needs Nothing but the best at Garofalo's!

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

MORTENSEN MOTORSPORTS UPDATE FOR APRIL 2012 was Scotia, NY resident, Mark Mortensen’s 10th year of racing and after winning the Fonda Speedway 602 Sportsman Championship in 2011, he was hoping to capture the championship again in 2012. Looking back on the 2012 racing season Mark’s first win of the season came on May 12, 2012 followed by another win on June 9, 2012.

Leading the points through mid July, things were looking that the possibility of repeating as champion could happen. Then on Saturday, August 4th, 2012 everything took a turn for the worse. After qualifying poorly in his heat race, Mark started the feature event in the 18th position but he was coming through the field quickly in the caution filled event.

On lap 4, Mark was already up into the top 10 and was three wide on the back stretch on the outside looking to take 2 more spots when the driver on the inside bounced out into the driver in the middle who bounced out into Mark causing the car to spin in turn three.

As the car was spinning sideways the wheels caught on something causing Mark to roll over five times before coming to a rest on its wheels. Thankfully due to all the safety equipment that Mark wears along with what is installed inside the race car he wasn’t seriously hurt but did suffer a slight concussion, bruised ribs, a bruised shoulder, and a bruised knee.

After getting the car home and taking it apart, the car was found to be “totaled” and the old 2005 Teo chassis was brought out of the weeds on the side of Mark’s garage and all the parts were transferred to the old car. Special thanks for all of their help in getting the car ready goes out to Mark, Brett, and Bob Mortensen, Brent Harvey, Chris Kelley and Ron Szczerba. The car was ready to go for the following Saturday’s event at Fonda but unfortunately it was rained out.

Mark finished the final event of the season which is known as the “Night of Features” with the old car and managed a second place finish in the final point standings for 2012.

After a three break for the Fonda Fair, Mark was able to get his third win of the season on Sunday, September 23 in the final event at Fonda for the 2012 racing season ending the season on a high note.

For 2013 the Mortensen Motorsports Racing Team will be starting the season off with all new equipment with the first race of the season being run on Saturday, April 5.

Mortensen Motorsports would like to thank all of our sponsors for the 2013 season including Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive In of Scotia, Benjamin Moore Paints, Mortensen Electric, Socha Plaza, Countryside Stove & Chimney of Burnt Hills, 1st National Bank of Scotia, Broadalbin Manufacturing, Your Hometowne Paper, Chris Kelley Carpentry of Galway, Schenectady Unit Parts NAPA, Howard Mack Esquire, owarHowarhOHoward Lenny Weiss Construction, Gabriel’s Supermarket of Scotia, Meridian Construction Company of Scotia, Bill McGaffin Photography, BC Designs, Brent and Kelly Harvey, Joey Budka, Bill Terry, B and H Auto, Best Bet Band, Mike Crispin Power Equipment, Tom Coughlin, Boyd’s Motorworks, The Cooper family, Bobco Video, and R3 Graphics.

Mortensen Motorsports would also like to thank our new sponsors for the 2013 season including Wolberg Electrical Supply Co, Minick Kitchen of Scotia, Justin and Cheryl Cappon, and Bonded Roofing Supply Co. We thank all of you for your support.

Also a special thank you goes out to the Mortensen Motorsports crew including Mark Mortensen, Brett Mortensen, Bob Mortensen, Alisha Buehler, Andy Trautman, Jeremiah Munson, and Ron Szczerba.

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

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NEW SPRING HOURS Mon-Fri 7am-8pm Sat 8am-8pm • Sun 11am-8pm

We Feature Premium Turkey Hill Soft and Hard Ice Cream!

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Catering for all Occasions Watch for our scenes in the upcoming movie “The Place Beyond the Pines” And read our story in this month’s Stay Tuned!

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

Customized Retaining Walls • Walkways and Patios Landscape Design and Installation Sprinkler Systems • Night Lighting Hydro-Seeding • Spring Cleanups Lawn Maintenance • Renovation

Pro-Cut Landscaping has been sprucing up lawns for 25 years!

Family owned - Kerby and Cindy Loukes

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

BACKUP & RECOVERY Computers are finicky under even the best of circumstances. And when it comes to getting them to work right, you have to keep your priorities straight.

Above all else, computer parts can be replaced, but a crucial business report or family photo album cannot. If you don’t have a back-up drive, get one.

Now! Or simply burn your backup data to a DVD disc or flashdrive. It can save you money in the long run. The average life of a hard drive (where all your data is stored) is five years. New computers come with DVD drives, and the discs run about $35 for 100 discs. Don't use off brands, stick with TDK, Maxell, Phillips or Verbatim.

Professional Data recovery can be VERY expensive, depending on the difficulty or severity of issues found. The cheapest option is to simply restore from a backup drive.

PROTECTION In the PC world, AVAST has a very effective free version of their anti-virus software -- As for Norton, once the industry favorite, it seems to have become big, bloated, slow and expensive. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware software will give you high level of protection against spyware for $25 for life. Although, Malwarebytes has a free version, we recommend you purchase the pay version of Malwarebytes for real time protection.

FIX IT OR REPLACE IT? Now, how does this compare to just buying a new computer? Look at what else has gone wrong with the machine, and the age of it, versus what new products exist on the market.

1. Start by buying the most comprehensive warranty for your new computer from the manufacture, especially for laptops. Keep in mind that warranties usually only cover hardware and not software issues ( viruses, malware etc.)

2. If you don't have a warranty, local reputable computer repair techs will save you lots of time and money.

3. Replace the old with the new when repairs to keep an obsolete machine running start to approach the cost of a faster, more reliable model.

4. Avoid drive disasters before they happen with backup drives or online backup.

If you do suffer a crash, a quick visit to a reputable computer repair service can help you figure out the extent of your problem--and the cost to solve the problem.

There are no losers in life, just people who choose not to succeed.

- Vrandon Karolevitz

Cheap Geek offers friendly, fast Complete Computer services.

We now repair broken screens on Tablets and phones!

As always... Safe Computing!

Cheap Geek Computer Services • Maggie Faltskog • 399-8886

Expires May 9th, 2013

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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor

Was your Car damaged in an accident?

NY STATE LAW GIVES YOU THE CHOICE, NOT YOUR INSURER. Q: Can an insurance company compel a policyholder to use a particular repair facility?

A: No. Any insurance company attempting to do so would find itself in direct violation of Section 2610 of the New York Insurance Code [N.Y. Ins. L. ยง2610 (McKinney 1997)]. It would then not only be subject to severe penalties from the Insurance Department, but it would expose itself to a civil suit by the policyholder for unfair and fraudulent trade practices.

Q: My Insurance Company says I need to bring my vehicle through their drive through estimate facility to insure it will be fixed at no additional cost to me.

A: NY State law guarantees that you alone can choose who repairs your car after an accident and you have the right to tow or drive your car to your CHOICE of registered repair shop... and your insurance will pay for the work just the same. While your vehicle is not as important as your health, it's probably one of your most valuable possessions. So when something goes wrong, you want to trust it to a shop you know and that won't cut corners fixing it. As a family owned business Frank and Sons understands that trust is vital to our future. For over 40 years we have earned the trust of our customers and their families.

Q: My car is leased; I was told that I had to go to a specific place for the work to be done to meet the guidelines of my lease.

A:Under New York State law a licensed repair shop is qualified and legally authorized to repair your lease vehicle. Hire licensed repair shops only. New York State law requires repair shops to post their license numbers on the premises, on highly visible, easy-to-read green signs. Choosing a licensed repair shop to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition will in no way violate your lease.

Q: My insurance company says they will not guarantee the work if it is not performed at a specific shop of their choice.

A: The best collision repair facilities provide written warranties on collision repair and refinishing. Frank and Sons Guarantees their work for as long as you own the vehicle. Our collision technicians are certified and go through updated training on a regular basis.

Q: My insurance company said they will make it easier to repair my car if I just drop it off at their facility.

A: We have been negotiating with insurance companies for over 40 years. And you will always know where your vehicle is. Being family owned and local; we have YOUR best interest at heart.

When you have your vehicle repaired at Frank and Sons we will make it Easy for you, Guarantee our work and return your vehicle to you in Pre-Accident Condition as quickly as possible.

Fo r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m • w w w. y o u r- h o m e t o w n e. c o m

IS IT TIME TO BUY? CHANGES TO FHA GUIDELINES For years, first-time homebuyers and those looking for a minimum downpayment or help with closing costs have been relying on the great benefits that a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) insured mortgage can provide. Allowing buyers to obtain a mortgage with as little as 3.5% down and the ability to roll up to 6% of the purchase price into the mortgage for closing cost assistance, FHA has literally opened the doors to homes for millions of people purchasing their primary residence in the United States.

However, starting in April 2013, some crucial changes to FHA mortgages will make the decision to utilize the benefits a bit more complicated. Here is a summary of what is to come: For FHA mortgages obtained on or after April 1, 2013: The annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) will increase by 10 basis points, or by .10 percent. In order to understand what this means for you as a borrower on a monthly basis, let's put it into perspective. The current monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) for a $100,000 FHA loan is $104.17. However, with this increase, after April 1, 2013, that amount will increase to $112.50. That's an extra $8.33 a month per $100,000.

In addition to this increase, for FHA mortgages obtained on or after June 3, 2013: Private mortgage insurance (PMI) will remain for the life of the loan. In the past, PMI was mandatory for the first five years of the loan. However, after that, it would drop off once the borrower reached a 78% Loan-to-Value ratio, or the borrower achieved 22% equity on the home. With these new changes, that will no longer exist.

That is, the borrower will pay $112.50 a month for each $100,000 borrowed for the entire life of the loan.

Thus, if you are on the fence about purchasing a home with an FHA loan, consider these upcoming changes carefully and how they might affect you. For more detailed information, please don't hesitate to contact your favorite Bliss Properties agent or your mortgage lender.

We love helping Our Hometowne find real estate Bliss!

Pamela Bliss, Broker Certified International Property Specialist Senior Real Estate Specialist pamela@blisspropertiesofny.com 518-331-8710 Victoria Romeo, Agent Certified Buyer Representative First-Time Homebuyer/Seller Specialist tori@blisspropertiesofny.com 518-788-8865

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