Saratoga Today 01-13

Back to BasicsF R E E Volume 7 • Issue 2 SaratogaPublishing.com

Fire Station Burns ResidentsInside TODAY...

by Daniel SchechtmanSaratoga TODAY

Low-Tech Education in aHigh-Tech World

by Barb CookSaratoga TODAY

See Fire Station page 10

Rottie Rescue!

See Local page 11

Obituaries pgs 6-7

Businesspg 8

Educationpg 9

Pulse pgs 22-25

SARATOGA SPRINGS – At whatpoint is technology appropriate tointroduce to young, developingminds?

As some schools rush to arm theirstudents each with their own iPad,replace chalkboards with SMARTboards and television screens to cre-ate an interactive, technologically-driven educational experience, others

MALTA – A proposed midtownfire station is the hot topic in Malta.The fire department has a list of rea-sons for choosing a Dunning Streetlocation, but residents say they wantto “live in a forest” and their forest israpidly disappearing.

Donna Kessler has lived in theLuther Forest neighborhood for 28

years. Her backyard abuts the four-acre parcel that the Fire Companies ofMalta are eyeing for the midtown sta-tion. If built, the fire station parkinglot would be 75 feet from her proper-ty line. She said that’s not enough ofa buffer.

“It just doesn’t fit in the environ-ment there; it’s a residential area,”Kessler asserted.

Richard Guerin, grant manager and

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

like the Waldorf School of SaratogaSprings favor interactions betweenteachers and students over interac-tive experiences between studentsand computer screens.

The use of technology in schools,especially as such technologybecomes cheaper and easier for dis-tricts to acquire, has become morecommonplace with each passingday. But for parents like DouglasReamer, who worked for the State

SARATOGA SPRINGS- An inno-vative group of animal lovers is tak-ing on a pretty daunting task: chang-ing public opinion.

Tina Hudson, Darryl Saunders,Tom Lange, Lori Fallon and JamiNazzaro make up Rottie EmpireRescue (RER), an agency that is giv-ing hope to hundreds of shelter dogsand shedding a new light on somepublic misconceptions.

RER adopts dogs that are typicallyhard to find homes for - dogs withphysical limitations like amputatedlimbs; anxiety from a lifetime ofabuse; or bad reputations, like a rot-tweiler or a pit bull. After receivingthese dogs from area shelters, emer-gency rescue operations or unsatis-factory owners, RER does a lot morethan toss them into a cage and crosstheir fingers.

“We do not board dogs,” said RER

by Christina JamesSaratoga TODAY

See Rottweiler page 5

Malta Homeowners Protest Proposed Midtown Location

pgs 12-19

pg 25

Saving Lives Four Paws at a Time

11th AnnualMardi Gras

This Weekend!

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 20122

by Mark BollesSaratoga TODAY

Local Author Leads Students Down

the Winding Trail

wilderness educator James

Bruchac told tall tales to students

at Dorothy Nolan Elementary

School on Wednesday, January

11. The children were captivated

by James’ animated and embel-

lished stories of How Chipmunk

Got His Stripes and Racoon's

Last Race. Mr. Bruchac also

shared his real life experiences as

an expert animal tracker com-

plete with stunning examples of

animal tracks he cast himself.

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAYStoryteller James Bruchac engages with students at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School

SARATOGA SPRINGS -

Local author, storyteller and

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 BLOTTERyear in Saratoga County Jail.

Jennifer B. Fisher, 39, of 110Jack Halloran Rd., Stillwater, plead-ed guilty to a charge of second-degree vehicular assault, a class-Efelony. Fisher was arrested May 20in Stillwater and is scheduled toreturn to court for sentencing March 1.

Laurie A. Fletcher, 36, of 82Stewart Bridge Rd., Hadley, pleadedguilty to a charge of driving whileintoxicated, a class-E felony.Fletcher was arrested July 30 inHadley for an incident that occurredJuly 29 and was is scheduled toreturn to court for sentencing March 1.

Joseph P. Lynch, 28, of 5 MerionAve., Clifton Park, pleaded guilty toa charge of driving while intoxicat-ed, a class-E felony. Lynch wasarrested June 24 in Malta and wassentenced to five years of probationand ignition interlock device.

Michelle M. Eastridge, 31, ofP.O. Box 230, Dover Plains, pleadedguilty to a charge of driving whileintoxicated, a class-E felony.Eastridge was arrested September14 in Saratoga Springs and was sen-tenced to time served, five years of

probation and ignition interlockdevice.

Paul E. Etzel, 29, of 201Rockhaven Rd., Middle Grove, wasresentenced December 20 by JudgeJerry Scarano to enlarged conditionsof probation to include drug treat-ment court. Etzel was originallyconvicted December 22, 2008, ofdriving while intoxicated, a class-Efelony, for which he had been sen-tenced to time served and five yearsof probation.

Patrick J. Burch, 28, of 1251Fort Miller Rd., Ft. Edward, wasresentenced December 19 by JudgeJerry Scarano to nine months inSaratoga County Jail with credit fortime served and probation terminat-ed. Burch was originally convictedMay 6, 2010, of driving while intox-icated, a class-E felony, for whichhe had been sentenced to five daysin Saratoga County Jail and fiveyears of probation.

3

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PhotographerMark Bolles [email protected]

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Locally Owned and Operated

Kim J. Hein, 37, of 16 MeehanRd., Mechanicville, pleaded guiltyto a charge of driving while intoxi-cated, a class-E felony. Hein wasarrested November 4 inMechanicville and is scheduled toreturn to court for sentencing March 1.

George L. Sperow, 54, of 3901Lewis Rd., Apt. 99, Milton, pleadedguilty to a charge of driving whileintoxicated, a class-E felony.Sperow was arrested August 28 inMilton and is scheduled to return tocourt for sentencing February 28.

Christopher D. Barnes, 32, of417 Northern Pines Rd., Lot 31,Gansevoort, pleaded guilty to acharge of first-degree criminal con-tempt, a class-E felony. Barnes wasarrested September 9 in Wilton andwas sentenced to six months inSaratoga County Jail and five yearsof probation.

Corey R. Coulter, 43, of 106Grenadier Court, Clifton Park,pleaded guilty to a charge of drivingwhile intoxicated, a class-E felony.Coulter was arrested July 1 inHalfmoon and was sentenced to fiveyears of probation and ignitioninterlock device.

Katrina J. Piterniak, 25, of 13New Castle Rd., Clifton Park,pleaded guilty to a charge of aggra-vated driving while intoxicated witha child in the vehicle, a class-Efelony. Piterniak was arrested May31 in Halfmoon and was sentencedto five years of probation and igni-tion interlock device.

Brad A. Bova, 32, addressunknown, pleaded guilty to a chargeof third-degree criminal sale of acontrolled substance, a class-Bfelony. Bova was arrested April 12in Saratoga Springs and is scheduledto return to court for sentencingFebruary 28.

Jennifer L. Samuel, 33, pleadedguilty to a charge of third-degreeattempted criminal sale of a con-trolled substance, a class-C felony.Samuel was arrested in SaratogaSprings for incidents that occurredFebruary 10 and May 17 and wassentenced to one and a half years instate prison and one year postrelease supervision.

Randall A. Hait, 39, of 145 3rdAve., Mechanicville, pleaded guiltyto a charge of driving while intoxi-cated, a class-E felony. Hait wasarrested December 9 inMechanicville and is scheduled toreturn to court for sentencing March 1.

Anthony D. Medaglia, 38, of430 Route 146, #182, Clifton Park,pleaded guilty to a charge of drivingwhile intoxicated, a class-D felony.Medaglia was arrested August 13 inSaratoga Springs and is scheduled toreturn to court for sentencingFebruary 27.

Roger A. Hayden, 42, of 161Maple Ave., Ballston Spa, pleadedguilty to charges of driving whileintoxicated and first-degree aggra-vated unlicensed operation of amotor vehicle, both class-E felonies.Hayden was arrested May 7 inMilton and was sentenced to one

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 20124 WEEK IN REVIEW

GlobalFoundries Begins TestProduction of IBM Chip

MALTA – GlobalFoundries and

IBM announced Monday, January 9

that the semiconductor fab will man-

ufacture an advanced computer chip

for IBM. The chips are the first sili-

con product to be manufactured at

GlobalFoundries’ advanced manufac-

turing facility, Fab 8, at the Luther

Forest Technology Campus in Malta.

With the announcement comes the

expectation that GlobalFoundries will

ramp to volume production in the sec-

ond half of 2012.

IBM recently began initial produc-

tion of the powerful chip at its

300mm fab in East Fishkill, New

York. Test chip production is already

underway at GlobalFoundries, as the

fab prepares to take on its first

announced customer in Malta.

The chips are based on IBM’s

32nm, Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI)

technology, which was jointly devel-

oped with GlobalFoundries and other

members of IBM’s Process

Development Alliance. Early

research was conducted at the

University at Albany’s College of

Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

The technology vastly improves

microprocessor performance in

multi-core designs and speeds the

movement of graphics in gaming,

networking, and other image inten-

sive, multi-media applications.

Man Charged for Stealingfrom Elderly Woman

SARATOGA SPRINGS –

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The

Saratoga Casino and Raceway (SCR)

reported an overall increase in all

source handle of 11.7 percent after the

close of their 70th season late last

year – this in the face of news that

overall the industry declined 5.5 per-

cent in wagering dollars for 2011.

Wagering from simulcasting on

thoroughbred and harness products,

as well as on live racing, reached $61

million compared to $55 million in

the previous year.

According to John Matarazzo,

director of racing operations at SCR,

the substantial increase, which

bucked the national trend, was a

direct result of additional handle gen-

erated through their interactive

wagering platform called

SaratogaBets. Increases in wagering

on the raceway’s live product in

simulcasting outlets also played a

part.

"The influx of purse money

through VLT’s has improved the

quality of our product. It’s attracting

better-quality race horses and top tier

trainers and drivers. As a result, we

have more global fan appeal,"

Matarazzo stated.

Overall, handle was up 7 percent

on products simulcasted into SCR as

compared to 2010.

SCR also showed a major increase

in wagering on its own harness prod-

uct through external simulcasting out-

lets. Handle from these outlets

New Year, New Members for Wilton Town BoardWILTON – The Wilton Town Board met for the first time in the new year Thursday, January

5, welcoming new members John Lant and Steven Streicher into the fold, along with return-ing Councilmen Robert Pulsifer, Robert Rice and Supervisor Arthur Johnson.

After voting last month to delay reappointments to various boards and authorities until thenew members had been sworn in, Ethics Board member Shirley Jung and Planning Boardmember Brett Hebner were denied by a 3-2 margin each. In both cases, Lant and Johnsonvoted in favor of reappointment, while Pulsifer, Rice and Streicher voted against.

Ron Slone was appointed to the Planning Board to take Hebner’s place, with Albert Mottauand Dean Kolligan reappointed to the Zoning Board and Scot Duffy reappointed to the WiltonWater and Sewer Authority.

In other business, the board passed a resolution to demolish the vacant building at 425Wilton-Gansevoort Rd., deemed a danger to public safety. The town has pursued the building’sdemolition for months, and will move forward unless the owners follow through themselvesand demolish the structure before January 31.

exceeded $24 million in 2011, up 25

percent from 2010.

The raceway expects continued

growth in 2012.

Driver Charged in Deadly CarWreck

BALLSTON SPA - Brian A

Vecchio, 18, of Ballston Spa, was

charged with six motor vehicle viola-

tions following the death of his pas-

senger and local Ballston Spa teen,

Noelle Sarah Johnsen. Johnsen died

from her injuries after Vecchio’s truck

crashed into a telephone pole

Saturday, January 7.

Charges against Vecchio include

unlicensed operation of a motor vehi-

cle, crossing the double-yellow line,

speed not reasonable or prudent and

reckless driving.

Vecchio’s father, Anthony Vecchio,

was charged with permitting the unli-

censed operation.

See page 7 for Noelle Sarah

Johnsen’s obituary.

Raceway Prepared ifGambling Laws Change

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Saratoga

Gaming and Raceway has plans for a

$40 million expansion to include a

new hotel, event venue and gaming

floor if Las Vegas-style gambling

laws are adopted in New York State.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has recent-

ly called for a constitutional amend-

ment that would permit table games

staffed by dealers, in addition to the

electronic gaming terminals. The

changes could be years away, but the

raceway has plans to be ready to start

construction as soon as legally possi-

ble. If completed, the expansion

would increase the size of the race-

way by 40 percent, and would

accommodate classic table games

such as blackjack, roulette and craps.

It is estimated that New York State

gamblers spend nearly $3 billion in

out-of-state casinos.

Authorities have arrested Nickolas D.

Capone of Glens Falls on charges of

second degree grand larceny, a class-

C felony. Capone is alleged to have

stolen upward of $50,000 from an

elderly woman, by using his role as

power of attorney to redirect funds

from the victim’s account to his own.

Authorities believe this could have

been going on since as far back as

October of 2010, and continued until

October of 2011. Capone was

arraigned this week in Saratoga

Springs City Court by the Hon. Judge

Jeffery Wait before being taken to

Saratoga County jail. He is being

held without bail at this time. The

victim is not a relative of Capone’s.

The investigation is on-going and fur-

ther charges against Capone could be

forthcoming.

Apartment Site Approved


Saratoga Springs City Planning

Board voted 5-1 in favor of a pro-

posed apartment complex on the cor-

ner of Seward and Morgan streets last

Wednesday, January 11. The plan

calls for a 57-unit complex, with

approximately 106 bedrooms. The

proposal had been reviewed by the

planning board seven times in the last

year, and was finally approved fol-

lowing changes regarding parking

and height of buildings.

Casino sees 11.7 PercentIncrease

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012

continued from Page 1

Rottweiler Rescue

President Tina Hudson. “[The dogswe have] don’t kennel well. They’resensitive dogs. They don’t do well atshelters because they’re so loyal.They miss their people and theygrieve.”

Instead, RER finds foster homesfor the dogs they take in, and that iswhere their adoption makeoverbegins.

“We learn the dog’s mannerisms,address any triggers,” said Hudson.“If they aren’t crate trained, we cratetrain them. If they aren’t housebro-ken, we housebreak them.”

Dogs that wouldn’t get a secondglance at the area shelter are nurtured,groomed, respected and, most impor-tantly, understood at an RER fosterhome.

“When a ‘bully’ breed like a rot-tweiler is turned over to a shelter,odds are it will be euthanized,” saidHudson. “But [they are] the bestbreed of dog I’ve ever been involvedwith.”

Although they are an extremelyloyal, sensitive and intelligent breed,rottweilers are not typically well-known for these characteristics. Withlarge muscle mass and powerful jaws,rottweilers are usually portrayed astemperamental time bombs, just waiting to attack.

Stereotypes like these keep RERhard at work; in fact, they’re the rea-son RER was formed in the firstplace.

“I had been involved with rottierescue for 10 years when I met

Bentley,” said Hudson. “He had twobroken legs, was a dwarf, and theorganization that I was working withwouldn’t put the money into him.”

Bentley’s physical limitations, aswell as the fact that he was a rottweil-er, made him a hard-sell to area shel-ters. Paying for his medical expensesalone would be costly. No one want-ed to invest in a dog that would morethan likely end up un-adoptable. Whynot just euthanize him now?

Frustrated and tired of feeling help-less, Tina enlisted Tom Lange, andtogether, with Bentley, they decidedto create their own rescue agency.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Since their passionate beginning in

2010, Rottie Empire Rescue hassaved countless dogs and their scopecontinues to widen. After a devastat-ing tornado crippled Birmingham,Ala., RER was there to take 20 dogsback north to find homes; and inFebruary of last year, when 200 rot-tweilers were seized in an animal cru-elty case in Coryell County, Texas,RER took as many as they could.

“One of the ‘Texas 200,’ Anya,tested positive for heartworm,”Hudson said. “So, we paid her med-ical bills and she was actually adopt-ed out to the district attorney ofAlbany.”

Extreme cases of abuse and neglectaccount for a good number of RER’srescues and the rehabilitation and re-homing of these animals requires a lotof community help.

“Without the support of the com-munity, we are nothing,” saidHudson. “Benson’s Pet Center andMilton Manor provide us with so

much. Benson’s feeds our dogs andeven holds a bottle drive to benefit us.Without them, we couldn’t operate.”

“Saratoga is a dog-friendly town,”said RER Treasurer Tom Lange.“That’s why it was important for us tobe here. We need the support andunderstanding of the community.Dogs need help everywhere; don’tbreed or buy while thousands die.People need to make rescue their firstchoice.”

For more information on how toadopt an RER dog or ways to volun-teer your services, visit www.rot-tieempirerescue.com.

5

Photo Provided

Robert W. CoadneyGalway, NY – Robert W. Coadney,

71, passed away Friday, January 6,2012.A graveside service with militaryhonors was held Wednesday, January11, 2012, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon

Saratoga NationalCemetery, Duell Rd.,Schuylerville.

Arrangements are under the direction

of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing

& Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North

Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518)

584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made

at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Saratoga Springs, NY- Glen WalterSmith, 72, passed away Tuesday,December 20, 2011.

Born March 22, 1939, in Ketchikan,Alaska, he was the son of the lateSenator of Alaska Walter O. and Itha S.Winchell Smith.

Glen is survived by his wife, Betty;son, Ted S. (Claudia) Smith; daughter,Tina C. (Teddy) Sechrist; sister, Ann M.Aus; grandchildren, Shaunna, Stacy, Ian

and Skip; and great-grandchildren, Malayaand Jacob.

Funeral services were

held in his honor Wednesday, December

28, 2011 at the Saratoga Chapel, 359

East Line Rd., Ballston Spa.

Interment will be at the Gerald B.H.

Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery,

200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY

12871.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations

can be made in Glen’s name to the

Saratoga Chapel.

Services are under the direction of

Compassionate Funeral Care, 402

Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY

12866.

Glen Walter Smith

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 20126 OBITUARIES

Richard Owen PalmerClifton Park, NY- Richard Owen

Palmer, 68, passed away after a brief

battle with Lymphoma and Leukemia

cancer.

Richard was born February 27, 1943,

in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Richard

and Lillian Filander Palmer.

He is survived by his sons,

Christopher, Douglas (Kate), Steven,

Thomas (Michelle) and James (Jody)

Palmer; 12 grandchildren and one

great-grandchild.

A private family service for Richard

will be held at a later date.




12866.

In lieu of flowers, memorial dona-

tions can be made in Richard’s name to

Albany Medical Center for cancer

research, 47 New Scotland Ave.,

Albany, NY 12208.

Kenneth D. LantzSaratoga Springs, NY - Kenneth D.

Lantz, 88, passed away peacefullyTuesday, January 3, 2012.

Born September 24, 1923, Kennethwas the son of the late Durward andHelen (Place) Lantz.

In addition to his parents, Kennethwas predeceased by his wife of 62years, Evelyn Anne Lantz.

Survivors include three sons and theirwives, Thomas D. (Andrea), JamesE.(Gail) and Richard J. (Carol) Lantz;

10 grandchildren,Jennifer, Thomas,Carrie, Jeffrey,

Patricia, Richard, Kenneth, Stephanie,

Danielle and Andrea; and seven great-

grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be

celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January

13, 2012, at St. Clement's Church, 231

Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at the

Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga

National Cemetery, Duell Rd.,

Schuylerville.

Memorials may be made in Kenneth’s

name to the charity of one's choice.



Alma C. ReillyMechanicville, NY – Alma C. Reilly,

85, passed away Thursday, January 5,

2012.

Born July 12, 1926, in Mechanicville,

she was the daughter of the late Joseph

G. and Ann (Hickey) Connors.

In addition to her parents, she is pre-

deceased by a sister, Alice McMahon

and two brothers, William T. Connors

and Howard “Pete” Connors.

Survivors include her loving husband

of 62 years, Howard H. Reilly; nine

children, Patrick, Thomas, Peter

(Brenda), Daniel (Gail), Timothy

(Diane), Erin Chaskey (Harold), Alice,

Nora Neal (Geoff) and Michael; broth-

ers and sisters, James G. Connors, Joan

C. Guthinger, John H. Connors and

Ellen Connors-Brown; many grand-

children, great-grandchildren, nieces

and nephews

A Mass of Christian Burial was cele-

brated Monday, January 9, 2012, at St.

Mary’s Church, Milton Ave., Ballston

Spa.

Burial will be in the family plot at St.

Paul’s Cemetery, Mechanicville.

Donations may be made in Alma’s

memory to the Saratoga Hospital

Foundation, 211 Church St., Saratoga

Springs, NY 12866.



Rita R. PhillipsSaratoga Springs, NY – Rita R.

Phillips, 77, passed away Tuesday,

January 10, 2012.

Born April 5, 1934, in North Adams,

MA, she was the daughter of the late

Ouilia and Mary (Petrie) Masson.

In addition to her parents, Rita is pre-

deceased by her husband George E.

Phillips who passed away February 13,

2006.

Survivors include her son, Randy

(Debra) Phillips; grandchildren, Kyle

and Brandi Phillips; sisters, Marlene

Fondry and Gloria (James) Smith; and

great-granddaughter, Alyxandra Steepe.

There will be no public calling hours.

A graveside service was held

Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the

Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga

National Cemetery, Duell Rd.,

Schuylerville.

Arrangements are under the direction

of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing

& Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North

Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518)

584-5373.



Agnes F. Day Saratoga Springs, NY- Agnes F. Day

died Thursday, December 8, 2011.

She was born February 20, 1920, in

Passaic, NJ. She was the daughter of

the late Joseph and Mary Lesko Biss.

She was predeceased by sisters,

Helen Biss, Rose King, Mary Paulfus,

Julia Biss and Anna Helenek; and a

brother, Joseph Biss.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis

and Eugene Day; granddaughter,

Heather Day; brothers, Edward and

George (Marilyn) Biss; and sister,

Emma Speidel.

A memorial service was held

Saturday, December 17, 2011.




12866.

The family requests that in lieu of

flowers, donations be made to Saratoga

Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence St.,

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

John W. KrausSaratoga Springs, NY- John W. Kraus,

70, passed away January, 8, 2012, after

a short illness.

John was born August, 9, 1941, in

Rochester, NY.

He is survived by his loving wife,

Linda; children, Kathleen Minniear,

Paul Kraus and Julie Lynn Kraus; and

two grandchildren, Jake and Jaylyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be

sent to The Community Hospice of

Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga

Springs, NY 12866.

Private family services will be held.




12866.

To view the full-text version of theobituaries printed on this page,

visit the archive section ofwww.SaratogaTodayNewspaper.com. It is the policy of Saratoga TODAY to

publish obituaries as a service to ourreaders. Please send your obituaries to

Christina James at [email protected].

Saratoga Springs, NY-

Duane O’Dell, 49, passed

away unexpectedly January 1,

2012, after an auto pedestrian

accident on Route 9 in

Saratoga Springs.

Duane was born August 11,

1963, in Saratoga Springs, NY,

to Leon J. O’Dell and

Rosemarie Capone.

He is survived by his mother,

Rosemarie Betsch (Clayton

Coonrood); brothers, Michael

Capone and Lee, Jeffrey and

Mark O’Dell; sisters, Roseann

(Donald) Aubin, Corine Irish

and Brenda Sazio; and many

other family and friends who

loved him.

A private family service for

Duane will be held at a later

date.

Services are under the direc-

tion of Compassionate Funeral

Care, 402 Maple Ave.,


In lieu of flowers, memorialdonations can be sent inDuane’s memory toCompassionate Funeral Care

Hudson Falls, NY -Marvin Lee "Skip" HoagJr., 47, passed awaypeacefully Thursday,December 1, 2011, at hishome, after a seven-yearbattle with brain cancer.

Born March 23, 1964,in Glens Falls, NY, hewas the first son of thelate Marvin Lee Hoag Sr.and Vivian A. (Breault)Hoag Norton.

Skip was predeceasedby his father, Marvin LeeHoag Sr.; grandmother,Miza Hoag; aunt, MizaBarnes; uncles, Stevenand Duane Breault; aunt,Colleen Johnson; cousins,Walter Barnes and KathleenFenton; grandmother, AnnaRay; and grandfathers, LeonardBreault and Donald Hoag.

Skip is sur-vived by hisd a u g h t e r ,Kayla Hoag;

moth-er, Vivian A. (Frederick)Norton; sisters, Mary Jane(Jack) Tifft, Bernadette A.Michael, Rebecca L. (Clarence)Thomas and Anne L. (Aaron)Gull; brothers, Edward F.(Connie) Hoag and Rolland G.(Olivia) Hoag; stepsisters,Mary (Paul) Miller, Susan

(Greg) Brown and Paula(Rodney) Hall; step-brother, David (Kathy)Norton; aunts and uncles,Kathleen (Morris)Andrews, Mary (Walter)Evans, Mary Joseph, DaleBreault, MalcombBreault, Kenny Breault,Arthur Breault, LeonardBreault and Tiny Hoag(Duane) Parry; nephews,Curtis, Matthew,Jonathan, Jacob, Joshua,Clarence Jr. (TJ), Tim,Kirk, Charles, Isaiah,Jordan and Jayden; andnieces, Ashley, Kerstin,

Laura and Cassidy.A Mass of Christian Burial

was held Wednesday, December7, 2011, at St. Ann's Church,Fort Ann, NY.

Burial will be at a later date. Services are under the direc-

tion of Compassionate FuneralCare, 402 Maple Ave., SaratogaSprings, NY 12866.

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 OBITUARIES 7Marvin Lee "Skip" Hoag Jr.

Ballston Spa, NY –Noelle Sarah Johnsendied in a car accidentJanuary 7, 2012. She hadjust turned 17 onDecember 27.

Noelle is predeceasedby her loving grandpar-ents, Sarah (Minna) andEd (Papa) Johnsen,Mildred (Nana) Johnsenand Jean (Gram)Franklin.

Noelle is survived byher parents, MelodyScaia, Jim Hathaway and Ericand Sally Johnsen; stepsib-lings, David, Shane and NicoleHathaway; grandparents,Frank Scaia, John and DaleDeMartino, Papa and MamaHathaway and Prather andPatricia Palmer; aunts anduncles, Eddie (Melissa)Johnsen, Jenn (Bob)Goodfellow, Cathie Joyce,Lori Johnsen, Carlos (Brandie)Calderon, Chris (Steph) Ward,Bob (Leah) Kane, Eric(Johnna) Guido, Kris LeeScaia, Bonnie Scaia, BonnieBarr and Thad (Mo) Palmer;cousins, Danitra and ScaiaCalderon, Abby and CheyenneWard, Robert Kane III, GiannaGuido, Alex and Tiffany Scaia,

Kevin, Jess and Timmy

Goodfellow, Christina and

Margot Joyce, Keliann Kirby,

Ryan and Brady Johnsen and

Evan, Tallia and Cole Palmer.

A Mass of Christian Burial

was celebrated Thursday,

January 12, 2012, at St.

Clement’s Church, 231 Lake

Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Burial will be private at the

convenience of the family.

Contributions can be made

to the Noelle Johnsen

Memorial Fund at Saratoga

National Bank & Trust

Company, 91 West Ave.,


Online remembrances may

be made at www.burkefuneral-

home.com.

Noelle Sarah Johnsen

Duane O’Dell

Saratoga County Deceased Veteran of the MonthHarold Louie Stevens“He Paid the Price for Freedom.”

The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency has namedHarold Louie Stevens the January 2012 Deceased Veteran ofthe Month. Stevens will be honored Tuesday, January 17 dur-ing a public ceremony. The ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. at 40McMaster St. in Ballston Spa, and is followed by a reception.

Stevens was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1942-1944 andwas attached to the 60th Division. He served in the Tank Corpsduring WWII and took part in the Invasion of Sicily and theD-Day invasion of Fortress Europe.

Stevens, a 1942 Saratoga Springs High School graduate,was killed in action August 22, 1944, during the Battle of St.Lo, France.

Stevens is survived by his sisters, Marlow O’Donnell, BettyButterfield, Velma Wilson, Linda Budinger andEvelyn Hover; and his brother, Robert.

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 20128 BUSINESS

by Yael GoldmanSaratoga TODAY

Party-Planning Made Simple

SARATOGA SPRINGS – When

high-end event planners Jessica and

Joshua Herberger launched

Experience Events in 2005, they

didn’t exactly have single digit

birthday celebrations in mind.

But after having children of their

own, the couple decided to expand

their event planning business, which

they run out of an office/studio at

526 Maple Ave., to help fellow par-

ents afford the creative and personal

birthday parties they desire.

“Everyone wants their parties to

feel special, not only [the people]

that are spending $100,000 dollars

on a very high-end wedding,”

Jessica said. “We love our job and

we love being able to service our

clients, but we wanted to offer a

service that is really useful for the

everyday client like ourselves – like

our friends who just want to have

really great parties for their [chil-

dren] but just don’t have time to do

it.”

As parents, the Herbergers under-

stood that celebrating a child’s 10th

birthday can be as special to a parent

as any other milestone occasion, but

that time and budget are common

hindrances.

So the Herbergers decided to

expand their services to include easy

and creative solutions for children’s

birthday parties. This fall they built

The Studio, a nearly 1,000 square-

foot blank canvas that offers an easy

alternative to dealing with the mess

of hosting a birthday party at home

or the expense of renting out a tradi-

tional venue.

The space is easily transformed to

furnish parties of many sizes and

themes and for almost any occasion.

Jessica says it’s the perfect alterna-

tive to the “ho-hum, bounce-

housey” birthday party.

“A lot of parents want to have

great parties but don’t have the time

or have run out of places to have

them – they don’t necessarily want

to have a party at their house

because it’s extra work and extra

cleanup,” she said.

The Studio is a place to meet, cre-

ate and celebrate any occasion any-

way you’d like. And, if you need it,

the space comes with the expertise

of the Herbergers who have a mil-

lion and one ideas for livening the

empty room.

Parents have the option to dress-

up the space on their own or they

can enlist Experience Events. The

Herbergers can put together an

imaginative and personal affair with

just a few weeks’ notice – parties

inspired by the popular fictional

character Junie B. Jones or a paleon-

tology-themed adventure are just

two unique examples.

“The list of what we could do

could go on,” she said.

But what if you still want to host

your little one’s birthday celebration

at home, and just lack the where-

withal to put it together?

Try the Party Crate – a customiz-

able handmade single-purchase

package that includes the necessities

for a creative occasion at home or

anywhere else.

“It has all of the things you would

need for a great party, and it’s deliv-

ered to your doorstep,” Jessica said,

explaining that the crate offers the

same benefits of having a planner or

stylist onboard. “It [comes with]

connect the dot instructions.”

The Party Crate comes with

invites, favors, decorations, serving

dishes, and even a grocery list to tell

you exactly what to buy.

“There is no thinking needed, but

you still end up with a really cre-

ative party,” she said.

Experience Events has a signature

line of crates that are completely

hassle free – all you have to do is

pick one and wait for it to arrive.

But even these predetermined

options are personal and unique –

“It’s great décor; like what you see

in the magazines and wish you

could [recreate]. We do that for

you,” she said.

The Herbergers also fill orders for

customizable crates. Jessica said

they put anything together.

No matter which option you

choose, a party planned with the

help and imagination of Experience

Events is a parent’s secret to hosting

a celebration they can enjoy from

beginning to end.

For more information about The

Studio or Experience Events, visit

www.expeventdesign.com or call

(518) 441-8000.


Saratoga TODAY Newspaper is

proud to announce that Andrew

Marshall has joined our editorial team

as a full-time reporter.

Marshall began Monday, January

9, and will transition into the position

of sports editor, as Daniel

Schechtman takes over Pulse.

“We are extremely pleased to wel-

come Andy to our team and look for-

ward to introducing him to the mem-

bers of communities we serve,” said

Chad Beatty, publisher and owner of

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.”

Marshall is an experienced sports

and entertainment writer and blogger.

His hobbies include playing golf, col-

lecting vinyl records and reading.

You can reach Andrew Marshall

via phone at (518) 581-2480, ext.

206, or via email at

[email protected].

Saratoga TODAY Welcomes Andrew Marshall

Business Plans Children’s Birthday Celebrations, Creates Ease of Mind for Parents

Photo providedThis paleontology-theme birthday party is just one of many creative celebrations held at The Studio!

Adirondack TrustWelcomes New BoardMember


Adirondack Trust Company

announced that Christel A.

MacLean has been nominated to

stand for election to its board of

directors at the annual stockhold-

er’s meeting to be held February 1.

MacLean, a Saratoga Springs

resident, is the managing partner of

Sperry’s Restaurant Group and

Circus Restaurant Group. She is

also the principal of MacLean

Management Group as well as the

principal broker of Realty

Saratoga.

In addition, MacLean serves

locally as a founding board

Member and co-vice president of

the board of directors of

SaratogaArts Fest; as a member of

the board of directors of the

Saratoga Springs Downtown

Business Association; as the PTA

president of Division Street

Elementary School; and as a stu-

dent mentor through the Skidmore

College Mentoring Program.

SBA AppointmentSARATOGA SPRINGS – The

Saratoga Builders Association

(SBA) Board of Directors has

announced the appointment of

Doug Winters to its 11-member

board. Winters, a Ballston Spa res-

ident, is the owner of Spa City

Builders. Specializing in custom

home construction, his company

strives for excellence in home

building and remodeling.

Pinnacle Realty Re-Opensin Saratoga


Pinnacle Realty Saratoga LLC

recently announced the re-opening

of their 70 Lake Avenue office on

January 1. The local real estate

group, which has its home office at

2575 Route 9 in Malta, is thrilled to

be operating in Saratoga Springs

once again.

Bruce McClellan, broker and

owner of Pinnacle Realty Saratoga,

said the re-opening signifies a pos-

itive outlook for the 2012 real

estate market.

“It looks like we have some new

enthusiasm for the real estate busi-

ness and we are really pleased to be

able to open in Saratoga Springs,”

McClellan said. “It’s an exciting

opportunity for us.”

Four agents are already working

out of the Lake Avenue office.

McClellan said Pinnacle Realty

looks forward to welcoming new

agents in 2012. For more informa-

tion, call (518) 580-9300 or visit

www.thepinnaclepost.com.

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 9


SARATOGA COUNTY - Four

educators from the Southwest

University in Chongqing, China,

were invited to tour local schools

Tuesday and Wednesday as part of

a cultural exchange program with

the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-

Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE)

BOCES Language and Culture

Resource Center. The program,

which is supported by a grant from

the Hanban-Asia Society

Confucius Classroom Network,

welcomed educators to visit ele-

mentary schools in Burnt Hills,

Ballston Spa, Glens Falls, South

Glens Falls, Fort Ann and Saratoga

Springs, where students introduced

the educators to their schools and

showed off class projects.

“We’re trying to gain a mutual

understanding and learn from one

another,” said Peggy Sharkey,

grant manager for the WSWHE

BOCES Language and Culture

Resource Center. “We sent two

administrators with this program to

China in November, while they’re

here today and interested in

observing student-centered class-

rooms and activities based on the

lessons.”

As well as supporting the visits

between America and China, the

Hanban-Asia grant also affords

BOCES the opportunity to teach

school children the Chinese lan-

guage, something that isn’t typical-

ly offered at most schools.

“What’s unique about our pro-

gram is that we offer students a

similar opportunity that they’d

have during a program where

they’d learn Spanish or French, but

with this program they have an

opportunity to learn Chinese. It’s

extracurricular, so the kids take

their classes after school, online

and during the summer,” said

Sharkey.

One stop along their tour includ-

ed observing a special classroom

in Ballston Spa, where unlike a

majority of schools participating in

the program, gifted fourth and fifth

graders meet once a week during

school hours to participate in the

Project Chinese Exploratory

Program. There the students study

Chinese language and culture

weekly with teachers provided by

BOCES, making the class a must-

see for the visiting director of

teaching affairs from Southwest

University, Shibin Wu.

“Because education in China is a

set curriculum for everybody, we

want to come here and see the way

American teaching tailors educa-

tion depending on a student’s abil-

ity,” said Wu. “We hope to observe

how a student’s interest and quali-

ty guides the educational process.”

Typically, explained Sharkey,

students in China can expect class

sizes of roughly 50 students, with a

more traditional, lecture-based

method of teaching driving the

activity.

“It’s teacher-centered, where the

students are taking notes and

preparing for an exam,” said

Sharkey. “Here in the United

States, a more recent teaching

method focuses on what the stu-

dent is doing in the classroom.

That includes small group projects

and other learning activities.”

With approximately 350 stu-

dents participating at over a dozen

local sites, students are also

encouraged to create a pen pal

relationship through email or

Skype with Chinese students in the

program’s sister school.

“Becoming e-pals with students

in our sister school allows our stu-

dents to form greater relationships

between our two countries,” said

Sharkey. “It gives the kids more

opportunities for language learning

and helps them to gain an interna-

tional perspective.”

Dates Changed for ELAand Math Exams

SARATOGA COUNTY - The

New York State Department of

Education has changed the dates

set for the English Learning Arts

(ELA) and math exams for

grades 3-8. Because this is a

recent change, school calenders

printed and handed out to par-

ents and students prior to the

change are likely not up-to-date.

The ELA exam for grades 3-8

has been moved to Tuesday,

April 17 - Thursday, April 19,

2012.

The math exam has been

rescheduled for Wednesday,

April 25 - Friday, April 27,

2012.

In addition to the above

changes, exams scheduled for

the month of June are also

expected to be amended.

For the latest schedules, visit

www.p12.nysed.gov/apda/sched

ules.

Ballston Spa High SchoolReceives Innovative ArtsGrant

BALLSTON SPA – Ballston

Spa High School will be award-

ed funding in the amount of

$2,152 for a Connecting

Improvisation, Education, and 21st

Century Learning Skills artist-in-

residence program. The program is

funded in part by the Arts-in-

Education/Local Capacity Building

Program, a regrant program of the

New York State Council on the

Arts, administered by Saratoga

Arts.

Administrators and faculty from

the Ballston Spa Central School

District collaborated with Kat

Koppett, owner of Koppett + Co.

based in Schenectady, to write the

grant and create an innovative

artist-in-residence program for

high school students enrolled in the

business marketing and manage-

ment courses and career explo-

ration and internship program.

“I am excited to be able to bring

my expertise to this area of the

Capital Region and work with stu-

dents in the Ballston Spa Central

School District,” stated Kat

Koppett. “For a school district such

as Ballston Spa, this collaboration

is fitting since the concept is not

only innovative, but cutting edge.”

This group of over 70 students

will receive an innovative educa-

tional experience infusing the art of

improv into the business curricu-

lum, focusing on creativity, collab-

oration, communication, team-

building and leadership skills.

Students will have the opportuni-

ty to participate in an innovative

concept that has been successful

in business, industry and univer-

sities throughout the country.

Prestigious business schools

such as Duke University’s Fuqua

School of Business and MIT’s

Sloan School of Management

have been using improvisational

theater to further enhance 21st

century skill sets with those stu-

dents enrolled in their business

programs. Koppett has created

and delivered numerous training

programs on the art of improvi-

sational theater to major corpora-

tions such as Chanel, Pepsi and

JP Morgan Chase and is current-

ly working with business majors

attending Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute in Troy. She also is co-

director of The Mop & Bucket

Company that performs every

Friday evening at Proctor’s

Theatre. For more information,

visit www.mopco.org.

For more information about

the program or how to support

the arts, contact Courtney

Lamport, coordinator of devel-

opment, at (518) 884-7195, ext.

1369 or via email at

[email protected].

BOCES Cultural Exchange

Program Welcomes Chinese

Educators to Tour Region

Send your education stories or

briefs to DanielSchechtman at

[email protected]

EDUCATION

SARATOGA



Fire Station

researcher for the Malta RidgeVolunteer Fire Company, said twostudies were conducted that pointedto the Dunning Street site. A 2009Fire Protection Master Plan study rec-ommended combining servicesbetween the Malta Ridge and RoundLake fire companies, together namedthe Fire Companies of Malta. Thesecond studied the use of town-owned land and concluded that thegreen parcel was best suited for a firehouse.

“We don’t oppose them consolidat-ing fire departments,” said BarbaraFenton. “We just don’t want it there.”

Fenton has owned her home onMay Apple Way for 25 years. Heryard backs up to EllsworthCommons, and she said her entirebackyard has been “decimated” by it.

“That (Ellsworth Commons) is the

thing that woke up the sleeping giant,so to speak,” said Kessler. “Nowwe’re on the leading edge of what’sgoing on here at the firehouse andhave been trying to fight it from theget-go.”

That fight included a petitionsigned by 400 residents that was pre-sented to the town board at theJanuary 3 reorganizational meeting.Andrew Lamothe, president of theboard of the Fox Wander WestNeighborhood Association, said hewas originally approached by the firedepartment to get support for the proj-ect, but as he talked to his neighborshe realized they were opposed to it.

“The neighborhood associationboard has to support the neighbors,”he said. The petition consisted of onesentence: “We the undersignedoppose the building of a firehouse onDunning Street.”

Guerin said a history of the proper-ty revealed that it was part of theplanned development district that wasproposed to the town by the Luther

Forest Corporation in 1977. The par-cel was set aside for future use com-mercially or as a fire station or townhall.

In 2005 the land was donated to thetown of Malta and has been appraisedfor about $500,000. Guerin said tobuy a comparable site from a devel-oper would cost about $3.5 million.

The fire companies have been sav-ing toward the purchase of land forthree years. The Fire ProtectionMaster Plan study recommendedclosing two of the four current loca-tions, so those properties would besold and the money used toward thenew fire station and equipment.

“It’s going to save money, improveservice and it’s a smart use of govern-ment property,” Guerin said.

Residents said the two-lane road,punctuated by roundabouts, is alreadystrained by the increased traffic flowfrom Global Foundries.

“There’s really no place in anemergency situation for people to pullover to get out of the way of a fire

truck, especially a hook-and-laddertruck like they’re talking about get-ting,” said Fenton.

Guerin said a 100-foot ladder truckis necessary to reach the roofs ofEllsworth Commons andGlobalFoundries, but none of the firestations are large enough to garageone.

Supervisor Paul Sausville said herespects the fire department’s view onthe matter, but it should be put to a

public referendum. “I’m recommending to the town

board that we put the matter up beforethe voters and let the voters decide,”he said.

“I don’t have anything against thefiremen, they do a great job,” saidKessler. “Where would we be with-out them? But it’s where they want toput the firehouse that’s our problem.”

National Grid Hosts PublicForum for Proposed Pipeline

MALTA – Residents were invitedto a pair of informational forumsand public statement hearings heldby the New York State Public SafetyCommission (PSC) and NationalGrid on Tuesday, January 10 toexpress their opinion on a proposednatural gas pipeline extension thatwould service GlobalFoundries.Representatives from the PSC,National Grid and GlobalFoundrieswere in attendance. Residents havebeen asked to volunteer statementsof public record regarding theiropinion on the project. Statementswill be accepted until February 17,2012.

The pipeline extension will pri-marily serve the $4.6 billionGlobalFoundries chip plant locatedin Luther Forest TechnologyCampus in Malta. The PSC’srequired findings state that the con-struction and operation of the facili-ty is in the public interest. Residentsliving within 150 feet of the fourmile long projected work site wererequired to be notified of theforums.

Construction of the $10 millionsteel pipeline would begin in thetown of Ballston, and run norththrough the town of Malta.GlobalFoundries is concerned thatthe energy demands for the plantwill exceed available deliverycapacity. The company believes theproposed pipeline would ensuretheir plant will be served withenough energy.

“[The plant] requires as much

electricity as a small city,” saidGlobalFoundries representativeMike Russo. “There are no othercomparable large volume customers.”

Only five statements were givenin person during the forums, none ofwhich expressed concern. Recentretiree Philip Dobie spoke at the firstof two forums held. Dobie is aMalta resident and former businessrepresentative of District 106 for theInternational Union of OperatingEngineers. He expressed nothingbut support for the project, and thepositive impact he feels it’s havingon the local economy.

“This has been a tremendous helpduring a tough economy,” Dobie’sstatement reads. “It’s put thousandsof workers to work.”

The pipeline project could createas many as 500 new jobs, and theycould be coming sooner rather thanlater. Barring a setback in theapproval process, National Gridplans to start construction sometimethis spring – and finish sometime inthe coming fall.

“It’s a fairly narrow time frame toinstall that pipeline,” said projectmanager for National Grid, EdWencis. GlobalFoundries is hopingto increase production at theirMalta-based computer chip plant byearly 2013. The pipeline’s exten-sion would provideGlobalFoundries enough energy todo so.

Those interested in making a pub-lic statement may do so online atwww.dps.state.ny.us/ or via tele-phone at 1-800-335-2120.

by Andrew MarshallSaratoga TODAY

SARATOGA



Local School Weighs Impact of Technology

of New York as the Chief Economistfor Labor and the Chief of WorkDevelopment and relied heavily ontechnology, sending his children tothe tech-free Waldorf ElementarySchool was a no-brainer.

“Technology is just a tool – like acalculator, for you to use. The mostimportant thing is you have to learnhow to understand patterns,” saidReamer, whose two daughters havegraduated from the Waldorf system.“Understanding those patterns andlearning how to think and make con-nections is key – the actual computeritself is kind of a meaningless toolwithout the ability to understandthose connections or to think foryourself.”

Not that Waldorf believes childrenshould never be introduced to tech-nology. In fact, argue the school’sadministrators, technology can beextremely useful to students at theappropriate age, usually at the highschool level. But for developingminds at the elementary and middleschools, Waldorf worries that tech-nology can in many ways replace achild’s imagination, which in turn sti-fles creative, original thought.

“Looking at children and how theydevelop, we try to support theircapacities to think through their ownconcrete experiences,” said AbigailReid, a third grade teacher at WaldorfSchool with 12 years of teachingexperience. “Technology is some-thing that is an abstraction and isappropriate at a later time in a stu-dent’s development. But at theyounger age, we like to give them alot of real life, hands-on experience,which helps them to really digest thematerial.”

Instead of using an app or comput-er program to learn about measure-ments, Reid and her class will learnabout cups and quarts while bakingand cooking. Instead of using a pro-gram to simulate building a structureto meet specifications, the childrenlearn how to physically take measure-ments to build a small teepee from

trees the class gathered in Reid’s ownbackyard. It’s by experiencing theselessons first hand, and not as filteredthrough a screen, that Waldorf arguesleads to a deeper, more meaningfulunderstanding.

For Administrative ManagerKatherine Scherff, the process is sim-ilar to what happens when someonereads a book as compared to seeingthe movie.

“When you read a book, manytimes you have a whole picture ofwhat that book was like in yourhead,” said Scherff. “But then themoment you see it in the movie, nowit’s somebody else’s picture. Your[idea] is all gone.”

Scherff argues that one of the dan-gers inherent with introducing chil-dren to technology while they’re stilldeveloping is that their ability to thinkcreatively or to use their imaginationis greatly diminished. Technology, inthis regard, acts like a shortcut –handing us the Hollywood version ofa story on the silver screen instead ofasking us to imagine the story for ourselves.

“As students get older, the skillsthat allow them to creatively thinkthrough a process and to really under-stand that process may not be there,”said Scherff. “I think that technologycan hamper a student’s ability to beable to do that.”

And perhaps the Waldorf School ison to something here – after all, theresults speak for themselves.

“Approximately 99 percent of ourstudents graduate from high school,”said Scherff, who also noted that from1994 - 2004, 94 percent of graduatingstudents enrolled nationally in a

Waldorf program progressed ontocollege.

But when the time finally comesfor Waldorf students to adopt technol-ogy at the high school level, do saidstudents struggle to adapt comparedto their peers? For parents of Waldorfstudents who have witnessed the tran-sition, the answer seems to be aresounding no.

“It’s such a part of life today thatthere was really no transition at all,”

said Reamer. “I can’t do half of whatthey do on their cell phones. In fact,they might even be better at using thetechnology because once they get it,they’re creative. They can use allthese different apps and understandwhat they’re doing, and then they cango off and run with it.”

The technological landscape is fastmoving and in an almost constantstate of flux. New products come outat a blistering pace, making it easier

and faster to complete many every-day tasks.

“But what you really want is some-one who can think and develop anidea, and then let the computer do thegrunt work for you,” said Reamer.“But you’ve got to have the idea first.You’ve got to develop a thought. Andthat’s where the real strength lies forthe kids graduating through theWaldorf system.”

SARATOGA


Saratoga Hospital’s New Gym Designed with Older Adults in Mind

fortable going to a traditional, larg-er gym facility.

“We’ve really tried to tailor fitthe gym to be a safe environmentfor people who might be hesitantabout using exercise equipment,”said Lounsbury.

The new health and fitness gymfeatures many pieces of equipmentyou might find at a standard facili-ty - recumbent and upright bikes,elliptical runners, leg presses,treadmills and the like. But specialpieces of equipment are also on-site to cater specifically to the oldergeneration of adults who maystruggle with traditional exercisemachines.

“We have some of the heavy dutytreadmills that you might see in aregular gym, but then we also havesome that are specifically pickedout that are low to the ground so it’seasier for someone to get on to,”said Lounsbury. “When you don’thave that problem, you don’t real-ize it’s an issue. But with some ofthese specially designed treadmillsthat are lower to the ground withlonger hand rails, it becomes possi-ble for those with that issue to usethe equipment.”

The new gym provides a greatopportunity for those transitioningfrom physical therapy to continuetheir exercise, helping them to getstronger, stay healthier and avoidbeing readmitted to a hospitalbecause they lack the physicalactivity. But even if an individual isnot coming off of a round of physi-cal therapy, the gym provides acasual and comfortable environ-ment for members to exercise andsocialize.

“There are probably a lot of olderadults who just don’t feel comfort-able going to a standard gym,” saidLounsbury. “We don’t have showerfacilities here - most people don’tbuild up much of a sweat after theirworkout. Many wear their streetclothes with appropriate sneakers

because we’re a safe and casual environment.”

In addition to specialized exer-cise equipment, the new fitnessgym has deliberately set up a spe-cial socialization area, allowingmembers to strike up a friendlyconversation with one another.

“We purposely put in a socialarea so that maybe members willexercise for a little while and thenthey’ll go socialize with theirfriends. When it comes to keepingpeople healthy, if you reduce isola-tion and get them out, you makethem healthier just by preventingthat withdrawal that tends to hap-pen,” said Lounsbury. “We’re hop-ing that people who are maybe feel-ing like they can’t do something orcan’t go out, people with chronicconditions, might see that there’san alternative where they can go.”

For those suffering from chronicconditions, such as congestiveheart failure, the gym will also pro-vide oxygen should the need arise.

“When you’re tethered to anoxygen tank you tend to feel stuckin your house, and the last thingyou’d ever think of doing is goingto a gym. So we do provide oxy-gen, and we’re hoping that peoplewho are sitting at home, feelingisolated, might feel motivated to atleast come and check us out to seeif this is an opportunity for them tobe a little more active.”

A trained staff will be on handfull-time at the gym, including anexercise physiologist and physicaland occupational therapists.Members are welcomed to sched-ule one-on-one time with trainersfor guidance or assistance, or theycan simply use the facility at theirown pace and schedule.

“The health and fitness gym is asafe place where we do cardiac andpulmonary rehab, which could beconcurrent to people exercising.There’s also physical therapy andoccupational therapy going on allday long in the same area, sothere’s a healing atmosphere here,different than your standard gym,”said Lounsbury.

Memberships are available on asix-month, three-month andmonth-to-month basis. To learnmore about the facility, call (518)583-8383, or visit them at theirlocation Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 6 Care Lane inSaratoga Springs.


SARATOGA SPRINGS - TheRegional Therapy Center at 6 CareLane in Saratoga Springs, a serviceof Saratoga Hospital, has opened anew health and fitness gymdesigned with a very specificcrowd in mind.

“We’re targeting people whoprobably are adults or olderadults,” said Peggy Lounsbury,director of the Regional TherapyCenter of Saratoga Hospital. “It’snot intended to be a place for super-conditioning or body building. Theintent is to support the mission ofthe hospital, which is to help keepour patients in the communityhealthy.”

The new gym, which opened itsdoors in mid-December, is strictlyan adults-only gym, where allmembers must be at least 21 yearsof age or older. Open Mondaythrough Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5p.m., Lounsbury sees the new fit-ness gym as something unique tothe region, a facility that can fill avoid in the community for peoplewho may otherwise feel uncom-

SARATOGA


One of my New Year’s resolutions is to really watchwhat we are eating on our way out the door each morning.And, with staggering schedules and a rush hour styled rou-tine, it can be challenging. In fact, now that I have teensin the house it’s even more difficult, because they eitherclaim they “aren’t hungry” or that they “don’t like that”anymore, which can often bring them to an argumentativestate. Honestly, between you and me….I think it’s harderto appeal to a teenager’s taste buds than it was to my tod-dlers. So, I’ve had to get creative with breakfast. As aresult, I have been focusing my attention on introducing a newrecipe, at least once a week, that can keep the balance not just in myhousehold, but in the dietary intake of my kids while still appealingto their ‘like’ list. Here is a recipe that has worked at my counter andsuccessfully includes whole grain, protein, vegetable and dairy all inone setting without an argument (of course, my guys like almostanything that leans toward a Mexican-styled dish, so we’re safe overhere at this kitchen…hope it’s an option at yours). Happy New Year!

Breakfast Burritos Ingredients1 red bell pepper 1 green bell pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil, light2 eggs, large8 oz. Monterey Jack jalapeño cheese, shredded 2 flour tortillas (preferably whole grain)Taco sauce, mildNonstick cooking spray

DirectionsWash, remove the seeds and cut the peppers into thin strips. Sauté

the peppers in the olive oil until the peppers are fully cooked. Setthe cooked peppers aside.

Cook the eggs in a scrambled fashion without the milk. Preheatthe oven to 375 degrees. Divide the eggs in half and add them to thecenter of the tortilla round. Add two tablespoons of cheese to eachburrito and top with 4-5 slices of the cooked peppers. Roll the tortillain burrito fashion and place them in a glass baking dish coated withthe nonstick cooking spray, seam side down. Top the burritos with atablespoon of taco sauce over each burrito. Add one additional table-spoon of cheese over the top of each burrito. Bake for approximate-ly 15 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melt-ed. Serve with a fruit salad.

Note: The peppers can be stored in a proper storage container inthe refrigerator for use within three days or frozen and thawed forfuture use.

I haven’t always been a lover of

winter greens – in fact I don’t think

Swiss chard, kale, bok choy, mus-

tard greens, whole spinach, etc. had

ever been on our family’s table until

I started working at the Saratoga

Farmers’ Market. Historically my

husband disdained anything green

on his plate. So when Michael

Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Family

Farm challenged me to bring home a

bag of his winter Asian greens years

ago, it was a mixture of dread and

trepidation. On the ride home with

the greens I started realizing that this

really wouldn’t be so bad after all.

My husband loves Chinese

food…hmmm...mix the greens in

with his favorite stir-fry sauce and

some meat and he would never

know!

That night I put together a stir-fry

sauce, threw in some herbs and

spices, added some protein (shrimp)

and presented dinner. After a few

judgmental glances I reassured

hubby that it was his favorite Asian

dish with FRESH ingredients –

hunger prevailed and he took a bite

and then another bite and soon the

bowl was empty and he was asking

for seconds! It was another victory

in the transformation of my family’s

palate from factory food to fresh!

The spinach and Swiss chard were

beautifully sweet soft and mild com-

plementing the slight crunch of the

bok choy. The sauce was made of

sesame and vegetable oils infused

with onion, fresh garlic, ginger and

red pepper with a dash of soy sauce

which delicately complemented

both the vegetables and shrimp per-

fectly.

Since that first meal of discovery,

winter greens have become a regular

ingredient to many family meals.

The farmers at the winter market

continue to introduce new and deli-

cious exotic greens, furthering our

experimentation.

We add kale, karobi, parsnips, col-

lard greens and shaved carrots. We

use the greens to create an Italian

flavor by dropping the soy and using

Suzanne Voigt

Farmers’ Market

by Jodie FitzSaratoga TODAY

Hello Foodies! Happy Friday the

13th!

I don’t know about you, but I like

something to comfort me on a

gloomy day and mom always rec-

ommended a cup of tea with honey.

That’s my inspiration for this week’s

gadget(s) my love for loose tea and

the fun accessories that go with it:

tea balls, infusers and honey

dippers!

I prefer these gadgets as do my

customers.

Tea balls and infusers are both

used to steep your loose tea in your

cup or pot. They are a re-usable

alternative to the tea-bag. Most tea

balls are made with a tight metal

mesh that keeps the tea leaves

inside, but allows for the hot water

to drift in and the flavor to seep

out. All you have to do is open

the latch, place your tea leaves

inside and close it up. A tea ball is

similar to a tea bag, the metal

chain can hang over the side of

your mug or tea pot. A tea infuser

is like the combination of a tea

ball and a spoon. Just squeeze the

handle, place your loose tea

inside and remove it when the tea

is to your liking.

I have many customers that use

both of these gadgets for steeping

herbs in sauces and soups as well.

Another great item is the honey

dipper – these are practical and

fun! (If you are a squeeze-bottle

person you won’t be needing one

of these.) To use the dipper, sim-

ply open your jar of honey, dip it

in the honey and twist. Then

place the honey-covered dipper

into your cup or twist it onto your

food. It’s far more fun than a

spoon and easy to clean up too.

Now, all you have to do is call

your mom and ask her to enjoy a

cup of tea with you while you

catch up. Or invite your little girl

to a tea party but be sure dad and

her brother are invited too!

Bon appétit!

Take Care,John

John ReardonCompliments to the Chef

olive oil and tomatoes. We also

serve the greens with chicken, fish,

pasta, rice or tofu. We love to use

chili seasonings and add frozen gar-

den corn to spinach and kale with

beef for a south of the border flair.

What my family and I have dis-

covered is, when it comes to the

winter greens at the Saratoga

Farmers’ market, your imagination

is the only limit to their enjoyment.

Asian Stir-fry with

Winter Greens

Ingredients

1-2 T vegetable oil

1 yellow onion diced

1/2-1 lb shrimp, shelled/deveined

1 carrot, shaved

1 frozen garden green

pepper shards

(fresh, if you have them)

1/2 bunch Swiss chard

1 bunch bok choy

1/2 -1bag fresh spinach

1 tsp red pepper

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

2 tsp sesame oil

1/4 c chicken broth

1/4 c soy sauce

1 T rice wine vinegar

1 tsp brown sugar

(a sprinkle of cornstarch

Breakfast Time!

Winter greens are verynutritious, high in iron,magnesium, Vitamins

B9, A, K, C and fiber

Winter Greens Stir-fry: A Delicious Way to Eat Healthyif the sauce is too liquid for

your desires)

Directions

The thing to remember about stir-

fry is there are no rules. It’s almost

impossible to make a bad sauce, mix

and substitute ingredients with what

you like and have available. Prep all

veggies and protein ahead, make the

sauce first and set aside, and then

stir-fry ingredients in the order of

their cooking time so all ingredients

come out tender and not overdone.

1. Cut/dice all vegetables, herbs

and protein. Set aside in individual

piles.

2. Sauce: In a sauce pan, combine

1/2 the minced garlic, ginger,

sesame oil, chicken broth, soy sauce,

rice wine vinegar and brown sugar.

Heat for five minutes or until sugar

has dissolved and spice fragrances

have infused into the liquid. Set

aside.

3. In a wok or suitable pan for

stir-frying, put in sesame oil and

bring to hot temp. Add onion,

shrimp and sauté. Then add the

green pepper, carrot, Swiss chard

stems and bok choy in that order,

ending with fresh spinach and

greens from the Swiss chard.

Constantly stir over the heat.

Immediately sprinkle in the red pep-

per and after a minute or two add the

sauce and stir in. Meal is done! (I

like to serve this dish over rice,

which can be cooking while you

stir-fry.)

Tea Accessories

SARATOGA


Ask the Financial Advisor

Are long-termbonds the bestplace to obtainincome in thismarket?

I prefer thestocks of divi-dend-paying com-panies for incomeand potential

capital appreciation.Today, investors can own a port-

folio of solid dividend-paying

stocks that provide income, but alsohave the potential for capital appre-ciation. To me, this is a compellinginvestment alternative to bonds forincome generation, at this point,since long-term interest rates are ator near record lows. Additionally,we have seen dividend-payingstocks in the S&P 500 Index signif-icantly outperform non-dividendpaying stocks over the past year. In2011, dividend-paying stocks in theS&P 500 Index increased 3.4 per-cent, on average, compared to non-dividend paying stocks which onlyreturned 1.7 percent. However,there is a strategy to investing individend-paying companies that can“boost” results even more.

It’s easy to put together a portfo-lio of dividend-paying stocks; how-ever, an important part of investingin these types of stocks is the growthof the dividend. This “boosting”strategy is investing in businessesthat have grown their dividends

more than 10 percent over the lastfive years. In fact, the companies inthe S&P 500 that have grown theirdividends more than 10 percent overthe last five years had a 5.9 percentstock price increase, on average, for2011. This represents more than oneand a half times the return of theaverage dividend-paying stock inthe index for 2011, and three timesmore than the non-dividend payingstocks. The reason these corpora-tions performed so well is becausethey were able to grow in the currenteconomy. They are winners. Theyhave grown their earnings throughthe recession and many are nowearning all-time high profits. Thesecorporations do not need the econo-my to improve – they are winningnow. They are investing in theirbusinesses and still have enoughextra cash to increase the dividendspaid to shareholders. This is the typeof company in which I prefer toinvest.

I spend a lot of time looking forbusinesses that have strong compet-itive advantages and will endureover a long period of time. I like tosee managements that are innova-tive and know their industriesinside-and-out. These leadershipteams must be honest and ethicaland deal with shareholders of thecompany in a forthright manner. Ialso want them to have low debt onthe balance sheet, earn a high returnon their capital, and generate morecash than they need so that they canuse the money to increase value fortheir shareholders. In addition topaying out dividends, they are ableto buy back stock, reinvest in theoperation, and/or make acquisitions.Once I find these enterprises, I typi-cally buy a significant amount ofshares and hold onto them for sever-al years allowing the business togrow. During this period, I meetwith management regularly toensure that my investment thesis is

still intact. Dividend-paying stocks do not

insulate an investor from stock mar-ket volatility; however, a sharehold-er can certainly capture the dividendregardless of price fluctuations. Soif you are looking for income,remember that it is possible to investin a growing revenue streamthrough dividend-paying stockswhile also having the potential forcapital appreciation.

Paul C. Hogan, CFAThe writer is a Research Analyst

at Fenimore Asset Management Fenimore Asset Management

(Fenimore) is an independentinvestment advisory firm located in, and has been hand-selectinginvestments for almost fourdecades. Fenimore manages indi-vidual and institutional portfolios,and two mutual funds ─ FAMFunds ─ the FAM Value Fund andFAM Equity-Income Fund.

Q:

A:

Paul C. Hogan, CFAFenimore AssetManagement

SARATOGA SPRINGS –According to Nielsen Marketingand Research, the top three gifts onchildren's Christmas lists last yearwere Apple’s iPad, iPod Touch andiPhone.

Each of these hot sellers, inaddition to other popular gamingdevices such as the Wii and Xbox,is Internet-enabled, making chil-dren more vulnerable to digitaldangers, including cyberbullying,accidental pornography exposure

and online predators.On Friday, January 13 at 6:30

p.m., Donna Rice Hughes, presi-dent and chairman of Enough isEnough (EIE), will give a freepresentation entitled,“Empowering Parents to KeepKids Safe Online.” The event willbe held at the City Center, 522Broadway in Saratoga Springs.Registration is required. To reservea seat, please call (518) 783-5332or email [email protected].

An internationally respectedInternet safety expert and advocate,Rice Hughes will provide parents,educators and other caring adultswith the basic information they needto know how to keep children safein today’s Internet world.

“With the addition of moreInternet-accessible devices inhomes today, it’s vital to make surethat all online experiences are safefor kids and adults,” said DaveLenehan, conference director forLatham-based Capital DistrictYouth for Christ (YFC), which issponsoring the presentation.“Donna brings a wealth of experi-ence and research, as well as a com-mitment to protecting families[from] online dangers. YFCbelieves it’s crucial to share thisinformation and help families makethe web a safe experience.”

Rice Hughes, who holds anundergraduate degree from theUniversity of South Carolina, hasspoken widely about Internet safetyissues on outlets including, CNN,Fox News, MSNBC, Dateline, TheToday Show, Oprah and 20/20. Sheis also the author of “Kids Online:Protecting Your Children InCyberspace” (Revell, September1998).

Internet Safety Expert to Speak at City Center

BALLSTON SPA –An exhibit showcasing creations by nationallyacclaimed children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler will be displayed inthe Jan Rutland Artists’ Space at the National Bottle Museum, located at76 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa, until February 3.

Acting Museum Director Larry Rutland said he hopes parents, grand-parents and educators will take advantage of this golden opportunity tobring young readers to the museum to view images crafted over the pastthree decades by one of the nation’s most popular children’s book illustrators.

At last count Wheeler, who is a Ballston Spa High School graduate, –had some 75 titles in her portfolio, ranging from fiction titles for youngreaders to nonfiction titles for middle readers as well as keepsake mem-ory books, activity books, calendars, greeting cards and many other prod-ucts.

Included in the exhibit are illustrations that introduced such charactersas E.T., The Extraterrestrial and collaborations that have breathed newlife into characters in remakes of such titles as Ludwig Bemelmans’Madeline, Don Freeman’s Corduroy the Bear and those in some of LauraIngalls Wilder’s Little House books – specifically the Farmer Boy booksabout the early days of Laura’s husband Almanzo Wilder. Wheeler hasmost recently completed illustrations for “An Old-FashionedThanksgiving” by Louisa May Alcott and The First Noel (both fromIdeals Publishing) as well as a book based on characters created by thelate Ezra Jack Keats titled “Roberto Walks Home.” (To view samples,visit www.wheelerillustration.com or www.zazzle.com/wheelart.)

“The invitation to exhibit samples of my illustrations in my hometownmeans so much to me,” said Wheeler, who often draws upon memoriesof her upstate New York childhood when painting images to accompanystories for young readers.

A not-for-profit educational institution, the National Bottle Museum isopen weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours and field trips may bebooked by calling (518) 885-7589. For more information, visitwww.nationalbottlemuseum.org.

Nationally-Celebrated IllustratorExhibits Work at Bottle Museum

SARATOGA


At a recent holiday celebration

amongst dear friends and family

members I polled a few people

about what would be an inspiring

topic to write about for the new year.

My dear pal “Man Cave” swallowed

his fruitcake jubilee and answered

before the question was even fully

out. “Would you PLEASE do one

on communication; it is impossible

to figure you people out!” (Side

note: “you people” refers to us gal

pals.)

Mrs. Man Cave quickly respond-

ed, “YES! PUH-LEEEESE, write

something about how to get your

man to listen to you! I have to ask

HIM to do things over and over

again; he just doesn’t get it!”

Several of the ladies nodded in

agreement while several of the men

crossed over to the other side of the

kitchen island to support Mr. Man

Cave in his frustration. I was certain

we would break out into a battle of

the sexes musical with Sandy and

Danny as the stars.

The fact is, if BOTH Mars and

Venus were willing to take a step

back and seek to understand the dif-

ferences in our styles of communi-

cation, rather than to be understood,

peace and harmony would be a lot

closer to home than tuning into an

hour of “Delilah.”

When breaking down the gender

gap it’s always best to start with the

basics. Ready for these gems of

truth? Pay attention, this could

change all of your relationships with

the opposite sex forever.

GPS. The Global Positioning

System is defined by Wikipedia as,

“a space based satellite system that

provides location and time informa-

tion in all weather anywhere on or

near the Earth, where there is an

unobstructed line of sight.” In other

words, with your GPS communica-

tion style in place it is highly unlike-

ly you will get lost in the forest of

frustration, anxiety, heartbreak and

rage.

Ladies, men are simple. If you tell

the men in your life factually what

you need you have given them an

unobstructed map to make you

happy. Men communicate on a basic

level, while women tend to be more

emotional, sensitive and detail ori-

ented in their styles of communica-

tion. Men on the other hand, want

to be told what the issue is and how

to fix it. They will literally shut

down and hear your voice as the

Charlie Brown teacher when you

start obstructing the conversation

with a high level of emotion, frustra-

tion and blame.

I have come to believe in practic-

ing couples counseling for over 12

years, that men have a secret switch

located on the back of their necks

that makes them completely hard of

hearing when we ladies start to talk

about our feelings of discontent-

ment when it comes to the relation-

ship. This frustration serves as an

obstruction in communication and

voila, instead of getting to your des-

tination of having your needs met

you have veered off a cliff and need

a tow truck and ambulance to get

you back on track.

When men throw up their hands

in frustration to the women in their

life and say “I don’t get it,” they are

NOT lying. Trust me ladies, the “I

don’t get it” response is not a con-

spiracy theory against women to

make us crazy. Rather, they REAL-

LY don’t get it. So, next time you

need to communicate something

important to your man think of your

friendly GPS that guides you to your

destination every time. Use that

smooth, clear, direct voice (you can

even add the accent to spice

things up a bit).

Let’s try an example of what

NOT to do when communicating

your needs to Mr. Man Cave.

Exhibit A:

You are tired and feel that you

have had no time to connect with

your sweetie pie. You crave some

alone time and are feeling discon-

nected. You hope he too feels the

same way and give him subtle

hints that you need some one-on-

one. You mention your desire to

spend time together a few times

but it’s always when a million

other things are going on. You get

angry that he doesn’t meet your

need and when you communicate

your frustration with him he looks at

you like you are speaking “crazy

talk.” This reaction sets the stage for

a fantastic blowout.

Fight. Frustration. Confusion.

Silence. Further disconnect. This is

the time to definitely RE-CALCU-

LATE!

Exhibit B:

Start by finding a time when

things are quiet and you are both not

stressed. For example, if you know

that you are too tired at night for a

pow wow don’t pick evening hours

to have a talk and make your needs

known.

Once you pick the right moment,

be clear and direct about making

your needs known.

“I really miss you and want to

plan some time together. What night

or weekend can we make this hap-

pen? I can get the babysitter lined up

if you can pick the night and plan

the evening. It would be great to

share a nice dinner with you. Since

you know Chinese food makes me

swell the next day, I would appreci-

ate it if you would leave that out of

our date night options.”

You just gave Mr. Man Cave a

map of how to please you with

explicit instructions about how to

get to the final destination: peace

and harmony in the relationship. No

obstructions clear the way for get-

ting exactly what you want: A great

date night connecting with your

sweetie pie over a meal that won’t

end up with a mouth full of

Benadryl and swollen ankles.

No one gets to their destination

without a clear plan. You don’t get

to be mad at your sweetie pie if you

have not been crystal clear and

direct about what you want.

What happens if you use the GPS

method of communication repeated-

ly and your sweetie pie ignores the

directions? Get a third party to help

make sure you are free of any and

all obstructions to good communi-

cation and do some soul searching

about continuing down a dead end

path.

At the start of this glorious new

year, let’s make a pact to communi-

cate in ALL of our relationships

with clarity, honesty, responsibility

and respect. Get back to the basics,

clear the road of any and all obstruc-

tions and watch how your GPS style

of communication can get you back

on track!

Wishing you a fantastic journey

for 2012! May all of your road trips

take you exactly where you want to

go!

Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapistpracticing in Glens Falls andSaratoga Springs. Visit meghanle-mery.com for information on hernew novel, upcoming workshopsand latest articles.

Meghan D. Lemery

LCSW-R

“Tomato Tomatoe” Should We Call the Whole the Thing Off?Breaking Down Communication Between Mars and Venus

16

by James B. Markwica, MSPTfor Saratoga TODAY

Running From Achilles Tendonitis

With New Year’s resolutions fullyin effect, most of us have exhaustedthe myriad of excuses as to why wearen’t taking better care of ourselvesand participating in winter activitiesand sports. It’s at this point that webelieve it’s necessary to simplythrow ourselves back into the swingof things by pounding the pavementwith running, hiking the snowymountain trails, or just returning to amore aggressive and lengthenedaerobic walk. Invariably what seemsto happen out of nowhere is heelpain, sometimes severe heel pain.

What is this and how could it hap-pen when you took a couple of min-utes to ease into your activity at aslower pace? It may be Achilles ten-donitis due to inflammation or irrita-tion of the Achilles tendon, thedense band of tissue running up theback of your lower leg attachingyour calf to your heel.

It is rather common for Achillestendonitis to result from sports thatplace an intense amount of stress onyour calf muscle which is made upof the gastrocnemius and the soleus

muscles. However, it is just as like-ly to begin when initiating a suddenincrease in the frequency and inten-sity of any weight bearing activity,even walking. Structural problemsmay also be to blame like spurs orsmall tears.

In addition to general tendernessover your tendon, you may noticepain or a dull ache when pushing offof your foot while walking. Thismay lessen as your tendon warmsup. You may especially note this inthe morning while taking your firstpainful steps which unexplainablyresolve until you increase youractivity later in the day.

Improper conditioning includingpoor flexibility and inadequatestrength is typically the perfectrecipe to develop a tendonitis whenadded to walking, running, jumpingor pushing up on your toes.Flattened arches (excessive prona-tion or pes planus) may also be apredisposing factor. Sometimeseven trauma to the tendon may bethe cause. But it’s likely that it issimply a matter of too much, toosoon, as you didn’t properly warm-up.

Although self treatment is avail-

able via rest, ice and medication(under your physician’s advice),your best bet is prevention. Startingslowly and increasing your activitylevel gradually is the first step.Warm-up using stretches that focuson your gastroc and soleus musclesalong with your hamstrings. Youcan easily stretch your gastrocne-mius by leaning forward against awall with your hands. Leave the legyou are stretching back behind you,heel on the ground and kneestraight. Your resting leg is the for-ward leg. Hold your gentle stretchfor 10 – 30 seconds for five repeti-tions. To stretch to soleus, the lowerdeeper muscle, maintain the previ-ous position but bend the knee of theback stretching leg and lower yourhips a bit. The hamstring stretch isbest attained when lying on yourback, resting leg bent, and stretchingknee supported with your hands asyou actively raise your foot to theceiling. Feel the stretch down theback of the leg.

Strengthening of your calf muscleis equally important and can easilybe accomplished by rising up ontoyour toes and slowly returning yourheels to the ground. Perform this

exercise in sets of 10 reps for two tothree sets to begin. You can furtheradvance the strengthening exerciseby turning both heels in together orout apart for sets of 10 repetitions.Be sure to gradually increase day byday making sure you do not overdoit.

Cross-training or training on mul-tiple surfaces performing multiplevarious impact activities is a goodidea as well. And of course, the edu-cated choice of appropriate shoewear is essential. Be sure to chooseshoes that fit, provide adequatecushioning for your heel, and have afirm arch support which will aide inminimizing tension on the Achillestendon.

In the event you recognize theonset warning signs of Achilles ten-donitis, be sure to rest, ice, compressand elevate. If possible, keep mov-ing, as it is essential that prolongedperiods of inactivity be avoided. Besure to move your foot and anklethrough its full range of motion reg-ularly and perform gentle stretches

to remain flexible.If you or someone you know suf-

fers from heel and Achilles tendonpain, it is ill-advised to begin a newexercise program without consult-ing first with your physician physi-cal therapist, certified athletic train-er, physiatrist or other specialistwho regularly treats foot andextremity pain. It is important tofirst get an accurate diagnosis forthe cause of pain, as the specificexercises recommended will dependon the cause. Achilles tendonitis, ifleft untreated, may become a muchmore serious condition that can leadto surgical intervention.

James Markwica, MS PT is aNew York State Licensed PhysicalTherapist at LaMarco PhysicalTherapy, 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa and 30 Gick Road in Saratoga Springs. For questionsof follow-up, contact James at 587-3256 or online at www.lamar-copt.com.

Photo Provided

SARATOGA


SARATOGA


Ready or Not

I have learned so much frombeing a mother — so much aboutmyself, about others, about theworld and humanity and eternityand so many huge things (as wellas, of course, things like how tochange a wriggly child’s dirty dia-per) — and this growth in what Ihope is wisdom and understandinghas been one of the things I’m mostgrateful for. I feel like I’ve beenforced into being a better person,by hook or by crook, by thesesmall, screechy, stinky, adorable,rascally, lovable children. It’s notalways easy, certainly, and some-times it’s downright miserable, butI take a look at the person I amnow, the person I’ve become, sincethat first little one made his wayinto my arms seven years ago, andI’m humbled, and pleased.

Each child has taught me newthings, and our little one on-the-way is no exception. I was thinkingof all this the night before NewYear’s Eve, when, at 37.5 weekspregnant (technically full-term), Iwas unable to sleep through con-stant, regular contractions, moreintense than they’d ever been dur-ing this pregnancy. For three hours,in the wee hours, I watched theclock, timed the contractions,debated whether or not to wake myhusband up, debated whether or notto call the doctor, and sort offreaked out.

Mostly I was freaked out becauseI wasn’t totally ready for the babyto come. I wasn’t ready mentally(I’d thought about it, dreamedabout it, wished the birth wouldcome sooner rather than later, buthadn’t actually thought it would bethis soon) or practically (I’d almostfinished all my to-do’s — all thewashing of newborn clothes andburp cloths, etc. — but not quite …even my bag wasn’t totallypacked). And seriously, in themidst of all that, I still had thethought pop in my head: Ah!Another life lesson! There are only

so many plans you can make andcontingencies to prepare for —sometimes it’s all just taken out ofyour hands, ready or not.

The last few weeks of pregnancy,and then labor and delivery, mightbe the things that have hammeredthis home for me more than anyother. This baby is the fifth I’lldeliver, and I still feel like I haveno idea what I’m doing when itcomes to giving birth. I’m alwaysamazed when I hear other mothersspeak about labor and delivery withvoices of experience and knowl-edge, and yet there is still nothing Ifeel like I can contribute with anycertainty or confidence. I onlyknow what happened with me, witheach of my babies, and each expe-rience is simultaneously fuzzy andclear, if that makes any sense, and Ifeel simultaneously empoweredand vulnerable when recalling thedetails of each of my baby’s births.

It’s a strange thing, and so ele-mental, so primitive, in the verybest sense, even in our medical, sci-entific, modern society, the wholebringing a baby into the world, thatI have to think there are some real-ly significant things to be learnedfrom it.

I love reading others’ birth sto-ries, especially those that tend tomore natural ways of birthing —epidural-free, for example, or intubs in one’s kitchen. I love thethought I often hear batted aroundof women who gave birth whileworking in the fields and then goback to work with the minutes-oldbabe strapped to them. Is that evenpossible? I’ve known some amaz-ingly strong women whom I couldactually see being able to do some-thing like that! I’m fascinated bylabors that progress so quickly themoms aren’t able to make it to the

hospital in time, or arrive too latefor a planned epidural, or arrive toolate even for a planned C-section!These stories, to me, are all evi-dence of how out-of-our-controlbirth can be. To me, it’s terrifyingand freeing, all at the same time.

I’ve never actually gone intolabor while at home. Three of myfour boys were induced due to con-cerns with pregnancy-induced highblood pressure and gestational dia-betes; the one who started naturallyactually began when I was alreadyin the hospital, in a bed in thematernity ward, for a couple-hourblood pressure check. I asked foran epidural pretty quickly with allfour of them, despite my nine-months-long thought, every singletime, that maybe “this will be thetime I go epidural-free!” As a resultof all this, I don’t really feel like Ihave a good sense of what activelabor feels like, when laying in mybed in the middle of the night. All Iknew on the eve of New Year’s Evewas that my contractions felt “dif-ferent,” more intense; that theycontinued for much longer thanusual, that neither laying down norwalking around helped, and that Iwas terrified of figuring out too latethat I should have called the doctor.A home birth has never been adream of mine.

So I called the doctor, feeling ter-rible that I woke her up at 2:45 inthe morning, feeling silly as Italked to her because I knew thatbeing able to talk through contrac-tions was a sign they weren’t thatbad. But the doctor decided Ishould go to the hospital, and so wedid. I now have my very own mid-dle-of-the-night hospital visitstory!

And my very own false alarmstory. Indeed, this mother of fourborn babies could not determine onher own if she was in active laboror not. An hour and a half afterchecking in at the hospital, we weresent home with instructions to call

again if things progressed. Theydid not.

I’m writing this the day beforeI’m due at the hospital for yetanother scheduled induction. Mybirth history, gestational diabetes,and estimated size of this baby areall working against any thoughts orhopes I’d had of going into labor onmy own. At least this — this feel-ing of everything being out of myhands — is something I’m becom-ing an expert on. And I’m gratefulfor the details as they are: a compe-tent and experienced medical staffwatching the health of me and mybaby closely; the opportunity tohave everything planned and but-toned up, from who’s going towatch the other boys to having

everything at home ready for thenew baby to even having this col-umn written and submitted on time;the chance to truly sit and think andpray and prepare myself for thetask ahead of delivering a baby; thealways new yet familiar responsi-bilities of a newborn; and the lifelessons and human truths thatbringing a baby into the worldimpart in a different way than any-thing else I’ve ever experienced.

Kate Towne Sherwin is a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) living inSaratoga Springs with her hus-band, Steve, and their sonsThomas (7), Gabriel (5), JohnDominic (3), and Xavier (1); theyexpect their fifth baby in January2012. She can be reached at [email protected].

Kate Towne SherwinSaratoga SAHM

“There are only so many plans you can make and

contingencies toprepare for —

sometimes it’s all justtaken out of your

hands, ready or not.”

SARATOGA


Local Senior Center Activities, NewsBallston Area Seniors

Swear-in 2012 Officers

Photo providedOutgoing President Bert Grandin swears-in the newly elected2012 officers (pictured from left to right): Neil Heffernan, president; Fred Peter, vice president; Diane Kennedy, treasurer;Judith Mullen, secretary; Margaret Wheeler, membershipchair; and Dick Bardsley, Kathy Hedgeman and Patsy Schiavo,directors. For more information about the Ballston AreaSeniors, contact President Neil Heffernan at (518) 885-6740

Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga SpringsAddress: 5 Williams Street, Saratoga SpringsPhone Number: (518) 584-1621Email Address: [email protected]: www.saratogaseniorcenter.org

Upcoming EventsIce Cream SocialThursday, January 26, from 6:30-8 p.m.Enjoy make-your-own sundaes

and listen to a hip duo perform hitsfrom the 40s and 50s made famousby your favorite singers. Buy yourtickets early. Members are $4, non-members are $6.

How to Wake Up Pain FreeThursday, January 26 from 1-2 p.m.Combat joint and muscle stiffness

in the morning by attending thisinformational session with Sportsand Physical Therapy. Please signup in advance.

Movie: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”Wednesday, January 25, 3 p.m.Cost: $2 for members, $4 for non-

members. Please sign up inadvance.

Free Hearing ScreeningsTuesday, January 31, 11-3Dana Wilhite, Doctor of

Audiology at the Saratoga HearingCenter, will provide free confiden-

tial hearing screenings at the center.Call the center to sign up.

Book Club MeetingTuesday, January 31 from 3-4 p.m.The Book Club will meet to dis-

cuss “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana DeRosnay.

Play Mahjong!Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m.To sign up, call Deanna at (518)

886-8522.

Join the Quilting Club!Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.Instruction is available. Anyone

interested in crocheting or knittingis welcome.

January Van TripsMembers are encouraged to sign

up for these exciting and fun trips!All trips must be pre-paid and departfrom the center parking lot.Participants are asked to arrive 15minutes prior to the departure time.If a van trip doesn’t fill up one weekprior to the trip date, non-membersare not allowed to sign up for anaddition charge of $5. Invite your

friends to attend! January 17: Saratoga Casino &

RacewayPlay the video gaming machines

and enjoy the delicious GardenBuffet for lunch. On Tuesdays, play-ers 55 and over pay only $6.95 for atop-notch all-you-can-eat buffet.Join Club 55 and get even moreincentives! The van leaves the cen-ter at 10 a.m. and returns at 2:30p.m. Van fee only $1.

January 20: Albany Institute ofHistory and Art

Start out with lunch at the privateUniversity Club ($10-15) in down-town Albany. Then head across thestreet to the Albany Institute for aguided tour of the GeorgeWashington and Dr. Vanderveer’sCivil War Journals exhibits. Afterthe tour, you’ll have free time toexplore the Egyptian Gallery,Hudson River paintings and theMuseum Gift Shop. The van leavesthe center at 9:45 a.m. and return at3:30 p.m. Cost is $18 plus lunch.Restaurant has stairs.

January 27: Tour of the AlbanyCapital Building

Get a behind-the-scenes tour ofthis architec¬tural wonder includinggovernment chambers, staircasesand works of art. Afterward enjoylunch at Lombardo’s ($10-15). Tripcost is $10. The van leaves the cen-ter at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m.Extensive walking, elevators available.

Upcoming Events:Group Meeting and Sandwich

LuncheonWednesday, January 18 at noonSchuylerville Town Hall. There

will be surprise entertainment.

Van Trip in MarchThe seniors are sponsoring a trip

to the log cabin in Holyoke, MA,Wednesday, March 6, 2012, wherethe group will enjoy a traditionalIrish feast with entertainment pro-vided by the legendary Irish Rovers.The bus will arrive at the AmericanLegion at 8:15 a.m. to load, with adeparture time of 8:30. The groupwill head home at 3:30 p.m. with anestimated return time of 7:30 p.m.$60 per person, due February 1. Formore information, call MaryLamora at (518) 584-7986.

Olde SaratogaSeniors

SARATOGA


Jessie Finds Her Forever Home

I frequently urge people to adopt

their next pet from the county shelter.

There are so many animals waiting

there for a forever home. People need

to realize, however, that some of

these homeless creatures come with

“baggage” from their earlier life

experiences. Sometimes the animal’s

history has not been positive and as a

result will present challenges for the

new adopting family. Nevertheless,

working with these homeless pets can

be very rewarding. In fact, each ani-

mal we have brought into our home

has taught us something important

about animal behavior, training and

trust, as well as something about

ourselves.

Last fall, my husband Steve and I

decided it was time to adopt a second

dog. We typically enjoy having two

dogs and it had been over a year since

my first service dog, Vida, passed

“over the rainbow bridge,” leaving

Moses as the only dog in our house-

hold along with our two cats. It is not

a good idea to adopt a new pet imme-

diately after the passing of your

beloved former pet because you have

not had time to grieve and you may

become impatient with the new one

because it is not at all like the one you

so desperately wish was still by your

side.

While I am a lab lover, Steve has

always had a soft spot for shepherds,

so we started looking at the Saratoga

County Animal Shelter for a shep-

herd-type dog that needed a home.

After a few weeks, we saw a photo on

the shelter website of a stray dog the

employees had named Jessie. She

looked like a beautiful black or very

dark brown Belgian Shepherd mix. I

drove over to see her. She was on the

small side, but very alert, and curious

about me. I sat with her for a time and

learned what I could about her story.

Jessie had been picked up as a stray

in Milton. She had on a yellow collar,

but no tags. No one came looking for

her. No one called about her. I could-

n’t help wonder why no one was

searching for this fine-looking girl.

Her teeth indicated that she was

around 2 years old. She had been

spayed and she appeared to be in

good health.

Next, I brought Moses to meet

Jessie. With supervision by the shelter

employee who was working with

Jessie, we watched the two dogs play

in an open area. They seemed to be

getting along well. Finally, Steve

came out to meet her. After another

day to think about it, Steve was ready

to adopt Jessie.

After bringing her home, we quick-

ly learned that she was very affection-

ate, knew basic commands, and was

full of energy. We also learned that

like most herding dogs she had a

“high prey drive.” In other words, she

would chase anything that ran from

her. In our fenced backyard this

meant she chased squirrels, but in the

house she chased the cats. Our very

social male tiger cat, Sully, loved the

game, but our more reclusive female

black cat, Magic, was not amused at

all. We also learned that Jessie dis-

played fear aggression whenever a

stranger approached her. She would

bark, bare her teeth, and look like she

could rip out the stranger’s throat!

This time it was our vet that was not

amused.

With Moses, Jessie always wanted

to play rough. At first, Moses would

wrestle with her and he always won

due to his greater size. Nevertheless,

Jessie always wanted more and after a

few weeks, Moses whose inclination

is to be a lover, not a fighter, grew

tired of Jessie’s constant attempts to

engage him in rough and tumble play.

When they were both outside in the

yard Jessie would try to herd Moses

by running at him, nipping his

hindquarters and barking. If we were

raising sheep all these behaviors

would be very useful, but poor Moses

would look up at me as if to ask,

“Why did you bring her home? Can’t

we trade her in for another kind of

dog?” Unfortunately, many people

do return an adopted dog at the first

sign of problems rather than allowing

time for the animal and the family to

adjust. Besides, Steve was already

very attached to Jessie and her shep-

herd ways.

Unlike Steve, I was not so happy

about Jessie. Next to Moses, she

seemed much too busy all the time.

One day I wanted to see if I could tire

her out, so I took her for a five-mile

trot along side my wheelchair at top

speed. After our run I brought her

home and she bolted out into the yard

with reserve energy to chase a few

squirrels! Was there no limit to this

dog’s energy?

To deal with her fear aggression

upon meeting new people, we resort-

ed to putting her outside until our

guests were in the living room sitting

comfortably in chairs. If they wanted

to meet Jessie, we told them we

would be letting Jessie in, but they

had to act as if she was invisible (no

eye contact, no touch, no talk) until

she greeted them and she had their

scent. This worked beautifully. When

she can make the first move, she is

not afraid and only wants to make

friends. If people do not want to go

along with this, we just let her stay

outside with her squirrel duty. After

all, she is the type of dog that needs a

job.

We have now had Jessie in our

home for almost three months and

she has already calmed down consid-

erably. She and the cats have worked

things out in their own ways. Steve

has taken her through six weeks of

obedience training, and I have

stopped unfairly comparing her to

Moses who is a very different breed

and who had two years of profession-

al training to be a service dog.

Actually, I have begun to appreciate

Jessie for Jessie. Like all the other

pets we have had over the years she is

teaching me something about accept-

ance, patience, and maybe even love.

Happy New Year!

Bear is a housebroken 8-month-old shepherd mix. He is great ona leash, but doesn’t get alongwith cats.

Blanche is a beautiful 2-year-oldmix that was given to the shelterbecause her owner developedallergies. Now she is in desperateneed of a place to call home.

Buddy is an incredible 12-year-old Chihuahua whose ownerdied. He is great with peopleand all other animals and needsa loving person to care for him.

Chucky’s owner passed awayand now he is without a home.He is 4 years old and neuteredand would love to find a foreverhome.

Paulie is a spunky, adultneutered male who would makethe perfect indoor/outdoor catfor a loving family.

Simba is litter trained, great withkids, dogs and other cats! He isthe perfect friendly pet!

Animals Availableat the Saratoga County Animal Shelter for adoption.

For More Information Call (518) 885-4113.

Jill SweetWhiskers and Tales

SARATOGA


2012 Economic Forecastwith Hugh Johnson

Hyatt Place Saratoga, 20 State Farm Place, MaltaThe Chamber of Southern

Saratoga County and Saratoga

Economic Development

Corporation (SEDC) welcome Hugh

Johnson, nationally-renowned local

expert in economic forecasting,

Wednesday, January 18, from 7:30-

9:30 a.m. Join Mr. Johnson as he

shares how the global, national and

local economy may impact your

business. Cost is $20 per person

including breakfast. This event is

reserved for members of The

Chamber of Southern Saratoga

County or Saratoga Economic

Development Corporation (SEDC).

For information on joining the

chamber, call (518) 371-7748 and to

join SEDC, call (518) 587-0945.

Nominations Needed forMilitary Child of the Year

Operation Homefront is announc-

ing the last call for 2012 Military

Child of the Year Award nomina-

tions. The award will be given to an

outstanding military child from each

branch of service: Army, Navy, Air

Force, Marine Corps and Coast

Guard. The winners, who each will

receive $5,000, will be flown with a

parent or guardian to Washington,

D.C. for special recognition ceremo-

ny April 5. Nominations are being

accepted online until January 15.

Ideal candidates for the Military

Child of the Year Award demonstrate

resilience and strength of character,

and thrive in the face of the chal-

lenges of military life. For more

information, visit www.opera-

tionhomefront.net/tristate or call

(845) 331-2624.

Saratoga Bridges Golf TripRaffle

Saratoga Bridges is holding a lim-

ited raffle of only 300 tickets for

$100 each to the first Major Golf

Tournament in 2012 at the Augusta

National Golf Club in Augusta, GA,

April 4-5, 2012. The drawing will be

held March 12. Saratoga Bridges is

very grateful to Relph Benefit

Advisors as tickets are extremely

hard to obtain and they have been

generously donated for the fourth

year! First Prize package includes: a

private charter plane from Albany or

Rochester to the tourney; a round at

the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken,

SC, or shopping in Aiken; dinner; an

overnight stay; spectator at the tour-

ney; and shuttle transportation both

days. Second Prize is a $100 gift

card from Price Chopper and Third

Prize is a $50 Gift Card from Price

Chopper. Purchase tickets at

www.saratogabridges.org..

gory) from the following: Web

design, graphic media, film, 3-D ani-

mation, interactive media and photo

illustration. To qualify, students must

submit the following by postal mail:

an entry form; a 150 to 300-word

descriptive essay about their work;

and the artwork itself on CD or

DVD. Winners will receive cash

prizes at an awards ceremony in the

spring and have their winning work

exhibited in the Dyer Arts Center on

the RIT campus. For an entry form

or more information, visit

www.rit.edu/NTID/ArtsNR.The

deadline to register is January 15.

The second competition is RIT’s

SpiRIT Writing Contest for deaf or

hard of hearing students in tenth

through 12th grade. Students can

win their choice of a scholarship and

travel expenses to the Explore Your

Future Program at RIT’s National

Technical Institute for the Deaf, or a

$500 cash prize. Complete contest

guidelines and entry information are

available at www.rit.edu/

NTID/WritingContestNR.The dead-

line to enter is March 15.

For more information about either

competition, call (585) 475-7695

(voice/TTY) or (585) 286-4555

(videophone).

SUNY Alumni AssociationLooking for Members

Chinatown Restaurant, Route 9, QueensburyThe newly-formed SUNY

Adirondack Alumni Association is

hosting an informal get-together on

Wednesday, January 18, from 4:30-6

p.m. to seek SUNY Adirondack

alumni who are willing to serve on

the association’s various commit-

tees. The event is open to all SUNY

Adirondack alumni. Light hors

d’oeuvres will be served, and a cash

bar will be available. The

Association has six committees:

Activities, Communications,

Community Service, Education,

IT/Administration and Membership

Benefits. The purpose of the January

18 meeting is to outline the goals and

targets for each committee, and to

recruit committee members. For

more information, or to RSVP, con-

tact Bob Myers at (518) 743-2230 or

email him at [email protected].

Alfred Z. SolomonCharitable Trusts GivesGrant to Project Lift

The Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable

Trust granted Franklin Community

Center's after-school prevention pro-

gram, Project Lift, $5,000 toward

continuing the program for the 2012

calendar year. This is the second

time Project Lift has received grant

funding from The Alfred Z.

Solomon Charitable Trust; back in

2008, they helped offset the cost of

the program’s expansion into Geyser

Road Elementary School. The

Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust

was established in 2004 and has

given away millions of dollars to

programs in our local community.

Meditation Classes inSaratoga Springs

19 Maple Ave., Second FloorEvening Classes, Wednesdays, 7 –

8:30 p.m., January 18 – February 29

Topics range from overcoming

stress and finding peace to transfus-

ing our relationships with others

with meaning and happiness. Each

class includes a guided meditation,

teaching and discussion. Drop in for

any class or attend all. Everyone is

welcome. Cost is $10 per class ($5

for seniors and students).

Lunchtime Meditations, Tuesdays

and Thursdays, noon - 12:45 p.m.

Let go of daily stress and enjoy a

mid-day meditation in a peaceful

space. The emphasis is on develop-

ing a calm and positive mind.

Everyone is welcome. Cost is $5 per

class.

For more information, visit

www.meditateinsaratoga.org or call

(845)856-9000.

Brookside Museum ClosedMost of January

6 Charlton St., Ballston SpaThe museum at the Saratoga

County Historical Society will be

closed January 1-30 and will reopen

Tuesday, January 31, at 10 a.m.

Kinder Skate Program

This program is designed to

expose kids to the slippery world of

ice skating. An early start in skating

can produce a lifetime of pleasure. A

responsible adult must accompany

children on the ice and be available

to assist instructors. Please use sin-

gle blade skates only, rental skates

will be available for $4. Kinder

Skate is for children ages 3-6 at the

Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks. The

cost for 1 session for city resident is

$30 or non-city is $60. For more

information, call (518) 587-3550,

ext. 2300.

Zumba Classes

Recreation Center, 15 VanderbiltAve., Saratoga SpringsThe Saratoga Springs Recreation

Department will be offering Zumba

classes Monday and Wednesday

nights at 6 p.m. For information

about price and registration, call

(518) 587-3550, ext. 2300.

Annual Moonlight Ski andSnowshoe Date Change

Camp Saratoga, Scout Rd., WiltonThe popular Annual Moonlight

Ski and Snowshoe has been resched-

uled for Saturday, February 4, from

6-9:30 p.m. Enjoy 2.5 miles of lit,

groomed trails. The terrain is suit-

able for all levels and ages and

includes a smaller 1-mile loop.

Participants can arrive anytime.

Snowshoes will be available on a

first-come first-serve basis in the

warming hut off Lot 1. The rental fee

is $3/person for non-members.

There is no charge for WWPP mem-

bers. Call (518) 450-0321 for more

information. This event is free and

open to the public.

Send your local briefs to ChristinaJames at [email protected] before Monday at 5

p.m. for Friday publication

Town of Ballston:

Ballston Town Hall

323 Charlton Road

885-8502

www.townofballstonny.org

1/18: Parks & Rec. Committee, 7:30 p.m.

Village of Ballston Spa:

66 Front Street

885-5711

www.ballstonspany.org

Town of Greenfield:

7 Wilton Road

893-7432

www.townofgreenfield.com

Town of Malta:

2540 Route 9

899-2818

www.malta-town.org

1/17: Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.

Town of Milton:

503 Geyser Road

885-9220

www.townofmiltonny.org

City of Saratoga Springs:

474 Broadway

587-3550

www.saratoga-springs.org

1/17: City Council, 7 p.m.1/18: Design Review Commission, 7 p.m.

Town of Saratoga:

12 Spring Street, Schuylerville

695-3644

www.townofsaratoga.com

Village of Schuylerville:

35 Spring Street

695-3881

www.villageofschuylerville.org


Town of Stillwater:

66 East St., Riverside

Mechanicville, NY

www.stillwaterny.org

Town of Wilton:

22 Traver Road

587-1939

www.townofwilton.com


Saratoga County Board of

Supervisors:

40 McMaster St., # 1

Ballston Spa, NY

(518) 885-2240

www.saratogacountyny.gov

1/17: Board of Supervisors, 4 p.m.1/19: InterCounty, 10:30 a.m.1/19: Planning Board, 4 p.m.

upcoming town meetings LOCAL

briefsSouthern Saratoga CountyChamber of CommerceTurns 45

2012 marks The Chamber of

Southern Saratoga County’s 45th

Anniversary as a destination for suc-

cess for the business community in

one of the most thriving areas of

New York State. Southern Saratoga

County is home to a broad range of

industries from agriculture to manu-

facturing to retail and the chamber

represents them all in their diverse

membership of nearly 1,000 busi-

nesses.

In addition, the following individ-

uals will serve as officers of the

chamber in 2012:

Paul Milton, chair-elect; Dianne

Barber Kansas, first vice chair; Dr.

Penny Haynes, secretary; Daniel

Kumlander, treasurer; and Eddie

Hicks, immediate past chair.

New Board members for 2012

include Michele Brown and Paul

Browning,

For more information, visit

www.southernsaratoga.org.

Crafty Shopper’sMarketplace NeedsVendors

Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., MaltaThe Malta Community Center

Crafty Shopper’s Marketplace will

be Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m.-3

p.m. Vendors of manufactured and

handcrafted merchandise are invited

to apply for a space at this

indoor/outdoor market at the center.

Booth fees are $50 for an inside

space or $40 for an outside space.

Call the Malta Community Center at

(518) 899-4411 for an application or

more information.

Want to Get Published?

Galway Junior/Senior High

School students are partnering with

the Galway Public Library to publish

a coffee table book in the spring.

They would like to include material

from community members, such as

poems and quotes, photos, drawings,

paintings and sketches. To submit an

item for review, digital files may be

emailed to

[email protected] or direc-

[email protected].

Specific artwork requirements are

posted on both the Galway School

District and Galway Public Library

websites.

National Writing and ArtsCompetitions for Deaf andHard-of-Hearing Students

Deaf and hard-of-hearing high

school students are encouraged to

enter two creative competitions for

cash prizes offered by Rochester

Institute of Technology (RIT).

The first contest is the RIT Digital

Arts, Film and Animation

Competition for Deaf and Hard-of-

Hearing Students. Qualified students

in ninth through 12th grade may sub-

mit up to two entries (one per cate-

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 CALENDARHELPING HANDS

21

Friday, January 13Internet SafetyPresentationCity Center, 522 Broadway,Saratoga SpringsAt 6:30 p.m., Donna Rice Hughes,president and chairman of Enoughis Enough will give a free presenta-tion entitled, “Empowering Parentsto Keep Kids Safe Online.”Registration is required. To reserve aseat, call (518) 783-5332, or [email protected].

Saratoga Film ForumPresents “The Way”320 Broadway, Dee Sarno Theater,Saratoga SpringsEmilio Estevez's “The Way,” an inspi-rational story about family, friends,and the challenges we face whilenavigating an ever-changing andcomplicated world, is being shownat 7:30 p.m. An additional matineeis being shown Sunday at 3 p.m.General admission is $7 and filmforum members pay $5. Popcornand other concessions will also beavailable for purchase.

Saturday,January 14Waldorf School AlumniReunionFifty South, 2128 Doubleday Ave.,Ballston SpaWaldorf and Springhill alumni areinvited to attend a reunion gather-ing at 8:30 p.m. to celebrate withfriends and faculty.

Saratoga Film ForumPresents “Wallace andGromit”320 Broadway, Dee Sarno Theater,Saratoga SpringsA collection of three of the best ani-mated short films featuring thewould-be inventor Wallace and hislong-suffering dog Gromit: “A GrandDay Out” (1989), “The WrongTrousers” (1993) and “A Close Shave”(1995). The show begins at 7:30p.m. and is only $2 for children and$5 for adults to attend.

Sunday, January 15Breakfast Buffet1 Elks Lane, Route 9, Saratoga SpringsLet the Saratoga-Wilton Elks serveyou a buffet breakfast from 8:30-11a.m. Adults $7, seniors/military withID $6, children 5-12 $5 and under 5eat free. Takeouts $8.

Flapjack FundraiserBreakfastApplebee’s, 3 Lowe’s Dr., Saratoga SpringsThe 16U Saratoga Thunder SoftballTeam is holding a fundraiser from 8-10 a.m. to help raise money for trav-el tournaments. The breakfast con-sists of pancakes, bacon and choiceof breakfast drink. The cost is $5.

Monday, January 16Parkinson's SupportGroup MeetingWoodlawn Commons, Saratoga Springs This 2 p.m. meeting is open to any-one with Parkinson's Disease, familymembers and friends. For moreinformation, call Joyce Garlock at(518) 885-6427 or Dorothy Clark at(518) 584-3894.

Winter Scavenger Hunt Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, CampSaratoga, Scout Rd., GansevoortThe program, which runs from 1-2p.m., will be a fun afternoon of out-door exploration where partici-pants will learn to use their sensesto explore the outdoors during win-ter while completing a nature scav-enger hunt. This program isdesigned for children ages 5 andolder. Snowshoes are needed andwill be available for rental 30 min-utes before the program, free formembers and $5 for non-members.If there is no snow, the program willtake place without snowshoes.Please meet in Parking Lot #1 onScout Road. For more informationor to pre-register, contact (518) 450-0321.

Tuesday, January 17Live from NY’s 92nd St. YJewish Community Center, 84 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga SpringsCongregation Shaara Tfille is host-ing their second fall satellite broad-cast “Live from NY’s 92nd Street Y”at 8 p.m. The satellite broadcast willfeature “Will to Create, Will to Live:The Music of Terezin.” The broadcastis open to the public and tickets are$10. Doors open at 7:15.Refreshments will be available andno outside food items are permit-ted in the building. For more infor-mation or to make reservations, call(518) 584-2370 or email [email protected].

Rifle Competition The Fish Creek Rod and Gun ClubRoute 32, VictoryWill continue rifle competition at 7p.m., and every Tuesday throughMarch 13. Everyone is welcome.Bring your own 22 caliber rifle andammunition. For additional infor-mation, contact Ron at (518) 695-3917.

Wednesday,January 18Storyteller Kate DuddingSUNY Empire State College, 2 UnionAve., Room 126, Saratoga SpringsThe Academy for Lifelong Learningat Saratoga Springs (A.L.L.) contin-ues its brown bag lunch and learnseries with a listeners’ favorite ses-sion from Kate Dudding. Grab yourbag lunch and stop by for this spe-cial program beginning at noon.

Olde Saratoga SeniorsMeetingSchuylerville Town HallThe Olde Saratoga Seniors meet atnoon for a sandwich luncheon.There will be surprise entertain-ment.

Friday, January 20All-You-Can-Eat Dinner13 Oak St., Saratoga SpringsThe Principessa Elena Society at willhave its monthly fundraising all-you-can-eat dinner from 5-7 p.m.Seniors $8, adults $9, children 5-12$5 and takeouts $10. For informa-tion, call (518) 584-4163.

events

living

1320

Jan.- Jan.

Send your calendar items to ChristinaJames at

[email protected] 5 p.m. on Monday for Friday

publication.

Hungry to do Some Good?Not sure what to do for dinner this Wednesday? Franklin Community

Center thinks Mexican food sounds like a good idea. Join themWednesday, January 18, at Cantina and 30 percent of your bill will ben-efit their countless community programs.

Visit the center’s website at www.franklincommunitycenter.org to printoff this voucher (it’s on the home page) and then bring it and an appetiteto Cantina, 430 Broadway, on Wednesday. Reservations are strongly sug-gested. Call (518) 587-5577 to reserve your table.

Snow Angels Help Area SeniorsEmeritus at Landing of Queensbury, an Emeritus Senior Living

Community, recently launched a new program to aide area seniors with theneeds arising from the recent cold, inclement weather. The campaign,known as the Snow Angel Program, seeks to help local seniors to betterdeal with the obstacles that the winter weather creates.

“What we’re doing is delivering hot meals, shoveling walkways and vis-iting seniors who may not have anyone in the area to do these things,” saidEmeritus Executive Director Bonnie Thomas. “There are many seniors inneed in our immediate community who would benefit from some outreach.We let them know someone cares.”

To meet the needs of as many individuals as possible, dedicated volun-teer angels are needed. Those interested in helping out with this service areasked to contact Community Relations Director Polly Karling at (518) 793-5556.

Upcoming Blood DrivesSt. Peters Lutheran Church

2776 Rt. 9, MaltaSaturday, January 14, from 7:30-11:30 a.m

*Receive a coupon for a freepound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee

Glens Falls Civic Center1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls

Monday, January 16, from noon-6 p.m.

* Receive coupon for free poundof Dunkin Donuts coffee

Town of Milton CommunityCenter

310 Northline Rd., Ballston SpaTuesday, January 17,

from 1-6 p.m.* Receive coupon for free pound

of Dunkin Donuts coffee

American Legion Post 1450275 Grooms Rd., Clifton Park

Wednesday, January 18, from 1-6p.m.

* Receive coupon for free poundof Dunkin Donuts coffee

Local GigsSend listings to [email protected]

A MAN AND HIS MICROPHONE

Check out the solo guitar styling Just Nate, appearing Friday, January 13

at The Mill on High Rock Avenue in Saratoga, and Saturday, January 14 at

Ravenswood Pub on Route 146 in Clifton Park.

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 201222 PULSE

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Joel

Brown, chairman of the music

department at Skidmore, has made

a life’s work from his passion for

music. That passion is reflected in

the recently completed solo album

Brown calls, “Places.” The 10-

track album is a return to recorded

music for Skidmore’s classical gui-

tar instructor after an almost two-

year hiatus. Brown had most

recently been playing with the

group Triple Play.

“Places” is a reflection of

Brown’s personal and artistic influ-

ences, drawing inspiration from a

wide selection of styles and

sounds. An older audience will

immediately recognize and appre-

ciate the classic pop sounds mixed

with Motown and folk.

“I guess you could say this is my

first solo record,” said Brown,

“And definitely the first as a singer

and songwriter.”

It should only take one listen to

get an idea of how varied in style

the album is. The first five tracks

all seem to represent a different

genre yet Brown manages to blend

them together to achieve his own

sound. The opener is a song called

“Places You Call Home,” which is

a call back to the title of the album.

According to Brown, the song was

inspired by his children, and is one

he is particularly proud of as a

songwriter. The song features a

three-part voice harmony that

immediately recalls Simon &

Garfunkel.

The album includes a very lively

version of The Beatles’ “Drive My

Car,” both in tribute to his favorite

band, and also as a way to have

some fun with a classic song.

“I wondered what it would

sound like if you sang ‘Drive My

Car’ over ‘Hallelujah, I Love Her

So’ by Ray Charles.” said Brown.

Between the upbeat saxophone

and trumpet, Brown easily captures

the spirit of Motown he was hoping

for, all while doing it with his own

style. Other songs like the bluesy

“When Love’s Not On Your Side,”

and the hopeful “Start to Start”

include the use of a Hammond B3

organ, which produces the kind of

body you’d hear when listening to

Motown.

The album takes a sharp turn in

style with the song “Cold War.”

Softer and quieter than the rest of the

pieces, the lyrics are ripe with

metaphor between a personal rela-

tionship and a diplomatic dispute.

“Cold War” is more soul-baring than

the rest of the pieces, suggesting a dif-

ficult or unproductive relationship

coming to a stalemate. The song fea-

tures a soft clarinet accompaniment

from Joel’s father, classical clarinetist

Frank Brown. The last track “This

Morning’s All Gone,” was arranged

by Joel’s son Jason. His sister Linn

sings back up on “Start to Start,”

making a grand total of three genera-

tions of the Brown family involved

with the album.

Brown started playing with Triple

Play back in 1999, touring all over the

country with artists Chris Brubeck,

and Peter “Madcat” Ruth. The

recording process for “Places” pro-

vided a different kind of experience

from working with Triple Play. The

album was recorded mainly in the

home studio of Dave Maswick, who

also plays with Brown on every track.

“Recording in a smaller setting, I

really felt a more personal connection

to the album,” Brown recalled.

The album features mostly origi-

nal compositions by Brown, with

the exception of “Girl Like That,”

which was written by Dave

Maswick. Brown enjoyed making

this record, but more importantly,

making it his own record.

“I had a lot more freedom, and

was able to express my own ideas,

or rather express them without

other input.”

“Places” is currently available on

CDBaby.com, and Brown hopes to

have it listed on Amazon.com in

the near future. A listing of his past

and future live performances can

be found on his website,

w w w . J o e l B r o w n

Music.com.

The Saratoga Clay Arts Center is beginning preparation for their First

Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday January 28, 2012.

The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. A portion of

the proceeds will benefit the Schuylerville Area Food and Emergency Relief

Fund and The Franklin Community Center Food Pantry. The Arts Center

has made over 500 chili bowls that will be on sale at the event. Each bowl

is a hand-crafted “one-of-a-kind” piece of art, and is yours to keep follow-

ing the event. The event will feature a “Chili Challenge” with local celebri-

ty chefs such as News Channel 13’s Bob Kovachick, Kim Klopstock of

Fifty South, Rob Chrust of Amigos Cantina, Mike McLoughlin of Curtis

Lumber, and Jasper

Alexander of

Hattie’s Chicken

Shack all submitting

recipes for judgment.

Admission is $1 or

one non-perishable

food item to be col-

lected at the gate.

The Saratoga Clay

Arts Center is locat-

ed at 167 Hayes

Road in

Schuylerville. For

more information or

to buy tickets online,

go to www.saratoga-

clayarts.org.

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 PULSE 23Joel Brown wants to take you “Places”

Photo Provided

Saratoga Clay ArtsCenter Prepares for Chili Bowl

Photo Provided


Renowned Dance Company Opens Center in Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The

Myers Dance Company held a rib-

bon-cutting ceremony and open

house Saturday, January 7 in celebra-

tion of their new studio location at

153 Regent Street in downtown

Saratoga. The Schenectady-based

troupe has been in residency at

Proctor’s Theatre since 1990, and

decided to expand to include a studio

further north. Overseeing the event

was the center’s artistic director and

Saratoga resident Darleen Myers.

Myers wanted to bring the company

to Saratoga to accommodate more of

her home community, who she feels

will benefit from a closer location and

added convenience.

“I felt the demand has been here for

quite a few years now, and we want-

ed to make it easier on some of the

students from Glens Falls or Saratoga

Springs who have been commuting,”

said Myers. “It was a natural fit.”

Those also in attendance for the

ceremony include Mayor Scott

Johnson, and Northeast Ballet Board

President Dan Hurteau. Dancers

from the Northeast Ballet held a class

following the reception that was open

for public observation. The Albany

Symphony provided the entertain-

ment during a champagne toast and

reception following the

ribbon-cutting.

New York City Ballet principal

dancer Wendy Whelan has been

named the artistic adviser to the cen-

ter, and will instruct class there in the

future. Whelan has previously

worked with Myers on other projects,

and thinks Whelan was the best

choice for the position.

“She loves the kids, and she loves

the company, and we’re very happy

to have her involved,” said Myers,

“We get along both artistically and

personally, it’s a great match.”

Building on the annual success of

the Nutcracker Tea performances at

SPAC each year, the expansion hopes

to add to the talent pool of dancers

and choreographers in the area, as

well as broaden the dance communi-

ty in general. Students once driving

from Saratoga now have the option to

attend classes at a far more conven-

ient location, and the center hopes to

add new students who may not have

otherwise been able to attend in

Schenectady.

While other locations were consid-

ered, Myers believes the right build-

ing was selected for the new center.

The Regent Street building holds a bit

of local history. It was once the venue

for the Skidmore campus theater, and

more recently housed an antique cen-

ter. Myers acknowledged the unique

traits a dance center would require,

“There’s some unusual requirements,

wood floors, high ceilings, no

obstructions.”

The center began offering registra-

tion for upcoming winter classes at

the open house. Classes are offered

once a week for beginning students,

and more involved instruction for

advanced students are also available.

For more information, call Northeast

Ballet at (518) 374-0376 or visit them

online at www.MyersNortheast.org.

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 201224 PULSE

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- German-Canadian cellist Johannes Moser will mark his Saratoga Performing Arts Center(SPAC) debut and his inaugural appearance with The Philadelphia Orchestra on August 4, performing Dvorak’s CelloConcerto. The cellist will also headline the August Chamber Music Festival program.

“Johannes Moser is among the best of the new generation of classical soloists, earning rave reviews across theworld for masterful performances and a brilliant technique that can easily move from elegant to electrifying,” saidMarcia J. White, SPAC’s president & executive director. “We are thrilled to offer Saratoga audiences the opportuni-ty to experience this gifted, young cellist as he makes his debuts at SPAC and with The Philadelphia Orchestra.”

In commenting on his appearance at SPAC, the cellist said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be making my debut atSPAC with one of the most prestigious American orchestras. The additional opportunity to collaborate with theOrchestra’s musicians in a chamber music setting is especially exciting for me; I could not imagine a better finale to myseason."

Moser began the 2012 concert season by making his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic playing the Schumann con-certo with Zubin Mehta, who hand selected Johannes to perform for his 50th Anniversary concert. Reviewer Mark Swedof the LA Times praised Moser’s premiere of the piece stating, “[Moser] was a delight. He enthusiastically anticipatedeach turn of phrase. His tone sang and carried easily. He engaged the orchestra musicians, and they seemed to grow bet-ter by the measure when playing with him.”

Johannes hasgained a reputationfor his exquisite performances of lesser-known repertoire. His affinity for newmusic has brought him much attentionfrom leading conductors such as PierreBoulez, who invited him to make his U.S.debut with the Chicago Symphony on theRands Concerto.

Johannes Moser to make SPAC Debut in 2012World-Renowned Cellist Headlining Chamber Music Festival

Photoprovided

Photos by MarkBolles.com


The National Museum of Dance invites you to heat up the win-ter blues and Salsa the afternoon away on Salsa Sunday,January 22, 2012. The event is co-sponsored by Tango FusionDance Company. The event will feature Salsa dance classes

for children and adults and a performance by Tango Fusion.Company members performing include co-directors Diane

Lachtrupp-Martinez and Johnny Martinez, Deborah Otto-Jones,Richard Jones, Juan Soler and Arlette Meader. Classes will

begin at 2p.m. on Sunday. Ages 7 and up can register for chil-dren’s Salsa classes, with a dance movement class availablefor children ages 4 through 6. DJ Johnny and Joey Martinezwill be helping you find your groove providing the up-

tempo Latin beats. Admission for the event is $15 per person,$25 per couple, and $30 for families (two adults, and children

under 15.) For more information on Salsa Sunday, or theNational Museum of Dance, log onto their website atwww.dancemuseum.org. In case of in bad weather, the

make-up date for this event is Sunday, February 5. TheNational Museum of Dance is a nonprofit organization locat-

ed at 99 South Broadway within Saratoga State Park.

Hattie’s Restaurant wants you to bring your beads and cele-brate New Orleans style. The restaurant will hold its 11th annualMardi Gras celebration this coming Saturday, January 14. Theevent will take place at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga’s CongressPark. Proceeds from the event are going to benefit SaratogaSponsor-A-Scholar. The foundation helps economically under-privileged students from Saratoga Springs High school graduateand prepare for college. Past events have helped Hattie’s raiseover $200,000 for their respective causes. Admission is $75 dollarsand includes traditional Mardi Gras cuisine prepared by Hattie’sown Jasper Alexander. The event will begin with a complimentarycocktail hour at 6p.m. followed by a cash bar. There will be a silentauction fundraiser for charity throughout the evening. The BreadBasket Bakery will be providing an array of desserts includingcake pops and a “whoopie-bar.” Live entertainment will be pro-vided by Garland Nelson and Soul Session, and dancers from theNortheast Ballet will be performing as well. There will be a wackyphoto booth run by Heather Bohm-Tallman. News Channel 13’sBenita Zahn will serve as “mistress” of ceremonies. Reservationsand tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling(518) 584-4790.

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 PULSE 25

11th Annual Hattie’s Restaurant“Mardi Gras” This WeekendPhotos by MarkBolles.com

National Museum of Dance holding a “Salsa Sunday”

Scott Christianson, author of "Freeing Charles: The Struggle to Freea Slave on the Eve of the Civil War," will present a lecture andslideshow on Charles Nalle at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts.Charles was an escaped slave from Virginia who was placed in SandLake by the Underground Railroad. He later moved to Troy and wasarrested to be returned to his owner. Harriet Tubman and a crowd ofboth white and black citizens rescued him and smuggled him toWatervliet where he was again captured and again rescued. Later thecitizens of Troy paid to gain his freedom from slavery. Following the program there willbe a question and answer period and book signing along with prints by Mark Priest depicting the events in Troy.Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 18. The Sand Lake Center for the Arts is located at 2880Route 43 in Sand Lake. For more information on the author or the event, visit www.slca-ctp.org.

Local Author to Speak at Sand Lake Centerfor the Arts

Photo provided

The National Museum of Dance is currently showing anexhibit called “I’ve Got a Home: Inside a Community ofColor.” The photo-exhibit examines African American mem-bers of the community, and their history in Saratoga. The exhibit’s creator, Daesha Devon Harris, is a SaratogaSprings native that draws inspiration from her hometown.

“This project was created with love for Saratoga and is an integral part of our collective history as well as anexample of how the arts enrich our culture and community,” said Harris. She hopes the community will take apersonal interest to her work, saying, “I hope that the viewers will connect with the personal stories and will leavethe exhibit with a greater appreciation and understanding of the contemporary and historic contributions of peo-ple of color within our community.”

The display will run through February 26, 2012. For more information, contact the National Museum of Danceat www.dancemuseum.org. For more information on the artist, visit www.daeshadevonharris.com.

Photo ExhibitExamines City’sHistory

Bridges to Skidmore College Graduation

Wine, Cheese and CrackerTasting Event a Success

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 201226 Community CornerSARATOGA

TODAY26 Community CornerToothfairy

The tooth fairy club is spon-sored by:

659 Saratoga Rd.

Gansevoort, NY 12831

(518) 226-6010

the

clubTake a look at this week’s

new club members

Teressa

Isabella

Milton Grange #685 and Greenfield Grange #807 hosted a very success-

ful wine tasting at The Saratoga Winery to benefit farmers in Schoharie

County still recovering from flood damage caused by Hurricanes Irene and

Lee. The organization Schoharie County Community Action Program

(SCAPP) was chosen to distribute the funds. Marcy Holmes of SCCAP was

presented with a check for just over $2000.

Pictured: Shana and Lynn Cumm of Greenfield Grange, MarcyHolmes of SCCAP, Paul Coleman and Rob Pastore of Milton Grange.

Monday, December 5, the Bridges to Skidmore Program held their first

graduation ceremony in Skidmore’s Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Seven

individuals proudly wore their graduation gowns and received a diploma

after spending four semesters in the program. One of the Saratoga Bridges

graduates will continue as a student advisor to the remaining students.

Happy 65th Anniversary!

Wesley Health

Care Center resi-

dents Walter and

Lucille Taylor

recently cele-

brated their

65th wedding

anniversary

with a party.

Congratulations

to the Taylors!

Happy 100th Birthday!Wesley Health

Care Center resident,

Rose Venn, celebrat-

ed her 100th birth-

day January 3. Rose,

who is a retired reg-

istered nurse from

Victory Mills is

shown above with

her daughter Mary

Ann Venn-Parillo.

Peppermint Pig Hunt WinnerWinner of

the Saratoga

S p r i n g s

Preservation

Foundation’s

P e p p e r m i n t

Pig Hunt Keith

White of

Clifton Park

accepts his

prize.

Mechanicville Teens Have Seen Enough

Reality Check teens in Mechanicville celebrated the new year with big

changes in the city of Mechanicville. Local youth gathered blindfolded to

send a message that dangerous tobacco marketing should be removed from

stores where kids shop. Unless community leaders and storeowners enforce

change, wearing a blindfold will be the only way for kids to avoid this dead-

ly influence.

Crossword

Scrabblegram See puzzle solution on page 30

See puzzle solution onpage 30

9 Post-trial proceeding10 Partridgeʼs perch?11 To have, in Le Havre12 McCartney of Wings13 Smooth and glossy18 Yellows22 Critical care abbr.24 Interpol command center site, locally25 Cut stone27 Slight change?28 Derby, for example29 Memphis middle name30 Mimicking31 Old string player35 Certain forced bet36 Winter Palace ruler37 Big bikes

Faith is taking the first step, even whenyou don’t see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Words to know:insurgent: adj. Rebellious. N. A person whorevolts against authority.

Sudoku

39 Briefly, show whose name appearsunder “123” in its logo

41 NYC neighborhood44 Roll before flying46 Come from behind49 Love __50 “Somethingʼs Gotta Give” actress51 Bucky Beaverʼs toothpaste52 One of Us?53 Jagged56 Sunbeam speck57 Chant ending59 Woodpile in “Light My Fire”60 Peak61 Tang64 “Fantasia” unit65 Mil. centers

Broom Hilda

Animal Crackers

See puzzle solutions on page 30

Gasoline Alley

A legendary showdown that anyone could’ve seen coming. LikeCaptain Hook and Peter Pan or Robin Hood and the Sheriff ofNottingham, if one is mentioned, the other must be soon enough.So is the case with Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty.

Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is on the hunt for the man whoescaped his grasp in his last adventure without so much as bearing

his face on camera. Watson (played by Jude Law) is hoping to put Holmes, Moriarty, anda life of intrigue, danger and oddities behind him. Though, choosing Holmes as his bestman makes it appear as though he is, at least, conflicted. And when Moriarty (played byJared Harris) takes the life of the only woman who ever outsmarted Holmes (twice),walking away is no longer an option for either of them.

I liked the first film a lot. More than I expected to, in fact. But in depicting the thoughtprocess that allows Holmes to gain advantage, director Guy Ritchie seems to have foundan addiction. To see that exact same process being undertaken by Moriarty at the exact

At The MoviesWith

Trey Roohan

PUZZLESPUZZLESPUZZLES

SARATOGA


ACROSS1 Sign of age5 Asian city whose name means “place

of the gods”10 Buds14 “Play it, Sam” speaker15 Legendary creator of talking animals16 Fairy tale side, often17 Peevish audience?19 Jim-dandy20 Third baseman Ron posthumously

elected to the Hall of Fame inDecember 2011

21 Something for nothing23 Know-it-__: self-proclaimed brains26 Carrier with a portmanteau name27 Irritable telemarketer?32 Place for a ring33 Like London fog34 Range of understanding38 Cpls., e.g.40 Bucs and Nats42 First name in sports cars43 Belief45 Rap sheet listing47 Graffiti ID48 Sect members telling off-color jokes?51 Winter climberʼs need54 Ornate metalware55 “If I may ...”58 High capital62 Sunburn soother63 Surly sort?66 River to the Moray Firth67 Footnote abbr.68 Rock bands?69 Help hold up, say70 Country dances71 On deck

DOWN1 Wilde and Twain, e.g.2 Zeno of __3 Part of AAA: Abbr.4 Wood being tested for use as artificial

bone5 Get behind6 The other woman7 Since8 Go badSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Movie Review

time is a step too far. Not to mention the slow-motion run through a forest being decimated by explo-sions is a white flag, more or less, in a picture like this. Entertaining, yes, but completely unoriginal. (6.3/10) For comments and questions, contact me [email protected].

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REAL ESTATE

FOR RENTCLASSIFIED

$65,000

WILTON108 ROBBINS RD

Great, approved building lot.Over an acre and convenient!Near Northway, malls and Saratoga. Low Wilton taxes.Approved well and septic design. Call listing agent for sur-vey Bring your builder. Deferred closing possible

Jane W Mehan587-4500 [email protected]

$70,000

GREENFIELD401 PLANK RD

Almost 28 acres of lovely wooded land on the side of amountain. Stream , saleable lumber and views. Great forhunting, camping or a summer getaway. Saratoga schools

Jane W Mehan587-4500 [email protected]

OPEN HOUSE SAT. 1/1412-2 PM

$219,900BALLSTON LAKE

16 NOORD LALovely split ranch in Shen schools. Hardwood floors, newbath with granite countertops and ceramic tile. This homealso offers three zone heating with programmable thermo-stats. Dir: Ushers Rd to Left on Longkill to Right on Main Stto left on Hubbs to left on Dutch Meadow to left on Noord

Faye F Rispoli(518) [email protected]

$304,900

SARATOGA SPRINGS4 ROUND TABLE RD

Lovely 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath family home on a wonderful fami-ly street. Only 7 yrs young, this colonial boast hardwoodfloors, custom kitchen, family room w/fp, large living room,formal dining room and a great master suite with whirlpooltub and walk-in closet. 3 other spacious bdrms for yourgrowing family. Cozy backyard and Saratoga front porchfor those summer nights. $2,000 credit for landscaping

Jane W [email protected]

$329,900

BALLSTON LAKE2 KNOTTINGLEY PL

A beautiful ranch nestled on 2.65 acres. 9' ceilings throughout, family room w/cathedral ceiling, corner gas fireplaceand hardwood floor. Formal dining room. A great cherrykitchen w/angled island w/ breakfast bar, stainless appli-ances, tiled floor and large dining area w/ sliding glassdoors that lead to a covered porch and stone patio.

Sharon Byrne (518) 527-4914sharonbyrne.com

$359,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS6 MAXWELL DR

Fabulous, like new, home in a wonderful family neighborhood. Why live in the burbs when you can beclose to Broadway, shopping and the HS! Spacious, 4 bdrm,2.5 baths, colonial w/hardwood floors, granite kitchen w/SSappliances, family room w/fp, large master suite, ceramictile, big new deck, totally fenced yard, a Saratoga frontporch and much much more. This is so much better thannew!Jane W Mehan587-4500 [email protected]

$719,900

SARATOGA SPRINGS28 TYLER DR

"Woodlands" on Saratoga Lake. Truely spectacular home,permium lot with woods behind, amenities include lakeaccess, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis, rec rm, gym, accessto boat docks & beach. Custom home w/outdoor Trek deck& stone fireplace. Gorgeous custom kitchen, tile & granite.Two story family rm, beautiful sunroom. Fabulous masterbedroom suite w/window seat, fireplace and cathedral ceil-ing. Skylight in master bath and much more.

Sharon Byrne (518) 527-4914sharonbyrne.com

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 12-3

SARATOGA SPRINGS6 TYLER DRIVE

Almost new, executive home in the highly desirableWoodlands at Water's Edge. Enjoy the lake, pools and mari-na in a private HOA, and live in a turn key 5 bedroom, 3.5bath Colonial with many upgrades: granite counters,screened porch, and new patio.

John Burke, Broker/Owner518-580-8500

Damian

Fantauzzi

SARATOGA

TODAYFriday, January 13, 201230 SPORTS

Send your

sports stories and

briefs to Daniel

Schechtman, Sports

Editor at

sports@saratoga

publishing.com

puzzle solutionsfrom pg. 27

Girls’ BasketballSchedule

Boys’ BasketballSchedule

Ballston Spa1/06: at Guilderland, 36-48 L

1/10: vs. Burnt Hills, 48-44 W

1/13: at Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

Ballston Spa

1/06: vs. Guilderland, 53-72 L

1/10: at Burnt Hills, 48-59 L

1/13: vs. Saratoga Springs, 7 p.m.

Burnt Hills1/06: vs. Colonie, 41-53 L

1/10: vs. Ballston Spa, 59-48 W

1/13: at Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

Saratoga Springs1/06: vs. Bethlehem, 44-67 L

1/10: vs. Niskayuna, 46-47 L

1/13: at Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.

Schuylerville

1/06: at Cambridge, 62-46 W

1/10: vs. Tamarac, 65-47 W

1/13: vs. Stillwater, 7:30 p.m.

South Glens Falls

1/09: at Hudson Falls, 52-44 W

1/17: at Glens Falls, 7:30 p.m.

1/20: at Johnstown, 7 p.m.

Burnt Hills1/06: at Colonie, 31-66 L

1/10: at Ballston Spa, 44-48 L

1/13: vs. Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.

Saratoga Springs1/06: at Bethlehem, 52-65 L

1/10: at Niskayuna, 41-46 L

1/13: vs. Ballston Spa, 7 p.m.

1/06: vs. Cambridge, 53-46 W

1/11: at Tamarac, 46-52 L

1/13: at Stillwater, 7:30 p.m.

South Glens Falls

1/06: vs. Broadalbin-Perth, 42-31 W

1/10: vs. Hudson Falls, 33-37 L

1/16: vs. Glens Falls, 7 p.m.

Schuylerville

It's not War!

Disturbing incidents have

occurred in the past year or so

where some fans have attacked

one another in the stands or park-

ing lots after professional sport-

ing events. Disappointment

turned into anger has created sit-

uations of violence, inciting

some to retaliate against specta-

tors or fans that support the

"other" team. These are cases

where the victim was brutality

beaten by perpetrators who have

the mentality of a mob.

Most people in America take

their sports seriously and demon-

strate loyalty to the geographical

region where they live and root

for the local teams. For example,

I am a New York Yankee fan, like

my dad and his brothers. But I

also have friends who live in the

area who are Red Sox fans (but

note, I did say “friends,” and they

will always be my friends). There

is no discontent or disconnect on

my part because they don't sup-

port the Yanks, or conversely,

because I do. It's a friendly rival-

ry and it's fun! But in the past

year there has been an epidemic

of beatings at professional sport-

ing events like baseball, football,

basketball and hockey. Last

spring in Los Angeles, when the

Dodgers were playing the San

Francisco Giants on opening day

of the 2011 baseball season, a

Giants fan was brutally beaten by

two Dodger fans for wearing a

jersey in support of his team. His

life has been altered as a direct

result of that crime. There is a

possibility that he may be handi-

capped for life due to the brain

damage which resulted from

severe blows to the head.

Recently a young man who was

at a Jets-Eagles game incurred

damage to his vision because he

was beaten and harassed by some

Eagles fans. Just a couple of

weeks ago a young marine was at

the NHL's "Winter Outdoor

Classic" game in Philadelphia

between the Rangers and the

Flyers. The marine had just

returned home from Afghanistan,

only to be beaten by a few Flyers

fans because he wore a Rangers

jersey and the New York team

won in overtime. He is a Purple

Heart recipient.

A couple of years ago, at a high

school hockey game, and I don't

recall where this occurred, but

two parents got into a fight and

one parent was killed by the other

- sad stuff! There are stories

about fans of opposing teams

emptying the stands out on to the

field or court throwing fists at

each other, creating a huge brawl.

In my own past when I played

college basketball at New

Mexico Highlands University, we

were playing our arch rivals St.

Michaels College of Santa Fe,

and a fight broke out between the

fans. The bleachers emptied out

onto the floor and the players of

both teams headed to the locker

rooms for safety.

Professional sports are a form

of entertainment, where the

teams and athletes are playing for

a salary. In many circumstances

they are not committed to the

area that they represent. They do

have an allegiance to the team

but are not involved with the

community. Sorry to say it, but

it’s a fact! Perhaps a relatable

comparison is that there are

employees and professional peo-

ple of local businesses who live

in other communities. They're

doing their jobs but living else-

where and may not be as heavily

invested in the community. There

are exceptions to the rule, but we

all have the right to live where

we feel comfortable. What does

this mean to the fans? I admit, I

don't know! But I do know that

there are people out there who

somehow have lost sight of what

sports are supposed to be about:

entertainment, not war!

Being upset about your team

losing a game is OK and normal.

It's like politics – you're not a bad

person because you vote for the

other party! Our lives are domi-

nated by pros and cons and in this

country people have options to

make a choice whether it agrees

or disagrees with your ideologi-

cal philosophy. It's what democ-

racy is all about!

These beatings are another

form of bullying that has trickled

up into the adult world all the

way from the schoolyard, and

some people need to accept that

they can't have everything their

way. Maybe there needs to be

more consequences to control the

thugs in the stands. How about

the use of a breathalyzer on fans

before they buy a beer? Sound

ridiculous? Yes, it does! But just

maybe it’s a solution that could

prevent a crime before it hap-

pens, protecting the innocent fan

that supports and cheers for the

other team.

Elks Hoop Shoot Champions Honored

photo provided

Champions and Elks organizers pictured from L to R: Steve Dorsey, Duncan Moller,Charlie Beck, Grayson DuMortier, Grace Schmidt, Devin Davidson and Les Cole

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161

held its annual Hoop Shoot basketball awards ceremony Saturday,

December 7, where 17 competitors were awarded for top three finishes

between three age brackets for boys and girls.

Of those with a first-place finish, Charlie Beck and Grace Schmidt are

set to advance to Regionals Saturday, February 4 at the Cohoes

Community Center.

SARATOGA

TODAY Friday, January 13, 2012 SPORTS 31


Spartans Stomp Scotties in

Suburban Council Standoff

photos by MarkBolles.com • Saratoga TODAYThe Spartans waste little time transitioning from defense to offenseagainst the struggling Scotties.

photos by MarkBolles.com

Burnt Hills’ David Wellington goes for 3 early in the game againstBallston Spa.

BURNT HILLS - The Burnt

Hills-Ballston Lake Spartans

played four quarters of consistent

basketball Tuesday, January 10,

outlasting the Ballston Spa

Scotties to earn the 59-48 victory.

The first half featured close and

competitive play, with Ballston

Spa’s Drew Bishop, Ryan

McVaigh and Spenser Moseman

each scoring well to keep the

game within reach. But a strong

Spartans’ offense led by Robert

Knightes and Austin Nydeggar

stopped the Scotties from taking

the upper hand. With a game still

up for grabs, Burnt Hills led at the

half 26-24.

But if Ballston Spa was able to

hang tight in the first, the

Scotties’ grasp shook loose in the

second half as the Spartan offense

began to soar. By the end of the

third quarter the Spartans had

widened their lead by a 42-34

margin, scoring 16 points on

offense while holding Ballston

Spa to only 10. The Spartans

sealed their win with a 17-point

fourth quarter, outhustling the

Scotties (who put up 14 points) to

grab the 59-48 victory.

Ballston Spa falls to 2-8 overall

for the season.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake

improves to 4-6 overall.

The Spartans’ Robert Knightes

was the high-scorer for the

evening, netting 16 points for his

performance. Teammate Austin

Nydeggar added 12, with David

Wellington chipping in with 10.

Ballston Spa’s Drew Bishop led

his team with 12 points, with

Ryan McVaigh and Spenser

Moseman each contributing 11.

Ballston Spa returns to action

Friday, January 13, when they

face Saratoga Springs on the

Scotties’ home turf.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will

travel to Shenendehowa Friday,

January 13 for their next game

against the Plainsmen.

32Friday,

January 13, 2012sports

Vol. 7 • Issue 2 • FREE • Saratoga TODAY

Elks Hoop Shoot page 30It’s Not Warpage 30

Photos by MarkBolles.com

See Page 31

Saratoga Today 01-13

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