November 2009 Archives

Kent and Sandy Tarkleson are on the brink of opening Tark's Indoor Golf Club, a state-of-the-art indoor golf facility that is open year-round.

Beginning this evening, The Great Escape will be transformed into a winter wonderland with themed shows, festive foods and thousands of twinkling lights.

Beginning this evening, The Great Escape will be transformed into a winter wonderland with themed shows, festive foods and thousands of twinkling lights.

Through the generosity of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club and AJ Arpey Inc. of Ballston Spa, the children living in the Allen Drive area will now have a safe place to play and get fresh air.

This past September, Saratoga Springs High School launched an elective class for seniors aimed at local history.

After 23 years of working for large real estate firms, Judith Van Patten decided to break out and begin her own business.

With a strong commitment to supporting local small businesses and local lending, it's not a surprise The Adirondack Trust Company was awarded the title of Small Community Bank Lender of the Year for the fiscal year 2009 by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), Syracuse District.

On a more positive note, three Saratoga County farms recently participated in the Seventh Annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge, a local division of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, which took place on November 5 through 7.

In an effort to reduce the pressure on struggling dairy farmers, Schumer called on the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to take a hard look at the dairy industry and identify where the problems exist. In response to Schumer's urging, the nation's top antitrust official will be coming to New York State to meet with dairy farmers and consumers to explore this problem.

While it is always exciting to go on an adventure, it is also great to come home to Saratoga Springs. Many of my regular readers know I spent the last two weeks as a student at the Northeast Regional Training Center of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).

This year we can be thankful for this extended fall growing season that is giving us some of the most gorgeous fall veggies.

For the fifteenth year, in a wonderful custom that celebrates the beginning of the holiday season, the Malta Ballet Company (a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating young children and adults in the arts) will take the stage of The Egg for performances of "The Nutcracker" on Friday, December 4 (10:30 am and 12:15 pm) and Saturday, December 5 (2:30 and 7:30 p.m.).

The last time Colin Smith came to Saratoga Springs, he was the lead singer/guitarist of the alt rock/new wave band "MRNORTH," which enjoyed a great run and opened for Journey at SPAC. MRNORTH played the large festivals including Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo and shared the stage with the leading lights and legends of rock, including The Who, Van Halen, Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams, OAR and Gavin DeGraw, in addition to releasing 2 well-received studio albums.

As we approach the holidays, people are making all kinds of anticipatory preparations and gift plans. But part of the experience, for better or worse, is the soundtrack.

Disposable Culture is a band that captures the 80's music you remember and love. You can see them at the tail end of your "Black Friday" festivities one week from today.

The Get Away is not your typical sports bar; you won't find rowdy, drunk fans or rival team disputes.

Hear yea! Hear yea! Hear yea!

Following up his first filmed screenplay ("The Wrestler"), writer-director Robert Siegel once again demonstrates in the 2009 release "Big Fan" (airing at The Saratoga Film Forum this weekend) a unique and potent vision of the human experience, in all of its harsh truths and hopeful humanity.

Saratoga Springs - Henry (Hank) P. Varriale, 72, of Louden Road, formerly of Rotterdam, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at Ellis Hospital after a short illness and with his family at his side.

Ballston Spa - Charles Frank Coville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, after battling cancer for a year. He was 71.

Gansevoort - Bernestine Anderson Wilson went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. She was 59.

Greenwich - Emma Sisson Mulligan, 83, a longtime resident of Greenwich, died Monday, November 9, 2009 at the Maplewood Manor in Ballston Spa.

Saratoga Springs - Dell Norman Thompson of County Route 68, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at his residence. He was 68.

  Everyone responds differently to crisis; some people are vocal and open to support from family and friends, while others become reclusive and distant.

 District Attorney James Murphy, III has yet again worked tirelessly to improve the safety of the residents of Saratoga County and across New York State by urging Governor Paterson to close a loophole in laws regarding repeat violent criminals.

GlobalFoundries is on its way and Wilton isn't waiting to take advantage of the possible influx in population.

Congressman Scott Murphy held a press conference on Monday, November 9, to explain why he voted "no" to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Healthcare for America Act.

According to the National Diabetes Association, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes - that equates to 7.8 percent of the total population.
While being diagnosed with diabetes is life-changing news, it is possible to lead a normal and full life with proper management of the disease.

John Stahl knows how to do business. 

According to the National Diabetes Association, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes - that equates to 7.8 percent of the total population.

Dear Steve,
I'm 55 years old and looking forward to retiring (someday!). Last year, when it looked like the economy was going down the tubes, I took all of my money out of the markets and put it in CDs. I just couldn't watch it go down anymore. I guess my question is, is my money safe? - John in Saratoga

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, the time crunch for Holiday decorating both inside and out is officially on.

When Thomas was a baby and I was a brand-new mom, and totally desperate for sleep, I quickly found that he fell asleep easiest and stayed asleep longest in my arms or on my chest.

For parents in a pinch, finding a last minute babysitter can be a big obstacle; it's tough enough to find a trustworthy guardian days in advance, let alone minutes before an unexpected obligation.

What could happen if you plead guilty to a traffic ticket?

The vision for Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist began about 9 years ago when I adopted my terrier Lucky from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.

This week I had the pleasure of representing the Saratoga Farmers' Market at the March of Dimes Signature Event held at Vapor.

If there is one substance that pleases crowds of all ages from 3 to 103, it's cake.

Oh Boy, I fought hard to get this assignment! And in truth, who better to be objective about something like this than someone like me?
Seriously, if this sort of thing is your thing, then you have hit the jackpot, ladies and, well, let's leave it there...

Candor, the dystopian-suburbia setting of Pam Bachorz's latest novel, is a place where the individual disappears.

If you're looking to jumpstart a workout program or just whip yourself into shape, Saratoga Bootcamp is a four-week cardio-binge that will get your butt in gear, not to  mention boost your endorphin levels.

Starting a workout routine can be a challenge for many first-time exercisers, but it doesn't have to be. One local program is specifically designed for beginners, focusing on step-by-step progress and motivation.

Some of you who read the title of this article might think I'm referring to a foot race of ten kilometers for some charity of other. Well, I'm not.

Saratoga Springs - Stacy Elizabeth O'Hara of Saratoga Springs died peacefully on the morning of October 31, 2009 with her loving husband Brendan, mother Carmen, and family at her side.

Greenfield Center - Robert L. Harris of Rt. 9N passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 at his home surrounded by loved ones and children. He was 79.

Saratoga Springs - Nicholas J. Sabino passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Berkshire Medical Center Hospital in Pittsfield, MA following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61.

Saratoga Springs - Judith Palmero passed away on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009.

Gansevoort - Andrew Jacob Figueras of Second St. passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at his home in his sleep from complications due to renal failure.

Governor David A. Paterson released an Economic Recovery Cabinet report on Monday, November 2, outlining how $18 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds are distributed throughout New York State Counties, including Saratoga County which received $89 million.

With an average of 1,000 World War II veterans passing away each day nationwide, it's becoming more and more important to recognize the men and women who served our country and helped to make the United States the great nation it is today.

Police departments everywhere work tirelessly to keep communities safe, but they rely on the citizens they serve to report crimes, accidents and incidents. On October 29, the Saratoga Springs Police Department awarded the citizen heroes that helped local officers solve crimes and apprehend criminals.

In Canada, this day is referred to as Remembrance Day - and remembrance of this day and what it represents to our nation is the reason we pay special homage to that class of American called VETERAN.

For parents who wish to get their children involved in volunteer or charity work, step out to the Holiday Community Giving Fair hosted by Youth Squared: Youth Helping Youth.

When shopping for the best of the best in daybeds or futons, look no further than Nikita Indoor Outdoor Convertible Furnishings located at 508 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Every family's Thanksgiving menu is different, but no matter what you're cooking you'll need to buy ingredients first, so why not buy them locally?

The turkey is the center of the traditional Thanksgiving feast; while the Butterball is a quick and easy choice, there are plenty of local poultry farms who raise free-range or pasture turkeys.

Thanksgiving traditions date all the way back to, well, the first Thanksgiving.
But while times change and people change too, there are some things that remain unmovable.

The key to choosing your perfect Thanksgiving wine is to approach the process both freely and confidently. The art of wine pairing is nothing to be intimidated by.

The key to choosing your perfect Thanksgiving wine is to approach the process both freely and confidently. The art of wine pairing is nothing to be intimidated by.

While centerpieces or table decorations play second fiddle to the turkey when the family is gathered around the Thanksgiving table, there are countless ways to spice up the scenery.

"There's a silver lining
behind every cloud...
We'd get together in a family circle singing loud."

- 'Daddy Sang Bass' by Johnny Cash

The more things change, the more The My Way Café stays the same.

Cabbage is a much-maligned vegetable, but its versatility is astounding and is a wonderful resource for many varying culinary dishes.

Two Thoroughbred Players Named 2009 NFHCA Senior All-Stars

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my upcoming elk hunting trip to Colorado. Well, I'm back with more than 4,100 miles passing under our vehicle!

A couple of Friday nights ago I attended the boxing matches held at Hudson Valley Community College. They were very enjoyable as three local professional boxers continued on their quest for fame and fortune in the world of boxing.

Despite  their Wednesday, November 4, loss to Hoosic Falls, the Schuylerville varsity field hockey team still had a successful run.

Portland, OR - Jaime D. Coleman, formerly of Ballston Spa, passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2009. He was 22.

Rock City Falls - Monica Mary Stapleton Townsend Jump, 85, long-time resident of Rock City Falls, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, joining her parents, sister and brother, who she loved so deeply and missed so much.

Victory Mills, NY - Rose A. Mitchell, 93, a former resident of Victory Mills, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at the Pleasant Valley Nursing Facility in Argyle.

Saratoga Springs - Anne M. Graul of Jumel Place passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 88.