Your Hometowne December 2013

COMPLIMENTARYDECEMBER 2013

F r o m S c o t i a t o B a l l s t o n S p a , c o v e r i n g t h e R o u t e 5 0 C o r r i d o r2

F o r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m m 3

Handcrafted Berry Holiday Wreaths and Mantle TrimmingsCozy Rooms full of

American Made Sofas, Chairs & Wood FurnitureCountry-Style Curtains & Rugs Woven Table Linens

Lamps, Lighting, Shades... ALL AT AMAZING PRICES!

on Saturday December 7th from 1-4 pm in the Charlton Shop!

Holiday Hours: Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat 11-5pm • Thurs-11-6pm • Sun -12-3pm

Social networking at the Tavern couldn’t be easier with WIFI

399-9951745 Charlton Road, Charltonwww.charltontavern.com


745 Charlton Road, Charlton

You Better be GOOD...Santa C lause is coming to TOWNE

for a C harlton C hristmas Story- Follow us onFacebook!


Comments and Input – Paul and Cheryll 280.5260Advertising – [email protected] or 265.1105

Photography – [email protected] – [email protected] or 883.3872

A message from

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy,forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend,your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. Toevery child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

- Oren Arnold

To your enemy, forgiveness. For me forgiveness of an enemydoes not mean forgetting why they are your enemy.

Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. Forgiveness allows you to moveaway from your role as victim and release the control and power the offending personand situation have had in your life. The offence will no longer define your life. Youmight even find compassion and understanding, but you don't have to. Forgiving isreally for yourself, not the offender.

To an opponent, tolerance. This is an easy one for me. Working in a competitiveposition my entire life as a salesperson I have always had opponents. My theory onthis is just do a better job than your opponent and you will succeed. Tolerance isnothing more than having a fair, objective view of your opponent. My definition ofopponent is work related. For others who consider people who have differentopinions and beliefs than theirs as opponents, tolerance is much more complex.Perhaps weighing the value of the differences would help you tolerate others and freeup some space for more important thoughts.

To a friend, your heart. A good friend deserves your heart. If you cannot give it thanyou are not deserving of their friendship. It goes both ways. My friends will tell youI am extremely loyal. Maybe even to a fault. Because I am so outspoken and not afraidto push back I find myself defending my friends like a Mama Bear with cubs. Samegoes for my pets. They are my friends, I don't own them. I have earned their trust andlove just like they have earned mine. I am pretty stingy with my heart because of myover-protective nature. I have always believed that if you can count your true bluefriends on more than 1 hand you are probably kidding yourself.

To a customer, service. If you are one of my customers than you know I go above andbeyond to make sure your ads are correct and fulfill my promises. I jump throughhoops for my small business owners, knowing they are working hard just like me. Thisalso works both ways. 99% of my customers truly appreciate what I do for them. Forthose who do not I have decided to not waste my time on them. There are too manyother struggling businesses owners looking for solid marketing advice to give my allto someone who is ungrateful. My theory is that if they mistreat me than how are theygoing to treat the customer I brought through their door? Probably with the same way

To all, charity. Hmm…I believe in charity but not to all, to all that deserve it. I believecharity should start right here, in our own community, our own country. I realize thatmany other nations are struggling and their people are suffering. But until we can endthe suffering of our own people I prefer to keep my charity local.

To a child, a good example. A good role model shows "integrity by a thousand smallexamples". It is an ongoing process from the moment the child becomes part of yourlife until you are gone. You may be 90 and your child is 60 but you are still the personthat child looks up to. There is nothing worse than disappointing a child by being abad person. Presents under the tree doesn't make you a good parent, it's the day today kindness and support.

To yourself, respect. We often do things to ourselves that we would never dream ofdoing to someone we care about. (When's the last time you called a friend ugly, toldthem they weren't good enough, discouraged them from following their dreams, orsabotaged their happiness?) Don't harm yourself. Don't insult yourself. Be honest toyourself. Like yourself. You are worth it.

~C - Warmly, Paul and Cheryll

ABOUT THE COVER...Winter in Hawley Park, Charlton. This stunning photo is courtesy of DaveCrudele, Fred David Photography. To see or purchase his work visithttp://davecrudele.smugmug.com or find him on FB under Dave Crudele.


F r o m S c o t i a t o B a l l s t o n S p a , c o v e r i n g t h e R o u t e 5 0 C o r r i d o r1 0

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HAPPY HOLIDAYSTO EVERYONE!A special note of thanks and

gratitude to all of our new and existing customers, with many lastingfriendships created as well. I'd also like to give kudos to all the local OurTowne and Your Home Towne publishers, whose tireless dedication toputting out these excellent publications really helps local businesses growand prosper. Thank-you all! Our company is Scrapster, LLC, the Capital Region's premier NOCOST* scrap metal and appliance removal and recycling service(*conditions may apply, please call for details). We are a local family ownedbusiness and cater to both residential and business customers within a 50mile radius around Albany, NY. We are fully insured, convenient, and reliableand always provide top Quality work. Everything is properly recycled,disposed of or donated.Scrapster additionally provides LOW COST junk removal,TV removal andclean out services. We are an official New York State DEC approvedlocation for business or personal computer and electronics recycling. We arealso fully EPA608 certified for Freon (refrigerant) recovery and removal fromrefrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers and coolers. We aredoing our part to help protect the environment both now and for the future.Originally I started in 2010 with one truck (a Ford Ranger… one step abovea shopping cart) and my driveway doubling as a storage depot (see Wife =not happy). Today I have several employees, 4 trucks and 6000 square feetof warehouse recycling operations. In early 2013 we passed the one millionpound mark in recycled scrap metal (600,000+ total pounds this year alone)and our newly expanded junk removal and clean out services havequadrupled in size and are growing every day.A competitor once asked was I “…still going down into basements?” Theanswer is and always will be: YES! “Don't Worry, We Can Take It!”isn't just our company slogan, it is the back bone of what we do. Large orsmall, easy or difficult…we go where others won't, to take out the thingsthey can't, anytime we have to, to get the job done right… safely, correctlyand on time.Please call us at (518) 505-5055. We will remove the items from exactlywhere they are located-you don't need to do a thing. Please Like Us onFacebook and visit our website at www.scrapster.com for moreinformation, specials & coupons, recycling information, or to schedule anappointment.

Please visit our website at www.scrapster.com for more information or to schedule an appointment online.

Vincent Coppola, Owner of Scrapster Scrap Metal Removal/Recycling Service


A GOOD TIME TO GO?Is there ever a good time to die? By cliché, no time isa good time…but I beg to differ. Through my ownexperience at my father’s death on December 30, 2009and with those whom I have served throughout thepast 24 years, I am convinced that during the holidaytime there is a special peace that surrounds the homesand hearts of those who struggle with the loss of theirloved one. I have been called to many places of death

during these times, and I have seen just that. I have a vivid recollection ofthe frail heaven-bound lady with soft white hair who died next to herbeautiful glowing Christmas tree and the all-too-tired-of-pain family whosang soft hymns as they followed me out of the house to the removalvehicle before I drove their dad away. Saddened beyond sad, but still witha glow of hope – all of them. Upon first thought, the holiday season seemslike it is the worst time ever to experience a death in your family. But whenyou think about it more, isn’t it usually a time of heightened prayer with aparticular focus on a giving spirit? It is usually a time when your familycomes together and is closest, right? It is a peaceful time. As with manyothers, a very devastating time in my life has been transformed into atriumph. I don’t get sad when this time of year comes around because I feelencompassed by the peaceful memory of my dad. Like a flickering candle,I let the signs of the holidays ignite the memories of my dad with a spiritof joy. I hope that anyone who is suffering from a loss right now cansomehow find a way to come to peace with death and remember that theseason is a traditional time for rejoicing. I believe death should be this waybecause it is a new beginning, and we will see our loved ones again. Duringthis holiday season I am keeping a candle lit in the window of the funeralhome in memory of all the souls that have died and gone to rest before us.No matter what your religion, I hope that this symbol of light will beviewed as a signal of hope and everlasting memory.I wish you a Merry Christmas in my words, and may all of your celebrationsthis season be meaningful.

Tonight the globe is lit by love Of those who know great sorrow,

But as we remember our yesterdays Let's light one candle for tomorrow

We will not forget, And every year in deep

December On Earth we will light candles As... we remember- Jacqueline Brown

Kathleen Lowes Sanvidge, Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home(518) 399-5022 • 21 Midline Road • Ballston Lake

www.TownleyWheelerFH.com

Burnt Hills and Schenectady(518) 370-4645 • [email protected]

FUNDING REVOCABLE TRUSTSAs you may recall, a Revocable Trust is a legal document thatis made by a person to provide management of assets whilealive and after the grantor passes away. A Revocable Trustmust be funded by a person and can be changed orterminated by the same person.

Revocable Trusts are helpful because they may reduce the costs ofadministration of an Estate by reducing or eliminating the involvement ofCourts, manage real property in different states and maintain control of theincome and assets by the Trustee.How do you fund a Revocable Trust? For real property in New York or anotherState, you must execute a deed and record it with the appropriate government.You should seek legal help in the state of the real property is located.You also can title bank accounts and investment accounts to the Trustee of theTrust. You should follow the rules of the bank or investment company. SocialSecurity will not allow you to make direct deposits to an account titled to aTrust. You may also be restricted with regards from deposits from a pension orretirement account. You, however, may place ITF (in trust for) designation onthose accounts to the Revocable Trust.U.S.Treasury bonds may also place an ITF (in trust for) designation on the Bondsto the Revocable Trust. Personal Property also may be funded to a RevocableTrust through an assignment.A Revocable Trusts is a good and practical solution to problems if thecircumstances are right. You should consult an attorney about your situation.Please contact me to consult on planning for yourself or someone in need. Itwill be my pleasure to help you.


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YOGA HEALS US“Yoga” has become very popular in recent yearsas a way to heal the body, reduce stress and tocure all that ails us. The most common question Iam asked from a variety of folks is what type of“yoga” to enroll in. So many descriptive names aregiven to classes including hot power vinyasa, slowflow, ashtanga flavored, gentle yoga, etc. Yogastudios and yoga classes at gyms and fitness

facilities are very common these days, with varying titles given toentice prospective students. As a Certified Yoga Therapist, who alsoteaches yoga classes I caution against using the one size fits allapproach to classes especially when physical limitations orinexperience are present.

Drawing on the principles of Structural Yoga and Viniyoga weemphasize adapting to the individual. These methods allow fordeveloping yoga practices in a class setting to suit the needs ofstudents. The goals for practice are based on the organizing principlesof sequencing, adaptation, patterns of repetition and holding. Thisallows for a wide range of practices to relax, strengthen and de-stressthe body. While this may mean that we are not performing thestandard cookie cutter asanas (poses) that you may have seen or havedone in other classes, more importantly we follow the wisdom ofPatanjali, the sage who authored the “Yoga Sutras”. He indicated that“sthira sukham” or comfort and ease is the way to practice. In classand in yoga therapy we employ functional adaptation throughmodification rather than stressing correct alignment. The standardpose(s) may not be correct for your body! Yoga can be incrediblyhealing on many levels when it is properly sequenced and adapted forwhat your body needs, rather than adapting your body to a presetstandard or position.

Authentic yoga therapy in private sessions also uses principles ofadaptation and appropriate application through assessment andknowledge of the client. What do they perceive as their problem? Whatdo I understand the problem to be after a thorough assessment? Ourgoal is to achieve balance and relieve discomfort while invitingparticipation, transformation and partnership with the Yoga Therapistfor long term well being. It is an approach to yoga that emphasizesmethods of practice for each individual so that they can experienceyoga as a doorway to their best potential and healing.

Mary J. Scott, MA, CYT, RYT500 • 346-7389www. MaryScottYogaTherapy.com • [email protected]

Initial telephone consultation is free.

Mailed to 13,500 Residents and Businesses

from Scotia to Ballston Spa.It's alright here!


WHAT IS LAZY EYE?Lazy eye, also known as Amblyopia, is a visiondevelopment disorder in which an eye fails toachieve normal visual acuity, even withprescription. Strabismus (a condition in whichthe eyes are not properly aligned with eachother), is the most common cause of amblyopia.To avoid double vision caused by poorly aligned

eyes, the brain ignores the visual input from the misaligned eye, leading toamblyopia in that eye (the "lazy eye").

The condition is common; approximately two or three out of every 100people has amblyopia. The best time to correct lazy eye is during infancy orearly childhood.

Newborn infants are able to see, but as they use their eyes during the firstmonths of life, their vision improves. During early childhood years, theirvisual system changes quickly and their sight continues to develop. In orderto have normal vision, it is important that both eyes develop equal vision.If a child has amblyopia and cannot use his or her eyes normally, visiondoes not develop properly and may even decrease. After the first nine yearsof life, the visual system is normally fully developed and usually cannot bechanged.

If amblyopia treatment is not begun as early as possible, several problemscan develop that can seriously affect vision from childhood into adulthoodincluding loss of depth perception, or permanent visual defects.

People with amblyopia in one eye are more than twice as likely to losevision in the healthy eye from trauma. If the vision in one eye should be lostlater in life from an accident or illness, it is essential that the other eye havenormal vision.

Another important reason to make sure amblyopia is detected and treatedas early as possible in childhood: people who have good vision in only oneeye may find they are limited in the kinds of jobs they can perform.

Some symptoms of amblyopia (lazy eye) to look for in a child include:• Poor vision in one eye or overall poor vision• Squinting, tilting the head or closing one eye to see• Poor depth perception (difficulty judging relative distances between

objects)• An inward- or outward-wandering eye• Headaches

If a parent notices these symptoms in their child, it is very important thatthe child be examined by an ophthalmologist. Lazy eye correction ortreatment should begin as soon as possible so that the child's visual systemcan develop properly.

For more information contact Kristen Cameron,Burnt Hills Optical, 793 Rt. 50 Burnt Hills, 399-6130

or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com


FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONSFOR THE NEW YEARAbout 45% of Americans usually make New Year’sresolutions, according to a survey from theUniversity of Scranton. But the same survey showsthat only 8% of us actually keep our resolutions.Perhaps this low success rate isn’t such a tragedywhen our resolutions involve things like losing alittle weight or learning a foreign language. But

when we make financial resolutions — resolutions that, if achieved,could significantly help us in our pursuit of our important long-term goals- it’s clearly worthwhile to make every effort to follow through.So, what sorts of financial resolutions might you consider? Here are a fewpossibilities:• Boost your contributions to your retirement plans. Each year, try to putin a little more to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsoredretirement plans. These tax-advantaged accounts are good options foryour retirement savings strategy.• Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts, but makeit a goal to finish 2014 with a smaller debt load than you had going intothe new year. The lower your monthly debt payments, the more moneyyou’ll have to invest for retirement, college for your children (orgrandchildren) and other important objectives.• Build your emergency fund. Work on building an “emergency fund”containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, with the moneyheld in a liquid account that offers a high degree of preservation ofprincipal. Without such a fund, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for emergencies, such as a new furnace, a majorcar repair, and so on. You might not be able to finish creating youremergency fund in one year, but contribute as much as you can afford.• Plan for your protection needs. If you don’t already have the properamounts of life and disability insurance in place, put it on your “To Do”list for 2014. Also, if you haven’t taken steps to protect yourself from theconsiderable costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing homestay, consult with your financial professional, who can suggest theappropriate protection or investment vehicles. You may never need suchcare, but that’s a chance you may not want to take — and the longer youwait, the more expensive your protection options may become.• Don’t overreact to market volatility. Too many people head to theinvestment “sidelines” during market downturns. But if you’re notinvested, then you miss any potential market gains— and the biggestgains are often realized at the early stages of the rally.• Focus on the long term. You can probably check your investmentbalance online, which means you can do it every day, or even severaltimes a day - but should you? If you’re following a strategy that’sappropriate for your needs, goals, risk tolerance and time horizon, you’realready doing what you should be doing in the long run. So there’s noneed to stress yourself over the short-term movements that show up inyour investment statements.Do whatever you can to turn these New Year’s resolutions into realities.Your efforts could pay off well beyond 2014.

Christopher Nyhan runs the Edward Jones office in Burnt Hills,NY. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your

local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Chris can be reached at 399-5087 or [email protected].

BALLSTON SPA

HOLIDAY PARADEAND TREE LIGHTINGFriday December 6, 2013

6:30PM to 9PM Downtown Ballston Spa

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association's Annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting will take place Friday evening, December 6th, 2013.

The parade steps off at 6:30pm, proceeding on Milton Avenue and ending in Wiswall Park on

Front Street with Santa lighting the Christmas tree.The parade has become a hometown-style holiday

tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village.

Before and after the parade, there will be Carolers and Musicians on the street corners and many

village shops and restaurants will be open with music,demonstrations and displays as part of First Friday,

which also falls on this festive evening.If your organization would like to march that night,please contact Ellen at the BSBPA office 885-2772.


THE SECRET TO ENVIABLE ABSSo you want the secret to enviable abs? Well, get inline. So does everyone else. It's puzzling thatsomething so desirable is completely elusive for mostpeople. Especially when it IS fully possible for you todramatically shape up your waistline. Yes, you. Y-O-U.My clients routinely lose weight and transform theirbodies. You can do it too.

I'm going to end the mystery for you now, once and for all. So forgeteverything you've heard about how to get flat, toned abs.The true secret to great abs is a winning combination of fat burning cardio,resistance training and clean eating. That's it: Exercise and Eating. Simpleenough, once you understand how to do it.Your Exercise Routine: An effective exercise routine includes intensecardiovascular training with effective resistance training. Are you doingthis? Sorry, but walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes isn't a fat blastingroutine. And neither is a leisurely 20 minutes on the elliptical machine.Cardio exercise is all about maintaining a high level of intensity. You needto push yourself.Resistance training is the second side to a fat burning workout. This meansworking your major muscle groups against challenging resistance in a waythat stimulates your metabolism.The key is to find the right intensity and to keep each muscle groupguessing.Your Diet: Diet is a big stumbling block for most people-especially as itrelates to their abs. If your diet is out of control then your abs will be too,plain and simple. You can't trim your waist without trimming the junk fromyour diet.Start by keeping your total calories in check. Do you know how manycalories you eat? The best way to find out is to record everything you eat fora few days. Tally the number of calories that you eat each day and do anevaluation-feel free to recruit me to help out with this part. Together we'llchart improvements for your diet and adjust your calories for maximumresults.Also, stop eating junk food. While this may seem obvious, your definition of"junk food" may need to be updated. Any item with refined sugar, such assoft drinks, blended coffee drinks, cookies, cakes, packaged snacks, andother sinfully sweet treats, need to be off-limits. As a rule of thumb, write allprocessed or refined items off as junk food.Do you want to flatten and sculpt your abs once and for all? It's time todecide that you really want it. Commit to yourself-you deserve it.See me for fat-blasting workouts that deliver serious results. Together wewill get you on a program that will melt the fat off your abs, exposingamazing shape and definition.Call or email me today to get started.

424-7878 or email [email protected] get started today with a free consultation.


HOLIDAYSCHRISTMAS TREE Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tipand fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the treewater - which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset - fromspilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your petcould end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.TINSEL-LESS TOWN Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that'seasy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to aswallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting,dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs withsomething other than tinsel.FORGET THE MISTLETOE & HOLLY Holly, when ingested, can cause petsto suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can causegastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties oflilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jollyartificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.LEAVE THE LEFTOVERS Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well asbones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities inother fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills. Do not to feed yourpets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, ask your guests toplease not feed your animals goodies.THAT HOLIDAY GLOW Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets mayburn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to useappropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave theroom, put the candle out!WIRED UP Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out ofpaws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and apunctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, whileshards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.HOUSE RULES If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets alittle extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party,ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.PUT THE MEDS AWAY Make sure all of your medications are locked behindsecure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped upand packed away, too.CAREFUL WITH COCKTAILS If your celebration includes adult holidaybeverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where petscannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and mayeven go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.A ROOM OF THEIR OWN Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to- complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and catsmight want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case orin a separate room away from the hubbub.NEW YEAR'S NOISE As you count down to the new year, please keep inmind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, ifingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets andcause possible damage to sensitive ears.

WEATHER ADVICEWinter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Extra precautionsduring winter months will make sure your four-footed family members staysafe and warm.Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months byfollowing these simple guidelines:GROOMING Keep them groomed. Longer hair is not going to help keepthem warm if it is matted. Matted hair exposes their skin and will make

them cold faster. Keeping the hair between their toes clipped will cut downon the little snowballs that collect on their feet.INDOORS AND WARM Don't leave dogs or cats outdoors when thetemperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except whentaken out for exercise. No matter what the temperature, windchill canthreaten a pet's life. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, orold dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision.Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater duringwalks.The best way to keep your pets safe (and happy) is to keep them with youIF YOUR DOG SPENDS A LOT OF TIME OUTSIDE A dog or cat is happiestand healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoorsmuch of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter thatis large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but smallenough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inchesoff the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house shouldbe turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be coveredwith waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.KEEP THE WATER FLOWING Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors needmore food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinelycheck your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperatureis low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.BE CAREFUL WITH CARS Warm engines in parked cars attract cats andsmall wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring anyhidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away beforestarting your engine.SAFETY AND SALT The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and icecan irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towelbefore your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.AVOID ANTIFREEZE Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet tastethat may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze(and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it willnot hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.THE BEST TIP OF ALL: Keep your pets with youProbably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or catinside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are takenout frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Youranimal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.Because we care,Randy and Al, Your Hometowne’s Official Mascots

Winter pet tipsfrom Randy and Al

AUTOAuto Solutions 377-5555 7Elmos Auto Body 346-3013 19Mohawk Honda 370-4911 30Presicion Auto Repair 374-1502 28RJD Enterprize Auto Sales 382-0054 31

CLEANINGCunningham’s Laundromat 952-7089 2Maid To Order 370-4865 2Pleasant Cleaners 399-2027 2

FOODBasic Foods 399-2742 13Buhrmasters Farms 399-5931 15

CONSIGNMENTLaModa Lisa Treasures 280-1595 10Worth Repeating Fashion Consignment 384-0946 2

EQUIPMENTAll Seasons Equipment, Inc. 372-5611 5

GIFTSAficionado's Cigar & Pipe Shop 384-2665 1Mail N More 399-3701 21Mayfair Jewelers 399-3701 22Red Bull Antiques 370-4865 2The Speckled Hen Gift Shop 369-8771 34

HARDWAREAubochon Hardware 399-4003 6

HEALTH & FITNESSBasic Foods 399-2742 13Glenville Health and Fitness 384-0229 1Inniae Tae Kwon Do 542-9413 4Scotia Optical 346-2627 33Goldstocks Sporting Goods 382-2037 3

HOME IMPROVEMENTMineck Kitchen Design 280-3307 20All Seasons Equipment, Inc. 372-5611 5Paul Perry Kitchens 688-0898 25

MEDICAL SUPPLYCareTeam Medical Supply 928-5079 35

MISCBuekendaal Lodge 377-0777 14Empire Self Storage 527-7836 20Empire State Aerosciences Museum 466-7733 9

RESTAURANTS & CATERINGCreekside Café 631-9244 17Dairy Circus, Catering and Restaurant 374-5725 18TJ's Flightline Pub 399-8401 8Marcella's Italian Restaurant 399-1901 21Neon Sushi 280-3886 24Red Front 2 Go 370-4900 29Ruggerio's Pizza, Deli & Catering 399-6855 2

SALONSAwaken Hair Salon 384-2925 12Electrolysis by Beth 470-5358 11Hair and Now Salon 399-9655 2New Concepts 399-1344 4Plush Hair Studio 280-3167 27Remo's Hair Design Unisex 374-7035 23Serenity Garden Salon & Day Spa 631-9208 4Style's Barber Shop 377-3087 34

SERVICEAmy Aldrich, State Farm 384-2692 2Cheap Geek 399-8886 16Rowledge Agency Inc. 374-8453 32

SPIRITSFreemans Bridge Wine & Liquor 688-0789 3Personal Wine Cellar 399-9463 26Regular's Liquor Cabinet 399-1405 1


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Available


A BACK-UP DRIVE,GET ONE. NOW!With the holidays fast approaching, I felt it wasimportant to touch on some subjects that mayclear up any questions you have about yourchoice of purchases.

Firstly, and very important is safety when buying online. A few rules tofollow will help to keep your financial info safe from the wolves!!Patronize online businesses that give you their contact information.If a company won't post an address or phone number, they probably havesomething to hide.Credit Cards: Using credit cards online is safe if you follow some basicrules. When you enter the shopping cart part of a site, look to make surethat the site changes to a secure location. The secure site will sometimesdisplay a locked (looks like a closed padlock) icon and the address shouldappear as an https (with an S) rather than simply http in the address box.Setup a Paypal account and use it whenever possible. It is the safest wayto purchase online.Now on to buying computers... Here are some of the pros and cons aboutlaptops vs tablets.LAPTOPS: One of the benefits of using a laptop is the hardware includedon the product. Laptops come with full keyboards, cd roms, larger brighterscreens, more computing power, more storage space( large hard drives)and also come with touch screens. They also have printer capabilities.TABLETS: being highly portable computing devices give you full control ofthe screen, features and applications. By using your finger or a stylus, youcan directly touch the screen to make gaming more interactive, and thehands-on approach provides a more tactile experience than a mouse fordrawing and illustrating. Compared to laptop computers, these productsare small. you must take special precautions in the care of these devices.They may have a durable body, but the touchscreen display is exposed.And if the touchscreen is damaged, your device could become useless.If you're trying to decide between a laptop and a tablet, it all dependsupon you and your needs. If you are planning to carry your computer forextended periods of time, the lighter tablet may be ideal for you. Ormaybe you want a physical keypad and don’t like the touchscreen display.If you are in the market, figure out what features you must have in yourdevice. Compare and contrast different products to see which ones havethe specifications you are looking for. Only by figuring out your needs willyou discover which type of .computing device you prefer.An important note: If you return a new computer, that you haveused, to where you purchased it... ALWAYS be sure that you don'tleave any personal info on it. Your files should be erased beforereturning. You never know who will get their hands on it once it'sout of your sight!Cheap Geek is a full service shop. We repair, replace and also sellnew and refurbished computers! We offer remote service and on-site repairs to households and businesses.

Until next time... Safe Computing and Happy Holidays!Cheap Geek Computer Services

Maggie Faltskog • 399-8886

“Marry an orphan: you'll never have to spendboring holidays with the in-laws..”

- George Carlin

2 7F o r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m m

DECORATING TIPS FROMTHE SPECKLED HENIt's time to “Deck-the-Halls”! At The SpeckledHen we love antique and vintage ornaments,but they can be expensive! So here's a little trickon how to make new, inexpensive ornaments

look old! To start, you will need a covered surface, nail polish remover, papertowels… and of course, ornaments (check out the Dollar Store or the clearancerack).

From there it is pretty easy - add a little nailpolish remover to the paper towel and lightlydab the ornament until you get the “vintage”effect you're looking for. When you first startdabbing you'll be removing the shine, a littlemore and you'll begin to see the silverunderneath. Try to be patient, dab lightly and thelook will be more authentic. If you wipe insteadof dab, the finish might peel - which will appear less natural. With thistechnique you will get a “vintage” look without spending a fortune onexpensive ornaments. Use them to hang on your tree, in a wreath, or create amantle display! Have fun!

During the season of giving thanks, I would like to take a moment and thankall my customers for making The Speckled Hen the success it is! I've enjoyedgetting to know each and every one of you and look forward to seeing youduring your next visit to The Speckled Hen.

Special Events at The Speckled Hen“Black Friday” Weekend Open House Wednesday, December 18th is Men's Night! 5-8PM Snacks and Beverages!

Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful New Year!Maureen Culver • 369.8771

38 Saratoga Road, Scotia• [email protected]

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

-Author Unknown


FESTIVAL of TREESFriday, December 6th 12-5

Saturday, December 7th 10-5Sunday, December 8th, 12-5

Town of Ballston Town HallCommunity Room

Entertainment • Children's CraftsBloodmobile Saturday 10-2

ADMISSION IS FREEDonations will be accepted for the

Women's Club Community Outreach

To enter a tree call 399-1362Sponsored by BHBL WOMEN'S CLUB

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see

him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.”

- Shirley Temple

BREAKFASTWITH

SANTA!Saturday, December 14, 2013 • 8:30am - 11am

23 Pleasant Street • Ballston Spa

Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus! Parents, bring your cameras for

pictures with Santa Claus!

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 234

Invites your family to join us for


Answers can be found on page 41

DECEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS1.Fabric for jeans6. Existed10. Overtake14. Dwelling15. "Smallest particle"16. Assist

17. Pillar18. Impolite19. Scarce20. Adversary22. Largest continent23. N N N N

24. Have in mind as a purpose

26. Accompany30. Movie prize32. Boyfriend33. Gawk at35. Models39. Leases41. Lyric poem42. Work out43. Classical music theatre44. Where a bird lives46. Duo47. Set straight49. Swindle51. Pictures54. Owns55. Blemish56. Wipe out63. Jump up and down64. "Backwards room"65. Unit of capacitance66. Jacob's brother67. Coastal raptor68. Flip over69. Bottom of the barrel70. Marsh plant71. Porous

DOWN1.Information2. Black, in poetry3. Nothing (British)4. Inspiration5. Amalgamation6. Alerts

7. Decorative case8. Poles9. A medicine that induces

vomiting10. Airborne infantry11. Humiliate12. Small finch13. Place21. Not tricked by25. Short sleeps26. A river in Spain27. Leak slowly28. Walking stick29. Horrific30. Bygone31. Views34. A large chime36. Strip of wood37. Wickedness38. Arid40. A period of discounted

prices45. Not this48. Chemical cousin50. Beneficial51. Push52. Bullwinkle, e.g.53. Seaweed54. Employed57. Drill58. Solitary59. Sexual assault60. Region61. Armored vehicle62. Swirl


Black Friday is behind us andsome of you may still bestruggling to find that great giftidea for your parents or lovedone. Think about a gift thatmaximizes independence,provides relief of symptoms,promotes individual safety andhelps achieve the greatest quality of health. Combine all thatwith free delivery, free set up and a free one year warranty fromthe leading “Made in America” manufacturer of lift chairs. Youcan get this great product and much more locally right here inGlenville from CareTeam Medical Supply.

Golden Technologies' vision for quality has remained the samefor over 20 years, “build it right the first time” and to be the firstchoice for customers looking for high quality. Aside fromcomfort, convenience, and quality, lift chairs provide a solutionfor sustaining safety and healthy lifestyles.

Nobody anticipates the challenges of transferring from a chair toa mobility device but it occurs. A lift chair delivered and set upby CareTeam can aid in the safe transfer while at all timesreducing the chance of a slip and fall accident.

Do you know somebody that may be having knee or hip surgery?It will most certainly be a struggle rising and lowering from achair during the recovery period. A lift chair from CareTeam willalleviate some of these painful frustrations that tend to occur byassisting the body to the upright position and transferring theweight of the individual more gradually.

Sometimes sleeping in a bed isn't an option. CareTeam has thesolution if your loved one complains their back is sore in themorning after falling asleep in their current recliner. MaxiComfortlift chair by Golden has dual motors which allows the user tocontrol the footrest and the back independently. Many peopleimprove their sleep using the MaxiComfort power recline system

that glides you into the perfectsleep position with the touch of abutton.

Every MaxiComfort chairincorporates the Trendelenburgposition which not only providesthe ultimate stretch of your entire

back but also improves your circulation. This position raises yourfeet above your head and increases blood flow in your lowerextremities. Ever hear your doctor tell you to put your feet up atnight? Many doctors prescribe the therapeutic benefits of theTrendelenburg position for congestive heart failure, edema orother circulatory conditions where patients need to raise theirlegs above their heart for certain periods of time each day.

MaxiComfort chairs easily take you to the free comfort of theZero-Gravity position. In this physician-recommended posture,the spine, hip and knee joints are positioned on the balancedmidpoint of the muscles. With the MaxiComfort power reclinesystem, the seat moves up and down to pivot your hips into thisnaturally relaxing Zero-Gravity position. Spinal pressure andmuscle tension are relieved, circulation is improved and thefeeling of fatigue fades away.

Safely transferring from a power lift chair to a mobility device,recovering comfortably from a temporarily debilitating surgery orrelieving painful back problems are three reasons why a lift chairmay be useful to you or a loved one. Choose the lift chair thatsuits your needs today at CareTeam Medical Supply of Glenville.

Since opening their doors in July of 2013, CareTeam has beendedicated to turning challenges into opportunities. Stop in toCareTeam today! They are located at 9 Saratoga Road (Rt. 50),Glenville and are open Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday10am - 2pm, Sunday Closed. You may also reach them by phoneat (518) 982-5079 or online at www.careteam.biz.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING


With December barreling in and the last leg of holiday travel upon us Kenhas some driving tips to keep you safe. Driving in the winter means snow,sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, roadrage and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely to your destinationKen has some tips to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.WEATHERAt any temperature - from 20° below zero to 90° above affects road anddriving conditions and can pose serious problems. Prepare your car forwinter. Start with a checkup that includes:Having Ken's checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts,change your spark plugs, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve. Don'tforget the battery, the tires for air pressure, sidewall wear and tread depth,as well as the antifreeze levels, flushing the system as needed.Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for therecommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts andfaster response on pick-up and passing power.NECESSARY EQUIPMENTAn emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must beprepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank ofgas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in yourtrunk:

• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack

• Shovel • Jumper cables • Tow and tire chains • Bag of salt or cat litter • Tool kit

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIESBe prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car.

Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:• Working flashlight and extra batteries • Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth • Compass • First aid kit • Exterior windshield cleaner • Ice scraper and snow brush • Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container • Scissors and string/cord • Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried

fruits, and hard candy.IF YOU BECOME STRANDED...

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, howfar it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of thecar a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from yourantenna.

• If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engineand heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon theamount of gas in the tank.

• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolenitems and blankets to keep warm.

• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seala car shut.

• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icyconditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavywoolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets. From the entire staff at KensSunoco, Please have a SAFE AND MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUSNEW YEAR!

WRENCH TALK with Ken Maynard


“You're the luckiest man in world.”

I was at a Saturday night party way out Sacandaga Rd. withmy young adult stepdaughter Tanneal. One of her friends wassaucer-eyed, the whites of her eyes gleaming through thedarkness intently listening to one of my stories concerningmusicians that I work with. I responded to her without editingmy thoughts.

“Luck had nothing to do with it,” I snapped back. “What I dorequires a lot of work.” But when I stopped to think about it,I realized my “work” as a music journalist is also my play.Someone else asked me in the elevator at The Egg recently,“Are you working tonight?” This time I was prepared. “I can'ttell the difference,” I said with a Cheshire Cat grin.And I can't.I long since have stopped trying to figure out where workstops and play begins. That's a gift we all should strive for.

The saucer-eyed young lady at the party works for an outfitthat installs pools, and after she'd finished up at blues guitaristAlbert Cummings' home, he handed her an autographed copyof one of his albums. She was thrilled. I had hooked him upyears ago with Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon from StevieRay Vaughan's Double Trouble Band to open a concert at theRPI Fieldhouse. It was one of those synchronistic situationswhere fate made a dream come true for Albert. It was a thrillfor me because Cummings had been inspired to become aprofessional musician as a result of seeing Stevie Ray and hisband do a concert in that same venue in 1989. And I was ableto make something wonderful happen for him.

When Tanneal's friend told me how lucky I was, I turned myhead to watch a video of The Grateful Dead playing on asheet splashed across the side of the house where scores ofDead heads mingled at the party. I tried to guess what vintagethe tape was and realized I'd interviewed every majormember of that band at least once, including a '70s “phoner”with Jerry Garcia where he admitted it was more important tohim to enjoy himself than to take care of himself.

My friend John Hahn writes most of Blues Queen Shemekia Copeland'ssongs, has been her manager since she started in the business, and has beena family friend since she was six. He was telling me about a remote islandin the South Pacific, if I remember right, where Mick Jagger and other superfamous rock stars go to be themselves away from the gawkers andautograph hounds.

Not that I think I'm in the same league with Mick or Jerry, but I do getglimpses into their lives mostly through interview “phoners” that offer farmore intimate glimpses than most of their other fans ever get. And I don'thave to travel to some remote desert island to feel like I have control overmy own space in the process.

When I was writing Buddy Guy's biography 22 years ago, I got to see Guyperform with Eric Clapton from box seats at London's Royal Albert Hall.That same night I interviewed a breathless Clapton minutes before he tookthe stage. I do an annual symposium at The King Biscuit Blues Festival at atheater a block from the Mississippi River where I play - “work?” - withfour great blues artists in front of 500 people, intellectually dancing withouta net. Then, I come home to Glenville and get to be “normal.” It's awonderful balance.

It's very chic today to complain about how problematic life has become. Istarted writing about popular music 45 years ago to get free records. Iwanted the luxury of being able to hear just about every rock record thatcame out. Today, everyone can do that with the technology available. Youcan press a button on your steering wheel and hear any kind of music inthe world on Sirius/XM. We all can see and hear any artist out there onYouTube. We can see an array of artists at local venues ranging from TheEgg to Caffe Lena, from the TU Arena to SPAC. I've traveled the country anddon't know of another urban center less than many times the size of oursthat has such variety.

Yes. I'm the luckiest man in the world, but so are you if you think about it.The secret is to take advantage of the world at your feet. A little trickier is tofind work that pleases you as much as your play.Editor's note: Don Wilcock writes about music for The Saratogian, The Troy Record, AmericanBlues Scene at www.americanbluesscene.com, and The Audiophile Voice magazine.

YOU'RE LUCKIER THAN YOU THINKBy Don Wilcock

PERSONADon Wilcock and I have been friends and co-conspirators

in all things music for many years. His knowledge and insight into our shared love of entertainment has been a

cornerstone of my limited ability to “catch a glimpse” and it's a pleasure at every level to share a piece of the pie that is Don Wilcock in an abbreviated autobiography that barely scratches the vinyl...

- Paul


This month's featured business is bittersweet story. Norma Riceowner of Basic Foods has decided to retire and spend somequality time with her family. Thirty-seven years ago three youngeducated Moms looking for something meaningful to do withtheir lives came together and decided to open up a Health FoodStore. Norma Rice, Beverly Choate, and Marian Krauter all hadprevious experience and interest in healthy foods and runningco-op's. They got together in a small location next to what wasMaury's Drug Store, the current day location of the NYSMotorcycle Safety Program is. They spent 2 years there workingas a team but Norma's partner's husbands were offeredemployment elsewhere so Norma decided to buy them out andbecome the sole Proprietor of Basic Foods.

Norma moved her business across the street to what was SlimsMarket at the time, currently Aficionados (The Point inGlenville) and stayed in that location for 20 years. With peoplebecoming more aware of eating healthy, seeking out naturalvitamins and beauty products, Norma's customers were askingfor more and more different items. Her business outgrew herspace and she decided to move up the road to her currentlocation, 585 Saratoga Rd (Rt 50) where she has been for the past10 years.

As a frequent customer of Basic Foods I can tell you it is thisarea's coolest health food, vitamin and spice store. The freshspices are so fragrant the minute you walk in the door you knowit's going to be good. Fresh nuts, dried fruits, minimallyprocessed food, gluten free products, luscious chocolates andcandies line the food shelves. Her vitamin aisle is filled with allnatural vitamins, herbal teas and natural remedies. She carries ahuge variety of all natural beauty products, creams, shampoo, toomany to mention!

What Norma brings to her customers is much more thanproduct. Norma and her staff have the knowledge and

background to help guide you to whatever you are looking for.And if they don't have an answer they look it up, the old fashionway. More than once they have brought out the “Big Book” tohelp me find what I am looking for based on the results I wantand need. From calming teas to vitamins that help me stay freshand well-nourished despite my crazy hours and constant runningfor the business. They always take the time to chat and of coursegrind me fresh peanut butter which is my biggest addiction!Nothing but peanuts, ground right in front of me. I absolutelylove that!

37 yeas is a long time, Norma has raised her family and nowtravels to Florida on a regular basis to be with her grand-children.It's time for the next chapter in her life. Retirement. I havegotten to know Norma quite well over the past 4 years and Iknow she wanted to be sure that when she made her big movethe store would be left in good hands. The same three ladies havebeen with her for years, Sandy Rohrmeier, Donna Profeta andEileen Curwen- the prospective buyer. I know it helps make thetransition easier for her knowing that Eileen knows thecustomers, the products and shares the same passion forcustomer service as she does.

The anticipated a transfer of ownership should happen shortlyafter the New Year. Norma wanted to be sure that Eileen wouldbe introduced via this article as the new owner barring anyunforeseen issues in the transfer of ownership.

Eileen is excited and has a few ideas to grow the business andincrease the product line to include a few secrets I can't share. AsI said at the beginning, this is bittersweet. We wish Eileen thebest of luck but we will miss Norma's genuine smile and caringways. Happy Retirement Norma! All the best, Cheryll and Paul


Non-Perishable Food Drive to Run at 10 Regional BranchesThrough 12/31/13. 1st National Bank of Scotia will commemorate ninedecades of community banking with a major non-perishable food driveto support Capital Region families in need.Titled “Food for Thoughtfulness,” the region-wide effort will kick offFriday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. when the bank donates 90 pounds of non-perishable food items to the Scotia-Glenville Food Pantry, aneighborhood organization that provides a three-day supply of food toresidents of Scotia-Glenville and surrounding areas. That donation willbe matched pound for pound by Scotia-based Gabriel’s Supermarket.Following the launch of the campaign, which runs through 12/31/13,Capital Region residents are invited to place non-perishable items incollection bins conveniently located inside 1st National Bank’s 10 localbranches, Gabriel’s Supermarkets (in Scotia) and Colonie-based RueckertAdvertising and Public Relations. Donated items will be given to theRegional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham, which helpsprovide 450,000 meals each week to 85,000 children and 13,000 seniorsliving in 23 counties in northeastern New York.“Since our founding in 1923, 1st National Bank of Scotia has beenblessed to have the opportunity to serve the banking needs of thousandsof regional families and businesses,” said 1st National Bank Chairmanand CEO Louis Buhrmaster. “To mark our 90th year in business, it’s ourturn to give back. We’re looking forward to helping hungry local familiesenjoy this special time of year with a table full of good food.”“Hunger remains a daily occurrence for thousands of families we serve,”added Mark Quandt, executive director of the Regional Food Bank ofNortheastern New York. “We're thrilled to partner with 1st NationalBank on this food drive and we encourage everyone in the CapitalRegion to participate.”Quandt said the Regional Food Bank, which provides $10 worth of foodto hungry people for every dollar it spends, accepts large corporatedonations of shelf stable, fresh, and frozen food, as well as non-fooditems like paper goods and personal hygiene products. These products

are still perfectly good to eat or use but are no longer marketable for thecompanies that donate them, and they are of great value to the non-profits the Food Bank serves.According to Quandt, protein-based food items - canned meat and fish,and prepared meals like beef stew and chili - are in demand at this timeof year.“We’re also in need of nutritious cereals,” he said, explaining thatyoungsters represent 40 percent of the population they feed. “”Lesssweetened cereals are preferred, but all cereal donations are greatlyappreciated.”“Although the economy appears to be turning around, times still remaintough for thousands of Capital Region families,” said State Senator HughT. Farley. “At this time of year reserved for giving to others, I applaud 1stNational Bank of Scotia’s ambitious goal in supporting the Food Bank inits mission to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste. I encourageeveryone to take a moment to drop something off this holiday season forthe less fortunate to enjoy.”Drop off collection points, which are open Monday-Friday from9am- 5pm and Saturday 9am-1pm, include:201 Mohawk Ave., Scotia* • 1705 Central Ave., Albany • 1693Route 9, Clifton Park • 120 Erie Blvd., Schenectady* • 1 ResearchCircle (GE Global Research), Niskayuna+ • 240 Saratoga Rd., Scotia8 New Karner Rd., Guilderland • 1476 Balltown Rd., Schenectady2695 Hamburg St., Schenectady • 3013 Route 50, Saratoga Springs255 Mohawk Ave., Scotia (Gabriel’s Supermarket) • 638 AlbanyShaker Rd., (Rueckert Advertising & PR), Albany.* Erie Blvd. office is closed on Saturdays+ GE Global Research is restricted to employees only

1ST NATIONAL BANK OF SCOTIA TOCELEBRATE 90TH ANNIVERSARY WITH

WINTER BRINGS TOUGH CHOICES TO UPSTATE NEW YORKER’S: HEAT OR EAT

"FOOD FOR THOUGHTFULNESS" COLLECTION DRIVE

Photo: Bob Baker, food sourcing project coordinator for the Regional Food Bank ofNortheastern New York, took part in a press conference Friday to formally kick off “Food forThoughtfulness”. Featured with Baker are (L to R): Diane Faubion, Sr. Vice President at 1stNational Bank of Scotia and Bank President John Buhrmaster.

Photo courtesy of Edward Parham of Rueckert Advertising & Public Relations.


PORKPork Chops Center Cut Bone in or

Stuffed Pork Tenderloins*

POULTRYSkinless boneless Chicken breasts

Chicken Cutlets or Stuffed Chicken Breasts*

SIGNATURE ITALIAN SAUSAGE Hot or Sweet; Rope style or Patties

Meatballs and BragoilesKielbasa, Chorizo, Andouille, Bratwurst,

Daisy Hams & Thick Sliced Bacon

CUSTOM CUT BEEFFilet Mignon, Rib Eye Steaks Choice

NY Strip Steaks Choice

COLD CUTS Featuring Battistoni

Salami, Capicola, Soppresata& Abruzzi

*Our own bread crumb and sausagestuffing

Garofalo's Offers a Wide Variety of Meat Specialties

Garafalo's, the taste people travel for!

Stop in and visit the 4th generation,serving QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCTS

since 1904.www.garofalosausage.com

Sausage Bread withRoasted Red Peppers

Why fuss?Garofalo's will do all your prep and stuff a boneless center cut pork loin roast with their famous sausage

stuffing for your Holiday meal!

We will provide you the perfect roast that will

serve from 2 to 20. Call us or stop by for details.

1 lb Garafalo's Italian Sausage loose (uncased)(1 pound) loaf frozen white bread dough, thawed4 ounces cream cheese, softened2 cloves garlic, minced1 (7 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, well drainedand sliced - available at Garafalo's1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced available at Garafalo's2 cups Garafalo's shredded mozzarella cheese 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)

In a skillet, brown sausage until no longer pink;drain. On a lightly floured surface, roll breaddough to a 16-inch x 12-inch rectangle. Transferdough to a greased baking sheet. Combine creamcheese and garlic, spread lengthwise over centerthird of dough. Top with the sausage, peppers,olives and cheese. Fold dough over filling,pinching seam to seal. Make slits across top of dough every 2 inches. Brush lightly with waterand sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 400°F for20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

1 1/4 lb Garafalo's Italian sweet sausage loose (uncased)1 cup buttermilk baking mix11 ounces shredded cheese, either Cheddar orFontanilla preferably available FRESH atGarafalo's

Preheat oven to 250°F. Preheat oven to 375°F.Mix all ingredients and form into 1 inch balls.Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy! Makes 2 dozen.

Simple Sausage Cheese BallAppetizers

Since 1904 the Garofalo FamilyHas Been Privileged To Provide OurHonored Customers The Very Best.

From Our Family to Yours,We Wish You

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wednesday 12/4 7pm Board Meeting - Monthly Meeting - Open to thepublic! Monday 12/9 7pm Library Book Club - Join us for our discussion on ourchosen book.Monday 12/30 7pm-9pm Knitting/Craft Group - Do you love to knitand chat? Need help with a pattern? All fiber fanatics are welcome butonly knitting help is promised.Did you know that we offer free computer literacy courses? December Computer Classes12/3 • Common Computer Concepts • 12pm-2pm12/4 • Microsoft Word Level I • 2pm-4pm12/4 • File Management • 12:30pm-2:30pm12/5 • Internet Basics • 10:30am-12:30pm12/11 • Photo Management • 12:30pm-2:30pm12/12 • Ancestry Genealogy • 6pm-8pm12/13 • Google Plus • 1pm-3pm12/13 • Microsoft Word II • 3pm-5pm12/16 • Publisher 2010 • 1pm-3pm12/18 • Trendy Websites • 12:30pm -2:30pm12/18 • Microsoft Outlook • 6pm-8pm

Check out our classes in more detail athttp://toblibrary.sals.edu/index.php/calendar/

or register for classes by phone, in person or online athttp://toblibrary.sals.edu/index.php/about-2/program-course-registration/

(Adult Programs) and Youth Services athttp://toblibrary.sals.edu/index.php/youth-services/

Check our Youth Services! In addition to ourregularly scheduled programs we have some new ones!

Baby Bookworms. We will share simple stories, songs and finger playsas well as activities using music and movement. For children birth to 23months with a caregiver. Registration is required and siblings arewelcome. When registering for Baby Bookworms you are signing up forthe entire six week session. Attendance each week is appreciated, butnot mandatory. Tuesday OR Friday 9:30am *Registration Required*Winter Session 12/2-12/20Family Story Time. Join us while we read books, sing, do finger playsand movement activities to promote early literacy. This program isdesigned for two and three year-olds accompanied by a caregiver. Thisis a drop in program and siblings are welcome. Wednesdays OR Fridaysat 10:30am *Winter Session 12/2-12/20Preschool Story Time. Share early literacy skills with your child at this30 minute program which includes a craft. For children ages 3, 4, or 5accompanied by a caregiver. Registration is required and siblings arewelcome. Thursday 9:30am *Registration Required *Winter Session12/2-12/20Art & Movement. Explore your world through movement and creativeactivities at this thirty minute program. For Children ages two to five,accompanied by a caregiver. Tuesdays 10:30am *Winter Session 12/2-12/202, 3, 4 Book Club. A theme book club for kids in Grades 2, 3 & 4. Bringa friend and get ready to talk about your favorite books. Each monthwe’ll read books, talk about them, do a craft and play with Legos.November is all about Flying! *Registration Required.

HOURS: M-Th 10AM-8PM / Fri 10AM-5PM / Sat 10AM-2PM

ONLINE http://catalog.sals.edu or http://toblibrary.sals.edu

YOUTH SERVICES http://toby.sals.edu • E-mail: [email protected]

518-399-8174 • [email protected]


IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON…I got up too early, my column is late (Cheryll andPaul at Your Hometowne expect me to offer yousome expert advice on buying or selling real estate),there is a turkey thawing in the refrigerator, cookiesto bake, it's cold outside, there are halls to deck,walks to shovel, friends to entertain, relatives to(TRY to) keep happy, and MY HOUSE IS ON THEMARKET!?!?!? Well, mine isn't but yours may be

and if that's the case and you are serious about selling it, be prepared toallow the showings - you probably won't get a ton of showing activitythis time of year, but remember, people who are shopping for housesduring the holidays are SERIOUS BUYERS! Homes often look their best during the holidays and you need to makeyours stand out from the rest. One way to do it is to offer potentialhomebuyers a break from the holiday chaos. You want them to come inand feel at ease, relaxed, comfortable, like they are walking into a 'safehaven' from holiday home shopping stress. Make your home feel cozyand inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing softclassical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When youencourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you give them moretime to admire its best features and form an emotional attachment. Becareful not to overdo it on the decor. Placing large outdoor decorationsin your yard or on your porch will make the area seem smaller.Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home anddistract buyers. Create a serene atmosphere, no one needs to know thecrazed frenzy that ensued that morning trying to get the kids off toschool while your mother in law showed up to announce that YOU willhost the holiday dinner, and that the dog chased the neighbors cat.As the year comes to a close; STOP, BREATHE, REFLECT, REMEMBER,SMILE...From me to you: I am proud to be your neighbor, honored by yourfriendship, and truly feel blessed to be part of YOUR HOMETOWNE.

Margaret Phillips, CBR, Broker518.701.1657 • [email protected]

www.oldeorchardrealestate.com

53 MAPLE AVE • SCOTIAwww.animalprotective.org


THE GIFTModern dance is a forever gift in the life of most children.It not only provides them with a good foundation ofdance movement, but more importantly invites them tobe creative themselves and allows them the freedom toexperiment with movement using the movement theyknow, encouraging them to experiment by adapting thatmovement to be higher or lower, faster or slower, tocombine it with movement they create on their own to

tell their dance story. This is how the best choreography in the world has beencreated, by dancers being set free to develop an idea.Modern dance presents a creative world that encourages and allows individualinnovation. This does so much for a child's self esteem and self worth. Theconfidence that ensues as a child learns to trust themselves through space, is agift that will follow them throughout their life.One of the improvisations that we explore at this time of the year is a dance Icall The Gift. Small, interesting, empty boxes are involved. Dancers might beginthe dance with a box, or find a box along the way, or be given a box at any pointin the dance. Absolutely anything that elicits some interesting dance responsecan be in the box: a rainbow, one hundred mice, a snow storm, sadness, onethousand butterflies, a disappearing cloak, a sleeping fairy. Use yourimagination. What would be in the box for you?A young dancer once told me, "Ginny Martin, you didn't just teach me to dance,you opened the window on the dance world for me". If you would like to givethe gift of dance and open the window on the dance world for a special youngperson in your life, I have a few ideas. My holiday offering of my new DVD,Dance Class at Home for 4-6 year olds, is half price at danceclassathome.comuntil January 1, 2014. It would make a wonderful stocking stuffer or Hanukkahgift. I'm also offering my March and April 2014, six week dance class samplerfor 3-5 year olds at the reduced price of $50 for those who sign up by January1, 2014. It is a $75 value.May your holidays be filled with love and joy!

Ginny Martin • Modern Dance with Ginny Martin518-399-5802 • www.ginnymartindance.com

www.danceclassathome.com

“The holiest of holidays are thoseKept by ourselves in silence and apart;The secret anniversaries of the heart. ”

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


This is such a vast question it cannotbe answered fully in one smallarticle. In short, Freemasonry is theoldest fraternal organization in theworld. Its current fraternal formatdates back to the early 1700s inEngland, however its operativehistory and tradition date toantiquity. Its purpose is to makegood men better through the tenetsof friendship, compassion, brotherlylove, relief and truth which havesurvived even the most divisivepolitical, military and religiousconflicts through the centuries. Ithas been described as a system ofmorality, veiled in allegory andillustrated by symbols. Freemasonryis a charitable, benevolent,educational and spiritual fraternityenjoyed by men from all walks oflife. Many famous people are orwere Freemasons including themajority of our founding fathers. Nine Freemasons including JohnHancock and Benjamin Franklin, signed the Declaration ofIndependence. When the Revolutionary War ended, 13 of the 39signers of the U.S. Constitution were also Freemasons.

Beukendaal Lodge No. 915 of Scotia was established in 1913 withproper officers elected. The name Beukendaal is of Dutch originmeaning Beech dale or Vale of the Beeches. A monument onSacandaga Road, one mile North West of the village identifies theBeukendaal and memorializes the 1748 massacre of Local DutchSettlers by a French and Indian War party from Canada.

On May 7, 1914, Beukendaal Lodge915, F&AM received its Charter fromthe Grand Lodge of New York. Aftermeeting in rented halls for a numberof years, a cornerstone of a purposedbuilt temple was laid in 1925 at 127Mohawk Avenue in Scotia.Unfortunately with the GreatDepression, they could not maintainthe construction loan payments sothe property was turned over to theholding financial institution. Theleaders forged an agreement to rentthe facility for $1.00 per meeting.This arrangement was kept on amonthly basis through 1943. In 1945,Beukendaal initiated a record 26members (mostly G.I.s returning fromWorld War II). In 1956, land waspurchased from the then owners ofGlen Sanders Estate with money froma building fund started in 1948. In1958, the construction of a second

temple was completed at its current location, 22 SchonoweeAvenue in the Village of Scotia.

Through the years, Beukendaal has been known for its greatorganizational work and dedicated service by its members to thecommunity, with such tasks as helping with the Schenectady Inner-City Mission, the yearly Salvation Army kettle drives, Shrine bingo atthe Schenectady Bingo Palace, which raises money for ShrineHospitals, and other various community events and services.

In the summer of 2011, the members of Beukendaal refinished theirdining hall which included new carpeting, paint and countertops.On Sunday, August 28, three days after the completion, HurricaneIrene hit the area hard, causing severe damage to the MohawkRiver region. The basement entrance wall of the Lodge collapsedunder the pressure of five feet of water flowing through the parkinglot, and filled the basement with water to the nine foot mark.Everything that was just renovated was completely destroyed, andthe contents were lost.

For the past two years, Beukendaal Lodge has been rebuilding theirbeloved dining room with donations from other lodges, rummagesales and money collected from parking cars for the Freedom Parkconcerts. The dining room has been reopened and available forrental for parties, business events, holidays, showers and familygatherings. The room can accommodate up to 80 people, and localcaterers can be recommended.

Thank you to all who have donated and helped in their time of needand they invite the public to take a look at their facility and gladlyanswer any questions about Freemasonry. Please visit their websiteat www.Beukendaal915.org. or contact the Lodge at 518-377-0777.

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STAY TUNED with PAUL HILLWHO ARE THE FREEMASONS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?


JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS,JINGLE ALL THE WAY! Oh What Fun It Is!Oh, what fun it has been. I need to take a minuteand let you know that I have written this columnfor four years now. Seems like only yesterday Iallowed the words to flow from my heart toyours. Some have been reading for a long timeand others are just getting to know me. Either

way, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.As you may already know I am moving furniture around to fit thehuge Christmas tree in the living room. The tree does come in its ownbox, perfectly labeled Christmas Tree! As we heave that enormous boxupstairs it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The ornamentsfind their spots, the wreaths grace the doors with ribbons and bows.The twinkle lights still look like stars that have fallen from the skyright on to our lawn. The music from all the old crooners; Mathis,Crosby and who can forget Burl Ives, plays in the back ground. TheChristmas village is bustling with activity. The popcorn is strung andloops around the tree. My son now tall enough to put the angel onthe top. As that sweet angle looks down on us, the spirit of Christmasis very merry and bright.We settle in to watch our favorite Christmas shows. Classics likeRudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, the newer classic ELF and of courseThe Polar Express. As we watch we hear a faint sound. It's a jingle,it's a jingle bell, yes, it is, I can hear it. A few more sips of hot cocoawith extra marshmallows really hits the spot. When the eveningdraws to a close, the fire is low and we hunker down; me in mykerchief and him in his cap, settling in for a winters nap, we hear awhisper and a jingle......there was laughing all the way as they dashed through the snow...as the wind turned up and the snowflakes swirled around you couldhear a jolly voice wishing you a very Happy Christmas and to all agood night.As always, I wish you peace & joy. Let your heart be light and all yourtroubles be out of sight and have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Pattie Rakvica • [email protected]

“Maybe Christmas,the Grinch thought,

doesn't come from a store.” - Dr. Seuss

They say that a man’s success is measured by the friends that he has made along his journey...

With the unfortunate passing of our husband / father / grandfather... we found out

just how much he was loved. Jimmy Ktenas supported his community for

over 20 years and now it's time for the community to support us in keeping his memory alive.

We would like to reach out and thank the community, our loyal customers, family and friends for

the overwhelming support over the past few weeks and for the continued prayers and thoughts

that are being sent our way. We wish you all the best, and remember,

as Jimmy always said - "you have to dance the way the music is playing"

-Anna, Alexandra, Patrick, Gianna, Diana and the rest of the Burnt Hills Cafe Family

F o r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m 4 3

4 4 F r o m S c o t i a t o B a l l s t o n S p a , c o v e r i n g t h e R o u t e 5 0 C o r r i d o r


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As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations,compounded by December's bad weather,

it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation,

and people to whom we are worth the same.

- Donald E.Westlake

4 7F o r A d v e r t i s i n g I n f o : 2 6 5 . 1 1 0 5 • y o u r h o m e t o w n e @ g m a i l . c o m m

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Your Hometowne December 2013

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