Your Hometowne February 2013

COMPLIMENTARYFEBRUARY

2013

COMPLIMENTARYFEBRUARY

2013

Pages 37-40TOWN OF MILTON NEWSLETTERPages 37-40TOWN OF MILTON NEWSLETTER

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

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Valentines EveningDinner Reservations provide

Romantic Candlelit Tables for Two

Seating at 5pm • 6pm • 7pm • 8pm

Social networkingat the Tavern

couldn’t be easier with WIFI

399-9951745 Charlton Road, Charltonwww.charltontavern.com

February at the Tavern

The soothing sounds of Bobby Van Detta on guitar4:30-7:30pm

“ A comfy way to finish your week”

Lenten Dinner Specials beginning Friday February 15th

Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners • Intimate Couture Weddings

Perfect Sunday Fireside Evenings


The Ruggiero's family has owned and operated Ruggiero's Pizza,Deli, and Catering since 1989, expanding from our flagshiplocation in Socha Plaza to a second location in Guilderland, whilemaintaining a successful catering business. We offer an extensivelunch, dinner, and catering menu, comprised of our home madeproducts, classic Italian dishes, and specialties made from the finestingredients. TJ’s Flightline Pub located on Rt 50 offers full coursemeals to Pub Fare and weekly entertainment.

Our latest addition is to the Ruggerio family is Siver HillsRestaurant and Banquet House, located at the Pinehaven CountryClub in Guilderland. Our experienced event planning staff can helpcustomize your menu, plan set-up, and serving, as well as reach outto our wide range of entertainment vendors, to make your nextevent, one to remember! We're happy to plan an off-site event atyour desired location, or help you take advantage of the manyamenities Siver Hills has to offer!

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

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

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

A message from

It's time to enjoy the low key part of ourwinter here in Your Hometowne! Theholidays are behind us and fortunatelywe have had the much anticipated (andneeded) cold weather to allow us toenjoy the best of our beautiful area.Granted we could use a little more snow but at least it is cold enough to

freeze our ice skating ponds and allow our local Winter Festivals to occur. There is plenty to do this February, all you need is some warmclothes and a desire to enjoy what Upstate New York has to offer.

Local Cabin Fever Cures:The Lake George Winter Carnival will be in full swing throughout the month offering activities from Helicopter Rides to Out HouseRaces each weekend. Check out www.lakegeorgewintercarnival.com fora full schedule of events. If you are looking for a less structured day;then check out www.saratoga.com/winter for the best places to sledride, cross-country ski, snow shoe and ice skate.

On Sat, Feb 16, The Village of Ballston Spa will hold their AnnualWinter Festival from 11 am - 8pm. Sled down the famous Bath Streetsledding hill and enjoy family friendly activities throughout B Spa Stroll through the Village and spend some time getting to know thelocal merchants. The Ballston Spa Elks Lodge on Hamilton St. willhave fun activities and make a great warming station for you as youmake your way through the Village.

Take a leisurely walk through Village of Scotia. Mohawk Ave has plenty of places to shop and dine. Start out by stopping in at O'Leary'sfor some hearty food and perhaps a cocktail. Now that you are you are warmed up take a stroll down the avenue and discover the shopsand businesses that line the street. If you are ready for some homeimprovement Gary and his son Scott will be happy to help you choosesome new colors for your home. Jaime and Andrea of Shop Talk willgive you some advice on that frizzy winter hair you have. Getting cold?The Scotia Cinema is clean and cozy and you can see a movie for under$5 per person.

We are in the last of our 4 seasons, late winter. Spring will be upon ussoon; so take advantage of this little respite given to us by nature thatwe call winter. Stoke your fireplace, make a pot roast, sit in your favoritechair and relax. Take inventory of the things that make you happy.

March will be the next time we connect with you in print so please joinour FB page to keep in touch. The winds will be howling, the birds willneed you to keep their feeders full and we will all be clamoring to getback outside. Spring will be knocking on our door, teasing us withcrocuses then snowing all over them! Remember that inventory ofhappy things you came up with? Early spring is a great time to decidethat if something does not make you happy; you can bring it out to thecurb and let it be taken away during spring clean up!

Tell your family you love them and remember:Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

ABOUT THE COVER...If you have been reading us since the beginning you will notice thatthe cover is a bit of a repeat. Jaime Hill (Paul’s oldest daughter) andChristopher Giglio became engaged in 2010 and were featured on ourFebruary 2010 cover along with their baby picture you see in the heart;stealing kisses in 1979. The two families were very close at the time (Paulwas Christopher’s God Father) but grew apart as life changed. Years passedby and then Jaime and Chris crossed path again. Only this time it was thebonding of soul mates. Their lives have been intertwined since thebeginning and they celebrated their love officially this past September. Itis only fitting that they are our Valentines Cover. They are living proofthat some people are met to be together, forever.

“Winter is the time of promise because thereis so little to do - or because you can now andthen permit yourself the luxury of thinking so.”

- Stanley Crawford

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!Residents of the Ballston Spa area! Mark yourcalendar for Sunday, February 24, noon to 4pm.You can increase your involvement in yourcommunity on that date.Maybe you always wanted to join a firecompany or the fireman's band, but didn't knowwho to ask? Maybe the Garden Club issomething you now have time for. Looking for aninvite to a service (Rotary or Lions) or fraternal (Elks orMasons) organization? Perhaps you want to help the museums, library, or efforts to preserve theKayaderosseras Creek. Serving a hospice or hosting fresh-air city kids mightbe up your alley. Want to meet other retired people at Seniors? Veterans'organizations will be there.Over two dozen community organizations are participating in theCommunity Volunteer Expo, sponsored by the Ballston Spa Rotary Club. Itwill be held at the Ballston Area Community Center in the heart of thevillage at 20 Malta Ave. Attendees will be able to speak to members of awide range of organizations.Rotarians hope this celebration of the community's volunteer opportunitieswill result in an even stronger and more vital community. By giving timeand talent to local organizations, residents will benefit their neighbors,themselves, and the livability of the Ballston Spa area.PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE:American Legion, BACC; Ballston Community Allies; Ballston SpaEducational Foundation; Ballston Area Senior Citizens; Ballston Spa RotaryClub; Bottle Museum; Brookside; BSBPA; Eagle Matt Lee; Elks; FANS: FreshAir Fund, Friends of the Kayaderosseras; Friends of the Library; Ballston SpaGarden Club; Gateway House of Piece Hospice; Lions; Malta BPA; MaltaRotary; Masons; Milton Grange #685, RPC; Union Fire Co.; and VFW.Additional information may be found at Rotary's website,www.ballstonsparotary.com. Any non-sectarian community volunteerorganizations which wish to be included may contact John Cromie, 885-8451 or any other Ballston Spa Rotarian.

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6 week Creative Movement Samplerfor 3 1/2, 4 & 5 year olds

begins March 2ndGrange Hall, Pashley Rd, E. Glenville

Tues. 10am, Thurs. 1pm, Sat. 8:15am or 12:30pm

A very special Valentine for your child!

Dancing with Ginny Martin is a unique, creative experienceunlike anything else. A master at sparking a youngster's

enjoyment of movement through wonderful story, Ginny offers a dance wonderland not to be missed!

Parents all over the capital district consider Ginny an impeccable role model for their children

as well as an incomparable dance magician.


NEW YEAR'SRESOLUTIONSDry eyes occur when you don't produceenough tears or your tears evaporate tooquickly. As many as 23 million Americanssuffer from dry eyes. Cold winter winds andmoisture zapping heaters can cause orworsen dry eyes.The most common signs of dry eyes are

persistent dryness and irritation, scratchiness, a burning feeling and redeyes. Dry eyes can also cause a protective overproduction of the waterycomponent of your tears causing excessive tearing.Dry eyes can be cause by a number of factors including hormonal changes,long term contact lens wear, prolonged computer use, certain medicationsand environmental triggers such as heaters and dry winds. In some cases,dry eyes can be a sign of something more serious such as abnormal thyroidfunction, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to see your eyedoctor to determine the cause of your dry eyes and treat the conditionaccordingly.Over the counter artificial tears help relieve dry eye symptoms. Prescriptioneye drops go one step farther by stimulating your body to produce moretears. Other treatments include punctual plugs and tiny self-dissolvinginserts placed under the lower eyelid that continually release lubrication.The winter season can be a great time to get outside and soak up the smellsand sights of the season. However, make sure that you follow these simplesteps for combating dry eyes to make sure that you do not fall victim to thehazards of the cold, dry winter weather:

• Wear sunglasses or goggles to reduce exposure to sun and wind.• When skiing or snowboarding, try foam lined goggles that provide

even greater protection.• Supplement your diet with fish oil and other supplements

containing omega-3 fatty acids• Drink more water. Mild dehydration often makes dry eyes worse.• Switch contact lenses. If your contact lenses feel dry and

uncomfortable, ask your eye care provider about trying different lenses that may be better for someone with dry eyes.

If you have any questions about these eye tips or any other eye care issue,you can always ask us on our Facebook page. We promise a promptresponse and would be happy to help you enjoy the winter months.

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

or visit www.burnthillsoptical.com


“A kiss is something you cannot give without taking and cannot take without giving.”

- Anonymous

GEL MANICURESGel manicures are the hottest thing going right now in the beautyindustry! A gel manicure is done with a new technology in nail polish.A gel/polish hybrid that gives a much longer life to your manicured nails.The result, no chipping, a mirror shiny finish and less breakage of thenails for up to 3 weeks! The removal process is simple and takes onlyminutes and when done properly, is safe for the nail. Try it once and youwill be hooked!

WINTER BIRTHDAY PARTY?HAVE IT HERE!

MANIS, PEDIS, BLING STRING...BIG GIRLS AND LITTLE GIRLS!

Follow this link to see what a party here is all abouthttp://www.lipsticknlashes.com/The-Party-s-Here-.html

ENJOY $5 OFF YOURGEL MANICURE

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These days everywhere we look we see campaigns like"Small Business Saturday," a day on which we aresupposed to buy stuff only from businessestablishments that are owned by people who reside"in our community." Although I have no problem with

the overall concept and applaud small business and entrepreneurship - Thebig question is…in all reality is it doable?A common argument is that buying locally keeps the money in thecommunity, and this is somehow a good thing. Basically, if we buy thingslocally simply because they are local and not because they make sense interms of cost, quality and value we are impoverishing ourselves and,ultimately, each other. It is important for local retailers to not only competeon price, but also quality, to make the value of these thoughts sustainable.Buying local solely to buy local is inefficient and, therefore, wastesresources. There is a less-common argument about supporting smallbusinesses that relies on old research about who creates jobs. Basically,there is a political conventional wisdom holding that small businesses arethe most important business category for job creation; some people mightsee this as a reason to support small businesses. So depending on whereyou live, the reality is that the big box stores employ as many if not morethan smaller independent retailers.Again, it comes down to perceived value.If a consumer feels they are appreciated, properly serviced and provided anequally value, they will make the decision to buy local.If you get warm fuzzy feelings from shopping local, do it. Otherwise, stick tomaking consumption decisions according to the net value you get from theproduct you're buying. That will often mean buying local; when it doesn't,you can still feel good about encouraging non-wasteful use of resources.The Power of Propaganda… It's possible and likely that local firms wouldprovide better consumer value than chains but suffer from the fact thatinformation is costly: brand recognition dominates a consumer's decisionwhen determining whether local firms are good for their bottom line.Smaller merchants need to stick together, create coordinated marketingefforts to compete when it comes to convincing their communities that theirproduct is just as good a value.For these reasons, initiatives like "Small Business Saturday” or any of theother “Buy Local” initiatives may be worthwhile. In this respect, the catchphrase should be changed from "buy local" to "check local first."

By Juergen Klingenberg, founder of LocalLivingIn.com and the BuyLocal Reward Card.

CAN A “BUY LOCAL”ATTITUDE REALLY HELP OUR COMMUNITY?


ROTH IRA:A LIFETIME INVESTMENT Some investments are appropriate during your workingyears, while others are more suitable for retirement.But a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) canprovide you with benefits at virtually every stage ofyour life. Let's take a quick “journey” through some ofthese stages to see just how valuable a Roth IRA canbe.

To begin with, you can open a Roth IRA at any age, provided you haveearned income and meet certain income limits. So if you're just starting outin your career, put as much as you can afford into your Roth IRA andgradually increase your contributions as your income rises, up to thecontribution limit. A Roth IRA is an excellent retirement savings vehiclebecause it can grow tax free and your contributions can be invested into justabout any investment you choose - stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs orother options.Of course, when you're young, you might not be thinking much aboutretirement. But the earlier you start contributing to a Roth IRA, the more youcould end up with - and the difference could be substantial. In fact, if youstarted putting money into a Roth IRA at age 30, and you contributed themaximum amount each year until you reached 65, you would accumulatemore than $766,000, assuming you are in the 25% tax bracket and youearned a 7% return, compounded annually. But, given the sameassumptions, you'd end up with only about $365,000 if you waited until 40before you started contributing.It clearly pays to contribute early and annually to a Roth IRA. (In 2013, theannual contribution limit is $5,000, or $6,000 if you're 50 or older.) Thereare additional benefits to funding a Roth IRA, such as its flexible withdrawaloptions, which are available to you even before you retire. Since you alreadypaid taxes on the money you put into your Roth, you can withdraw yourcontributions at any time without paying taxes or penalties. Generallyspeaking, it's certainly best to leave your Roth IRA intact for as long aspossible. But if there's an emergency and you need access to the funds, youcan also withdraw your Roth's earnings tax free, provided you've held youraccount at least five years and you don't start taking withdrawals untilyou've reached 59_.Now, let's fast-forward to your retirement. Unlike other retirement accounts,such as a traditional IRA or a 401(k), your Roth IRA does not require you tostart taking withdrawals at age 70_ - or ever. If you don't need the money,you can leave it alone, possibly to grow further, for as long as you like. Thismeans that you might have more money to bequeath to your children orother beneficiaries, and they won't have to pay income taxes onwithdrawals from either your contributions or your earnings, provided yourRoth IRA account has been open for at least five years. Keep in mind,though, that your beneficiaries will be required to take distributions basedon their life expectancy.As you can see, a Roth IRA can be an excellent financial “travelingcompanion” as you go through life. So consider adding a Roth to yourportfolio - and bon voyage.Christopher Nyhan runs the Edward Jones office in Burnt Hills, NY.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your localEdward Jones Financial Advisor. Chris can be reached at

399-5087 or [email protected].

BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Come bowl for the benefit of the YOUR HOMETOWNEsponsored1M MORTENSEN MOTORSPORTS RACING TEAM.

Saturday, February 16th, 2013Erie Blvd Bowl, 1315 Erie Blvd.

Schenectady NY1:30PM REGISTRATION • 2:30PM BOWLING STARTS

$10 per person (includes 3 games & shoes)$50 Gift Certificate to Lighthouse Restaurant awarded to the winning Pair

50/50 Raffle and many other raffles prizes

Contact Bonnie Mortensen at 882-7011


LEGAL PLANNING TOOLSFOR LIFEWhile Wills can assist people in managing theirassets and affairs after they pass away, everyoneshould have a Health Care Proxy and Power ofAttorney form while they are alive. Health CareProxies are broadly available and can be found at

doctor's offices, hospitals and attorney's offices. Power of Attorney formsand Health Care Proxies should be discussed when you talk to an attorneyto draft a Will.The Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy Forms are useful andnecessary to protect yourself. The Power of Attorney allows the personnamed as your agent to assist you with your financial, legal and personalneeds from the time you execute the document until the end of life. ThePower of Attorney forms tend to be general and durable. General meaningthey apply to a broad set of situations. Durable meaning they are effectivefrom the time they are signed and notarized by you and the person youwish to be your agent, until the end of life.The Health Care Proxy allows the person named as the agent to makemedical decisions if a doctor determines you are incapacitated. Doctors willalways talk to you for your own decisions on health care procedures whileyou have capacity. Health care proxies are needed for more than just end oflife decisions. Health care proxies permit a person to consent to proceduresto heal if you need healing and cannot make your own decisions.Please contact me if you wish to consult with someone on planning foryourself or someone in need. It will be my pleasure to help.

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


FEBRUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers can be found on page 29

ACROSS1. Bravery6. In addition10. Annoyance14. Become accustomed (to)

15. Fluff from a dryer16. Grows in paddies17. Periods of discounted prices18. Assistant19. Biblical garden

20. Portion22. Copper23. Anagram of "Sue"24. Graphs26. Sharp piercing cry30. Different32. Diving bird33. Left by a wound35. Fat39. To the rear41. East southeast42. Wavelike design43. Pentateuch44. Water barrier46. Once ____ a time47. Cassettes49. Begrudge51. Military greeting54. Peace55. Murres56. Eclipse63. The period preceeding

Easter64. South American country65. Open-mouthed66. Leg joint67. King of the jungle68. Locale69. 3 feet70. If not71. Discharge

DOWN1. Credit card brand2. A Freudian stage3. Quiet time4. Chocolate cookie5. Free from harm or evil

6. Dish7. Fifty-three in

Roman numerals8. Cancel9. Stink10. Fraught with danger11. Sea duck12. Fragrance13. Canvas dwellings21. Inquires25. Steering mechanism26. Strip of wood27. Vagabond28. Engine sound29. Enamored30. Fertile area in a desert31. Arduous journey34. Let go36. Water carrier37. Weightlifters pump this38. Depression40. Not this45. Historical periods48. Individuals50. Breathe out51. Sullen or moody52. Sporting venue53. Large commercial ship54. Dried plum57. Obscure58. God of love59. All excited60. Small European

freshwater fish61. Creative work62. Where the sun sets


THE REAL FOOD CHALLENGE Processed foods, additives and chemicals are inferior toreal food and are potentially harmful to your health. Sowhy do you still eat it? You may think that hearthealthy label means something, but it doesn't hold acandle to real food.So what is Real Food?Here's an easy way to tell if your food is real or not: If

your food can go bad, it's good for you. If your food can't go bad, it's badfor you. Real food is fresh and unprocessed.This real food challenge has the potential to change your body forever. Takethe next 7 days to ONLY eat real food. One week is a very short time in thegrand scheme of things, and I know you can do this.During the next 7 days you will avoid eating all of the following food items:

• Bread • Grains • Rice / Pasta• Crackers & Chips • Packaged snacks

Here's a list of the real foods that you will eat instead:• Seasonal, organic Vegetables • Seasonal, organic Fruits • Lean, organic meat, fish & eggs • Nuts and Seeds

Those four categories of food can be combined into endless, flavorfulcombinations. Check out the following meal ideas:Breakfast:

• Scrambled organic eggs, sliced tomato and a handful of seasonal berries.

• Half of a dressed avocado and a few slices of nitrate-free bacon.• Pancakes made with coconut flour and topped with chopped nuts.

Lunch: Pack your lunch the night before and carry it with you.• Dark baby greens topped with chopped chicken breast and diced

tomatoes.• Albacore tuna (packed in water), mixed with finely chopped cucumber

over cauliflower rice.• Turkey and Spinach Salad

Dinner: Eating at home is the first step in reducing your dinnertimecalories.

• Grilled white fish, sautéed spinach and almond bread.• Baked chicken breast with steamed broccoli and quinoa.• A big bowl of arugula topped with sautéed asparagus and sliced

hardboiled eggs.While healthy eating is a huge factor in achieving your ideal weight,exercise is the other (very important) half of the equation.Do this challenge for yourself. In one short week you could be in the same,worse, or you could be leaner and excited.The choice is yours.Your exercise routine should be challenging and should be done on aregular basis.Call or email me today and we will get you started on the exercise programthat will reshape your body in 2013.

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

• Sugar & Corn Syrup • Soda Pop • Packaged Bars • Baked Goods • Candy

“I have found men who didn't know how to kiss.I've always found time to teach them. ”

- Mae West


To preface this month's article I would like to recognize RickReynolds, our Town Historian who has always been a wealth ofknowledge for us to rely on regarding any history related storiesthat we may presented over the years.

2013 is looking to be a great year for everyone tolearn about the Town of Ballston as itcelebrates its 225th anniversary. Cheryll andI are pleased to have been asked toparticipate on the steering committeethat will schedule a summer long seriesof exhibits and events to commemorateour rich history and will follow up withall the details you need to know in ourpublication over the summer monthsahead. The following information isRick's press release regarding theupcoming celebration:

Town of Ballston 225th BirthdayCELEBRATION SUMMER, 2013

Created by Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds

In 1788, the Town of Ballston was created as a part of the hugeAlbany County of that time. Ballston had been a “District,” alongwith Saratoga and Halfmoon, all of which subsequently becamepart of the newly created Saratoga County in 1791. The Town ofBallston: 1788 to 2013: 225 years and certainly worthy of acelebration!

Under the auspices of the Town Historian's Office, this summer'sCelebration of the Town of Ballston will mirror past celebrations inthe town. In summer 2009, a Celebration of Ballston Lake was

held; in 2011, one was held for Burnt Hills. Thesecelebrations showcased our town's history through

pictures, documents and artifacts as well asprovided entertainment for all. Those

previous two celebrations brought outhundreds of people on Saturdayafternoons to experience our past andcelebrate our present.

This summer's celebration is about tobegin its planning stages. The event,the exact date of which will bedetermined soon, will once again allow

residents and guests to see the vaststorehouse of pictures and documents

that are stored in the Town Historian's officeas well as see some of the items from our past.

Have you ever seen a real-life ice cutting saw, onethat was used on Ballston Lake 100 years ago? Ever

seen soap from the Besto Soap Company of Ballston Spa? Howabout a high school diploma from 1938?

Want to play baseball 1850's style? One out per inning; no ballsor strikes; no bases, just stakes! Yes, you'll have the chance for thatand much more at this summer's celebration! STAY TUNED...

The Ballston Spa Central School DistrictBoard of Education recently selected thename for the district's newest elementaryschool, set for completion this comingsummer. The students at the current MiltonTerrace South Elementary School hadcompleted a selection process for choosinga new name for the school that they willoccupy in the fall of 2013 and presentedtheir rankings to the Board forconsideration.

After learning more about the local historyand meeting with the Town of Ballstonhistorian, the students came up withseveral name options. The students at eachgrade level (K-5) submitted names and a

preliminary vote for a new school namewas completed at the end of October. OnElection Day, the students throughout thebuilding voted from the top six nameschosen in October. The top four namesselected were Gordon Creek Elementary,Brookside Elementary, Iron SpringsElementary, and Ballston SpringsElementary.

The Milton Terrace South ElementarySchool Student Council representatives ledthe selection process and presented thenames to the Board of Education at theirDecember 5th meeting. The Board ofEducation members voted for their choiceand the name “Gordon Creek Elementary

School” was unanimously decided to be thename of Ballston Spa's newest school.

Construction of the new school continuesto be completed on time as the majority ofthe work has moved to the interior of thebuilding. The current Milton Terrace SouthElementary School is scheduled to moveinto the building at the end of the schoolyear. The current Malta Avenue ElementarySchool will then occupy the vacated spaceduring renovations in their building,scheduled to begin during the summer of2013. Please visit the facilities pages on thedistrict website at www.bscsd.org forupdates and to view a live “video cam” ofthe construction process.

STAY TUNEDwith Paul Hill

BALLSTON SPA BOARD OF EDUCATION NAMESNEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


WHAT ISMONTESSORI?Truth be told the first time Istepped into a Montessoriclassroom I felt like I entereda whole new world. I wasnot prepared to work withchildren who could sit wherethey were comfortable and

do their work, choose work that interested them or even preparetheir own snacks. Having a very traditional schoolingbackground my first thought was “this educational philosophy isway too alternative for me”, but I needed a job.

By my second week of working as a teaching assistant I wasapplying to a teacher training program and rethinking my careerpath. That was 18 years ago and I am still in awe at times atwhat children are truly capable of given the right environment.

Montessori to the untrained eye can look a bit “chaotic” andunstructured. The opposite is actually true. The teachers aretrained to observe and teach to each child as an individual. Weplan activities and lessons based on each child’s development.Materials are made to be self correcting’ allowing children toexplore and internalize the concepts after working with teachersindividually. Teachers work with children one on one, in smallgroups and as a class at circle times. In working with childrenin this manner we are able to assess their progress and monitorfor emerging Sensitive Periods. These are specific times when achild’s brain is ready to learn certain concepts. For example,you may notice your preschool child is coloring, wanting to“write”, and/or interested in activities that require fine motorcontrol. As teachers we would begin planning lessons andwork geared towards developing their writing skills.Montessori also believes that a child’s mind is like a sponge.Until the age of 6 a child absorbs all the knowledge andexperiences around them. They are able to store thisinformation to be used later when they are older, thus creatinga strong educational foundation.

The Montessori School has 2 Burnt Hills locations. Our ToddlerProgram is located at 85 Lake Hill Rd. and our PreschoolProgram is located at 124 Lake Hill Rd. Our goal is to help onefamily at a time to build this strong foundation.. Our teachersbelieve that education is not just for school but a way of life andwork hard to develop lifelong relationships with their families.If you are interested in learning more about our school or theMontessori Philosophy please call for an appointment.

(518) 384-0074

OPEN HOUSEFEBRUARY 9TH

Pre-School • 9am-11am124 Lake Hill Rd, Burnt Hills

Toddlers • 11:30am-1pm85 Lake Hill Rd, Burnt Hills


For eighth grader, Olivia DeRagon and herfamily, art and music is just, well… life. Hermother, Tracy is the music department andband director at Ballston Spa CentralSchool District. Her Dad, Ken, has playedtrombone professionally with the GlensFalls Symphony Orchestra and Empire JazzOrchestra for years. Olivia and her sisters,Ali and Sami also play in multiple bands,orchestras, and at the middle school. Ireally have no idea how their parents keepthem all going in so many directions, butthey do. This family's commitment to artand music is very impressive and it showsin Olivia's many accomplishments, not tomention her sister's as well.

Olivia started playing instruments at theage of 8 or so, when she began learning theOboe. Of course, one instrument is rarelyenough for any of the talented DeRagonclan, even one as difficult as the oboe. So,it was not long before she started playingbaritone, then Piano and guitar. She haseven participated in the Ithaca CollegeSummer Music program.

The talented 13 year old has been involvedin three productions at the HomemadeTheatre Youth Conservatory in Saratogaover the last two years. She played GeneralCartwright in Guys and Dolls and wasspunky orphan, Pepper, in their productionof Annie. She also played a member of theWitch's Army in the theatre's professionalproduction of The Lion, The Witch, and TheWardrobe. This is only one part of hertheatre experience. She is almost a veteranat the age of 14! She has also held downsupporting roles in both Beauty and theBeast and Annie for Launching PadProduced plays at the Middle School. Herlatest role is with Launching Pad again, asthe evil villain, Stromboli, in My Son

Pinocchio. This is the traditional story of Pinocchio, but told from Geppetto's point of view,instead of the puppets. Olivia was gearing up for this performance when we sat down. Sheis very excited to give this traditionally male role, a very fresh, female twist. Her sister, Ali isalso in the production, playing one of the parents in the ensemble cast. The show will runin the Ballston Spa High School Theatre for six performances: 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 and1 p.m. matinees Feb. 2 and 9. Tickets are general admission and may be purchased beforeeach performance for $7 each right outside the door.

Outside of performing, our talented young lady, volunteers with her Mom and sisters at theSaratoga Animal Shelter on Sundays, saying simply that they just love the animals that theyget to help there. She also has an intense interest in science, as it applies to art. Her favoritecharacter on TV is Angela on Bones. Olivia told me that is the kind of job she would love tohave. As she puts it, “It is a way of combining my two favorite things, art and science”.Olivia is a frequent name seen on the principal's list at Ballston Spa Middle School, so nodoubt she will have her choice of profession as an adult. Right now, she is content toconcentrate on music, performing, and keeping her grades up as she prepares to enter thehigh school next year.

Be sure to go out and support all our budding performers at all of the upcoming productionsbeing put on by your districts. These kids work really hard to put these shows together andthey do love an audience (the bigger the better)! Written by: Heather Di Pietro

Love for the Arts,really does start at home!


THAT'S AMORE...When the moon hits your eye - Like a big pizzapie - That's amore - When the world seems toshine - Like you've had too much wine - That'samore...

Well, let us hope you don't get hit in the facewith a big pizza pie. This song however is aperfectly happy metaphor for love.

We all have those days that "love" in allsenses of the word, seems to fail us. We hope this is just a passingmoment and as the time wares on; we recover and notice that loveis around every corner. I believe it is always there, sometimes wesimply forget to look for it. It is in every minute of every day. AsI add years to my age I am finding that the simplest of things giveme pleasure and love. Now, I say things, and I mean the exactopposite. I have had many "things" over the years and now I findmyself without many of them, without many "things". And yet, Ihave love and compassion staring right back at me more oftenthan not.

Maybe, it was loss that actually showed me more. There weretimes that bitterness and anger took the stage only to be pushedout by pity. As these emotions sauntered off stage left, a newattitude entered. My love of love! I have never wavered really. Ihave been reassured as I see it every day and in many people, righthere in our little town and right here in my life. I believe in havingbutterflies in your belly at any age.

I believe that a cup of coffee can make your afternoon. I believethat sitting under the sun in lawn chairs, starring at the sky andthe clouds, can be one of the best moments I have had in a verylong time.

I love the music that plays as I waltz around my living room. Thelove how I feel when my son and I do something together and herates it an 8.5!! I love the members at the gym who always giveme all they have - never giving up and pushing through the class(and still like me afterwards). I love all the people that call you byname in town when you frequent their shops. I love that myfriends will always have the right thing to say and can make melaugh even on the hardest days. I love my family for helping mestack wood and calling to check up on me, telling me that theylove me and that it is going to be all right. I even love that mywrinkles are even more noticeable when I smile. And I love tosmile!

So when the world seems to shine, like you've had too muchwine... simply step back and enjoy it. Bask in the love thatsurrounds you - its' right there, its' in every minute of every day.As always, I wish you peace, joy and much amore'!

Pattie Rakvica • [email protected]


518-399-8174 • [email protected] HOURS M-Th 10AM-8PM / Fri 10AM-5PM / Sat 10AM-2PMONLINE http://catalog.sals.edu or http://toblibrary.sals.edu

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

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES The February Meeting of the Townof Ballston Community Library Board of Trustees will be onWednesday, February 27, 2013 at 7PM in the library communityroom. These meetings are open to the public and we’d love to seeyou there.The Town of Ballston Community Library will have two openings forlibrary trustees in July 2013. Trustees are appointed by the Town ofBallston Board for a 5 year term. Trustees must be residents of theTown of Ballston residing outside the Ballston Spa School District.Please contact Library Director Karen DeAngelo for moreinformation and an application form.

COMPUTER CLASS SCHEDULE Classes are free unless otherwisenoted. For a small printing fee, handouts may be available for patrons toretain for future reference. Registration is required and space is limited.To register, please stop by or call the library at 518-399-8174. x 2.2/4 12-2PM Introduction to Computers for Absolute Beginners2/4 4-6PM Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 12/7 5-7PM Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 12/8 1-3PM Microsoft Word 2010 Level 12/11 12-2PM Picasa2/11 4-6PM Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 22/13 5-7PM Introduction to Computers for Absolute Beginners2/19 7-8PM e-Readers2/21 5-7PM Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 22/25 12-2PM Google and the Internet2/25 4-6PM Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 32/28 5-7PM Computer LAB

eBooks: Bring your Kindle, Nook or IPad to learn how to downloadbooks from the Library onto your device. (All Levels)Google and The Internet: We will start with a backgroundsynopsis of the Internet and how it “works”. The class will alsodiscuss “Googling” or searching on the Internet and how to findwhat information you are seeking in the most efficient and safemanner. A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected.(Beginner Level)

Introduction to Computers for Absolute Beginners: A very basiclook at the PC designed for users just learning about turning the uniton and off, using a mouse and keyboard and viewing the desktop.Hands on practice is emphasized. (Absolute Beginner Level)Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 1: Introduction to using MicrosoftExcel as your spreadsheet application. Topics will include creatingand editing a spreadsheet. We will look at the differing types of data(numeric vs. text) and performing basic calculations. (Beginner Level)Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 2: Emphasis will be on formattingworksheets, formulas and functions, and “what-if” analysis. Anunderstanding of computer use and the topics covered in EXCEL Level1 is requested for those attending this class. (Intermediate Level)Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 3: This session expands into relativevs. absolute cell references, charting, using multiple sheets, pagelayouts and styles, fiscal and logical functions. Knowledge of Excel1 and 2 topics is inferred. (Advanced Level)PICASA: A class for using one of the best, FREE, photo editingapplications available. Bring some of your own digital photo files toexperiment with. A basic working knowledge of the computer isexpected. (Beginner Level)

LIBRARY PROGRAMSSocial Knitting Group: February 18, 2013 from 7-9PM in thelibrary community room. All are welcome, even those who crochet,tat, embroider, etc., but only knitting help is guaranteed.

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTHScribbles & Tales February 13 at 4PM. Listen to stories and docrafts! This is an inclusive program for children of all levels of abilityin Grades K-3. Please sign up in advance.2, 3, 4 Book Club February 7 at 4PM - a theme book club for kidsin grades 2, 3, and 4. We play with Legos while we talk aboutbooks! Please sign up.

TWEEN & TEEN PROGRAMS5th & 6th Grade Book Club Friday, February 8 at 4PM. Read greatbooks and do crafts! Sign up and pick up a copy of the Februarybook,The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheikin.Any interested5th or 6th grader can join at any time. For more information emailRebecca at [email protected] or call 399-8174 x 3.

FEBRUARY BREAK PROGRAMSLibrary Mini Golf - The Friends of the Library is hosting a Library MiniGolf fundraising event on February 15 & 16. Friday we will play from5PM-7PM and on Saturday we'll play from 9AM-5PM. This will be achance for families and friends to come out and play together! Ourevent will include 18 holes of golf, a bake sale, and a mini book sale.

Hair Creations - February 20 at 1:30PM - Decorate headbands andmake your own hair accessories. For grades K-5. Please sign up.

Soapy Snowmen - Use soap flakes to make snowmen and snowpictures. For grades K-5. Please sign up.

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Jennifer Maurer 1969-2010


SCHOOLTAX RELIEFWe often hear people complainabout taxes; who doesn't, right?However, what many people don'trealize is that if your household

earns less than $500,000 a year and you own and live in your ownhome, there is an easy way to get a discount on your taxes. It's calledthe New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program and here's how itworks.Basic STAR: Basic STAR is available for an owner-occupied primaryresidence, regardless of age, where the owners' and their spouses'income is less than $500,000. It exempts the first $30,000 of the fulltax assessed value of a home from school taxes. Thus, for STARapplicants, each school tax bill is calculated as if the home's assessedvalue is $30,000 less than its actual assessed value.Enhanced STAR: If your household income is $79,050 or less and youare 65 or older, you qualify for Enhanced STAR on your primaryresidence. Enhanced STAR works similarly to Basic STAR, but thebenefit is greater. It exempts the first $63,300 from school taxes,effectively lowering the assessed value of the home by that sum for thepurposes of calculating the school taxes.In both programs, the state has capped the benefit to a 2% increaseover the prior year, but each home still sees a significant reduction intheir tax bills, sometimes up to $50/month."How do I apply for my STAR exemption?" Just go to your townclerk, or contact your favorite Bliss Properties agent, for a copy of theone-page STAR application. Simply fill it out and turn it in to your localTown Assessor before March 1st . You only need to apply once and thesavings is carried over each year. However, STAR savings is nottransferable with the sale of a home. Thus, when you purchase a newprimary residence, you will need to fill out the application and submit itby the deadline, even if the prior owner received the exemption the yearbefore.As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact yourfavorite Bliss Properties agent any day from 8am to 8pm, or check withyour local Town Assessor for details. We love helping Our Hometownefind real estate Bliss!

Pamela Bliss, BrokerCertified International Property Specialist Senior Real Estate Specialist [email protected]

Victoria Romeo, AgentCertified Buyer Representative First-Time Homebuyer/Seller [email protected]

“On cable TV they have a weather channel - 24 hours of weather.

We had something like that where I grew up.We called it a window. ”

- Dan Spencer


MALTA AVENUE ELEMENTARY PARTICIPATES IN

“SCHOOLS HELPINGSCHOOLS” HAT DAY

Malta Avenue Elementary School in Ballston Spa "adopted" theMassapequa City School District through the Schools Helping Schoolsprogram sponsored by the New York State Council of SchoolSuperintendents (NYSCOSS). The school district was impacted byHurricane Sandy and is in need of many items for their students andfamilies. On Wednesday, January 16th, the Malta Avenue Student Councilsponsored a Hat Day and raised $513.12, which will now be sent to aidwith the relief efforts going to the people in the Massapequa schools.NYSCOSS launched the program, Schools Helping Schools, in response tothe many offers of help from school district members throughout thestate following the terrible impact of Hurricane Sandy on communities,schools and families. The Council is matching affected school districtswith others from around the state in a state-wide “adopt a school”donation and relief effort. Superintendents who have “adopted” anotherdistrict continue to communicate with the adopted school district to seewhat needs their students and community have.Two elementary schools in the Ballston Spa Central School District(BSCSD) were matched with sister schools in the Massapequa PublicSchool District on Long Island to provide support for homeless familieswho were displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Over 275 families in their districtlost everything due to the damage and they are in need of resources toassist the families with daily living. Malta Avenue and Milton TerraceSouth Elementary Schools both planned school wide efforts to collect anypossible donation that can be easily transported to the affected schoolsfor distribution to families.The school district remains cognizant of teaching students theimportance of service learning and community service throughout theentire school year. When asked to support another school district, “ OurPrincipals and staff did not hesitate to volunteer their assistance inhelping our “sister” schools downstate,” indicated Joseph P. Dragone,Ph.D., Superintendent of BSCSD.BSCSD students and staff members throughout the district were activelyinvolved in supporting the relief efforts following the storm. MiltonTerrace North 3rd grade students hosted a pasta dinner to raise moneyfor victims of Hurricane Sandy and collected close to $1,800.00. TheBallston Spa Middle School hosted their 3rd “Scottie's Closet” anddistributed all of the clothing left to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.Ballston Spa teachers and staff also gathered supplies and donations foran elementary school in Coney Island.For additional information on the Schools Helping Schools project, pleasecontact Kyle McCauley Belokopitsky at [email protected] or 518-694-4874. Local contact is Stuart Williams, Community Relations, @BSCSD,884-7195 or [email protected].

PRIMITIVE COUNTRYDECOR'S NEWEST TWISTEach month I share “Decorating Tips from TheSpeckled Hen” and introduce you to newways to decorate your home with primitives. Ifyou already have a primitive home, I'll help

add to it with fresh ideas. And although I won't be open this month, I stillhave many decorating tips to share!Most of us know primitive decorating as part flea market finds, part shabbychic, and part 'make-do'. This requires investing time into scouting outclassic older pieces - antiques or barn finds that you fix up for display. Ifyou can't find the perfect piece at a flea market, second hand store, garagesale, or country auction, then check out primitive country décor's newesttrend - taking something new and forcefully 'aging' the piece.These pieces are made with the finest wood and craftsmanship, and thendistressed to look old through paint applications and techniques. I've yetto hear a name for it, but I think that 'upscale primitive' describes itperfectly. This has become popular in recent years, and in fact, there aremany local craftsmen who produce beautiful 'upscale primitive' pieces. Youcan make pieces similar to this at home, so let's talk more about takingnew pieces and making them look old for primitive decor.There are many 'aging' tricks for making furniture look primitive. Find theright piece for your home and make it look olden using a crackle painttreatment and some sandpaper. Sand down the areas that would've beenworn-down naturally over years of use. While the standard “Crackle” paintis great, also try the “Porcelain Crackle” - this will give you a finish similarto what you'd see on old china dishes. Replace the standard hardware withsomething more rustic, and be sure to use the similar aging techniques onit. Soon your furniture will have a country appeal that is 100% to your tasteand matches you home's color scheme perfectly.These ideas and suggestions are in addition to the many items featured inThe Speckled Hen. I can't wait to see you during your next visit, butremember I'll be closed for the month of February.

Maureen Culver • 369.8771 • 38 Saratoga Road, [email protected]

Glenville Town Offices18 Glenridge Road, Glenville, NY 12302

Have Garofalo's custom cut a Sweetheartsteak to your desired thickness and bring to room temperature before grilling

2 ounces Garofalo's Roll butter,at room temperature 2 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons fresh chopped chive 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme

In a mixer, whip butter and Roquefort cheeseuntil smooth. Add garlic, chive and thymeand mix until well combined.

Place butter mixture on parchment paperand roll the parchment paper around butterforming 1-inch diameter log. Chill until firm

Pat rib eyes dry with paper towels. Brushevenly with seasoned olive oil available atGarofalo's and season with salt. Press black pepper evenly on both sides. Transferseasoned steaks to the hot grill, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side formedium-rare, longer if desired. Removesteaks and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Serve topped with slices of Roquefort butter.Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Garafalo's, the tastepeople travel for!

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

since 1904.www.garofalosausage.com

JACK DANIEL’S GLAZED HAM

A 3.5 oz serving of the super trim porkshoulder is 220 calories. 1 link of sausage

is approx 3-4 oz. This means 1 serving of Garofalo's sausage is 220 calories

for there is nothing added to it other thanpork. No added fillers and no preservatives.

I had also wanted to mention (for I am asked often) that there is

no sugar, no gluten added and no MSG.

OUR SIGNATURE ITALIAN SAUSAGESINCE 1904

Hot or Sweet; Rope style or PattiesMeatballs and Bragoiles, Kielbasa, Chorizo,

Andouille, Bratwurst, Daisy Hams & Thick Sliced Bacon

CUSTOM CUT BEEFFilet Mignon, Rib Eye Steaks choice

NY Strip Steaks choice

PORKPork Chops Center Cut Bone in or Stuffed*

Pork Tenderloins

POULTRYSkinless boneless Chicken Breasts

Chicken Cutlets or Stuffed Chicken Breasts*

COLD CUTSFeaturing BattistoniSalami, Capicola,

Soppresata & Abruzzi

*Our own bread crumb and sausage stuffing

Don't forget the Homemade StuffedCherry Peppers or Freshly Grated Parmesan

to complement our large Selection ofPasta & Casa Visco Sauces.

A variety of Olive Oils as well as blocks ofSharp Provolone, Fontinella, Asiago,

Extra Sharp Canadian Cheddar, SmokedCheddar, Danish Blue Cheese, Pecorino

Romano and Parmesan Reggianito.

4 to 6 pound ham from Garofalo's1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed1/3 cup Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey1 tbsp finely grated orange peel1/8 tsp ground cloves1/4 tsp ground allspiceOrange slices, thinly slicedCurly endive, for garnish

Preheat oven to 325°. On a rack in aroasting pan, roast ham, uncovered, forabout 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer reads 140° F. Before ham is done, simmer a mixture of brownsugar, Jack Daniel's whiskey, orange peel,cloves, and allspice over medium low heatfor about 15 minutes, or until slightlythickened. Brush the glaze over the hamabout 20 minutes before done.

Serve the ham garnished with orange slices.

SWEETHEART RIB-EYE STEAK


VETHELP is a program whose mission is to serve the needs ofhomeless military veterans by empowering them to embrace andmaintain independent living and self-sufficiency. This is effectivelyaccomplished by helping veterans secure temporary and permanenthousing, viable employment, access to health care and addressother issues facing these veterans in their journey through life.

Since 1983 Saratoga County RPC has operated as a §501(c)(3)charity registered in the State of New York. We have had manypeople support us and there is no way to express our thanks thatseems adequate. We still need your support, anything you can give,can and will help. Saratoga County RPC has grown into anorganization that operates two transitional facilities for homelessveterans. These shelters are meant for those who need it, as a briefsojourn on a veteran’s journey through life.

A transitional facility for male veterans was established in SaratogaSprings in 1988. From inception of the homeless shelter we havebeen at full capacity and now operate a twelve bed facility locatedat 36 Church Avenue, Ballston Spa, New York.

A transitional facility for female veterans was established inBallston Spa, NY in the fall of 2011. From inception of the homelessshelter idea the surrounding communities have joined together tomake the “Guardian House” a success. The facility is located at1214 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa, New York and can housingeleven women.

Saratoga County RPC services today includes ongoing managementof federally funded rental units in all Saratoga County and are at alevel of 164 families being subsidized monthly.

The NYS Department of Social Service’s Homeless Housing andAssistance Program provided construction funding for an eightapartment complex in the Town of Wilton. Occupancy began inJanuary 1991 and houses veterans and their families. This programtargets veterans who are homeless about to be homeless or livingin substandard shelters. Four additional units were constructed in1997.

There are many services available to veterans here at SaratogaCounty RPC. These services are not limited to veterans who residein the transitional facilities. There are employment and housingservices, in addition to these services there is a knowledgeable andexperienced staff that can guide a veteran along the correct path tohelp.

INTEGRITYAt our core, Saratoga County RPC is about integrity: The integrity ofveteran residents, the integrity of staff, and the integrity of ourcommitment to work tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans andothers in the community at large. We assist veterans with bothpicking up the pieces of their lives and filling in the gaps that publicagencies do not address.

Homeless veterans need an interwoven effort that provides a safetynet of housing, meals, health care, substance abuse aftercare andmental health counseling. They also need job assessment, trainingand placement assistance. Our mission at Saratoga County RPC isto offer a continuum of care that includes immediate and long-termhousing, treatment and recovery for addiction, food, and clothing,as well as medical, counseling and job-related services.

Because government money for homeless veterans is currentlylimited and serves only one in 10 veterans in need, it is critical thatprivate groups such as Saratoga County RPC reach out to helpprovide the support, resources and opportunities most Americanstake for granted: housing, employment and health care.

Saratoga County RPC has a record of success, helping veterans gettheir lives back on track. But to continue providing this criticalsupport to veterans, we need the ongoing support of thecommunity. To make a donation to help us continue working on ourvital mission you can write a check made out to VETHELP, mailedto 1214 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, visit our websiteat www.vethelpny.org and donate securely via PayPal, or call (518)885-0091.


HELPING VETERANS FIND EMPLOYMENT & HOUSING


Ken Maynard is a homegrown entrepreneur, born and raised inBallston Spa. Ken made a decision to go into business forhimself and on February 2, 2001; he took over the SunocoStation at 230 Church Ave near the corner of Rt50 and 67 fromDan Mabb and turned it into a full service gas station.

Ken set up the garage to offer everything from welding andfabrication to custom exhaust and trailer hitch installation. Inaddition to being able to repair any vehicle on wheels Ken alsooffers a great deal on trade-ins towards an extensive selection ofused cars and trucks. His used vehicle inventory has been gonethrough with a fine tooth comb assuring his customer they arebuying a well maintained vehicle. He backs that up with a solidwarrantee for the next 1,000 miles and in most cases he will fillyour gas tank for free on your way out. If you don't see a vehicleyou want on his lot let him know and he will go find one for you.

Over the years he has built a great reputation and his customersreturn and refer their friends and family because Ken goes theextra mile…so to speak. In the past he has had a few folks whobrought in their vehicle that they purchased from him with anissue that needed attention. If they were a little over the 1,000mile warranty agreement Ken would bend over backwards tomake it right. He pays it forward, and treats his customers withthe respect they deserve, and will to go great lengths to keepthem satisfied. His kindness is reflected in his actions; oneexample is how Ken and his staff take pride in assisting theelderly or disabled by dropping whatever they are doing to goout and pump their gas for them, all it takes is a short tap onthe horn!

His loyalty to people is one of his many character traits. Whenhe acquired the station from Dan back in 2001 he also inheritedPat Bond who had worked at the station with Dan Mabb. Pat isstill there today along with Jason Wade. Between the three ofthem they work on everything that rolls into the garage, eachbring a specialty skill to the table and collectively provide thearea with a team of local guys who care about keeping yourvehicle in good shape and getting you back on the road quickly.

As a certified NAPA Auto care center, you are assured that yourvehicle is receiving the best service you can get!

Having moved close to 1,000 car or trucks in the past twelveyears they have earned a very loyal customer base that routinelycome back for scheduled maintenance or repairs. Sometimesthey stop in just to shoot the breeze with Ken, if you can catch him sitting still long enough to chat. He is either up to his elbows under a car on the lift or out on the road picking up vehicles for his inventory.

From our perspective Ken's Auto service is a fine example of ahardworking businessman who keeps the spirit of communityalive in YOUR HOMETOWNE!

On behalf of the Town of Milton and the Town Council,I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you toour picturesque town. Milton was founded in 1792and is a scenic community with a population of18,575.

We are a growing rural community with excellenteducational institutions, quiet and friendlyneighborhoods, a growing Town Center and a vastnetwork of diverse municipal parks.

As your Supervisor, I will continue to strive to makesure Milton Town Center remains open fordevelopment while still retaining and preserving theRural Districts. In a region experiencing rapid growth,we want to be able to welcome the developers whilemaintaining our Open Spaces and Farmlands. I lookforward to another prosperous year with progress,where numerous initiatives will be set in motion tocontinue to improve and expand on our existingprograms and services. The Town of Milton has severalgreat development projects for 2013.

Milton will continue to value our historic structuresand open spaces while promoting a vibrant TownCenter. Our efforts will ensure the residents of Miltonwill have the tools necessary to achieve their goalsand the highest quality of life.

I hope to see you at all of our events throughout theyear! Please check our website and Town FacebookPage for updates.

Daniel P. LewzaTown of Milton Supervisor

The Town of Milton is excited to welcome Milton Medical Center to Town Center for 2013.Construction will most likely begin in Late Spring 2013.

• MILTON WORKS TO KEEP D.O.T.$1 MILLION TOWN GRANT

• COMMUNITY CENTER RECEIVES ATTENTION

• BOICE FAMILY PARK TRAIL OPENS

• SUMMER CAMPIS REINSTATED

• TOWN OF MILTON JOINS FACEBOOK

WINTER 2013 • VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

www.townofmiltonny.org

Inside:

NEW MILTON MEDICAL CENTER in 2013

885.9220 • [email protected]

The Town of Milton Community Center andHome of the Ballston Area Senior Citizens at310 Northline Road in Ballston Spa hasreceived some special attention this year fromthe Town of Milton, the Town Council, theBuildings & Grounds Department and theHighway Department.

We began with the landscaping surroundingthe front entrance. The landscaping in itsentirety was removed and replaced as part ofthe Community Center Beautification Project.Highway Superintendent David Forbes, theHighway Department, and the Buildings &Grounds Department worked hard to removethe existing landscaping and replace it withflowering trees and sustainable shrubbery. Asthe projects continued, the parking lot wascleaned, resealed and restriped. This processwill help prolong the life of the blacktop as

well as maintaining the safety of thoseutilizing the parking lot.

The largest project was one that was morethan necessary, replacement of the entire roof.The roof was leaking in various locationscausing interior damage. The replacement ofthe roof is the first part of a multiphaseventure to create an energy efficient building.This investment will allow the Town and thetaxpayers to see a significant reduction in thecost to heat and cool the facility. This will also

ensure that there is no more ongoing damageto the interior of the center.

The exterior of the building has sustainedextensive damage from the weather, vehicledamage, pesky woodpeckers, and lack ofproper maintenance. The damage to the sidingand other exterior repairs are projected tobegin in late 2013.

The interior of the building has sufferedconsiderable wear and tear from the last tenyears of use. The Buildings and GroundsDepartment will be doing interior work torepair the exceptionally damaged sections ofthe interior. We have also partnered withRebuilding Together Saratoga County forinterior projects during Spring 2013. Pleasevisit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County'swebpage to see how you can helpwww.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org

The Town of Milton Supervisor and his team have been workingtirelessly on keeping a $1 million dollar grant that was awarded in2006. New York State Department of Transportation informed theTown early this year that because nothing had been completed on theproject, they are pulling the funding toaward to another project. This grant isspecifically for Geyser Road in Town Centerto enhance the pedestrian experience bycreating sidewalks, street lights, andcurbing.

M.J. Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.,the Town's Engineering firm, had theirteam work together with the Town, CapitalDistrict Transportation Commission, FederalHighway Association, and New York StateDepartment of Transportation to providethem with the updated information tomaintain the $1 million grant.

Information that DOT had requested inorder to maintain the grant was an entirely updated plan with a newcost analysis. This needed to reflect the change in the cost of materialsand labor.

A large reduction in some of the cost is due to the support of the Townof Milton Highway Department. Superintendent David Forbes hasoffered his department and their services to perform many of thespecific tasks on the project to save the tax payers money. This will inno way interrupt the services that are already provided by theHighway Department to Town of Milton residents.

The grant is instrumental in making Milton become a pedestrianfriendly community that has been and still currently is envisioned.Making our streets safer for our residents and visitors is a primary goal

of the Town. The amount of traffic has increased over the last five toten years while the space allotted for pedestrians and cyclist has not.This increase in traffic causes great concern for pedestrian and cyclistsafety, which is why Supervisor Lewza and his team made it a priority

to secure this funding.

Milton Town Center is a vital resource toSaratoga County. This portion of the Countyis part of the CDTA Route 50 Bus Route,which is the primary route fromAlbany/Schenectady to Saratoga andWilton. This route brings many visitingpedestrians to our streets. They are eitherwaiting at the bus stop on the sides ofGeyser and Rowland or walking to/fromtheir cars or neighborhoods. Their safety isextremely important to Milton andmaintaining this $1 million grant is vital toensuring the safety of those in ourcommunity.

As Town Center develops, you will be able to see a truly safer Town ofMilton; allowing pedestrians, bicyclists, and CDTA riders to have clearpathways to their destinations.

Construction on the project is set to begin in Spring of 2013 on thenorth side of Geyser Road. This includes creating one unifiedsidewalk, road curbing, and lighting. The south side of Geyser Road isprojected to begin in early Spring of 2014.

A Public information forum will be held in early 2013 to answerresident and business questions and give more specific project details.Please check the Community Calendar on the website for more detailson when this forum will take place. The professionals involved in theproject will be available to address all questions from the public.

$1 MILLION DOLLAR TOWN CENTER GRANT

RENOVATION’S at MILTON COMMUNITY CENTER

www.townofmiltonny.org

The Town Council adopted the preliminary budget on November 7th, 2012 at the TownBoard Meeting.

The 2013 Budget includes no increase to the tax rates for Town of Milton residents.

The total general appropriation (not including special districts) is $5,379,523.00. Thisreflects a 10.5% increase from 2012. This increase includes a $250,000.00 expenditure forthe Town Center Grant Project (see page 2 for more details).

Sales tax revenues are anticipated to be $2,500,000.00 for the year 2013. Revenue fromthe sale of town property on Northline Road and Salem Drive will be estimated to be $250K.

Town full-time employees will be receiving a one-time bonus of $1,000.00. Part-time andelected officials will not be included. Highway Department members will also not beincluded as they are under union negotiations at this time.

The Town of Milton Adopted Budget is available for viewing on the Town website atwww.townofmiltonny.org or the Town Clerk's Office.

After two years of work by Town staff incollaboration with Friends of theKayaderosseras and local Boy Scout troops,the trail system at the Boice Family Park nearRock City Falls is almost complete. The mainparking area is on Creekside Drive just offRock City Road. The parking area is currentlygrass, and the trailhead sign should be upwithin the next few weeks. From there, atrail marked with orange hiker circles goesdown to the Kayaderosseras. The orangetrail follows the Creek and then goes uphillalong the Town's property line until itintersects with the old Push Pull & JerkTrolley Bed. From that intersection, blue andred trail options exist. The blue markersfollow the trolley bed about a mile to theremains of the Pioneer Paper Mill and WestMilton Road. The red markers follow acreekside loop (still under construction) thatcomes back to the trolley bed closer to themill. This loop is scheduled for completionby Scout Troop 11 this fall.

When completed, the trail system will offer avariety of walking paths totaling over threemiles. Additional parking areas are plannedoff Creekside Drive by the Creek (not yetpaved) and at West Milton Road. Trail mapswill be available at the parking areas.Although some sections of trail are still inthe final stages of completion, most of thesystem is partially marked and accessiblenow for the adventuresome walker.

TOWN BUDGET ADOPTED for 2013

WALKING TRAILS OPEN at

BOICE FAMILY PARK

TOWN OF MILTON GENERAL CONTACT (518) 885-9220

TOWN SUPERVISOR DAN LEWZA (518) 884-2766

CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARYTO THE SUPERVISOR TERI WILSON (518) 885-9220 EXT. 113

TOWN CLERK WILLIAM MEVEC (518) 885-9220 EXT. 110

TOWN ASSESSOR MARY ANN BECKER (518) 885-8047

RECEIVER OF TAXES SHARON SOMMER (518) 884-2765

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT DAVID FORBES (518) 885-5655

BUILDING INSPECTOR WAYNE HOWE (518) 884-2764

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER RICHARD PINE (518) 885-9220 EXT. 136

TOWN HISTORIAN ROYANN BLODGETT (518) 885-9220 EXT. 135

TOWN OF MILTON TOWN COURT (518) 885-9267

503 Geyser Road • Ballston Spa NY 12020

As of October 26th, 2012, the Town hasofficially created a Town Facebook page.The primary goals of the Supervisor'sOffice maintaining a Facebook page is to:

• Build a better social connection to the Town residents.

• Share public service announcements such as important emergency informationfrom the County and State and changes to the monthly town meetings.

• Use it to help inform residents of events being held within the Town of Milton.

• Allow specific information to be easily accessible with links to our municipal website.

The Town of Milton webpage can beaccessed at www.townofmiltonny.organd there is a link to our Facebook pageon the right hand side of the homepage.

If there is a Town of Milton or Village ofBallston Spa event you would like puton the website or Facebook page, pleaseemail [email protected]

Thanks to Supervisor Dan Lewza and theTown of Milton Council, the Town of Miltonre-instated the Summer Camp Program thathad previously been eliminated from the2012 Town Budget. Their goal was to get theprogram up and running with a minimal feeto Town of Milton residents. In March of2012, Supervisor Lewza organized andencouraged the Recreation Committee to finda way to run the camp on a bare bonesbudget. Thanks to all involved, it wasaccomplished and the 2012 Town of MiltonSummer Recreation Program was able to runwith great success. The feedback fromresidents was “outstanding”. Our campcounselors were amazing and made it a greatsummer for our kids. All activities were heldat the Burgess-Kimball Memorial Park onRowland Street in Ballston Spa except for twooff-site field trips. We held Olympic Days,

water days and had music from a disc jockey.

In 2013 we once again will be able to run theTown of Milton Summer Recreation Programwith a minimal fee to the town residents.Applications will be available at Town Halland on the Town of Milton website.Registration must be completed in full withmedical forms completed.

Applications will be available starting latespring. Summer camp will run July 8th-August 1st, 2013 9am to 12 noon. Open forchildren entering 1st grade through 6th gradeas of the September 2013 school year. Moreinformation will be available in spring 2013on the Town of Milton website.www.TownOfMiltonNY.org

Thank you to the Town of Milton for re-instating the Summer Recreation Program! We are looking forward to anothergreat year!

SUMMER CAMP is RE-INSTATED

TOWN of MILTON Joins Facebook

Newsletter published by Your Hometowne Marketing LLC

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Your Hometowne February 2013

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