Albany County Post - The Altamont Enterprise
Transcription
Albany County Post - The Altamont Enterprise
$1.00 The Altamont Enterprise & Albany County Post No. 37 Thursday, March 31, 2011 For 126 years Albany County’s independent newspaper Tears follow Bethlehem board’s decision to close Clarksville school The Enterprise — Saranac Hale Spencer After hearing the Bethlehem School Board vote, 5 to 2, to close the Clarksville Elementary School, Pam MacMillan, a teacher at the school, broke into tears, as did several other audience members. “Everyone is pretty much white” Embracing diversity in V’ville By Saranac Hale Spencer NEW SCOTLAND — Like the other patrons of the Voorheesville Mobil station, Dianne Luci was charmed by the family who bought it a year ago. “I thought, ‘If everybody could be like this — what a wonderful world,’” she said of the way that Safder Ali and his family from Pakistan have been embraced by the community. Two weeks after Ali’s daughter, Azmat, gave birth to her first child in December, she suffered a stroke. “They do really care,” Ali said of the community, which raised money for her recovery and made her a prayer quilt. The family donated that money, with $100 from Ali, to the Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, said Zia Rehman, Azmat’s husband who Inside works with his father-in-law at the store. Inspired by Ali’s family, Luci has put together a panel to discuss religion and multiculturalism at the Methodist Church in Voorheesville, where she is a parishioner. “In Voorheesville… we’re very homogenous. Everyone is pretty much white,” said Luci, a retired dental hygienist. The kids who grow up here will one day go out into the world where that won’t always be the case, she said, and they should be prepared for that. In 1992, Luci started traveling and has found that part of what she likes about travel is meeting different people from around the world. She’s been (Continued on page 19) Opinion Page 2 News Page 12 other schools including ClarksBy Saranac Hale Spencer BETHLEHEM — Police pres- ville, which were all part of a ence was requested at the school $93 million bond that passed in board meeting last night “to 2003, along with the recent remake sure that we have order in districting of students have been this auditorium,” said Superin- cited as evidence of the board’s tendent Michael Tebbano before shortsightedness by residents as the board’s vote on whether it they advocated for further study would close the Clarksville El- before closing Clarksville. “Obviously I am responsible… ementary School or not. The packed hall was silent for a lot of those decisions,” said after the board voted, 5 to 2, to Lynne Lenhardt, who has been on the board for 23 close the school before years, as she began the next fall, with several board’s discussion of women crying into tisClarksville last night. sues. The vote went School Board Presagainst the superintenident Jim Dering dent’s recommendation agreed with her that and against the board the original intent of president’s call for fur“Thinking looking into the clother study. about it sure was not for it to In January, the school board asked Tebbano to a little longer be considered for the coming school year, look into the feasibility won’t hurt but as an option for of closing the Clarksthe future. Without ville Elementary School anything.” fully examining all the and the administrative consequences, he said, offices at 90 Adams the board could end up Place after a “fiscal with complaints about think tank” the district large class sizes in Eahad created in the fall gle and Slingerlands, included those options which are the schools in a list of several possible solutions to fill the budget slated to absorb Clarksville’s gap created by the downturn in students. “This should be looked at in a the economy in recent years and more systemic way,” he said, of the cuts in state aid. The following month, Tebbano conducting a larger study. “I think this is one of those presented his study to the board, which then held two two-hour situations where we just have to jump,” said board member public forums in March. Rural Clarksville Elementary Michael Cooper, after asserting School, which opened in 1948, that the district is facing years of is the only district building in budget shortfalls and that he has the town of New Scotland — the faith in the research presented other five elementary schools, by Tebbano. Charmaine Wijeysinghe told including the Eagle School that was built in 2008, are located in her fellow board members that Bethlehem, as are the middle and she had first been swayed by residents advocating to keep high schools. The construction of the Eagle Clarksville open, but was later (Continued on page 25) School and the additions to Army Corps plans $2.5M cap for hazardous landfill By Anne Hayden GUILDERLAND — The Army Corps of Engineers plans to spend $2.5 million to cap and cover an old Army landfill. The land is now owned by the Northeastern Industrial Park, and was once an Army depot, set up in 1941 as a storage center for the military during World War II. The Army diverted the Black Creek into two halves, and sent waste into the creek or buried it on site. The Black Creek feeds the Watervliet Reservoir, Guilderland’s major source of drinking water. Some of the debris left by the Army is hazardous. The Army classifies sites that it considers a risk to human health as areas of concern — the local depot, located largely in Guilderland Center, has nine. Gregory Goepfert, project manager for the Army Corps, said there is a step-by-step process the Army Corps follows for each AOC. It evaluates risk, conducts an investigation, compares standards with the state, and assesses the risk. If the assessment shows that there is a risk remaining, action will be taken, he said. Community Calendar Page 16 Several of the AOCs have already been cleaned up and may require no further action, but at least two still need millions of dollars worth of remediation. A Restoration Advisory Board, made up largely of local citizens, has pushed for cleanup for more than a decade, but federal funds are limited as many outdated and abandoned depots across the county compete for a limited pool of money. Areas 1 and 7, located south of Route 146 and approximately one-quarter mile southeast of Guilderland Center, are adjacent to each other, and were a landfill and a disposal area. Environmental concern was first sparked in the area in 1980, by the Albany County Environmental Management Council, which issued a report containing aerial photographs that showed excavation and disposal activities. The Army Corps has been conducting tests at AOCs 1 and 7 for over a decade, according to Goepfert. Water from monitoring wells has (Continued on page 18) Classifieds Page 31 SportsPage 33 2 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Editorial The strong arm of the law is needed to preserve the health of our planet A s modern Americans, we all use appliances and electronic devices. We’ve become a throw-away society, each of us changing up for new models and rapidly discarding the old. This leaves behind masses of waste, some of it dangerous for the environment — for the Earth that we humans all inhabit. We’re pleased to report this week that New York is helping to lead the way with proper disposal of appliances and recycling of electronics. New York is the second state — after West Virginia — to join the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Responsible Appliance Disposal program. RAD is a voluntary program that helps consumers get rid of their used appliances safely. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will work with retail and wholesale companies to recover chemicals from old freezers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and window air conditioners. RAD partners recover refrigerant and foam and see that it is reclaimed or destroyed; recycle metals, plastics, and glass; and see that PCBs, mercury, and used oil are recovered and properly disposed of. The Environmental Protection Agency is so concerned about the dangers of mercury that it has issued elaborate instructions for cleaning up a broken compact fluorescent light bulb, which contains only about 4 milligrams of mercury, an amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. That amount, according to Stanford University research on mercury, is enough to contaminate up to six thousand gallons of water beyond levels that are safe to drink. Mercury is a dangerous metal, David Carpenter, the director of the State University of New York Institute for Health and the Environment, told us earlier, because it moves around. Spilled chemicals can enter the food chain and affect public health. Refrigerants and foam pose a different but equally insidious sort of risk as they deplete the ozone layer. A quarter of a century ago, people were stunned by the appearance of a hole in the Earth’s ozone layer over the Antarctic. The ozone layer had protected humans from harmful ultraviolet rays. The thinning layer, according to the EPA, has been linked to skin cancer like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma; eye disease such as cataracts, degeneration of the macula, and squamous cell cancer of the cornea; and immune suppression, including resistance to infectious diseases and skin tumors and diminished effectiveness of vaccines. In 2009, RAD partners, according to NYSERDA, prevented emissions of an estimated 4,000 pounds of ozone-depleting substances and 1.41 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases by recovering foam and refrigerants from appliances. This is essential if we are to prevent further climate change and the resulting disasters. Federal law currently requires refrigerants be recovered and universal waste like mercury be properly managed but laws do not require properly managed recovery of appliance foam, which, the EPA says, represents a significant source of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. Until the law is changed to require this, as it should, we commend the volunteer efforts of RAD participants and urge individuals to be sure their appliances are disposed of properly. At the same time, we applaud a state law, passed last year, that goes into effect on April 1. The Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act puts the onus for recycling and reclaiming dangerous materials in electronic equipment on the manufacturers. We’ve been aware that some consumers, faced with having to discard a television or computer and not wanting to pay the fee for recycling, have tossed the used equipment — sometimes even dismantling it to disguise it — into landfills where it oozes mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc and other contaminants. The new law requires manufactures of what it terms “covered electronic equipment” or “CEE” to establish a convenient system for the collection, handling, and recycling or reuse of electronic waste. CEE includes computers and their accessories, such as keyboards, monitors, and printers; televisions; and “small electronic equipment” like video recorders and game consoles and portable digital music players. The law establishes statewide collection standards that increase gradually over the first three years, and it sets manufacturer-specific acceptance standards based on market share, or how much a particular manufacturer sells. Companies, like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, and RCA, will now have to recycle the same amount of material, per pound, that they sell each year in New York State. The manufacturer’s website must list locations where consumers may return electronic waste. And those manu- “The goal of the law is to make the manufacturers more aware of the materials they use, and sort of force them to use more environmentally friendly or recycled materials. If they don’t, they pay.” facturers providing computers, hard drives, and other CEE with internal memory where confidential data is stored must provide customers with instructions for destroying such data before they recycle the product. The new law also includes a disposal ban. Starting this April 1, manufacturers, retailers, and those who operate e-waste collection sites can no longer send electronics to landfills. As of Jan. 1, 2012, businesses and municipalities come under the ban. And on Jan. 1, 2015, the ban is extended to individuals and households. Guilderland residents, starting this Friday, will be able to take their covered electronic equipment to the town’s transfer station and leave it there, free of charge. They will no longer have to pay a fee of $25 per item. Regional Computer Recycling and Recovery will pick up the discarded items, dismantle them, and sort and process the pieces. “The goal of the law,” said Greg Weir, superintendent of the Guilderland transfer station, “is to make the manufacturers more aware of the materials they use, and sort of force them to use more environmentally friendly or recycled materials. If they don’t, they pay.” That’s why New York’s law is a good one. The disposal costs are shifted from the consumers to the manufacturers, which should lead them to design electronic equipment that is easier and less costly to recycle. That will mean more reusable parts and fewer toxins for the Earth. A similar law for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners — putting manufacturers on the hook, forcing them to innovate — would be a wise one. The volunteer approach is a worthwhile start and has made some headway but the force of law is needed if we are to save our health and the health of our planet. 3 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor Art and music in school teach lessons and launch careers for a rich future To the Editor: After weeks and weeks of seeing articles about budget cuts and reducing the arts, it is so refreshing to see an article like “Hello, Dolly! still going strong.” [The Enterprise, March 24, 2011, page one.] The article said that the show’s female lead, Justina Miranda, has learned to “stand straighter after learning the part.” The beauty of programs like this drama club is that students don’t just learn how to sing and dance; they learn greater lessons about life. The show’s director talked about this show teaching kids about the duality of man. This is a lesson that students could be required to learn about in school, but instead chose to learn about in their extra-curricular activities. The article was printed directly next to one titled “Students plea for programs.” In Guilder- land, students are begging their school board and administrators to hold on to the music and art programs. Perhaps if we can all start recognizing the good that art and music programs, like drama clubs, do for kids, we can start thinking of other locations where schools can cut the fat. If we stop teaching students about music in school, how many students would feel inclined or impassioned enough to pursue it outside of school? I am proud to say that I was a member of the Voorheesville Drama Club throughout my entire high-school career. Because of the lessons I learned behind the scenes, I was inspired to pursue media production in college. If I never had the studio-art teacher who directed the school plays encourage me to join the club, I never would have discovered my passion for making shows happen behind the scenes. If Voorheesville had cut the art and music programs, I know it would have been so much harder for me to find my passion and be where I am today. Thank you for printing a story that reminds us to stay positive in depressing times. It is such a relevant message with today’s economic woes constantly looming over us. To the cast and crew of Hello Dolly!, break a leg! Hopefully, those people who have the power to make decisions on students’ educations read “Hello Dolly! still going strong” and thought twice about what less art and music can do to a student. Dana Lenseth Voorheesville Editor’s note: Dana Lenseth is currently a junior at The College of Saint Rose in Albany where she is majoring in communications, concentrating in media production. She is an intern at YNN, she said, working with producers and directors. War in Iraq and banking debacle has caused financial crisis — why pick on teachers? huge payments to contractors but they won’t. Raising taxes on To the Editor: millionaires would mean raising For the past few weeks, The and corporations. It startles me to realize that their own taxes, and the taxes of Altamont Enterprise has published a steady stream of anti- while the letter-writers and their friends. What do they care that you now teacher letters and I decided it newspapers and TV news stawas time to write one in defense tions know exactly how much have to pay more in school taxes of teachers. I am not a public each and every teacher or prin- or have your children’s schools school teacher myself so I am cipal in every school is paid, that close or programs cut? If their not currently under attack, but, no one can figure out how much schools suffer, congressmen and women can afford to send their having taught at the university the war on Iraq has cost us. The second root cause is the kids to private schools. level for over 30 years, I am an Our millionaire representabanking debacle. Thanks to educator. The anti-teacher letters com- deregulation, predatory banks tives in Washington are happy plain that salaries and benefits made billions in risky invest- to have the public blame teachfor teachers are far too high and ments. When these loans failed, ers for the financial mess. Our that we cannot afford them, and the federal government decided Washington representatives blame the teachers for the cur- to spend billions to prevent mas- don’t want to antagonize the rich rent financial crisis, high taxes, sive failures and bailed them out. and powerful lobbyists who hand and program cuts in our schools. The government didn’t spend out buckets of money in the name These arguments are not a fair billions to help the people who of campaign finance. This is not a Democratic, lost their homes in the mortgage assessment of the situation. Republican, or Tea Teachers are not Party issue. It trangetting paid any scends political parmore than before. Our millionaire representatives in ties: Lobbyists bring The problem is that Washington are happy to have the public buckets of money for the federal and state all parties. The bengovernments are problame teachers for the financial mess. efits and pensions our viding less money for teachers receive pale education. With less federal and state money for our crisis but generously spent tax- in comparison with the benefits schools, we must either make do payer money to save the banks. and perks our elected officials That is where our money went: to receive. with less, reduce costs, or pay So, while you know how much more taxes. That part is simple. the war and to the banks, not to the The more complicated part teachers. Washington is not very some kindergarten teacher is paid, is why is there less money for concerned about average citizens, and how much they contribute for education? We might also ask including teachers, the “small” retirement, etc., you certainly are why education, schools, and people making forty, fifty, or sixty not told how much our Washington teachers get so little respect in thousand dollars a year. Wash- representatives receive in salary, ington cares about the large and stipends, benefits, retirement, this country? I believe the current financial powerful corporations, the banks, health care, per diem, lobbyist crisis has two root causes. The the “military-industrial complex” “gifts,” and other perks. Our country has enough money first is the misbegotten war in that makes billions manufacturing to give billions to the oil industry Iraq. Iraq was not responsible the materials of war. About 50 percent of our repre- in subsidies, but has decided to for the attacks on Sept. 11; no Iraqi citizens were involved, nor sentatives in Congress are mil- go “frugal” in terms of support did they possess any “weapons lionaires. They are not our peers for basic education. We should of mass destruction.” Despite nor are they the teachers’ peers; stop this nonsense and give the this, our government decided to they are the peers of wealthy schools the money they need to launch a full-scale war against elites who run the banks and the provide a quality education for every child, and a living wage large corporations. that country. Our state and federal govern- for our teachers. It is difficult, or impossible, Since when is it the American to determine how much the war ment could provide more money has cost us. Some estimates are for schools by spending less on way to deprive school children as high as $4 trillion. Washing- fraudulent wars or bail-outs for while taxpayers’ money is used ton didn’t pinch any pennies predatory banks, or by taxing to finance multi-million dollar bowith no-bid contracts (for Vice the millionaires and the large nuses for hedge-fund managers? President [Richard] Cheney’s corporations that benefited from Hetty Jo Brumbach Halliburton and others) and the Iraq war (like Halliburton), East Berne Turn the page for more letters on school finances. Back In Time. . . 1911 100 Years Ago 2011 Altamont Enterprise March 31, 1911 New York State Capitol Burned. Loss Upwards of $10,000,000. Most Disastrous Fire in History of the State. Priceless Records are Destroyed: New York state’s magnificent state capitol, which took years to build and cost of $27,000,000 was visited shortly after 2:30 o’clock on Wednesday morning with one of the most disastrous fires that Albany ever had and with loss to the state which at this time cannot be totaled in money. More than a third of the entire structure has been destroyed. One man, Samuel Abbott, aged 77, a watchman in the state library, is buried in the ruins. Scores of the firemen were hurt and others risked their lives in a successful effort to save the eastern end of the building containing chiefly the legislative halls, executive chamber and other departments of almost equal importance. The entire state education department is swept out of existence and the state loses what has for years conceded to be one of the world’s greatest collections of historical papers, books and papers that can never be replaced. Only comparatively few of them were saved. Dr. Andrew S. Draper, the state commissioner of education, estimated the loss in his department alone of at least $2,000,000. **** General News Happenings: The annual report of the Central Jewish Relief league, which works in connection with leading Jews in America and England, emphasizes the adverse Jewish conditions in Russia, which it describes as worse than ever. The report points out that the emigration of Jews to the United States was larger in 1910 than in any previous year and speaks of the difficulty of finding homes for the emigrants in America. **** Crimes and Casualties: After brooding until he worked himself into a state of despondency, Fred Kipp, a farmer of East Greenbush, N.Y., saturated his house and barn with kerosene, set fire to the oil and then, lying down near the stalls of the horses, calmly awaited a horrible death. **** Foreign Notes of Interest: Cards have been posted in all the street cars of Berlin requesting women passengers not to wear long hatpins. The notices point out that these ornamental but useful articles are liable to injure their fellow passengers. **** Guilderland Centre: Rufus Wormer has a remarkable show in the line of young Jersey cows, something never before heard of. A three year old cow with her third calf by her side, while her first born daughter, now a yearling, with her first born calf by her side, all in the very best of health and strength. Published continuously since July 26, 1884 “We seek the truth and print it” NEW YORK PRESS ASSOCIATION JAMES E. GARDNER Publisher MELISSA HALE-SPENCER Editor NEWS OFFICE — 861-5005 or 861-5008..................BUSINESS OFFICE — 861-6641 Staff Writers...............................................Jo E. Prout, Saranac hale spencer, ........................................ Zachary simeone, JORDAN MICHAEL, ANNE HAYDEN Illustrator.................................................................................................... FOREST BYRD Advertising Director......................................................CHERIE LUSSIER — 861-8179 Advertising Representative.................................... JACQUELINE THORP — 861-5893 Office Manager.................................................................................. WANDA GARDNER Photographer..........................................................................................MICHAEL KOFF Production................................ JAMES E. GARDNER JR., BARBARA DEGAETANO, ......................... ELLEN SCHREIBSTEIN, BRENDA POWELL, PETER LEVASSEUR The Enterprise is the newspaper of record for Guilderland, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, Westerlo, and Rensselaerville. Our mission is to find the truth, report it fairly, and provide a forum for the open exchange of ideas on issues important to our community. PUBLISHED THURSDAYS at 123 Maple Ave., Altamont, NY 12009. Periodical postage paid at Altamont, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Altamont Enterprise, PO Box 654, Altamont, NY 12009. USPS 692-580, ISSN 0890-6025. FAX: 861-5105. 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VIEWPOINTS expressed by staff members, contributing writers, and correspondents do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership of The Enterprise. QUESTIONS and COMMENTS concerning the content of this newspaper should be directed to the editor by calling 861-5005 or in the form of a letter to the editor. WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS will be printed free of charge. A $20 fee will be charged for announcements with a photograph. PHOTOGRAPHS will be printed with announcements about students for a $30 minimum fee. There is no charge to print announcements without photographs. The Enterprise is a family owned and run newspaper. Publisher James E. Gardner is married to the paper’s office manager, Wanda Gardner; their son, James Gardner Jr., works in the print shop. Editor Melissa Hale-Spencer’s daughter Saranac Hale Spencer works as one of the staff reporters. 4 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Taxpayers often focus on increase, and don’t see sacrifices BKW has cut 8% tax hike for rollover budget in half To the Editor: I am writing this letter to encourage taxpayers, who themselves are faced with ever- increasing expenses, to not take out their frustrations towards the state and country on our kids. Our public schools are facing a crisis. They are required to supply services to our children with many mandates and strings attached that prevent them from fully managing their resources the same way you and I can manage ours. If we can’t afford to pay for our housekeeper or garbage pickup, we can opt to do it ourselves. If we can’t afford to buy groceries at our favorite market, we can go to another market where they are having a sale. If we cannot afford to have steak every week, we can buy chicken instead. If my cell phone bill is too high, I can change to another carrier and I can require my son or daughter to do the same. Our public schools are now mandated to provide education services for all students in the district regardless of special needs. They must employ certain teachers with certain degrees for certain subjects. Laws have been enacted that prevent them from using staff in what you or I would think would be the most efficient manner. Contracts have been agreed upon that prevent them from managing pay raises during difficult economic times. Laws have been enacted that even prevent the teachers from agreeing to concessions without the consent of their union representatives. The district can offer less expensive health insurance plans, but the district cannot require the employees to change to them. Some of these hardships may have been self imposed by not having enough foresight when contracts were agreed upon five or more years ago. However, in the middle of an economic boom, our districts were not alone in thinking that property values could be relied upon to at least maintain their values and generate a certain amount of income or that the state would be able to at least maintain aid amounts equal to the year before. With our state facing huge deficits, we are destined for a continuation in decreased funding from the state and federal governments. For rural districts such as BerneKnox-Westerlo, which have relied on this funding for a huge portion of their budgets, having to switch gears with only a few months’ notice last year was devastating. As you well know, the situation has not improved. In BKW, and many other districts I’m finding, only about 30 percent of the total budget is spent on non-contractual item; 70 percent or so of the budget goes to teachers and retirees for salaries, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits. Negotiations drag on but nothing can be done to change those figures until all parties agree; therefore, the likelihood of that being able to be changed in order to affect next years budget is slim to none. However, I’d like to dispel a few myths. The teachers do not have a $5 co-pay for health insurance. They have a $5 co-pay for prescription drugs through a self-funded prescription drug consortium involving several other districts. The district offers four health insurance plans – CDPHP, MVP, and two Blue Cross-Blue Shield Plans that carry comparable deductibles and co-pays to those offered any state worker. The teachers generally pick a plan when they start work and, for the most part, probably have no idea how much difference there is from one plan to another when it comes to the cost to the district. The total bill for health insurance at BKW is about $4 million. If the majority of the participants in the most expensive plan were to switch to one of the less expensive plans, it could save the district enough to cover much of this year’s shortfall. However, the district cannot influence the employees on this matter. This is yet another constraint put on it by the many laws and policies it must abide by. Last year, the school district tightened its belt. With a decrease in funding, it was able to keep the tax increase under 5 percent even though its funding was set to be cut by over twice that. Some of that funding was restored, but again, because of laws that have been enacted, the budget has to be presented to the voters in April regardless of whether the legislature has voted on it or not. When that funding did come through, it was August and teachers had already been laid off and programs had already been cut. The district is using those extra funds to try to curtail this year’s deficit. It has rearranged teachers and programs to try to accommodate as many services as possible. The district also formed a budget advisory committee to review the budget currently, and BKW is not alone. also help it to create a long-term plan. I volunteered to serve on the committee. We have spent the past five months learning about what is in the budget, what areas we can change in the short term, and what areas are out of our control for the time being. I challenge anyone to look at the budget and find anything, in the 30 percent we have to work with, that has not been curtailed or considered for reduction. The maintenance department has made huge changes to reduce costs. The transportation department has consolidated routes and was able to eliminate five bus runs as a result. The building plan approved by the voters several years ago was delayed and, for several reasons, is now being accomplished far under the expected cost. At last report, if the district rolls over its budget from last year, meaning it provides all classes it provided last year, leaves staff as it is, and maintains the same bus transportation, BKW would have to raise taxes by a little over 8 percent in order to fund the difference. The most utilized health insurance plan has raised its rates by a whopping 22 percent. This increase along with projected oil and gas increases and contractual pay raises are the bulk of the increase. These are all expenses that the district has no control over in the short term. BKW has had two budget forums in an attempt to educate the citizens about what the district is faced with, and the programs that may be eliminated in order to lower the tax increase. It is doing everything it can to bring that rate down. However, for every percentage point you would like to see shaved off, it needs to find over $100,000 to cut. This is the reality. Please educate yourself about what is going on. Write to your legislative representatives and tell them to amend the laws that tie the hands of the schools to manage their resources in a reasonable manner. But, then consider how you will vote on the budget that the school district must put forth to you in May even if the state has not finalized its numbers. Consider that there are colleges that now require students to have taken certain high-level courses and extra-curricular activities in order to be accepted. Consider that there are at-risk students for whom sports, art, and music are the hooks that keep them in school. Consider elementary students never leaving the school for a field trip all year. Consider that, at BKW, 18 percent of the students have special needs. That means that, in a class of 20 first-graders, four of them have physical, developmental, or behavioral issues that will demand more of that teacher’s time. With fewer aids in the classroom, who will suffer? It’s easy to blame the school district for raising that bill every year, but I can assure you that it would rather not. The school board members, who volunteer to represent you, do not enjoy raising your taxes nor do they enjoy paying the increase either. Unfortunately, the facts are clear. There is little waste where the district is able to make changes in the short term. The board members try to take advantage of every avenue available for grant and aid money to provide as much as they can. Even with the cuts made last year, there are marked improvements in the school environment under the new superintendent, dean of students, and high school principal. This is especially clear in the high school. Unfortunately, there is a need for a special-education administrator due to the large number of students needing services and the burden of reporting and oversight required by the state. Most voters would never understand an additional administrator, so the district is considering replacing the dean of students’ position to accommodate a special-education position without adding to the budget. This is an unfortunate turn that I sincerely hope does not reverse the great strides that have been made in the learning environment and the overall tone of operations in the high school. After having found out firsthand where these budget numbers come from, I have a totally different perspective. Make no mistake, I’m not happy at all that my taxes may go up, but, if that increase is 4 or 5 percent, I now know that the district was able to whittle away half of that 8 percent deficit, that’s almost a half a million dollars it is trying to save the district residents. Tireless hours are being spent changing budget lines and eliminating waste, knowing full well that many will blame them for wasting money and only see the increase, never considering the sacrifices. This is unpleasant for everyone, no doubt about it. BKW is not alone. Across our state and our nation, drastic cuts in education are being made, all while we hear how other countries are passing us in the area of education. Our community’s future and our nation’s future depends on the education of our children. Please support your schools when you vote in May. Maureen Abbott East Berne Editor’s note: Maureen Abbott serves on the citizens’ budget review committee at Berne-KnoxWesterlo. To the editor Anyone with vested union interest should not run for school board To the Editor: In reading the article on incumbents on the Guilderland Board of Education in last week’s Enterprise, I cannot see why Judy Slack is allowed to run. Anyone with vested interest in the Guilderland teachers’ union should not be allowed to run for a seat on the school board, as it presents a conflict of interest. In her statement that she is doing it all for the kids I am wondering why then is 80 percent of our school budget going for salaries and benefits with only 20 percent going for the kids? Guess which way she voted on contracts for the union. James E. Moran McKownville Editor’s note: The law allows retired school district employees to serve on the board of education. The salaries and benefits go to employees, many of whom work with the students. Examine administrative structure Don’t search for new high-school principal right away principal, but by reconfiguring To the Editor: The issue of school budgets and our current administrators for one state budgets and how to reduce year and appointing an interim them is a horribly difficult one. I’m principal. Brian’s retirement affords Dr. a resident of Guilderland and I’m pretty impressed with the process Wiles the opportunity to look this time around, and with the at the district’s administrative concern and care with which the structure before a search is begun, school board, the superintendent, before a commitment to maintainand the community have dug into ing that salary line is made. The administrative load could this issue. But I, like many who are grateful be shuffled in a way that would alfor the openness and community low Dr. Wiles a year of seeing how involvement of this process, still such a possibility might work with feel a lack of transparency regard- one less administrator, without ing the small number of cuts in the any commitment to that model, administrative piece of the Guil- or to the model of maintaining the line. derland Central School District. In a way, it’s a free year for her While we can all only applaud the willingness of the superinten- to examine the administrative dent and her assistants to give structure, indeed to experiment back their raises, the across-the- with it, without having her hands board raises to administrators a tied for years by any decision she few months ago really have not makes. It seems like a winning been adequately explained, fre- strategy to me. Of course, it would be difficult to quent oblique references to the make do with one Taylor Law notless administrawithstanding. tor, but the budget It is in that conWe should quickly cuts are asking us text that I raise and closely examine to make do with a specific issue, the possibility of not less of everything, the retirement of Guilderland High filling Brian McCann’s much less of everything. School Principal line while we have And to further Brian McCann. the winning stratBrian has done an this opportunity! egy, we have the outstanding job, possibility of savand I am sorry to see him retire, and wish him ing the district a lot of money well. But with his retirement the by not filling this high-paid line. district has an opportunity here At the current salary of about that I have not seen discussed in $124,000 (plus benefits, plus public, though I have brought it pension costs, and might not a new person hired after a search up privately a few times. The general sentiment, and the require a higher salary?) we could specific statement of the superin- save enough to keep three teachtendent at a meeting of the high ers who are being let go, or about school’s Parent-Teacher-Student ten teaching assistants, or every Association I attended, is that “we single one of the co-curricular stineed to search for the best possible pends that have been taken away, principal for our high school.” This and still have money left over, statement needs to be scrutinized while at the same time allowing Dr. Wiles to experiment with one rather than simply accepted. It’s true the high school became possible change in the administraunsettled as several princiapls tive structure at GCSD. An interim principal appointed came and went in too-quick succession before Brian, and that he from within, without a national has greatly stabilized the situa- search, would actually allow great tion, and we would certainly not flexibility for one year, a chance to like to go back to instability. But get a better sense of the administimes have changed, and there are trative lay of the land, which fillterrific assistant principals in the ing the position would not allow, and by filling it we would lose the high school. There is another way to look possibility of considerable savings at this whole retirement, a bet- that could save jobs and/or proter way, I contend, than simply grams. And the fact that a search accepting the statement that we might choose an internal person isn’t a good argument for it, since need to search for the best. Superintendent Marie Wiles, it obviously might not. We should quickly and closely whom I admire, has also said that she intends to take a hard look at examine the possibility of not fillthe GCSD administrative struc- ing Brian McCann’s line while we ture, but being new, she needs have this opportunity! some time to do that in order to David Janower do the job well. I would like to Guilderland Editor’s note: David Janower’s suggest that we can save money and help the superintendent study wife is a teaching assistant at Guilthe administrative structure by derland’s Lynnwood Elementary not instituting a search for a new School. See story on page 12. 5 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 To the editor There is no need for a contract with the unions if they continue to demand a cost-of-living increase member Judy Slack stated of-living increase. To the Editor: Another method to reduce How does one comment on “We’ve got the Triborough law this year’s school budget process so we can’t freeze or cut salaries. staff salaries and future penwithout charging this school The only choice we have is cut- sion benefits is to reduce unnecessary administrators, not board with, at the very least, ting staff.” I blame Richard Weisz for his classroom teachers. At the last abject disregard for the will of the people and for jeopardizing misleading description of the board meeting, School Superthe quality of a Guilderland law and poor leadership, and intendent Marie Wiles reported Ms. Slack for her lack of due that two highly paid adminiseducation? trator positions need be filled, Who has benefited thus far? diligence. Take the recent proposed the high school principle being The ten highly paid school administrators with whom the contract with the administra- one of those positions. Not one board has just agreed to a 9-per- tors, which should absolutely board member suggested that the cent increase over 36 months. be reversed. If the board hadn’t positions should be filled from What can the board be thinking agreed to the 9-percent-plus in- among the current administrato commit our school district crease, those individuals would tors within the district, which would result in substantial to such an increase when savings. Their former duwe face future decreases ties could be shared by the of funding for education? Here’s a novel idea: remaining administrators Why not at least a one-year as is being done throughout contract? How about reducing Mr. Weisz’s the private and New York How many more teachers imposed 4-percent school tax State’s public sectors. will receive pink slips and hike increase? And frankly, I resent Mr. programs ended by their Weisz at the last meeting outrageous actions? I find suggesting that residents it disgusting that the board hustled this agreement through not have been entitled to that write to their political representatives to seek additional funding. just prior to the current budget increase. Yes, they would get their lon- For what, more of the same, limdiscussions. The list of losers include gevity and step increases. But, ited and controlled information laid-off classroom teachers and without a contract, the board and misstatement of the law? I students seeing their choice of could have put the brakes on the think not. At this writing, the governor subjects and activities reduced step increases as each teacher to unacceptable levels. And, of reached the job-rate, which has announced a tentative state course, the taxpayers, who the would then be capped at that budget that will increase funds to president of the school board, amount. That would also help school districts. This should not Richard Weisz, has unilaterally reduce pension costs which Mr. be an excuse for the school board determined should pay a 4-per- Weisz repeatedly claims can’t be to increase contractual salaries to teachers and administrators cent increase of school taxes. controlled. This same principle should but rather to retain to the extent And the board isn’t through yet. Hidden in the draft budget are now be applied to the teachers’ possible classroom teachers and yet more increases for teachers’ contract. However, I would expect maintain subject areas and stuthat additional give-backs could dent activities. salaries. Here’s a novel idea: How about Over the last several months, be obtained by a savvy negotiator comments coming from members outside the school district and reducing Mr. Weisz’s imposed of the school board are simply directed by a school board that 4-percent school tax hike inastonishing. In the interview has the children’s interest in crease? with some members of the school mind. There is absolutely no need board printed in the March 24 for a contract with the unions if Gerard Houser issue of The Enterprise, board they continue to demand a cost- Guilderland School music program teaches life lessons and contributes to the community To the Editor: On behalf of our family, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the work the Guilderland School Board members have already invested in preparing next year’s school budget. While no budget process is flawless, especially one that contains so many “difficult choices” (as the superintendent’s March 15 presentation was titled), their efforts to engage the community and ensure transparency have been outstanding. As the board convenes for its final open dialogue among its members, I urge them to reconsider the proposed cuts to music programs. I deliberately choose to describe the small ensembles in the middle and high school as “programs” because I believe to label them as “co-curricular” is to discount the core academic value of the ensembles, and, more importantly, it is a disservice to a great number of students for whom these opportunities are the core of their aspirations. While I have no quarrel with restorations to athletic activities, I would ask the board to apply the same standards and criteria to the music ensembles. According to the superintendent’s presentation, modified sports have been preserved because they “contribute to the community” and have an “educational focus, including life lessons.” The Guilderland music program clearly contributes to not only this community but to the region and beyond. In addition to the many school concerts enjoyed by family and friends, with audiences surely numbering in the thousands each year, Guilderland student musicians successfully participate in audition-based ensembles at the Suburban Council level and at state-wide festivals hosted by the New York State School Music Association and Band Directors’ Association. Our student musicians are also strongly represented in various ensembles under the auspices of the renowned Empire State Youth Orchestra. These student achievements bring broad recognition to our community as a whole and are touted, rightly so, on the district’s own website. These special opportunities to participate in advanced jazz, band, choral, and orchestral groups on a regional or statewide level would be at risk if the students don’t have in-district ensembles where they can set goals, learn new and challenging music literature, and experience the thrill of performing at such a level. There are several core “educational” benefits, including learning discipline, music study, and practice skills that are then applied to studies in all subjects, and in helping fellow students by serving as leaders in group lessons and grade-level band performances. The life lessons are both more subtle and yet, I would hope, self- evident. These students, like my son, don’t compete as one would in athletics, but they challenge themselves in ways that are inspiring to watch. As the parent of any serious music student will tell you — make no mistake - for every ounce of talent a child may have, they invest a ton of sheer, hard work to be better, and then better still. Finally, several student musicians who addressed the board spoke quite movingly about how much music meant to them in terms of “fitting in” and being the reason they “look forward to school.” They arrive early, stay late, and take on extra hours of practice at home. How can the school district and community live up to its pledge to empower “all students to succeed” and leave the special abilities of these student musicians un-nurtured and their dedication un-rewarded. These students have, in many cases, already found a path that may well be the foundation of their college and career choices, their adult lives, and their economic security. They need the board’s support to keep that foundation strong now and in the future. Michael Bopp Guilderland Editor’s note: Michael Bopp is a former member of the Guilderland School Board. His son, a Guilderland student, plays the trumpet. At GCSD: Spending is up, but programs are down the savings number? To the Editor: I have asked in separate eI have watched as students and parents made their case for mails to the superintendent and continuation of music, foreign the board if the cost of transporlanguage, athletic, and club pro- tation related to field trips and grams. The sincerity and passion sport reductions is included in with which they spoke and have the savings number. As anyone familiar with the budget knows, written is quite impressive. My daughter swam on the transportation costs are subswim team all four years at stantial. I may have made a mistake and Guilderland and my son worked on The Journal for a few years. my question may be lost in cyberI agree that their experiences space but I think it is an imporwere positive from a number of tant question. I have not received a response from anyone. aspects. Is the make-up of the cost My concern is that some children say that these activities are savings amounts provided the the only reason they like to go board by the administration ever to school. It is unfortunate that explored by the board? I have not it appears that this same level seen any meaningful questions of enthusiasm cannot be gener- come from the board members. ated for the core educational Their interest seems to be on components such as math and programs with no examination of the total costs (including retirescience. Other students warn that, ment and other fringe benefits) without after-school activities, behind them. The good news for the board is there may be higher incidents of inappropriate behaviors by stu- that the state budget agreement dents. I do not think the school restores about 20 percent of the system should be the major in- state aid cut that was in [Govfluence responsible for the moral ernor Andrew] Cuomo’s initial development of a child. That re- budget. This may only amount sponsibility should lay squarely to about an additional $160,000 to spend but I with parents, not am confident that the school disthey have a long trict. list of things to At the last spend it on. board meeting, it Of course, this seemed that the additional state board and school As the board funded spending staff were havwill only add to ing trouble gethappily spends the total taxpayer ting their hands all the additional burden for educaaround a number tion. I heard the of items regardstate funding, governor checked ing the schoolit should take the money tree sponsored clubs. a moment in the backyard Due to contract at the mansion complexities, the to reflect... and it was empty superintendent so the taxpayers was unable to need to come up tell the board with this addihow much the tional money. “advisors” are beAs the board ing paid, but the happily spends administration is working on trying to sort it all the additional state funding, it should take a moment to reout. During public comment, a flect... that, while there may be student stated the Ski Club had a small cost-of-living adjustment $5,000 in excess membership fees (COLA) for millions of retired it had collected and it could pay and disabled people this year, for the advisor. The administra- it is likely that the payments tion stated that it was unaware of they receive will not increase. any membership fees and didn’t This is because the additional cost of their Medicare (health know about the money. I understand the club organiz- insurance) will likely wipe out es trips to ski areas by chartering any COLA increase. This may be buses and the children head off the third year with no increase in to enjoy the slopes. Sounds nice, Social Security payments. But that is of little concern to but should tax dollars be funding “advisors” for these recreational the board. In the case of the board, we hear of retirement and health outings? A potentially larger concern costs that are running away but would be the possible liability at the same time the taxpayers for any accident that might oc- have been asked to fund 9 percent cur during the bus ride or on the raises over three years. How about this, we will pay slope. Is there adequate supervision of the children at the resort staff a COLA of 1.6 percent but we will reduce it by any increase to help ensure their safety? The Running Club is supported in their retirement or health in a March 24, 2011 Altamont benefit costs. If it is good enough Enterprise letter to the editor. for Social Security, it should We learn in the letter that the be good enough for our public children get to run in the hall- employees. Right now, automatic salary ways and socialize. They start at 4:05 and end at 5:30 p.m. As steps adds about a 1 percent stated in this letter, “This is not annual tax increase and each 1 the only club that is fun. There percent salary increase adds an is a club for everyone; there are additional 1-percent tax increase for the taxpayer. So, if employees so many choices.” Should taxpayers be respon- get a 9-percent salary increase sible to pay for fun clubs for over three years and 3-percent in everyone? You know, it might be step increases that is a 12-percheaper to offer students free cent tax burden increase. As Governor Mario Cuomo memberships to the YMCA if you want taxpayers to continue liked to say, “We need to do more to fund these recreational and with less.” It seems that in Guilderland the opposite is occurring. social activities. I am beginning to question the The way the board negotiates accuracy of the savings amounts with its public employees will the administration is assigning guarantee that the students will to the items being considered get less programs and the taxfor elimination or modification. payers will get more taxes. Last They provide a savings number year, and this year spending is for reducing clubs but they can’t up but programs are down. tell the board what the “advisors” Alfred Van Deloo make. How did they come up with Guilderland 6 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 I started working out and lost forty pounds To the Editor: Hey — hey you over there — I’m going to teach you something you should know — obesity. All over the world nowadays people are eating, and eating, and eating. Let me tell you how this all happened. McDonald’s had something called a supersize and that was the biggest thing you could get from McDonald’s, from fries to a drink, burger — you name it and they have it. Until one day one man vowed to take a stand. His name is Morgan Spurman. He vowed to eat McDonald’s for 30 days for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Morgan did it; he gained over 10 pounds though! If I had to do that, I would just get the water, yogurt, apples, that kind of stuff. Besides that, all over America at least, lunch is pretty greasy enough without us getting snacks like cookies, pretzels, candy, chips, and more. I go to Farnsworth Middle School and am in seventh grade. Lunch is crazy with us. But the good thing is that with your lunch you can get assorted fruits and milk. The bad thing, though, is that people don’t get either. Kids at my school, not all of them but most of them, are getting obese so bad that they can barely move. I know how these people feel. When I was in fifth grade, before I moved up to Albany, I weighed 120 pounds. Now that I work out, I weigh 80 pounds. What I say is that, if you keep up the good exercise, heck, yeah, you can eat , but, if you don’t, it’s at your own risk. Ryan Dillon Guilderland Editor’s note: Ryan Dillon is a student at Farnsworth Middle School and, like other letterwriters on these pages, he wrote this as part of a school project. If it’s fast, we eat it four in my school, and they are To the Editor: filled with chips, ice cream, and What is in your food? Pizza, soda, candy and other other unhealthy foods. What happened to growing junk food — this is what is filling kids up and making them obese what you eat? Now it is like you these days. A Government Ac- shop for what robots make. We have a need for speed. It counting Office study says that, in nine out of 10 schools, kids does not matter where it’s from, can pick junk food over healthy or what is in it, if it’s fast, we eat it. Junk food can be cheaper to food. I am a kid who is surrounded buy, taste better, and be easier by fatty foods every day. In my to prepare. But at what cost to opinion, we should spend a our health? What happened to sitting down little more money on fruits and vegetables so that kids will be at the table and eating as a family every night and talking about healthier in the future. We need to change! Too many the day, good or bad? Nowadays, it is more like “mikids are obese, or crowave three minat risk of being utes on high” and overweight. Obeit’s eating time. It sity among kids and is now frozen, not young adults has I am growing up fresh. doubled in the past in a little village We need to start three decades. where there is feeding our kids Studies have shown that kids a farmers’ market h e a l t h i e r f o o d , starting in school. who are overweight every weekend I know that healthy at young ages develop chronic and where we can f o o d m a y c o s t more, but isn’t it health problems pick up our worth your child’s when they’re older. farm share health? Is that what you America is one want your kid to on Fridays. of the fattest counhave to deal with tries in the world. when they are in That is not a title their 20s and 30s? I am very proud of, We h a v e p r o grammed our kids into thinking and you should not be either. Some kids get bullied because that French fries are healthy. Some kids can’t even tell you of being overweight. In a way, what broccoli is. It is like it’s from schools are helping to cause the problem. We have made mistakes a different world to kids. I am growing up in a little by giving our kids this food, but village where there is a farm- it is how we go about fixing our ers’ market every weekend and mistakes that matter. We need healthier food in where we can pick up our farm share on Fridays. My mom and schools. If we spend a dollar more I will walk into town to pick up for food, we can build a healthier fresh produce. I like being able to America. Obesity is destroying the health of our country. A know where my food is grown. More than 96 percent of high healthier future means that we schools have vending machines. will live longer. Ninety-one percent of those ma- Madeline A. Kuon chines sell unhealthy food. I have Altamont George W. Frueh Sons FUEL OIL • KEROSENE • dIESEL FUEL • OFF ROad dIESEL H Summer fill-up Special H budget plans available now! H buy for caSh and Save! H H Special quantity discounts H Call for Today's Price 436-1050 Mobil ® Cash Only 436-1050 The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor We need more healthy foods on the school menu To the Editor: I am a student in the middle school and I see different varieties of bought lunches, some that look very good and others not so good. I only tried the school lunch once and I’ll tell you why. Some of my friends buy lunch every day. I see different varieties of lunches like hot dogs, soup, chili, and chicken. When I see the meat, it looks like rubber and it does not taste very good. But I must say, the homemade cookies are very good. I once tried the blueberries, and they tasted bad and they were in a cup with liquid in it. I understand having processed meat, fruit from a can and other things save the school money and take less time to make. But, if we had more homemade products, they would taste better and be healthier. We have different varieties of fruits on the menu; one of the options is fruit out of a can. In the can, it is fruit but the juice that is in it is not as healthy and fresh for kids. But, if we took that off the menu and just had fresh fruits, then it would be a healthier choice for kids. There are healthy options on the menu; kids just do not choose them, and I can understand that. The unhealthy foods like Italian dunkers with marinara sauce and burgers sound better then the healthy foods like grilled pesto chicken and vegetable fried rice, in my opinion. The foods in middle school may be unhealthy but it saves money and takes less time to prepare. I think we should just have more healthy options on the menu then the unhealthy options. There are healthy foods on the menu; it just doesn’t sound as appetizing as the unhealthy food, so maybe we could make the healthy foods sound more appetizing so kids will choose them. Lydia Brosnan Guilderland Bring lunch from home, avoid temptation To the Editor: I am a young student at Farnsworth Middle School who watches kids fill themselves up with junk like pretzels, slushies, and cookies for lunch. This is one of the main causes of obesity in America. And I’ll tell you how to create a healthier lifestyle for you and your kids. Many of these kids who are overweight have parents who are overweight. The bad eating habits of the parents are often passed onto their kids. A parent should set a good example for kids because, when a parent is overweight, then the kids have a 70 percent chance to become obese or have Type 2 diabetes. I think that every kid in the school should bring lunch every day unless they change the menu at the school. Some parents would argue that they don’t have the time to build a lunch in the morning for their kid. But you could make your lunch the night before and there are many lunches that can be made in less than five minutes. Studies show that almost all schools get their food delivery on the weekend, and by the end of the week they run out of food and have to mix the food together. I don’t know about you, but that sounds gross and not healthy. By bringing your lunch, you could avoid this gross food. Some say that the school’s cafeteria food is good for you but, when you add a slushy, cookies, or pretzels, it becomes unhealthy. Kids munch on chips and curly fries and then they gulp down a slushy. This type of eating has to change. Some kids at the snack line are not overweight and feel that they are healthy. So why take it away? Most of these kids are filling their bodies with junk that does not supply energy to their bodies. It is also a bad habit that will cause problems later in life. Last year, I bought lunch everyday; this year I brought lunch every day and I have lost 21 pounds. Also, my grade-point average has gone up since last year. Studies at a rehab facility that gave their patients a healthier lunch recovered faster and were better behaved. I believe that my loss in weight and doing better in school is from making a change in my diet and bringing lunch. I believe that other kids could get the same results from eating healthier. Jacob Wheeler Guilderland More research is needed on celiac disease To the Editor: Wheat, wheat, wheat. Introduced in the Agricultural Revolution (10,000 years ago), this important agricultural product is one of the most substantial ingredients in all foods, all around the world — especially in America. In all wheat, there is a protein known as gluten. Gluten is also found in foods like barley, rye, oats, pasta, breads, many bakery treats, crackers, pizza, and much more. Gluten may seem like just another harmless ingredient, but it isn’t for some people. Nearly 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease. This is another name for an allergy to gluten, and it is one of the most misdiagnosed sicknesses. This disease is hereditary and has been affecting my family for many years now. The problem with this disease is that there is no cure for it at the moment, except for staying on a lifelong gluten-free diet. I believe that scientists should do more research on celiac disease, and gluten/wheat so doctors and people with the disease will have more knowledge on this increasingly growing sickness. As I mentioned before, celiac disease is often misdiagnosed. In other countries, doctors are endorsed to diagnose celiac disease. In the United States, the pharmacy industry uses 80 percent of its money on medical research. And, since there isn’t a drug to cure it, most drug companies are not willing to pay money to do the research. They think that they won’t make a profit for just encouraging the diagnosis. I disagree with this because celiac disease is rapidly spreading throughout families everywhere. Kids and adults of all ages are going on this gluten-free diet. With a disease that is affecting people so much, I think it deserves a lot more research! Wheat does have some benefits, as it can reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and Type 2 diabetes. But, many wheat products are processed and their nutrients are removed. For most United States foods, the product must have at least 60 percent original wheat grain. 40 percent of the natural wheat grain can be extracted. That’s why it is better to have 100 percent whole-wheat breads and grains. Some people with celiac disease cannot have any contact with gluten-filled foods or they will become seriously ill in the stomach. Many things happen in the small intestine, in a person’s body if they have celiac. When gluten is consumed, it sets off a reaction in the small intestine. Antibodies in the body try to attack the gluten but end up attacking the villi, along the small intestine. Celiac disease can give you lifelong problems, mentally and physically, if not attended to. It is better to be diagnosed with it at a younger age so you have plenty of time to adjust to the diet. The benefits of a gluten-free diet are many as they reduce cholesterol levels, increase your energy levels, help digestion, alongside with curing all symptoms. The symptoms of celiac disease are abdominal pains, stomach issues, bloating, discolored teeth, distension, weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rashes, mouth sores, and more. People with celiac disease have proven to eat a lot healthier as most junk food is off limits. I was tested for celiac disease two years ago and tested negative. The most common way to get tested for celiac is to get a blood test to see the amount of antibodies in your blood, working against you, at that time. You can also have a genetic test to see if you have the genes associated with celiac disease. Although wheat and gluten is a massive part of America’s culture and economy, it is also becoming a massive problem for Americans’ health. Let us all unite and get to know more about celiac disease, so we can get to know ourselves! Allison Reiner Guilderland 7 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor People should never be judged on something they can’t change mother’s decision too pen my mind because they don’t know much To the Editor: I am Japanese American. My and show me her home and her about Asian culture. It’s sort of a mother was born in Okayama, language, I began to respect the mystery to them, what Japan is Japan. Before I was born, my wonderful culture that my mother really like, which creates a more general subject on what they can mother made the decision that grew up in. Now I am 12 years old, and I make fun of. she was going to teach me her Being Japanese American, I language and culture. As I began absolutely love Asian culture. It to talk, she ignored me whenever makes me so angry to hear about eat lots of rice (with chopsticks!), I spoke to her in English. It was people making fun of Asians’ eyes wear a kimono to celebrate the Japanese New Year, and read hard for her, but she knew it was or accent. One night, my mother came Japanese comic books. But that going to get harder. When I entered fifth grade, home from work extremely upset. isn’t what makes me respect and love the culture so much. things really got tough It’s the people that I love for both my parents. I in Japan, the traditions, would barely ever talk to For anyone to disrespect and the memories. my mom about what hapFor anyone to disrespect pened that day, because it the Japanese or their culture when the Japanese or their was harder to explain the they know little or nothing about it culture when they know events in Japanese than is offending and extremely rude. little or nothing about it in English. is offending and extremely I hated Japanese school, rude. Before you assume and I would never do my homework — even though I had She was treated rudely because of that someone is not worthy enough two weeks in between each class. her race and her accent. I didn’t for you to treat them fairly beBut my mother was strong and know what to think. I was out- cause of their race, accent, or the continued to bring me and my raged that anybody would act like language that they speak, think sister to Japan every summer for that towards my mother because again. Japanese culture is unique and a month, and send me to school of something so irrelevant. I don’t understand why my beautiful in its own way, just like for two weeks. It made me mad to know that I had to go to school mother has to go through this. She American culture. People should during the summer when my worked hard at college in Japan to never be judged on something friends back home were going to earn her bachelor’s degree. Then they can’t change. In fact, I would she moved to New York with my never give up my Japanese half camps and having parties. for anything. Being Japanese But I loved Japan. I loved every father. Just last year, after four hard has changed the way I look at part of it. As I got older, my love for Japan grew. Not only the love years, she earned her master’s the world. Cultures are what create people. for my grandmother, my great- degree. Now she teaches at two grandmother, and my friends, but colleges in the Capital District. My People who look different, speak for all the things that made Japan mother is so intelligent and fluent different languages, and eat difin two languages. Why does she ferent foods — and that’s what so different from America. Instead of a vacation, going have to be treated poorly because makes that world interesting. What a boring place this would be to Japan was like going home. of her race? I think Asians are beautiful, if everyone were the same. When I realized how truly lucky I was to have so many more op- especially my mother. I think that Serena LaFave portunities in life because of my some people mistreat my mother Guilderland Teachers need to come up with creative ideas to help their students learn To the Editor: Many middle-school students at Farnsworth experience fun and exciting things at school, but sometimes there are a few classes that you dread going to. Those classes probably aren’t interesting because of the style the teacher uses. Do the teachers just hand out sheets, or do they use inquirybased learning? Inquiry-based learning consists of hands-on activities that students learn from and have fun with. In classes where we only do sheets and don’t use this technique, I need to study extra hard for tests and I usually sit for almost an hour studying every night before the test. Most of the time, I do very well on the tests but I soon forget the information I learned. I experience inquiry-based learning in language arts. In this class, we let our minds explode on a blank page in our writer’s notebook. Sometimes our ideas branch out in well-thought-out writing pieces. We often work as groups at our tables or whole classes on the Promethean board and share our thoughts together. In science, we do hands-on labs where we have to use our brains and our hands in skilled ways. I need the inquiry-based learning method in at least one class during the day because it helps me get through without losing my mind from boredom. Teachers need to think about how they teach and how their students respond. Do the students laugh and smile or do they sit there with distant stares as though they were barely paying attention? If they have no response to what the teacher is saying then maybe the teacher could come up with some fun activities for the students to do. Maybe then the students would have a little more interest in the topic being taught. Teachers all over the country have different teaching styles. There are many different methods. Sometimes students learn better with a sheet or a textbook and some students learn better using inquiry-based learning. It is hard to find a balance. At Farnsworth, there are numerous teachers who use the method of inquiry-based learning, but there are also teachers who just give students a sheet and go over the answers with them afterward. By just using hand-outs I do not learn and neither do many other students at Farnsworth. Our brains don’t retain information when the information needed is just read and copied down. We could really use some new and fun ways to learn. I believe we also need to learn the little parts of the topic before learning the big idea. When we learn like this, better results occur in the classroom. Students learn by observing, collecting information, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Teachers can’t just give a work- sheet to the students and expect them to know the answers right away. They need to come up with creative ideas to help their students learn. Inquiry-based learning develops abilities that last a lifetime. It also guides learning and encourages creative thinking. When I see teachers that use the technique of inquiry-based learning, I can tell they are having fun teaching and they can see the students faces light up with enthusiasm. This makes the teachers feel good inside, like they did a good job. I understand that teachers have their own way of teaching. Some teachers feel that it is easier or better for students to get hand-outs, but many students including me would rather have the teacher use inquiry-based learning. I disagree with doing an excessive amount of sheets because the brains of students cant remember all the information at once. It is better for us to lead up to the main topic with small parts along the way. We should have some hand-outs and some fun activities we can do to remember the information. So think about the ways you learn in school, or think about the way you teach your class. Together, through inquiry-based learning, I feel we can change Guilderland’s teaching methods to help create the bright young people of the future. Amanda Conklin Guilderland Parents controlling kids’ phones is an invasion of their privacy To the Editor: I am a 12-year-old girl who owns a cell phone. My parents control when I can and can’t use my phone. My parents, along with many other families around the world, do the same. Some parents even read their kids’ text messages and look through the contents of their phone! U.S. Cellular stats state that 60 percent of American kids own cell phones. According to Yankee group research, 54 percent of American tweens will own a cell phone in the next three years. Some data shows that cell-phone ownership is the highest for girls ages 12 to 14 years old. I think that it is very wrong when parents control their children’s phones. Parents, like mine, usually give their kids cell phones for a reason, like if they are doing a sport, extra-curricular activity, or just to keep in touch with their family or friends. Even though the adults are the ones who usually pay for the phone and the monthly bill, they gave it to their children as a gift, so their kids should be able to use it when they want to without being monitored in any way. It is a total invasion of their privacy. My parents try to control my cell phone. My mom makes me turn it off at 9 o’clock or so on school nights and plug it in to charge downstairs so that I won’t stay up all night and text in my room when I should be sleeping, even though I would never do that. Sixty-four percent of parents admitted to looking through their children’s cell phone, including the call log, text messages, pictures or address book. In my opinion, that’s way too many. Fifty-two percent of parents, like my own, set limits on when their kids can and can’t use their phones. Many parents (62 percent) take away their kids phone as a punishment! On the other side, the adults are paying for everything, including the monthly fees, and they may want to know about their children’s lives outside of what they see at home. They also might think that kids aren’t attached to their phones or use it as much as they might think because this technology wasn’t around when they were our age, but this is a different time that has new technology. I use my phone mainly to talk to my friends and family. I like to be able to talk to my friends without having to call them. It’s very helpful, when you have a quick question about something to just type it into the phone and press “send,” and get a response a few seconds later. A parent’s first instinct for a punishment should not be to take away their children’s cell phones. So , if you are a parent, and you monitor or even read your child’s texts or look through his or her phone, think about what you would do if your parents did that to you. It is an invasion of privacy. If a parent wants to know more about their children’s lives, why not have a conversation, or do something fun together that will get you talking? Then your kids will let you in on their daily lives that you don’t see at home, so you don’t have to read or look through your children’s phones anymore, and that will make you and your children happier. Jane Sherwin Guilderland A good solution to pollution of layers. The layers are covered To the Editor: Right now in America, we use glass with transparent adhesive fossil fuel for 86 percent of our and an antireflective coating over energy. That’s not a good thing. solar cells. Solar cells are made Fossil fuel is oil underground up of an n-type semiconductor that was made by decomposed then a junction with the final plants over millions of years. It layer, a p-type semiconductor. Semiconductors are conductors is also coal and gases. Fossil fuels will run out, and that take in energy but it only they emit greenhouse gases. takes in what it needs. Some of the reasons that There are ways of getting energy without emitting greenhouse people don’t like solar energy is because it is expensive, it takes gases: renewable energy. Renewable energy is an energy up space and they don’t like how from replenishable or renewable it looks. They say the sun is not sources like wind, hydro, and so- out all day. Some people say lar energy. My grandpa is a mem- that solar panels won’t hold up all the snow on ber of “Vote for their roofs in the Wind” club. I’ve winter. seen and learned One other type much about wind o f renewable power and other My grandpa energy is hydro natural resourcis a member of power. This powes, so I want to share what I’ve “Vote for Wind” club. er takes water and turns it into researched with energy. Flowing you. of the water is One way of getcontrolled by inting our energy from a renewable source is wind take gates and the water flows energy. Wind energy comes from into the powerhouse. In the windmills. Windmills are made powerhouse, the flowing water of three to six blades connected to is converted into electricity by a hub. A main shaft is connected a spinning turbine that is conto a gear-box transmission and nected to a generator. In the a brake and finally the genera- end, all the water flows back into tor. The generator converts the the river. Some people don’t like hydro spinning of the blades into power. Windmills are renewable and power because the dams build don’t put out greenhouse gases. up too much water on one side Some of the ways people are and too little on the other, which debating this is that they are changes the underwater environtoo big, they are loud, and they ment. The dams are expensive disturb wildlife. They also have and big. They take a long time a light that blinks at the top of to build. As you can see, there are difthe windmill so planes won’t hit the windmills. People say it ferent types of renewable energy. lights up their room when they They all are good for the planet and don’t give out greenhouse try to sleep. Another type of renewable en- gases. So I think renewable ergy is solar power. Solar power energy is a good solution to polcomes from solar panels. Solar lution in the air and water. panels convert sunlight into elec- Matt Cortelyou trons. A solar panel is made up Guilderland 8 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Keep Italian I Don’t deny your children a bright future To the Editor: Compared to what our Guilderland school budget is facing, is $27,000 a large percent of what we need to cut? No, and eliminating Italian I at the high school is a bigger deal than the money it’s worth saving. Even though the students currently participating will not be affected, what about their incoming little brothers and sisters? Do we really want to limit what language our children can take? Unlike their siblings, who had a chance to take Italian, they will be impacted. Italian is a very useful language; it deserves the same attention as German, Spanish, or French. Some of the kids would disagree that it was fair to even put it on the budget in the first place. If there were more kids involved in it, would they keep Italian I? And let’s think about our Farnsworth students; we have no knowledge of how many kids would like to take Italian. In a survey I recently took, I learned that four out of five seventhgrade kids are interested in taking Italian at the high school. The small number of children taking Italian now, will not be the same number of children taking Italian later. The board of education sees the budget cuts from a different perspective than the children. I see the other side; I am part of the student body. Our budget is managed by adults, but here I am speaking for the children impacted by this, saying what we want. I am going to take Italian, simply for my love of the language. It’s either going to be at the high school, or from a private instructor. But to show that, even though I’m lucky to have the privilege to take it privately, many students aren’t. Italian is so different, unique, and beautiful; I feel students deserve the chance to take it. Italian is important to Farnsworth; I would do anything to keep the useful language of Italian. Even though there’s a tight budget to look at, Italian is more than just a budget item. It is more than the money, and it is more than the way our school board is looking at it. Taking away Italian I at the high school will affect your children’s future. Italy is a real place, with real people speaking Italian; understanding the language is a real value. don’t deny your children a bright future, Don’t make them suffer. I will be one of the children that will. Katie Lamar Guilderland New Yorkers need their parks To the Editor: I’m a hiker, and I hike summer and winter, everywhere in New York State. Last year, New York State attempted to close 55 state parks, as a plan to help create more revenue. Even though this was the plan, local people began to pay more attention to their parks and attendance rose, so that most of the parks remained open. I was devastated, and the state, for a time, actually closed Thacher Park. I hike at least once a month in the summer and I tried to help in reopening Thacher Park; apparently it worked. This year, the state is also in fiscal trouble as the governor clearly stated at the Jan. 5 fiscal meeting, stating that the state needs to fill a deficit of $10 billion. The plan the Parks Department wants to take is to keep all of their 213 state parks and historical sites open. My belief is that hiking, camping, and nature education is far more important because it teaches people, and most importantly children, about wildlife and nature. Also hiking and camping fight obesity by getting kids active. In fact, I geo-cache, which is an international game of hide and seek where I use a GPS to find small boxes in parks. If we cut hiking trails, then some of the New York’s geo-caches will become impossible to get to. This means that a solution must be made to fill that deficit, meet the parks, agenda, and keep New York State healthy. Not every park needs to have wildlife education, camping, and hiking. This could be spread throughout a general area. For example, one park should have hiking trails, then one five miles away should have camping, then a nearby park or historical site should have wildlife education and this should save money — maybe not the whole deficit but enough to be sufficient. New York State is filled with nature, and her state parks overflow with beauty and grace. Go out there and show your love for the miracle of nature that is New York. Winsor Jewell Guilderland CLIP AND SAVE YARD WASTE COLLECTION VILLAGE OF ALTAMONT RESIDENTS ONLY YARD WASTE COLLECTION Spring 2011 Clean Up Spring brush and leaf collection will start on April 4, 2011 and continue through May 27, 2011. Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags. All bags must be closed and sealed. Brush and branches no larger than 2” diameter, must be bundled with twine, a maximum of 4 feet in length and must be able to be lifted to truck by one man. Collection will be on Tuesdays and Fridays through the collection period, weather and conditions permitting. Please do not place bags or brush on pavement or in ditches as they could inhibit the flow of storm water. Please do not include bottles, cans, branches, stones, or any foreign refuse in leaf bags as they could be hazardous to the equipment and the workmen. VILLAGE OF ALTAMONT DEPARTMENT OF PUbLIC WORkS CLIP AND SAVE The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor Dorothy McDonald lives on in the hearts of her students To the Editor: Thank you for the wonderful editorial in the March 24 Enterprise, regarding the possible closure of the Clarksville Elementary School. You hit it right on the nose with this editorial. You captured in works the essence of the Clarksville school; the need for further consideration by the district making its decision; and the legalities that are being overlooked in a calm, intelligent way. I was brought to tears when reading about the late Dorothy McDonald. I was her first secretary when she started at Clarksville. You expressed so well the person and educator she was. Her spirit lives throughout the halls of the school and in the hearts of the students who learned from her, and the staff who worked side by side with her. We will keep on going in our efforts to keep Clarksville open, and this effort is strengthened with your clear reporting. Grace A. Petruska Clarksville Closing a school when there are crucial unknowns is unconscionable To the Editor: On Wednesday, March 30, the Bethlehem Board of Education voted to decide whether or not to close a neighborhood elementary school, Clarksville Elementary. As New Scotland Town Supervisor Tom Dolin pointed out at the March 7 Bethlehem board meeting on facilities, the town of New Scotland pays 8 percent of Bethlehem school taxes and its children make up 5 percent of the district population. Based on these numbers, town of New Scotland residents in the Bethlehem School District more than pay for Clarksville Elementary. Based on studies of communities in which schools or other community buildings stand vacant, property values go down. Since a 1.6-percent increase in property taxes would raise the approximately $800,000 to $900,000, the district optimistically claims it will save by closing Clarksville Elementary (and leaving the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, vacant and unheated), one can assume that within a year or two of closing the school, even a small decline in New Scotland property taxes will leave the district with less revenue than if it had kept the school open, making this closing a poor choice for future planning…. Our entire elementary school is less than 1 percent of the total budget, just like sports. As important as sports are socially, and as much as I hope my daughter will play sports and I can cheer from the sidelines (yes, I’ll admit that part), sports is not the purpose of our schools; an education is. Interestingly there are student programs that basically sup- port themselves, like Stage700, and then there are community programs that cost the district money, like continuing education and HILL programs. The district needs to reprioritize to make use of its resources to benefit the students first and various community groups second. [Superintendent Michael] Tebbano has regularly argued the need for fairly consistent levels of administration. As the district cuts 42 teachers, it is planning on cutting only one out of 13 administrators. In a district that includes a well-staffed counseling center, in addition to school principals and psychologists, leaving 12 administrators for eight schools seems a bit excessive. Since each administrator makes $100,000 or more, plus benefits, paring even two would make a significant budgetary difference. Current contracts could be opened up for more competitive pricing, from food service to supplies. At the March 7 meeting, there was even discussion of the district paying a price for heating oil (per gallon) that was higher than necessary. In addition to possible places to cut the upcoming budget or generate revenue, there are simply too many uncertain factors in the decision to close Clarksville Elementary. At this point, the census numbers for New York State are just being released. A large part of the board’s argument has been that closing Clarksville is not only fiscally beneficial, but declining enrollment supports closing the school. One scientist who spoke at our most recent meeting argued that the board’s use of a particular Turn laundry day inTo laundry hour VoorheesVille model in projecting enrollment was faulty based on the factors surrounding the use of this model. Even if it were not faulty, the district’s own model shows enrollment leveling out and even beginning a slight increase, as others pointed out. At this point, with so much argument surrounding numbers and research, looking at concrete numbers seems the most logical choice. On my road alone, there are as many preschool age children, birth to age 4, as there are students currently enrolled in elementary, middle, and high school combined. As of the last couple of days, we also have reports that a chunk of state funding for education may be restored to New York’s budget, and subsequently district budgets…. It seems that the board is in a particular rush to get this decision made, with or without facts and research. Aside from the questions I raised in my last letter…of whether or not the board and superintendent have faithfully followed Education Law in preparing for this building closing. There are a number of areas the district could reduce spending, even temporarily, and still maintain the integrity of primary education by keeping neighborhood schools open. My most recent letter to recommended looking to an outside firm experienced in institutional budget analysis and long-term financial planning. Deciding to close a school when there are crucial unknowns, and unresearched elements, is unconscionable. Karen Williams Clarksville Editor’s note: See related story. Christopher Shea Remodeling UNDROMAT A L 12 South Main St. open 6 AM – 11 PM every Day Soft Water • Parking • Clean HELDERBERG OIL Quality Home Heating Oil 768-8300 Due to current market conditions, please call for price. We accept HEAP Quantity Discounts Cash, check or credit card on delivery Professional Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Call today for your Free Estimate 928-6101 Subscribe 9 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Keep the two-party system alive The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor Runion-Csaposs culture is more than a cynical political strategy To the Editor: Haven’t we had enough of the Runion-Csaposs culture? Mr. [Donald] Csaposs, Supervisor Ken Runion’s right-hand man, demonstrates the reasons why good people avoid public service. His behavior is not only offensive, it is often downright disturbing. In 2009, he contacted one of my elementary-school classmates, looking for photos of me from second grade. Can your readers think of a non-creepy reason why he would do that? Many of you were appalled by a political mailer last year that defamed me, falsely accusing me of being a sexual predator. It was sent under the guise of an official police alert. In 2008, Mr. Csaposs referred to me using an “accusatory epithet” that The Enterprise refused to print. That epithet was nearly identical to the one used in the 2010 mailer. Back in 2007, Csaposs was caught by a regional newspaper engaging in dubious tactics on its blogs. That paper described him as possessing “a passion for the hack-and-slash side of politics.” Even though I have decided not to seek public office again due largely to this abuse, the attacks continue. The continuation proves the Runion-Csaposs culture is more than a cynical political strategy. It’s a way of life they cannot resist. In his most recent letter, Mr. Csaposs actually attacks Councilman Mark Grimm for issues involving my past writings and my differences with Judge Gary Sharpe. Mr. Grimm had nothing to do with either, but Mr. Csaposs and other Runion surrogates continue to cultivate that deception. There is only one way to combat this culture, by getting involved politically and by voicing your concern at the ballot box. Have you had enough? Warren Redlich Guilderland Editor’s note: Warren Redlich and Mark Grimm make up the Republican minority on the Guilderland Town Board. About the elementary-school picture mentioned by Redlich, Donald Csaposs said, “I am a Facebook friend of someone I’ve known for 25 years who happens to have gone to school with Mr. Redlich. A few years ago, she posted a picture of her second-grade class. I asked, ‘Where’s Warren?’ with a little smiley face.” I have accomplished much, standing firm for Guilderland residents To the Editor: An inaccurate portrayal of town-board business these past four years appeared in last week’s letter by Don Csaposs. In truth, standing firm for the interests of Guilderland residents and businesses has produced many accomplishments. The defeat of a new $2,500 town tax on new homebuyers was a major relief for taxpayers. I appreciated [Supervisor Kenneth] Runion’s decision to withdraw his support for it due to my concerns. Council members Paul Pastore, Pat Slavick, and Warren Redlich deserve much credit for joining with me to approve new housing for our seniors. So many of our older residents want the chance to downsize here and we need the right housing to achieve that goal. I was proud to stand up for Community Caregivers and many of us were gratified when the board’s majority eventually agreed to restore its funding. I also truly believe the restoration of funding for our town paramedics could save lives. The board’s majority deserves credit for agreeing to our call to withdraw from a solid-waste group that favored expanding the Rapp Road landfill. For years, Albany has been getting the money and we have been getting the smell. That never seemed fair. I was thrilled when a top state official called me to say they agreed to move training exercises using tear gas off the Guilderland site near the Albany Country Club. The club’s general manager, William Aperance, was a great help in that effort. Many town residents and I have desired some choice when it comes to our cable service. That overdue competition is now coming. Also, the entire board gets kudos for finally extending water to the West End. I believe hard work and a relentless focus on matters that affect you will continue to produce results. No amount of partisan nastiness will derail that mission. Mark Grimm Guilderland Editor’s note: Mark Grimm is a Republican member of the Guilderland Town Board. Highway workers give us bang for our bucks To the Editor: As the harsh winter comes to an end, we should express appreciation to the town plow and salt truck drivers for their diligence. They have had to work long and odd hours, keeping our roads safe and clean multiple times. They illustrate the services we need and want government to provide us — services that we can see being actually performed, services that people are willing to pay for. On the other hand, we could eliminate 20 percent of the state and federal bureaucrats and administrators earning over $100,000 a year. Unlike the highway department employees, most people would not notice their absence. There just would be fewer people, for example, sitting around in endless meetings, deciding how many carrot sticks per pupil school lunch programs should serve in their new salad bars while we grapple with school budget cuts. Or there would be fewer people who have never had to show a profit to employ other people telling a business how it should be run. Historically, once a government service or agency gets a life, there is very little accountability on how it spends our money. It becomes a candy store for a minority of public employees to earn salaries and pensions that they would never earn in the private sector. And we keep paying. At least, with the highway department employees, we know we are getting some bang for our bucks. Many taxpayers know the difference and we appreciate their services. Robert O’Keefe Guilderland Editor’s note: Robert O’Keefe is a member of the Guilderland Republican Committee. considered, or if you want to help in other ways, we would like you to attend this most important meeting. Perhaps just as important, we need a chairperson for the town committee, so tell your Republican friends and plan to make this meeting a rousing success and one which will ensure that the two-party system stays alive. If you feel it necessary that we have at least a two-party system, then please come and share your ideas. Anyone who is interested in being considered should come to the meeting or contact me at 872-2802. Patricia Gage Knox Republican Committee Editor’s note: Patricia Gage is one of two Republicans on the five-member Knox Town Board; the others are Democrats. Help us keep the fairgrounds open to everyone To the Editor: The Altamont Fair needs your help! Over the past two to three years, the fairgrounds had several acts of vandalism to its buildings and grounds. Buildings have had doors broken, safety mirrors were destroyed, and items were stolen from around the grounds. The fairgrounds has always been a place for the residents of the village and surrounding areas to exercise their dogs, ride bikes, or just walk around and enjoy the grounds and the scenery. We want to keep the grounds open to any and all who wish to enjoy our property but, without your help, we might have to lock the gates when we are not using the grounds for an event or for our yearly fair. Please help us remain open to everyone by reporting any activity you observe to the Altamont Police or notify our office at 861-6671. We appreciate any assistance you can provide to us in keeping our fairgrounds a safe place for all to enjoy. Marie McMillen Operations Manager The Altamont Fair Circus animals live in violence To the Editor: The circus is coming to town once again. Many families will be purchasing their ringside tickets in anticipation of a fun family event. The circus is filled with talented performers who dazzle their audience to create a setting that can be fun and entertaining. Unfortunately, the fun stops there. The sad fact behind that dazzle is the animals that perform for applause is not fun, but a life of torture. Circus animals live each day in violence. “How do they do that?” This question may arise from so many children as they watch elephants stand on their heads and climb onto one another ’s back. Elephants are chained, beaten, probed with electric shock, and deprived of water and food, not to mention traveling in disgust and small, tiny quarters. “How do they do that?” is forcible weapons used constantly to perform unnatural acts. The life of a circus elephant is depressing and heart-breaking and, by consistently contributing to circus entertainment, only enables the abuse to continue. Research and education before the purchase of a circus ticket will help those understand the scenes behind the big tent. Save your money and save a tortured circus animal. There are hundreds of animal sanctuaries all over the country that devote their lives to save those circus animals left behind. Sponsorship and donations to a wildlife rescue will ensure these animals a life freed from the abuse they endure each day. Spare your children of what they will find out sooner than later with the question, “How do they do that?” Mary C. Whipple Schoharie Editor’s note: For coverage on the issue, go online to www.AltamontEnterprise.com and look under the April 29, 2010 archives for “Honoring an icon: Protesters rally to protect elephants as the circus comes to town” and “Editorial: The fate and future of elephants are in human hands.” Pet Adoption Clinic CLARIFICATION On March 17, we published a letter from Warren Redlich, a member of the Republican minority on the Guilderland Town Board, describing Judge Gary Sharpe as a Clinton appointee and his ruling against Redlich — that he can’t practice law in Guilderland Town Court — as partisan. Last week, we published a letter from Donald Csaposs, responding to Redlich’s view of his role in the matter, in which he stated that Sharpe was nominated as a federal judge by George W. Bush “despite the false partisan assertion to the contrary contained in Mr. Redlich’s letter,” wrote Csaposs. Actually, Sharpe was appointed to the federal bench as a magistrate judge in 1997 under Bill Clinton, and in 2004 as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court — a lifetime appointment — under Bush. To the Editor: To quote a recent letter to the Enterprise editor: “There is nothing more important in our democratic system than competitive elections. A viable two-party system ensures accountability for office holders and offers citizens a true choice between competing philosophies.” This fall, as voters in the town of Knox head to the polls to make selections regarding the various public offices, we would like to have choices for them to consider. With that result in mind, we are asking all registered Republicans in the town of Knox to meet at the town hall on Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m. We will be conducting an open search for candidates in this fall’s election. If you wish to be Saturday, April 2nd Write a letter. You’ll feel better. 9:00 a.m. to noon at Guilderland Animal Hospital Featuring retired racing dogs from Forever Home Greyhound Adoptions Call 518-355-0260 for more information or visit www.gahvets.com Serving the community since 1955. 10 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Ace Howland lived up to his name To the Editor: Last week, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 94, long-time area resident Amsden (Ace) Howland passed away. Ace was a good friend to many, a father, husband, and mentor. He was a helicopter pilot in World War II, and flew many missions for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and for the State Police. It is not for nothing that he was nicknamed “Ace”. He was certainly tops in his field, and tops among his friends. About 20 years ago, Ace, along with about 25 other local “old fogies,” became charter members in the “C.R.A.F.T.” club, meeting daily in several area locations, and finally at the Home Front Café from about 7 to 9 a.m. Our numbers have diminished greatly, but Ace was always there in the CEO’s chair, until ill health sent him west to be with his son Greg. His picture hangs in our corner. I invite all to come and see, and to pay tribute to a true hero, patriot, citizen and friend. If you would like to join us, old age is not a requirement. Youngsters in their 70s and even 60s are not disbarred. There are no dues except camaraderie. We raise our cups to you, Ace. We miss you. Peace! Newton Ronan Altamont Wood/Tollner/et al have a hidden agenda To the Editor: It is always entertaining to read letters [published in the March 24 Enterprise] written by people such as Steve Wood (an official in the Rensselaerville Conservative Party) and Richard Tollner (former deputy supervisor for the Town of Rensselaerville). It is interesting to see their skill in reporting half-truths. And it is apparent that Mr. Wood continues to have difficulty expressing his thoughts, whether written or verbal, without resorting to name-calling. For the sake of full disclosure, ask these two “concerned citizens” why they failed to mention the following: — 1. The town board is in unanimous agreement that a pressure washer is needed for the highway department. (But the 3-2 majority insists that town law and accepted past practices be followed.) — 2. This is not the first time the highway superintendent has violated the town’s procurement law. (Yes, we all make mistakes, and allowances for human error need to be made. But the highway superintendent has already been granted pardon for at least one or two previous procurement law violations.) — 3. When requested at the town board meeting to retrieve the request for proposals (RFP) that he claimed was in his office, the highway superintendent refused. (One has to ask, “Why?”) — 4. When requested at the town board meeting to retrieve the documentation he claimed was in his office regarding state contract prices for pressure washers, the highway superintendent refused. (Again, the question is “Why?”) — 5. Despite his protests that he “didn’t know” that town board approval of RFPs was required, the highway superintendent had followed the proper protocol several times previously. (How can he then claim that he wasn’t aware of this past practice?) — 6. The highway superintendent did, in fact, get a pay raise over the previous superintendent on day 1 of his term of office in 2010. This pay raise, by the way, was vehemently opposed by the previous supervisor but voted into the budget by the Democratic town board majority at the time. How supportive would Mr. Wood, Mr. Tollner, and others of like mind be if other department heads violated the town’s procurement law and/or accepted past practices? Would they be so supportive if another individual occupied the office of the highway superintendent? Based on their past behaviors and attitudes, we can only surmise that the answer would be a resounding “not at all supportive.” In some people’s minds, it is easier to ask for pardon than to ask for permission. However, the facts are the facts. Mr. Wood and Mr. Tollner and their cohorts can continue to publish their half-truths. Read their future letters carefully. We’re sure there will be more as they thump their chests and proclaim that only they know how to properly conduct the town’s business. The voters of this town elected us to be the watchdogs and guardians of taxpayer money, a fiscal responsibility that we take very seriously. We are confident that the electorate in the town of Rensselaerville can discern the Wood/Tollner/et al hidden agenda with ease. We do invite anyone and everyone who questions their comments to contact us for the full, unadulterated truth. And, yes, please attend town board meetings (the second Tuesday of each month) to see for yourselves what is truly going on. We have nothing to hide, no one to protect, and no hidden agenda. Can they say the same thing? Marie Dermody, supervisor, Gary Chase, Councilman/ Deputy Supervisor John Kudlack, Councilman Town of Rensselaerville Editor’s note: To read about the meeting in which the town board voted, 3 to 2, to have the highway superintendent send back the pressure washer, go online to www.AltamontEnterprise.com and look under Hilltown archives for March 10. Guilderland Dry Cleaners WE DO IT ALL!! LOW PRICES!! • We provide full service alterations for the lowest prices around. We accept • Prom and Wedding Gowns competitors • Suedes and Leathers coupons at • Comforters, Drapes, Etc. 1/2 value • Rain Coats - Waterproofing • Free Winter Storage - Clean your clothes for winter! ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNT PROGRAMS!!! s r r 456-3321 10% off your next incoming dry cleaning order with coupon Reminder! Do not leave plastic on your items when storing them away. 2050 Western Avenue, Star Plaza, Guilderland, NY The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor Political discourse is so impoverished The U.S. is now largely a Secular Mass Democracy To the Editor: The recent exchanges on your opinion pages among [David] Bowdish (Feb. 24, 2011), [John] McCarthy (March 3, 2011), and [Roland] Tozer (March 10, 2011) on our political state of affairs show that it is becoming increasingly difficult to have an informed and historically accurate discourse on matters of civil importance. Especially when it comes to the intertwined topics of church and state, Christianity, political morality, citizenship, and democracy. There seems to be far too little common ground. Increasingly, we talk past one another. Take Mr. Tozer’s assertion that “the founders of our country were very specific regarding separation of church and state...” Actually, the First Amendment prohibits not the establishment of religion by Congress (religion in general), but an establishment of religion (a particular Christian denomination, what our Founding Fathers called in those days a “sect”). [The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...] There is nothing in the First Amendment restricting the states from establishing a specific religious denomination as the institutionally official religion of that state. Nine of the 13 original states had such laws, embracing a particular Christian denomination at the time and kept them for many years as it was not against the law. The First Amendment, in large part, was a guarantee to the states which ensured that the federal government would — 1. not establish a particular denomination for the nation as a whole and — 2. allow the states to continue whatever church-state relationship that existed or which they might want to establish in the future. The states wanted to be free from national control in this domain. Even the phrase “separation of church and state” as used by Jefferson in 1802 in a letter to a group of Baptists several years after the ratification of the Constitution (in which he played no part, being our minster to France while it was being debated and formulated in Philadelphia) is not to be found in the Constitution. Whatever that phrase meant to him, it did not prevent him from advocating and implementing government spending for religious education in the state of Virginia. There is nothing in the Constitution that means that laws having a religious foundation or source cannot be adopted and implemented by the state. Nor does it mean that laws rooted in the presuppositions of nontheistic naturalistic worldviews, philosophies, or ideologies are to be privileged over those rooted in theistic, super-naturalistic presuppositions. Neither does it mean that religious ideas are banished to closets or pews and driven from the public square. Although it is true that, in recent years, there is less and less tolerance for the public expression of many religious ideas. As for Mr. Bowdish’s views about America being a Christian nation — well, yes and no. America was notably a Christian culture from its founding in the various colonies up to the framing of the Constitution and for sometime thereafter. Despite denominational differences, the worldview of the populace was decidedly Christian and had a major influence on not only the culture but the institutions that were developed. Remnants of that period are with us still. Today, we are no longer a Christian nation in that historic sense. In documentable fact, much of the policies and programs of our major institutions — schools, universities, judiciaries, mass media, mass entertainment, and civil government — can be characterized as discernibly a-Christian and often anti-Christian in their dominant worldview and programmatic goals and their increasingly intolerant view of historic forms of Christianity. What was once a Christian Constitutional Republic (with threads of Deism and Freemasonry woven into the new institutional fabric) is now largely a Secular Mass “It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.” Democracy — regardless of the significant number of citizens professing Christianity of one variant or the other. The federal and state governments have now insinuated themselves into the minute details of everyday life with ever-gathering momentum over the decades. The ever-growing, regulative, confiscatory Statism now in place would have appalled the Founders and confirmed Alexis de Tocqueville’s concerned forebodings about the potential for democratic despotism in our future when he wrote Democracy in America in the early 1800s. As for “morality,” I don’t know what it means to have a “corner on morality” as Mr. Tozer suggests that Mr. Bowdish has. Does Mr. Tozer have his own “corner” on moral judgment that gives him the moral standard to condemn Mr. Bowdish on this point? Everyone has some set of moral/ ethical/value beliefs — that is inescapable. Differing systems of morality are always in conflict. Still systems of morality differ and all legislation is an expression of one moral/ethical/value system or the other. That Sharia Law differs from our current Western Law is only one obvious case in point — they are rooted in contrasting moral presuppositions. By what standard should we chose one over the other? For example, our Founding Fathers concluded from their study of world history and the Colonial monetary experiences that fiat paper currencies inevitably become unjust (and therefore, immoral) measures and such mediums of exchange do not preserve their value over time, while gold and silver do — a concept found in the Torah (Leviticus 19:35, for starters) and embedded into our Constitution (Article 1, Section 10). That Constitutional provision was voided in 1913 under the Wil- son administration by the creation of the privately-owned Federal Reserve System monopoly and its powers of fiat currency creation - a system that has been devouring our purchasing power over the decades by depreciating our dollar ( it takes a dollar today to buy what five cents bought in 1913) and is now damaging, if not destroying, our future. Whose morality should prevail on such questions and by what standard should such moralities be judged? Another example, should we now tolerate, even legislate, the option of polygamous and polyandrous marriages for those so inclined by their morality? Why or why not? In an age of subjective moral relativism (where everyone is theoretically validated in doing what is right in their own eyes) as taught in our schools and on our airwaves, on what basis is one to form moral judgments about self and society? How do double-minded relativists, who are absolutely certain that there are no absolute certainties, determine what specifically is morally benevolent and fair for individuals and government to engage in? And to Mr. McCarthy’s assertion that the leadership of the Tea Party and their supporters don’t understand the qualities of citizenship and don’t believe that freedom of speech is a right for those for with whom they disagree, where is the concrete evidence? If our country is crumbling, as Mr. McCarthy argues, on what grounds do our best days lie in front of us — his personal intuition and faith? As to present political views about what citizenship truly means according to Mr. McCarthy, I worked in D.C. within the Kennedy administration and I think we have moved to something quite different from what JFK urged back then. Today, the evidence suggests that many believe that we should “Ask not what you can do for the state; ask what the state can do for you.” which is a far cry from JFK’s 1961 Inaugural admonition, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” And, lastly, the historic record leads to the conclusion that democracies last only so long as it takes the majority or a very active minority to figure out that they can vote themselves a living, which eventually leads to socioeconomic chaos and chaos leads to the demand for order which some strong man is always willing to provide. “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!” said Benjamin Franklin. And John Adams said, “Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.” This was all quite clear to all the Founding Fathers when crafting our Constitutional Republic, though not so much today in our Mass Democracy. But then, much of what was clear at the Founding is now seriously muddled, if not lost, and the political discourse so impoverished. Victor Porlier East Berne 11 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Enterprise opinion pages are an open forum for our community. We encourage readers to express their thoughts about issues that appear in this newpaper or affect the community. Letters should be brief (with an outside limit of 1,000 words) and must include the writer’s address, name, and phone number for verification. The editors may reject letters that have been printed elsewhere. Letters concerning elections will be cut off one issue before the election at the editor’s discretion. Letter-writers must be identified. Deadline for letters is Tuesday at noon. To the editor Old Men of the Mountain Breakfast at a naked corner leads to talk of Super healing, bionic OFs, and the disappearing middle class By John R. Williams On Tuesday, March 22, The Old Men of the Mountain met at the Duanesburg Diner in Duanesburg. As this column has previously mentioned, where the gas station and convenience store were once located, there are some very large rocks placed around the perimeter. Now there are even more rocks there (making it look like Stonehenge) and closer to the diner. If they move these rocks any closer to the diner, there will be parking only in the back, and the OFs will have to trudge quite a distance with their Tim Conway shuffles and canes. The corner is changing fast. With two buildings down (one between Route 7 and Route 20, heading south on Route 7 or west on Route 20) and the gas station/ convenience store on the south side of Route 7 gone, the corner looks naked. The way a day works out sometimes surprises many. At the breakfast, we discussed how many of the OFs see a face and recognize it but can’t put a name to it. Sometimes, the name is literally on the tip of the tongue but the OF can’t spit it out. For many of the OFs, the mind is whirling like crazy to connect the two so the OF does not look like a dork for not calling the person by name. Many times, the OFs said it is not until after the person is gone that the name is remembered. A more awkward situation is when neither party can put the name with the face and neither party wants to be embarrassed by asking, “Who the heck are you?” What do you know, when this scribe arrived home from the breakfast, on TV there was a discussion about the exact same thing only in reverse. The person being interviewed on TV was unable to recognize faces yet she knew these people very well. The OFs know we have spies watching us, and, in this case, the restaurant was full so it could have been anybody. It must just be a coincidence because a spy wouldn’t have time to get to the TV station to leave the restaurant and make his report. Super healing The OFs talked about the new way of stopping cuts from bleeding — Super Glue. The OFs will have to check out this information. What was discussed was that, when anyone has a cut, in order to stop the bleeding, just pull the skin halves together and put some super glue on it and bingo! The wound is stuck together and the bleeding stops. One OF mentioned that this must work because he has glued his fingers together more than once with this stuff. This OF also said to separate his fingers he has to loosen the glue up (so the fingers can be pulled apart) and he used finger nail polish remover to do this. One OG said, “Why don’t you use rubber gloves and that won’t happen?” “Can’t work with those things on,” the other OG said. “Well,” another OF said, “I am not going to take a knife and cut myself just to see if this works, and I don’t think I will carry a tube of Super Glue around all the time just in case I do cut myself.” Young OF The OFs also discussed another one of the OFs who had not arrived yet but was on the way. This OF is one of our oldest members; he is over 90 and as one certain OF said, “He makes me look old and I am 10 years younger than he is.” The old OF in question was in World War II and his job was being a munitions runner. He would run from foxhole to foxhole, bringing ammunition to those in the foxholes. This must not have been a fun job. One OF said he told him that he got the job because he was so short the enemy couldn’t hit him. Yeah right. Disappearing middle class The OFs then talked about a subject that keeps popping up and that is the stratification of the populace — how the true middle class is disappearing. The OFs say there is no lack of money; it is just how the money is distributed. The OFs say, for the most part, we only have ourselves to blame. Then the OFs began talking about how times were when they were younger, and even before that. One OF asked, “Wasn’t that before dirt?” Close, but not really. Back in the day, people worked for a company for a lifetime, and then their kids quite often would work at the same company. Then the people who were managing these companies knew how to manage and the workers did not get involved. But then everything blew up with the people who were running things and taking some wicked gambles and so we had the Great Depression. The OFs were covering a whole lot of area, trying to explain to themselves how the country got into the mess it is in right now. One OF said it is not a mess; it is an adjustment period and eventually will work itself out. Another OF was blaming the unions’ becoming too powerful, and still another OF was blaming the millionaires. Still another said that people are just getting lazy and don’t want to work, and yet another said it was none of these; it is all those give-aways the government hands out and the rest of us have to fund. It was a fun morning. Many bona fide opinions came forth and all with a hint of truth in them. It was easy to see why nothing gets done by committee; it was suggested that what the country needs is a good benevolent dictator. Bionic OFs The OFs again talked about their health, but not complaining about it this time. This conversation was about how many of the OFs carry around metal parts in their bodies that set off alarms at airports and government buildings where you have to pass through a metal detector. The odd part is that some OFs said their metal parts did not set alarms off, while others said theirs did. One OF said he had a steel rod that was about 10 inches long and it has not set the alarms off, while another said he had a steel plate in his back and he sets alarms off from outside the building. Some OFs have stents in their bodies. Some have them in their hearts, and one OF has one in his leg. Most of the time, they are OK and only one who had a stent reported that he must have been going through a real sensitive detector because it did go off. Some said that they carry cards with them that say they have a stent and where it is, while some say they don’t have such a card. These metal parts also louse up being able to have an MRI because that is one of the questions asked when you go to have one. Have you got any metal parts on or in your body? Most of the OFs have to say yes. One OF said it is a good thing they don’t ask about wood because then he would have to take off his peg leg. To which another OF replied, “It is not your peg leg that would cause a problem; it is the sawdust you have between your ears where your brain should be that would be the problem.” To which the other OF replied, “OK wise guy, you are so full of metal you are like the tin man, but the scarecrow was the smart one.” Correcting attendance record On the list of names of the culprits who attend these breakfasts this scribe was taken to task because last week he missed listing the names of some friends of a loyal OF. (This scribe must admit he did not know they were invited guests. The scribe thought they were interlopers, who saw some empty chairs and sat with this OG.) So, to as always protect the innocent, we must go back to the Alley Cat, and list George Hallenbeck, “Skip” Slater, and George Guest. Ladies — they were there. According to the OF who called and chastened this scribe, he said that one of them had to run out and purchase The Enterprise to prove they were at the breakfast and, lo and behold, their names were not listed. The scribe bets there was some fun at that household. Those attending the breakfast at the Duanesburg Diner in Duanesburg and thankfully not having to go through metal detectors or wood alert machines to get into the restaurant were: Henry Witt, Miner Stevens, Carl Slater, Roger Chapman, Dave Williams, Gary Porter, Lou Schenck, Glenn Patterson, Mark Traver, Steve Kelly, Robie Osterman, George Washburn, Frank Pauli, John Rossmann, Harold Guest, Ted Willsey, Willard Osterhout, Gerry Chartier, Mike Willsey, Harold Grippen, Ted Pelkey, Jim Rissacher, and me. — Photo submitted by Jean Mackay Experiencing Papua New Guinea: In the Voorheesville team’s performance, Amelia Bedelia shows how reading opens up a whole new world as she takes two young bookworms on a tour through a book. Especially impressive is the team’s scenery—a life-sized, six-foot pop-up book that unfolds to reveal three different travel destinations, including New Guinea. Voorheesville Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team advances to the World Finals To the Editor: I’m happy to share the great news that Voorheesville Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind team has earned the right to represent New York at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Tournament. The event takes place at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, from May 27 to 30. The team competed in the state tournament on March 27 at the University of Binghamton and placed second overall for its age division and problem. The competition was an incredible event, with 235 elementary, middle, and high school teams from around the state competing. First and second place teams advance to World Finals. We will be joined at the World Finals competition by teams from throughout the United States and about 25 other countries. During the competition, the team will present its solution to this year’s Odyssey problem “Le Tour Guide,” in which a character from aclassical literature must serve as a tour guide who takes a group of tourists to several locations. They will also compete in a spontaneous problem-solving activity, which tests their ability to solve problems on the spot and under a time pressure. Please join me in congratulating team members Sadye Goldfarb, Ben Mackay, Lydia Parker, Erik Patak, and Alex Relyea. I also want to recognize the team members’ parents, the Voorheesville School District, and the Parent-Teacher Association for their generous support, and thank James Layman, AJ Crandall, and Phil DiNuzzo at Northco Products for donating materials. We will be proud to represent Voorheesville and New York State at the World Finals competition. Jean Mackay, coach Voorheesville Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team Dr. Sarris tells Kiwanis of three keys to good health To the Editor: Dr. Thanasi Sarris of the AAC [Adirondack Advanced Chiropractic] Family Wellness Center of Guilderland was the guest speaker at the March 23 meeting of the Hilltown Kiwanis Club. His subject was “How To Be Healthy.” “Children eating 12 or more hotdogs per month have nine times the risk of developing leukemia,” he said. [The study, conducted in Los Angeles County between 1980 and 1987 focused on hotdogs with nitrates.] The doctor’s presentation was very well received by the club “Children eating 12 or more hotdogs per month have nine times the risk of developing leukemia.” During his talk, Dr. Sarris, a chiropractor, discussed the three keys to being healthy and well: Eat well, move well, and think well. To eat well, the doctor recommended fresh fruit and vegetables as one of the most important parts of healthy eating, encouraging the 75/25 rule. This would mean your plate should be 75 percent fruits and veggies, and 25 percent protein. Dr. Sarris pointed out that the foods we may eat a lot of that are bad for us are bread, dairy, coffee, hamburgers, French fries, pizza, and hotdogs. A University of California Medical School study showed, members who asked many interesting and thought-provoking questions. The club has been very fortunate to have recently had several interesting speakers and will have more in weeks to come. If you have any interest in being involved with a group that cares about the Hilltowns, its schools, and communities please come and join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Highlands Restaurant. We will welcome you and make you feel right at home. Raymond Lauenstein Hilltowns Kiwanis Club Altamont 12 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 GCSD looks for new high school principal and foreign-language super By Melissa Hale-Spencer GUILDERLAND — The search is on to replace two top Guilderland administrators who will retire in June. Brian McCann is retiring after two years as the high school principal, following 17 years as an assistant principal. And Albert Martino is retiring after eight years as the district supervisor for foreign languages and English language learners. At last week’s school board meeting, Carolyn Kelly, president of the Parent-Teacher Student Guilderland’s foreign-language program is based on the quality of its teaching, which requires supervision and leadership. Guilderland offers courses in Spanish, French, German, and Italian. “The administrator needs to be schooled in those languages…It would be difficult to divide this work up among other people,” said Wiles. The supervisor’s post is being advertised for an annual salary of $75,000, with applications due by April 14. “I’m extraordinarily sensitive about concerns of too many administrators, and I’m committed to examine the administrative structure in the very near future.” Association at the high school, recommended not replacing the school’s principal and spending the $130,000 on his salary and benefits to restore cut programs. “Things ran very smoothly,” she said when McCann was the acting principal and the building had three administrators, not four. Letters to the Enterprise editor this week make similar recommendations. David Janower calls for a one-year hiatus in hiring so that the Superintendent Marie Wiles, who started work in October, can study the district’s administrative structure. “Brian’s retirement affords Dr. Wiles the opportunity to look at the district’s administrative structure before a search is begun, before a commitment to maintaining that salary line is made,” writes Janower. Wiles told The Enterprise this week that, while she is committed to studying the administrative structure very soon with an eye to efficiency, the two vacant posts need to be filled. “I’m extraordinarily sensitive about concerns of too many administrators, and I’m committed to examine the administrative structure in the very near future,” she said. But Wiles also said, “By the commissioner’s regulation, every building has to have a principal. We don’t have a choice in that,” she said of replacing the high-school principal. The need to have a foreign language supervisor is also “very pressing,” she said. “We have an exponentially growing ELL population in our district,” Wiles said of English language learners — students who come from families that speak other languages. Asked how many students district-wide, Wiles said “hundreds,” and that they are concentrated in pockets; for example, 40 percent of the students at Guilderland Elementary School are ELL students. That school serves an area near the state university and has “a number of apartment complexes that attract folks from around the world,” said Wiles. “ELL is a highly regulated, highly tested program,” she said, “with grant funding connected to it.” Also, Wiles said, the success of (518)439-3670 Challenges at GHS With any retirement or resignation, Wiles said, there are three options: post ads and hire from outside, reorganize or hire from within, or make a temporary appointment while examining options. “It’s important to go through a process to see who is in the pool,” said Wiles. “We need to evaluate our needs and expectations and find someone who fits.” She Enterprise file photo — Melissa Hale-Spencer Brian McCann smiles in April 2009, the night the school board named him as principal of Guilderland High School. He will retire in June so the district has begun a search for a new principal. Enterprise file photo — Melissa Hale-Spencer Albert Martino, administrator for World Languages and Cultures, right, accepts an award in May 2009 from Guilderland School Board President Richard Weisz, recognizing him for his tireless commitment, enthusiasm, and appreciation for diversity. Martino is retiring in June. noted that candidates could come from inside the district as well as outside. Since there have been so many turnovers in leadership at the high school in recent years, Wiles said, “It is not in the best interest of the school to have another change followed by another one.” The high school hasn’t had a long-term principal since John Whipple retired in 2003 after petstyles.biz Grooming Daycare & Boutique New Scotland, 1886 New Scotland Road (next to Ace) Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 14 years. He was replaced by Ismael Villafane who left after two years to return to Texas where he had spent decades as an educator. Frank Tedesco, a retired administrator filled in until Michael Piccirillo was appointed in the fall of 2006. He left after 20 months to work as an assistant superintendent at Saratoga Springs. Harry Kachadurian, another retired administrator, filled in until Michael Paolino, who had worked at Voorheesville, became principal in the fall of 2007. Paolino was placed on administrative leave in July of 2008 while the district investigated complaints of harassment; he later resigned. When Paolino was placed on leave, McCann, who had been an assistant principal at Guilderland for 17 years, was named acting principal. In April 2009, McCann, at age 55, was Ferry Street Photography Affordable wedding and event photography $850 for a full day Call: 986-7239 or e-mail: FerryStreetPhotography@gmail.com named principal with a salary of $118,275. McCann said at the time that stability was needed at the high school. The school was in “troubled times,” as McCann put it, when he was appointed acting principal. He was referring not just to Paolino’s resignation but also to the protests that had rocked the district over the summer of 2008 as two high-school social-studies teachers — Matthew Nelligan and Ann Marie McManus — rallied students to protest their transfer to the middle school. After a young gay teacher had complained of harassment, the district hired a consultant; she issued a report describing a hostile work environment in the socialstudies department. Later, teachers said the complainant himself behaved inappropriately. The school board, in a 7-to-2 vote, decided not to review the superintendent’s decision to transfer the teachers. The superintendent at the time, John McGuire, maintained it was not a punishment but rather a chance to give the social-studies department a new lease on life. Nelligan, who said he was targeted for his conservative views, resigned the first week of teaching at the middle school to work for the state senate. McManus taught at the middle school for a year and then transferred back to the high school. “We were in trouble last summer,” McCann said in 2009 but, he said, although “some people still carry the scars,” the leadership team and staff not only repaired the damage but pushed forward. “Big job” “This is a very big job,” Wiles said of the high-school principal’s post, which oversees 1,800 students, 130 teachers, and 300 course offerings. The argument could be made, she said, that the high school principal is the most important person in the district. “Forget the superintendent,” said Wiles. “Only the high-school principal can award credit… We owe it to our students and community to find the best person.” The position has been posted with a salary of $105,000 to $115,000. McCann’s salary, she said, was “$130-ish with benefits on top.” Wiles said she didn’t know the amount of his pension. “As a retiree, we’d continue his health coverage,” she said. Applications will be accepted until shortly after the school break in April, Wiles said. A committee of “stakeholders” will interview candidates in early May. “We will be inclusive,” she said, noting that, in addition to board members and administrators, teachers, staff, and community members will be part of the interview process. “We want someone on board early in the summer to give him or her the opportunity to plan,” said Wiles. She concluded, “The point I want to drive home is that I am not unaware of folks in the community having concerns about administrative leadership….I do get it and will look at it almost immediately. But the two positions up now are not ones we can easily re-organize around.” Subscribe today 13 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 School board chooses middle-of-the-road bus prop “We really haven’t discussed By Melissa Hale-Spencer GUILDERLAND — The school what, as a group, we are preboard, in a split vote, chose the pared to support or not support,” middle of three options for bus said board President Richard Weisz at Tuesday’s meeting. purchases next year. The board is slated to adopt When voters go to the polls on May 17, they will decide on the a final plan on April 12. Guilderland school district bus proposition separately from administrators this week are the 2011-12 budget. In a 7-to-1 vote on March 22, “pinning down variables,” said the board decided on a bond Wiles on Monday. The health preproposition that, if it passes, mium increase, which is based on will be reimbursed 60 percent experience, she said is “looking pretty good.” by state aid. Also, the district is hearing Earlier this month, Christine Sagendorf, the district’s back on concessions from its 12 transportation supervisor, had bargaining groups. Concessions, presented the board with three Wiles said, were asked for both options, ranging from just under from the units that are currently half-a-million dollars to just over negotiating contracts and from those that aren’t. a million dollars: Other business — For $1,131,400, replace In other business at its March eight 66-passenger buses at $112,700 or $114,300 each; three 22 meeting, the school board: — Heard from Wiles that 30-passenger buses at $53,700 each; and one wheelchair bus at school will be in session on Friday, May 27, as the district has $65,500; — For $793,300, replace used all of its snow days; — Heard congratulations from five 66-passenger buses, three 30-passenger buses, and one Weisz for the 27 staff members who were approved for tenure. wheelchair bus; or — For $453,600, replace two Calling it an “exhaustive review,” Weisz said, 66-passenger bus“Not everybody es, three 30-pasmakes it.” He senger buses, and said there would one wheelchair be more celebrabus. tion later on; Assistant Su— Heard conperintendent for “We can find gratulations Business Neil ways to reduce from Assistant Sanders told the Superintendent our fleet... board at last for Instruction Tuesday’s meetOur back is Demian Singleing that, with against ton for the Masthe state contract terMinds’ team, for 30-passenger the wall.” which placed first buses and the in the History wheelchair bus, Bowl’s Upstate the district would N e w Yo r k R e save $15,000 over gional competithe initial estition, qualifying mate for the middle option — setting the cost at for April’s National History bowl in Washington, D.C. Noah Rubin $778,100. Allan Simpson cast the dis- competed in the National History senting vote, citing the district’s Bee regional competition, coming declining enrollment. With 115 in first against 30 students; — Learned that Corey Plant, buses, he said Guilderland has the third largest fleet in the area a third-grader at Westmere Eleand too many spare buses at 29. mentary School won an American “We’re throwing good money Legion essay contest writing on after bad,” said Simpson. He also “What America Means to Me.” He said, “We can find ways to reduce won a $100 savings bond. “America gives us freedom…,” our fleet…Our back is against he wrote. “I love saying the the wall.” Pledge of Allegiance. It’s my faBoard to share vorite part of the school day”; views on budget — Agreed to an externship The board is considering an $89 million budget that would program with Utica College for raise taxes about 4 percent and clinical education for occupacut 44 jobs. The budget was pro- tional-therapy students. Sanders posed by Superintendent Marie said Utica students “job shadow” Wiles after a series of community at Guilderland Elementary forums where the public and School; — Awarded a bid for a tractorschool staff considered lists of trailer load of paper to the lowest possible cuts. Wiles’s proposal for next year of six bidders, RIS Paper Comwas based on Governor Andrew pany, Inc., for $21,142.80; — Nominated incumbent John Cuomo’s budget, which included drastic cuts in school aid. Recent Phelan to serve a three-year board sessions have featured stu- term on the Albany-Schohariedents and parents decrying the Schenectady-Saratoga Board of cuts and pleading for re-instate- cooperative Educational Services Board as an Albany County ment of various programs. Cuomo and the legislative representative. A Guilderland leaders announced on Sunday resident, Phelan is a former they had agreed on a plan that school-board member; — Heard from Colleen will restore $232 million to education, although specifics had O’Connell on the board’s policy not been released by Wednesday committee, that the district would now have Facebook and afternoon. On Monday afternoon, Wiles Twitter accounts; people can sign said, “We haven’t been given any up through the district’s website inkling on how the money will at www.guilderlandschools.org. “Guilderland Central has ofbe divided….God knows what ficially come into this century,” they’re doing.” Asked what method would be said O’Connell, stating it was used to decide which programs the last school district in the should be re-instated, Wiles said, area if not the state to use social “That will all come together next networking; and — Met in executive session to Tuesday night, April 5.” The school board members will meet discuss negotiations with Buildfrom 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the high ing Principals and the Adminisschool to discuss their views on trator for Special Programs and the budget; the last half-hour of with District Office Confidential the meeting will be for public Personnel. comment. The Enterprise –– Michael Koff A future author: Guilderland Elementary third-grader Alyssa Koh, right, shows Coleen Murtaugh Paratore, a local author, a story she wrote, which included a letter back from Vice President Joseph Biden as Paratore visited Alana Lucia’s classroom on Tuesday morning. Paratore’s novel, The Wedding Planner’s Daughter, is being made into a movie. Her visit kicked off the school’s annual Young Authors’ Celebration, which runs through April 8 and recognizes student writing. PROPANE Free Tank Installation Automatic Delivery & Payment Options No Tank Rental, Hidden Fees or Surcharges Prompt Pay Discount 19 Drywall Lane, Voorheesville, NY 12186 Toll Free (800) 934-9480 Local (518) 765-9330 Visit us online at www.mirabito.com 14 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 $1M budget proposed for village Board split on raises for workers By Jo E. Prout ALTAMONT — The tax rate for the $1.04 million village budget will remain the same, if the board here adopts the plan recommended by Treasurer Catherine Hasbrouck Tuesday. Also, employee raises could top 3 percent, after last year’s wage freeze, if the split board finds the cash before June. “For us, the basic and most telling of variables…is the fact that the receipts we get from county [sales] taxes have always been critical to our operation,” said Mayor James Gaughan. According to census data revealed this month, Altamont’s population fell from 1,736 to 1,720 over the last decade. employees. Last year, the board froze wages. “Considering they didn’t get a raise last year, I would be inclined to go with the 3-percent raise,” Trustee Christine Marshall said. “It is a cost-of-living increase,” said Gaughan. “The cost-of-living increase [nationally] is less than 2 percent. I would lean toward 2 percent, myself. The elected officials are frozen for the third year in a row.” Trustee William Aylward, who is also a county legislator, said that the county would give employees 3-percent raises this year. “It’s the right thing to do,” he said. “Nobody represents the “Nobody represents the employees. It basically falls on our moral responsibility.” You will save $$ by Shopping at Fifi’s Fifi’s Frocks & Frills Fifi’s Frocks & Frills A Designer Consignment Boutique for Women Westmere Plaza 1811 Western Avenue Albany, NY 12203 Great Selection of: fifisfrocks@gmail.com Alb lb Albany, NY 12203 or find us on Facebook 518.869.1677 Starting April 1 Law charges manufacturers for recycling electronics By Anne Hayden GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland transfer station will no longer charge residents to recycle electronics. A state law — the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act — will take effect April 1, and it requires a “convenient system for collection, handling, and recycling or reuse of electronic waste.” Transfer stations across the state can register as official collection sites for recycling electronic equipment, and Greg Weir, superintendent at the Guilderland transfer station, said it was an obvious choice for the town. Weir, who became superintendent in September, said the station collects about 425 tons of recyclables each year, which brings in revenue, in addition to 1,634 tons of demolition material and 1,075 tons of household garbage. The town has about 35,000 residents. The new law makes manufacturers responsible for the recycling costs of their equipment. Companies — such as Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, and RCA — will be required to recycle the same amount of material, per pound, that they sell each year in New York State. The town used to participate in one “Electronic Recycling Day” each year, when residents could drop items off at the Stay apprised. Read The Enterprise. clip and save NOTICE OF BETHLEHEM Fifi’s FrocksTOWN & Frills Fifi’s Frocks & Frills WATERMAIN FLUSHING PROGRAM A Designer Consignment Boutique A Designer Consignment Boutique for Women & Children for Women & Children Spring 2011 Area #1 - 3/28 - 4/6 Area #2 - 4/4 - 4/20 — Slingerlands, North Bethlehem, Town of New Scotland — Delmar, Elsmere Area #3 - 4/18 - 4/29 — Glenmont, Selkirk Fifi Gifford, Owner Fifi Gifford, Owner Some discoloration may be seen during this flushing Westmere Westmere Plaza program, whichPlaza could result in staining of laundry. W waterAvenue 1811Run Western W Western Avenue until it clears before doing1811 laundry. post near washing machine.Albany, Alb lb Please Albany, NY 12203 Alb lb NY 12203 transfer station for a fee of $25. The superintendent would take the items and drive them to a recycling and recovery center, which charged $21.50 per item, resulting in a profit of $3.50 for the transfer station. “The $3.50 was just enough to balance out the cost of transportation and labor,” said Weir, who used to have the items transported to Troy. Now, a company called Regional Computer Recycling and Recovery, based in Rochester, will Editorial on page two. pick up electronic items from the transfer station free of charge. Regional Computer Recycling and Recovery will break down the products into pieces that can be reused. It processes, sorts, and consolidates items in order to maximize value and minimize disposal of electronics in landfills. Electronic manufacturers will be responsible for contracting with companies like Regional Computer Recycling and Recovery to pay for the cost of recycling their required amount of materials. “The goal of the law is to make the manufacturers more aware of the materials they use, and sort of force them to use more environmentally friendly or recycled materials. If they don’t, # $500 To Get Fifi’s Frocks & FrillsMove On! Your A Designer Consignment Boutique for Women & Children ms o o r ed ly B 1 On Fifi Gifford, Owner 356-2703 Westmere Plaza W 1811 Western Avenue Alb lb Albany, NY 12203 Open House All April Long! clip and save 518.869.1677 518.869.1677 they have to pay,” said Weir. It benefits the Guilderland transfer station because electronics have always been collected there, but now residents will not have to pay. “It’s just another service we can provide. They always say you can’t get something for nothing — well, now you can,” Weir said. Included on the list of recyclable items are computers, televisions, fax machines, printers, cable or satellite receivers, and electronic or video game consoles. Residents can drop off the items any time the transfer station is open. “I’ve been telling people who ask that they can drop things off and pay the $25 fee, or wait until April 1, so I expect we’ll be inundated with electronics in April,” said Weir. According to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the new law will eventually prohibit the disposal of electronic waste in the state by all consumers; beginning Jan. 1, 2012 for business and municipalities, and Jan. 1, 2015 for individuals and households. Residents will still be charged the same annual fee for garbage drop-off, and demolition materials and metals are charged by weight. Weir said the lack of fee collected for electronic recyclables will not affect the annual transfer station budget, which is based on the salaries of eight employees, and the history of utilities and maintenance. 518.869.1677 Exp. 4/30/11 • Prom Gowns Gifford, • SpringFifi Casual Wear Owner • Evening Wear for Galas, Weddings, etc. Plaza Westmere • Shoes, Purses, Jewelry W 1811 Western Avenue The Enterprise — Anne Hayden Change is coming: Greg Weir, superintendent of the Guilderland transfer station, and his office manager Donna Diana, will help implement a new electronic products recycling program on April 1. Under a new state law, residents will be able to drop televisions, computers, and other related-items at the transfer station free of charge. clip and save A Designer Consignment Boutique 518.869.1677 for Women & Children employees. It basically falls on our moral responsibility. I think it’s a moral issue.” “It’s 3 percent, instead of 4 percent over the last two years, is the way I look at it,” said Trustee Dean Whalen. Trustee Kerry Dineen agreed with Gaughan. “I think 3 percent is not right,” Dineen said. “I think 2 percent is the way to go. It’s a tough year [economically]. You’ve got to accept that.” Dineen said that village employees are doing their jobs well, but that the village could not “make up” raises from previous years. “Who’s making it up to the rest of the group? We’re small. We give what we can,” Dineen said. “We’re giving 3-percent raises and upping your water taxes? I don’t think that’s the thing to do.” Gaughan said that the wage freeze last year was preceded by 12 years of 3-percent raises for employees. “It’s not like the village has not been supportive,” he said. Dineen said she was concerned about raising water rates. “It’s a business,” Hasbrouck said. “You have increases for a reason.” Dineen said that a smaller increase for employees would address the cost-of-living issue and mitigate a possible water-rate increase. Gaughan said that the board did not need to decide which raise to offer until the third week in May. The board will decide on water rates before June 1, he said, and the amount could affect whether the board could offer a 2- or a 3-percent raise. The board will hold a public hearing the first week of April, but Hasbrouck noted that the board can still adjust the tentative budget after the public hearing, and before a May vote. clip and save “It’s 17 less people,” Gaughan said. Albany County distributes sales tax to municipalities based on population. So, if other municipalities have experienced major growth, it would affect Altamont’s portion. The village receives between $275 and $300 per resident from the county sales tax revenues, Gaughan said. “That’s $5,000 per year for 10 years, until the next census,” he said, multiplying out the total to a reduction of $50,000 over the next decade. The village received $510,000 in county tax revenues last year, and expects to receive the same for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs June to May. Property-tax revenues are expected to stay the same, at about $272,000. Taxpayers may pay $2.681 per $1,000 of assessed value, if the board adopts this tentative budget. Last year, the board adopted a budget with a tax rate of $2.697 per $1,000 of assessed value. In addition to the $1.04 million general-fund budget, the village has a water-fund budget of $445,000 and a sewer fund budget of $456,000. Hasbrouck suggested raising the water rates, to account for a $37,000 increase in the water fund. “You’re going to have to raise some revenues,” she said. She suggested increasing the sewer fund by $41,000, but said that it could remain the same. “You have a hefty fund balance in the sewer,” Hasbrouck said. Board members discussed reducing the fee paid for grant writing by $1,200. It also discussed reducing funds for the historic Crounse House by a small amount. Raises? Amid discussions of shaving costs, the board considered whether or not to give 1-, 2-, or 3-percent raises to full-time 15 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Dive into Summer Fun & Education Pack · Ship Copy · Print · Fax Mailbox Service · Notary Passport Photos · Labels Business Cards Laminating · Binding · US Mail · Boxes Summer Camp (9am - 4pm) Children’s Grasshopper Classes Youth Classes Family/Adult Classes � THE MOST � ACTION-PACKED AMAZING SUMMER 356-3364 EVER! � www.winterglenfarm.com July 11 - 15 July 25 - 29 August 8 - 12 Summer Camp Programs • Highly qualified instructors • Indoor and Outdoor Arenas • Make new friends! 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GCSD calendar Thursday, March 31: Farnsworth Middle School Grade 8 Concert, at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 5: The board of education meets for a budget work sessions, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the large-group instruction room at Guilderland High School; and Tuesday, April 5: Farnsworth Middle School Grade 7 Concert at 7:30 p.m. RO ACE LA’ S M nOW SERvInG LUnCH Same Day Digital Photos Every weekday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photos made daily from digital cards, flash sticks, CD’s, slides, negatives and reprints. Film Processing PIZZA GRAM PLUS Pizzeria Restaurant 464-4726 Tuesday nIGHT specIal 16 oz NY Strip Steak, w/ 20 oz Draft Beer, served w/soup or salad and pasta or potato $12.95 In-House ONLY Same day film processing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or drop your film off on Tuesday or Thursday with pickup the following day. 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MOndAy - SAtURdAy SUndAy 1 P.M.-10 P.M. s r r 2514 Western Ave., Guilderland Thursday, March 31 Elementary student art exhibition at the Guilderland Public Library, in the Helderberg Room. Featuring art from students at Pine Bush Elementary, Westmere Elementary, Altamont Elementary, and Lynnwood Elementary. Opening reception on April 5. 15-week Triathlon Training: Swim, bike and run to get prepared for the Pine Bush Triathlon. Training is twice a week; Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m, at the Sidney Albert Jewish Community Center, 340 Whitehall Road, Albany. For more information, call 438-6651, ext. 123. “Introduction to the Vajrayana”: Lama Tashi Dondrup, a Buddhist teacher from Toronto, Canada, will give a talk at 7 p.m. at the Karma Thegsm Choling Buddhist Center, Doane Stewart School, 199 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A donation of $5 is suggested. For information call 374-1792. Friday, April 1 “The Art of Marriage:” at Christ’s Church of the Capital District, 4 Charles Boulevard, Guilderland, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Art of Marriage brings together some of the most respected and influential pastors and experts on marriage and family all in one setting. It is also a fresh approach to a video event by weaving together elements to help couples fully experience God’s design for marriage. It consists of six video sessions and an accompanying manual that provides couples with projects to help apply the principles taught during each session. The cost is $42 per couple, or $45 per walkin couple. For more information call 765-2984. America Carnivale 2011 presented by Altamont Elementary School fifth-graders, to help pay for their end-of-the-year trip to Six Flags Amusement Park. Enjoy old favorites such as Soak the Doak, bowling, American bean bag toss, and face painting, for only 25-cents a ticket. You will have a chance to win drawing prizes such as an iPod Touch, Nintendo DS, bicycle, Riprider, local art pieces, Albany Devils’ tickets, and much more. The event will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the elementary school at 117 Grand St. Town of Rensselaerville Tea Party meeting at the Medusa firehouse, Main St., at 7 p.m. Topics for discussion include the Greenville School District budget process and sustainable living. For information, call 929-1338. Fish Fry Dinners at the New Salem Fire House, located at 694 New Salem Road, near the corner of Route 85 and 85A, every Friday through April 15, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Eat-in or take-out. Menu includes fish fry, clam fry dinners, macaroni and cheese, New England clam chowder, and hot dogs. For information call 765-2601. Saturday, April 2 Old Songs Contra Dance, at 37 South Main St., Voorheesville, with a 6:30 p.m. potluck, 7:30 p.m. dance instruction, and 8 p.m. dance. The caller is Will Mentor, with live music by Fennig’s All Stars. No partner is needed; clean, soft-soled shoes required. Admission is $10. For information, call 765-2815. Fund-raising auction for the Duanesburg Area Community Center will be held at the Collar City Auction Center at 10 a.m., with a preview at 8:30 a.m. Western Diner wednesday nIGHT specIals $7.95 “Connections,” an art show and benefit for the Park Playhouse in Albany will be held on Saturday, May 7, at the Sorelle Gallery in Stuyvesant Plaza on Route 20 in Guilderland. Up to 50 pieces of artwork will be showcased from now through May 7, when there will be a reception from 2 to 8 p.m. Samples of the artwork can be seen at the gallery in Stuyvesant Plaza but the reception will take place at 6 Executive Park Drive, Entrance B, rather than the gallery due to the size of the show. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served and the reception will be open to the public. Subscribe today and save good money. Breakfast Menu – $2.29 - $6.99 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Complete Lunch Menu – $6.49 Complete Dinner Menu – $11.29 (Seniors $9.69) Mondays - 12 oz. New York Strip or Prime Rib Complete Dinner - $10.99 Tuesdays - Chicken or Veal Parmesan Complete Dinner - $8.99 Wednesdays - Build Your Own Burger. Includes: Soup, French Fries and Soda - $6.99 Open Daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 2019 Western Ave., Albany 452-6974 Spring Bazaar at the Lynnwood Reformed Church, at 3714 Carman Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Spoon Dinner” held by the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company, Auxiliary, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Clarksville firehouse, 2178 Tarrytown Road. The dinner will include sausage and peppers, meatballs in sauce, baked macaroni and cheese, baked beans, salads, desserts, and much more. Prices are reasonable per spoon. For information, call 7682320 or 768-2004. Annual Fireman’s Ball at the Altamont Fire Department’s firehouse on Main Street. This year will be a semi-formal event, so dress to impress. The doors will open at 6 p.m. A hot and cold buffet will be served all night. Beer, wine, and soda are included in the admission price, and mixers will be available, but you must bring your own bottle. Dancing, surprises, and giveaways will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the night of the event. For information, call 861-8171 or 859-7525. Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, held by Christ Child Society of the Albany Diocese, at Glen Sanders Mansion, 1 Glen Ave., Scotia, at 10:30 a.m. Support the Christ Child Society programs, helping less fortunate infants and children in our community. The guest speaker is Deacon Gary Riggi. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children. For information, call 455-1821. Sunday, April 3 Exhibit opening and mini Antique Road Show at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem, from noon to 4 p.m. See the new exhibit celebrating the organization’s 40th Anniversary; have an antique appraised for a fee; and purchase a drive-it-yourself tour book of the town of New Scotland. Monday, April 4 Monday Meals: Drive-through homemade take-out meals are being offered every Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Voorheesville, from April 4 to May 23. A different, complete meal, of entrée, starch, and vegetables, will be offered each week, at a cost of $7 for a regular size, and $8.50 for a large size. The April 4 meal will be baked pork chops with apple and raisin stuffing, and green beans. To reserve your dinner and pick-up time, call 765-2895. 17 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Calendar Tuesday, April 5 “Sparks from the Capitol Fire: The New York State Capitol Fire of 2011 and its Aftermath” will be presented by Stuart Lehman, education coordinator at the New York State Capitol, and member of New Scotland Historical Association, at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Scotland. This program is free and open to the public. For information, call 765-3125. Woodcock walk in the Pine Bush: Join the friends of the Pine Bush community at 7 p.m. for an outdoor walk to search for the American Woodcock, the aerial acrobat of the winged world. The free program is part of the Friends Annual Meeting that begins with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road. Reservations are required by March 31 for the program and the optional dinner. Call 456-0655. Wednesday, April 6 Musical Hat Show presented by Bill Frueh and Nancy Scanlon, members of the Village Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps, at the Clarksville Community Church, Delaware Turnpike, at 7 p.m. The program will feature hats throughout history accompanied by traditional music of the period represented by each hat. Time periods from the 1700s through the late 1800s will be represented. For information, call 768-2870. Café on the Corner will be open from 7 to 9 a.m. every Wednesday at the Rock Road Chapel, 96 Rock Road in Berne. Free continental breakfast. All ages welcome. For more information, call 872-2810. Thursday, April 7 Archie Fisher and Garnet Rogers — Scottish troubadour and Canadian singer/songwriter — reunite at 8 p.m. at Old Songs, 37 South Main St., Voorheesville. Tickets are $25; call 765-2815. Helderview Garden Club meeting at 6:45 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 24 Martin Road. Ben Larsen, owner of Habitat Garden Design, in Troy, will present a program on how to select the appropriate tree or shrub for your yard. For information, call 765-5610. Friday, April 8 Q.U.I.L.T. Inc. will meet at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave., Delmar, at 9:45 a.m. Lecture by Joanna Monroe “From There to Here with No Directions.” $5 visitor donation. For information, call 439-1194. Saturday, April 9 Reduce, Re-use, Recycle Extravaganza: The Guilderland School District is holding an Earth Week celebration event. On April 9, district residents may bring their unused, non-working, or outdated electronics equipment, recyclable paper and scrap metals to the high school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free disposal and recycling. Ham Game Party at the Guilderland Center firehouse, 30 School Road, Guilderland, at 6 p.m. Auxiliary bake sale and free refreshments. Tickets for drawing prizes and many giveaways. For information, call 861-8871. Gallupville Auxiliary Rummage Sale at the Gallupville firehouse, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A bake sale will go all day, and lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. A bag sale will be held from noon to 1 p.m. The Hofbrau Restaurant opening April 21st and accepting reservations for Easter Sunday! Vacation treasure hunt SLINGERLANDS — The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy is offering a fun family workshop on Letterboxing during the public school April vacation week. The workshop will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at MHLC offices at 1499 New Scotland Rd. in Slingerlands. Letterboxing is a mix of treasure hunting, navigation, and art. Participants find hidden letterboxes in the outdoors by deciphering and finding clues. The prize: a handcrafted rubber stamp, used to stamp participants personal journals. At the workshop participants will learn how to find the clues at different preserves, make their own stamps, and begin their personal journals. Preregistration is required by Monday, April 11. Call MHLC at 436-6346 or email hsmithmhlc@ nycap.rr.com. A $10 materials fee will be charged. German favorites include Sauerbraten & Wiener Schnitzel We also offer a large selection of American cuisine. ~ Also booking Banquets and Weddings ~ The Hofbrau Lehman to speak on Capitol fire By Ethie Moak NEW SCOTLAND — “Sparks from the Capitol Fire: The New York State Capitol Fire of 1911 and its Aftermath” will be presented by Stuart Lehman, the education coordinator at the State Capitol and a member of the New Scotland Historical Association, on April 5. A devastating fire swept through the New York State Capitol Building on March 29, 1911, destroying hundreds of thousands of historical documents that were housed in the Capitol Library, including items from the Iroquois communities and the Six Nations reserve in Canada. This is a Power Point presentation and will look at the events of that fateful morning and how the effects of this fire are still very evident today. This free program will be presented at the New Scotland Historical Association, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem and is open to the public. The museum will be open at 7 p.m. for those who would like to see the newly opened exhibit, “Forty Years of Pursuing History.” This exhibit features NSHA activities over the past 40 years since our first annual meeting on May 19, 1971. Come to see how we began and where we are now. One portion of the new exhibit will feature the former New Salem Reformed Church and some of our many artifacts given to NSHA at the time the church closed. This special church exhibit will remain until Aug. 1. Editor’s note: Ethie Moak is the publicity chairwoman for the New Scotland Historical Association. Historic hats and tunes NEW SCOTLAND — Bill Frueh and Nancy Scanlon will present their Hat Show on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Clarksville Community Church, featuring hats throughout history, accompanied by traditional music of the period represented by each hat. Hats featured include the tri-corn, the cocked hat, the tar hat, a beaverskin stovepipe hat, kepis, and a cowboy hat, among others. Bill Frueh from Delmar, has been reenacting and playing historical music for 50 years. Having joined the Village Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps in 1960, he soon learned that many of the tunes they played were songs with words. This led him to research and perform songs of many historical periods, because many of the songs tell the stories of the lives of the people and what they were thinking and feeling. At the same time, Frueh was amassing a closet full of re-enactor clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries, and enjoyed sharing his growing knowledge with the general public. Throughout his adult life, he has participated in historical re-enactments, parades, and community events, including events attended by President Ronald Regan and President George H. W. Bush. Frueh also made an Stevens & Sons CONTRACTING, INC. Miner “Butch” Stevens, Owner (518) 376-0954 Knox, NY StevensandSonsContracting@gmail.com FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES CUSTOM HOMES • REMODELING • ADDITIONS PAINTING • DECKS • GARAGES • CUSTOM TRIM WORK appearance in Sweet Liberty, the movie staring Alan Alda. Nancy Scanlon, of East Berne, joined the Village Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps in 1980, having just relocated to the Capital District after graduating from Hartwick College. The seeds of love for the historic music were planted during her almost four years with the Village Volunteers, but family responsibilities and other interests caused a lengthy absence from historic music. About four years ago, a mutual friend invited Scanlon to once again pick up the fife and introduced her to Bill Frueh. Together, they have been playing historic music ever since, and are engaged to be wed on April 30, 2011. One of Frueh and Scanlon’s favorite projects has been Sunday Music on the Porch of the Knox Historical Society museum. For this program, they have developed a number of special presentations with various themes. The upcoming presentation at Clarksville is one such program, tracing United States history through its music and its hats. Many of the accompanying tunes are toe-tapping favorites, and many have repeating choruses, so the audience is encouraged to sing along. on Warners Lake In the shadows of the Helderbergs Open Wed. - Fri. • 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Sat. & Sun. • 12 p.m.-9 p.m. (Closed Mon. and Tues.) 141 Warners Lake Rd., East Berne, NY CALL JOSEPHINE 518-872-1016 / 518-872-9912 restaurant and tavern WeDneSDay SPeCiaLS 4-7 p.m. Mussels - $4.95 & Beer specials CLOSED Mondays & Tu esdays thursday dinner special Buy 1 dinner entrée and get 2nd dinner entrée at 1/2 price! (equal or lesser value) (Wed./Thurs. Specials not applicable on Holidays) menu and daily specials available on-line: www.HighlandsRestaurant.com clOsed MOndays & tuesdays Serving Dinner: 872-1938 Wed. - Thurs. • 4 p.m. ~ 9 p.m. 1670 Berne Altamont Road Fri. & Sat. • 4 p.m. ~ 10 p.m. (Route 156), Altamont, NY Sunday • 2 p.m. ~ 8 p.m. Italian Night At the Pinehaven Country Club April 13th Open to the Public New April Menu For Reservations Call (518) 701-4501 1151 Siver Road, Guilderland, NY Located at theByPinehaven Country Club Just 5 minutes from Crossgates Mall Special Features: Sunday Brunch once a month Prime Rib Night Italian Night Call for times and dates. Casual attire required Monday Meals at First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville (no jeans) Buy One Entree Receive One Dinner Entree Up to $20 Value Since 1972 Cannot be combined with any other offer or specials Non Members of PCC Only (Expires 9/30/11) Homemade Drive-Thru Take-Out Delicious Complete Meals You Don’t Have Time to Make at Home! Every Monday, April 4 to May 23 4:30 to 6 pm $7 Regular/$8.50 Large To reserve your meals and pick-up time call 765-2895 or email food@fumcv.org. Visit www.fumcv.org for the weekly menu. 18 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 …Army Corps plans $2.5M cap at hazardous old landfill (Continued from page 1) shown a level of volatile organic compounds — trichloroethanol — slightly above safety standards in a roughly 2.5 acre parcel of AOC 1. Trichloroethanol is an organic compound related to ethanol, and it can have sedative effects in humans; chronic exposure can lead to kidney and liver damage. Goepfert said that VOCs like trichloroethanol break down in the air and don’t stay in the soil long enough to pose a real risk. In order to prevent the continued release of contaminants into the groundwater, the Army Corps has proposed a landfill cover and cap for the 2.5-acre parcel, and a soil cover for the remaining portion of the landfill, which has shown no signs of groundwater contamination in testing. Cleanup round-up The project was discussed Tuesday night at a RAB meeting, during which Goepfert said AOC 2, a former bivouac area and post commander’s landfill, property later sold to Joan Burns, has already received $1.2 million in cleanup, and the area requires no further action. AOC 3, a burn pit close to Guilderland High School, will undergo more testing; an underground plume of contaminants was found to be polluting the groundwater, and in 2002, the Army Corps spent $900,000 on removal action. In 2003, it spent $700,000 on cleanup. A monitoring well at the site will be tested again in June. The high school gets its drinking water from the town’s municipal system. GCSD wells on school grounds are used only to water athletic fields. AOC 4, a construction and demolition landfill, was not active when the Army depot was in the area, and there is no evidence of contamination, Goepfert said, so there will be no further action there. AOC 5, the only part of the depot that was recently operated by the government and was used to store materials for national defense, is now inactive, and closed. AOC 6, a potential dumping ground for the Army, next to the former wastewater plant, showed no signs of buried waste or significant contamination, Goepfert said, and no further action is required. AOC 8, the Black Creek, showed evidence of some impacts downstream, but the level of contamination in the soil would be acceptable for use in a residential yard, according to state standards, and no further action will be necessary, said Goepfert. AOC 9, also known as the Building 60 area, had an oil and water separator removed, and Goepfert said that, since there were no problems with sediment in the Black Creek, no further action would be taken. Capping rather than removing The cap for AOC 1 will consist of several layers, including a subbase, a gas vent, a drainage layer, a two-foot rubberized barrier, and six inches of soil. The cap will prevent water, from precipitation, from soaking into the contaminated soil and into a groundwater plume. The one-foot soil cover on the remaining eight acres will minimize animal and human contact with the potentially contaminated soil, Goepfert said. It will be graded to provide proper drainage. Goepfert said the Army Corps will sign on for an annual testing routine, and continue to monitor the groundwater at the site, until it is clear that remediation has worked. The cap has a 50-year warranty, but Goepfert said similar caps have lasted 100 years or more. “Cap and cover is the best nearterm remedy we can recommend; there is no doubt that there is hazardous waste in the area,” said Enterprise file photo — Carol M. Kaelin Area of Concern 1: An old Army landfill that was used for disposing hazardous waste is located on the property of the Northeastern Industrial Plant, about one-quarter mile southeast of Guilderland Center. Water testing on the site has shown minor contamination with volatile organic compounds, and the Army Corps of Engineers plans to spend $2.5 million to cap and cover the area to prevent contaminants from traveling through the groundwater. Goepfert. He said he would be hesitant to recommend any type of waste removal effort. “It doesn’t make sense to remove waste only to have to find somewhere else to put it,” he said. Earlier, the Army Corps removed waste from the building site of the Guilderland School District bus garage and also from AOC 2, the former post commander’s landfill and bivouac area. The Northeastern Industrial Park, which owns the land that includes AOCs 1 and 7, has agreed to grant an easement to New York State, and will not sink any wells down-gradient of the landfill, or use any water in the area for drinking, Goepfert said. The park is also prohibited from any con- struction in AOCs 1 and 7. The $2.5 million required for the project will be provided by the Formerly Used Defense Sites program. Goepfert said the Army Corps will put in a request for funding for the 2012 fiscal year, since it is too late to request funds for 2011. Goepfert is optimistic that the project could begin in the summer of 2012. If there are ever further contamination problems around the site, be it 10, 20, or even 50 years into the future, Goepfert said the Army Corps will take responsibility. Thaddeus Ausfeld, co-chair of the Restoration Advisory Board and the former manager of water and wastewater in Guilderland, expressed concerns in the past about remediation projects in the AOCs, but he said this week he thought the cap and cover approach was reasonable. “It leaves a lot of openings for the Army Corps to come back in the future,” Ausfeld said. “With advancing technology, I think we’ll be able to detect more and more, so it’s good to know that they will always come back.” Goepfert said people can submit comments, feedback, and concerns about the proposal until April 3. He will prepare a “responsiveness summary” with an answer to each question he receives, and attach it to the official decision document for the proposal. — Provided by Gregory Goepfert Mapping it out: United States Army Corps of Engineers designated nine areas of concern where the Army depot used to be. AOCs 1 and 7, in the upper right corner, were a landfill and a disposal site. The Army Corps plans to cap and cover part AOC 1, and cover the remaining acreage with soil, to prevent contaminants from leaching. 19 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Will BKW use BOCES as its health-insurance broker? By Zach Simeone BERNE — In looking to cut costs while not shorting employees’ health-insurance benefits, Berne-Knox-Westerlo is learning more about joining a coalition of districts that uses the Board of Cooperative Educational Services as its insurance broker. “The current system, I would say, is very fragmented, very loosely managed,” said Dana Piazza, benefits administrator for BOCES’s New York State Municipal Benefit Coalition. “Because of that fragmentation, we’re not really combining our efforts. A lot of that is because of how it’s been in the past, either they’d work directly to get insurance, or they’d secure a broker. With that fragmentation, there’s really no strategy, and no push to affect the trend.” She also said that people should change the way they think about health insurance costs. “People focus on things like co-pays, and there’s only so much you can do with that,” said Piazza. “The bigger expense has to do with behavior, and whether or not people are taking advantage of some of the preventive tools that are out there. That’s become sort of secondary.” People “react to health insurance needs,” she said, rather than engaging the different aspects of health insurance. Further, Piazza emphasized that the intent of BOCES is not to reduce benefits, but rather to get employees into “correctly placed programs,” which she then tied back to the importance of changing behavior. At a meeting earlier this month, the BKW School Board was paid a visit by Piazza, as well as Robert Zordon, director of human resources for Capital Region BOCES, and Mark Jones, the assistant district superintendent for management services, who briefed the board on some of the benefits to joining the coalition. Piazza will be at the school board’s April 11 meeting for further discussion on BKW’s potential involvement. The district’s health insurance premiums for the 2010-11 school year total $3.8 million, of which 91 percent is paid by the district. So 18 percent of BKW’s budget — $3.5 million out of $19.6 million — is for health-insurance for district employees; the Guilderland Central School District is paying $10.2 million of its $87.5 million budget — 12 percent; the Bethlehem Central School District is paying $10.4 million out of its $88.3 million budget — 12 percent. The Voorheesville School District, closer in size to BKW than Guilderland and Bethlehem, pays $2.7 million out of its $21.7 million budget — also 12 percent. Guilderland employees for years have paid 20 percent of their health-insurance costs, while the district pays 80 percent. The BKW board decided in late February to take a closer look at costs, options, and possible changes to how it handles health-insurance benefits for its employees. Kevin Callagy, BKW’s business official, later added that all three of BKW’s insurance carriers — Blue Cross and Blue Shield, CDPHP, and Mohawk Valley Plan — are all projecting “double-digit increases” for the 2011-12 school year. Municipal benefit BKW gets its health insurance through a consortium of several districts, some of which were on the brink of joining the BOCES coalition earlier this month, Piazza told the school board; when asked later which districts she was referring to, Piazza and Jones declined to name them before their membership in the coalition had become “solidified.” The Municipal Benefit Coalition essentially offers three services: — A cooperative service agreement in which BOCES acts as a third-party administrator, a liaison between the district and its insurance carriers, costing the district $7 per enrolled employee per month, with menu pricing also available, and this cost is BOCES aidable; — Consultative services, included in the $7 per enrolled employee per month; and — Putting out a request for proposals for a joint pharmacy, at no charge. According to BOCES, districts pay an average $12 per employee per month, though Jones said this is neither a state nor national average. “It’s our exposure to the information we’ve seen,” Jones said. “Some products are served or managed via a commission that’s built into the product…All health plans aren’t service priced in the exact same way. It takes the total dollars in the health insurance product relationship, and divides it by the number of employees per month.” Neither BKW’s business official nor its superintendent could provide off hand a number for the average cost per employee per month. “But there’s a consulting fee that we pay to Benetech,” Callagy said, “which I believe is about $4,700, but there are other fees that are built into our premium that are not reflected in that necessarily.” Modifying behavior “We’re trying to establish a model where we set up the right infrastructure,” Piazza told The Enterprise, “so that some guidance and strategy can be given, not just to individual districts with labor and management situations; our intent is to get people more educated, to open communications, to create transparency, and set a strategic path so we can sustain benefits.” She went on, “To do that, we really need to become much more unified in our approach to dealing with the carriers, dealing with union representation, and even communication within the districts where we’ve seen turnover in leadership.” There’s a disparity, she said, “Between the old, traditional indemnity-type plans that may not be the best thing for the more active healthy population, and younger families. We want to make sure that we have a product that makes sense, and that people are using them appropriately when they’re young enough to modify behavior. A lot of times, if they’re older, indemnity-type plans, that doesn’t include all the types of services that would be preventive.” As the district nears the end of this year’s budget process, taxpayers will have a chance to learn more about the Municipal Benefit Coalition at the April 11 meeting, and ask questions about if and how these changes may affect them. “Obviously, some of this is formative,” Piazza concluded. “I’m very familiar with products on the market right now, and we’re hoping to work across multiple districts, both on the labor and management sides, looking at plans with the carriers, and what would be the best-practice product model for this population, from the cradle to the grave.” The Enterprise — Saranac Hale Spencer “It’s a good place to be,” Safder Ali, right, says of the location of his Mobil station in Voorheesville. Ali stands with his son-in-law, Zia Rehman, in the store. They will be part of a panel on religious multiculturalism to be held at Voorheesville’s Methodist church on April 3. …Embracing diversity in Voorheesville (Continued from page 1) to Peru, Belgium, Holland, and Italy, among other places. Her trip to the Galapagos Islands, famous from the research of Charles Darwin, was her favorite. “The wildlife there has never had any predators so they are not afraid of you… Just to be so close and appreciate both the good and the bad of nature is awesome,” she said. Her hope is to bring people from different cultures and religions together to find their similarities and differences and appreciate both. People from different cultures practice different religions, Rehman said, “But I believe we share the same God.” As a Muslim, he said, he believes there is one God, as do Christians and Jews. “That is the common thing we all share,” he said, adding that the followers of each religion believe in their own book and their own prophets. At the deepest level, Ali said, “All the religions are the same,” adherents to different religions have different ways of practicing. New York is a diverse state, said Ali, who arrived in New York City about 25 years ago. He worked there for years in convenience stores and as a taxi driver before bringing his family from Pakistan and settling in Colonie, where they have lived for 15 years. His first impression of Voorheesville, he said, was “heaven on earth.” Rehman, who was a technician for the air force in Pakistan, likes relating to the people who come to the store, most of whom are regulars. “Change is good every once in a while,” he said of switching occupations and shedding bosses by owning a business. “It’s a better life,” Ali said of immigrating to America. “It’s no hidden truth — the U.S. is a good country.” Ali and Rehman will both sit on the panel Luci has organized, as will Reverend Charlie Yang, pastor at Voorheesville’s Methodist church who grew up in South Korea; Stella Suib, of the B’nai Shalom Temple; Ryan and Jessica Duval, of the Tenzin Gyatso Institute; and Jyoti Swaminathan, of the Latham Hindu Temple. After the discussion, which will start at 3 p.m. on April 3, there will be a potluck dinner in the church’s social hall, at 68 Maple Ave. in Voorheesville. That way, Luci said, people can “really rub elbows” and get to know each other. “If we’re going to have world peace, it’s got to start with every one of us,” she said. “World peace is going to have to start one person at a time.” It Doesn’t Get Any Bigger The Enterprise — Ronald Ginsburg Super Moon: Moon shadows were cast in Altamont on March 26 as the full moon was at its closest point in its orbit to Earth in nearly 20 years. Since the moon’s orbit is elliptical, its distance from the earth is not constant. Some full moons are closer, some farther away. The moon on March 26 was the largest — by 16 percent — and brightest since 1992. The next Super Moon is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2016. 20 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Library Notes Westerlo The Guilderland High School Chamber Choir won top honors not only in its division but in the entire Choral Division at the March 25 and 26 National Heritage Music Festival in Boston. Earlier this month, members of the choir sang for the Guilderland School Board, making the case not to be cut from next year’s budget. Guilderland High School sweeps top awards at National Heritage Music Festival Competition in Boston GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland High School Chamber Choir and Wind Ensemble won top awards at the National Heritage Music Festival competition held in Boston on March 25 and 26. Forty-nine Guilderland students traveled to Boston to attend the annual event. Highschool and collegiate band, orchestra and choir ensembles from across the country participated in the competition, with the Guilderland Chamber Choir achieving top honors not only in its division, but in the entire Choral Division. The GHS Wind Ensemble under the direction of Kathleen Richards Ehlinger and the Guilderland Chamber Choir under the direction of Rae Jean Teeter each won a Gold Award. In addition, each ensemble won Adjudicator Awards, presented only to groups scoring higher than 95 out of 100 possible points from all three adjudicators. Boston University clinicians Dr. Susan Wharton-Conkling and Dr. Roger Mantie worked with each respective ensemble. A Facebook posts on the World Strides Heritage Performance site from choir Director Teeter states, “So proud of the great kids at GHS! Not just for your scores but for being outstanding ambassadors while meeting other students from around the country.” The Heritage Music Festivals, the country’s most prestigious, were established over 30 years ago to offer school bands, choirs, and orchestras performing opportunities. Students have the opportunity to interact with other student performers and internationally-renowned adjudicators and to compete at the highest national level. These ensembles will perform locally on May 5, (Chamber Choir), and May 19, 2011 (Wind Ensemble) at Guilderland High School beginning at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble is competing at the New York State School Music Association Major Ensemble Evaluation Festival on April 28, at Shaker High School. All concerts are free and open to the public. The Guilderland High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Kathleen Richards Ehlinger, won a Gold Award and Adjudicator Award at the National Heritage Music Festival. computer fare refurbished laptops from $199.00 Your Laptop Repair Experts • Sales & Service • All Brands • Parts & Accessories • New & Refurbished • Laptops & Desktops • Windows 7 or XP guilderland computer fare Carman Plaza, Rt. 146 Ph: 356-4400 greenbush computer fare 1590 Columbia Turnpike Ph: 479-0948 oPeN: M - F • 9:30-6:30 Sat. • 10:30-4:00 Closed Sunday s r r By Sue Hoadley The New York Times has announced that on March 28, they will end free access to nytimes. com and begin requiring paid subscriptions for online access to their content. Home delivery subscribers will continue to have full and free access via computer, smartphone and tablet. However, if you are not a home delivery subscriber, you will be limited to 20 free articles each month. After 20 articles, you must become a digital subscriber for full access. These subscriptions range from $15 every four weeks for the New York Times plus smartphone apps to $35 every four weeks for full digital access. Someone I know tried to put a positive spin on this development – “It’s only about 50 cents a day.” But, hey, that’s $195 a year. I know I could put that $195 to better use and you probably could too. So pull out your Westerlo Public Library card. Oh, you don’t have…um, that is, you “lost” your library card? Well, get thee to your public library and sign up! Next, go to: www.uhls.org/new/ databases.asp; enter the barcode (no spaces) from back of your library card: — Click on New York State Newspapers; — Click on Browse Publications on the orange menu bar; — Enter New York Times in the search box; — Click on New York Times; — Click on the date – the most recent issue is two days behind – as I write this, March 24, 2011; and —Voila – 194 free full-text articles for your reading enjoyment. What other card in your wallet can save you $195 a year? New York State Newspapers is just one part of the many online databases available to you with a valid library card from one of the Upper Hudson Library System’s 29 public libraries in Albany or Rensselaer County. Children’s programs Saturday, April 9, [note change in date], from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the library wukk be the Bugs & Butterflies drop in craft. Join Miss Lee making creative craft projects that explore the world of crawling and flying insects. All ages are welcome. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult who will help them with the projects. Pancake breakfast On Saturday, April 16, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the new town hall and community center. The Westerlo Community Activity Committee presents: Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. In addition to a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage, there will be children’s activities including an egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, coloring, and stories about spring and the Easter season presented by the library. Late opening The library will open late on Saturday, April 16, following breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Library trustee meeting On Monday, April 11, at 7 p.m., at the library there is an open public meeting. Book discussion Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the library we’ll be discussing Home from Nowhere: Remaking our Everyday World for the 21st Century, by James Howard Kunstler. Please join us. New members are welcome. Tax Forms Most of the federal tax filing forms, schedules, and instructions are now available at the library. Trustee vacancy The library’s trustees seek community spirited town residents to fill the balance of an unexpired five-year term on the Board of Trustees. Send letters of interest to: Board of Trustees, P.O. Box 267, Westerlo, NY 12193, by Friday, April 1. Library display If you have a collection to share with your neighbors, please contact the library and tell us about it. This ongoing series of exhibits features local artists, to promote the arts in our community. We thank the artists for their participation and generosity in sharing their work with us. For more information contact the library during business hours at 797-3415 or visit westerlolibrary.org. Middleburgh By Anne LaMont Join us on April 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Middleburgh Library for drop-in story time. This fun, interactive program is designed for active children up to age 5 and their caregivers. We’ll read books, sing songs, play games, and watch a short film based on a weekly theme. No registration is required. Perennial plant discussion On April 5, at noon come to the library for the Perennial Plant Collector’s Corner with Kerry Mendez. She returns to the library to talk about unique plants that transform ho-hum gardens into extraordinary ones. Registration is required. Reading with Indy On April 5, at 3:30 p.m., come to the library for this program designed to allow kids the chance to read to a non-judgmental listener, one who will accept the story exactly as they read it. Indy handler is Karen VanDyke. Wednesday matinee On April 6, at 1 p.m., the library will show The Kids Are All Right rated R, with Annette Benning, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. Insurance program On April 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., there will be a program on children’s health insurance. The goal of the program is to enroll uninsured children and teens up to age 19 in low-or no-cost health insurance through Medicaid or Child Health Plus. An outreach worker will be available at the library to answer your questions and give you free personal assistance. No appointments are necessary. Knitting Circle On April 7, at 7 p.m., if you like to knit or crochet or do any other fiber art bring your project and join your neighbors for some creativity and conversation. No registration is required. Concert On April 12, at 7 p.m., enjoy a concert with David Ferrand, a Scottish-American singer-songwriter and folk musician based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Born to a Scottish father and an American mother he was brought up on both sides of the Atlantic. Suggested donation is $10 for adults. Library movie On April 20, at 7 p.m. the movie Phil Ochs - There But for Fortune reveals the biography of a conflicted truth seeking troubadour who, with a guitar in hand, stood up for what he believed in and challenged us all to do the same. This is his story. Suggested donation is $10 for adults. Space is limited and reservations are required. To reserve, call Sonny Ochs at 827-4953. Bethlehem By Louise Grieco On Friday, April 8, at 11 a.m., come to the Bethlehem Public Library for Pigeon’s preschool Picnic. Bring a lunch or snack and watch pigeon movies on Pigeon’s birthday. Preschoolers and their families welcome. Teen time On Friday, April 8, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. come to the library for Guitar Hero, DDR, Wii, and games. For kids in grades 6 and up. Special needs information fair On Saturday, April 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. learn about available support networks for children with special needs and their families. Representatives of local special-needs organizations will be available at the library to provide information to parents and caregivers. Read a book, write a letter On Monday through Friday, April 11 to 15, from 4 to 4:45 p.m., a program is offered for April’s National Letter Writing Month. Got a burning question about a book? Write letters to your favorite authors. For kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Library board On Monday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. there will be a library board meeting open to the public. Finding Nouf On Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m., the Bethlehem Public Library ‘s After Dinner Books will discuss Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris. Copies are available at the information desk. New members are welcome. Anime/Manga/Cosplay Club On Thursday, April 14, at 3:30p.m., come to the library for all things anime, manga, video games, comics, and costumes. Hang out and talk with other teens. For kids in grade 6 and up. Sonny and Perley On Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m., the library will have “Too Marvelous for Words: a tribute to Johnny Mercer.” The celebrated husband and wife duo have perfected a unique blend of American standards, jazz, Brazilian, and international cabaret. This program is supported by Bethlehem Senior projects, Inc. Writers and friends On Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m., author Robin Oliveira, will talk about her work, My Name is Mary Sutter. A reception and book signing will follow. This program is made possible by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. Poetry bash On Tuesday, April 19, at 2 p.m. come to the library for a magnetic poetry bash. Move some words around and see what sticks! Construct a short poem with the aid of magnetic poetry kits. For kids in kindergarten through grade 5. Pajama-rama On Tuesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. join us for stories, songs, and dancing; wear your PJs! This program is for children up to age 6 and tier families. 21 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Library Notes Voorheesville Altamont By Barbara Vink It’s in the air – music and spring. The Willow String Quartet will be playing the music with ethereal elegance at the Voorheesville Public Library’s annual classical concert in the community room on April 10, at 2 p.m. The quartet is comprised of Susan Lander (violin/viola), Kathy Kinisky (violin/viola), Marla Bracco (violin), and Mary Ann Dunn (cello), all local freelance musicians and teachers whose orchestral experience includes the Albany, Glens Falls, and Schenectady Symphony Orchestras. They hold degrees from The Peabody Conservatory of Music and Boston University College of Fine Arts. This year the concert is a family friendly event in two parts. The first half will consist of lighter material. After the intermission, the full string quartet will heighten the intensity of the music. Children are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served courtesy of our Library Friends. Storytelling Join us to laugh together, share a poignant moment, and surely recognize ourselves in the stories told at “A Spring Bouquet of Tales” at the library on Wednesday, April 6, at 1:30 p.m. The free performance, geared for adults, is part of the ninth annual Riverway Storytelling Festival. To see the whole event schedule, which includes “Ghost Story Night” at Guilderland and “Laughin’ Night” at Sanford (Colonie) libraries, visit www. riverwaystorytellingfestival. org. Artist’s reception Photographer Paul Moshier invites the public to attend an artist reception for the exhibition of his work at the library on Saturday, April 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. Drop in for light refreshments. Digital download demo We will show you how to search the digital bookshelves, get the software and download free ebooks and audiobooks to your computer or portable device. Call or e-mail to sign up for Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Movie matinee We have scheduled Sunday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. for a second free showing of the popular film The Social Network rated PG-13. If you missed it the first time, see it now. Ongoing programs in April Come to the library for: — Babygarten at 10:15 a.m. and Teen Writers at the high school at 2:30 p.m. Both meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month; — Philosophy 101 meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.; — Every Other Thursday Night Poets meet at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 and 28; — Adult fiction book discussion at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday; — Adult non-fiction discussion on April 26; — Teens meet at the high school on April 14, at 2:30 p.m.; — Second and third grades meet on April 1, at 7 p.m.; and — Regular story times meet Tuesday and Friday at 10:15 a.m. through April 15. Visit the VPL website at www. voorheesvillelibrary.org. By David Warner The Altamont Free Library’s story time for preschoolers and toddlers is a wonderful thing. Kids are with other kids, they get read to, sing, and hear amazing stories. They also make things, learn, and enjoy it. Bring your youngsters to story time for the first time; or the twentieth time. Give your child a glimpse of what a wonderful thing books and stories, songs, games, friendship, and fable can be. Enrich her life. Widen his horizon. It’s possible. It’s likely. It’s miraculous. It’s easy. Story time for preschoolers is Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. And for toddlers on Wednesday also at 10:30 a.m. To your health The Ellis/Bellevue mobile mammogram van will be visiting the library on Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are required. For any questions, or to schedule an appointment, call 346-9466. All the rest For information about other April activities check next week’s library notes. The Willow String Quartet presents a kid-friendly classical concert at the Voorheesville Public Library on April 10, at 2 p.m. The event is free and refreshments will be served. person. Reception attendees get preferred seating for the Author Talk. To obtain reception tickets, By Mark Curiale visit the library’s information The Riverway Storytelling Fesdesk or call 456-2400, ext. 7. tival comes to the Guilderland No Friday movie Public Library on Friday, April The next Family Movie Fri8. Here are all the details you day on April 1 has been – not need. Please bear in mind that so Incredibly – postponed until all events are ticketed. the end of the series. We apoloPaper Stays Put gize to our sponsor, the Quiznos Stories in books and stories sandwich shop in the 20 Mall, shared orally — both are valufor this postponement but it’s able and both have places in unavoidable as we’re going to be libraries and classrooms. When mobbed with Lincoln fans. (and how) do stories move from Help shape the oral tradition of storytelling the community’s future to the printed page? Find out in You have a busy schedule, and this storytelling workshop that between work and home there’s starts at 1:30 pm – you need tickno way you could take ets! — featuring stoon any more responsirytellers and authors bility. Or could you? Joe and Jesse Bruchac. Considering that the They explore the chalGuilderland Public Lilenges of translating brary is the cultural oral language to writcenter of the town. ten language, drawDon’t you feel that this ing from their own When (and how) do stories move is one area you could experiences of creating from the oral tradition of storytelling devote some energy to? books from stories in Perhaps help shape the the American Indian to the printed page? library’s future? tradition. Two seats on the This session is for library’s governing librarians, teachers, board of trustees are up and tellers of all levfor election on Tuesday, els. May 17. Each seat is for Please purchase a full, five-year term as tickets for this specific Riverway Storytelling Workshop April 1, to set up for that eve- a library trustee. Serving on the board is always through the Upper Hudson Li- ning’s Carol J. Hamblin Notable Author Speakers Series’ “Lincoln rewarding and sometimes chalbrary System at 437-9880. and New York: Abraham Lincoln lenging. If you are interested Ghost Story Night Family ghost stories: “Things and The Empire State,” an ad- in running for one of these two That Go Bump in the Night” dress by noted Lincoln scholar seats, please contact the library’s director, Barbara Nichols Ranhappens from 7 to 8 p.m., and and author Harold Holzer. Ticketed attendance at the dall, at 456-2400, ext. 13. features some favorite tales for More info families who like a little fright event is well over 200 people, far For more information on these too many to be accommodated in their night. Edgy and scary ghost stories: in the library’s largest meeting programs, call the library at “Tales to Take You to the Edge” is space, the Helderberg Room. 456-2400, or e-mail info@guilpl. the evening’s capper, starting at As it has in the past for events org. The Guilderland Public Li8:30 pm and going all the way to featuring Joyce Carol Oates, brary is located at 2228 Western 10 pm – when the library’s lights Jeff Shaara, Bob Mankoff, Ela Ave. are out – and it provides ghost Stein Weissberger and others, Visit the library’s website stories for teens and adults, the library’s board of trustees at www.guilpl.org. Become a guaranteed to keep you on the has authorized early closure Facebook Fan of the Library of the library so that the Main (Guilderland.Library), follow the edge of your seats. Tickets for both sessions may Reading Room may be set up as library on Twitter (@Guilderlanbe obtained from the library’s an Author’s Salon. dLib), and get music information A limited number of tickets and downloads on the library’s Youth Services desk. to the Author ’s Reception at Freegal page. It all starts at Tweens have 6:45 pm are available; tickets guilpl.org. a voice at GPL Tweens ages 8 to 12 are for this fund-raiser are $35 per Guilderland welcome to join the Tween Advisory Board that’s meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. Youth Services Librarian Debbie Sternklar holds TAB meetings throughout the year as a way for you to share your ideas for library programs, services, and materials. At this meeting, we will discuss plans for our big event, the Tween ReadAthon, and preview summer events for tweens. Call 456-2400, ext. 9, or stop by the library to register. Early closing on April 1 The Guilderland Public Library will close at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Berne By Judy Petrosillo What do ASTM, NOCSAE, SNELL and ANSI have in common? They are all national organizations that have developed standards for safety equipment. April is National Youth Sports Safety Month and the focus is on preventing sports injuries. Sports activities are the second most frequent cause of injury for both male and female adolescents. Library movie It really isn’t safe to climb down from a tower, but Rapunzel survives with the help of a bandit. See how they accomplish this feat in the movie Tangled being shown at the Berne Public Library on Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m. This is a PG rated, animated film. Refreshments will be served. Book talk The book talk on April 3 is about the novel Blackout by Connie Willis. Time travel to World War II is not a prudent choice, but that is the assignment in this story. All adults are invited to join the discussion which begins at 7 p.m. Family storytelling Will “Stories of Courage” include a sports story? To find out, come to the family storytelling event at the Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail on Monday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. This program features professional storytellers Marni Gillard and Jeannine Laverty. It is part of the Riverway Storytelling Festival sponsored by the Upper Hudson Library System. Refreshments will be served. Spring sports Spring sports is the theme for this week’s story time. Children and their caretakers should meet Kathy at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5, for stories and a craft. Let’s play ball. Changing nutritional needs To keep active and healthy requires knowledge. Those who are retired from work, not life, are invited to a program on Tuesday, April 5, at 1:30 p.m. Sandra Varno from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County will present a program on changing nutritional needs and how to fulfill them in an enjoyable manner. No registration is needed. With outdoor sports beginning, remember to play it safe. 22 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Blotters Westmere Fire Department Getting New Digs The Enterprise –– Michael Koff Breaking new ground: On Tuesday morning, the Westmere Fire Department held its ground-breaking ceremony for a new firehouse. Armed with golden shovels, they dug in and let the dirt fly. From left are: William Young of Young, Fenton, Kelsey, and Brown; Bryan Clenahan, Albany County legislator; Jean Cataldo, Guilderland receiver of taxes; Kenneth Runion, Guilderland town supervisor; Assistant Chief David Szary; Chief Charles Cahill; Tom Remmert, fire commissioner; Mary Lou Bartolotta-Connolly, Albany County legislator; John Keimer, fire commissioner; Kathy Burbank, director of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce; Mark Grimm, Guilderland Town Board member; Tony Carol, past chief; Sean Maguire, spokesman for the Fire chiefs’ Association; Brian Mattice Jr.; Rich Campagnola of C.T. Males Associates; David Jaron, fire commissioner; Bob Dinovo, fire commissioner; John Lutz, fire commissioner. Thomas Wolfe of Pioneer Bank looks on at far right. A $5.27 million bond for the project was approved by voters last March. 23 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Blotters the RANDAll lAW fiRM Personal, Courteous Legal Representation Robert G. 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Fancy word for “meals” 26. Foe 31. Kind of tax 32. Island feast 33. Food additive 34. Perfect places 38. Oversupply 39. Big Three meeting site 42. Draft status 43. Apportion 45. English ___ 46. West Coast sch. 47. Distant 49. Diffuses 51. Southern soup 55. From Phila. to Miami 56. Former Ford minivan 58. Popular snow blowers 62. Computer list 63. Where you want your horse to finish 66. German border river 67. Keats works 68. Alter 69. Aide: Abbr. 70. Part of CBS: Abbr. 71. Egg holders Down 1. Ames sch. 2. Beats by a hair 3. Took off 4. Puzzlers’ favorite ox 5. Former U.S. chief justice By Ed Canty (Ed@gfrpuzzles.com) Your Guilderland Law Firm, Engaged in the General Practice of Law with emphasis on: Divorce & Family Law Wills & Estates Criminal and Traffic Offenses 6. Ukr., once 7. Meadows 8. Color of honey 9. Sign after Aquarius 10. On the skids 11. “Holy smokes!” 12. Military wear 13. Looks after 18. Piggish 22. Aunt Bee’s boy 24. Popular New Age singer 26. Gymnast Korbut 27. Influence 28. Legendary Bunyan 29. Where some things are settled? 30. Blabs 35. Exist add on 36. Approach 37. Mineo & others 40. Twitches 41. “___ of Honey,” Alpert hit 44. Swabbies 48. Math figures 50. Kind of bobsled 51. Where Pago Pago is 52. Pays attention to 53. Sea birds 54. ____ about 57. GPS outputs 59. Apple variety 60. Wallet fillers 61. E-mailed 64. D.D.E.’s predecessor 65. QB’s gains Quotable Quote Skiing combines outdoor fun with knocking down trees with your face. Dave Barry By GFR Associates • • • Visit our web site at www.gfrpuzzles.com Real Estate Closings Commercial Litigation Landlord/Tenant Fire Districts A full service law firm sensitive to your individual needs, serving Guilderland and the surrounding community since 1976. Phone: 456-6767 Fax: 456-4644 cut and send to us Do You have a subscription? No? Why not? It is easy - just fill out information below and mail to us with payment. P. O. BOX 654, ALTAMONT, NY 12009 Albany County Address — $33.00 per year Out-of-County Address — $37.00 per year (Please send check or money order) Your Name ________________________________________________________ Mailing Address PO Box or Street ____________________________________________________ City/Town/Village__________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip+4 ____________________ 24 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Business Corner Senior News Sitting Pretty For The Future The Enterprise — Michael Koff On display: Rhonda Flansburg has entered her Altamont salon, Re-Nue Spa, in the Onesta Hair Care Earth Day Salon Display Contest. Her spa features Onesta products because, she said, “They are earth-friendly…They don’t use fossil fuel, they are made from organic extract, they don’t test on animals, they use recyclable packaging and are free of harmful chemicals…I worked diligently on this display,” Flansburg said, concluding, “It’s my favorite line. I use it personally myself.” New café will feature Po’ Boy Sandwiches BERNE — Two Berne residents, Richard Willis and Randy Burge, will open a new café in East Berne at the site of the former Jersey’s Restaurant on Main Street. The café, named Po’ Boys Café, is expected to begin operations around April 13. According to Willis, the partners chose the concept to feature po’ boy sandwiches, the creole version of the submarine or hoagie. “At the end of the 1800s, po’ boys were invented to feed striking transit workers in New Orleans,” he elaborated. “It was about giving people good food at reasonable prices, and that’s what we’re all about.” Fillings will include everything from fried shrimp to the famous New Orleans beef po’ boy. “It’s kind of like a well-seasoned pot roast sandwich,” Willis noted. “It’s simply delicious.” In addition to po’ boys, the café will offer an on-site bakery, as well as a full line of paninis, pizzas, specialty burgers, salads, and dinners. “We’ll also have weekly pasta and meatloaf specials, and daily lunch and dinner specials offering new twists on old favorites,” said Willis. Homemade soups and freshly baked bread will round out the menu. For those with a sweet tooth, the café will offer a selection of café-created baked goods, from cakes and pies to cookies and chocolate creations, in addition to 12 flavors of ice cream and two flavors of soft serve, smoothies and blended coffee drinks. Po’ Boys will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The partners are considering offering breakfast service if demand warrants it. “We want Po’ Boys to be about food, fun and friends,” Willis concluded. “We really want the café to be a gathering place for the Hilltowns community.” Guilderland The Guilderland Senior Services is offering the following activities the week of April 4. Monday: Scheduled shopping, aerobics at 9 a.m., OsteoBuster at 10:30 a.m., Senior Fitness at 10:30 a.m., and OsteoBuster at 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday: OsteoBusters at 9 a.m., luncheon of vegetable lasagna or cold plate at 11:30 a.m., bingo and games at 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday: Scheduled shopping, line dancing at 9 a.m., OsteoBusters at 10:30 a.m., senior fitness at 10:30 a.m., needlecraft at 1 p.m., and OsteoBusters at 1:30 p.m.; Thursday: Scheduled shopping, OsteoBusters at 9 a.m., aerobics at 9 a.m., art and culture trip to Ten Broeck Mansion at 10:15 a.m., Mahjongg at 1 p.m., and Pinochle at 1:15 p.m., Friday: Scheduled shopping, painting at 10 a.m., bridge at 10:30 a.m., and quilting at 1 p.m. Assistance On the third Thursday of each month, representatives are in Town Hall to assist seniors with: — Food Stamp applications; — Blood-pressure readings; — Legal advice by appointment only (call senior office); and — Medicaid applications. Mammograms A mobile mammography screening, co-sponsored by the town of Guilderland and Bellevue Hospital, will take place on Thursday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the town hall. Please call Mary Ann at 3561980, ext. 1095, to schedule an appointment. Transportation service is available upon request. Movie of the Month Cold Mountain will be shown on Thursday, April 28, at 10:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Courtroom. The film stars Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellwegger, and is set in the waning days of the American Civil War. It tells the story of a wounded soldier on a perilous journey back home to Cold Mountain, N. C. to reunite with his sweetheart. Cold Mountain is rated R and runs for two hours, 34 minutes. Please call ahead to register for this movie: 356-1980, ext. 1094. There is no admission charge and free popcorn will be available. Transportation The town of Guilderland provides transportation service to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and area shopping centers such as WalMart. Bus service is also given to those who attend the Tuesday luncheon program, special events, and selected trips. To register, please make an appointment with the Senior Office. Call the senior office at 3561980, ext. 1048 for any questions or information. Solution to chess problem The Enterprise — Michael Koff Ready to serve: Richard Willis, left, and Randy Burge stand behind the ice-cream counter at their new Po’ Boys Café in East Berne. They are getting ready to open in mid-April. 23 R:f7 R:f7 24 R:e6+ Kd8 25Q:f7 (threatening Re8+ winning the Queen)Qa7 26 Qe7+ Kc8 27 Qe8+ (Black resigns because 27…Kc7 leads to 28 Nb6 mate) Hilltowns By Linda Carman At our last meeting, March 12, we sang “Happy Birthday” to our Hilltown Seniors who were celebrating this month. Among them were Dorothy Blenis and Ruth Mudge. They had both turned 94. I must say a “young” 94. Dorothy told me that she had just gone out and bought a new car. Ruth had bought a new car last year. I hope, if I live to see 94, I have the strength to open the door! We can take a good look at these two women, not just for the ability to still be driving, but also their attitude for living life. They are always telling me jokes, smiling, and enjoying their lives to the fullest. I must say, I miss the things we did while growing up. I loved working in the garden, canning and freezing the produce, and the joy of opening up that can of tomatoes or beans in the winter. My mom and these women showed us how to do these things, with a little moaning and groaning, but the benefits were overwhelming. I have since stopped doing this but just lately the desire is returning. My daughter and daughter-in-law are now showing an interest and perhaps this summer we will once again enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is the learning and teachings of these seniors that make them a very special group in our society. Whenever I get a chance to visit with them, I always come away with a smile on my face and hope I spread it on to those I meet on my way home. Our Hilltowns Senior group meets the second Saturday of every month in our senior center on Route 443 in the town of Berne. If you would like any information on directions and information, call me, Linda Carman, at 872-2448. We go on trips every month and I would like to send you information so you can join us. Our Savannah, Ga. trip is still open, so it’s not too late to visit that great city of our great country. Remember It has been said that there is no fool like an old fool, except a young fool. But the young fool has first to grow up to be an old fool to realize what a damn fool he was when he was a young fool. Helderberg The menu being served by the Helderberg Senior Services at the Hiawatha Grange on Route 32 in Dormansville next week is: Monday: Chicken with gravy, biscuit, tomato juice, potato gems, mashed squash, and butterscotch pudding; Tuesday: Vegetable soup, Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and spice cake; Wednesday: Roast pork with gravy and dressing, coleslaw, orange juice, garlic brad, and applesauce; Thursday: Pot roast over noodles, apple juice, peas and carrots, and fruited Jell-O; Friday: Lemon fish, Lyonaisse potato, broccoli, hot biscuit, and apple crisp. All meals will be served at noon. Call ahead at 797-3652 for reservations. Funding is provided by the Albany County Department for the Aging and the New York Office for Aging. 25 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 …Tears follow Bethlehem board’s decision to close Clarksville school (Continued from page 1) swayed by arguments made to close the school. She sees it as a budgetary issue, she said, adding that, as a member of the school board, she wants to meet the needs of the whole district. Since she began serving on the board, Wijeysinghe said, she could see tension in Clarksville. “I don’t see it as a unified community,” she said, adding that the district should consider openinga language (Continued from page 1) magnet school in the building. “It’s dividing our community,” said board member Laura Bierman, requesting that the board keeping Clarksville open and studying the issue further. He warned the board against “another shortsighted decision” and said, “Thinking about it a little longer won’t hurt anything.” Tebbano recently announced that he plans to retire on Jan. 1, 2012. He became superintendent in 2008 after hav- The Enterprise — Saranac Hale Spencer As New Scotland Councilman Douglas LaGrange, left, reads a letter from Assemblyman Jack McEneny detailing the history of the Clarksville school and its place on the National Register of Historic Sites, these children await the Bethlehem School Board’s decision on maintaining the Clarksville Elementary School. make a decision on the fate of the school that night, rather than holding off for further study. “I have faith in the study,” she said of Tebbano’s report, adding, “It might not be exact.” It would be irresponsible for the district to maintain six buildings ing spent years as a music teacher and, more recently, as a building principal. Lenhardt made a motion to leave the school open and form a committee that would study the issue more in depth; it was seconded by Dering. “I think this is one of those situations where we just have to jump.” The Enterprise — Saranac Hale Spencer “It’s got to start tomorrow morning,” Superintendent Michael Tebbano said of putting the wheels in motion to close the Clarksville Elementary School. He had futilely recommended that the board keep the school open and further study the feasibility of closing it. Teachers’ contract extended, no raises By Saranac Hale Spencer VOORHEESVILLE — The 2007 teachers’ contract has been extended for a year with some changes to parental-leave guidelines, the salary schedule, and longevity payments. The school board voted 6 to 0, at its meeting on Monday, with Kristine Gravino abstaining, to extend the contract. The amount of money paid to teachers will stay the same in the 2011-12 school year as the current year, said Sarita Winchell, the district’s assistant superintendent for business, but the distribution on the contract’s 26-step scale is different. The same as the current scale, a teacher starting on the first step with only a bachelor’s degree will make $43,100. A teaching starting with a master’s degree will make $45,000. At the other end of the scale, a teacher who has a bachelor’s degree on step 26 will make $84,600 and a teacher on the same step with a mater’s degree will make $86,500. Changes along the new scale include differences of hundreds dollars, making the pay on some steps more than on the current scale and some less. “This makes it much more even,” Winchell said of teachers’ progression up the scale. At the Monday meeting, Winchell also pre- sented the most recent figures for the coming year’s budget, which includes restoring the elementary-school librarian. The district did not have figures on potential increases in state aid. The district is still planning to reduce its teaching staff by a total of two full-time positions, due to lower enrollment in the middle school, Winchell said. The middle school will go from five sections to four sections, like the high school and elementary schools. Two full-time math and science teachers will become six-tenths FTE, or full-time equivalent; one full-time social studies teacher will become eight-tenths FTE; one part-time, four-tenths FTE, foreign language teacher won’t be teaching; and a part-time, one-half FTE, music teacher won’t be teaching. The school board has opted to take tuition for its Tech Valley High student out of the budget, Superintendent Theresa Snyder said this week, because it is too expensive. The district had two students attending the new school — one will graduate this year and the other had gotten free tuition, which won’t carry over next year. The tuition is about $12,000 per student, Snyder said, about half of which is reimbursed through the Board of Cooperative Educational Services. if it can teach all of its elementary students in five, Bierman said. It is the district’s “fiduciary responsibility to do it in five buildings,” she said. Tebbano, who hadn’t made a recommendation to the board until last night, recommended After some discussion, the board decided to first take a vote on closing the school. Wijeysinghe made the motion, which passed with only Lenhardt and Dering voting against it. There was no need, then, for a vote on creating a committee for further study. Work on Fuller Road starts April 4 Albany County will begin work on the northern section of Fuller Road (Route 156) from Railroad Avenue to Central Avenue on Monday, April 4. Motorists should expect delays and be alert to traffic signs and flaggers. The construction begins the second phase of the county’s rehabilitation of Fuller Road. The project includes reconstructing the pavement, installing new curbing and sidewalks, and improving drainage. The first phase, completed in November of last year, reconstructed the southern section of Fuller Road between Western Avenue and Tricentennial Drive. The northern section is expected to be completed by November 2011. The total cost of the project is $13.5 million. The County is contracting with Rifenburg Construction. Beginning April 4, work will be going on Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to businesses and properties along Fuller Road will be maintained. County sells native trees and shrubs ALBANY COUNTY — The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District has extended its deadline to place an order for the 2011 Tree and Shrub Sale. Order forms for the tree sale program are available on the Conservation District’s webpage at www.albanycounty.com/swcd or at the office located at 24 Martin Road in Voorheesville. Order forms can also be mailed directly to those who call the District office at 765-7923. Please contact the office prior to placing an order to find out what is available. Each year, the district offers thousands of trees to Albany County landowners at affordable prices. Over 35 varieties of shrubs, deciduous trees, and evergreens are available to choose from. The tree-sale program is offered to the general public and trees may be used on any urban, suburban, or rural land for the purpose of reducing wind and water erosion, conserving energy, creating wildlife habitat, and beautifying the countryside. 26 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Correspondents Altamont By Rosemary Caruso 861-6569 If you receive a call from a friend to get together for a cup of coffee at the Home Front Café, you probably have a whole list of things you can do while you are in the center of the village. You might decide to stop at the post office or pick up a book at the Library. Maybe you will refuel at one of the service stations. You might even get some bagels to take home for breakfast, or you might just decide to sit in the park and enjoy the beauty. The park is surrounded by robust businesses that help make our life easier and shopping more convenient. On the Oasis of the Seas, guests can discover many exciting features to delight them on the Royal Promenade. This deck is like our village center. It is one of the gathering places and also a great place to shop. The openness is immediately obvious. The ship was designed almost 33 feet wider than similar promenades. They have also added a mezzanine area that gives guests more space to explore. Adding to the overall effect of openness are two Crystal Canopies that allow natural light to flood down from Central Park high above. This is something that you would not expect on the interior of a ship. During our vacation, we were regular visitors to the Royal Promenade for its amazing street parades. The first one that we experienced was the Rockin’ Rhythm Nation Street Party. This party featured over 100 participants. It was based on the rhythms and ethnic diversity from around the world. It included the cultures of the Far East, Pacific Northwest, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, Africa, and the South Pacific blended together in a celebration of life. Other parades or celebrations included Calypso Music, ‘70s Disco Music, and a Lollapalooza Party (a fantasy party based on the worlds of Dr. Seuss and Willy Wonka). They had larger-thanlife characters, comics, musicians, and even stilt walkers! Just like home it is the place where all of the action is — at least a lot of the fun activities! One evening, our daughter Christa invited us to join her and her friends for dinner and a predinner drink at the Champagne Bar. This elegant bar is located on the Royal Promenade just before the entrance to the main dining room. Her group consisted of about 12 friends traveling together. That was a lovely experience! One could get used to sipping champagne and nibbling on cheese, crackers, and caviar. Another evening, we enjoyed a nightcap in the Rising Tide Bar. Needless to say, this was a unique experience. This bar travels vertically! It rises from the Royal Promenade to Central Park. As the bar rises, water jets in a pool below seem to raise the bar skyward. We enjoyed the ride as we surveyed the promenade and mezzanine from a totally different perspective. While we rose upward, there was a musical group riding along to entertain us, making the ride even more pleasant. Let The Dance Begin Shoppers enjoy the Royal Promenade because of the many opportunities to acquire souvenirs. On the port side is Regalia, an exclusive jewelry store. Continuing along on the starboard side is a store called Willow, a great place to pick up some stylish accessories. Further down the promenade is Prince and Greene, which is a great place to find accessories and iconic fashion brands. The Focus Photo Gallery has everything you might need from digital photography equipment to beautiful albums to store all those wonderful memories. Naturally, there is a souvenir shop to buy shirts, hats, coffee cups, and the list goes on. For smokers, there is a duty-free cigar stand (cigar smoking is permitted on one deck outside only). Scattered among these wonderful opportunities are a variety of pleasant locations to satisfy everyone’s dining and drinking pleasure. Café Promenade serves a great range of hot beverages and snacks. A quick sandwich or cookie with a cup of coffee almost seems necessary at times. Across from Café Promenade is Sorrento’s where you can get a hot piece of pizza most of the day. For the younger set who might like to party into the wee hours, there is a Latin-theme club called Boleros. Guests can enjoy a live salsa band while sipping Mojitos and Caipirinhas. On the mezzanine, above Boleros Is the Diamond Club, and the Globe & Atlas Pub is just down the street. Getting away from the Royal Promenade for a while, we take one of the elevators one deck down to Entertainment Place. Here we find the Opal Theater, Comedy Club, Jazz at Blaze nightclub, Icy Magic at Studio B, and hear shouts from Casino Royale. The Opal Theater would rival any on Broadway. It seats 1,380 guests and has an incredible stage. We watched the musical Hairspray. Yes, this was the full Broadway production. And it was wonderful! Oasis of the Seas has a reservation system to ensure all guests who want to see this, or any other production, have an opportunity to do so. The other fantastic show in the Opal Theater that we watched was Come Fly with Me. The music and performers in Hairspray made the entire trip worthwhile. The special effects and aerial acts in Come Fly with Me just added a great new dimension of entertainment to this trip. The Jazz on 4 Club and Comedy Live were very popular, and the shows were always sold out. However, just next door was Studio B. This was a versatile theater that transforms from an ice palace to a game show theater at the flick of a switch. We watched Frozen in Time, a skate and dance show that was packed with fun entertainment. Once again, we come to a place that may be fun for some people and not as much for others – Casino Royale. When this correspondent loses her $20 it is time to find something else to do with my time. Fortunately, on the Oasis of the Seas, it is easy to find something else to do. As we continue through Casino Royale past the crystal sculpture and cross into the lobby on Deck 4, we can enter the Opus Dining Room. This main dining room was inspired by the work of the 1920’s French Art Deco movement. It has elegant lighting, simple shapes, and lots of beautiful wood. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, and the surroundings reminiscent of ocean liners of the early 20th Century. What would a cruise ship be without a swimming pool? The Oasis of the Seas has 21 pools and other outdoor activities that keep all ages busy. Next week: the Solarium and Pool and Sports Zone. AES to celebrate The fifth grade at the Altamont Elementary School will “Celebrate America” on Friday, April 1, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Parents and children are ivited to enjoy games, prizes, and food, and there will be a bake sale. It will be a fun-filled evening. Update on Haitian boy According to Chief of Staff, Dr. Reggie Handy, of the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Canada, Christian arrived at the Montreal Hospital from Haiti This child had severe deformities of both lower legs that excluded the possibility of any reconstruction. He was seen in the clinic and was scheduled for surgery. Following the surgery and the required healing time, Christian began intensive rehabilitation and was fitted with his first prosthesis. A follow-up on Christian’s progress will be reported in the future. Summer camp Over 120 camps and programs will be offered to Guilderland residents this summer. Registration for the 2011 camp program held at Tawasentha Park will begin on April 1. Brochures will be mailed to town residents during the last week of March. Programs can be viewed at www.guilderlandrec. com. Registration may be made online, by mail, or by dropping off the registration form at the Guilderland Parks and Recreation office that is located across the street from Tawasentha Park (181 Route 146 in Guilderland). Mud Mania Save the date: The Tawasentha Mud Mania will take place on Saturday, June 18. More details to follow. Thompsons Lake By Lora Ricketts 872-1691 Samson Clark was feted with a birthday party on Saturday hosted by his dad, Brandon Clark. Samson turned 9 on March 23. Brandon started by baking a birthday cake on Thursday evening, which he decorated with Star Wars figurines. Darth Vader held one of the candles! Brandon decorated their home with “Happy Birthday” banners and blew up many balloons. Samson was delighted to have his friend, Jeffrey Martin, come. Jeffrey and Samson have been friends since their days at Sonshine Pre-School at the Westerlo Baptist Church. Samson’s best friend in third grade has been Skylar Sisson, and he was ecstatic to see her. Samson told me, “She’s a girl, Grandma, but we have a lot in common.” Other guests included Samson’s sister, Nichole, and his aunt, Kyra Swan, who is in fourth grade but only five months older than Samson! The children enjoyed playing together, doing the Chicken Dance, pinning the tail on the donkey, and playing ball-toss game. They all enjoyed singing to Samson and watching him blow out his candles and then they ate cake and ice cream. Next, he opened his presents. He got many different sets of Legos, most with a Star Wars theme. He also got a Star Wars plane and Star Wars figures. Adults attending were Jeffrey’s mother, Barbara Martin; Skylar’s mother, Marie Sisson; Uncle Miles and Aunt Melissa Pangburn with their new beagle puppy, Bomber; Uncle Dan and cousin, Danielle Ricketts; and me, Great-Grandma. Grandma Marcia Pangburn came as soon as she got out of work. That’s it, Samson, for celebrating your birthday until 2012. Lenten program The mid-week Lenten Worship Service for the Hilltowns Community Ecumenical program this Wednesday, April 6, will be at the Helderberg Lutheran Church in Berne. The service begins at 7 p.m. and the sermon is entitled, “The God of the Second Chance, The Sign of Jonah.” Tim Van Heest will be the pastor. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Call Community Caregivers for free support services Dancing a jig on St. Patrick’s Day are Atria Crossgate residents Betty Carter and Jeanette Quinn. GUILDERLAND — Community Caregivers, a Guilderlandbased not-for-profit organization that assists home caregivers and their care recipients, is reaching out to those who need help managing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of longterm caregiving. Through education and professional support, Community Caregivers connects families and close friends with problem-solving services that help them continue to care for their loved ones at home. The organization serves residents in the townships of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Berne, Knox, and New Scotland. In-home respite, which gives caregivers a temporary break from their daily responsibilities, is just one of the services Community Caregivers provides. A Memory Loss Support Group offers resources that reduce stress and maintain the health of people wrestling with issues such as dementia care, medication management, home safety, and the legal aspects of caregiving. Trained volunteers can also bring relief in the forms of home visits, housekeeping, shopping assistance, and transportation to and from medical appointments. In cases where Community Caregivers cannot provide all the help necessary, it will refer families and friends to other service providers for supplemental aid. For more information, or to inquire about services for family or friends, go online to www. CommunityCaregivers.org or call the Community Caregivers office at 456-2898. 27 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Car wash GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland Center Fire Department will have a car wash on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. until noon. The donation is $4. Bible study GUILDERLAND — Every week from March 14 to April 21 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 8 p.m., New Creation Ministries is holding an informal, casual bible study session. The session is at the Alliance Church at 3313 Carman Rd. For details, call 858-9189. All are welcome. Great Escape tickets to benefit riding center NEW SCOTLAND — Buying a ticket for The Great Escape through the Albany County Therapeutic Riding Center will benefit the not-for-profit organization. The Great Escape amusement park lets not-for-profit organizations sell tickets at the lowest price it offers and gives them a $5 cut of each sale, according to Chris Lehman, who runs the riding center. Located at the foot of the Helderbergs, on Martin Road Extension, the center gives horseback riding lessons to students with disabilities. People can buy a day-long pass to The Great Escape for $19.99 by contacting the riding center at 765-2764. A busy year for Guilderhaven By Sue Green GUILDERLAND — Where has Guilderhaven been you might ask? Hunkered down like every self-respecting groundhog in the Northeast. Now to catch up. In 2010 our activities: — Facilitating the spaying or neutering of 863 cats (feral and owned); — Speaking to school groups and youth organizations; — Producing an educational coloring book; — Placing animals from shelters, rescue groups, and privates homes; and — Delivering thousands of pounds of dog and cat food and supplies to pet owners and rescue groups. We created a unique program to assist the Pets Are Wonderful Support of the Albany Damián society by spaying and neutering (for free) all their clients’ pets. This program, with the help of a grant from the Doris Day Foundation was able to alter 37 cats and 18 dogs. Because of this success and a growing need for our assistance this program is ongoing. Please consider helping us by sponsoring one of these pets with a tax-deductible donation to Guilderhaven, Inc. 6655 Route 158, Altamont, NY 12009. We greatly appreciate your support. Obituaries Marcia B. Levesque ALTAMONT — A loving, wife, mother, and grandmother, Marcia B. Levesque devoted her life to caring for others. “She was the best,” said her husband, Donald G. Levesque, describing Mrs. Levesque as a wife, mother, and grandmother. “They all loved her and she loved them.” Mrs. Levesque died on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a brief illness. She was 61. She was born on June 1, 1949 in Laconia, N.H., the daughter of the late Keith and Jeanette Twitchell. Her mother worked in a bank and her father had a small flooring business, said Mr. Levesque. “It was a good family life,” he said. “She was brought up right.” The couple met in 1967 when they were both students in Boston. Their marriage lasted 41 years, ending only with her death. The Levesques moved to Altamont 16 years ago this week because of Mr. Levesque’s job transfer, he said. They had a chance to move back to New Hampshire later but she liked living in Altamont so much that she wanted to stay, he said. Mrs. Levesque, whose life centered on her family, enjoyed activities in every season, including skiing and ice-skating in the winter, said her husband. Her three grandchildren adored her and called her “Mema” “She was very easy-going,” said Mr. Levesque. “She seldom got upset. She got along with anybody.” **** Besides her husband, Donald G. Levesque, Marcia B. Levesque is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Buschmann, and her husband, Richard Buschmann II; her son, Michael Levesque; and her grandchildren, Alaina, Brooke, and Adele. She is also survived by two sisters, Ann Twitchell and Camille Bailey as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church at 30 Church Street in Laconia, N.H. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. — Melissa Hale-Spencer Angelo M. Stanco GUILDERLAND — Angelo M. Stanco, a dedicated family man and longtime employee of General Electric, died on Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Ellis Health Center in Schenectady, with his loving family by his side. He was 95. Mr. Stanco was born in Schenectady on March 26, 1915. He was the last surviving son of the late Giuseppe and Consiglia Famiglietti Stanco. A lifelong Schenectady resident, he attended Siena College and majored in accounting. He began working for the General Electric Company in 1934 in the refrigerator department, and he worked later in the aeronautical department, during World War II. Mr. Stanco retired from the large-steam-turbine department in 1975, after becoming a member of the Quarter Century Club. While working at GE, he made several employee suggestions, particularly during World War II, that contributed to efficiency, wrote his family in a tribute. He was also a partner in R. Stanco Builders, after World War II, building new homes in the Capital District, using proven construction techniques that still meet the tastes and lifestyles of occupants today, his family wrote. At one time, he was associated with the family business of Marinello and Stanco Construction, which built several commercial buildings in the Albany area. Mr. Stanco was also a communicant of St. Helen’s Church. “He remained active and sharp of mind into his 95th year and enjoyed being with his family,” his family wrote. **** He is survived by his wife, Florence (Jones) Stanco, of Schenectady, whom he married in 1947. He is also survived by his son, Joseph Stanco, and his wife, Diane, of Guilderland; his grandchildren, Paul Stanco, and his wife, Julie, of Niskayuna, Lisa Stanco of Schenectady, Laura Decker, and her husband, John, of Windsor, Conn., and Mark Stanco, of Guilderland; two great-grandchildren, Mia Decker and Mason Stanco; and several nieces and nephews. His siblings — Beatrice (Stanco) Cornell, Michael A. Stanco, Anthony Stanco, James R. Stanco, Inglanata (Inge) Tagliaferro, Rosario Stanco, Pat Stanco, and Rose Higgins — died before him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Ellis Medicine and Community Hospice of Schenectady. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, in Guilderland. Funeral services were held on March 28 at St. Helen’s Church in Niskayuna. Burial followed at Parkview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Helen’s Church, 1803 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12309. ANY WHICH WAY In MeMorIaM GERRY, FRANCIS J. APRIL 4, 2011 A kind and gentle heart: Sees the beauty in all things Is patient and reassuring Is gifted with simple wisdom Possesses altruistic love Loves beyond measure. Beloved Husband and Uncle, Mary Margaret Thelma Skinner ROTTERDAM — Thelma “Peg” Skinner, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at the Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 92. Mrs. Skinner was born on June 3, 1918, the daughter of the late Harold and Bessie Rivenburgh. She was a lifelong homemaker and a longtime member of the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall in Duanesburg, according to a tribute written by her family. She enjoyed arts, crafts, and was an avid reader. She is survived by her son, Allyn R. Skinner, and his wife, Jennifer; her grandson, Michael A. Skinner; her granddaughter, Nicole Graudons, and her husband, James; and their soon-to-be-born child, her great-grandchild. Her husband of 55 years, Allyn F. Skinner, died before her, Thelma Skinner in 2008. A funeral service is being held today, March 31, at 3 p.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont. Friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m. An interment will be held in the South Berne Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family thanks the staff of Baptist Health on 3N for the care, concern, and friendship to Thelma Skinner and her family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12303. Mary Jane Jones BERNE — Mary Jane Jones of Berne was a woman who loved to travel, and loved dogs. She died on March 7, 2011, in Zephyrhills, Fla. She was 69. Mrs. Jones was a life member of three dog clubs: the Albany Obedience Club, the Southern Adirondack Dog Club, and the Poodle Club of Mohawk Valley, where she will be remembered by her many lifelong associates. A graduate of Duanesburg Central School, she was retired from the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company at the time of her death. Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Ralph R. Jones; her mother, Celia Lane; her brother, James A. Lane and his wife, Liz; her sister, Judith Hammond and her husband, Douglas; and several nieces and nephews. Her father, James W. Lane, died before her. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Whitfield Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Zephyrhills, Fla. Yohey Monuments Any Type Any Color Laser Etching Available Lettering & Carvings also done Call Jim Yohey at: 518-429-5508 518-861-6600 Fredendall Funeral Home has been Family Owned and Operated since 1916… …and still is. PERSONAL NOTICE ST. JUDE’S NOVENA — May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days and the prayer will be answered. Promise to have it published. RJH Pd. Adv. 3/24/11 We are very proud to continue a family tradition nearly a century old. We consider it a honor that our family can serve yours, in your time of need. 861-6611 www.FredendallFuneralHome.com 28 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE 85 Seven Spring Road LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/13/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc., PO Box 10873, Abany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (19-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Laurel 13 Sheni, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/18/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1324 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230. The name and address of the registered agent is Mimi Sanik, 25 Robert Pitt Dr. Ste 204, Monsey, NY 10952. Purpose: any lawful activity. (8-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Partially Submerged, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on January 31, 2011, office location: Albany County, NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40, NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40, purpose is any lawful purpose. (19-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Qualification of Nationwide Credit Service, LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/15/2009. Office location: Albany County. LLC formed in Washington (WA) on 03/04/2009. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1340 12th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. Arts of Org. filed with Secy. of State, Corp Div, PO Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234. Purpose: Any lawful activity. (23-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Access Equities LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/3/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1632 57th St., Brooklyn, NY 11204. Purpose: any lawful activity. (9-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF REHEARSALSTUDIOSNY LLC. Arts. of Org. was filed with SSNY on 2/23/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Robert S. Bennett, 1404 3rd Avenue, Suite 3S, New York, NY 10075. Purpose: all lawful activities. (3-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of domestic formation of Palmer Fitness Dynamics LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on January 12, 2011, office location: Albany County, NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC @ 1773 Western Ave Albany NY 12203, NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 1773 Western Ave Albany NY 12203, purpose is any lawful purpose. (12-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Wellrox, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/17/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to C/O Usacorp Inc., PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (12-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION FOR Clean Laundry Services, LLC. The Articles of Organization for Clean Laundry Services, LLC., were filed with the Secretary of State on February 18, 2011. The office of the Company is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail any process against the LLC is 421 A Moe Rd., Clifton Park, New York, 12065. The LLC’s purpose is to conduct any lawful business or activity as permitted by applicable law. Thomas J. Gabriels, Esq. 99 Pine Street Albany, NY 12207 (18-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of For mation of MARDINN, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/14/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 9034 54th Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful activity. (4-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of NYMF SYY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/24/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 95-04 Delancey St., New York, NY 10002. Purpose: any lawful activity. (5-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of SB NEUMAN FAMILY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/28/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 95-04 Delancey St., New York, NY 10002. Purpose: any lawful activity. (6-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Fallsburgh 14 Partners, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/18/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1276 50th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (3-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: JHFG LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/20/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 73 Ferry Road North Haven, NY 11963. Purpose: any lawful activity. (7-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Sunshine Daycare Of Mott Haven LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/25/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 40 Airport Rd, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Purpose: any lawful activity. (7-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PIANOSTRINGS LLC. Arts. of Org. was filed with SSNY on 11/23/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Robert S. Bennett, 1404 3rd Avenue, Suite 3S, New York, NY 10075. Purpose: all lawful activities. (9-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: ACCU CHECK PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/22/2011. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 3062 E Lydius St. Schenectady, NY 12303. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. Latest date upon LLC is to dissolve: No specific date. (20-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 86111 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/23/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1220 Broadway, Suite 707, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: any lawful activity. (7-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Qualification of Source Diagnostics of New York, LLC. Authority filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/28/2011. Office location: Albany County. LLC formed in Ohio (OH) on 1/11/2011. Principal office of LLC and OH address is: 5275 Naiman Parkway, Suite E, Solon, Ohio, 44139. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5275 Naiman Parkway, Suite E, Solon, Ohio, 44139. Articles of Organization filed with OH Secretary of State, 615 W. Superior Ave., 8th Fl. (Lausche Bldg.), Cleveland, OH 44113. Purpose: Any lawful activity. (21-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE 57 Bartlett LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/13/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc, PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (18-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of HBDJ LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/29/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 551 5th Ave. Suite 3010, New York, NY 10176. Purpose: any lawful activity. (8-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of HBINV LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/29/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 551 5th Ave. Suite 3010, New York, NY 10176. Purpose: any lawful activity. (9-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Mooshi LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/17/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 411 West 14th St., New York, NY 10014. Purpose: any lawful activity. (11-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION FOR S&T Saratoga, LLC. The Articles of Organization for S&T Saratoga, LLC., were filed with the Secretary of State on February 18, 2011. The office of the Company is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process against it may be served. The address to which the Secretary of State shall mail any process against the LLC is 421 A Moe Rd., Clifton Park, New York, 12065. The LLC’s purpose is to conduct any lawful business or activity as permitted by applicable law. Thomas J. Gabriels, Esq. 99 Pine Street Albany, NY 12207 (17-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE JBRH LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/12/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to C/O Usacorp Inc, PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (13-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE 1126 50th Street LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/13/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc, PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (16-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE 55 Bartlett LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/13/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc, PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (17-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Luxury Yacht Partners LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/11/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 399 Washington St. #2, New York, NY 10013. Purpose: any lawful activity. (10-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 1030 McBride LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/10/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1039 McBride St., Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: any lawful activity. (5-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PIANORENTALSNY LLC. Arts. of Org. was filed with SSNY on 2/23/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Robert S. Bennett, 1404 3rd Avenue, Suite 3S, New York, NY 10075. Purpose: all lawful activities. (2-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Himrod Gardens LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 12/13/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 24 Sunset Rd, Lawrence, NY 11559. Purpose: any lawful activity. (6-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Prismsport LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 1/26/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 151 E. 79th St., New York, NY 10021. Purpose: any lawful activity. (11-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PIANOSNY LLC. Arts. of Org. was filed with SSNY on 2/23/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Robert S. Bennett, 1404 3rd Avenue, Suite 3S, New York, NY 10075. Purpose: all lawful activities. (4-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Brick LC Capital LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/7/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 381 Park Ave. South, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10016. Purpose: any lawful activity. (2-34-39) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Third Time Charm LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/9/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1581 Route 202, Suite 207, Pomona, NY 10970. Purpose: any lawful activity. (7-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Wheels On The Bus Kiddie Charter LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/9/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 583 Bainbridge St., Brooklyn, NY 11233. Purpose: any lawful activity. (8-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: KITE TAILS DESIGNS LLC. Ar ticles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/24/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 15 Meadow Lane, Albany, New York 12208. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. (17-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: LMXM LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/09/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 619 Via Ponderosa, Schenectady, New York 12303. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. (13-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Full Grain Focus Partners LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 1/21/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC @ 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. Purpose: any lawful activity. (14-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Bryant Park Holdings Company LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on 3/11/11, office location: Albany County, NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served, NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC @ 90 State St STE 700 Office 40, NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40, purpose is any lawful purpose. (15-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of BRICK HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/11/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 23 Red Fox Drive, Albany, NY 12205. (16-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LAICHA ASSOCIATES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/7/2011. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon it is C/O the LLC 6260 Empire Avenue, Schenectady, New York 12306. Purpose of the LLC: to engage in any lawful act or activity. Street address of Principal Business location is: 6260 Empire Avenue, Schenectady, New York 12306. (19-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 121st Street Holdings, LLC. Ar ts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 2/8/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 138 W. 127th St., New York, NY 10027. Purpose: any lawful activity. (11-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Collins 3-3 Holding, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/18/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1274 49th St., PMB 175, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (5-33-38) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Qualification of CHUPA CABRA LLC. Authority filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/11/11. Office location: Albany County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 12/14/09. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 22 W. 8th St., New York, NY 10011. DE address of LLC: 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Cert. of Formation filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St. Ste 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity. (4-32-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of ADVANCED BUILDING CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPERS LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 2/24/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1767 Central Park Ave., Yonkers, NY 10710. Purpose: any lawful activity. (10-35-40) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of DEDICATED HOMES RELATIONS, LLC. Arts of Org filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 11/16/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 244 5th Ave. Ste 2830, New York, NY 10001. Purpose: any lawful activity. (6-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: WILLIE B. PRODUCTIONS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 012/16/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, WILLIE B. PRODUCTIONS, LLC 106 W. 144TH ST. APT 3E MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, 10030. (22-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE The annual meeting of the Westerlo Central Cemetery Association will be held Wednesday April 6 at 7:00 at the Westerlo town hall. Roger Davis Secretary-Treasurer (1-36-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Thomas Lynch Photography, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSN) on 3/2/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 52 Jean Place Schenectady, NY 12303. Purpose: any lawful activity. (2-36-37) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of MND Trading LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/15/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1274 49th St. Ste 451, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (7-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 1767 Months, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Secy. of State (SSNY) on 2/18/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1274 49th St., PMB 175, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Third Capital Funding LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/16/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 4309 13th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (6-33-38) (10-36-41) 29 The Altamont Enterprise – March 31, 2011 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NEW SCOTLAND CEMETERY ASSOCIATION A meeting of the Lot Owners of New Scotland Cemetery Association will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at 1:00 P.M., at the home of Arlene Herzog, 17 Chickory Lane, Slignerlands, NY 12159. The purpose of the meeting is to elect a Board of Directors and discuss cemetery operations. This meeting is open to anyone wishing to attend. For further information, call Arlene Herzog 439-1559. April 7, 2010 Arlene Herzog, Secretary/Treasurer (1-37-37) LEGAL NOTICE VOORHEESVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE, AND ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing of the qualified voters of Voorheesville Central School District, County of Albany, State of New York will be held on May 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction Room of the Voorheesville Middle School/ Clayton A. Bouton High School in said district for the presentation of a budget for the school year 2011-2012. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that said vote will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in the Voorheesville Middle School Foyer. The polls will open at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time and voting will proceed until 9:00 p.m. on the following: 1. To elect one member of the Board of Education for a 4-year term terminating June 30, 2015, to fill the vacancy created by the expiration of the term of Gary A. Hubert. 2. To vote on the Annual School Budget and the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimate of expenditures, and to authorize the levy of taxes for this purpose. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that at said Annual District Election and Budget Vote to be held on May 17, 2011, the following propositions will be submitted: PROPOSITION: PURCHASE OF BUSES: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Voorheesville Central School District is hereby authorized to pay the cost of the purchase of school buses, including incidental expenses, at a maximum estimated cost of $216,000, and that said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District shall be issued. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes, exclusive of public money, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the district during the fourteen days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting, except Saturday, Sunday or holiday, at the following schoolhouses in which school is maintained during the hours designated: Schoolhouses-Hours Voorheesville Elementary School 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Clayton A. Bouton High School 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the district not later than the 30th day preceding the school meeting. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the district, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the district, must state the name and residence of the candidate and must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated including at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that letters requesting application for absentee ballots may be received by the District Clerk not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day nor later than the seventh (7th) day before the election. Requests should be addressed to: Clerk, Board of Education Voorheesville Central School District LEGAL NOTICE P.O. Box 498 Voorheesville, New York 12186 Dated: March 30, 2011 Dorothea Pfleiderer District Clerk AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of Voorheesville Central School District, County of Albany, State of New York will be held on May 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Voorheesville Public Library for the presentation of the Public Library budget for the year 2011-2012. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that said vote will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in the Voorheesville Middle School Foyer. The polls will open at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time and voting will proceed until 9:00 p.m. on the following: 1. To elect members of the Library Board for the office of library trustee for either of two five-year terms expiring the 30th day of June, 2016, or to fill the balance of a term, created by a vacancy, ending the 30th day of June, 2015. The two candidates receiving the largest number of votes will serve the five-year terms. The candidate with the third largest number of votes will serve the balance of the term ending on the 30th day of June 2015. 2. To vote on the annual Public Library budget and the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimate of expenditures, and to authorize the levy of taxes for this purpose. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for library purposes, exclusive of public money, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the district during the fourteen days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting, except Saturday, Sunday or holiday at the following schoolhouses in which school is maintained during the hours designated: Schoolhouses-Hours Voorheesville Elementary School 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Clayton A. Bouton High School 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the petitions nominating candidates for the office of the Library Board must be filed with the Clerk of the Library Board not later than the 30th day preceding the school meeting. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the Library Board, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the district, must state the name and residence of the candidates and must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated including at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that letters requesting application for absentee ballots may be received by the District Clerk not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day nor later than the seventh (7th) day before the election. Requests should addressed to: Clerk, Board of Education Voorheesville Central School District P.O. Box 498 Voorheesville, NY 12186 Dated: March 30, 2011 Gail Sacco Director (2-37-40) LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT: ALBANY COUNTY Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Aames Mortgage Investment Trust 2006-1, Mortgage Backed Notes; Plaintiff(s) vs. KIMBERLEE ANN RYAN; et al; Defendant(s) Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s): ROSICKI, ROSICKI & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 2 Summit Court, Suite 301, Fishkill, New York, 12524, 845.897.1600 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on or about March 7, 2011, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at 16 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207. On April 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM Premises known as 3145 LONE PINE ROAD, GUILDERLAND, NY 12303 Section: 27.7 Block: 1 Lot: 36 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, TOGETHER WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON SITUATED IN THE TOWN OF GUILDERLAND, COUNTY OF ALBANY AND STATE OF NEW YORK. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment $115,028.00 plus interest and costs. INDEX NO. 89-10 Peter Scagnelli, Esq., REFEREE (3-37-40) LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice of Hearing The Town of New Scotland Planning Board Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of Town of New Scotland, New York will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article IV, Section 190-41 of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: A Public Hearing for Special use Permit #536 Special Use Permit Application #536: Application submitted by David Moreau for a Special Use Permit to allow for the construction of a single family dwelling on a 3.01 acre parcel owned by him. The property is located within the Commercial District on Youmans Road and is identified on Subdivision plat #502 as New Scotland tax parcel #72.-3-41.5, “Lot C”. This application is a special use of Article II, Section 190-17 of the Zoning Law. Hearing will take place on April 5, 2011 at the New Scotland Town Hall beginning at 7:00 P.M. Charles Voss Chairman, Planning Board The Town of New Scotland is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (7-37) LEGAL NOTICE Joe Johnson LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/9/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to C/O Usacorp Inc, PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (9-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 FOR 2011 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT Local Law #1 of 2011 has been introduced in the Town Board of the Town of Berne. This Local law is related to and shall be known as “The Town of Berne Wind Energy Facilities Moratorium Law”. A copy of said proposed local law is on file in the office of the Berne Town Clerk PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on proposed Local Law #1 for 2011 will be held at the Berne Town Hall, Berne, New York at 7:30 P.M. on the 13th day of April, 2011 and that an opportunity to be heard in regard thereto will then and there be given to those favoring passage of such proposed Local Law and also to those opposed thereto. Dated: March 10, 2011 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD PATRICIA M. FAVREAU TOWN CLERK (10-37) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION GUILDERLAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Guilderland Central School District, Albany County, Guilderland, New York, will be held on May 3, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., prevailing time, at Guilderland High School, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, New York, for the presentation of the budget for the school year July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on May 17, 2011 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at the following election districts: School Election District No. 1 Altamont Elementary School, 117 Grand Street, Altamont, New York School Election District No. 2 Guilderland Elementary School, 2225 Western Avenue, Guilderland, New York School Election District No. 3 Lynnwood Elementary School, 8 Regina Drive, Schenectady, New York School Election District No. 4 Westmere Elementary School, 6270 Johnston Road, Albany, New York School Election District No. 5 Pine Bush Elementary School, 3437 Carman Road, Schenectady, New York at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items: 1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2011-2012 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District; 2. For the election of four (4) members to the Board of Education; 3. Upon the appropriation of an amount sufficient to operate the Guilderland School District Public Library separate and apart from the Annual School District Budget and authorizing the levy of taxes therefore; 4. For the election of two (2) Trustees to the Board of Trustees of the Guilderland Public Library. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a Bond Proposition in substantially the following form shall be presented to the qualified voters of the District at such Annual District Meeting and Election: BOND PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Guilderland Central School District, in the County of Albany, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to purchase various school buses and vehicles for use by the District, at the estimated maximum cost of $778,100, and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $778,100; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $778,100 to pay such cost, said tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the principal amount of not to exceed $778,100 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for fiscal year 2011-2012, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during business hours beginning May 3, 2011, except Saturday and Sunday, at the Administration Office, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, New York, and at each of the following schools: Altamont Elementary School, Guilderland Elementary School, Lynnwood Elementary School, Pine Bush Elementary School, Westmere Elementary School, Farnsworth Middle School, and Guilderland High School, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education for three (3) terms of three (3) years and one (1) term of one (1) year each must be filed with the Clerk of the District no later than April 18, 2011 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Administrative Offices, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, New York. Each petition must be signed by at least seventy nine (79) qualified voters of the District with their addresses, and said petition must state the name and residence of the candidate. Vacancies on the Board of Education shall not be considered separate; specific offices and the nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast respectively for the several offices shall be declared elected in accordance with the provisions of Section 2034 of the Education Law. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots will be obtainable during business hours from the District Clerk; completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on May 17, 2011. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required. The Board of Registration shall meet on May 3, May 9 and May 11, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the following places: (1) Altamont Elementary School; (2) Guilderland Elementary School; (3) Lynnwood Elementary School; (4) Westmere Elementary School; and (5) Pine Bush Elementary School for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the school district for said Annual Vote and Election, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided that he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the Annual Vote and Election. Additionally, any person otherwise entitled to vote at said Annual Vote may register at the District Offices, 8 School Rd., Guilderland Center, New York, on May 3, May 9 and May 11, 2011 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The register of the qualified voters of the School District prepared at the Special Meeting held on May 18, 2010 shall be used by said Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the register for said Annual Vote and Election to be held on May 17, 2011. Any person whose name appears on such register or who shall have been previously registered for any Annual Vote or Special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special meeting or election held at any time since January 1, 2007 will not be required to register personally for this Annual Vote and Election. In addition, any person otherwise qualified to vote who is registered with the Board of Elections of Albany County under the provisions of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote at said Annual Vote and Election without further registration. Upon its completion, said register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District from May 12, 2011 to the day of the vote, May 17, 2011, Sunday excepted, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with the exception of Saturday, May 14, 2011, when the hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The boundaries of the school election districts are as follows: School Election District no. 1 – includes all of the lands contained within the boundaries of the Altamont Elementary School zone; School Election District no. 2 – includes all of the lands contained within the boundaries of the Guilderland Elementary School zone; School Election District no. 3 – includes all of the lands contained within the boundaries of the Lynnwood Elementary School zone; School Election District no. 4 – includes all of the lands contained within the boundaries of the Westmere Elementary School zone; School Election District no. 5 – includes all of the lands contained within the boundaries of the Pine Bush Elementary School zone; Only qualified voters who are duly registered will be permitted to vote. A report of tax exemptions, showing how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll or rolls used in that budgetary process is exempt from taxation, shall be annexed to the budget document. Dated: April 1, 2011 Linda M. Livingston District Clerk (11-37-39-41-43) LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice of Hearing The Town of New Scotland Planning Board Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of Town of New Scotland, New York will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article II, Section 190-15 of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: A Public Hearing for Special Use Permit #533 Special Use Permit Application #533: Application submitted by Gary and Tracy Pollard for Special Use Permit to allow for a parcel owned by them to be used for “Agricultural uses on less than 5 acres”. The parcel is situated within the RH district at 1937 Delaware Turnpike, contains 2.4+/- acres and is identified as New Scotland tax parcel 106.3-2-42.2. This application is a Special Use of Article II, Section 190-15 (D)(14) of the Town of New Scotland Zoning Law. Hearing will take place on April 5, 2011 at the New Scotland Town Hall beginning at 7:00 P.M. Charles Voss Chairman, Planning Board The Town of New Scotland is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (4-37) LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice of Hearing The Town of New Scotland Planning Board Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of Town of New Scotland, New York will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article IV, Section 190-41 of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: A Public Hearing for Special use Permit #534 Special Use Permit Application #534: Application submitted by David Moreau for a Special Use Permit to allow for the construction of a single family dwelling on a 7.01 acre parcel owned by him. The property is located within the Commercial District on Youmans Road and is identified on Subdivision plat #502 as New Scotland tax parcel #72.-3-41.5, “Lot A”. This application is a special use of Article II, Section 190-17 of the Zoning Law. Hearing will take place on April 5, 2011 at the New Scotland Town Hall beginning at 7:00 P.M. Charles Voss Chairman, Planning Board The Town of New Scotland is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (5-37) LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice of Hearing The Town of New Scotland Planning Board Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of Town of New Scotland, New York will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article IV, Section 190-41 of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: A Public Hearing for Special use Permit #535 Special Use Permit Application #535: Application submitted by David Moreau for Special Use Permit to allow for a single family dwelling on a 3.07 acre parcel owned by him. The property is located within the Commercial District on Youmans Road and is identified on Subdivision plat #502 as New Scotland tax parcel #72.-3-41.5, “Lot B”. This application is a special use of Article II, Section 190-17 of the Zoning Law. Hearing will take place on April 5, 2011 at the New Scotland Town Hall beginning at 7:00 P.M. Charles Voss Chairman, Planning Board The Town of New Scotland is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (6-37) LEGAL NOTICE Dean Sackman LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/22/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc., PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (8-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of The Lijadu Sisters, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/12/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC, 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. Purpose: any lawful activity. (12-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 13937 250th Street LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/18/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 110-38 68th Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful activity. (13-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Edgar Talent Agency, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (NS) on November 30, 2010. Office location: Albany County. NS is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. NS shall mail service of process (SOP) to NW Registered Agent LLC at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. NW Registered Agent LLC is designated as agent for SOP at 90 State St STE 700 Office 40. Purpose is any lawful purpose. (14-37-42) 30 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 130 Cornelia Street LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/4/11. Office location: AlbanyCounty. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 295 Madison Ave. Ste 1700 New York, NY 10017. Purpose: any lawful activity. (8-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Macombs Realty Holdings LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/17/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: POB 191024, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (20-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Articles of Organization for Digging Up Data LLC, Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. FIRST: The name of the limited liability company is: Digging Up Data LLC. SECOND: The county, within this state, in which the office of the limited liability company is to be located is: Albany. THIRD: The Secretary of State is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The address within or without this state to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: Robert Maxwell Dean, 24 B Ledgewood Drive, Albany, NY 12205, USA. (14-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of First Summit Realty LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/16/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1274 49th St. Room 180, Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (9-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 11 Quickway Road, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 12/28/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 946 47th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219. Purpose: any lawful activity. (15-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 15 Drake LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/17/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 15 Drake Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10805. Purpose: any lawful activity. (16-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 5323 13th Ave LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 11/30/10. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 199 Lee Ave., Suite 735, Brooklyn, NY 11211. Purpose: any lawful activity. (17-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of 607 East 11th Street Realty, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/17/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 205 Lexington Ave. 19th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Purpose: any lawful activity. (18-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Collateral Estoppel LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/8/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 17 Ruzhin Road, Unit 302, Monroe, NY 10950. Purpose: any lawful activity. (19-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of The ZDE-Real-Estate Consulting LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 3/15/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 25-54 12th St. Ste 1A, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: any lawful activity. (21-36-41) LEGAL NOTICE 485 E. 21 Street 2011 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/3/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (15-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE XM Productions LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/1/11. Ofc in Albany Cty. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Usacorp Inc., PO Box 10873, Albany, NY 12201. Purpose: General. (16-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Plum Flower Garden LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/16/11. Office location: Albany County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, c/o Incorp Services, Inc., One Commerce Plaza – 99 Washington Ave., Suite 805-A, Albany, NY 12210-2822. Purpose: any lawful activity. (17-37-42) LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF GUILDERLAND The case of the James Matulewicz will be continued on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Guilderland Town Hall, Route 20, Guilderland, New York 12084 for the purpose of amending the final plat approval for a subdivision to be known as Mat Farms. Such amendment is proposed as a modified layout of the previously approved 60 single family clustered residences. The general location of the site is on the west side of Depot Road, south of the Johovah Witness Church. The property is zoned: RA-3 Tax Map # 49.00-3-2.1,10.11, 121,122,123, 124, & 125 Plans are open for inspection, by appointment, at the Planning Department during normal business hours. Dated: March 30, 2011 Stephen Feeney Chairman Planning Board (18-37) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET AND PROPOSITION VOTE, AND ELECTION WITH VOTER REGISTRATION OF THE BERNE-KNOX-WESTERLO CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BERNE, COUNTY OF ALBANY, NEW YORK NOTICE is hereby given by the Board of Education of the BerneKnox-Westerlo Central School District, Albany County, New York, that a public hearing of the qualified voters of said school district will be held at the High School Building, in LEGAL NOTICE said District, in the village of Berne, New York, on Monday, May 9, 2011, at 7:00 P.M., Daylight Savings Time for the presentation of the budget document. NOTICE is also given pursuant to Section 1716 Education Law, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes may be obtained by any qualified voter in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Budget Vote at each of the following locations between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.: District Office, Berne, New York Berne Elementary, Berne, New York Junior/Senior High School, Berne, New York Berne Public Library, Berne, New York Westerlo Public Library, Westerlo, New York NOTICE is also given that the voting upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures and/or on propositions involving the expenditure of money to authorize the levy of taxes shall take place at the High School Building on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. NOTICE is also given pursuant to Section 2004, Education law, that petitions nominating candidates for the Office of Member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. no later than the 30th day preceding the Annual School District Meeting or election at which the candidates so nominated shall be elected, and that such election and voting upon the appropriation of funds shall constitute the Annual School District Meeting. The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education: Two (2) – Three-year terms to fill the expiring terms of: Mrs. Maureen Sikule and Mr. Sean O’Connor Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the Board of Education, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, or two percent of the voters who voted in the previous election whichever is greater, shall state the name and residence of the candidate, and whether such candidate is nominated for a full term or unexpired term, and shall state the specific office for which a candidate is nominated. Petition forms are available at the Special Education Office in the Elementary School. Voting for the election of Candidates for the Office of Member of the Board of Education will take place at the High School Building on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. Proposition #1 ACQUISITION OF SCHOOL BUSES AND VEHICLES NOTICE is also given that the following proposition will be submitted to the voters: RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Berne-KnoxWesterlo Central School District, in the Counties of Albany and Schoharie, New York (“the District”), is hereby authorized to acquire various school buses for use by the District and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $230,000.00; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $230,000.00 to finance such cost, such tax be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and that in anticipation of said tax, the bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $230,000.00 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable; (c) that an amount not to exceed $100,000.00, currently on hand in the District’s “Transportation Reserve Fund,” is hereby authorized to be expended for such purposes, and any such amount so expended LEGAL NOTICE shall offset a like amount of the taxes herein authorized to pay for such purposes. Voting to purchase school buses and vehicles for use by the District, and to issue obligations of the District, therefore, will take place at the High School Building on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. NOTICE is also given that special voter registration will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the High School Auditorium, only, for the Board of Registration of the School District to meet to prepare for registration of voters not previously registered. Any person shall be entitled to have his name placed upon such register provided that at said meeting of the Board of Registration, he is known or has proved to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the School Meeting or Election for which such registration is prepared. The register prepared for the Annual Meeting will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during the five days prior to and the date of the Annual Meeting, except Saturdays and Sundays. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the Clerk of the District. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District no later than 3:00 P.M. on May 10, 2011. If the ballot is to be delivered personally by the voter, the completed application must be received by the Clerk of the District no later than 3:00 P.M. on May 16, 2011. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter of the District in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during the five days prior to the day of the Annual Meeting. Dated: March 30, 2011 Denise Robinson District Clerk (19-37/39/41/43) LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will resume a public hearing pursuant to Articles II, IV & V of the Zoning Law of the following proposition: Interpretation Request No. 4208 Request of Fredrick L. Wagner III for an interpretation under the Zoning Law to determine if an excavation business is an existing nonconforming use and if said use can operate from a 23 +/- acre parcel of land. Per Articles II, IV & V Section 280-5,280-31 and 280-56 respectively. For property owned by: Frederick L. Wagner III & Frederick L. Wagner Jr. Situated as follows: Hurst Rd. Altamont, NY 12009. Tax Map # 38.00-3-27 Zoned: RA3 Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 30, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (20-37) LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will hold a public hearing pursuant to Articles III & V of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: LEGAL NOTICE Variance Request No. 4264 Request of David Tubbs for a Variance of the regulations under the Zoning Law to permit: the construction of a 20’ x 22’ family room with a loft area on the west side of an existing single-family home. A rear yard setback of 50’ is required; 45’+/- is proposed, a 5’+/- variance is requested. Per Articles III & V Sections 28014, and 280-51 respectively. For property owned by: David and Corine Tubbs Situated as follows: 424 Helderview Drive, Altamont, NY 12009 Tax Map # 27.17-1-4 Zoned: R20 Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 29, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (21-37) LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will hold a public hearing pursuant to Articles III & V of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: Special use Per mit Request No. 4265 Request of Arthur Nauman for a Special Use Permit under the Zoning Law to permit: the use of 3100sf of space in a designed local shopping plaza as a casual dining restaurant. Proposed space was formerly occupied as a specialty shop. Per Articles III & V Sections 280-20 and 280-52 respectively. For property owned by: Morgan Guilderland Shopping Center LLC. Situated as follows: 457 Rt. 146 Guilderaland Center, NY 12085. Tax Map # 38.00-5-22 Zoned: LB Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 29, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (22-37) LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will hold a public hearing pursuant on Articles III & V of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: Special Use Permit Request No. 4266 Request of Rick Vesely for a Special Use Permit under the Zoning Law to permit: the use of 1246sf of space previously approved as a retail wine and liquor store as a wellness store. Business will include the retail sales of organic and natural beauty supplies and two massage treatment rooms. All site characteristics have been previously reviewed and approved by the Board. Per Articles III & V Sections 280-20 and 280-52 respectively. For property owned by: Giovanone Real Estate Situated as follows: 1724 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. Tax Map # 52.13-2-11 Zoned: LB Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 30, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (23-37) LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will hold a public hearing pursuant to Articles IV & V of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: Variance Request No. 4267 Request of Michael Fields for a Variance of the regulations under the Zoning Law to permit: the installation of a 4’ high aluminum fence in a required front yard on a corner lot. Per Articles IV & V Sections 28027 and 280-51 respectively. For property owned by: Michael Fields S i t u a t e d a s fo l l o w s : 1 1 0 Kennewyck Circle, Slingerlands, NY 12159 Tax Map # 62.06-1-56 Zoned: R20 Cluster Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 30, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (24-37) LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING BEFORE THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Guilderland, New York, will hold a public hearing pursuant to Articles IV & V of the Zoning Law on the following proposition: Variance Request No. 4268 Request of Carrie and William Novak for a Variance of the regulations under the Zoning Law to permit: the replacement of an existing wooden picket fence with a 5’ high vinyl privacy fence in a required front yard on a corner lot. Per Articles IV & V Sections 28027 and 280-51 respectively. For property owned by: Carrie and William Novak Situated as follows: 23 Ableman Avenue, Albany, NY 12203 Tax Map # 51.16-3-24 Zoned: R15 Plans open for public inspection at the Building Department during normal business hours. Said hearing will take place on the 6th of April, 2011 at the Guilderland Town Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dated: March 30, 2011 Donald F. Cropsey, Jr. Chief Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator (25-37) LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Village of Altamont is accepting bids on the following surplus equipment: 2003 Ford Explorer 4X4 4-door Engine: 4.0L V-6 Full power Mileage: 109,928 The mentioned equipment is to be sold in “as is” condition with no warranties expressed written or otherwise implied. Equipment available for public inspection between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. at Village of Altamont Police Department, 115 Main Street. Please call 861-5480 with further questions. Minimum bid is $4,500. The Board of Trustees has the right to refuse bids. Anyone wishing to bid on said items must submit their bid in a sealed envelope marked, “Police Vehicle,” along with the bidder’s name, address and phone number. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2011, where the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Village Clerk’s Office, Village Hall, Altamont, New York 12009. DATED: 03/30/11 Patty Blackwood Village Clerk Village of Altamont (26-37) Beautiful Color Copies, Flyers, Postcards, Notepads Photo Prints - Digital and Film 123 Maple Ave. d Altamont Enterprise d 861-6641 31 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Classified Ads Info Rates: $15.00 First 20 words or less 35¢ for each additional word over 20. $9.50 each consecutive Repeat 35¢ for each additional word over 20. Deadline: Wednesday, Noon – Firm Ad copy may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed along with payment to: The Altamont Enterprise, P.O. Box 654, Altamont, NY 12009. In case there is a question, please include a daytime phone number. Ads may also be brought in to the office at 123 Maple Avenue. All ads must be paid in advance by cash, check, money order or Visa and Mastercard. No ads will be taken over the phone, but credit card payment may be made by phone at 861-6641. All ads also appear on our website www.altamontenterprise.com FOR SALE HELP WANTED ELECTRIC HEATER STOVE by Cambridge. 14” long, 23” wide, 26” tall; used twice $50. ELECTRIC HEATER, black matte By Cambridge. 24” long, 15” wide, 26” tall; never used, still in box $100.00 — new 518-768-2949 37-1t OVER 21, flexible hours, kitchen experience helpful. 339-2910 37-1t 04 HD 9,400 KMI SPORTSTER 883 XL, impact blue, nice V+H pipes, new tires, extras, $3,900. 518-542-3401 37-2t Trouble Getting Up Your Stairs? Acorn Stairlifts can help if you Call Now! Discounts available on your new Acorn Stairlift, Please mention this ad. 877-8968396 (NYSCAN) NEW Norwood SAWMILLSLumberMate-Pro handles logs 34” diameter, mills boards 28” wide. Automated quick- cycle-sawing increases efficiency up to 40%! www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N 1-800-661-7746 Ext 300N firewood FIREWOOD $160 CORD or $480 20 yd. roll off can. We accept checks, credit cards and NYS HEAP. (518) 296-8377 28-tf GOT WOOD? WE DO! Full cord, $195, semi-seasoned; $225, seasoned. Also available, brush hogging, land clearing. Call for info. NYS HEAP approved. 872-2883. 6-tf ALL HARDWOOD stored inside, cut, spilt, delivered. NYS HEAP Accepted 872-1702 or 355-4331 Mar. 31 WANTED MOTORCYCLE WANTED TO BUY 650 cc or larger, 1970’s thru 1990’s up to $2,500. Glenn 369-5472 37-1t Buying all kinds of toys – Cap Guns, Marbles, GI Joes, Trucks, Cars, Airplanes, any kid related items. ONE item or an Attic Full. $Paying Top Dollar$ Dan 8720107. tf WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE. Used riding mowers, snow blow ers, rototillers. Cash rew ard. 872-0393. 32-tf PIANOS WANTED! Nice homes waiting! INSTANT CASH PAID! Looking for Steinway, Yamaha, Mason Hamlin, Bosendorfer Pianos & player pianos. CALL TODAY! SONNY’S PIANO STUDIO 631.569.4615 EMAIL sonnys. pianos@verizon.net (NYSCAN) Crafts & Bazaars VENDORS WANTED Altamont Fair May 21, 2011, Classic car/motorcycle show, swap meet, and craft fair. Contact: 518-861-6671 37-1t Medical Receptionist: Full time position for individual with good people skills. Computer fluency a must. All usual benefits available. Send/deliver resume to: G. Kolanchick, MD. 1772 Helderberg Berne, NY 122023. 37-2t T R U C K D R I V E R S WA N TED! 2011 PAY RAISE! UP TO $.52 PER MILE! HOME WEEKENDS! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! NEW EQUIPMENT! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-4414953 www.heartlandexpress.com (NYSCAN) Driver- COMPANY. Up to $2000 SIGN ON BONUS+ FREE LAPTOP OR GPS! With 3 yrs. verified OTR exp. Up to .50 per mile. Regional Lanes/ Home Weekly 888463-3962 6mo. OTR exp. & current CDL www.usatruck.jobs eoe m/f/h/v (NYSCAN) Hillside Children’s Center- Auburn, NY Clinician I MSW/Masters degree. License or ability to be licensed required. Resumes to: jobs@hillside.com or fax (585)6541312 (NYSCAN) Driver- STRONG Freight *REGIONAL or EXPRESS lanes *F/T or P/T *LOCAL orientation *DAILY or WEEKLY pay!CDL-A, 3-months current OTR eperience, 800-4149569 www.driveknight.com (NYSCAN) SITUATION WANTED NURSE/AIDES available. FT/ PT, affordable rates, 24 hrs. (518) 203-8723. 37-2t HELP WANTED PART – TIME HEATING OIL DELIVERY DRIVER, Class B License, Must be able to get Hazmat, Start at $15/hour if qualified. 518-768-8300 C.A.S. Appliance Repair All Major Brands Evening / Weekend Services 588-2358 Services Available LAWN CARE: Spring clean-ups, all phases of lawn care, free estimates. Winsum Enterprises Lawn Care since 1994. 518-872-2585 37-3t SPRING CLEAN-UPS De-thatching, lawnmowing, mulching, all other landscaping services offered. Reasonable rates, insured. Call Joe 229-8344 37-4t SPRING CLEAN-UPS, gutters cleaned, broken trees removed, lawn care available, Timberview Enterprise, Brian @ 518-872-1712 leave message. Fully Insured 37-2t Licensed Humane Nuisance Wildlife Control and Removal. Reasonable Rates. Call 518-7018091. 37-1t HOUSE PAINTING: Interior/exterior; quality work; reasonable; free estimates; coach Tom McCarthy will be back from Florida May 7th. NEW PHONE NUMBERS: Until May 7th call 518-253-3036; after May 7th 518-250-5525 May 5 INCOME TAX PREPARED 25+ years’ experience. E-File. Specializing in individual and Schedule C Business. Please call Wilma Warner EA @ 872-0541. Apr. 14, 2011 M P R E X C AVAT I O N, L L C. Drainage, septic, and water installed. Land clearing and cleanup. Pumping out and cleaning of ponds. Concrete break out and removal. Driveways installed, foundations dug, and grading of land. Demolition of old barns and homes. Call the office at 895-5341 17-tf THE MAINTENANCE DEPT. expert lawn tractor and snowblower repair. Over 35 years experience. Full line of new and used parts. Call Bill 872-0393. 14-tf General Contracting Company Your Home - Our Pride Additions - Garages - Decks Windows - Siding - Bathrooms Kitchens - Concrete Work Complete Interior Remodeling Ted Loucks NEED MONEY FOR YOUR BUSINESS?† Take advantage of LOW interest rates NOW!!! Turnkey Lenders offers business/ financing options.† Call for details today: 888-906-4545, www.turnkeylenders.com. (NYSCAN) Agency Opportunities Available NOWÖBe an Allstate Agency Owner. No company out there offers a faster-to-market opportunity for success like Allstate. Join one of the most recognized brands in America To find out how call 1-877-711-1015 or visit www. allstateagent.com (NYSCAN) AUTOS FOR SALE 2002 CHRYSLER VOYAGER 113k mi $3500 or best offer; flight simulator $150 new. Call 872-1203 after 4 p.m. 36-2t DONATE VEHICLE: receive $1000 grocery coupon. Noah’s arc support no kill shelters, research to advance veterinary treatments free towing, tax deductible, nonrunners accepted 1-866-912GIVE (NYSCAN) SUNY Certified Fully Insured Your local Plumber Bill Frisbee P l u m b i n g In Since 1986 1986 In Business Business Since 861-8060 AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job Placement Assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)296-7093 (NYSCAN) ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com (NYSCAN) Drive Tractor Trailer: CDLA Training National Tractor Trailer School Buffalo (Branch) Liverpool, NY Approved for Veterans, Financial Aid, Housing Pre-Training Employment Offers if qualified. 1-888-243-9320 www.ntts.edu (NYSCAN) HIGH TENSILE FENCING SYSTEMS Livestock Fences—Electric and Non-electric Free Estimates • Supplies • Custom Construction Valley View Farm. W. Berne John O’Pezio • 872-1007 Oil Change Brakes • Exhaust Tires & More Mark’s Auto Repair “Quality Service at a Fair Price” Tree Removal, Trimming Stump Grinding Gutter Cleaning • Firewood Fully Insured – Free Estimates 253-1789 (518) 872-0731 Please Leave Message Mark Dibble Sr. 2915 Berne Altamont Rd. Berne, NY 12023 VINNICK CONSTRUCTION: New construction, additions, remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, replacement windows, fully insured. FREE ESTIMATES. Call 861-8688. 19-tf J.C. LOCK SERVICE. Residential, commercial, rekeying, lost keys, safe opening, locks, dead bolts. Ph: 366-2337. (June 30) PROFESSIONAL PIANO TUNING AND REPAIR. Michael T. Lamkin, Registered Piano Technician, Piano Technicians Guild. 427-1903. 27-tf A.R.C. YARD & LANDSCAPING SERVICE — No job too big or too small!! Full A to Z yard service provided. Insured handy man to do any job. Free estimates. Great rates. Senior/Military discounts. Call Gordon Conklin at 518-3200656 or e-mail arcyardservice@ gmail.com with any questions. 36-5t YARD WORK Clean up, trimming, planting, mulching, ect. Call Chris 269-8633 36-2t HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 -present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727 (NYSCAN) THE WORLD’S BEST SELLING STAIRLIFT Weichert, realtors® Northeast Group Independently owned and operated Gifford Hollow Rd, Berne. 14 ac. Open, level, stream, approved. BKW ....................$79,000 200 duncan ln, altamont. Small 1 BR house on 1 privae AC is cute and clean. Borders Black Creek Marsh. Deeded water rights and ROW. V’ville schls. ......................... $80,000 46 Miles ln, e. Berne. Vermont log Cabin, on 22 Ac with 6-stall horse barn and 36’ x 45’ Morton shop. 2-3 BR, 1.5 BA, porch. RV hook-up. Outside furnace. Privacy. BKW.......$329,000 i’ve got buyers; i need listings! Give me a call! For more information, please call ZeNie Gladieux Cell 518-894-8589 ZenieGladieux@gmail.com Pollard disposal Service, Inc. Locally owned and operated family business 872-9200 Loucks Brothers instruction business Services Before You Risk Your Safety or Consider Selling Your Home, find out about getting an Acorn Stairlift. CALL NOW TOLL-FREE 1-877-896-5822 1-877-276-2419 www.AcornStairlifts.com/SSC Now Available: 12 yard construction dumpster for household clean-outs. • Weekly Service • Commercial or Residential • Low monthly rates 861-6452 32 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 REAL ESTATE for rent VACATION INVEST NOW IN NY LAND! Our best New York land Bargains EVER! Camp on 5 Acres -$19,995. Big acreage w/timber. Farms & hunting tracts. Waterfront @ 50% discount! Over 150 properties on sale Call now 800-229-7843 Or visit www. LandandCamps.com (NYSCAN) STORAGE YEAR ROUND trailers, snowmobiles, RV’s boats, everything! 765-3149 (May 19) OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com (NYSCAN) HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLDBARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queens county” (NYSCAN) 1BR APARTMENT for rent. $600 plus util. 527-6904. 37-1t Berne 2 Bedroom Duplex $775 + utilities & Security. No Pets. Washer-Dryer Hookup, Basement wrap around deck. 872-2563. 37-3t Three Bedroom House, New Salem Voorheesville schools. No Animals allowed. No Smoking. Security, lease. Utilities not included. 765-2812 37-2t ABANDONED FARM! 5 acres $19,900; 12 acres- $24,900 State land, woods, fields, awesome views, town road, utilities, low taxes! Beautiful Southern New York setting! Must sell NOW! (888)905-8847 (NYSCAN) Village of Altamont (1st Floor), 2BR, W/D hook-up, hardwood floors, large yard, driveway $775+ utilities 872-7075 37-1t Miscellaneous WESTERLO SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM HOUSE Garage, large yard, W/D hookup. 25 minutes to Albany. $1,000/month, plus utilities. References required. 518-797-3520. 37-2t ADOPT: Warm, very happily married couple will give your newborn a future full of love, security, support and opportunity. Legal expenses paid. Please call Laurel/ Adam: 1-877-543-9827 (NYSCAN) ADOPT: Married couple wishes to adopt newborn to share our hearts/ home. Will provide lifetime of happiness, love, security. Expenses paid. Marcy/ Andrew 855-882-9477 http://sites.google. com/site/marcyandandy/home (NYSCAN) ADOPTION. A childless happily married couple seeks to adopt. Loving home. Large extended family. Financial security. Expenses paid. Laurel & James. 1-888-488-4344. LaurelAndJamesAdopt.com (NYSCAN) NEWBURGH, NY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION. 45 Properties April 14th @ 11am. Hilton Garden Inn, Newburgh. 800-243-0061 HAR, Inc. & AAR, Inc. Free Brochure www.NYSAUCTIONS.com (NYSCAN) CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments.Call J.G.Wentworth.866-494-9115. RatedA+ by the Better Business Bureau. (NYSCAN) WESTERLO, STUDIO APT. no smoking/pets, $425 w/heat and hot water. Mountain view. 25 mins. SW of Albany 797-3311. 35-4t OFFICE/PROFESSIONAL SPACE 1,500 sq ft — can divide. Prime Voorheesville location near rotary. Ample parking. Flexible lease arrangements. Call 7654616. 14-tf Country Cottage East Berne. 1 Bedroom. No Dogs. $600 Heat not included. Deposit Req’d 225-5494. 37-2t Altamont, Upper One bd. Apt. private entrance, Carpeted living room, Ceramic bath, Appliances, OS parking, Heat & hot water, No pets/smoking, References, $650+ Security (518) 421-4737 37-TF Color Film Processing is here at The Altamont Enterprise • Personal Service • Competitive Pricing • Conveniently located in the heart of Altamont • High Quality enlargments of forgotten negatives • Great for photographers, hobbyists, and all 35mm film users Maple Ave. 861-6641 123 Altamont, NY Excavating ~ Bulldozing ~ Foundations Driveways ~ Septic Systems New Construction ~ Framing ~ Grading Shale ~ Gravel ~ Crushed Stone ~ Crusher Run Driveways, Septics Trucking - Stone and Sand and more. RoBERt LawyER JR. FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES 518-872-9136 Free Estimates Fully Insured I BUY HOUSES & APARTMENTS building and remodeling LAST CHANCE / WINTER SPECIALS: Interior paint, walls & ceiling, water damage repairs. Best quality drywall and taping finish. Contact Ed with C & C Contractors 872-0288 16-tf THIS PLUMBER IS EASY TO GET Call Howard Brent – anytime 456-2560 Serving all areas evenings & weekends same price plumbing & gas heating repairs gas & electric water heaters Licensed - 52 years experience Faucet Repair Special $99.50 + parts MC • VISA Accepted Call Jim 279-6111 $$ CASH $$ PAID for your junk cars, trucks and scrap metal Bob • (518) 365-7777 • (518) 872-9321 Treeco Tree Service Removals Trimming Pruning “Stump Grinding Anytime” Fully Insured Guilderland 356-4177 470-4637 (518)369-0190 vrn_price@yahoo.com Guilderland, NY 12084 BUILDING MATERIAL Orange County Fairgrounds 239 Wisner Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940 DOORS: Interior doors; Bi-fold Units; French Doors; Poplar & Pine 6 Panel; Birch & Maple; Oak Flush Doors Exterior doors: Cherry & Mahogany Leaded Glass w/Sidelights; Swing Patio Doors; Steel Entry Doors; Interior and Exterior Door Hardware FLOORING: Prefin & Unfin 2-1/4” - 5” Plank Flooring; Laminate Flooring TILE: Travertine & Ceramic Tile in 4x4, 2x12, 16x16, 24x24 and a wide variety of colors WINDOWS-All Major Brands KITCHEN & BATH: Complete Kitchens by Peak Cabinet Company; Granite Countertops Kitchen & Bath Cabinets; Jetted Tubs; Toilets; Vanities; Shower Environments; Faucets MISCELLANEOUS: Hardware; Lumber; Siding; Molding & Trim; Spindles & Stair Parts; Deck Posts; Ceiling Fans; Lock Sets; Power & Air Tools; Outdoor Lighting; AND MUCH MORE! GATES OPEN AT 7:30 A.M. FOR REGISTRATION AUCTION STARTS AT 9 A.M. PREVIEW FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 12-6 P.M. TERMS: Buyer’s Premium. Visit Website or call for details. Sale day selections and statements take precedence over written material. Full settlement must be made each day of the sale. Merchandise must be removed by Sundown, Sunday, April 3, 2011. The auction is no place for small children. Pre-Register On Line at www.peakauction.com. Visit our website to pre-register; find maps and directions to our AUCTION SITE; auction terms and much more! 816-474-1982 Richard Peak, Phil Graybill, Chuck Duckworth, William Crews Attics, cellars, barns, old junk or wood or full house clean outs. Reasonable rates. Fully insured. (518) 365-7777 (518) 872-9321 Tired of Shoveling Snow? Ever Consider Relocating to a Warmer Climate? LOOKING FOR A GREAT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY? If you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychiatrist, Physicians Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner, then we need you! Southern Star Community Services is a community-based program providing services for mental health, developmental disabilities, and addiction disease in an eight-county area surrounding Americus, Georgia. 364-7061 www.greenwoodrealty.biz GREENWOOD REALTY Exclusive Dealer for Bill Lake Custom Modular Homes 689 New Salem Rd Voorheesville Office open Mon. – Fri. 12N – 5 p.m. or by Appointment RobeRt building & excavation Driveways New & Resurfaced Underground Water, Sewer Shale, Stone, Crusher Run Land Clearing, Site Development, Grading, Drainage, Septic Systems, Ponds, Foundations Dug & Repaired, Camp & House Leveling. New Foundations Under Old Houses Insured 872-9693 EOE Interested applicants should email resumé and salary requirements to: toddt@sstarga.org Forester Arborist Crown Cleaning Vista Pruning Tree Removal Storm Damage Clean-up Forest Management Timber Sales Timber Stand Improvement Forestland Appraisals Log Splitter, Brush Hog, Tilling, Property Line Maintenance Insured, Reasonable Rates, References, Free Estimates John Noppa Voorheesville: 765-2785, Cell: 894-7315 Tree care for 1 tree or 1,000 Berne Tax Service TAX SEASON HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 9 pm, Sun. 10 am - 4 pm Call Call For Free Estimate SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011 CLEAN OUTS SOUTHERN STAR COMMUNITY SERVICES Vern Price, Owner AUCTION 872-0645 COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE Household Repairs & Remodeling Interior/Exterior • Decks/Screened Porches Painting/Carpet/Tile Plumbing/Sewer Cleaning/Electric Pressure Washing/Gutters 29 Years Experience Fully Insured Shale Delivery Look at all, any condition. VP Handyman Services ANTHONY THE WASHERMAN Washer & Dryer Repair Altamont • 356-1311 Relax in your spectacular Virginia Mountain Cabin (Galax area). Brand new! Amazing views, very private, fish in stocked trout stream! 2 acres. †$149,500. 866-275-0442 †www.mountainsofvirginia.com. (NYSCAN) “We do our best to make you a satisfied customer” Joe Marks excavating 872-1477 for Appt. Income Taxes prepared - Personal & Business returns (Individual - Corporate - Partnership - Nonprofit - Trusts) Payroll, Accounting, and Bookkeeping Services Email: Richard@bernetax.com 1674 Helderberg Trail (Rte. 443) Berne, NY 12023 ATTENTION ALL RECIPIENTS OF DE PUY DEFECTIVE HIP IMPLANTS Don’t rely on the company who gave you a potentially defective hip implant to advise you on your legal rights! DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has issued a worldwide recall of it’s ASRTM Acetabular System for Total Hip Replacement, after determining that these hip implants may fail at an alarming rate. The “metal-on-metal” composition of these implants can release particles into the patient, potentially causing serious and painful reactions — sometimes requiring complete revision surgery. Reportedly, Johnson & Johnson has been seeking medical releases from recipients so that their claims adjustors can speak with you directly and possibly take down statements without your having counsel present – an unwise action for any recipient to do. Having a defective hip implant in your body clearly demands having your own lawyer. You & must be very cautious with dealing with the manufacturer or its representative without proper legal representation. If you have a DePuy ASR TM product, please call us immediately, as there are time limits for filing a claim. You might already have problems with the implant about which you are unaware, so please contact us — and certainly do not forfeit your legal rights without talking to us. WEITZ LUXENBERG P.C. LAW OFFICES ASBESTOS • DRUGS/MEDICAL DEVICES • ENVIRONMENTAL • NEGLIGENCE 700 BROADWAY • NEW YORK, NY 10003 BRANCH OFFICES IN NEW JERSEY, CALIFORNIA & COLORADO 1.888.411.LAWS • www.weitzlux.com We are also investigating ZIMMER NEXGEN HIGH FLEX KNEE INJURIES ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We may associate with local firms in states wherein we do not maintain an office. 33 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Voorheesville baseball team stacked with depth, experience and desire By Jordan J. Michael The Enterprise –– Jordan J. Michael Experienced arms: Senior Jake Nussbaum, seen here playing second base at Tuesday’s practice, is one of seven Voorheesville baseball players who have been on the varsity team for at least three years. Assistant Coach Jon Glisson stands watch. Bowling Town & Country Senior Bowling 3-24-11 Robert Fuglein��������������������������������������� 162 Ron Frederick��������������������������������� 236-576 Neil Taber���������������������������������������������� 202 Andy Tinning����������������������������������������� 167 Mike Gardineer������������������������������ 188-524 Ken French������������������������������������� 199-510 John Zampier����������������������������������� 23-587 Dorothy Taber���������������������������������������� 155 Fran Cox������������������������������������������������ 158 Vala Jackson������������������������������������������ 160 Terry Coburn���������������������������������� 171-507 Andy Wagner���������������������������������� 199-565 Herm Wyld��������������������������������������������� 166 Toby Feller��������������������������������������������� 171 Knox Firemen Carol Tubbs������������������������������������������� 151 George Edson��������������������������������� 156-154 Chuck Herchenroder��������247-223-227-697 Pat Sudol��������������������������221-210-246-687 Don Decker�����������������������248-278-267-793 Ed Czuchrey����������������������������������� 185-159 Bill Sudol��������������������������193-187-169-549 Guilderland YMCA Tee Ball GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland YMCA will be having a Saturday morning Tee Ball League starting April 30 for ages four and five years old. It will take place at Camp Nassau off Route 155. Any questions, please contact Kyle Anderson at 456-3634, ext. 1151 or kanderson@cdymca.org. Matt Jennings�������������������������������� 219-172 Kathy Hempstead������������163-175-178-516 Tom Pasko������������������������170-168-191-529 Cindy Cullen����������������������������������� 190-159 Joe Lacasse�����������������������245-208-164-617 Dick Tubbs�������������������������������������� 181-172 Dana Herchenroder���������162-155-174-491 Kevin Moore����������������������������������� 165-192 Howard Bishop�����������������198-178-174-550 Tracy Sudol�����������������������170-193-201-564 Nancy Dexter����������������������������������������� 157 Gert Bishop������������������������������������������� 161 Tim Lown���������������������������������������� 245-199 Chris Koblich���������������������������������� 174-167 Town & Country Voorheesville Men 3-28-11 Bert Neumeister ���������������������������265, 773; Don Frey ����������������������������������������279, 729 Mike Gardineer �����������������������������246, 694 Kris Wahrlich ��������������������������������241, 685 Nick Silvano ����������������������������������243, 661 Matt Childs ������������������������������������236, 651 Jon Dolen ���������������������������������������225, 651 Brian Stempel �������������������������������236, 641 Dave Sperbeck �������������������������������255, 627 Scott Coleman �������������������������������218, 622 John Hensel �����������������������������������278, 613 Mike Hamilton ������������������������������232, 605 Bryan Tusch ����������������������������������218, 602 Jim Cramer ������������������������������������������ 225 Doug Gallager �������������������������������������� 223 Mike Herzog ����������������������������������������� 222 Josh Rogers ������������������������������������������� 217 Tim Rafferty ����������������������������������������� 214 Chris Pagnotti �������������������������������������� 213 Armand Huneau ���������������������������������� 213 Bruce Mance ����������������������������������213, 210 Anthony Zappolo ���������������������������212, 208 Barry Noble ������������������������������������������ 211 Jim Giner ���������������������������������������������� 209 Fran Frantzen ������������������������������������� 202 Randy Thomas �������������������������������������� 202 Jay Hostetter ���������������������������������������� 201 VOORHEESVILLE — The Blackbirds’ baseball players are so eager for the 2011 season that most of them wore their uniforms to a scrimmage that they already knew had been postponed on Tuesday. Despite the postponement, the team took its home field and went through its first outdoor practice in two weeks. The 14 players, 12 of whom are returning from last season, fielded balls off the bat of Head Coach Kyle Turski for an hour, rarely missing a play. Voorheesville looked much better than your normal high school baseball team. “My players always come down during the day to ask if we’re going to be outside,” said Turski, who is a technology teacher at Voorheesville. “They’re disappointed about no scrimmage, but thrilled to be playing outside.” The Blackbirds were supposed to scrimmage Broadalbin-Perth, but the field wasn’t in the greatest shape, so it was moved to today. “We’re waiting for the ground to thaw out,” Turski said on Tuesday. At least one asset Voorheesville should have over most of its Colonial Council opponents this year is experience. Seniors Ryan Duncan, Jake Nussbaum, Colin McVee, and Mickey McDonald; juniors Mike Cheseri and Kevin Connolly; and sophomore Nico Church have been with the team for two or more seasons. Those seven players were new, or already on the team when Turski started coaching three years ago. “They really make a huge difference,” said Turski. “They know how to win and keep the team up.” The Birds bowed out a little earlier in sectionals than they would have liked the last two seasons, but Turski thinks this could be the year. “They’ve all grown up and have the talent and skill,” he said. “As long as they keep their heads on straight.” “We’ve been together for so long now,” said Duncan, a starting pitcher. “We can adjust at any moment and bring it to another level.” Nussbaum, who starts at second base, told The Enterprise that Voorheesville is “here to win” and “make something happen.” Joining Duncan in the starting rotation will be junior Anthony Scaccia and Connolly. Senior Rob Davies, newcomer Everett Hart, and sophomore Mike Young will pitch in relief, but Turski said that those three could also start games if needed. “They provide a little bit of everything,” Turski said of the pitching, the prime strength of the team. “They’ve all been throwing for a long time. It’s a confident, intangible thing –– we’re a team.” On March 18, Voorheesville traveled down to Long Island, sets of hands and two other sets of eyes,” Turski said. The Birds have been working on hitting and throwing since last fall, said Turski, who’s waiting for Mother Nature to finally cooperate. “We’re excited.” “We have solid depth,” Nussbaum said. “It’s going to be good.” a four-hour trip via school bus, to play three scrimmages in two days. “Taking a school bus for that long is rough,” said Turski. “But they laughed the whole way down.” Turski gets help from assistant coaches Jon Glisson and Tim Selby, who signed on for this season. “It’s nice having three The Enterprise –– Jordan J. Michael Batter up: The Voorheesville Blackbirds’ baseball team is returning 12 players from the 2010 line-up. Here, Head Coach Kyle Turski hits the ball to right field during practice on Tuesday. Standing behind Turski is the new assistant coach, Tim Selby. ASK THE VET Submit your question at: WeCanHelp@TheAnimalHospital.com Ed Becker, DVM From Jane in Altamont: What is heartworm and why did my heartworm prevention? Heartworm is literally a worm that resides in the lungs and heart. It is much more common in dogs than in cats. The larval form of the worm is transmitted by mosquito bites. Although it is possible for people to become infected with heartworm from a mosquito bite, we cannot become infected from a dog. Infection with heartworms can cause serious lung and heart disease. Treating an infected animal requires powerful medications and up to three months of exercise restriction. Additionally, killing the worms can leave behind detrimental scar tissue. Heartworm is 100% preventable if an animal is on the proper medication. Heartworm prevention comes in oral and topical forms and is given once per month. Veterinarians recommend administering year-round heartworm prevention to protect against heartworm disease and also because the medication kills common intestinal parasites. Transmission of these parasites, mostly whipworms and roundworms, can occur in the coldest winter months. In addition to causing veterinarian recommend year-round intestinal disease in dogs, these worms can also seriously affect people. Roundworms can cause visceral, ocular and cutaneous larval migrans; larval worms in the organs, eyes and skin, respectively. The eggs of the worms are transmitted via the ingestion of microscopic eggs from the animal’s fecal material. All people can become infected with these worms but children and people with weakened immune states are especially prone. Please ask your veterinarian for more information regarding heartworm, intestinal parasites and the protective medications. Presented as a community service by: The Animal Hospital PC Home Town Values with State of the Art Medicine Ed Becker, DVM Lexi Becker, DVM Melinda Schwoegler, DVM www.TheAnimalHospital.com 456-0852 Classified Ads Countryman home improvement Complete maChine Shop and vinyl and Wood replacement Windows Welding ServiCe equipment repairS Mfgrs. of Carriages • Wagons • Push Carts • Planters Restorations & Blacksmithing Service Joseph J. Merli MANUFACTUriNG Co. oF NeW YorK 2100 Western tpk., duanesburg, nY 518-355-6536 • FAX 518-355-6721 EPH J. MER L JOS ManuFaCturIng CO. U.S.A. ™� I Vinyl Siding, Entry & Storm Doors, Storm Windows, Bathroom Remodeling 872-0610 DISCOUNT AIRPORT PARKING 1FREE DAY Book On-line — Use Code save www.albanyparkrideandfly.com Or Call Toll-Free (866) 922-7275 with a three day minimum stay Service 264 Wolf Road Extension Latham, NY 12110 TRY US — WE WILL SPOIL YOU! 34 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 Buicko excels as two sport athlete at Hamilton College By Jordan J. Michael Hockey and baseball have been a constant part of Joe Buicko’s life for the past seven years. A senior at Hamilton College, Buicko recently made the quick, but smooth transition from ice to turf for the fourth and final time as a double athlete. Buicko, from Altamont, has be en Al l - A c a d e m i c i n b o t h sports for the past two years. He played 93 games for the Continentals’ hockey team, scoring 86 points (33 goals, 53 assists) and is 30 hits and 15 steals away from breaking both alltime records for the Hamilton baseball team. “I chose Hamilton because they allowed me to play both sports,” Buicko said last week from Florida, where the baseball team was in spring training. “I just enjoy each sport equally.” Buicko doesn’t know if he’s better at hockey or baseball, but he initially talked to college coaches about hockey when he was applying to college from The Hotchkiss School. “I asked them about baseball, too,” he said. Most of the coaches Buicko spoke with told him that students don’t really compete in two sports. Hamilton was different, encouraging Buicko to be a double athlete. Students before him had done it, including one of Buicko’s hockey teammates. “I’m glad that it’s hockey to baseball, instead of the reverse,” said Buicko, who plays center field. “Hockey training is very specific and intense, while baseball is a little more laid back. Going from one into the other is like second nature now.” Buicko told The Enterprise that Hamilton’s hockey team is more “established” than its baseball team, this winter winning the New England Small College Athletic Conference with a 14-74 record. The Continentals won only five games when Buicko was a freshman. Turn-around “I’m under the microscope during the winter,” said Buicko, who was named captain of the hockey team during his sophomore year, the same year Norm Bazin took over as head coach. “I have to be aware of my sur- roundings because everyone is watching.” Bazin was named Coach of the Year by the NESCAC for the second season in a row. Buicko remembers the energy he brought when he took over the team. “He turned it around,” Buicko said of Bazin. “He changed the mentality, focus, and we all bought into the team defense. He turned our individual success into team success.” Hamilton earned the numberone seed in the 2011 NESCAC Seeing double: Altamont native Joe Buicko, a senior at Hamilton College, is a double athlete, playing both varsity hockey and baseball for four years. Buicko, a captain for the hockey team, scored 23 points for the Continentals this winter. He just started his baseball season. playoffs, but suffered a 5- to-2 loss to Wesleyan at home in the quarterfinals. Buicko said that it was disappointing to lose because the arena was packed with excitement. “We were coming in with an eight-game road winning streak,” said Buicko. “But we weren’t on the road, we were at home in a packed house. Wesleyan deserves some credit.” It was still the most successful hockey season in Hamilton history, which Buicko said was the highlight of his entire collegiate career. “We came so far,” he said. Buicko forever will remember the last regular-season game of 2010 against Babson College, when the Continentals scored four unanswered goals in the final 15 minutes of regulation play to win, 4-3. “We were down three goals and we got a power play with 15 minutes left,” Buicko said. “Coach pulled our goalie and all the rest of us were shocked, like, ‘What is he doing?’ We thought he was nuts, but we scored, and then won the game with 30 seconds left. At that point, he looked like a genius.” The career point total for Buicko might have reached 100 if he hadn’t been hindered by a freak knee injury in his junior year, missing nine games. “It’s OK,” he said. “I traded those missed points in for a regular season title this year.” Changing gears When the ice surface changes to a grass field in the spring for baseball, Buicko tries to bring with him the intensity from hockey. In some ways, he wishes he could hit someone, like he would do to an opponent on the ice. “You can’t go running over people in baseball,” Buicko said with a laugh. A goal in hockey could be equivalent to a home run in baseball, in terms of its effect on the game. However, hockey is a much more physical game. Skating on open ice and running the dirt base paths don’t compare. “My baseball coach says that grass and dirt stains on my jersey mean that I had a good game,” Buicko said. “I like to bring my hockey intensity into baseball, whether it’s diving for a catch or stealing a base. It’s all about my approach.” Playing two sports is a huge time commitment, meaning Buicko sacrificed some fun social time for sport competition. Add on all the course work of college and Buicko has a stacked schedule. “You have to have your priorities straight,” Buicko said of balancing sports and schoolwork. He’s studying economics and government, hoping to get a job in finance after interning for J.P. Morgan. After Buicko graduates, he might play pro hockey in Europe. He played in Germany, France, and Switzerland last summer with a college all-star team. He’s looking at Sweden or Switzerland as possible destinations. “Going abroad is something I wouldn’t pass up,” Buicko said. “It would be an interesting time. Hockey is more of a finesse game in Europe, but they like to see Americans coming over.” Whether Buicko decides to find work or go overseas for hockey, he’ll leave Hamilton with a new sense of responsibility. He’s been a leader on the ice, in the field, and in the classroom. “I’m well prepared in different ways,” said Buicko. “Pushing myself has allowed me to be whomever I want.” Free skate: Hamilton College senior Joe Buicko, of Altamont, recently finished his hockey career for the Continentals, scoring 86 points (33 goals, 53 assists) in 93 games. Buicko, a double athlete, just started his fourth season with the Hamilton baseball team. Pooling Their Strength Yea! We’re The Champs Nearly undefeated: The Troy Albany Junior Engineers Squirt B hockey team had a 17-1 regular season and secured the Greater Springfield League championship on Sunday with a 3-to-1 win over Amherst Youth Hockey at Olympia Ice Rink in Springfield, Mass. The Engineers won the Falcon Cup, which will be featured at the Springfield Falcons Arena. From left, back row: Arthur Stott, Coach Geoff Van Epps, Coach Dave Barron, Coach Keith Flores, and Coach Patrick Trippany. Middle row: Sam Besch, Nicholas Graziano, Matthew Barron, Paul Dowdell, Dylan Van Epps, Alexander Bogess, Patrick Trippany, and Ava Ferris. Front row: Connor Harris, Sebastian Geiger, Brian Flores, Brandon “The Wall” Mohrhoff, and James O’Brien. Cool kids: Sydney Steinhardt (left) and Iris Canchela both won state championships for the Guilderland Cyclones YMCA swim team during the New York Y State Swim Meet in Long Island, March 18 to 20. The competition featured 43 different YMCA teams; Guilderland with its 41 swimmers placed 15th. 35 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 St. Matt’s boys show heart in championship losses Saturday Closing time: Both the Biddy and Junior boys’ basketball teams from St. Matthews Catholic Youth Organization in Voorheesville finished their seasons with a loss in the Diocesan Championship last Saturday. Here, is the Biddy team, from left. Front row: John Morrow, Connor Hennessey, Willy Gallager, Cooper Smith, and Dominick Cardona. Back row: Dalton Esposito, Coach Kevin Daly, Sean Nolan, Adam Konicki, Ryan Daly, Assistant Coach John Nolan, and Matt Bernhard. Dean Howard wins Albany Championship By Peter Henner Dean Howard recovered from his only loss in the preliminary section of the Albany Chess Club Championship to win his last four games and win the club championship. He defeated John Lack in a tense time pressures scramble, to tie for first with a 4-1 score, and then defeated me in a playoff to reach the two game match with Gordon Magat, the winner of the other preliminary section. He then defeated Magat 2-0 in the playoff match. Magat, after losing the first game, had to play for a win in the second game, even with the black pieces. On several occasions, he declined the opportunity to play moves that were probably objectively better, but which would have led to a drawn position; choosing instead to play riskier moves for a win. Although he held onto a material advantage of one pawn, he had a difficult position, which Howard forcefully exploited to win the game. (See this week’s problem). Finnerman wins Schenectady Consolation David Finnerman, who has returned to active chess after a layoff of several years, has given notice that he will be a force to be reckoned with on the Capital District chess scene. He won the Schenectady Consolation Swiss (a tournament for those players who did not qualify for the championship section) with a perfect score of 5-0. This tournament, combined with his strong fourth-place finish in the Class B section of the Eastern Class Championships in Sturbridge, Mass. will put his rating close to, if not over, the 1800 Class A level. Capital District Chess League play With the conclusion of the club championships, the Capital District chess community will focus on the annual league matches. The RPI team, which must complete its schedule before the end of the semester, has already played Albany A, losing 4-0, and the Schenectady Geezers, losing 3½ - ½. Both matches were much more hard-fought than the final scores indicate. RPI will be playing Albany B on Wednesday, March 30. Aronian wins Melody Amber The Armenian Lev Aronian won the Melody Amber Tournament, placing first among 12 of the strongest players in the world. The tournament combines two separate tournaments, one where the players play “blindfolded” without sight of the board, and one where the players play under a fast time control. Aronian placed first with a total score of 15½ - 6½, ahead of the Norwegian Magnus Carlson with 14½ - 7½, and World Champion Vishy Anand, with 13-9. The only American contestant, Hikaru Nakamura, tied for fifth, with a score of 10½-11½. Aronian won the Blindfold section with a score of 8½- 2½, while Carlson set a record for the highest winning score in the Rapid section, with a score of 9½ - 1½. Among top-level chess players, who are very close in playing strength, it is very hard to achieve such an overwhelming cut and send to us Do You have a subscription? No? Why not? It is easy - just fill out information below and mail to us with payment. score; it is common for tournaments to be won with winning percentages of 60 to 70 percent. Correction The column two weeks ago had two diagrams, but the text under the diagrams was reversed. I apologize for any confusion. This week’s problem Dean Howard finished off his run to the Albany Club Championship with a pretty combination to decide his playoff game against Gordon Magat. Although he is down a pawn, he has an overwhelming position. Can you see how he won? P. O. BOX 654, ALTAMONT, NY 12009 Your Name ________________________________________________________ Mailing Address PO Box or Street ____________________________________________________ City/Town/Village__________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip+4 ____________________ shots, and more rebounding opportunities. Rebounds became points as St. Matt’s Scott Roney ran out on fast breaks and led all scorers in the first half with 18 points. St. Matt’s closed the gap to 11 points before St. Clement’s got one more basket at the last second to close the first half ahead, 36 to 23. The coaches reinforced the game plan at halftime and St. Matt’s came out executing its fundamentals. The tight manto-man defense started to wear on St. Clement’s shooters. St. Matt’s started to pass the ball in its characteristic sharp fashion, with each player getting quick touches on the ball, causing the zone to shift, opening up outside shots, pounding St. Clement’s with its inside game and drives to the basket. St. Matt’s broke St. Clement’s press with Isaiah Meaux controlling the tempo of the game and distributing the ball, Mickey Knight running the floor baseline to baseline, and Steven Low driving hard to the basket. Collin Patterson and Matt Feller ran hard to fill the wings on offense. Alex Minnick rebounded tough, playing strong despite four fouls, and finishing with a game high 13 rebounds. St. Matt’s drew within three points in the last two minutes, but was forced to foul. St. Clements scored its last three points from the free throw line to win 61 to 55. St. Matt’s Junior boys finish and the year in second place in the Diocesan division with a record of 26-4. The team would like to thank the community of Voorheesville and St. Matt’s Parish for their support throughout the time in CYO. Delaney JP Excavation Complete Home Site Development Foundations, driveways, septics, etc... (518) 797-3839 or (518) 681-1981 John P. Stannard Fully Insured Howard-Magat Albany, 2011 How does White win? Solutions on page 24. Good Sports Need The Enterprise Whispering pines golf school Beginners Golf Classes Albany County Address — $33.00 per year Out-of-County Address — $37.00 per year (Please send check or money order) Both the Biddy and Junior boys’ teams from St. Matt’s CYO in Voorheesville lost its bids to be Diocesan champs last Saturday at Bishop Gibbons HS. Although it was a disappointing finish, the community can be proud of the excellent seasons and determined play of both teams. The Biddy boys faced a strong St. Jude’s team that pressed the full court. Turnovers plagued St. Matt’s early in the game and resulted in St. Jude’s halftime lead. St. Matt’s opened the second half strong, passing sharply to break the press, and took the lead. St. Jude’s turned up the heat, pressuring the ball and driving the lane to draw fouls. St. Jude’s prevailed in the end, winning 48 to 41. St. Matt’s brought home the second place trophy to conclude an excellent season. St. Matt’s Junior boys played St. Clement’s of Saratoga. St. Clements is a team known for backcourt ball pressure and long range shooting. In the opening minutes of the game, the two teams exchanged one quick basket a piece. Then, St. Matt’s stumbled on St. Clement’s physical press over the next several minutes, committing turnovers, rushing shots, and passing less than its usual style of play. This led to a double digit deficit by midway through the first half. But, the St. Matt’s boys are not a team that gives up. Alternating its defense between a 3-2 zone, man-to-man, and its own press, St. Matt’s started to work its way back into the game. Shane Parry, Dave Cardona, and Robert Denman drew tough defensive assignments and pressured St. Clement’s outside shooters tirelessly. 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Please understand that you, as a patient, deserve the best all-around care, including the work that is done when you “are not in the dental chair.” Presented As A Public Service By The Offices of: STUarT F. FaSS, d.d.S. and adaM a. edWardS, d.d.S. 103 Main St., Altamont. Phone: 861-5136 36 The Altamont Enterprise – Thursday, March 31, 2011 SPORTS Finding a way to win Target remains on Lady Dutch By Jordan J. Michael GUILDERLAND — Once again, great players have gone and new talent has arrived for the Lady Dutch lacrosse team. However, one factor remains the same: Guilderland is still the team to beat. Of course, in sports, any team can lose, but the Dutch haven’t lost to a single Section II opponent in four How, you ask? Well, each team has found its own way of succeeding. At a windy and cold, but sunny, practice on Monday, Head Coach Gary Chatnik focused on the term “success.” The previous four teams had found that success and Chatnik was wondering if the 2011 team could as well. He ponders this fact almost every preseason. “They need to put themselves into a position to succeed.” years. During that span, Guilderland has won four straight Class A championships and two state regional titles. Girls from Guilderland graduate and move on to play for top colleges –– Harvard, Drexel, Marist, and Fairfield, among others. Despite the skill that the Lady Dutch loses every year, the team comes back the next season and finds a way to win. “They need to put themselves into a position to succeed,” Chatnik said of his Dutch players, 12 of them back from 2010 and nine of them rookies. “Once they do that, they’ll succeed,” the coach said. Circumstances may be a little different this season with just two senior players –– leading scorer Erin Mossop and defender Jess Marini. Eleven players graduated last year, The Enterprise –– Jordan J. Michael The Lady Dutch lacrosse team is again the Class A defending champion after winning the title for the fourth year in a row in 2010. Here, at Monday’s practice, junior Shelby Iapoce (left) goes to check Michaela Maybee’s stick. The Enterprise –– Jordan J. Michael I’m open! Senior Jess Marini (right) calls out for a pass during Guilderland’s lacrosse practice on Monday afternoon, while junior Kelsey Michele defends the ball. The Lady Dutch have been Class A champions for four years running. including the entire starting defense, which frequently acted like a blanket. “Who can we count on?” Chatnik asked. “We’ve always had leaders who can calm the team down and put us in a comfort zone. Who can take over a game?” No one in particular came to mind. “We need kids to step up,” said Chatnik. “The players differ in certain ways, but they all know when the season starts. I’m seeing glimpses of maturity.” The Lady Dutch will be tested right away, traveling to Bethlehem today for a Suburban Council game. Guilderland had scrimmages against Kingston, West Genesee, and Fox Lane over the last few weeks. “We’ve learned with each scrimmage,” Chatnik said. “There will be more experienced teams in Masonry restoration • Waterproofing Basements • All Repairs of Block, Brick, Stone Foundations • Crawlspace Repairs • Structural Repairs SAVE NOW • Barns, Garages, Porches – Jacked & Leveled on Early Spring • Garage and Basement Floors Rates • Epoxy Painting or Resurfacing Concrete • Emergency Water Service Repairs • Roof & Gutter Repair • Sump Pump Systems Installed “No Job Too Small” Free Estimates Promptly Given to All Locations Albany Office Saratoga Office John (518) 461-1617 Charles (518) 480-5276 Many References ~ Fully Insured the Suburban Council this year. We have to want the ball and be aggressive.” Ground balls and draws were a focal point on Monday. New Assistant Coach Carrie Britt reminded the players of the importance, saying that those two fundamentals can “win games” as she went through her demonstrations. Britt, Guilderland’s juniorvarsity coach for the last two years, instructed 19 of the 21 current varsity players when they were coming up through the system. “I teach them that the ball is theirs, “ she said. “Pick it up, take care, and find a safe place. It’s vocabulary with the stick.” After coaching Shaker for eight years, and losing to Guilderland plenty of times, Britt decided to join Chatnik’s team. Britt told The Enterprise that her fundamentalist stick skills complement Chatnik’s methodical ideas. “I could never beat Gary because he’s the ultimate strategist,” Britt said. “Now, I put some tools in order and he decides what to do with them.” For the Dutch, athleticism, stick skills, and familiarity aren’t the issues. Mossop, Marini, Kendall Cietek, Kelsey Michele, Nicole Levine, Michaela Maybee, Kelly Camardo, Brianna Phillips, Amanda VanAuken, Shelby Iapoce, Mackenzie Cietek, and Jess Madsen have all been through the process. “It’s all about making confident decisions,” said Chatnik. “Every team has to grow to be able to do well and it can take a while to get the feel.” Following the pattern of the past, a Class A title is the definitive goal for Guilderland, but Chatnik said that the team tries not to talk about the winning streak. “We know that the target is on our back,” he said. “But, we’re working on the basics to build a solid team. It’s game by game.” Chatnik again mentioned success, and how his young team will try to get there, saying, “You can’t pressure them too much. They’ve all played the game and they want to win. They know how, but they need to grow up as a group.” Britt, new to the varsity team, but not to the Lady Dutch’s winning ways, said that the players’ greatest fear would be to fail the teams that came before them. “These girls play ball because it’s theirs, it’s ours,” Britt said. “Guilderland is focused on getting the ball. It’s given them four championships. They just go and get it. If you play for the ball, then the championships will come.” 765-2000 8 South Main St., Voorheesville OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 4 p.m. - 9 p.m 200 OFF $ any large or X-large Pizza coupon frEE DEliVErY Lunch • 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Tuesday through Friday) 5 OFF $ 00 any large or X-large pizza, 1 Doz. wings, 2 liter soDa coupon