our towne rensco january 2012

Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ [email protected]

ComplimentaryComplimentary

Our TowneRensselaer County’s Community ResourceRensselaer County’s Community Resource

OUR TOWNEOUR TOWNEYour Hometown Community ResourceYour Hometown Community Resource

INSIDEINSIDE2012 Guide to Health, Beauty & Style2012 Guide to Health, Beauty & Style

Rensselaer County’s Hidden GemsRensselaer County’s Hidden GemsBest Local Winter ActivitiesBest Local Winter Activities

complimentaryJanuary 2012

Ben, Josh, Eric & Carter are ready for Ski & Board Season in Rensselaer County!

2 January 2012

Michael’s Auto Plaza is a dynamic, full ser-vice dealership with sales & service, in-house financing, a detail shop, and a title clerk.Michael Severance

Sales Associate Michael Sev-erance has been with Mi-chael’s Auto Plaza for four and a half years. He joined the team after selling his own small business. His fo-cus is sales and finance, and he says he enjoys working one on one with customers. Michael lives in Rensselaer with his wife and son. He was a baseball player and later a coach at Bishop Mag-

inn in Albany and is an avid Yankees fan. He collects sports memorabilia. Among his collection are signed photographs of baseball greats Mickey Mantle and Joe Dimaggio.

Erik SmithAt first sight Sale’s Associate Erik Smith’s height (he is ‘6.7) may seem intimidating but he a nice guy who is dedicated to mak-

ing his customers feel com-fortable. He says he doesn’t like to rush up to people right away. Instead, he ap-proaches them slowly so they have a moment to get used to his height. Erik lives in Wa-tervliet with his five-year-old daughter. He has a lifelong passion for cars.

Erik started working in the car business at the age of 13 when he began detailing at a local dealership. He later received de-grees in both autobody and auto mechanics from Hudson Val-ley Community College. He came to Michael’s team four years ago and has been Gary’s right hand man ever since, focusing primarily on sales but filling in wherever he is needed. His ex-tensive knowledge of mechanics is a definite asset. He prized possession, a hand-built Ducatti 848 Nikki Hayden, which he calls the “Ferrari of motor cycles,” is just one of many street bikes he has modified and rebuilt to perfection, reflecting his personal motto, “the one with the most toys wins!”

Sales ~ Servicemichaelsautoplaza.com

Open 7 Days a Week866-440-3907

601 Columbia Turnpike, EastGreenbush

Michael’s Auto Plaza

Kelly, Adminitrative AssistantWayne & Justin Brown , Mechanics

John Ness & Matthew Rolon, Detailing

518-689-0266

www.michaelsautoplaza.com

3January 2012 Our Towne Rensselaer County ~ 518-641-9330 ~ [email protected]

Publisher/ Editor/ Sales

Debbie Gaylord [email protected]

www.ourtownerensco.com

Some of the People that make Our Towne GREAT!Darren Rosenbaum, Dr. David Stone, DVM, Dr. Amy Cole, Linda Scutari, Richard Morell, Timothy Bailey, Diane Lehmuler Hardy,

Lynn Catelotti, Bridgette Chandler, Dr. Patrick Bergmann

Our Towne’s MissionOur Towne seeks to connect local businesses to local consum-

ers by highlighting the best of what Rensselaer County and the surrounding areas have to off er.

All Rights Reserved ~ Our Towne is published by Our Towne Marketing & Consulting LLC, 1077 Schodack Landing Road, Schodack Landing, NY 12156; 518-641-9330. Published month-ly and distributed free of charge.

A MessageA Message

From Our TowneFrom Our Towne JANUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012

Table Of ContentsWellness, Beauty & Style (pages 6-13)Your Home Guide (pages 14-18)Local Restaurants (pages 30-32)Kid’s Page (pages 26-28)Pet Pages (pages 24-25)Music Inspired Design by Danielle Morris (pg 10)Detoxifi cation by Dr. Amy Cole (page 34)Word of Mouth by Dr. Lapinski (page 7)Recipe of the Month by Chef Moscatiello (page 36)Connecting Made Simple by Lori King Koc-sis (page 12)Community Calendar (pages 20-21) East Greenbush Library Calendar (page 22)

Happy 2012 - Wishing You the Best Year Ever!Our

TowneYour Hometown Community Resource

Connecting Local Consumers to Businesses & Building our Local Economy since 2008

A locally owned publication mailed to homes and dropped at over 200 locations

Visit our Website for the convenient

Monthly COLOR RATES (based on 3 month contract)

1/8 $801/6 $1031/4 $1581/3 $1751/2 $238Full $431

Front Cover $495Back Cover $595

[email protected]

WWW.OURTOWNERENSCO.COM

4 January 2012

STORE HOURS:Wed. - Fri. 10-6 / Saturday 10-4 / Sunday 11-3

Closed Monday & Tuesday

www.kraftbykim.com

I would just like to start out this NEW YEAR by letting all of you know how much I appreciate each and everyone of you. Whether you have stopped in on occasion, weekly or have mentioned the store in passing I thank you... This past season has truly been the best ever...So the saying goes, "it does keep getting better here every single day." Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

So lets start off our NEW YEAR with a SPECTACULAR SALE!!!!! All Christmas items are on Sale with drastic reductions....Making room for NEW product, NEW ideas and Exciting Changes for the NEW Year ahead. In the next few months we will

be sprucing up the store with incredible displays and bringing to you some truly fabulous ideas.

We have way too many exciting changes to mention in one article. I would love to discuss our future plans with anyone who may be looking for an EXCITING business opportunity.

I encourage you to stop by and see me real soon, cause the BEST is about to hap-pen in the NEW YEAR. Love, Happiness and Health to all of you.

Curves of West Sand Lake provides a 30 minute workout designed for women. It focuses on resistance & strength

training of every major muscle group and provides a cardio-vascular workout, including Zumba on the circuit. The focus is on taking 30 minutes for you. Whether you pre-fer to come before work to get energized, during the day to keep you going, or after work to de-stress, Curves of West Sand Lake will provide you with the tools and laughter to make you feel like a million bucks! At Curves of West Sand Lake, we understand that stay-ing committed to an exercise routine can be challenging at times. Each person who enters this club receives the person-al attention they need. With the support of the staff there, and the free weight management classes off ered, you can accomplish any weight management or nutrition goal you may have. The goal at Curves of West Sand Lake is to provide a com-fortable, supportive and fun atmosphere, while keeping women engaged in caring about their health and wellness.

Members have provided feedback like;“I have lost 30 pounds so far!”,

“I am offi cially off of my blood pressure medicine!”, “My bone density has improved!”, “My cholesterol levels are now where they should be!”, “You off er such a valuable service here and we need to make sure that Curves of West Sand Lake is here for a long, long time” “My nutritionist wants me to continue with whatever I am doing at Curves…it’s working!”

The employees of Curves of West Sand Lake were mem-bers fi rst. They understand what it is like to walk in the door for the fi rst time and reservations you may have about get-ting started. Stop in for a free tour of the club and get ready to be ex-cited about exercise again! Operating hours are: Mon 6:30 to Noon & 2:30 to 7:00Tues 6:30 to Noon & 2:30 to 6:00 Weds & Thurs 6:30 to Noon & 2:30 to 7:30 Friday 6:30 to Noon & 2:30 to 6:00Saturday 7:30 to 11:30

Zumba on the circuit is held every Monday and Thursday morning from 9:30 to 10:00 and again from 10:00 to 10:30.

A New Year…a New You!A New Year…a New You!Join Curves in West Sand Lake

During the month of January and get 99 days for only $99


The Winter Fun PlaceSKIING ~ BOARDING ~ LESSONS

Buy One Get One FreeLift Ticket

Tuesday 3-9pmONLY $20

www.mapleskiridge.com

SKI · RIDE · SLIDEillard

ountainW W

EASTON, NY

Great Ski SchoolFull SnowmakingNight Skiing & RidingFull Service Retail ShopCafeteria & LoungeTubing ParkTerrain Park

Great Ski SchoolFull SnowmakingNight Skiing & RidingFull Service Retail ShopCafeteria & LoungeTubing ParkTerrain Park Outstanding Lesson Programs

for Groups or Individuals of all ages!Outstanding Lesson Programs

for Groups or Individuals of all ages!

6 January 2012 6

Wellness, Beauty Wellness, Beauty Health & StyleHealth & Style

583 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush518-286-2225

www.theivyspa.com

MassageFacials

Waxing Nails

Happy New Year from All of Us, Lorraine, Carrie & Danielle!East Greenbush Window Coverings by Lorraine Greaney

EastGreenbushWindowCoverings.com 477-9025

Check Our Blog for Great

Decorating Ideas

TheThe2012 2012 Guide Guide

Day Spa & Salon

518.479.56801523 Columbia Turnpike

East Greenbushwww.se ren i tydayspaandsa lon .ne t

Massage, Facials, Manicures, (featuring Shellac)

Pedicures, Gentle Full Body Waxing & Salon Services

A Warm Welcome to Our New Stylist

Danielle$10Off Any Wash/Cut and

Style with Danielleexpires January 30th 2012

$20Off Any Full Color

Service with Danielle expires January 30th 2012


WELLNESS HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012WELLNESS HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012

LAPINSKI DENTAL

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Joseph R. Lapinski, DDSProviding heathly, beautiful smiles

for your entire family

114 Troy Road ~ East Greenbush, NY

477-8428 www.LapinskiDental.com

Dear Dr. Lapinski: My mom wears a lower denture that moves when she eats. This really bothers her and she’s had a few embarrassing incidents. I’ve heard implants could possibly help but I’m not even sure what that means. How does this work?

Elaine F. Wynantskill

Dear Elaine: Great Question. Basically, a denture should stay in place by the suction created between it and the gums/bone. Over time, changes to

-

Implants, small titanium screws, are generally placed by a perio-dontist or oral surgeon. After the implant is placed in the jaw bone and

snap like clip is attached to the top of the implant and a corresponding piece is inserted into the denture. In its most simple case, 2 implants are used and the denture snaps onto the implants, securing it in place. This can usually eliminate the need for adhesives/cremes and give the

the greater the stability. With 5-6 implants, a denture can be made that screws into place and is no longer removable. As always, please discuss your concerns with your dentist or hygienist. We can’t help you or treat the problem if we don’t know about it. Go to www.ada.com for dental topics.

Email me your dental questions at [email protected]

Word of Mouth

From Dr. Joe Lapinski, DDS

Welcoming New Patients

J

We’ve Moved

477-4405

Relieving your symptomsEmpowering you through active care

Helping you reach your goals

Brenda’s Unisex Hair Salon

8 January 2012

WELLNESSWELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012

19 Years of ExperienceLicensed since 1991

Women’s Health & Wellness30 minute workout for womenResistance & strength trainingCardiovascular workoutZUMBA on the circuitFree Weight Management classMother-Dauther & Student Specials*Advanced Workout Available

A New Year... A New You!!Join during January with

Our Special of 99 Days for $99

ACCEPTINGBSNENY Aqua ~ Well Care ~

Silver Sneakers ~ Fit Blue

43 MallWest Sand Lake

674-1226


WELLNESSWELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012

Start 2012 Off RightStart 2012 Off Right

Contest.Contest.Some Our Towne’s local Small Businesses have gener-ously provided these giveaways for a 8 lucky readers!

Email your name & phone number with “WELLNESS CONTEST” in the subject line to [email protected]

A Facial or Massage (choice of one) The IVY SPA www.theivyspa.com

A 90 minute Focused Life Coaching Session Jae Way at One Self ~ www.oneselfcares.com

A Consultation with Naturopathic Doctor ($175 Value)Dr. Amy Cole ~ www.amycolend.com

A set of Kidzsafe Earbuds for an mp3 player from Madison Hearing Center ~ www.albanyhearclear.com

A “Test Drive” of the Moxie Exchange (Value $65) Moxie Exchange ~ www.moxieexchange.com

A Tarot Reading Richard Morell ~ www.frostwolfmagic.net

2 Free Weeks at Curves in West Sand Lakewww.curves.com

Health & Wellness Health & Wellness Refl ection & RenewalRefl ection & Renewal By Nancy Gildersleeve, Associate Executive Director,

Capital District YMCA, Schenectady branch

The start of a new year often brings about a sense of refl ection, and off ers the chance to assess our successes and challenges. It also brings about a sense of renewal and an opportunity to set our sights on new, realistic goals. One of the most popular goals is to get fi t/lose weight.

The challenge is to accomplish this goal in a manner that’s suc-cessful not just for the new year but for every year thereafter.

First, you should create two sets of related goals: short-term at-tainable goals that provide positive re-enforcement and long-term goals that capitalize on the motivation created by meeting short-term steps.

As a health and wellness professional, too often I see someone start out with a fi tness schedule or goal that doesn’t fi t that per-son’s lifestyle. Fitness professionals can help you make incre-mental changes that eventually create good habits that help you attain your long-term goals.

At the Capital District YMCA, we support and guide you with a

health and wellness plan that’s customized to fi t your needs. We have seen success with this program because members set re-alistic and attainable goals that we help them achieve with the guidance of personalized wellness coaches to help along the way.

By creating healthy habits developed in a progressive approach, you’re more likely to continue with your plan and surpass mile-stones along the way. We also off er group exercise classes, un-derstanding that it’s easier to attain your goals when you share them with others.

Tips for setting realistic fi tness goals:• Create two sets of goals, write them down, and review and change them if needed.• Recruit your family and friends for a support system, or fi nd a workout partner. • Schedule time for exercise. • Seek the expertise of a health & wellness professional to develop a plan that meets your long and short-term goals.

Finally, reward yourself when you reach each short-term goal. When you celebrate each accomplishment, this helps you keep motivated and on track. A new pair of gym shorts, sneakers or even a massage are examples of rewards that can help you revel in your hard work and success, and want to continue on your fi tness journey.

10 January 2012

It is possible to draw inspiration from music for interior decorating! Take

for example Nina Simone, Etta James, and Ella Fitzgerald. If I wanted to base a room off these three phenomenal sing-

ing ladies, I would think of the feelings their music creates, and for me this music emanates sophistication, soul, with a dash of fun. It also has that touch of nostalgia associated with times past. For music of this genre I thought it would be fun to find an old fashioned style record player, with a modern twist. The one I’ve found has a CD player along with a record and cassette player, but at the same time it has the look of an old fashioned quality record player. I like to mix modern contemporary pieces of furniture with vintage furniture to add just the right amount of balance, after all, although we may be nostalgic for the feelings of times gone by, we still want to focus on the present, so why not incorporate pieces of both antique and modern origins. The following are items that can be used in your living room for the desired music inspired look:

A modern suede white colored couch and an antique style chairOld fashioned/modern record player (as mentioned above)Black clean-lined picture frames

Silk draperies (for a touch of sophisticated glamour)Recess lightingI would recommend using throw pillows to accent the color of your wall. In this case I envision taupe colored wall, black and white accesories, wood accented pieces (to add warmth) and throw pil-lows of either yellow or maroon. But you can choose accent colors for your throw pillows in any col-or, possibly to go along with the color of your silk draperies.Use black and white photographs to add to the timelessness feeling in the room just like the timelessness of Ella, Nina, and Etta.Use your own pictures if you are into photography and take photos of your family, nature, or whatever inspires or moves you. Take them to your local photo processing center and have the pictures enlarged for a more dramatic look.

For more inspirational ideas, please stop by East Greenbush Window Coverings today and we’ll get you started in the right direction! East Greenbush Window Coverings is located at 568 Columbia Turnpike; 477-9025; open M-F 9-5:30 & Sat 10-2; www.EastGreenbushWindowCoverings.com

Music Inspired Design!by Danielle Morris, Showroom Assistant

East Greenbush Window Coverings by Lorraine Greaney

WELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012WELLNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY 2012


Naturopathic consultation services for individualized lifestyle & nutritional support for both adult and pediatric population. Other services include homeopathy, botanicals, nutraceuticals,

gentle naturopathic detoxification, and mind-body support. For more information and to set-up a free 15 minute consultation, please contact Dr. Cole:

2 Empire Drive, Suite 204Rensselaer, NY 12144

[email protected]

518-701-4587www.amycolend.com

Jewelry byDonCook

What People are Saying About Don Cook....

“His work is impeccable” “Great selection & pricing”

Top Prices Paid for Your Gold & Silver 286-2665

Corner of Route 4 & Agway Drive, North Greenbush Open Mon 10-4, Tues, Wed & Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 10-2

Service ~ Quality ~ Artistry

ASTROLOGYNatal Charts Horoscopes

TAROT READINGS

by The Skywright ~ Richard Morell518-441-2876

frostwolfmagic.net

12 January 2012

Connecting Connecting Made Made SimpleSimple

by Lori King-Kocsis

Years ago when I worked in recruiting and job development I learned a lot about people and realized that what comes easy to some, doesn’t always come naturally to others.

Yes, some folks just have a natural talent when it comes to network-ing or just meeting people in general. However, there are some simple things anyone can do to prepare and excel at meetings and social networking.

To have and to hold.Oh, I can’t believe I’m even discussing the handshake, however, this is something that continues to surprise me, how something so simple as a handshake can become such a strong, or weak impres-sion. If you are unsure how your handshake is perceived, ask some-one! Sure, you might think you have a nice strong handshake but, it could be held too long, gripped too strong or too fast Then there is the weak, limp handshake. This is probably the most diffi cult to receive, however, it too, can be fi xed with a little concentration. Es-pecially if you are interviewing for a job, I would strongly recom-mend you ask for feedback on your handshake.

Eye on the prize.This is something I experience to this day. Meeting someone and watching them watch everything else in the room. Or, looking at their texts, or whatever else is more important to them than the fact a perfectly good human being is standing right in front of them. If you have a wandering eye, here’s a tip: Put your back to the busiest part of the room when you are speaking with someone. This will help you focus on the person standing in front of you. And, yes, please with a cherry on top – put your cell phone away, you can do it, I know you can!

Listen and tell, don’t sell.If you want people to enjoy being around you (and you do, right?) make sure to ask them things, be curious and make positive com-ments. If you want people to fl ee from you every time you enter a room, sell them your product or service. Trust me, they will fl ee. And word will get out that you are just there to sell your product. And, sure, you may be there to do that. Just do it diff erently. Be known as the person who is at the meetings consistently, who knows other people in the room and is known for connecting and caring about them and their business. I know a very successful businessman who does just that. Oh, and by the way he will sell you insurance if your interested, but he will never ask. You’ll just know that he is in insurance (when he hands you his card , he’s a well connected person and easy to talk to.

Connecting with people is really quite simple when you treat oth-ers as you would like to be treated.

Lori King-Kocsis, founder of LKK Creativ e Connections and Capi-tal Region Moxie Executive of the national Mo xie Exchange Movement.

Fasten your seatbelt, sister.

We’re bold. We’re fun. We’re high impact.

Want to know more?

Contact Lori King-Kocsis, Capital Region Moxie Exec [email protected] or go to

www.moxieexchange.com

Moxie is a national business and professional organization where authentic, wicked-smart women share business savvy and drive business results. Events with The Moxie Exchange Movement are

-tion, momentum and results - that’s Moxie!

Moxie Exchange Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 3:30 – 6:00 pm (New Member Orientation is 3:00-3:30) at The Standard, Crossgates Mall, Albany, NY


On a daily basis we are ex-posed to toxins from a variety

of sources including pesticides on fruits and veggies, food additives, drinking water, and pollutants. Ex-posure to some of these things are

unavoidable in today’s society. Detoxifi cation is a way to remove these toxins from your body.

Symptoms from toxin build up may include:

•Headaches•Pain in joints and/or muscles•Fatigue•Weight gain•Allergy or fl u-like symptoms•Unstable mood•Digestive issues•Decreased mental clarity•Decreased libido

The liver is the primary detoxifi cation organ in the body. The liver fi lters your blood and prepares toxins for elimination from the body. A good detoxifi cation program will support the liver with nutrients such as magnesium, b-vitamins, copper, zinc, and vitamin c. There are herbs that can also support the liver includ-

ing Milk Thistle. The large and small intestines, kidneys, lungs, and the skin are more examples of organs that aid in detoxifi cation and may need support. Certain foods can also assist in detoxifi cation including cru-ciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, arugula, caulifl ower, bok choy) and limonene-containing fruits (orange, tangerine, lem-on). Most detoxifi cation plans last 3-4 weeks and include dietary changes as well as herbs/nutraceuticals to support the organs that help us to eliminate, increase antioxidants, and help the body to function at its best. Some plans may also include ho-meopathic support for drainage on a cellular level. Hydrothera-py (therapies using water) may also help to aid the body in detox. A good detoxifi cation plan should incorporate a “detoxifi ca-tion” of our mind/spiritual state. This can be the most diffi cult hurdle to overcome. Changing the state of mind by eliminating negative thinking and/or situations from our environment can also have a signifi cant impact on physical health. A detoxifi cation program can be a great help in achieving new years resolutions. It can jump start weight loss and lead to feeling better overall. Some additional benefi ts of detoxifi cation may include clearer skin, better sleep, increased energy/vitality, and/or disappearance or lessoning of past conditions. For best results, a detoxifi cation program should be tailored to your specifi c needs.

Detoxification Detoxification by Dr. Amy Cole by Dr. Amy Cole

Happy New Year!

WESTERN DENTAL CARE PC, DBA CAPITAL DENTAL ASSOCIATES

Santhosh K. Thomas, DDS

451 Hoosick StreetTroy, NY 12180(518) 271-1188

$49.99

Capital Dental Associates

$50 OFF

1-Hour ZOOM! Whitening Free Consultation

$100

Now Under New Management!

w w w. c a p i t a l d e n t a l a s s o c i a t e s . c o m

14 January 2012

Fall Home Improvements Fall Home Improvements

Your Home GuideYour Home GuideWinter Projects & Repair ~ Decorating ~ Car ~ Winter Projects & Repair ~ Decorating ~ Car ~ Energy ~ Real Estate ~ CleaningEnergy ~ Real Estate ~ Cleaning

www.designsensebydiane.comdesignsense

Remodeling Consultation One Day Room RedecorationResale Ready Staging

NEW LOOK

518-330-3454

CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR CENTER

We Work With All Insurance CompaniesLIFETIME WARRANTY

WE HAVE RENTAL CARSPICK UP & DELIVERY TOWING

QUALITY SERVICE

Rt. 20, Nassau, 3½mi. East of 9&20 Jct.

766-4004

QUALITY SERVICEWe Work With All Insurance Companies

766-4004LIFETIME WARRANTY

WE HAVE RENTAL CAR PICK UP & DELIVERY ~ TOWING

Rt Route 20 Nassau ~ 3 1/2 miles east of 9 & 20 Junction

CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR CENTER

Now Available at JETS!


Fall Home Improvements

Free EstimatesFully Insured

Lock-in Pre-Season Pricing NOWResidential & Commercial Snow-Plowing Services

THINK SNOWDon’t Get Left in the

COLD!

518-423-0611 azlandscaping.comOwner Operated ~ STEVEN NOEL

TJ’s Building & Remodeling

Kitchens ~ Baths ~ Basements Sunrooms ~ Home Repair

Fully InsuredTom Johnson ~ Owner

(518) 331-8955

www.tjsBuildRemod.com“All Your Home’s Needs”

H

WOODPELLETS

$215a ton

Please Contact: John Mesko ~ 518-466-9700

www.johnmesko.com

We never stop moving!

PRIME PROPERTIES

1667 Julianne Drive, CastletonOffered at $214,900

Amenities include central air, hardwood floors, solid pine doors, Berber carpets, stone fireplace, custom painting, ceramic tile, wainscoting, skylights,finished family room in basement and deck, serene wooded home site with gar-dens.

Picture perfect 4 bedroom, 2 bath Cape on private cul-de-sac.

REAL ESTATEREAL ESTATE

16 January 2012

Crown CleanersOPEN: Mon-Sat 7am to 6pm (518) 477-4607

627 Columbia Tpk. East Greenbush1 HOUR DRY CLEANING3 HOUR SHIRT LAUNDRY4 DAY DRAPE SERVICEEXPERT TAILORING

Same Day ServiceMON-FRI IN BY 12 & SAT IN BY 10

Quality Cleaning & Shirt ServiceAqua Clean System

Environmentally Friendly

TREE WORK 30 YEARS EXPERTISE

LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

YARD CLEANUPS

FREE ESTIMATES FOR TREE REMOVAL

AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

479-0729

Antiques ~ Jewelry ~ Pottery & More

10-6 Sun - Sat

HANDCRAFTED BARTOPS & MANTLES

installation available

Steven & TeresaAborist Landscaper

NOW OPEN!

FREE PC Cleaning With Any Other Work

$35 Value

GOLDKREST FAMILY FARM

Route 9JRensselaer 365-5969465-0437

FIRE WOOD

4 Bench Jewelers

on Premises

Custom Designs, Laser Welding, Eyeglass Repair, Ring Sizing, Stone Setting,

Diamonds, Jewelry Sales, Costume Jewelry Repair

1629 Columbia TurnpikeSchodack, NY

Jewelry Repair Center

If they say it Can’t be Done. Bring It Here.

477-6555


Simply Clean Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Residential and Commercial Quality Service at Affordable Prices

Fully Insured Senior Discounts

15 years servicing the community David S. Troy, Owner/Operator

1010 Pine Street, Rensselaer, NY 518-479-4176

American LegionPost 1231

Open to the Public!Every Friday Nite

Karaoke

8:00 pm - 12:00 am

Join the fun

on the weekend

200 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY

518.462.7006

To Book and Reserve our Hall for Banquets

and Weddings for up to 250 persons

call our “Hostess” Ginny Brockley

518.527.4278 Menus available at the Post.

INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS

OUR TOWNE Your Hometown community resource

call 518-641-9330or emai: [email protected]


18 January 2012

Notes from the Skywright by Richard Morell

ARIES (March 20 – April 21) Late December’s new moon pushes Ar-

ies in the career sector, particu-larly. Tense relationships be-tween your self-image and the persona you project into the outside world will create some dynamic fl uctuations. Let the weak parts fall to the way-side even if you desire to hold onto things past their expira-tion date. Get some outside clarity to release the old and allow in the new. Jupiter hav-ing retrograded into your sign may off er some backhanded luck in pursuing these ideas.

TAURUS (April 22 – May 20) Jupiter continues in your sign for a goodly

portion of the next few months. It backtracks into Aries for a short time now however, so it is a time to take a breather if you’ve been going full throttle up till now. A romantic partner might have an insight into a ca-reer matter that could be ben-efi cial. Don’t dismiss odd ideas out of hand just because they come from some other source.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) There might be stress between your

long-range visions and your signifi cant partnerships in the areas of how joint fi nances op-erate. Both sides of this equa-tion will have to make sacrifi c-es—there’s no two ways about it. There might be sudden sur-prises as regards friendships as well, that might rock the relationship boat. Adjust your-self to these realities as best you can, for karma is involved.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) Some days dur-ing these mid-winter

months, you might see your partner as a golden child and at other times as Dracula. Vola-tile developments in your ca-reer and worldly status could cause diffi culties with your signifi cant other. Help may come from a trusted mentor who has healed some of his or her own wounds similarly.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) A newfound insight into how you tick might

shake things up with regard to your work habits, for good or for ill. You might be jazzed to try some new way of see-ing things that could throw off others who have come to rely upon you having certain set ideas, and so cause friction. It is your responsibility to be kind and help others adjust to these notions should you see them becoming more set in stone.

VIRGO (August 23 – Sep-tember 20) Your sig-nifi cant other might

be experiencing some painful healing of past hurts and need-ing to make amends. Give the space they need. You might be attracted to more edgy sorts of entertainments this month, as both Mars continues transit-ing your Sun, and the Sun itself transits your fun and games sector where the volcanic Plu-to is transforming matters. You are a bit more daring than usu-al, so take precautions and have a great time. Just be careful to leave the joint fi nances out of it, or there could be hell to pay.

LIBRA (September 21 – October 20) Relation-ships are paramount to

your sign, and with Uranus transiting your opposite sign for the next few years, you are in for a load of surprises in

this area. As these will trigger memories from the distant past (maybe even past life memo-ries), you will of necessity come to understandings of behav-iors that have long confused you. Perhaps some vestiges of Christmases past still impact you present day. Release will happen faster if you resolve to let go of the old. Jupiter dips back into Aries for a short time, making your partner a bit lucky, though Libra-Scorpio cusp born will likely feel some teaching moments this month.

SCORPIO (October 21 – November 21) Your local neighborhood could be

the scene of a lot of action this month. Hopefully it won’t be in the form of police cars com-ing to quell raucous parties, but it could get to a fever pitch. Just know there’s something in the air that is stirring others to actions, some of which are ill-advised. This situation might cause problems due to unset-tling change in how you need to conduct your everyday af-fairs. Find the reserves of grace under pressure and carry on.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Last month’s parties may still

be hanging over your head fi nancially, as there is a bit of stress between your pocket-book issues and your desire to kick back and enjoy the holiday. It seems too that new and unusual opportunities to party pick up this month, but you will need to most likely pick and choose from those possibilities as you can. A pe-riod of healing old wounds has gotten started recently and it continues through January.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Happy birthday, Capricorn! An

intense year you shall have indeed, as Pluto continues to

wend its way through your sign and Uranus provides a foil for its continued transfor-mations. Against this diffi cult backdrop, neighbors, casual acquaintances met at sports or performing arts venues and mentors who continue to inspire you off er a whole lot of support during your dif-fi culty. With all this change happening, be sure to let the ice thaw and let these allies in.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) Much of what is going on in the

larger world feels a bit cloudy and foggy to you. This will clear up a bit later this year, but al-low for a spiritual understand-ing of the larger picture to set-tle in. Revolutionary insights might come from a neighbor’s fl yaway comment. This is a good month to attend to your personal appearance. Venus transits your sign this month, and allurement is a given.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) How you approach your long-

range visions and your friends continues to undergo radi-cal change this month but it is spotlighted by the current astrology. Sudden changes in fortune in your own fi nancial picture can aff ect the situa-tion. You potentially could suddenly see yourself closer to your goals of transformation than you might feel ready for. Breathe into the possibility and know that you are more pow-erful than you think you are.

Richard Morell is a local astrolo-ger and tarot reader, at work to be-come an everyday shaman by the river. frostwolfmagic.net. or [email protected], 518-441-2876.If you like this column but don’t feel like you need or want a reading, please consider giving a donation to the author so that it might continue.

ASTROLOGYASTROLOGY for 2012 for 2012


Happy 2012!! Add Us to Your New Year’s Resolutions!

Keep Your Pup Smelling Great with Regular Visits to Shampoodle!

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old, experienced or notWhether you want to train your pup or just have

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per session or pay as you go!Call Shampoodle at 371-6600

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20 January 2012

Community Calendar ~ January 2012Community Calendar ~ January 2012

THE ART OF REIKI - CLASSESContact Joyce 271-7802 to register

Reiki Kids Class for 12 year olds- Monday, January 16th, 9:30 am- 12:30pm, cost $50. An enjoyable morning for your child to learn about reiki, receive a reiki attunement, experi-ence a meditation and play with this loving energy. Contact Joyce 271-7802 to pre register.

Reiki Level I Class- Sunday, January 22nd, 9am-6pm, ar-rival time 9am, cost $175 & $20 for the manual. Learn this wonderful lifetime healing technique that you will have for your self and your family to decrease stress and maintain health and wellness. Class limited to 6 students. Contact Joyce 271-7802 to register, $75 deposit required in advance.

Reiki Level II Class- Sunday, January 29th, 9am- 6pm, ar-rival time 9am, cost $175. Step up your healing abilities to the next level, receive a Reiki level II attunement, learn the reiki symbols, distance healing, and give and receive full body reiki sessions. Class limited to 6 students. Contact Joyce 271-7802 to register, pre- requisite Reiki I certifi cate, $75 deposit required in advance.

Saturday, January 07, 2012 (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) Troy Winter Farmers Market-Uncle Sam Atrium More and more farmers markets are setting up shop in the win-ter months to bring a little warmth and sunshine to the cold, dreary weather. Troy New York's Waterfront Farmers Market now runs from November to April at the Uncle Sam Atrium in down-town Troy. Folks come from all over the Capital Region to shop with 50+ local vendors and savor the tastes, sights and sounds at their indoor market -- stay for lunch and a walk around historic downtown Troy and have a great time every Saturday (no matter what the weather outside) 518.708.4216.

Saturday, January 07, 2012 (N/A) Crailo State Historic Site, 9 1/2 Riverside Avenue, Rensselaer, NY.Museum open house with costumed interpreters and open hearth cooking demonstrations in the cellar kitchen. Combo ticket with Schuyler Mansion''s Twelfth Night festivities will be available.Contact: For additional information, please call 518-463-8738.

Thursday, January 12, 2012 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Festival at Grafton Lakes State Park. Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host the 27th Annual Winter Festival on Saturday, Janu-ary 21st, 2012 from 10am-4pm. The Winter Fest will feature win-ter exhibits, vendors, family-friendly and recreational activities. The Winter Fest is free of charge.

Thursday, January 12, 2012Sand Lake Historical Society programAt Sand Lake Baptist Church, 2960 NY Route 43, the Sand Lake Historical Society will cosponsor a program with the Sand Lake Library at 7:30pm. Marvin Bubie will present his new book Cel-ebrating the Revolutionary War Municipal Seals.The public is in-vited and refreshments will be served.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) Troy Winter Farmers Market-Uncle Sam Atrium, Troy, New York 518.708.4216.

Friday, January 20th, 2012 - KJ’s Gymnastics Parent’s Night Out! 3143 Route 9, Valatie, Call 758-2554 for details or visit www.kjsgymnastics.com

Saturday, January 21, 2012 (9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) Winter Farmers Market

Friday, January 27, 2012 (5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) Troy Night Out ~ Downtown, Troy, New York.Description: TROY NY – Enjoy an evening of art and culture in Downtown Troy NY on the last Friday of every month, offi cially known as Troy Night Out. The streets are busier than usual for

this event as the evening draws over 1,000 locals and visitors alike to get a true taste of the arts and take advantage of every-thing Troy, New York has to off er! Troy Night Out runs from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm every month on the last Friday. Between these hours, guests can enjoy over 30 art events, 15 music venues, and 20+ fi ne restaurants in addition to superb shopping at unique boutiques of all varieties. But the fun doesn't stop at 9:00 pm! Many downtown eateries and bars off er a place for people to gather and continue to enjoy the night. There are a variety of venues who participate in Troy Night Out each month.Web Site: www.troynightout.org $18.

January 28th, 2012, Discovery Place Learning Center Open House, 10:30-12:00. Visit the school and enroll your child. 749 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 479-1110 www.discovery-placeny.co

Greenbush Garden Club

Your mailbox is brimming with garden catalogs! It's time to start dreaming of new plants for your 2012 garden.Members & guests are invited to join us on Tuesday Janu-ary 3, 2012 at 6:30pm at The East Greenbush Community Library, Community Way, East Greenbush for our presenta-tion-New Perennials-The Bold & The Beautiful. Our speaker is club member, Master Garden & Becker's Farm's Perennial expert, Carol Mastromarchi.All our meetings are open to the public and Garden Club mem-bership information will be av ailable. As always light refresh-ments will be served. For further information contact Bernice at 518-429-9118 or email @ [email protected]


Community Calendar ~ January 2011Community Calendar ~ January 2011

LOCAL ICE RINKSConway Ice Arena – $3 Adults ($2 Under 12, or HVCC Students/Staff ), Rentals $3, Seasonal, Hudson Valley Community College, 80 Vanden-burgh Ave., Troy, NY

Frear Park Ice Skating Rink – Year-Round, Park Boulevard and Lavin Ct., Troy, NY, (518) 266-0023.

Knickerbacker Park Ice Arena - Year-Round, 103 8th Ave,Troy, NY, (518) 235-0215.

RPI (Houston Field House) – Seasonal, $3/Adults, $2/Students, Free/RPI Students, Peo-ples Avenue, Troy, NY (518) 276-6262.

Randall School of Ice Skating, Year-Round Lessons, 200 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, NY.

Schodack Island State Park, Seasonal Free, Route 9J

Long Pond – Seasonal, Free, Grafton Lakes State Park, Outdoor lake conditions apply!

LOCAL CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS

Pineridge Cross-Country Ski Area - 1463 Plank Road, Petersburgh, NY 12138, (518)283-3652, Hours: 9AM-4Pm Daily, Ad-mission: $17/Adult, $13/Teen, $7/Child, FREE/6 & Under, Rentals: $10 – $20.

Oak Hill Farms X-Country Ski Center - 1206 Oak Hill Rd, Esperance NY 12066, (518)-875-6700, Hours: 9:30-4:30 Weekends, Admis-sion: $12/Adult, $5/Child, FREE/6 & Under,

Tree Haven Trails (Bob’s Trees) - 1227 West Galway Rd., Galway, NY 1207, 518-882-9455

ONLINE & IN PRINTONLINE & IN PRINT OUR TOWNE’s Monthly Community Calendar

Our Towne is building up its MONTHLY CALENDAR and invites community members to email calendar events. Its always FREE! Please email your listing (including date, time, and a brief description) to:

[email protected] ~ WHAT ~ WHERE ~ WHEN?????

FAMILY FUN.....THINGS TO DO....WAYS TO ENJOY LIFEWe Want to Tell People About Your Event!!


Winter Fun......Winter Fun......Ice Skating & Cross Country SkiingIce Skating & Cross Country Skiing

22 January 2012

East GreenbushEast GreenbushCCommunity Libraryommunity Librarywww.eastgreenbushlibrary.orgwww.eastgreenbushlibrary.org

10 Community Way East Greenbush

477-7476

American Red Cross Blood DriveMonday, January 9 at 1:00-6:00 p.m.Give the gift of life. Stop by the library or call 477-7476, ext 102 to make your appointment. Free Adult Fitness Programs at the Library Mindfulness MeditationTuesday, January 10, 7:00 p.m.Alexandra Sullivan, Mind-Body Practitioner.teaches us how to work with physical pain and discomfort, emotional feelings, and thought patterns that underlie stress. No experience necessary. Bring a cushion or blanket if you prefer to sit on the fl oor. ZumbaTuesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m.Zumba is a hip-swinging, booty-shaking fun way to get a great workout! Dance your way to a fi tter you! No previous dance experience is required. All levels are welcome. Space is limited to 35. Hatha YogaMonday, January 23, 6:30 p.m.Mixed level Hatha yoga class for adults from begin-ner to advanced to improve fl exibility and strength, relieve stress, and balance emotions. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Bring a yoga mat, blan-ket, and small pillow. Taught by Shannon Keyes. Focusing on BreathingMonday, January 30, 7:00 p.m.Suryanarayana Chennapragada will introduce you to the simple technique of “Focusing on Breathing,” which may relieve insomnia, stress, smoking addic-tion, anger, chronic pains, stuttering, etc. Bring a yoga mat or blanket. Free Adult Programs & Talks: Greenbush Garden Club PresentsPerennials for the FutureTuesday, January 3, 6:30 p.m.New plants are always a part of a gardener’s New Year’s resolutions. Carol Mastromarchi, Perennial and Rose Specialist for Becker’s Farm Garden Center and Master Gardener for Cornell Cooperative Extension, will help you venture into the world of new perennials for 2012 and also talk about new varieties of old favorites that are destined to be classic. Greenbush Historical Society PresentsTin Smithing during the Colonial EraSunday, January 8, 2:00 p.m.Bill Valosin, dressed in colonial attire, will explore the process of tin smithing during the colonial era. Protecting Your Retirement IncomeWednesday, January 11, 7:00 p.m.

The Science of Climate ChangeSunday, January 22, 2:00 p.m.Dr. Miriam Katz, Professor of Earth and Environmen-tal Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will review the natural and man-made components of 20th and early 21st century climate change in the context of past natural variability over many hundreds of thousands of years. Make Your Home Warmer for Less: Saving Energy & Money with NYSERDATuesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m.Homeowners and renters will want to attend this informative energy workshop and learn how you can get a FREE energy audit through the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Discover the Pine Bush Saturday, January 28, 11:00 a.mJoin Environmental Educator Jacqueline Citriniti for an extraordinary journey into the Albany Pine Bush. Free Wednesday Night Movie:JANUARY 25 @ 6:30 pm – The Help Children’s Programs: Drop In Family Storytimes -NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED• Thursdays @ 11:00 am OR 6:30 pm• January 19 – March 29• (no storytimes February 23 or March 15)• Saturdays @ 11:00 am• January 21 – March 31 Infant MassageMonday, January 23 @ 10:00 amInfant massage teaches parents, grandpar-ents, family, friends and caregivers the im-portance of touch in soothing their children. Join Mary Beth Halayko to learn techniques of infant massage with your babies. Space is limited. Registration is required. Book GroupsMother/Daughter Book Group @ 7:00 pmGirls and their mothers (or grandmas, aunts, etc.) are invited. 5th graders and upMonday, January 9: January’s book is Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. Cookies N’ Books @ 4:15 pm2nd & 3rd graders. Beginning chapter book readers are invited to enjoy book discussions and crafts.

Tuesday, January 10: Our January book is Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCa-millo. NEW * Saturday Book Club* @ 1:00 pmJoin us for a new book club where kids can get together and talk about books! There will also be snacks and activities. For 4–6 graders.Saturday, January 28: January’s book is The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angle-berger. Open to All Teens entering Grades 2-12 TAG (Teen Advisory Group) @ 3:30 pmWednesday, January 4: Plan teen events, suggest YA materials to buy, and then have a snack as payment! Anime Club @ 3:30 pmWednesday, January 11: Watch anime. Eat popcorn. BYOB Book ClubWednesday @ 3:30 pmJoin us in the Teen Area for cookies and a book discussion. Bring Your Own Book – or at least be ready to talk about it!January 18: Series Books: (including manga). Teen Takeover @ 2:30 pmFridays: January 6, 13 and 20Laptops, video games, and a room just for Teens! JUNIOR FRIENDS: Craft for CharityMonday @ 3:30 pm – January 9Join the Jr. Friends of the Library to make some fun crafts as we hold our monthly meeting. FREE COMPUTER CLASSES - JANUARY Introduction to PowerPoint - Saturday, Janu-ary 7: 10:30 am -12:30 pmDownloading E-Books from the Library Wednesday, January 11: 6:30 p.m.please bring your laptop. Overdrive Open Clinic - Wednesday, January 18: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Library Board of Trustees Meeting will be

held on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 pm

January2012


479-BOOK (2665)35 Columbia Turnpike

East Greenbush

HIDDEN GEMSLocal Businesses

You May Have Missedby Darren Rosenbaum

If you’ve read my wife’s bio on Our Towne’s web page, you probably noticed that Debbie and I (the Our Towne Team) aren’t so diff erent from you and your family. We lead fulfi lling but hectic lives, dividing our waking hours between work, dozens of kid activities, laundry, lawn care, teacher conferences, half-days of school and doctor visits to name just a few. Maybe you’ll agree that completing all of our daily assignments makes it diffi cult to slow down.

We know you’re just like us, always driving past local businesses and wondering what it would be like to spend an hour or two shopping in this store, or eating in that restaurant. Now be truthful: How many times have you made a mental note to stop in the next time you pass by? Sounds like a New Year’s Resolution, doesn’t it? And how good are you at keeping those?

Well, it’s the Our Towne Team to the rescue! We’ve made it a point to break out of this conundrum and follow our own advice. So, over the next few months, we’ll focus our attention on local businesses that are worthy of your patronage. And in our quest for a mental health hour (or two!), we’ve discovered that these places can truly be considered ‘Local Hidden Gems’.

Read about the fi rst of Our Towne’s Hidden Gems, Mahars in Castleton, NY - page 29

Mahars, Castleton, NY

New and Gently Read Books330 Columbia Tpke. 479-BOOK (2665)

Good Buy Books

24 January 2012

A MESSAGE FROM THE VET ~ Dr. David Stone, DVMA MESSAGE FROM THE VET ~ Dr. David Stone, DVMJust read an interesting piece written by a vet pointing out the things clients do that annoy her. Topping her list is talk-ing on the cell phone during an exam and second is bringing unruly children to exams...I wondered if she was a practice owner. Sure, the cell can be a disturbance and can break a chain of thought--but you have a life, I've probably made you wait too long, and if someone else needs to put dinner in the oven you should be able to communicate. If your kids are get-ting too crazy in an exam I'm likely to enlist your help calming/distracting/gaming them. Kids can be schooled--the visit can sometimes be a pretty good opportunity for me to review how not to behave--tactfully of course. So bring your crazy brood--I'll yell at everyone. I suspect some of these kids will be my clients in a decade or two and the teaching is forever. The tough one is when the children are around for bloody/painful trauma, or euthanasia. Sometimes it's unavoidable. We'll get through the tough times just like we get through the bright times. Together. So that made me wonder what bothers me...

Personally I can deal with you fi nishing my every sentence, or talking over me, or not listening at all. Your heavy perfume. Your doubtful frown. I can deal with alternative views and methods--I learn from these. What I can't deal with are folks who insist on petting and poking their hissing cat when he's obviously about to explode--he's staring at ME and you're petting him--surprise! He bit you, or now he's so bristled up he's going to bite me. Hap-

pened EXACTLY like that 2 weeks ago. I felt so bad but my exact words were "Please stop touching him, he's really upset"--right before I said, "Don't touch him!" I stepped way back and started to beg her to stop when all of a sudden he spun around like the matrix, latched onto her bare arm with all of his expertly honed fi sh hooks extended, and repeatedly bit into the fl esh of her fore-arm. It would have been over in 1 second but for the fi sh hooks buried in her arm. I held kitty's head while a technician bravely stepped in to extricate each of the 7 lodged nails...good blood fl ow. My worst nightmare. I also get annoyed by people who think I'm getting rich. I'm sensitive. I think I should be making a pretty good living. I've taken tons of risks and worked really, re-ally hard. I think I've also been lucky and blessed. So I think that I should be making at least electrician money. I make about half of what the electrician I hire to fi x my wiring makes. He's a good electrician and I don't begrudge him a good living. His buddy, my plumber, also makes about twice what I make per hour. Every time I have to call a plumber or electrician or get my car fi xed, I pay. $300 to enjoy my sink. $400 to enjoy my new plug. $500 to enjoy my new tires. The list goes on. If anyone notices me in a new car--some dippy driver totaled mine last week and I got a replacement. First brand new car that's actually mine. I'm a little self conscious. Anyway, I could probably fi ll a book with anecdotes of annoying client behavior but then I got to think-ing about the things that should annoy you. The list follows.(continued on next page)

ShampoodleMon-Fri 11-7, Sat 9-5, Sun 10 - 5 (Grooming starts at 8 am)

Snow closings will be same as school closings at Shenendahowa for Clifton Park & Bethlehem for Delmar.

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Pet PagesPet Pages

Things you should be annoyed about. Long waits. High pric-es. Dirty/smelly/loud/stuff y/cramped facilities. Lot's of glossy point-of-purchase crap. Being told what you have to do--and being coerced or guilted into doing it when it's just not right for you. Holier-than-thou attitudes (the slightly squinty, nose-raised, dismissive turn of the head with that annoying nasal exhalation--you know the move--every customer ser-vice encounter you've had that made your stomach tight-en--like you're the biggest idiot all of a sudden). You should also be annoyed by vets who tell you there's only one option (though sometimes there really is only one obvious choice).

You should be annoyed if a vet can't spend enough time with you. Or doesn't do their best to explain their viewpoint in simple terms. Find another vet. You should be annoyed if you don't hear back from the offi ce within 24 hours on a non-urgent mat-ter and within a few minutes for an urgent matter. Please be sure to call back--a busy offi ce can consume a message into it's bowels despite good intent--mistakes occur. Mistake rectifi ca-tion is the next key point. No apology with no acceptance of fault is bad business--probably good legal advice, but bad for the WHY of what we do. And that's what it's all about--the WHY. Next month we'll look into this--in the mean time, try not to an-noy the poo out of everyone around you and I'll do the same.

David Stone, DVM

Pita is a 3 year old male brown tiger kitty with a white bib. He was found as a stray, but went unclaimed when those that found him tried to fi nd his owner. Pita loves people and is a sweet, aff ectionate kitty and he also really enjoys being with other cats. It seems he likes atten-tion from people more than he likes playing with his toys, although he likes a tall cat tree for scratching. Pita is a well-behaved kitty looking for a “forever home” with a caring person or family. Won’t you consid-er giving him that “forever home”?! In return, you’ll have a great pal! As with all Purrfect Companion kitties, Pita is up-to-date on routine shots, house trained and neutered or spayed.

For more information on P ita, please c ontact one of the follo wing Purrfect Companions’ representatives: Jane, at 436-7450 or Mar y-ann at 331-2221 or at kitties [email protected]. Purrfect Companions is a non-profi t, all volunteer rescue organiza-tion. We are always looking for good volunteers to help with the kit-ties or assist at our adoption clinics . If y ou’d like to donate a little time to these worthy animals, please give us a call at 463-8709. Our adoption clinics are held 12:30-4:00 most S aturdays and Sundays at Petco, Northway Mall, Albany NY. Stop b y and see some of our other kitties! We may have one that is just “PURRFECT” for you!

PitaPitaPurrfect Kitty Purrfect Kitty Please Adopt Me!

26 January 2012

KID’s PAGESKID’s PAGES

A charming new book about a visit from a dragon by

local Author Lois Truax.

*Available at The Jewelry

Repair Center in Schodack.

LESSONS ~ Any Age ~ Any LevelPrivate & Group Lessons Availalbe

visit www.rockysmusicstudio.com

Lessons Available for drums, guitar, bass, brass & woodwins, voice & more

Group guitar class for beginners starting January 5thPercussion Ensemble Weekend Saturday, January 14th

For more information please call (518) 429-6380 or

email [email protected]

Rocky’sMusic Studio

Complete Selection of Instruments,Supplies &

Books


KJ’sGymnastics, inc

REGISTRATIONJanuary Special

e-mail: [email protected] for details

A State of the ArtGymnastics Gym

New Session 3 Begins - January 30thParents Night Out - January 20th

3143 Route 9 Valatie 518-758-2554

www.kjsgymnastics.com

New!Competitive Team Program

Strength * Flexibility * Balance * Focus * Confidence * Courage * Determination

Discovery Place Learning Center, LLC

Teaching children their way every day!

749 Columbia TurnpikeEast Greenbush

between Enterprise & E. Greenbush DinerOwned & Operated by:

Tery Duncan, Master of Science in EducationLynn LaVoie-Stephens, Master of Arts in Speech Pathology

Preschool & Toddler Learning GroupsAges 24 mos to 5 yrs

SATURDAY HOURS & INDOOR PLAYGYMCheck website or facebook for information

www.discoveryplaceny.com

Open House & Enrollment January 28th 10:30 to 12:00 Openings for All Ages for the 2012-13 school year

If you cannot make it on the 28th, please call to

schedule a personal tour

479-1110

28 January 2012

KID’s FUN PAGE KID’s FUN PAGE DISCOVERY PLACE LEARNING CENTER, LLC

479-1110749 Columbia Turnpike

East GreenbushBetween Enterprise & E. Greenbush Diner

Kids Page

Sponsored by

This New Year, Make a Resolution to Make a

Diff erence Two weeks into 2012 and I’m sure I’ve blown at least one resolution, but that’s OK because the resolution I’m most proud of is the one I made a few years ago, to fi nd a cause in my community and make a diff erence. As a Capital District YMCA volunteer at the Green-bush branch, my number one focus has been supporting the Reach Out For Youth scholarship program.Each January, the Y is bursting with folks who’ve made resolutions; maybe to lose 10 pounds or learn a new exercise. Thanks to Reach Out for Youth, the Y is also a place where our neighbors, family, and friends are welcome to all the benefi ts of the Y, regardless of their fi nancial cir-cumstances. The Y never turns someone away. As a non profi t, the Y relies on dedicated volunteers, generous com-munity members and local businesses to raise funds to make schol-arships available to help with swimming lessons, teen programs, su-pervised school-age programs, and much more. Last year, the Capital District YMCA helped more than 47,000 people. At East Greenbush, our 2012 goal is $113,000 and we’re already al-most halfway there. The goal for the entire Capital District Y is $1.5 mil-lion, and we’ll get there because we must; people need our help. Please call the Y today (477.2570) and visit for a tour to learn how the Y can help you keep your resolutions. And if your resolutions include helping others, please consider a gift to the Y’s scholarship fund. Your gift keeps kids safe and helps families you know in our community. Thank you for your support.

Daryl Bart, Chairwoman The 2012 Reach Out For Youth scholarship campaign

2012 Pledge and Contribution

I want to Make a Diff erence in my communityName _________________________________Address ______________________________Phone ________________________________Email ________________________________Pledge Amount___ check enclosed___ I’d like to know more about volunteering at the Y. YMCA, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061


The fi rst stop on our ‘Local Hidden Gems’ tour is at a bar called Mahar’s in Castleton, NY. If you’re scratching your head and thinking, ‘I’ve seen that name before…. But not in Castleton’, you’re probably right. Lo-cated across from Stewart’s on 9J, Mahar’s is owned by Jim Mahar and his wife Laurie. These are the same folks who own and op-erate Mahar’s on upper Madison Avenue in Albany, NY, a celebrated local establish-ment with hundreds of beers from around the world available on tap and in bottles. The number of off erings, along with the owners ‘encyclopedic’ knowledge is what helped Mahar’s win 2003’s ‘Top Beer Bar’ in North America on BeerAdvocate.com and make the list as one of the ‘Top 125 Places to Have A Beer Befor e You Die’ in the May 2008 edition of ‘All About Beer’ magazine. So what’s been the key to Mahar’s suc-cess? It comes down to a few simple deci-sions made long ago. According to Mahar, when the Madison Ave. location opened in 1989, he ran just three draft lines and carried only a handful of bottled beer. But in 1990 he purchased a stainless steel kitchen cooler to handle more draft lines and began selling Newcastle Brown Ale along with other premium beers. In addi-tion, Mahar’s is one of the few places in the nation where ‘cask’ conditioned beer, or ‘real ale’, is served. Pumped from the base-ment by hand for a richer tasting drink, ‘real ale’ is served without the pressurized gas found in regular keg beer and is the traditional way of serving beer. Quickly word got out to local beer lovers and Ma-har’s seemed to fi nally fi nd its niche. Sensing the local interest in premium beers and micro-brews, Mahar introduced his ‘Beer Tour’ for local enthusiasts. While the concept could be found at other local bars, Mahar’s ‘tour’ was diff erent enough to create a loyal following. Besides the eclectic mix of beer Mahar takes pride in stocking, perhaps the most important things that separates his ‘tour’ from oth-

ers is that once you’ve signed up, there is no time limit to completing your journey around the world. As you sample your way across the globe, participants reach mile-stones along the way, receiving a T-shirt at 50, an engraved mug at 125, a case of the beer of your choice at 200, and fi nally an engraved plaque when you reached 500 beers. To date there are over 30,000 peo-ple on ‘tour’ at the Madison location and one participant has even reached 9,000 beers sampled! After two decades of success, Jim and Laurie decided to open a second location near their home in Castleton. Since open-ing in July 2010, the new Mahar’s has had its share of success, signing up over 600 people (including me) to the ‘tour’. While I’d been there before, I entered this time intent on absorbing my surroundings. As you walk through the door, you’ll imme-diately notice the dark wood all around, and how warm and inviting it feels. Ahead of you is a striking bar with stained glass lining each support and, with beer mem-orabilia in every corner, bookshelves in front and back and high backed leather chairs to the left and right of the door, it feels like the den you’ve always wanted. In fact, if you’ve been lucky enough to drink a pint at a pub in England, you might think you’re there again. You’ll soon notice that there are no bar stools at Mahar’s. Years ago Mahar noted that stools impeded the traffi c fl ow at his small Madison Avenue location so he re-moved them. Not only did this solve the problem but, being the keen observer of people which his profession demands, he concluded that standing allows for more social-izing, especially between people who’ve likely never met. At fi rst I didn’t believe this logic, but the longer I was there, the more I noticed people interacting with the folks around them, not just the person on the bar stool next to them. Interestingly, because of a misplaced sign, Mahar’s has mistakenly been called Mahar’s ‘Public Bar’ ever since it opened. But by removing the stools and having everyone stand at the bar as equals, the ‘law of unintended consequence’ prevailed and Ma-har’s truly became a ‘Public Bar’. Mahar has seen his Castleton

business grow steadily since opening day. Not only does the concept draw people, but just having Jim Mahar pouring beer brings them in from near and far. And if you’re hungry, get ready to choose from a small, but diverse menu that includes such fare as steak and kidney pie, chick-en and leek pie or spaghetti with lamb sauce. Local Castletonian Tommy Clinton claims he’s ‘learned a ton from Jim’ when he stops in to chat and add a beer or two to his ‘tour’ total. Even Bethlehem resident Mark Fitzsimmons, Mahar’s self-professed ‘House Librarian’, travels from across the river to grab a pint every so often. He’s known Jim Mahar for some time and said that when he left Madison Avenue to con-centrate on running the Castleton loca-tion, Mark felt that something was miss-ing. He was also proud to tell me that at one time or another, four generations of Fitzsimmons’s, including his adult children he was enjoying the evening with, has bel-lied up to the bar at Mahar’s. While every town has a bar with its loyal following, there are few places I know of that can rival the atmosphere at Mahar’s. Make it a point to stop in sometime soon and join the ‘tour’. As you walk through the door there’s a good chance you’ll be greet-ed warmly by Jim Mahar. If you’re a beer enthusiast, it’s nearly guaranteed that his selection will please you and if don’t know the diff erence between a hop and malt, Jim Mahar will gladly off er the neophyte a lesson on the world’s oldest prepared bev-erage as he pours the fi rst beer on your tour. You’ll be back. I guarantee it.

1. What player has won the most Super Bowl MVP awards with three? a) Troy Aikman b) Terry Bradshaw c) Jerry Rice d) Joe Montana

2. Who is the only player to have won Super Bowl MVP on a losing team a) Roger Staubach b) Kurt Warner c) Chuck Howley d) Jake Delhomme

3. What coach has taken a team to the most Super Bowls? a) Chuck Noll b) Don Shula c) Tom Landry d) Joe Gibbs

4. Where was the first Super Bowl held? a) New Orleans b) Miami c) Los Angeles d) Phoenix

5. What player has appeared in the most Super Bowls? a) Roger Staubach b) Terry Bradshaw c) Mike Lodish d) Jerry Rice

*answers on the bottom of page 30

SUPERBOWL TRIVIA compliments of MY PLACE & CO

Local Hidden Gems: MAHARS, Castleton

30 January 2012

Large menu including:Subs, Sandwiches, Burgers, Wings, Fried Chicken, Cheese Steaks and much much more!

Hours:M-W 10am-8pm;TH-F 10am-9pm;Sat 10am-8pm;Closed Sunday

43 Mall West Sand Lake, NY | 518.674.3373

WEEKLYSPECIALS!

Recipe of Recipe of the Monththe Month

DELICIOUS CHICKEN WING DIPCompliments of Heather Galib

1 package of Philadelphia cream cheese½ cup light ranch salad dressing

½ cup Frank’s Red Hot2 large cans of chicken

Shredded cheddar

Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of glassware for baking

Place the chicken on top of the cream cheeseMix the ranch and hot sauce

together and pour over the chickenSprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Mix all together before serving

Dip with your favorite chips or veggies !

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32 January 2012

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