CLIFTON PARK AN EXCLUSIVE MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR RESIDENTS Living At Dianne Hellert Studio the Music is All Around Cover photo by Mark Morand, Mainframe Photography January 2015 1 (cid:30)e(cid:28) (cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23) (cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:20)il (cid:26) eve(cid:23) (cid:21)(cid:17)(cid:28)e(cid:23) (cid:16)e(cid:15)in at the Fairways of Halfmoon Th e hidden gem of Southern Saratoga County! Call 664-1578 for njoy country elegance with mountain views, outdoor ceremonies and a (cid:31) patio with a fi re pit overlooking our championship golf course. Also new in Reservations 2014, enjoy a beautiful fi replace in our gorgeous ballroom and fi ne dining Presently booking for from our professional wait staff with award winning Executive Chef Peter 2015 & 2016 Topian, a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America. 17 Johnson Road, Mechanicville, NY 12118 Like us on Facebook or visit us at fairwaysofhalfmoon.com 2 CLIFTON PARK Living CLIFTON PARK Dear Residents, Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of Clifton Park Living magazine! Clifton Park Living is an exclusive monthly magazine for residents and a new resource for the community to announce events, share stories and let others know about what’s going on around town. I would first like to thank all of the founding advertisers who have made PUBLICATION TEAM this magazine possible. Clifton Park has an amazingly strong community and this has definitely come through loud and clear with all of the early involvement, from article PUBLISHER Jessie Riley contributions to businesses supporting the magazine. CONTENT COORDINATOR Jenna Caputo Throughout the year, I hope to bring residents, nonprofit organizations and businesses DESIGNER Kelly Anderson together to create a magazine that adds value to Clifton Park. One of the main goals of CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER the magazine is to help you get to know who’s living down your block, up the street Mark Morand, Mainframe Photography and around the corner. In this first issue we have featured a little bit of something for CONTRIBUTORS everyone – a feature article on Dianne Hellert, an accomplished musician who recently Pete Bardunias, opened a Yamaha Music School in Clifton Park, a history column by Clifton Park historian The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County John Scherer, a motivating health and wellness column courtesy of Ellis Hospital, an John Scherer, Clifton Park Historian artist spotlight from the Saratoga Arts Council and an inspirational article by Pierre Ann Cocca, Clifton Park Library Zimmerman, a Buddhist who leads mindfulness-based stress reduction clinics. Each Elizabeth Dubben, Saratoga Arts Council month, you’ll also learn something new by reading Ann Cocca’s column from the Clifton Anne Jones, R.N., C.B.N., Ellis Medicine’s Bariatric Care Center Park Library and you’ll meet new business owners after Pete Bardunias at the Chamber Pierre Zimmerman, One Big Roof of Southern Saratoga County welcomes them to the neighborhood. Lastly, we’ll always feature interesting events to keep you informed about what’s happening throughout the ADVERTISING month. I hope all of these articles will help you ring in 2015 on a happy, positive note. Contact: Jessie Riley Phone: (917) 455-2461 Email: [email protected] Other articles in upcoming issues throughout the year might include a book review, home remodeling tips, wedding announcements, a nonprofit volunteer spotlight, a COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Have feedback? New ideas? We would be happy section on youth sports, delicious homemade recipes and more. What would you like to hear from you! Please contact Jenna Caputo at to read about? Do you have an article idea for any of these topics or one that I didn’t [email protected] for information on how to submit ideas, articles, updates, mention? We are open to your suggestions. If you have a story idea that you would like reminders, events, high-resolution photos and to submit for consideration for publication, please email the Clifton Park Living content more. We will do our best to include as much community information as we can within our coordinator, Jenna Caputo, at [email protected]. She is currently collecting space limitations. articles for the March and April magazines. MAGAZINE DEADLINES It’s a new year and a new chance to create positive growth in your own life and for Please submit your content by the 10th of each others in the community. I invite you to share your accomplishments, your dreams, your month. work and your lives with your neighbors. This is Clifton Park Living will usually arrive in your mail- your magazine – for you, by you and about you – so box within the first week of every month. Dates may vary depending on the post office. please don’t be shy in contributing to its growth. We Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements welcome you! and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners Cheers to a happy, healthy and prosperous new associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any year! content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2015 Best Version Media. All rights reserved. Jessie Riley © 2015 Best Version Media Publisher IMPORTANT TOWN PHONE NUMBERS Town Supervisor Phil Barrett ................371-6651 Town Court, 5 Municipal Plaza ..............371-6668 Parks and Recreation Director Town Board Members ............................371-6651 Community Development Director Myla Kramer ............................................371-6667 Animal Control Officer ...........................371-6756 Barb McHugh ..........................................371-6651 Planning Director John Scavo ..............371-6054 Town Attorney Tom McCarthy ..............371-6651 Town Comptroller Mark Heggen ..........371-6651 Receiver of Taxes Lorraine Varley .........371-5720 Assessor Walter Smead ........................371-6460 Storm Water Management Technician Director of Safety and Security Building & Development Director Scott Reese ..............................................371-6054 Lou Pasquarel..........................................348-7311 Steve Myers ............................................371-6702 Director of Communications & Tech Town Security Officers ...........................369-6651 Building & Grounds Director Dahn Bull .................................................371-6651 Sewer Director Mike O’Brien ................348-7313 Mike Handerhan .....................................371-6651 Highway Superintendent Transfer Station Supervisor Town Clerk Pat O’Donnell......................371-6681 Rick Kukuk ...............................................371-7310 Jeff Vedder ...............................................371-6669 If the person you wish to reach is not on the list above, please call 371-6651 to speak to a receptionist who will direct your call to the appropriate individual or department. The Town’s office buildings are open from Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding holidays. The Town Clerk’s Office is open until 7pm every Thursday. The Building and Parks and Recreation Departments are open at 8am Monday through Friday. January 2015 3 HISTORY The Man Behind the Photographs By John L. Scherer, Clifton Park Historian Store and post office, southwest Many of the early photographic views of corner of Old Route 146 (Fire Clifton Park are actually postcards. Postcard Road) and Route 9, Clifton Park views were introduced to the American Village postcard view by Parker public about 1900, and by 1905 were all Goodfellow, c. 1910. Note the the rage. Views of major attractions, large photographer’s motorcycle is parked against the porch. The little cities, main streets and local communities shop on the right is an ice cream abounded. Such postcard views were used parlor, and the building only by visitors or local residents to write brief partially visible beyond that is a notes to family and friends. Although these harness shop. early postcards originally sold for pennies, Many of Goodfellow’s journeys were made on foot. He today they are very collectable, and depending on the view would walk to such places as Albany and Troy. Sometimes and location, an early postcard could sell for five or even ten he hired a horse and buggy for longer trips. By 1912 he dollars. had purchased a motorcycle that made travel much easier. The Clifton Park postcard views were all photographed In fact, if one looks carefully you can see Goodfellow’s by Parker Goodfellow of Schenectady. He was born in 1885 motorcycle parked in the background in some of the Clifton and started taking pictures as a hobby. However, when Park postcards. He certainly got around, for between 1906 Goodfellow found that he could make a living with his and 1918, he photographed more than 32,000 views. Poco glass plate camera, he decided to go into the postcard These postcard views would then be offered to hotels business. He began his career as a freelance photographer and stores in the form of numbered samples, so quantities in 1906, when he started to travel throughout the state could be ordered by view number. Many of the views were snapping views for his postcards. of the hotels and stores themselves. These postcards were then retailed to customers. Selling places in Clifton Park included stores in Vischer Ferry, Jonesville, Elnora, Clifton Hotel, Main Street and MacElroy Road, Jonesville postcard view by Parker Goodfellow, c. 1910. James Jones constructed this hotel along the Waterford-Saratoga Turnpike about 1820, and it was as a stop on the turnpike that the village developed. The hotel burned down in 1915. The name on the sign is “Fitzgerald’s,” probably one of the last owners. Park Village, Grooms Corners and Rexford. Postcards could also be purchased at hotels in Vischer Ferry, Jonesville, Rexford and Clifton Park Village. All of these places are featured on Goodfellow’s postcard views. We are fortunate, indeed, that Parker Goodfellow ENROLLING NOW CLASSES BEGIN JAN.24 discovered Clifton Park on his journeys; his views have Clifton Park Center Mall | 22 Clifton Country Rd | Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.630.6455 | captured moments in history that would otherwise have www.hellertschool.com | [email protected] n been lost. 4 CLIFTON PARK Living COMMUNITY CORNER Traditions and Resolutions The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Phillipp By Ann Cocca, Librarian Assistant, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Sendker The start of the New Year has on a peacock and vow to renew their ill-fortune and many people making promises and commitment to chivalry. make way for resolutions of self-improvement, but During Jewish New Year, Rosh incoming good have you ever Hashanah through Yom luck. Decorations wondered where Kippur (the Day of Atone- celebrate good for- this tradition ment), one is to reflect upon tune, happiness, wealth and longevity. started? As with one’s transgressions and What does all of this have to do with many holidays and both seek and offer for- the library? In the spirit of renewal traditions, their giveness. This is similar to and lifelong learning, the library has roots can be traced the fasting period of Lent, the materials, classes and resources to back to ancient Time is precious. Make 2015 count. observed by many Chris- pursue new endeavors and interests rituals and religious origins. tians, and is focused on sacrifice. This regardless of subject matter. Why The ancient Babylonians made practice can also possess an element of not make a family trip to the library promises to their gods at the start self-improvement. a regular outing, not just a visit for a of each year that they would return Chinese New Year is an important special program or when there is a big borrowed items school project. Can Two Towns – One Book, Clifton Park & Halfmoon Read! Organizers are and pay their debts. you think of another planning great programs and events surrounding the book The Art of Roman ancestors place that the whole Hearing Heartbeats written by Jan-Phillipp Sendker. Programs will begin celebrated Janus, family can enjoy in January and run through May. The goal of a community-wide reading the god of new program is to bring people in our community together through the shared at the same time? beginnings who reading and discussion of a common book. The choices inspire rich Spend time together had two faces, one discussion and community activities and encourage younger readers to browsing books, looking into the participate through companion books and related activities. Check it out! music or DVDs. past the other to the Bottom line – that’s a future. The month of January is named traditional holiday honoring dei- resolution we all can keep. in his honor. Janus also symbolized ties and family ancestors. Though Visit the library to pick up a current the values of home, family, friendship traditions and customs vary greatly program brochure or visit www. and civilization. At the end of the throughout China, there are many sim- cphlibrary.org to view the online Christmas season, medieval knights ilarities. For example, families thor- Calendar of Events to see what’s n were required to place their hands oughly clean the house to sweep away happening! Call TODAY for Spring & Summer Projects pools · masonry · carpentry · outdoor kitchens · garden design W W W. R E D B U D D E V E L O P M E N T. C O M residential landscape design · construction management 518.691.0428 January 2015 5 Music is all around us – whether if you play or not, people love to listen to music. –Dianne Hellert Dianne Hellert recently opened one of only three of New York State’s Yamaha Music Schools. COVER STORY Dianne Hellert Music is All Around The Haetl ltehret SCtluifdtoion iPs alorcka Cteedn taetr C Mlaarlkl .Music By Jenna E. Caputo “I can’t imagine what I would have and competitions, often winning. At into art instead and was worried about done if I didn’t play music.” Dianne only 8 years old, she performed once telling her mom. She didn’t want her Hellert’s whole life is music – literally. a month on WMVO radio in Ohio. At to be upset. However, Dianne quickly The oldest of three children, Dianne the age of 10, she studied with teachers realized that music was her destiny was born and raised on a poultry farm at Otterbein College and Ohio State and went on to obtain her degree in in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. Her mom was a University. By sixth grade, she was music education/piano pedagogy at classical pianist, teacher, performer the church organist. At 15, she played Capital University. In her “spare” time, and accompanist to several Hollywood Tchaikovsky as the soloist with the she was the assistant director of the stars (including Phyllis Diller), so Mansfield Ohio Symphony Orchestra. 350 voice All-Ohio Youth Choir. music was around Dianne from the Interested in all music, Dianne To help pay for school, Dianne day she was born. Dianne started the joined her high school select choir, modeled and entered beauty piano at age 3 with perfect pitch and which went on to tour Europe. At the competitions. She made it as far as Miss quickly excelled. Her mother was an time, it was rare for high school choirs Ohio runner-up in the Miss America integral part in her education, and to have that honor. But despite her love preliminaries. These experiences Dianne began playing in talent shows of music, Dianne thought she would go resulted in increasing her confidence 6 CLIFTON PARK Living – confidence that she would need to needed more time succeed in her future music career. to practice (lessons Dianne met her husband John were 90 minutes during college and moved to New away, one way). If York when John landed a new job. she said yes, she She completed her graduate work at didn’t have to gather SUNY Potsdam and began her new the eggs that day. life. Teaching K-12 in various school “Piano shouldn’t be districts for many years, while also still a punishment – ‘If performing with organizations like the you don’t practice, Philadelphia Orchestra and the ASID you can’t go to convention in Washington, D.C., she football.’ It should Teacher Daisy Lin with Clifton Park Yamaha Music School students saw an ad looking for teachers for the be a reward – ‘If you (Left to right): Alexander, Age 5; Qishuo, Age 6; Robby, Age 6; Jason, Yamaha School of Music and decided practice, you don’t Age 4; Nimarika, Age 4; My-Xzao, Age 6. to become certified. need to mow the music, but also teaches the foundations While out on maternity leave, she lawn today.’ Make it a choice where it of music in general. “Music is one of the changed her focus to just piano lessons will always be a winner and a positive earliest ways to communicate,” Dianne and since has taught close to 2000 experience.” says. “Any child will gravitate toward students in Clifton Park so far. The As much as music is her life a piano – it is a natural instinct. Music walls of her studio are covered with (Dianne also plays clarinet, saxophone, stimulates the brain and is a stimulus pictures of old recital programs and pipe organ and writes original to move.” Some of her prior students her past students, some of whom have compositions, as well as serving as the are now teachers at her studio, which gone on to graduate from Julliard, church choir director and organist), currently teaches over 250 students a Berklee, the Royal Academy of Music her life isn’t all about music. Dianne week. There are programs for adults and many others. still loves art, and when time allows, and children of all ages. Dianne didn’t want to just teach works on her painting, woodcarving Dianne has a long list of piano; she wanted to instill the love and sewing. She has a passion for accomplishments, but when she’s of music into her students as well. She sports cars and was the proud owner asked to pick her favorite, her answer couldn’t understand why a student of a Porsche 911 until dealing with is the most simple and pure of them all wouldn’t enjoy a song from a new winter driving became too much. She – “I get to sit down and play whatever composer that she was very excited also never listens to music while she’s I want whenever I want. I feel very about. She started noticing a pattern driving. It is her time to take a break proud that I was able to take that to the as to which songs students liked based and clear her head so she can really next level. Piano can be very lonesome on if they were more adept at Math or pay attention to it while she’s working. – you are often stuck practicing in a English. She decided to do some study A resident of the Capital District remote corner of the house by yourself. on the brain and found out that there for over 30 years now, Dianne likes Going from that little single piano was indeed a correlation between right to travel around the region with her teacher, to having others work with versus left brain people and what husband to the many local attractions me and be able to watch everything composers they enjoy. Dianne is a right for day trips. Her son and daughter blossom in size and continue to grow brain person, so once she figures out both attended Shen schools, and is so fulfilling. I was able to make this which way her students are, she gives Dianne often was the accompanist into a full studio and I get to watch my right-brained students predominantly for the musicals. Her music studio, students of all ages enjoy many aspects composers that she herself likes, and The Hellert Studio in Clifton Park, of music and succeed because of it!” left brainers things she doesn’t enjoy. has recently opened a Yamaha Music Dianne’s New Year’s resolution? It works. “Every student has to have School program. “Be happy. Think positive. I believe a balance, though, so I will give them The Yamaha School has been in the in the law of attraction – keep good about 75% of what they like and we’ll U.S. since 1961 and has over 600,000 things in your mind, so good things study the other composers the rest of students worldwide, but what really n can continue to happen.” the time.” makes it prestigious are the teachers. Do you know a neighbor who has a story She also encourages parents to Each prospective teacher has to go to share? Nominate your neighbor to be always make piano the winner. She through a brutal music test before they featured in one of our upcoming issues! first learned this technique from can be offered the job. The program Contact us at jcaputo@bestversionmedia. her father. He would ask her if she doesn’t just teach the student to play com. January 2015 7 HEALTH & WELLNESS New Year, New You By Anne Jones, R.N., C.B.N., Ellis Medicine’s Bariatric Care Center Okay, enough with the New you want to eat a variety of foods from Exercise Year’s resolutions that go absolutely the main food groups that are high in The winter nowhere. Make 2015 the year things nutrients. Additionally, be sure to keep months tend Anne Jones, R.N., C.B.N. change for you by understanding unhealthy things like saturated and to keep us that the answers to better health are trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, indoors more, so it does take some extra actually quite simple. salt and alcohol to a minimum. You effort to exercise. Consider walking at should also stay away from the “diet” the local mall and exercising in your No Secrets – It’s Common Sense mentality. Don’t think of it as having home with a treadmill or to a workout There is no magic pill or magic to be on a “diet.” The changes you are video that suits your level of activity. wand out there to help you lose making are for a healthy lifestyle for Standard guidelines suggest adults weight. In order to lose weight, you life. should engage in at least 30 minutes have to consume less calories than Define your long-term goals and of moderate physical activity on you burn, which means eat less and then start by making small changes. most days of the week. 60 minutes of exercise more. Success will come if you start small. moderate to higher intensity activity Aim to make one tweak a day: add a on most days of the week, while not Diet new fruit to breakfast; skip your pre- exceeding caloric intake requirements “Everything in moderation, dinner cocktail; or use a smaller plate will provide greater health benefits including moderation,” as Oscar at a buffet. and better weight management for Wilde once said, are words to live by, Some people have to ask themselves most people. You should consult your especially when it comes to diet and if they are using food as a coping doctor before you begin any new exercise exercise. mechanism to deal with stress in their routine to ensure it’s safe for you. The skinny on a proper diet can lives. If the answer is ‘yes,’ you should be found at choosemyplate.gov and talk with your doctor or possibly see a When All Else Fails… by talking with your doctor, among a counselor to help you better deal with Sometimes obesity cannot be myriad of other sources. Essentially, the underlying problem. treated by diet and exercise alone. For people who are severely obese and can’t lose weight by traditional FIT TIPS methods or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems, • Get motivated. Keep yourself motivated during your weight loss journey weight loss surgery may be a viable by doing the “write thing.” Writing down your weight loss goals reinforces option. Visit ellismedicine.org for more them in your mind. information about our comprehensive, • Want it. Another “stick with it strategy” is to use the word “want” instead nationally recognized weight loss of “should.” Saying you “should” do something, like exercise, implies that surgery program. you feel the activity is a burden. Telling yourself you want to work out or you want to eat less is the better approach. What Are You Waiting For? • Shop the Perimeter. When grocery shopping, stick to the outside walls So are you ready to make 2015 the of the store to get the freshest, healthiest foods. The packaged, less healthy year you get healthier? Before you food choices tend to be kept in the aisles in between. answer, consider what good health is • Wear a Pedometer. A pedometer can actually prompt you to be more worth to you? Better yet, ponder what active. Aim for 2,000 steps per day, and work up to 10,000. Consult your n is more valuable than your health. physician before beginning any new physical activity. • Protein first! Gram for gram, protein has the same number of calories as For more information about nutrition carbohydrates and half the fat, but takes longer to digest, so you feel full services, including programs available longer. Include a serving of lean protein with each meal and snack. at the Ellis Medicine’s Medical Center of • Stop Smoking. The adverse health effects for smokers are staggering. Clifton Park, visit ellismedicine.org or call Sign up for a smoking cessation class (ellismedicine.org) or call the NYS 518-243-4345. Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). 8 CLIFTON PARK Living WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? CHOOSE THE TOP 3 REASONS PEOPLE CAN’T LOSE WEIGHT: CHICKEN WINGS SWEETS FAD DIETS DIDN’T WORK - WAITING FOR A MIRACLE CURE STRESSED OUT BINGE WATCHING NETFLIX IT’S A GENETIC THING CAN’T DO IT ALONE ALLERGIC TO EXERCISE LOSING WEIGHT IS HARD LET US HELP. Call 844-518-DOCS See the answers at ellismedicine.org/weightloss January 2015 9 EEnneerrggyy SSaavviinngg Lighting Design Lighting Design for the Aging Eye Serving All of Your Electrical Needs 518-895-9066 www.ecosunandpowersystems.com Licensed Insured Electrical Contractor 10 CLIFTON PARK Living