Sunday, March 31
Art in the unusual
‘Some Assembly Required’ features multi-media collages from 16 artists
The latest exhibit displayed at the Albany International Airport Gallery, “Some Assembly Required,” shows a variety of ways contemporary artists interpret the process of collage by combining different media.
Saturday, March 30
Beyond the band
Guilderland grad recognized for her artful, sustainable jewelry
Corrina Goutos, a Guilderland High School graduate, recently received an award for her conceptual jewelry piece “Lim(b)itless” at the 24th Annual NICHE Awards, which is held by NICHE magazine.
Friday, March 29
State Police to focus on ‘Move Over Law’
Law enforcement to hold weeklong increased enforcement of traffic safety
State Police will heighten “Move Over Law” enforcement efforts from Monday, April 1, to Sunday, April 7, in an attempt to reduce speed-related crashes and protect roadside worker.
‘Development’ key word in Glenmont
Housing, shopping, traffic on minds of residents and town officials
Many in Bethlehem see the Glenmont area as primed for growth, but some who live there told town officials at a recent community forum they are concerned about the rate of development in the hamlet, and with the traffic that comes along with it
Play’s set is something special
Loudonville actor takes over production of ‘Drums Along the Mohawk’
This summer, Loudonville actor/producer Steven O’Connor will be the director of Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama. Emphasizing New York State’s relevance to the American Revolution, for the second year in a row DAMOD will showcase a historical fiction play before a live audience directly on the soil where the action took place hundreds of years ago.
Men allegedly found with loaded pistol
Police arrested two men who were allegedly found to have with a loaded pistol during a traffic stop on Albany Street in Colonie, on Sunday, March 17.
Thursday, March 28
Hit-and-run driver sentenced
A Bethlehem man who admitted to running down an Albany resident more than a year ago will be spending time in prison.
Guilderland budget cuts questioned
Students, parents plead to keep assistant coaches and enrichment
The two cuts proposed by Guilderland school officials causing the most concern among meeting attendees Wednesday, March 20, were dropping the middle school enrichment program and eliminating assistant coaching positions.
Albany man arrested for counterfeit bills
Bethlehem police arrested an Albany man Wednesday, March 20, after he allegedly attempted to use counterfeit money at a Mr. Subb in Glenmont.
Police: Impaired driver causes car crash
Bethlehem police arrested an Albany man and charged him with driving while ability impaired by drugs after he allegedly crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into another driver.
Cartography takes center stage
Rare historical maps on display at two historical Colonie locations
Running through May 5, the Historical Society of the Town of Colonie and the Albany County Historical Association are sponsoring the “Rare Historic Colonial Maps Exhibit” at the Pruyn House in Latham and King’s Place in Albany. More than 70 pieces are hanging in the two historic buildings, including maps ranging from the 1750s and 1760s depicting early colonies and drawings from the Revolutionary War, French and Indian War and Fort Ticonderoga.
Wood frog’s awakening signals spring
The first time I heard the wood frog (Rana sylvatica), I thought, “Oh no, someone is strangling ducks in the pond!”
Wednesday, March 27
Ramping up wellness
Voorheesville holds Wellness Day to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle
Voorheesville Central School District’s Wellness Committee held its second Wellness Day at the high school and middle school Thursday, March 21, which was kicked off with BMX riders soaring into the air off a ramp in the gymnasium.
EDITORIAL: When it comes to music, keep it up, Colonie
This editorial appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of Colonie Spotlight.
POV: Look for the ‘36’ in the dairy aisle
This Point of View column appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of the Colonie Spotlight.
LETTER: Public comment: Your right to speak, but not to be heard
This letter appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Keep out School’s Out
This letter appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: A thank you to Bethlehem voters
This letter appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: BCCF’s March Madness a success
This letter appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Keep the Rail Trail clean for all
This letter appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Sports poll: Which boys lacrosse team will win the Suburban Council South Division title?
This week, we're focusing on the race for the Suburban Council South Division boys lacrosse title.
Boys lacrosse preview: Conquering the South
Guilderland’s first goal is to repeat as divisional champions
At Guilderland, winning the Suburban Council South Division boys lacrosse title is the first priority.
Boys lacrosse preview: Eagles want to turn last year’s struggles into wins
Bethlehem relying on younger players to guide team through Suburban Council season
With maturity comes wins. That’s the formula the Bethlehem boys lacrosse team plans to use for the upcoming season.
Boys lacrosse preview: Brothers reach for the top
CBA wants to become first non-Suburban Council team to win Class A title
Last year, the Christian Brothers Academy lacrosse team came close to making history.
Boys lacrosse preview: Cautious optimism at Shaker
Several key players return to aid Bison in pursuit of title
Things are looking up for the Shaker boys lacrosse team.
Boys lacrosse preview: Only way to go is up
Colonie seeks improvement from 3-13 record in 2012
The way coach Mike Joyce sees it, the Colonie boys lacrosse team can only go up from its 3-13 season in 2012.
Colonie music gets national recognition
North and South Colonie districts selected among best communities for music education
Both North and South Colonie school districts have been recognized as two of the best districts at which to receive a music education nationwide.
Dick’s confirmed for Shoppes
Sporting good retailer first new business to join Latham Circle revitalization project
As the old Latham Circle Mall is destroyed, the first new tenant for the shopping center that will replace it has come forward: Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Tech tenant taxes a hot topic
Decision delayed on abatement for Breonics, potential Vista occupant
An expected decision on tax breaks for the first tech tenant at the Vista Technology Campus was delayed when the developer couldn’t make an Industrial Development Agency meeting.
Colonial Acres operator steps forward
Connecticut golf pro wants to make golf accessible at town course
After less than three months of searching, the Town of Bethlehem may soon have a deal in place to lease operation of the Colonial Acres Golf Course to a PGA golf professional.
Tuesday, March 26
Stitching together
Costume designer to teach group sewing classes to kids
To costume designer Amelia Dombrowski, cultivating the imagination is an important building block in a child’s life.
'They don't make them like that anymore'
Former Republican chair remembered for his love of town, family, life
For those who knew him well, Harry D’Agostino was more than a longtime Colonie Republican party leader. He was a father figure.
Monday, March 25
Steakhouse sets its sights on Wolf Road
Planning Board sees no problems with LongHorn’s initial presentation
Sketch plans for a LongHorn Steakhouse were presented to the Colonie Planning Board on Tuesday, March 12. The 6,266-square-foot restaurant would be the first of its chain to make its way to the Capital District – the nearest franchise is in Newburgh – and it would settle in at 206-208 Wolf Road, next to the Best Western Hotel.
Friday, March 22
Comic timing
Voorheesville workshop takes a graphic approach to storytelling
Elementary students were creating their own characters instead of reading about them Friday, March 15, at Voorheesville Public Library Friday, during a workshop hosted by Matthew Laiosa.
Students show love for NOLA
Group from St. Rose spends spring break in Big Easy repairing homes
Though the world’s attention was fixated on New Orleans in 2005, in the years that followed the spotlight shifted elsewhere. But for Ashley Hartman, a sophomore studying communication sciences and disorders at The College of St. Rose, out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind.
Thursday, March 21
Town pols make announcements
Clarkson will seek another term, while Kotary will step down after eight years
While Bethlehem Supervisor John Clarkson is starting his re-election campaign, Councilman Kyle Kotary has announced he will not be running for his seat in November.
Colonie grad lays down voice for school system
Rapper B. Martin’s ‘SUNY Anthem’ racks up views on YouTube
Brendan Martin turned his words into positive messages and not too long after graduating UAlbany 2010, and he showed off his skills to the entire SUNY system by writing “The SUNY Anthem,” released on YouTube on Feb. 27.
Wednesday, March 20
Sports poll: Which girls lacrosse team has the best chance to win the Suburban Council?
Lacrosse was your pick as the spring sport you're looking forward to in last week's poll. And as luck would have it, lacrosse is the first sport out of the gate, as its season begins next Thursday with a full slate of Suburban Council games
UPDATE: Porco movie to air as planned
Lifetime Network fought decision to keep made-for-TV movie from airwaves
The Lifetime Network movie about the Christopher Porco murder case set to air this weekend will air as planned after the 29-year-old subject obtained an emergency court order to halt its premier.
Lady Dutch enter uncharted land
League landscape shifts underneath Guilderland with coaching changes
The Guilderland girls lacrosse team is going to encounter a reshaped Suburban Council landscape in 2013.
Another change at Bethlehem
Rehfuss becomes third girls lax coach in as many years
The Bethlehem girls lacrosse team is starting this season with a big change at head coach.
New faces for reigning champs
DePaula takes over a young Shaker squad pursuing another title
Much has changed with the Shaker girls lacrosse team since it lost to Section V’s Penfield 5-4 in last year’s state semifinals.
Riitano brings new attitude to Colonie lacrosse
First-year coach seeks to turn around struggling program
Gina Riitano doesn’t want to hear about the past or think about the future.
EDITORIAL: New York: We can do better than No. 1
This editorial appeared in the March 20, 2013, edition of Colonie Spotlight. It also appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
POV: SUNY facing a critical crossroads
This Point of View column appeared in the March 20, 2013, edition of the Colonie Spotlight. It also appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
EDITORIAL: Scheduling dilemma a true lose-lose
This editorial appeared in the March 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Slow down and save a life in Elsmere
This letter appeared in the March 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Fire departments have done much with study
An abridged version of this letter appeared in the March 20, 2013, edition of The Spotlight. This is the unabridged version of that letter.
Demolition begins on Latham Circle Mall
Demolition began Tuesday, March 12, on the rundown Latham Circle Mall, paving the way for construction for The Shoppes at Latham Circle.
Target age subject of apartment review
Murray Manor Apartments would be for 55-and-up
Members of the Colonie Planning Board have reservations about an apartment complex proposed to be built on Boght Road after learning the developer’s intended tenant demographic.
Students extend a helping hand
Blue Creek classes collect books, PJs for Parsons Center Head Start kids
Charitable donations tend to skyrocket during the holiday season, but they’re also traditionally followed by a lull when the snow starts to melt. But for programs like the Parsons Child & Family Center’s Early Head Start, assistance is needed year-round.
Tuesday, March 19
Single polling place for vote
Bethlehem board sets referendum to remove highway superintendent job
On Wednesday, March 13, board members passed a resolution setting up the procedures for a referendum on the abolishment of the superintendent of highways position. The vote will take place on Tuesday, April 30, at Town Hall from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Altamont eyes $2M budget
Village holds first budget workshop, reviews department requests
The Village Board of Trustees held its first budget workshop Tuesday, March 12, focusing on public works, police and fire departments and the Altamont Free Library budget requests. Trustees didn’t offer any proposed reductions, but simply reviewed what’s requested within the general fund appropriations.
Cops: Bethlehem teen arrested for punching officer
Fight occurred after Albany St. Patrick's Day parade
A Bethlehem teen was arrested following the St. Patrick's Day parade in Albany for allegedly punching an officer in the face, while police worked to break up a fight .
Monday, March 18
New Scotland advances proactive rezoning plan
Town considers zoning changes to fit landscape and community
New Scotland has more than 515 acres zoned for industrial use, but industry isn’t exactly booming in the rural town. The industrial classification stems from land’s proximity to the railroad tracks, but a significant portion isn’t suited for large industrial usage.
Planning Board talks CAP COM traffic
Colonie seeks connector road to relieve Wolf Road traffic
The Colonie Planning Board is asking engineers working on a new CAP COM Federal Credit Union headquarters off of Wolf Road to find the best solution to reduce traffic congestion.
Saturday, March 16
Café gets touch of the Irish
St. Patrick’s Day the theme for family-friendly Café Malta performances
Elyse Young is once again bringing cafe-style entertainment to Malta, but this time it has a touch of the Irish.
Friday, March 15
Such a thing as free lunch in Reubenville
Town of Coeymans wins national contest by altering its name for a month
The Town of Coeymans has won the Arby’s “Reubenville Challenge” by changing the name of the municipality for a month.
Years later, fearless service recognized
Beltrone resident’s WWII volunteerism acknowledged by Red Cross award
Shirley Sheriff was honored as a 2013 Legacy recipient by the American Red Cross Northeastern New York Region on Thursday, March 7, for her humanitarian efforts during the war.
Pedaling with a purpose
Two Guilderland ‘Red Riders’ prepare for Tour de Cure
Pedaling for 50 miles on a bicycle would be an accomplishment for most, but for an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, it is about more than just the ride.
Lawmaker ticketed for pot possession in Coeymans
State Police arrested a state assemblyman and charged him with unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop on the Thruway in Coeymans on Tuesday, March 12.
Thursday, March 14
FBI arrests suspected Guilderland bank robbers
The FBI has arrested two men who allegedly robbed several banks, including two branches in Guilderland.
Delays expected at Colonie roundabout
Town of Colonie officials are urging motorists to avoid the roundabout at Maxwell and Albany-Shaker roads this evening into tomorrow morning, as workers repair a sewer force main.
Boys swimming: Zemering takes his place in school history
Junior becomes second Bethlehem swimmer to win a state title
Winning a state title is impressive, but even more impressive when won from lane eight.
How do you spell community? B-E-E
Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited holds event, invites town
Bethlehem Opportunities Unlimited is sponsoring its inaugural Community Spelling Bee on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m.
Voorheesville schools facing $440k budget gap
Proposed cuts forthcoming, two bus purchases eyed for referendum
It remains to be seen how deeply $440,000 worth of cuts will affect the Voorheesville Central School District, as administrators consider how to stay within a tax cap of a 3.87 percent increase.
Police: Man charged with criminal sex acts against 15-year-old
A 32-year-old Colonie man was arrested Wednesday for criminal sex acts against a 15-year-old male, Colonie police said.
Wednesday, March 13
Albany County Sheriff knocks SAFE Act
Local authorities see benefits and downsides to new gun control law
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple isn’t convinced the SAFE Act will make the streets any safer, despite what the legislation’s acronym implies, but thinks it could turn formerly lawful gun owners into criminals.
EDITORIAL: Kudos (and attention) in order for EMS
This editorial appeared in the March 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Paper provided opportunity
This letter appeared in the March 13, 2013, editions of Spotlight Newspapers.
LETTER: Will the real Mr. McCoy please stand up?
This letter appeared in the March 13, 2013, editions of Spotlight Newspapers.
Sports poll: What spring sport are you looking forward to?
Thanks to all who participated in last week's poll, and congratulations to Troy's Javion Ogunyemi for being selected as the people's choice for Class AA boys basketball player of the year. With that, we say good-bye to the winter sports season and look ahead to the spring sports season.
LETTER: School’s Out a good neighbor
This letter appeared in the March 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Tech company named for Vista
First interested tenant will seek tax breaks, bring 44 jobs
Bethlehem's Vista Technology Campus may soon have its first technology tenant.
Police: Woman arrested for assault on officer
A Schenectady woman was arrested early Wednesday morning after assaulting a police officer, Colonie police said.
Tuesday, March 12
BC voters spilt on bonds
Bethlehem taxpayers decided in favor of funding district-wide facilities upgrades at Tuesday's bond vote, but opted against paying for a new, turf athletic field.
Altamont trustee cautions contingency usage
Village board OKs Wastewater Treatment Plant project change orders
The Altamont Board of Trustees Tuesday authorized two change orders totaling nearly $18,400 for the $3.5 million capital improvement project, which includes installing new equipment.
BC talks teacher, staff layoffs
Another aid cut changes district’s tax cap limit
The Bethlehem Central School District is set to lose an additional $64,400 in state aid after building aid was recalculated for school districts across the state to reflect the lowered interest rates for capital projects.
South Colonie teen spells his way to the top
Ryan Devanandan to travel to Washington, D.C. for national spelling bee
For the third year in a row, South Colonie student Ryan Devanandan found himself standing on the stage of Proctor’s Theatre at the Capital Region Spelling Bee on Tuesday, March 5.
Gun fight comes to Albany County Legislature
Gun rights advocates call on lawmakers to support SAFE Act repeal
Republican Albany County Legislator Deborah Busch presented a proclamation for fellow lawmakers to sign in support of repealing the SAFE Act. At least 14 legislators had signed the proclamation by the end of the meeting.
McCoy: County can meet tax cap by 2015
County executive says consolidation is key to future
County Executive Dan McCoy said in his State of the County Address he wants to keep up momentum built in 2012 by continuing consolidations, establishing more partnerships, seeking ways to save money and making meaningful movement on the county nursing home.
Monday, March 11
Police make arrest in trooper stabbing
Authorities arrested a man who allegedly stabbed a 15-year veteran of the State Police in the concourse of the Empire State Plaza in Albany on Sunday, March 3.
Smith takes first step toward NFL career
Guilderland High School grad impresses NFL scouts at pro day
Drew Smith took another step toward a career in the National Football League.
Raiders roll to bowling title
Colonie fends off East Islip’s rally at state championships
There is a dynasty in the making at Colonie Central High School. The boys bowling team won its second state title in the last three years when it defeated 10 Sectional champions from across New York March 2 in Syracuse.
Mabey’s in Latham to expand storage units
Plans submitted for 400 new units across three buildings on Route 9
Mabey’s Moving and Storage has hopes to expand its location on Route 9 in Latham by roughly 400 storage units in three new buildings.
Saturday, March 9
Story emerges from cocoon
Guilderland student publishes children’s book on Karner Blue
The Pine Bush Saturday, March 9, will celebrate the release of Natasha Permaul’s book about the life cycle of a Karner Blue butterfly. The children’s book started as a seventh-grade science project.
Police: Fugitive found burglarizing Delmar home
Bethlehem police have arrested an Albany man and fugitive after allegedly catching him in the act of burglarizing a Delmar residence.
Friday, March 8
RCS faces $700k budget gap
District wrestling with setting a reasonable tax increase
RCS Superintendent Alan McCartney said the district is trying to estimate an appropriate tax levy increase that would help close the $700,000 budget gap, but not be too much of a burden on taxpayers.
Thursday, March 7
LETTER: Board members back off SAFE Act
This letter is a web exclusive supplementing the March 13, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
Updated: Bethlehem board takes up gun fight
Councilman suggests town officially support SAFE Act
The fierce debate over New York’s new gun law ended up being fought on the local level at a Wednesday, Feb. 27, Bethlehem Town Board meeting, after Councilman Jeffrey Kuhn suggested the board pass a resolution in support of the restrictions.
Job cut question goes to public
Bethlehem board OKs eliminating highway superintendent position
After hearing comments from the public, the Bethlehem Town Board unanimously passed a law abolishing the elected position of highway superintendent on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
Town weighs expanding development notification
Petition circulates to have more neighbors notified of impending projects
Colonie officials are considering an amendment to the town code that would expand neighbor notification requirements for developers after receiving complaints from concerned citizens.
Rachel’s Challenge open to the public
Community-building program comes to BC High School
On Thursday, March 7, Rachel’s Challenge will hold three special programs at Bethlehem Central High School.
Wednesday, March 6
Guilderland schools facing $2.1M budget gap
District proposes eliminating 31 positions, tax cap falls at 3.5% increase
Guilderland Superintendent Marie Wiles presented the district’s draft budget Thursday, Feb. 28, which increases spending by more than $1.5 million, or 1.7 percent, to a total of $90.8 million. Around $2.1 million in cuts are needed for the district to present the 2013-14 budget within its tax cap threshold.
Sports poll: Who is the Section II Class AA boys basketball player of the year?
By your votes, Colonie's Sydnie Rosales eased past Albany's Emia Willingham-Hurst to become your choice for Section II Class AA girls basketball player of the year in last week's poll. Now, we turn our attention to the best boys basketball players in Class AA.
EDITORIAL: Don’t shut out the School’s Out sale
This editorial appeared in the March 6, 2013, editions of Spotlight Newspapers.
Seven tips for the first-time homebuyer in today’s market
Spotlight on Finance
The real estate industry has been much maligned in recent years. That’s not breaking news. In fact, even real estate tycoon Mortimer Zuckerman has lamented the current state of the housing market, stating that “the most critical factor subduing the demand for housing is that home ownership is no longer seen as the great, long-term buildup in equity value it once was.”
POV: Technology: a troubling habit
This Point of View column appeared in the March 6, 2013, editions of Spotlight Newspapers.
Town, police union strike deal
Contract to save $80,000 over three years, union hopes to restore positions
The Town of Bethlehem and its police officer’s union have come to a new contract deal more than one year after the previous contract expired.
LETTER: Many thanks to Bethlehem YMCA
This letter appeared in the March 6, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Find a safer way to cross
This letter appeared in the March 6, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: Safety of artificial turf questioned
This letter appeared in the March 6, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
LETTER: No tax dollars for fake turf
This letter appeared in the March 6, 2013, edition of The Spotlight.
County advocates infant safe sleeping
Albany officials say 12 infants died preventable deaths in past three years
Local health and child welfare officials, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, District Attorney David Soares and the county’s Child Fatality Review Team on Wednesday, March 6, to stress the seriousness of unsafe sleeping with babies and to announce the launch of the “Safe Sleeping” campaign to educate the public on preventing infant deaths.
Crane teachers give hope to music students
SUNY Potsdam faculty visit high school, speak about state of music industry
Several Crane teachers came to Colonie Central High School on Thursday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 1, where they performed and gave advice to students about where they can go with their musical skills. Performances included concerts by the Crane School of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Potsdam Brass Quintet.
Tuesday, March 5
BC talks athletics cuts
Four-level sports could be reduced to three levels, maintenance eyes $94k in reductions
The Bethlehem Board of Education continued 2013-14 budget development on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and discussed the athletics and operations and maintenance budgets. Athletics spending is proposed to increase by almost $26,000, and the operations and maintenance budget would increase $47,000.
Police: Woman mailed drug to boyfriend inmate
A Rome woman is joining her boyfriend in prison after allegedly trying to mail him a controlled substance, according to police.
25 years of stepping up to CF
Stair Climb at the Plaza will take place March 7
Running up 42 flights of stairs will make pretty much anyone out of breath, but for those living with cystic fibrosis, experiencing that tightness in the lungs is just part of a normal day.
Red Cross employee arrested
Police say man sent explicit texts to RCS student
Coeymans police have arrested an American Red Cross employee after he allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to a Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk student after a recent blood drive.
Monday, March 4
Girls basketball: Albany takes down Bethlehem for title
Poor shooting night dooms Lady Eagles in Class AA final
Experience trumped youth in Monday's Section II Class AA girls basketball final at the Times Union Center.
Protesters take aim at gun-control law [photo gallery]
Gun advocates and state legislators call for end of SAFE Act
Thunderous rally cries could be heard coming from Empire State Plaza as gun rights advocates and state legislators campaigned for a repeal of the law.
Police searching for man who stabbed trooper
Authorities are searching for a man that stabbed a 15-year veteran of the State Police in the concourse of the Empire State Plaza in Albany on Sunday afternoon.
Technology turns teaching upside down
North Colonie students watching lectures at home, doing work in class
Since September 2012, 60 North Colonie teachers have started dramatically changing how they teach their courses. Instead of the standard note taking in class and homework outside of class, they are making instructional videos for kids to watch at home and then spending the classroom time doing activities and labs based on the videos. It’s part of a teaching method called Flipped Learning.
Girls basketball: Lady Eagles excited to be part of historic game
Bethlehem meets Albany in first Sectional final at Times Union Center
Bethlehem and Albany will make Section II girls basketball history Monday.
Saturday, March 2
Girls basketball: Ravena's comeback falls short
Demand, Deguire lead Watervliet to sixth title in seven years
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk's bid to send off girls basketball coach Bruce Stott with a Section II Class B title fell short.