JANUARY, 2024 - 518 PROFILES MAGAZINE by 518 Profile Magazine

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JANUARY 2024

Ken Wilson, Equine and Landscape Painter From state trooper to painter and the journey to get there.

pg. 6 PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Stephanie Sittnick COPY EDITOR Elisabeth Allen

Food Flying, Children Laughing, Parties Happening

WEBMASTER Tony Graveheart

This is Sake Restaurant!

ADVERTISING SALES Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com

pg. 16

CONTRIBUTORS Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Kirsten Ferguson, Alan B. Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

An Artist Who Sculpts Both Land and Steel Ron Mattia: Sculptor pg. 26

Hello January! The month of resolutions, blank pages and inspiration to improve our lives. That’s a big part of the joy of the new yearimagining what lies ahead. After the holidays, when many of us are home and boredom washes over us, is when we can be our most creative. It’s a time for pause. To look back through photo albums, reconnect with friends and family, pick up the guitar you haven’t played in months, or stand in front of a blank canvas with paint.

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I am so thankful to my readers and all our wonderful advertisers, for there is no magazine without them. I am beyond blessed to have the fantastic small crew that helped make this magazine possible. I appreciate you all and look forward to an excellent 2024!

pg. 34

As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, is always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We strive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about creative people and interesting destinations. Enjoy!

ENCORE Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

518 PROFILES 587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518 Profiles LLC All rights reserved. All content of this publication including but not limited to text, graphics, and photos may not be reprinted or reproduced without written consent from the publisher. 518 Profiles is not held responsible for graphics or images submitted for contribution to this publication. Every issue is printed using 100% Soy based ink.

www.518PROFILES.com Vol 5 Issue 51

Sweet Nostalgia Learning to Warm to the Cold

pg. 40

LIFEspa Optimizing 2024 - Cliff Notes for Success

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Culinary Destinations: The Coastal Maine Attraction Part 1

pg. 44

January Events Events throughout the Capital Region

pg. 47

The Laffer Gallery Happy New Year Thank you for making 2023 such a great year. We appreciate your ongoing support of our talented artists and the broader art’s community. We look forward to a 2024 being filled with fun events, new artwork and amazing friends. SCAN ME

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Ken Wilson, Equine and Landscape Painter From state trooper to painter and the journey to get there. by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris

“Summer Morning” oil on canvas, 8x10 The career path to full-time painter for Ken Wilson was hardly predictable, yet the talent and love for drawing was there from the tender age of five. Born and raised in Albany, New York, Wilson attended local schools, and from an early age, his drawing skills did not go unnoticed. His kindergarten teacher, Miss Lapetina, would encourage him to draw and immediately share his work with other teachers who would visit his classroom just to see what he was drawing next. When he attended elementary school, his drawing continued. He became a regular at the school library and would check out books on Greek statues and do pencil drawings of Michelangelo’s David and others. He would also dive into wildlife magazines and draw animals and landscapes which he grew to love. Later on in ninth grade, the son of his mother’s friend died in a motorcycle accident. He was an oil painter. Shortly after his passing, the grieving

mother brought over her son’s metal box of paints and brushes and gave it to Wilson. He knew nothing about oil paints at the time, so his mother subscribed to American Artist, and he taught himself to paint by reading and experimenting. Wilson also discovered the Hudson River School Artists through American Artist and by virtue of living in close proximity to the area. So taken with them, he would walk with his German shepherd in tow to the Albany Institute of History and Art and sit for hours viewing and studying their work. They were a most unusual pair of art enthusiasts who didn’t go unnoticed. “I would stand in front of the paintings from the Hudson River School in wonder. I would stand back, you know, 20 feet, then I’d walk up and look really close at the paintings. Security thought that was kind of interesting.”

Throughout his grade school and high school years, he kept painting and drawing then attended the University of Albany where he earned a degree in sociology. Sadly, Wilson never saw a life as a gainfully employed artist in front of him. In fact, he did not know any artists making a living as a painter at the time and definitely did not know of any successful black artists back then as well. Though already accepted to grad school, a traditional and secure career made more sense to him (and his father), so he took the New York State law enforcement exam and aced it. Wilson became a New York State trooper in 1986 working in various troops throughout the state. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and worked in several troops including Troop F for three years. While there 911 happened. He was immediately deployed with other NYSP and NYPD to secure the Queens Midtown Tunnel while the chaos was unfolding. Once secured, they were all ordered to Ground Zero. On that day and countless others, he saw his fair share of the best and the worst of humanity, and needless to say, it was a life- changing experience. Wilson returned to painting to escape the toll it took on him and learn the lessons. “Us being here as human beings, we’re either teachers or we’re students. Our experiences are made to teach us things that we do, and how we are with other people, “Golden Hour, Lake George” 14x11

“Call of the Sea” 11x14

heading out to paint en plein air, he will tone his canvas with a red-orange tint. Then onsite he will walk around and study the landscape.

“The first thing I do is get out of the car, stand, and do a slow 360. I look at different scenes and possible compositions. I also have a viewfinder. It has an adjustable aperture made out of cardboard, and you can put it to the size of your canvas.” He then finds his horizon line and sometimes sketches directly on the canvas. From there as he says, he just gets at it. His paintings are beautifully detailed, colorful, and heavily textured. “Afternoon on Sheldon” oil on canvas, 10x8 good or bad. They’re meant to teach us lessons. We’re in this big cosmic school and it can be rough sometimes.” After 20 years on the force, Wilson retired in 2006 and took a position in corporate marketing at The Lloyd Anderson Group. Four years later, he listened to his heart and the voice of his five-year-old inner self and left corporate to paint in earnest. More than 10 years later, he is still at peace with that decision and painting every day. Obviously, brushes are a major part of a painter’s toolbox, but so is the palette knife. And for Wilson, it is his primary tool. Ironically, it became so quite by accident. One day he drove an hour and a half to a location north of Northville, New York for a day of plein air painting and forgot his brushes. Frustrated but undeterred he rooted around in his backpack and found a palette knife. “I said to myself this is going down with this palette knife one way or the other!” Wilson then posted his palette knife painting on social media and to his surprise people loved it. He was so inspired by their response he decided to go all in with the palette knife and paint impasto, an Italian word for “mixture,” and by definition, a painting technique that involves the thick application of paint with a brush or palette knife. From that day on, impasto painting has become his signature style. Like so many painters, oils are Wilson’s medium of choice as opposed to acrylics. But with that choice comes a longer drying time that has to be factored into the process. For commissions, he will add Liquin to his oil paints to speed up the drying time but notes that cadmiums take longer to dry than say earth tones and some greens, and painting impasto adds to drying time as well. In addition to hitting his stride with impasto painting and the palette knife, Wilson enjoys plein air painting in the countryside - and there’s plenty of countryside to capture in upstate New York. But before

“Hiking in Fall” 20x16, oil on canvas

“Virtus Gloria” oil on canvas, 30x40

“California Chrome” oil on canvas, 20x16

“Draft Picks” oil on canvas, 16x20

“Aubrey and Ma” acrylic on canvas, 5x7

“Odin” oil on panel, 11x14 Some who have observed him when he does Internet and YouTube presentations are amazed at his decisiveness and remark that he has no fear. His response puts it all into perspective. “I did 20 years in law enforcement. Painting on camera, (and this went live worldwide), is not the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m good!” Besides landscapes painted en plein air, Wilson is known for meticulously detailed paintings of horses. However, if you automatically assume that living in the Saratoga area means he must be painting racehorses all the time, you’d be wrong. There was a time when he did set up at the track and paint but less so now. Instead, he enjoys capturing them in their natural habitat, perhaps on farms or out to pasture which also connects him to his childhood. Wilson recalls how his family would drive out to Ravena, New York to visit his grandparents, and on the way, they’d pass by farms with horses calmly and peacefully standing along fences by the side of the road. Later on, when he was a trooper, he’d find himself drawn to them again and again and would pull up by a roadside farm and enjoy watching them in that relaxed environment going about their business. He got to know them and occasionally pet them. “There’s just a towering majesty. Even a low-key horse when they’re walking towards you, you kind of hear that thump. You appreciate their size and power. So, as I pet them I connect with them.” That connection has led to many equine paintings that have made their way into the hands of private collectors and a reputation for capturing their power and beauty. But in addition to equine and landscape paintings, he was also the only known black painter to be painting equine at major racetracks around the country and one of very few black painters who paint en plein air at all. “Well, if you go to any events, you don’t see any of us. If I’m there, it’s pretty much me, and there hasn’t been much encouragement. That’s part of it, but what’s funny about me is that I’ve never needed to see someone doing what I do. I’ve always been intrinsically motivated, but that’s just me.”

Wilson may not have had a living role model to inspire him, but there is little doubt that he was always a curious child and does recall seeking out books on black artists. One in particular who stands out was Edward Mitchell Bannister. Bannister was a 19th-century black landscape painter who created quite a sensation when he won first prize for his painting Under the Oaks at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. Unbelievably, some judges actually wanted to “reconsider” the award when they discovered he was African American but the decision was rightfully upheld. Unfortunately, unlike Wilson who needed no encouragement to pursue his dreams, there are many children in need of role models. We can only hope that if painting is their true passion that they have a Mrs. Lapetina or a Ken Wilson in their life. It can make all the difference. To see and purchase Wilson’s work or discuss commissions, visit his studio and teaching workshop at 60 Remsen Street, Cohoes, New York or visit www.kenwilonartist.com

Food Flying, Children Laughing, Parties Happening This is Sake Restaurant! By Rona Mann

Photo by FeedMe518

19 It’s a little bit of steak accompanied by noodles and vegetables, some delicious chicken and fried rice, fresh seafood with soup and salad, a huge menu of both hot and cold sushi and sashimi, and a whole lot of fun. This is Sake Restaurant, and most of all, it’s a whole lot of a good time for the whole family and a wonderful way to have a party, big or small. Howie Yang, the General Manager of Sake Restaurant in Latham was hired by owners, Jeff Chen and Bhartendu Desai in 2011 when Sake opened. Originally from China, Yang has worked just about every job in restaurants Howie Yang Photo by FeedMe518 from server to bartender to sushi chef and earned the right to be General Manager of such a popular restaurant that delights diners for both lunch and dinner with everything from sushi and cocktails to dinner and entertainment at hibachi tables, known as tappanyaki tables.

pieces in their pockets, and use tricks of fire to impress. You will hear constant oohs and aahs and applause coming from the hibachi tables throughout your time spent at Sake. Sometimes, the adventurous chef might flip the ingredients in the air and catch them behind his back! This is the performance element and also the fun...and at Sake restaurant it is the FUN that is served first. It’s an interactive dining experience you will not soon forget and one for which you will return again and again. So, what kind of food may you expect on the grill? Just for starters, you can order all vegetables, chicken, calamari, swordfish, steak, shrimp, salmon, scallops, lobster, even Chilean sea bass. Can’t make up your mind? Order a combination of any two. All meals come with

First and foremost, Sake restaurant is an Oriental restaurant featuring Japanese food, Chinese food, and even some Thai dishes. If you’ve never been to a Japanese steakhouse before, this concept of teppanyaki cooking may be new to you, but not for long, and you’re going to love it! Teppanyaki is a style of cooking in which food is prepared quickly on a metal griddle or large table. It is a show unto itself, and the chefs at Sake Restaurant love putting on this show for all their guests. The grill is usually set up in the center of the room so all the guests can witness the action. After your order is taken for fresh beef, seafood, chicken, or a vegetarian meal, a cart is wheeled out to the chef with all the ingredients, the “stars” in the performance that’s about to happen. The chefs chop, flip the food, catch

Photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Pineapple Fried Rice; Chicken and Shrimp with pineapple, egg, scallions, red and green peppers. Photo by FeedMe518

special miso soup, salad with their famous ginger dressing, a shrimp appetizer, noodles, rice, and vegetables. Healthy eating and so very delicious! You can begin your meal with a choice of appetizers that range from edamame to spring rolls, flatbreads with peanut sauce, soft shell crab, spicy tuna corn dogs, Thai crab cakes, dumplings... we just can’t list them all! The

Soft shell crab same goes for sushi and sashimi that you order by the piece or rolls, and if you’ve never tried it before and are a bit leery of what’s raw and what’s cooked, Howie Yang will come right to your table and give you an education so you’ll

Fantastic Roll: Deep fried white fish and snow crab, with chef’s special sauce know exactly how and what to order. Howie is the “Sushi Specialist” at Sake restaurant and cares about two things...giving your family great food and a great time as well! They even serve vegetarian and glutenfree so everybody’s taste and preferences are respected. Not too many Oriental restaurants with hibachi service cater, but Sake Restaurant does and in a most unusual way! Talk with Howie about having one of their chefs come right to your home to recreate the experience you find in the restaurant! Their mobile chefs will travel anywhere within

Stir Fried Shrimp Pad Thai Photo by Stephanie Sittnick

Haru Maki

In the restaurant itself there are three private rooms. Howie informs, “Two of the rooms can accommodate 20 people each, and the larger room can hold 40 guests. But for a large party, we open up both the small room and the large room, so you can easily entertain 60 people.” Birthday parties are a specialty at Sake Restaurant, whether for adults, children, or a combination of the two. “We focus on the family and have special meals tailored especially for kids. For a birthday party, we suggest giving them a menu of chicken with noodles and fried rice, and they’re happy,” Howie says. “That’s what they like to eat.” And of course, they will be entranced with the show that the chefs put on just for them.

a 50-mile radius to entertain your family and friends while providing a dining experience you’ve likely never had in your backyard before. Each guest can choose their own meal with up to two proteins, and they’re accompanied by all the same extras you’ll find right at the restaurant. Just another way that Sake stands out as the premier Oriental dining and entertainment experience in the Capital Region.

Lunch at Sake Restaurant is a unique experience because you can either have a quick business lunch that gets you in and out and back to work, or a leisurely experience to visit with friends, eat slowly, and enjoy. All the same foods are available with luncheon specials as well as a wide selection of sushi and rolls. The cocktail lounge is always open and features 20 specialty cocktails in addition to your old favorites, 20 different sakes served either hot or cold (ask for some advice), 50 different red, white, and sparkling wines, and a full list of both Japanese and American beers.

Mango Margarita

Winter White Cosmo

Many nutritionists consider Japanese food to be the healthiest in the world due to the high amount of soy protein in the diet which lowers cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart disease. The cuisine employs a lot of fish in their menus packed with heart-healthy omega3 fatty acids, while Japanese noodles are made from ingredients that are low in calories but high in carbs for energy. When it comes to cooking methods, traditional techniques are used to preserve the nutritional value of the food, so you won’t find processed foods but rather steaming and grilling which seal in natural flavor and juices without adding fat. Japanese cooking almost entirely uses fresh foods served without a lot of extra spices and

elaborate preparation and is always accompanied by a lot of vegetables just packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So this all adds up to what’s good for you also tastes good, and at Sake Restaurant the emphasis is always on freshness, good taste, and good fun. Sake Restaurant in Latham...delicious sushi, hibachi table cooking where the food flies onto your plates, private rooms, party rooms, and catering in your own backyard, and above all it’s always family and fun served for lunch and

dinner seven days a week. Best of all, Howie and his staff LOVE doing it for you. “Oishi” means delicious in Japanese, and Sake means a great meal that’s oishi every time! Sake Restaurant is located at 611 Troy-Schenectady Road, on Rt. 7 in Latham. It’s right off the Northway at Exit 6. (518) 785-7215 www.sakerestaurant.com Come on in and be sure to ask for Howie!

Photo by Stephanie Sittnick

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An Artist Who Sculpts Both Land and Steel Ron Mattia: Sculptor by Carol St. Sauveur Ferris Whether shaping a beautiful landscape or bending discarded steel into striking outdoor sculptures, in Ronn Mattia’s hands both grow and rise organically towards the sky. Unaware at an early age, Mattia’s artistic skills were imbued in him by two very creative parents. His mother’s love for interior design impressed upon him the intrinsic value of scale, color, and texture wherever he looked. Lenore Mattia was also an avid gardener who maintained a large flower garden on their corner lot in Staten Island, New York; and as Mattia recalls, whether in their home or outside, design was in the details. “Everything had to be just right, you know. So that’s the stuff that sticks with me.” His father was a self-taught stained-glass artist who got his start in an antique shop he co-owned with his sister, Connie. Using his skills as a “picker,” Mattia Sr. sought unique items to refurbish which Connie would sell in their shop. Very quickly his glass skills became so well-known that he was asked to repair genuine Tiffany glass lamps and windows. As the senior Mattia’s reputation grew, a new family

Iced Guardrail - photo by Super Source Media Studios

venture was born - Mattia’s Art and Glass Studio, employing both mother and son who learned the stained-glass business from the ground up. “So, you know, my dad would design and I would completely cut, shape, and form the whole panel of glass. We did stained glass, leaded glass, etched glass, and sandblasted glass.” Together the family made and sold all kinds of glass in the studio. And because they welcomed opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn new techniques, father and son attended classes at the New York Experimental Glass Workshop now known as UrbanGlass. Once a week, they were taught the nuances and techniques for blowing glass by experts which they loved, but on one particular Saturday morning, they got an unexpected treat.

Trifalls - photo by Super Source Media Studios

Thrive - photo by Super Source Media Studios

While that single Saturday surely influenced Mattia, he also recalls time spent with Madeleine Cretella, a wellknown painter and sculptor who just happened to be his aunt and lived nearby. He fondly remembers going to her house to paint and play with clay which she fired for him to take home and treasure. And yet, with all this exposure to the arts starting at a very young age, Mattia had no idea that he too was creative and destined to express it somehow. He could not draw like his father or artist aunt, and because of that he never thought of himself as talented. “I think back now. I was always intimidated to draw. I still to this day cannot draw! I don’t know if it’s just how my brain works but notes and sketches all look alike. You had to be so precise with the drawing for someone to cut the glass, and I just didn’t have that.” In addition to being exposed to interior design, stained glass, drawing, and landscaping, his parents shared their love for Vagabondo

Ghiacciolo

Photo by Stephanie Sittnick

“So we were there on a Saturday morning, and Dale Chihuly and his team walked in. This was like 1980 or 1982. We knew it was a big deal, but there wasn’t social media back then so you couldn’t see all his work. He couldn’t blow glass at the time because there was a problem with his eye so he would sit there and would do all these crazy colorful splashes on paper and then he had these amazing artists who would blow the glass for him.”

Trilogy - at Adirondack Salt Cave

Pablo - At The Chapman Museum

Saunter-III - photo by Super Source Media Studios

nature with him. They would take him into the woods, climb waterfalls, and walk along streams looking for frogs, snakes, and turtles. He admits he always liked to get dirty and felt connected to the landscape. Looking back on all that, a young Mattia clearly had the skills to sculpt along with the natural talent. He just lacked the confidence. After high school, Mattia went to SUNY Cortland in Cortland, New York. At the time he had visions of becoming a zoologist but realized he was more of a hands-on learner. Following a rough freshman year, he switched his major to art, took a studio class in sculpture and flourished. Mattia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis on sculpture. It was at Cortland that he was introduced to the creative potential of structural steel. In the early days, Mattia’s steel sculptures were always set vertically to express the power and force of upward movement and growth. Quartz-like shapes of aqua glass, which he designed and fabricated from discarded window glass, were incorporated into the steel sculptures as well. “My original artwork was very structural because I love architecture. It would be an actual I-beam.” Since then, Mattia can be found scrounging around scrap yards looking for discarded pieces of steel that he repurposes and shapes himself. He works the steel until it appears sinuous and fragile to allow his aqua glass to look strong and formidable in contrast. “Rebirth, growth, and change have always been central to my sculpture. Influenced by my love of nature, these ideas represent nature’s upward movement, its need to thrive. The concept of nature is evident in the form and nature of my work, a contrast to the chosen medium of discarded steel influenced by my urban upbringing. But in the beginning, I didn't want to ever have the glass seem vulnerable because you always see glass breaking or liquid and glass glowing.”

The glass inserts of his sculptures are made from 25 - 30 layers of repurposed, storefront glass that Mattia hand cuts from larger pieces, then abrades and polishes to soften and smooth any sharp edges. Next, he sandwiches the glass pieces together using museum-quality, ultraviolet, optically-clear adhesive. The result is a beautifully textured piece of aqua glass, whose color comes from its iron oxide content. The glass is secured in a sculpted chamber with allowances for natural expansion and contraction of the steel that occurs due to outdoor temperatures and the elements. As you can imagine, the sheer physicality of the steel sculpting process can be tough. Add in the curve balls that life will

Essenza - photo by Super Source Media Studios

Mattia continues to be drawn to the rough, pitted characteristics of discarded steel as opposed to the smooth shiny surface of the new. When he finds a piece that appeals to him, he marks it up with soapstone defining where he will cut, eliminate, and shape. Historically, Mattia used an oxy-fuel process to cut and shape the steel with an oxy acetylene cutting torch. The drawback to using oxy-acetylene is the residue it leaves behind called slag which results in the need for a great deal of grinding later on to remove the slag and smooth out the steel. Technology has made the plasma cutter a better option and the manipulation of the steel much cleaner and more precise, which lessens the amount of grinding necessary to create the final contours of the sculpture. When completed, he takes the sculpture to be hot-dipped galvanized which prevents rusting, and prepares the steel for the glass inserts.

Vivo - At The Blooming Artist Gallery. Photo by Stephanie Sittnick

33 the mill well before Mattia acquired the property, and a more recent one took the home, the century-old stonework is still part of the tranquil landscape along with a majestic, 40-foot waterfall that has captivated and inspired him for years. It’s a place where his organic sculptures will coexist with the natural setting. As we all look forward to what emerges from his new studio, Mattia is also looking down the road in his artistic journey and sees painting in his future. He imagines himself picking up the brushes instead of steel cutting tools because it’s far less physical as he ages while still providing a medium for his creativity. Not surprisingly, he intends to create 3-dimensional paintings that will include sculptural elements that speak to him and will surely resonate with collectors.

Outside The Chapman Museum invariably throw at you, including injuries, and it should come as no surprise that Mattia put down the steel sculpting tools for a number of years and focused on his other love, landscaping. The reality is, financial independence as an artist is not easily achieved, so working as a landscaper also paid the bills. Now, fast forward to today, and you’ll find a reinspired and reinvigorated Mattia who is setting up shop in Glens Falls, New York. The new studio will allow him to regularly sculpt steel and glass in a heated brick building with 15’ ceilings unlike his current studio, the great outdoors, which gets rather cold and wet at times. And not too far down the road, Mattia hopes to set up shop permanently on a beautiful piece of property in Hartford, New York where his heart really is.

But for right now, the present is incredibly exciting. Soon there will be amazing sculptures of steel and aqua glass taking shape in Mattia’s new studio that will eventually grace a lucky landscape and reach for the endless sky. We can’t wait. To connect with Mattia or inquire about his work, visit his Facebook page, Ronn T. Mattia, or Instagram account, @ronn_t_mattia. He also has two permanent outdoor installations for public viewing at both LARAC and The Chapman Museum in Glens Falls, New York.

The Hartford property was once the site of a large farmhouse, grist mill, saw mill, and a blacksmith shop.While a fire destroyed

At Adirondack Salt Cave

Outside LARAC

Why the Everson? With a collection of over 10,000 works of art, classes and activities for all ages, and events that engage and inspire, there is something at the Everson for everyone! Learn more at everson.org.

Radio WEXT The Capital Region’s On-Air Community Connection By Lawrence White

“The power of radio is not that it speaks to millions, but that it speaks intimately and privately to each one of those millions.” Hallie Flanagan, Theatrical Producer, Director The advent of radio in our society created a dynamic shift in how Americans communicated. Once radios became widespread and affordable, people became connected to each other and their world in ways never before possible. By the 1920s, a few decades after Marconi's first live radio broadcast, half of urban families owned a radio and over six million stations had been built. Today, radio, particularly FM radio, is the last great free communityencompassing connection. No cable modem required. No monthly fee yet it runs 24 hours a day. All that is required is a radio, and they can be very affordable these days. Unlike the mega media corporate conglomerates that spin bland programming to suit a medium demographic to sell products, local public media shines a bright light on local music, information, and inter-community connections that make it a highly functioning part of our lives. However, we live in a time when all community media assets are being diminished through consumption by the mega media market. In the face of this media gentrification stands Radio WEXT. In fact, they

are a model of how it can be done. In a time when so many are floundering, switching formats, and seeking an audience, WEXT programming remains engaging, inspiring, and constantly entertaining. WEXT (exit97.7, 106.1wext) is a listener-supported radio station located in the Public Broadcasting Building in Troy. WEXT broadcasts an adult music format often featuring musicians from the dynamic music scene in the Capital Region. The station serves the Capital District and Mohawk Valley. WEXT is owned by WMHT Educational Telecommunications and also features programming from American Public Media, National Public Radio, and The Public Radio Exchange. WMHT-TV is funded through grants, benefactor donations, and the public while WEXT is funded exclusively through the public. WEXT’s passionate love and promotion of the vibrant music scene in the North Country has created a crucial connection with the community it profoundly serves. This is particularly true of WEXT live broadcasts of local musicians from their in-house recording space.

Program Director, Morning DJ, Dave Michaels

Sunday DJ Tabitha Clancy.

DJ Andy Gregory- The Local 518 Show

When I contacted afternoon Vice-President, DJ Chris Wienk to set up interviews for this article, he revealed the true dedication and devotion that the people involved at the station exude. “Currently four of us are really running the station and one of us is on vacation. During the holidays there is always a bit of chaos, but in radio, what is new?” Chris says with a wry chuckle. WEXT currently has four DJs along with show hosts and reviewers. The station is always active and can also be streamed online through their website. I asked DJ, Joyce Jackey, what impresses her most about her experiences at WEXT, and she responded with her usual high energy, “It is the connection we have with our listeners. We find that once they hook into the station, they remain loyal to us.” Then, with warmth, Joyce continues, “We support each other, and that is the beauty of it. We are like an on-air family based on music.” Vice President, DJ, Chris Wienk

DJ KC Morris

DJ/Sunday Joyce Jackey

DJ Darwin

Host, The Peanut Butter Jam, Miss Courtney

Shelby Schneider is the Chair of the Board of Trustees for WMHT and the Deputy Director at the New York State Economic Development Council. I asked her about the importance of local public community media and about the strategy to weather difficult economic times. “We have a new CEO, Anthony Hayes, so it is a new chapter at WMHT and WEXT. He has a deep career in media in New York, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia.” Ms. Schneider continues, “In order to be successful, we are remaining an outward-looking organization, and we are listening to our community. We spent the first part of 2023 inviting our stakeholders to the station to meet the new CEO and to learn what we are doing.”

Anthony Hayes “We are renewing our strategic plan to reinforce and double down on local content. To fine-tune our strategy we are completing a listening tour and taking our show on the road throughout the region that we serve so we can hear directly from our listeners and our stakeholders. This will give us a clear focus of what is required to fulfill their expectations and concerns and to serve them in the most meaningful way possible.” “Mainstream media has become enormous, and the issues they cover are important to understand and discuss. However, the issues that face us personally in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities are being lost and overlooked. That is our focus whether it is arts, culture, commerce that paves the way for our modern economy, farming, social issues, and so on.”

Shelby Schneider With sincerity, Ms. Schneider concludes, “Our mission is to dig deep and reach audiences in a more personal, diverse, equitable, welcoming type of way. In addition, the educational assets and resources provided by public media are crucial to our community, especially the rural community. You will be seeing this through PBS nationwide, and it is

exciting. Our goal is to be a good and reliable partner to our communities, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

It is clear that the people in public or community media are driven by a higher calling. Their satisfaction is not from a large paycheck or advertising revenue. They truly seek to connect and serve the community they are in and from which they benefit. I asked WEXT Program Director, DJ, Dave Michaels who works long hours for little pay, what inspires him and why he finds his work so fulfilling. His response speaks for everyone who works for the community through public media. “Growing up, I always had my ear to the radio. I listened to the DJs just as intently as the songs they played. Strange, I know. But they had a way of stirring up excitement when they talked up a song or said who was playing in my town. They created this air of intrigue and anticipation. I had to keep listening. They were right, this song is so good! I had to get tickets! These DJs fed my appetite. They were passionate about the music they played. The stations they worked for gave them creative license to do so. This wasn’t the case for all on-air announcers and radio stations. But when you discovered ones that did, you were glued.” “Today, lost in a world of corporate cookie-cutter DJs and computergenerated streaming playlists, I can create that excitement for listeners while working for a non-commercial public broadcaster like Exit 97.7 & 106.1 WEXT. Being able to interview and chat with a variety of performers far and wide, I can take them behind the music and share unique stories with the same level of intrigue and emotion those announcers growing up instilled in me.” With enthusiasm, Dave continues, “And to go to an event or to a show and have people come up and tell me they came out because they heard me talk about it on the radio is extremely fulfilling. Often,

the conversation turns to something I said on one of my shows and their reaction to it – good or bad. It opens a conversation to new music, new artists, who’s hot, and who would they love to see in concert. That’s what it’s all about. It’s very exciting and very satisfying. In my opinion, that degree of openness and storytelling and interaction with listeners is choked in today’s radio and music landscape.” “Also fulfilling is that same sentiment shared by my colleagues. I’m extremely fortunate to have found a radio home at WMHT Public Media. They’re not in it for the money. Heck, you don’t get rich working in radio. Those riches appear in different forms. Creating a bond with our neighbors within our communities through music is one of them.” Yes, ears will continue to be “glued” to the radio throughout the Capital Region as the DJs of WEXT go on connecting directly to each listener. They will continue to support us as long as we continue to support them. WMHT Educational Telecommunications 4 Global View, Troy, New York 12180-8375 Donate to WEXT Via Phone1-888-202-2559

Learning to Warm to the Cold by Karen Richman Our cousins lived in Michigan. We lived in New Jersey. When winter came accompanied by strong winds and mounds of snow and frost on the windows, they went outside. We went inside. Inside it was warm and toasty. My father always had a real fire burning in the old stone fireplace in the living room. I would watch carefully as he went through his usual routine of checking to make sure the flue was open and ashes were at a minimum.

Daddy always had the chimney man come and make an inspection before winter to make sure there were no birds’ nests in our chimney and all was ready. I was always impatient. I just wanted him to throw in a couple of logs and some kindling and newspaper and light it, but he knew differently. He called what he was doing a “log cabin fire” even though we didn’t live in a log cabin. He put two thin logs about 6” from each other parallel to the back of the fireplace, and then he’d heap the kindling and some newspaper between them. I’d be hollering, “Okay, Daddy, light it now!” and he’d holler back, “Not ready yet.” Then he’d get two

43 forever to come experience a Michigan winter… why don’t we take him up on it this year?” “No, no!” my inner voice shouted, as I looked from one parent to another. “C’mon, Mom,” I thought. “Tell him it’s too cold,” but she let me down hard when, without taking a pause, she replied, “I think that’s a great idea.” There went my Florida dreams - the sand, the surf, the sun, and wearing shorts and sandals every day. Now, this stupid vacation would be boots and coats and scarves and mittens. Well, I was mad!

Christmas came and went, and somehow I didn’t enjoy the fire as much when my presents were a knit hat with fake fur around it, heavy leggings, and new ugly winter boots. Bah! What a crummy Christmas.

more logs and put them on top perpendicular to the first two. Finally, finally, finally he lit it, and almost instantly it began to crackle. I loved that sound, and I loved how warm and toasty it made the living room feel, and I never wanted to go out in the cold. One year just before Christmas, my parents sat around the kitchen table while we were enjoying breakfast and started talking about taking a winter vacation. I perked up my ears with visions of warm Florida sun, I could feel the sand between my toes, and I stared ahead lost in dreams until I heard my father break my reverie by saying, “My brother’s been after us

A few weeks later we were on a plane to dopey Michigan, a place I’d never been and never wanted to go. Just a few hours later we landed, and there were the relatives at the end of the jetway just waiting to pinch my cheeks, tell me how big I’d gotten, and how much fun we were going to have. I wanted to go back home right then and there! When we left the airport to drive to the relatives’ home all I saw was snow! Snow everywhere! This was going to be worse than I thought. We were hardly in their big old refurbished farmhouse when my cousins beseeched, “Let’s go tobogganing!” I had gone sledding at home every winter, but this contraption was no sled! It looked kinda like a sled but had a low frame that curled up in front. My cousins had built a racecourse with iced, banked turns and a three-foot fall-off at

the end that threw us over a stone wall and onto a neighbor’s lawn below. I thought I would wet my pants as were propelled airborne for about 10 feet before slamming down into the snow and stopping abruptly. But much to my surprise while my cousins laughed at me, the horror on my face turned to a big smile and suddenly I was laughing right along with them. Tobogganing was fun! Way more fun than just a stupid sled. Next thing on their agenda was a hockey match. I was not a strong skater and fell a bunch of times, but it didn’t matter. I just got up and followed the lead of the kids on my

team, and much to my surprise, we won! Covered with ice, I had forgotten to be cold until we stopped, but then the cold set into my body. However, I didn’t have to be cold for long. My aunt and uncle had friends who lived in a big old estate, and they kept a bonfire going most of the winter down by their boathouse. There was hot cider and Christmas cookies, and I was beginning to think Michigan was a pretty cool place after all. There have been lots of vacations that followed over the years, but this one stands out in my mind as one of the best because I learned a valuable lesson. Just because it’s a different place in an unknown area doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. You can find new ways to sled, new ways to get warm, and old ways to enjoy the people you love. Happy January, everyone!

Optimizing 2024 - Cliff Notes for Success Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE

Hello 2024! I’m excited about what’s to come this year! 2019 through 2022 was a blur. I feel like it all happened without much input from me or anyone else. We were so busy trying to live our lives that we were just there…working, parenting, and trying to remain grateful while doing all the necessary things that needed to be done. It felt as though we were the participating audience at a pop rock concert… jumping in for a quick chorus here and there. 2023 hit and everyone I met was absolutely certain that 2023 was going to be a great year. Our year AND 2023 was going to make up for the last 3 1/2 years AND it was going to be a fun and productive year full of new possibilities! I’m not sure what happened there, but 2023 seems to have lost the memo.

Now we’re rapidly slipping into 2024 and I feel like I have so much to do! Should I be focusing on productivity? Health? Finances? Fun? Maybe a little of everything? How do I choose? How do I prepare? I’m going to start my new year with wellness. My sleep patterns are inconsistent and I’m not cooking as much as I usually do. My focus will be on food and rest. What about you? Where do you want to begin? How about some easy lifestyle hacks to help this new year be a year of wellness and health? If the time is now, you can get started right away by following these easy pathways for 2024. Consider these your Cliff Note’s for the season! You can choose one or all five Pathways. For now…choose the pathway that seems the most important to you and start there.

Optimizing Pathway # 1 is to Optimize Your Nutrition. Eating an aware and conscious diet is key. All basic nutrition consists of a controlled carb diet consisting of protein, fat, unlimited vegetables, little (or no) sugar and plenty of water. There are 5 simple rules: -

2 - 3 meals a day No snacks Have some type of protein in the morning Drink plenty of water throughout the day Limit or eliminate alcohol and sugary food

Did you know that by following these simple rules you can begin to balance your hormones and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress? These hormones include insulin (the fat storing hormone), leptin (your appetite hormone) and thyroid (which controls your metabolism.

Optimizing Pathway #4 Detox The easiest way to accomplish this is to take a warm/hot detoxifying bath at least 5 times a week with magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salt). Toxins are stored in fat cells and if these pathways help you lose weight, you’ll be releasing toxins into your system. A warm bath will help eliminate those stagnant toxins.

Optimizing Pathway #5 Exercise is built around walking, which you can do 15-30 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week. (You can eventually add hand weights) This helps reduce inflammation, lowers your risk for heart related diseases, diabetes, cancer and depression. Time to get started! Choosing one or all of these simple steps will be enough to see and feel some pretty significant changes in your overall wellness in 2024.

Optimizing Pathway #2 is to Optimize Your Sleep.

Oh yeah…track your results. Use your phone or a journal to document your progress. The key to any new habit or change is seeing the progress and knowing your efforts are paying off.

We all need more sleep. As a nation, we are seriously sleep deprived. Your goal is to increase the number of hours you sleep each night.

Happy New Year! xoxo Crystal

Each week you will go to bed 5 minutes earlier than the week before (with a couple of hiccups here and there) so that by the end of the year you will be getting at least an extra 2 1/2 hours a night. For example: this time next year, you’ll be going to bed at 9:30 pm instead of midnight. Sounds impossible to me… but I can handle 5 minutes a week.

P.S.The hardest part for me will be optimizing my sleep (as I’m editing this at 2:17 am) 5 minutes earlier each week. I can do this. We can do this!

Optimizing Pathway #3 is to Reduce Stress. Try a simple 3 minute breathing exercise called the “relaxing breath” twice a day. This will lower your stress hormones, which will help you sleep better and balance out your metabolism. Here’s how to do it: Place the tip of your tongue against the tissue just above your front teeth, and keep it there throughout the entire exercise. Now exhale completely through your mouth, making a “whoosh” sound to eliminate any stagnant air. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of three. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Then, exhale completely, making a whoosh sound. Repeat these steps for a total of 4 cycles.

FACES of Saratoga 55 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

CULINARY DESTINATIONS: The Coastal Maine Attraction - Part 1 By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel Residents of the 518-area code are advantaged to be surrounded by beautiful travel destinations within a 4-hour reach-we essentially have it all to plan a fabulous culinary road adventure! In this article I will be giving my perspective of my recent trips to Maine in summer and early winter (next issue), removing the fable that Maine is strictly a summer journey's end. Maine is known for its sharply jagged, rocky Atlantic Ocean coastlines, a series of peninsulas, narrow estuaries, bays, fjords, coves, mountains, densely forested inland, scenic waterways and its wild lowbush Blueberries and celebrated Seafood cuisine, particularly Lobster, Oysters, and Clams. A vacationers paradise encompassing it all! Along the famous coast of Maine are lighthouses, beaches, fishing villages, and thousands of offshore islands. Maine's agricultural productivities include dairy products, cattle, wild Blueberries, Apples, Maple syrup, Maple Sugar and brewery products. Western Maine water reservoirs and springs are a famous source of bottled water for companies like Poland Spring.

Maine is easily accessible from the 518-region via Albany taking Interstate 90-east or a more scenic route entering Vermont via Whitehall and driving eastbound through quaint Vermont and New Hampshire villages. My first stop was the conquest of a real Maine Lobster dinner at the Langsford Road Lobster & Fish house in Cape Porpoise. It is a casual picnic table style shack where you pick your Lobster. The extensive wait on an august night was too much to tolerate respectfully, so an alternative in nearby Kennebunkport became Nunan’s Lobster Hut.

Celebrating 70 years in business, how can one go wrong? Our group got quickly seated and the steamed Lobsters, Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls were swiftly on the table accompanied by Parker Rolls, Pickles, and Chips -unfortunately no steamed Corn here. Instead, order a side of Coleslaw to elevate the experience.

Dessert options here should be skipped, because there are some great Ice-Cream stands in downtown Kennebunkport. Upon recommendation, we head over to Rococo Artisanal Ice-Cream on Western Ave in the heart of Kennebunkport village. They are known for award-winning Ice-Cream with infusions of unique and exotic flavors such as Strawberry Habanero, Goat Cheese Blackberry Chambord, Sweet avocado Cayenne, and Maine whoopie Pie. More mainstream options are Real mint, Honey Vanilla and Dark Chocolate. The ice-cream here is at a high-quality level and service very friendly. Best time to go is later in the evening when the lines slow down. The next day a Lobster boat excursion is on the agenda. We head south to the scenic town of Ogunquit (Native Indian for; beautiful place on the sea), which is jam-packed with eateries and artisanal food shops. On Perkins Cove Road is the harbor for recreational boat trips, restaurants and the famous “Marginal Way” cliff walk-a 1.25-mile path along the rocky beaches. The Lobster boat trip is very reasonably priced at $27 for adults and combines scenic beauty of the Ogunquit shore-line with first-hand Lobster catching and comprehensive Lobster fishing history explanation. On our trip by luck a 4-pounder was caught and released as required by Maine lobstering law, since they can reproduce a greater off-spring.

about Lobster sustainability and the daily routine of a Lobsterman. By chance of fluke, he was working the counter, serving up his delicious Seafood at the walk-up window. Next door in the same building is the Lobster Shack, owned and operated by the Evans family since the 1980s-however not affiliated with Footbridge. We elected the Lobster Shack, since we were looking for a place to dine-in. The restaurant has a family friendly casual feel with large picnic tables. The system of service is walking up to the counter, placing your order, and paying. Food is delivered and drink orders taken. The food here is spectacular and an ingenious blend of classic Maine

Back at the harbor is a little red building with the freshest Lobster in Perkins Cove titled “Footbridge Lobster,” owned and operated by Chris Eager and his family. Chris sails out of Kittery, Maine. His daily Lobster catch is brought to Footbridge Lobster where they cook, clean, and serve it to you. Lobsterman Chris is frequently hanging out in the kitchen to answer questions from customers

with a modern-day twist. The Clam Chowder is silky and not a glue-like concoction like some dubious versions out there. The Lobster Stewanother Chowder loaded with chunks of Lobster, beckons for more. Lobster Rolls are brimming with Lobster Meat on a perfectly buttered toasted Roll. Whole lobsters are perfectly steamed (not rubbery) and can be accompanied with steamed fresh local Corn and a perfect creamy Coleslaw. A big surprise comes in the form of the Fish Tacos a n d t h e H a d dock Fish Sandwich. Both are generously loaded with dock-fresh local sautéed Haddock-not fried. The whole experience at Lobster Shack emphasized the understanding and repute of classic Maine cuisine and local fishery working hand-in hand. As a first-time visitor, Maine in the summer exceeded my expectations. The welcoming sign on the highway entering Maine aptly recites “The way life should be”!

To be continued.

“I have advertised with 518 Profiles since its inception. I am extremely happy with the lush colorful layouts and positioning of ads. The magazine has my best interest in mind; offering advice to make visual improvements when necessary. Customer service is exquisite. I highly recommend advertising with this magazine.” Tom Myott, Artist - www.tmyottart.com

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“Doing business with 518 profiles has been an absolute pleasure. Stephanie is extremely professional in designing and executing our print ads exactly as we envisioned. She makes the process smooth and easy leaving my time free to focus on our employees and guests” Michael J. Fortin, Owner/Executive Chef MJF Restaurant Group LLC, Cohoes

"We have been very pleased with our advertising program in 518 Profiles magazine. Stephanie has created a unique and fresh advertising venue. We absolutely loved our feature story! The photography and layout, the writing, and everything about it. 518 Profiles is a classy, informative, and welcome addition to our Artistic and Cultural surroundings." Tom Clement Clement Frame Shop & Art Gallery, Troy

“My customers and I love 518 Profiles, the articles provide information about local artists, unique shops and things to do. The quality of the articles, images and publication values are hard to find anywhere else in the region. I am so pleased to be a part of the 518 Profiles family.” Gail Snitkoff, Pause Gallery, Troy

“The cover, alone, of 518 Profiles draws me in, every time. I always wait for a block of time before opening it, so I can settle in and enjoy. The articles are in-depth portraits of a business or of a person and the photos are brilliant. Even the advertisements are quite spectacular. I had looked forward to placing my own business ad, and finally have done so. Stephanie is easy to work with and I just love the ad that was created.” Kathy Agneta M&P Gifts LLC / Merriman and Pfister’s Marketplace, Delmar

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'What a beautiful Magazine!! It’s a pleasure to display it in my shop... my customers love it! Stephanie is a delight to work with in all of the facets! I am very proud to be part of this publication which has not only brought me sales but has connected me with very loyal and devoted customers from all over our region!' Cornina Oberai Corina Contemporary Jewelry, Ballston Spa

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49 January 1-28 Schenectady Bear and Bird Gallery Carve and Repeat: A selection of block prints. A variety of beautiful and interesting block prints have been selected for this exhibition, which range in price and are excellent for gift giving. Featuring work from Heartell Press, Brian Reedy, Rani Ban, Horse and Hare, Katharine Watson and Burdock & Bramble. Subject matter includes pop culture, whimsical and botanical images. Bear and Bird Gallery, 160 Jay St M, Schenectady, NY 12305. Call or Text: 518-227-1145

January 1- 7 Schuylerville We are excited to officially announce the featured artists for our 12th annual juried group show entitled "Upstate Artists" for the 2023 Holiday Season. "Upstate Artists" will run from December 2, 2023 through January 7th, 2024. "Upstate Artists" features a diverse cross section of the Upstate New York arts community. Exhibited work was chosen from 130 entries in response to an Open Call for Submissions to local artists. Juror’s Awards: Three Artists will be selected by juror Robert Gullie for a group exhibition at The Laffer Gallery during the 2024 season. The Laffer Gallery, 96 Broad St, Schuylerville, NY

Thru January 1 Saratoga Springs The Saratoga New Year's Fest. The Saratoga New Year's Fest is New York's biggest New Year's Eve celebration north of Times Square! Formerly: First Night Saratoga. New Name. New Leadership. New Spirit. Expanded to Two Days: New Year's Eve and (now) New Year's Day! Other enhancements to this event include: Big Music with "name" acts - New / additional showcase venues - Food and (adult) beverage options-New Year's Eve fireworks (6:00 PM, Viewing Area at Ellsworth Jones Place near City Center)-VIP option-The 5K Road Run: Now on New Year's Day And more. Friday, December 29, 2023, Saturday, December 30, 2023, Sunday, December 31, 2023, Monday, January 1, 2024

January 1-14 Clifton Park The Blooming Artist presents Candor, an exhibition featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works. Experience an eye-catching showcase of creative expression with each work a unique manifesto of the human spirit– both the personal and the universal. Tour the thoughts, emotions, and very essence found within the frames or contained within the forms, and find yourself connected through a way made only possible through visual art. The Blooming Artist, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065

January 6 Glens Falls Call to Artists - Submit your art for "Imagine". Up to 2 works of art, in any medium no larger than 4'. Drop off Jan. 6, 12 to 4pm at NCA Gallery, #120, The Shirt Factory, 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls, NY. Pick up April 29, 12 to 4pm for Work NOT Selected. Members Hanging Fee Members - $20, Annual membership $35 www.northcountryarts.org

JANUARY EVENTS January 6, 10, 13 Saratoga Springs Goodnight Moonshine. Saturday January 6, 8 p.m. Goodnight Moonshine pairs poetic, stream-of-consciousness songwriter/vocalist Molly Venter with jazz-influenced improviser, Eben Pariser. OKAN. “Lush and vibrant” global Afro-Cuban violin/percussion duo Okan take inspiration from their rich Cuban roots, its folk music, and Santeria. Wednesday January 10, 7:30 p.m. Roomful of Blues. Jump jive an’ wail to the big sounds of Roomful of Blues – celebrated for delivering irresistible soulful rhythms, jump blues and R&B. Saturday January 13, 8 p.m. Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.caffelena.org

January 7 Albany Free Wedding Expo Albany Marriott 518 Expos would love to have you join us for our 39th Annual Winter Wedding Expo at The Albany Marriott Hotel on Sunday, January 7th, 2024 from 12:00-4:00. Your wedding will be one of the most fun & exciting events of your life! Yet, we realize it may also become overwhelming & stressful at times. We have coordinated this special Expo to assist you with planning and help alleviate some of your anxieties. We strive to make your experience as pleasant as possible while planning your special day. Sunday, January 7th, 2024 from 12:00-4:00. Albany Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12205 (518) 542-5111

January 8, 7, 15, 22, 23, 29 Glens Falls Figure Drawing Sessions Open Studio. Live model- $20.00 per session. January 8, 7pm-9pm, January 15,22,23,29, 6pm-8pm. Tom Myott Gallery, 71 Lawrence St. Glens Falls, Suite 102. Contact Tom for reservation. Registration and class info at www.tmyottart.com (518)798-8431 tmyottart@gmail.com

January 11 Glens Falls Rhoseway. "Upstate NY-based RHOSEWAY is the creative project from singer and songwriter Rob Fleming, accompanied by drummer Matt Niedbalski and bassist Steve Kirsty. Effectually layered dynamic and melodic droning, in the form of indie-alternative rock, described sonically with leanings towards Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, to Soundgarden and Neil Young. Riding on 3 separate releases of dual-singles, the latest being the harmonious lush of 2022's COUNTRY SUNRISE, and up-tempo guitar flourishings of 2023's CLOAK & DAGGER." SHOW TIME: 8:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park St, Glens Falls, NY

JANUARY EVENTS January 11 Cohoes Local award-winning artist Ken Wilson will be hosting palette knife painting workshops at his new studio located in Cohoes, NY, every Thursday, from Jan 11th forward. Zooms are 2nd and third Tuesdays each month. You will learn to paint with palette knife (also brushes) to create dynamic paintings with lots of energy and movement. Ken is also available for private in-person, individual instruction. To register, please contact Ken at artbyken.kw@gmail.com, or call 518-419-9290. Ken Wilson Studio, 60 Remsen Street, Cohoes, NY! January 12 - Feb 16 Glens Falls NCA's Member's show at LARAC's Mountain Gallery, Jan. 12- Feb. 16. Opening reception Friday Jan.19, 2024 6-8pm. LARAC's Mountain Gallery,21 Bay St. Glens Falls (entrance on Maple St.) gallery hours: Wed. - Sat. 10-3. www.northcountryarts.org January 13 Cohoes Dr. Jah & the Love Prophets at Cohoes Music Hall. Warm up this Winter as the second event in the Jive Hive Live hits the Cohoes Music Hall stage. The Jam'uary Apiary features a triple bill featuring: Dr. Jah & the Love Prophets, Rob Beaulieu Band, T.V. Doctors. Saturday, January 13, 2024. 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm. Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen Street Cohoes, NY 12047. (518) 434-0776

January 18 - 21 Saratoga Springs Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is a one-ofa-kind night theatrical experience like no other! It’s an Off-Broadway comedy staged as a festive celebration in which the audience doesn’t just watch the show but participates directly in the fun as members of the family or friends of the bride and groom. From the wedding ceremony to the reception, join Tony and Tina’s colorful and madcap ItalianAmerican families in a show you’ll not soon forget. By blurring the line between fantasy and reality, the show works its magic and draws the audience into eating, drinking, dancing and conversing, just as you would at a real wedding. You will experience (and be part of!) the surprises and drama of a real wedding as you get caught up in the celebration, partying along with the rest of Tony and Tina’s family and friends as if you’ve known them for years. Thursday, Jan 18, 2024. 7:00 PM 11:00 PM. Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St Saratoga Springs, NY January 19 Glens Falls Cold Chocolate. Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar/mandolin and Ariel Bernstein on drums/banjo, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon, David Grisman, Angelique Kidjo, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country. Fri, January 19, 2024. SHOW TIME:8:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park St, Glens Falls, NY

January 21 Saratoga Springs The 2nd annual "Saratoga Reptile Show" will be hosted at the Saratoga Springs City Center on January 21, 2024! The Saratoga Reptile Show is here to cultivate a friendly, educational, & fun filled reptile event. Where your friends and family can have a blast wandering the magnificent world of reptiles! Sales & networking event geared towards reptile enthusiasts, hobbyists, and trusted/reputable breeders! Shop from a variety of vendors selling captive bred reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, discounted cages, supplies, feeder insects, frozen/live rodents. and reptile-related merchandise. Saratoga Springs City Center,522 Broadway Entrance, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

January 26 Saratoga Springs The Marshall Tucker Band. When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of the songs that always manage to reach down and touch your soul the moment you hear the first note. The Marshall Tucker Band is one such group that continues to have a profound level of impact on successive generations of listeners who’ve been “Searchin” for a Rainbow” and found it perfectly represented by this tried-and-true Southern institution over the decades. “I’ve been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib,” explains lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, who’s been fronting the MTB since the very beginning. “I was born with that. And I realized it early on, back when I was a little kid and my mom and dad encouraged me to get up there and sing whatever song came on the jukebox. It got to the point where people were listening to me more than what was on the jukebox! There’s a certain gift I found I could share, whether I was in front of five people or 20,000 people. I was blessed with that ability and I’m thankful I can share with others.” Friday, January 26, 2024. Universal Preservation Hall, 25 Washington St Saratoga Springs, NY

January 27 - June 2 Glens Falls A Winter Of Wonder at The Hyde: Three New Exhibitions Announced 2024 Season Unveiled. The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY, is thrilled to start the new year with three exhibitions opening in January 2024. On Saturday, January 20, visitors can explore the first exhibition of the 2024 season, Venetian Vistas (January 20 – April 21, 2024); Paul Anthony Smith: Passage (January 27 – June 2, 2024) and Decorating in Style: Furniture from the Permanent Collection (January 27 – April 21, 2024) both open the following Saturday, January 27. The exhibitions are open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 10 am–5 pm.

January 27 Glens Falls Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band. 2023 Americana Artist of the Year at Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards.Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band challenge the traditional relationship of a songwriter and his band, with a fluidly rotating cast of top-notch players and a flair for experimentation that combine for a unique and mesmerizing live performance. Add to that a keen lyricism that explores the human experience with a patient and poetic touch and you have the Capital Region's answer to the indie-folk/alt-Americana boundary pushed forward by Wilco and Iron & Wine. SHOW TIME:8:00 PM. The Park Theater, 14 Park St, Glens Falls, NY