SARATOGA FAMILY * * *
SUMMER 2019 COMPLIMENTARY Brought to you by
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Welcome to
Saratoga Family Magazine Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201
SARATOGA FAMILY Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty
Hello Saratoga Family readers, Boy, do we have a cover family for you! Kathy Yasenchak or “Mrs Y” as her students knew her is a walking miracle – I don’t think any story has ever moved me as much as hers, page 31.
General Manager Robin Mitchell
As you know, I want this magazine to be multi-generational. Since our families go in both directions - our kids and our parents – I think it makes sense. (I hope you agree!)
Creative Director / Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee
From shopping ideas for new parents and kids, to listening to some old-timers chat about growing up in Saratoga, I think we have a nice variety of articles to pass the time while sitting pool side this summer.
Graphic Designer Marisa Scirocco
Don’t forget to flip this over and check out Healthy Saratoga magazine too. Thank you to our readers …and our advertisers who allow us to provide this informative magazine – free of charge - to the thousands of people that read each issue! Please mention us by name when visiting their businesses.
Enjoy, Chris
Advertising Designer Morgan Rook Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers Agnes King Megan Harrington Megin Potter Theresa St. John
PS… Meet our talented contributors (for both sides!) on page 6.
Photographers Lindsay Fish Pattie Garrett
Kathy in the Freihofer's Run for Women, 2010
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Cover photo by Lindsay Fish, story on page 31.
Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Saratoga Family is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2019, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
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CONTRIBUTORS
HEALTHY SARATOGA
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MEGAN HARRINGTON
Megan is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including national magazines, local newspapers, and websites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys training for marathons and coaching fellow runners. After spending the previous seven years in New York City, Megan and her husband recently relocated to Saratoga Springs and are loving their new community at the base of the Adirondacks.
DAN FORBUSH
As publisher of the SMARTACUS Creative Group, Dan Forbush is exploring the use of collaborative media in telling the story of the Palmertown Range Trail, aiming in the end to engage young people in designing, building, filling and burying a time capsule on Mount McGregor. An Adirondack Winter 46er, he’s committed to open-space preservation, sustainable farming, and the hiking of trails. You’ll find his site at SMARTACUS.com.
RICHARD FRANK
need bio Richard Frank, Owner of Four Seasons Natural Foods since 1990. Spends his time working at the business, working as a volunteer at the Waldorf School, working at home with his family, working at getting exercise, working at eating right, working at relaxing and being peaceful, working at getting a good night sleep and working and failing at not being too dull.
MEGIN POTTER
Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications, and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places, and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.
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DON PROULX
A resident of Saratoga Springs, Don is originally from Fall River, Massachusetts where he entered the U.S. Navy after graduating high school. Retiring from 20 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer, his career included two tours of duty at the Naval Nuclear Prototype Training Unit, Ballston Spa. He is an avid long distance runner and is a member of the Saratoga Stryders running club where he is currently serving as vice-president.
KARISSA SCARABINO, DO, MPH As a traditional Osteopathic Physician (DO), board certified in both Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Dr. Karissa Scarabino integrates medical and hands-on treatments to provide each patient individualized, comprehensive care to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore and maintain good health. In 2017, she opened her own practice Osteopathic Health of Saratoga at 28 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs, specializing in OMM to give patients the time and care they need and deserve. You can reach her at 518.250.3221 or OsteopathicHealthofSaratoga.com
THERESA ST. JOHN
Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states "was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good.
DIANE WHITTEN MS
Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County where she’s worked for the past 17 years. Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation methods. Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on WJKE the Jockey and WABY Moon Radio. Her bi-monthly column, Know Your Farmer Know Your Food, is published in the Saratogian and Troy Record. Diane has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Nutritional Sciences, and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.
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SARATOGA FAMILY photo by Lindsay Fish
CONTENTS
Local Author pg. 12
Cover Story pg. 31
The Pet Guide pg. 26
10 Tips from a Childbirth Educator
22 The Pet Guide
11 Shopping for New Parents?
25 Amazing Teens… Victoria and Chelsey
12 Local Author, Shaundra Barlett Lerman
31 Meet our Cover Girl… Kathy Yasenchak
14 Fitting in Exercise
34 Career Building at BOCES
15 Paying Allowance… The Why and How of it
39 Inspiring Stories of the Brave Six
16 Day Trip Planner
44 New Column - Sharing Saratoga’s Soft Patina
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Personal Tips FROM A CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR
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ourtney Keller, BSN, a skilled maternity nurse at Saratoga Hospital and a Certified Childbirth Educator, has had plenty of experience practicing what she preaches. Her own first pregnancy introduced her to William J. Hickey Women’s Health Services at the hospital. Her third pregnancy made her realize the true value of a skilled maternity team, ready when you need them most. "We had such a wonderful labor, delivery and postpartum experience with my daughter Rylan, who is 7 now, that I wanted to work there myself,” says Courtney. “A position became available after my second great birth experience—my daughter, Hadley, now 5. I love being a part of Saratoga Hospital’s maternity unit and its patient-centered culture, and my additional teaching role is so very fulfilling.” But for all her professional training and knowledge as a Childbirth Educator, she definitely did not feel ready when her third child, Beckett, decided he was coming into the world at only 28 weeks. Following an emergency C-section, Beckett was transferred to Albany Med’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a smooth transition made possible by the two hospitals’ affiliation. “That was a frightening time,” Courtney says. “I understood the process and what would happen— and unfortunately, what could happen—but there is no amount of preparation that can be done for the arrival of a very preterm infant. But the maternity team was prepared, so I knew we were safe. I can’t say enough about the compassionate staff and their efficiency.”
Courtney says they did their best to stop the labor, and when it was clear Beckett was coming anyway, they were quick on their feet and well-organized. Her family is grateful to all of them, to her OBGYN, her neonatal team, and to the great professionals at the NICU, too. Beckett is now a healthy 5-month-old, and Courtney is back to nursing and teaching at Saratoga Hospital with a new story to add to her classes. Saratoga Hospital’s Childbirth Preparation classes help expectant parents get ready for their special day. As an educator, Courtney’s personal experience only makes her more committed to helping mothers and their families have the best possible birthing experience. Some of her tips include: 1. “Plan your labor and delivery with an open mind. Listen to all your options, even if they aren’t what you prefer. Think of them as tools in a toolbox. You might not need them, but sometimes things can change quickly. It’s all about you and your baby—and a healthy delivery.” 2. “Tap into all your senses. What do you want to hear, smell, and feel in your birthing environment? Bring them with you. Your body responds best in an environment that puts you at ease.” 3. “Talk with your partner about ways to make sure you can still maintain important parts of yourself when you’re a mom. For me, yoga is a big part of who I am, so my husband, Chris, and I planned ways to make sure I could still have that time, before and after childbirth.” The prenatal yoga classes Courtney teaches at the hospital are for women at any stage of pregnancy and any level of experience, as long as you have a note from your doctor. She teaches postures that help decrease common pregnancy discomforts, stretches and tones muscles used during labor and delivery, and teaches meditation and visualization as you get ready for childbirth. Learn more about this class, Childbirth Preparation, and many other available classes at SaratogaHospital.org/Classes. SF Courtney Keller, BSN, provides labor, delivery, postpartum and newborn care in Saratoga Hospital’s maternity unit, William J. Hickey Women’s Health Services. She is also a Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), and a prenatal yoga instructor. Photo provided.
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Love
KNOW A NEW MOM OR DAD? They’ll These Useful Gifts WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON
When you’re expecting a baby, you’re often lovingly showered with onesies, diapers, and teddy bears, but with so much focus on the baby, new parents are often forgotten! Transitioning to a family of 3 (or more) can be tough – if you’re looking to support a new mom or dad, try one of these thoughtful and useful gifts.
Time with a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula can help parents with basic baby care such as bathing and feeding and they can be a sounding board for all those new parent questions (like, does this poop look normal?!). A postpartum doula can also help the family adjust to their new dynamic and make sure the mom is cared for as she recovers. Many doulas offer packages for new parents – visit TheDoulaNetwork.org to find options in the Saratoga / Capital District area. A housecleaning session (or outdoor landscaping!). With endless loads of laundry (and little sleep) new moms and dads could always use a little help around the house. Pre-pay for a housecleaning session or offer to mow the lawn for a few weeks. An at-home manicure and pedicure. Who has time for spa visits? Certainly not new parents. Ask if your local salon will make home visits and if so, consider gifting a manicure, pedicure, or haircut. Your mom (or dad!) friend will be able to indulge in some pampering without needing to leave the house. Meal delivery. If you love to cook or bake, offer to drop off some food to the new family. Bonus points if you do if after the first few weeks. Many new parents receive meals as soon as they come home from the hospital, but they’ll probably really appreciate it a few weeks in (after the visitors dry up and the sleep deprivation really sets in). If you’d rather not cook, check out some local meal delivery companies such as 9 Miles East or Gorsky’s Farm. An outing for big brother and sisters. If your parent friends have multiple little ones at home, offer to take the big brother or sister out to a movie or to a local museum (check out the Children’s Museum of Saratoga, the Giggle Lounge in Clifton Park, or World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls). The parents can get some one-on-one time with their new addition and the older child will feel special! SF
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Swept Away WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
D
iving into adventure leads to unexpected consequences for a curious chipmunk and his companion in “A Feather for Dill”, the third children’s book by local author and illustrator Shaundra Bartlett Lerman.
Dill Chipmunk and Peaches Squirrel, rendered in gentle hand-painted watercolors, journey through Bartlettberry Briar, a landscape inspired by Lerman’s Ticonderoga roots.
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When a surprise discovery sparks their imagination, the two set off, following where the wind takes them. Despite the dangers they encounter – which include angry bees and rushing waters – the timid Peaches reluctantly stays by her friend’s side, only to learn that the day could’ve turned out much differently if she had spoken up for herself.
Learning Life Lessons In her books, geared toward children ages 4 to 9 years old, Lerman has based her characters on herself, her husband and those who have been most influential in her own life. “My mother kept everything since I was 2 or 3 years old, and many of my illustrations are based on those drawings. The books are like looking through a diary or journal of my life,” said Lerman. Even Jay the Blue, the kind and generous bird who compassionately helps to give Dill what he was searching for, is based on a comforting Glowworm toy that Lerman had as a child. “It was one of my favorite toys. With it, I felt so safe and secure and that’s the feeling I want to leave children with at the end of the book. I want them to feel very safe and that everything is ok,” she said.
Building Valuable Relationships Lerman’s goal with all her books is to express emotions to communicate personal values in a timeless way. In her first book, “Peaches Bakes a Pie”, Lerman explores the importance of teamwork, and in “It’s the Spirit of Christmas, Peaches”, describes the magic of creating joy. Already working on her fourth in the series, next Lerman will have her characters celebrate a birthday while learning about appreciation. “The kids are very, very into it and give me high fives when I tell them about the next book,” said Lerman. In her hour-long assemblies and classroom visits, Lerman provides a reading, hosts a group writing and illustration project, and provides coloring sheets and bookmarks to handout. “I want to build a relationship between the characters and the children. I want these to be books that they pull off the shelf to read over and over again.” Barlettberry Briar titles are published by Saratoga Springs Publishing, which is owned by local awardwinning children’s author Vicki Addesso Dodd, whose works include the popular “A Moose in My Stable” and “I Love You Daddy, I Love You More”. Signed and dedicated copies of “A Feather for Dill”, as well as Lerman’s other books are available on Amazon, at Northshire Bookstore and by visiting BartlettBerryBriar.com SF
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HOW TO EXERCISE
WHEN YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON PHOTOS PROVIDED
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hen you have small children at home, time is a precious resource and one of the first things to fall by the wayside is self care – including exercise! But if you’re willing to plan in advance (and get creative), it’s still possible to work up a sweat. Stroller Running (And Walking!) If your child is between the ages of 6 months and about 3 years old, running with wheels might be the perfect option. There are plenty of strollers on the market that are designed specifically for running; simply choose one that fits your budget and running needs. You may have to slow down (kids + strollers are heavy!), but in addition to cardio, you’ll be getting a good strength workout. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and maybe a toy or two to entertain your little one. If you find they get fussy on the road, you can try running a mile or two to a local park, taking a play break, and then packing up and finishing the run. Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to stroller running, but it can be a great way to fit in a workout without worrying about a babysitter! If your child is too old for a stroller, consider having them bike alongside you for easy runs or power walks. It’s a great way to encourage physical activity and spend time together. A Gym Membership with Childcare The Saratoga Regional YMCA offers low cost childcare to all its members. For 2 bucks an hour, you get to take
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an exercise class (bonus social time!) or log some miles on a treadmill or spin bike. Plus, your kiddo can play with some new-to-them toys and learn important social skills. The Exercise Swap If you have one (or several!) other parent friends who like to workout, consider trading off on childcare. You can meet at a local park or track and while one of you runs, cycles, or power walks, the other stays behind and entertains the kids. After a predetermined amount of time, you switch. Try to Multi-task Have an older kiddo involved in sports? During practice or weekend tournaments, bring along comfortable shoes and log some laps around the ball field. Stuck inside a gym or aquatics center? Try some body weight exercises like lunges, squats, and triceps dips. It might not be much, but it’s better than just sitting and scrolling through Instagram! Early Mornings and Late Nights In some cases, the only time you’ll be able to fit in a sweat session is while your little ones are sleeping. Try to find a friend who will meet you for sunrise runs or perhaps invest in a set of weights so you can strength train at home - whatever it takes to boost your motivation! When you become a parent, it’s definitely tougher to make time for exercise, but keep in mind that something is better than nothing! A little sweat and sunshine can do wonders for your mood (and waistline) – even if it looks a lot different than it did before kids. SF
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Paying Kids A GUIDE TO
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
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t three years old, my son started wanting things from the store. No longer did he scream just for the things his body needed, now he firmly, loudly, and incessantly, expressed his wants.
By his 5th birthday, I’d formulated an allowance system – a well-thought out method developed by combining all the parenting books and blog postings I’d read with the conversations of what moms like me were really doing. Five years later, this payment program has worked better than I ever imagined – all while providing me piece of mind that is priceless.
The Pros Having conversations about money with your children is unavoidable. When talks happen early and often, you realize your feelings around this sensitive subject while helping your children develop their own prosperity philosophies. When they are little, you no longer have to justify why they can’t have something, you can just say, “You can have it, but you need to buy it with your allowance.” This empowers them to make their own decisions and to value what they’ve purchased (a tricky lesson especially when that item somehow disappoints). Just watching them as they wait in line, eagerly count out money (learn about sales tax), receive their change and decide if they want a bag gives everyone involved in the transaction immeasurable pride. Children often respond to an allowance by understanding money with a sense of abundance – acting more responsibly with it and giving of it in surprisingly generous ways.
The Cons Giving your kids an allowance does come with specific responsibilities on your part and some negative aspects if you’re not keeping up with them. First and foremost, an allowance is a financial responsibility. A payment that you are obligated to make once you’ve agreed to it, and unlike most other arrangements of its kind, it is a cost that will increase each year. Other kids may become jealous that your child has money when they do not and may try to steal it. Finally, if you attach it to chores, it may lead to an entitled child lacking a sense of family obligation without compensation. SARATOGATODAYNEWSPAPER.COM
To avoid these unwanted consequences, here are a few tips.
How to Give • Most Americans give children an allowance equal to half of their age in years or equal to it, depending on what is economically feasible for their household. This means a 5-year-old child would get either $2.50/week or $5/week. Each year that number increases on their birthday. ($5 at 5yrs, $6 at 6yrs, etc.) • Pay an allowance with real money. Technology makes it so easy for kids to avoid the math of counting out cash and coins. If they’re likely to lose it, carry it for them and give it to them when it comes time to pay. • Make it fun. Give them a cool wallet or purse and fun piggy banks to store money in. • Regulate it. You don’t like it when your paycheck is late do you? Pick a day and pay them every week on time. • Tie it loosely to chores. Instead of having each chore be worth a certain amount, at my house the rule is that chores have to be done and if they’re not; no allowance. At birthdays, another dollar is added to the allowance but another chore is also added to the to-do list. • Encourage Opportunities for More Money. As children get older, they are going to want more expensive things. At 16 years old, $16/week just isn’t going to go very far. When your kids come up with another way to make money (especially a way that isn’t funded solely by you – help them make it happen). • Bank it. Show kids how to save money, write out bank slips, use coupons, discount, bank, and credit cards. The more you open up the world of money to your children, the better off you all will be. SF SUMMER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY 15
Day Trips
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Boy and His Zoo
MAKING A CHILDHOOD DREAM COME TRUE IN CHITTENANGO WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
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s far back as he can remember, Jeff Taylor always wanted to build a zoo. He grew up on a farm, was around animals all the time, and knew that a life filled with all kinds of animals was in his future.
When he was around eight years old, his parents left the farming business. “I was kind of mad at them.” He states. “I liked the thought of being a farmer.” Throughout middle and high school, whenever there was a project, Jeff made sure he used a zoo or animal theme. He spent hours drawing up plans to run a zoo during his classes. “You could say I was obsessed.” He chuckles.
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“I visited many zoos while growing up. Sometimes I went alone, other times with my family. My grandfather loved zoos as well, and we would visit them together.” People tried to discourage Jeff when he talked about owning a zoo, especially in Chittenango, New York. His grandfather was his biggest supporter, believing that anything was possible and reassuring Jeff that dreams can and do come true. So, Jeff started with goats. He began his life-long dream as a traveling petting zoo owner. He’d arrive at fairs and festivals, where people could feed, pet, and learn about how to care for them. “It was a mobile zoo. There were many times when I was allowed to sleep in the tents at the festival, or on bales of hay near the cattle stalls.” He laughs when he tells me this. “There were showers on the grounds, thank goodness, it meant I didn’t stink too much!” Jeff did a great deal of research when he began to concentrate on caring for exotic animals. It wasn’t enough to love animals. It was critical to know how to help them thrive in a zoo’s environment. He’d owned a landscape business before and was able to incorporate that knowledge when he began to design the zoo. It became a family affair, with support coming from everyone important to him.
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Today, The Wild Animal Park has between 200-300 animals. Every animal in the zoo is different and has a personality. “I cannot say I have a favorite. I love them all. I have a soft spot for the big cats. We have all seven species and are the only zoo in the state of New York that can say that.” These include the jaguar, cheetah, snow leopard, mountain lion, spotted leopard, lion, and tiger. Jeff has two boys, 10 and 12 respectively. While they both love the zoo, it’s his youngest son who’s obsessed with animals. “The kid’s determined to build his own zoo someday. “ Jeff chuckles at the similarity between his son’s and his own childhood dream. Every day is different at the zoo. One day Jeff might be working on the landscape or construction, or parking cars and running errands. “I’m a very hands-on business owner. I like being in the thick of things here at the park.” He is planning on adding to and changing the zoo every year. “We’ll continue to improve the enclosures by adding enrichments for our animals. We will also continue to educate the public on the importance of zoos in our communities.” I asked Jeff what he would say to a child who has a dream that others might not share. “I would tell them to go for it, even when others tell you that it is not a good idea or that it’s impossible. I had a lot of push back from people when I told them I was going to open a zoo. It never swayed me from going after it to make it happen.” You can find more information about planning a visit to The Wild Animal Park here. It’s a great day trip for the entire family. Promise. TheWildPark.com
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SF
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Love
Puppy
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
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fter they’ve destroyed the house (or committed some equally rude behavior), dogs’ adorable reactions make it seem like they really do understand what they’ve done. This is not true. “When you’re scolding after the fact, dogs don’t know what they did wrong,” said dog trainer Brianna Rabine. “We’re very speech oriented, but dogs are very body language and energy oriented. When we don’t acknowledge that, we end up creating behavior we don’t mean to,” she said. Helping pet owners realize these misperceptions are the foundation of the Paws for Obedience school she and her business partner, Lora Bacharach opened last year in South Glens Falls.
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So, how do they transform a dog from being a terror into being a teddy bear? “It seems like this big miracle, but it all comes down to understanding canine behavior, their cognitive abilities, and how they perceive the world. Humans have disconnected from our primitive nature but dogs haven’t. They’re a totally different species,” said Rabine.
Den Them In Ensuring that you’re choosing the right dog for your home is the most important first step towards creating a rewarding relationship, advises Rabine. The second, is to keep the puppy in a confined space when you’re away from home. “Proper crate and den training are important because of their primitive nature,” she said. Dogs naturally build dens. The small area helps them to feel calm and comfortable in your absence.
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“Leaving them out of the crate and unattended leaves them vulnerable to make bad choices,” said Rabine. Giving your animal freedom to roam around the house while you’re away seems like it would make them happier because it gives them a chance to get more exercise during the day. What it actually does, is create an overly independent animal - and it hurts your relationship with them down the road. “Be careful where you’re allowing them to get their energy out,” she said. Allow them out of their den, take them for a walk, or play outside when you’re together and you’ll enjoy better behavior and a stronger bond with your pet.
Positive Puppy Power Instead of punishing bad behavior, positively reinforce the good. “When a puppy is cowering in a new place, we want to nurture, coddle, pet her and say, ‘It’s OK’. When we do this, we’re actually nurturing her insecurity instead of being a confident leader and showing her how to navigate the situation,” said Rabine. Use food, praise and toys (whatever motivates your dog) to teach her that this new place can be a positive experience. Teaching six basic commands; Sit, Down, Heel, Place, Stay, and Come, keep the lines of communication flowing. Is your puppy excited and charging when someone’s at the door? Saying “go to your place (spot or bed)” gives them a chance to relax and calm down until they’re ready to greet a person. It’s never too early to start training your puppy. “When you first bring a puppy home, you start training,” said Rabine. Paws for Obedience classes have two instructors and are limited to 10 dogs/class. North Country K9’s crew also provides training, dog walking, puppy adventure day trip hikes, in-home stays and more. For more information on all their services, go to NorthCountryK9.com SF
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Victoria’s Flight A YOUNG WOMAN AND HER LOVE FOR THE SKY
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ~ Leonardo Da Vinci
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V
ictoria Gutierrez was always a good student, but a keen interest in math & science seemed to follow her through school.
Sometimes her dad talked about going up in a small passenger plane when he was young, flying with a family friend. There was something special about soaring over the varied landscape, feeling the turbulence, observing the pilot’s adjustments during takeoff and landing. He fell in love with the thought of flying.
For a time she belonged to a restoration club of about 40 students who loved flying as much as she did. After a long day at school, they’d get together and fiddle around on vintage aircraft. With the help of one scholarship, Victoria earned her private pilot’s license in high school, the only student to graduate with it that year. She was 18. Some might think she’d have a swelled head with such an accomplishment. But she doesn’t.
Victoria’s first flight took place in an Aircam when she was fifteen. And she became immediately intrigued. How did it work? What was the aerodynamics of flying anyway? Would her math & science background help her figure out how the wings functioned? Could she learn how temperature, velocity, and the surface area affected a plane’s ability to lift off and fly through the air?
Right after high school, she landed her 2nd scholarship, which allowed her the chance to attend college (A&P) and learn all about aircraft mechanics. Today, at 23, she’s worked tirelessly to earn her instrument rating. She’ll graduate from college this Fall.
She attended Central Florida Aero Space Academy, determined to find out all of those things, and more. The student ratio was 85 percent boys to 15 percent of girls.
“Oh my gosh!” friends said when I told them. “Aren’t you scared? “
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Recently she invited me to go flying. I jumped at the chance.
“Of course not,” I replied. “I’m excited.”
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Flying with Victoria is serious business. She is methodical, filling in the flight log, walking through an extensive checklist before we taxi to the runway. I know when to be quiet so she can concentrate on what she needs to do. She hands me a headset and shows me how to use it. I listen as she talks to air traffic control and I watch while her eyes run over the instrument panel. Once we’re in the air, after my stomach stops doing somersaults, I look at the gorgeous view all around us. I’m enthralled. Victoria’s hands are steady. She makes a few adjustments and then begins to talk to me about flying, how much she loves being in the air. Her face is peaceful, her eyes bright as she takes it all in. She tells me about running into ice on one flight with her instructor. “That was harrowing.” And another time, while flying into Albany, a larger plane warned of wind shear on approach, causing her to turn around and schedule the day’s lesson for another time.
We fly over The Great Sacandaga Lake. The winter ice is finally breaking up. Spring is on the way. There’s only the sound of this engine and the earth spread out before us. The peace and calm are amazing. “One last question,“ I say, smiling at this young woman. “In such a male-dominated field, what made you think you could become a private pilot at such a young age, with dreams of commercial flight and a job in the aerospace realm?” Victoria looks over at me and grins. “I never once thought I couldn’t.” SF
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MEET
CHELSEY WERTANS " The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." ~ Oprah Winfrey
A YOUNG LADY NOT AFRAID OF
Dreaming Big WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
C
helsey Wertans wasn’t always interested in ice skating. A family friend brought her to the rink for the first time when she was six years old. She was afraid of falling and getting hurt, so didn’t enjoy the sport at first. One day, a figure skater came to the open public skate and Chelsey was hooked, inspired to learn how to skate professionally.
moved on to a higher level coach named Justin Morrow. He was an ice dancing coach who concentrated on freestyle skating with Chelsey. It was during this time she realized she was passionate about the ice, and skating.
When she turned 10, she began taking private lessons from coach Jill Ramos. Chelsey was a quick study and soon realized she wanted to skate professionally. She
Working with Justin has taught her a lot, not only in becoming a better skater and competitor but growing into a better person off the ice. “There was a time when
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Chelsey says that she feels very artistic on the ice and that she choreographs parts of her programs, which makes her feel good.
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I was very nervous before each performance. Now I go into competitions excited, ready to woo the judges and audience. I love being able to express myself under the lights on the rink.” Chelsey tells me she also began sewing when she was six years old. She loved designing and hand-sewing outfits for her American Girl Doll collection. When she was nine, Santa left a gaily wrapped Singer sewing machine under the family’s Christmas tree. From that moment on, she’s been sewing non-stop. Although she doesn’t have an ‘official’ business yet, she receives many orders from skater moms, skater girls, and even teachers at school. For her teachers and skater moms, Chelsey designs pocketbooks, handbags, and wallets. For her skater friends she crafts scrunchies and show-stopping dresses for their performance skating competitions. She loves working with Swarovski crystals and spends several hours hand-beading all of the dresses she creates from scratch, as well as outfits she re-vamps. “It’s so exciting to think that people want my pieces. Chelsey Originals is my baby, and I want to make it
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become a full-fledged business, not just something I do in my spare time.” It’s nearly impossible for this young lady, now 17, to keep up with all of her hobbies and school, but she maintains an A average with a 93 GPA. “While certainly challenging,” she states, “I work hard to stay positive. I’m not afraid of hard work and think my grades prove that.” She has a great support system, people who believe in her. Both parents, older half-sister, niece Jovie, other relatives, and close friends cheer her on when she talks about her future dreams. Chelsey acknowledges that they lean more towards a career in ice skating than she does, but they know fashion is in her future. “The support of my loved ones means the world to me. I’m a lucky girl.” “In five years I want to graduate from FIT. (Fashion Institute of Technology) I see myself living in the city, working for a well-known brand at first. It won’t take long to transition into owning a personal, unique brand of my own. I’m sure of it.”If Chelsey continues on this path of success, those words will have more than a ring of truth to them, count on it. SF
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Kathy’s Comeback: MIRACULOUS RECOVERY FOR FREIHOFER’S RUNNER WRITTEN BY AGNES KING PHOTO BY LINDSAY FISH
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he gurney was moving swiftly beneath Kathy Yasenchak, and she could feel the urgency in the many voices surrounding her down the St. Peter’s Hospital corridor. Then she heard someone say, “She’s wearing running shoes.” There was a pause, and a voice answered, “She ran the Freihofer’s five days ago.” The mingled awe and disbelief were palpable, and in the middle of the most frightening experience of her life, Kathy almost laughed. The 71-year-old Saratoga Springs resident and longtime local preschool teacher had run her 14th Freihofer’s Run for Women on June 2, 2018, without a hitch, alongside her daughters, Tonya and Tara. With God’s grace and serious training, she plans to run her fifteenth this June, following a year-long miraculous recovery from an aortic dissection. That fateful day last June began like any other. She bounced around on the school bus in her role as bus monitor, just like any other Wednesday, taking care of her errands and typical daily tasks. That night, getting ready for bed, the pain hit her out of the blue. “It took me to my knees,” Kathy says. “Now, I’m used to running through pain; I know I’m going to get over it. But this—I collapsed on the floor; it was so severe.”
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She didn’t know it at the time, but her aorta had ruptured. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the aorta, the body’s main artery, just comes apart, like a rusted pipe that finally gives, flooding the chest cavity with blood. Less than half of people survive a ruptured aorta, and very few return to normal life. She didn’t want to go to the emergency room, but her husband, George, could tell something was seriously wrong. He even called Kathy’s daughters to convince her to go. The initial pain had subsided to something duller, but go she did, to Malta Med Emergent Care in Malta, despite her disbelief that she needed anything but rest. “That emergency room doctor, I give him so much credit for his persistence,” Kathy says. “He ran test after test after test, and all came back fine. There was nothing wrong with my heart. I kept saying, ‘please let me go home. I’m fine. It’s the middle of night. Just let me go home.” The doctor insisted on one more test with dye to see where her blood was flowing. That’s when they realized her chest was filling with blood. Kathy says his face was so severe and ashen when he came back from the test, that it finally hit her that something was really wrong. He made her lay down flat on the table and told her she needed major surgery that night; that she would not make it until morning otherwise. SUMMER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY 31
Freihofer's Run for Women, 2010, photo provided
The doctor told her there are only two area hospitals that are set up to handle this kind of complicated surgery, Albany Med and St. Peter’s Hospital. If neither could take her that night, she would be airlifted to Boston.
meetings with doctors and medical staff to make sure the patient understands the process. With emergency surgery, there’s no time for any of that.
“My husband was shocked silent, and I was stunned. I sat there, looking at him, but I couldn’t hear what he was saying,” Kathy says. “I just kept thinking - this isn’t happening to me. I’ve never had surgery in my life. I’ve always been a healthy person.”
Through all this, Kathy and George held onto their faith, knowing they could do nothing; they were completely in God’s hands. Kathy was 21 when she found her faith and has followed it devotedly for 50 years. A member of the Saratoga Abundant Life Church, she says, “I wouldn’t want to live any other way, and I probably wouldn’t be alive without my faith.”
“You just have to have faith,” says Kathy.
"...and I probably wouldn’t be alive without my faith.”
Kathy says she was rushed to St. Peter's Hospital. Once inside, she couldn’t see anything, there were so many people huddled around her. Suddenly, she came to a halt. A hand took hers and a very calm voice said, “My name is Dr. Niloo Edwards. I’m going to be your surgeon, and you’re going to be okay.”
Kathy remembers, “That meant so much to me, his calmness. I had the nerve to ask him if he’d ever done this surgery before, and he said yes. Then I asked, ‘what’s your batting average?’”
In the middle of this June night last year, hospital staff lowered her body temperature, wheeled her into surgery, and then thoracic surgeon Niloo Edwards, MD, Chief of Cardiovascular Services, with his outstanding team, arrested Kathy’s aortic dissection and repaired the damage. It was an extensive 7-hour surgery, and they had to cut through her sternum and split her ribs. She was back home in 4 days.
Kathy explains her nervousness was partly because she couldn’t understand what was happening to her. With major surgery, it’s usually planned and there are several
“I don’t remember much,” says Kathy, “but in my heart I could hear the words from the 23rd psalm, ‘I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.’ The emphasis
Freihofer's Run for Women, 2010, photo provided
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was on ‘walk through,’ as if I was being told I would walk through all this, that everything would be okay.” While Kathy was in the doctor’s hands, her husband reached out to other church members, calling, texting, and emailing for prayers. “We were so stunned that, even though we’ve walked with the Lord for so long, we couldn’t pray, we couldn’t even put two words together, we were in such shock.” But their church family prayed. And moreover, they helped her walk again. And with their prayers and support, she was able to run again.
She went to a cardiac rehabilitation center where she was carefully monitored. By Christmas, she had graduated to the YMCA, walking its indoor track. By April, she could run the length of the Freihofer’s race, 5k, which was about 30 times around that track. Since then, she has been training outdoors. “I felt so much joy,” Kathy says. “When you’ve been so weak for so long, your comeback is absolutely joyous. I kept saying, ‘yes, God!’”
Kathy’s daughters put together a Kathy’s Comeback team for the 41st Freihofer’s Run for Women, taking place Saturday, June 1, in Albany. “I feel ready,” Kathy says. “My daughters are my biggest cheerleaders next to my husband. I have endured the most physically traumatizing event in my life, and yet soon I am about to run my fifteenth consecutive Freihofer’s. I cannot thank enough the medical teams and everyone who stood by me. This year, I’ll run it celebrating God’s blessing of restored life.” SF
“It was incredibly painful when I first got home,” says Kathy. “When your breastbone is sliced, they tell you to move as if you’re in a tube. You can’t extend your arms because they want the bone cells to knit together.” But her painstaking recovery included getting up and moving three times a day. “And that’s where my church family came into the picture,” says Kathy. “I didn’t even ask them to, but someone started a sign-up schedule, and three people took turns coming to my home every day to take me for a walk. I am so grateful to them, taking me out in those hot summer days. At the time, all I could do was shuffle my feet.” After being so active, her limitations were hard to take, but during her follow-up her doctor was very encouraging. She was told she came through wonderfully, her heart and body were strong, and she could eventually run again. She says her doctor even asked to know her running time at the next Freihofer’s Run for Women. Buoyed by the good news, Kathy fully committed to her recovery, even though it was a much slower process than she had anticipated. She was thrilled when she made it to a mailbox down her street. She celebrated being able to climb her stairs. She faithfully prayed and conscientiously took every step of her healing process, cutting no corners.
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TEACHING SKILLS FOR REAL LIFE
BOCES
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein
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o into any BOCES classroom and you’ll see students who are interested and involved.
“One of the big differences when they come here as opposed to their home school is that this is a course of study that taps into exactly what they want to do,” said Career and Technical Education (CTE) Principal Jared Davis. Previously the principal of Salem Central School, in the seven months since Davis has been at his new post, what he’s found most exciting is seeing how BOCES enriches the technical knowledge they teach with those important personal skills that can be hard to measure - but easy to see. “It’s powerful to see kids figure out what they want to do. We help a student explore that and figure it out. It puts it all right at their fingertips,” said Davis. A Jumpstart in the Job Market The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) Board of Cooperative Education (BOCES) serves 31 school districts by preparing students with trade skills they can use to get a job in their chosen fields right out of high school. The courses, transportation and supplies are all paid for by the district; so all the college credits, and national and state certifications that students earn, are at no cost to them. “It gives them a jumpstart than if they just came in off the street,” said Culinary Instructor Nick Zwart. Also working as chef at the Boathouse Restaurant in Lake George, Zwart knows the skills these students are learning here will be further developed in the 6-week internship component of the two-year program. Being placed at companies such as Mazzone Hospitality (where he used to work as well), Healthy Living Market and others, in internships that can be completed during school hours, these students are better prepared for future careers in the field. Participating in state competitions such as SkillsUSA gives students added knowledge. Nathan Brooks, a Corinth High School Junior, was elected as SkillsUSA Treasurer. “It’s a great time and I learn leadership abilities that I take back and use here in the kitchen,” he said. Seniors in the program learn advanced techniques; like preparing a menu, using spices to bring out flavor, and torching crème brulee for an event entirely catered by the students. “I like to challenge them. I don’t want to keep them in a box because they can do it. I’m letting them spread their wings,” said Culinary Instructor Celeste David. SARATOGATODAYNEWSPAPER.COM
Cool and Composed A Cosmetology certification requires more than 1,000 hours of coursework and a NYS practical exam passing grade. At BOCES, you’ll receive all this training while also working in their on-site salon and spa at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs. Open to the public on Fridays, the salon offers an array of hair, skin and nail care services. By connecting with other local salons and staying abreast of industry trends, students work with a variety of products and put their skills to the test at frenzied community events including the South Glens Falls Marathon Dance, said instructor Kerri Bruno. Triniti Moxham, a Mechanicville High School Junior and SkillsUSA 2nd Place Cosmetology Champion, uses everything she learns in the program to help others. When a family friend had her hair turn orange from an over-the-counter boxed hair dye, Moxham was able to save the day – giving her silky locks with Blue Black by Ion hair color. “She absolutely loved it – she was so relieved,” said Moxham. Bonnie VanBuren, a mother of five from South Glens Falls, completes the same coursework her daughter Katie does, in hopes that they’ll open a salon together one day. “You focus on what you need to do, figure it out and get it done,” she said.
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Confidence that Opens Doors When you’re a tactile learner, lectures might as well be in another language. “I’ve always had trouble staying on task and concentrating. I like hands-on stuff and being taught by the teacher one-on-one,” said Lake George Central School Senior Tyrone Allen. Because the classes are a mix of Juniors and Seniors from across the region, the students mentor one another. His Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Courses (HVAC/R) are set up in a large room filled with workbenches and tools, but Allen earned his SkillsUSA award in Employment Application because he excelled at the challenge of passing an employment interview. “There really wasn’t anything hard because I’d prepared for it,” he said. Jeff Rescott, a BOCES instructor for 18 years and a SkillsUSA Lead Advisor, helped Allen to develop these skills. “I see these kids grow as people and it gives you chills that go up and down your spine,” he said. If students make it to the national SkillsUSA competition, they can even earn scholarship money that they can use towards secondary education that will allow them to get higher paying positions at larger companies, he said. “They can spring out to do anything they want to do. Anyone, even people in their 70s, can do this trade. There’s such a shortage of people that can do this work and employers are all crying, ‘I can’t get help’ because the crop of qualified candidates is low, but the money is incredible. Within five years, these kids can make all kinds of money,” said Rescott. After completing the BOCES horticulture degree, Jacob Monroe came back to learn HVAC/R. “I have a knack for wiring. For me, it just clicked on,” he said. Chelsey Lewis, a Cambridge Central School Senior, said she always wanted to do what the boys were doing. “It makes you feel better and more selfpositive. Let’s look at soldering – you know how to do it and what tools to use, like a torch. If we didn’t have this class, women could feel overpowered and not do things for themselves,” said Lewis.
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Growing Passions & Solving Problems Within the warmth of the greenhouse, Lily Battista, a Corinth Central School Junior, found her passion. “I’ve always had a fascination for plants, but now I’ve found a passion for floral that I didn’t have before,” she said. Schuylerville Central School Senior Katherine Pennington, who’s worked for area garden centers including Sunnyside Gardens, Dehn’s Flowers and Posie Peddler, said that BOCES has helped to prepare her to start a business of her own one day. In Ian Hamilton’s construction class, students are building a tiny house that will be auctioned off after its completion.
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The 23’ moveable structure is limited by weight and height restrictions. Sheetrock must be glued and screwed in so it doesn’t wobble when it goes down the road – and that’s just one of the considerations that a special project like this entails. “Problem solving is important. We have to reverse engineer the drawings to get things like pitches the same. We figure it out as a class – how are we going to fix this?” said Hamilton. To distinguish themselves, his students complete the National Occupational Competency Test Institute (NOCTI) requirements, among others. “With a project like this, your whole life is composed of this little trailer here, but I’m just excited to be a part of something bigger,” said Galway Central School Senior, Osie Johnston. He’s completed an internship at Degraff Bloom Custom Builders and has now been offered a full-time position there. “Beyond the nuts and bolts, it’s the interaction that we’ve had with him that made us want to hire him. He’s a pleasant person, well-spoken, and has a good head on his shoulders. You can always teach the skill set, but it’s hard sometimes to teach the personal skills,” said Degraff Bloom co-owner and Saratoga Builders Association Board Member Mark Johnson. See what Career and Technical Education at WSWHE BOCES is all about by going to CareerAndTeched.org SF
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Celebrating The Brave Six WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
“When someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does, too.” ~Terri Clark It seemed to happen the same way to each of them. One day everything was fine. The next day something was ‘off.’ A routine visit to the family’s pediatrician came with the worst news ever – their child had cancer. During the next several months there were rounds of chemo, radiation, urgent care, doctor appointments, emotional ups and downs, hope and despair, and thank God, a support system of family and friends determined to keep some semblance of normalcy.
Sydney is a rambunctious four-year-old. Her family was on vacation when her parents felt a lump on her abdomen. Doctors sent them to Albany Med, where it turned out to be a Stage 4 Wilms Tumor on her right kidney. When I see her, she’s just finished her last round in 33 weeks of treatments. I cannot believe how much energy she has. She’s at the door when we park in the driveway. She waves and swings the door open. “Come in, come in,” she says. “I’ve been waiting for you!” She bounces around the kitchen, living room, hallway, and wants to show me her big-girl bedroom upstairs. It doesn’t bother her that she has no hair right now. Her eyes sparkle, she talks a mile a minute, and her smile’s full of promise. She’s a beautiful little girl. I listen to her mom talk about the support system they had during Sydney’s treatments. “When I needed to cry, they held me. My husband and I could call them anytime – they were there to talk us through a melt-down. Laundry, groceries, ready-made meals, we had it all, whenever we needed it.” Sydney sits on the floor at our feet. She seems content, listening to her mother talk, playing with her toys, reading pages from a favorite book. When a spider shows up in the storyline, we pretend to be afraid. Sydney pats our arm and says “Don’t worry guys, it’s just a pretend spider. Don’t be scared.” “Let’s go wake up my brother,” she says. “I want to play. ” She dances around the room for a few minutes, climbs into her princess bed, poses with her favorite dolls. “She was like this the entire time she was sick.” Her mom tells me, grateful tears in her eyes. “She was so much stronger than we were. Whenever we wanted to have a good cry she’d make us laugh instead.”
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Lauren is 17 years old. She was an avid swimmer and very athletic at one time. She came down with a low-grade fever and chills in 2017. No big deal, right? Her mom and dad thought she had a bad cold, maybe bronchitis. Instead, after a trip to urgent care, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. (ALL) I meet up with Lauren and her mom at a coffee shop. She’s got big brown eyes, an infectious grin and pixie-style hair cut. She’s walking with crutches, one of the side effects of ALL. She tells me how she’s undergone 5 phases of treatment on this long journey of hers, had some in-patient stays, a year of homeschooling – with her Regents landing in the high 90s. Her hips are compromised, she explains. There’s little blood-flow. She’s preparing for surgery where stents will be placed as needed, helping increase blood flow to her hips and legs.
“I was nominated to be Prom-Princess during my treatment. I lost my hair for the 2nd time right before the dance. It was devastating. Mom went with me to buy a gorgeous scarf to compliment my dress. I felt pretty.” We scroll through pictures on her phone. “You’re beautiful!” I tell her. She smiles shyly. I hope she knows I’m telling the truth.
“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” - C.C. Scott “Initially, I zoned out. Later, when the reality of everything hit me, I remember breaking down. I didn’t let myself wallow in pity for long though – I knew that negativity wasn’t going to help us get through treatments and I realized it could be much worse.”
Nate is 22 years old. One day he woke up with leg pain. “It seemed strange, and lasted about four days, but gradually subsided.” He tells me this during a lengthy phone conversation one recent afternoon. “That happened in October 2017. In April 2018, I woke up in excruciating pain. It was hard for me to walk. I limped into the emergency room, where doctors said I might have a pinched nerve. I began physical therapy sessions but wasn’t making any progress. After an MRI, the diagnosis was upsetting. I had something known as Ewing’s Sarcoma.”
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“My support system is amazing,” Nate says. “I have my parents, an older sister, and a girlfriend that’s stood by me the entire time. I had monthly cycles of chemotherapy, with some as outpatient and some as an in-patient. Those treatments ended in January. So far, my scans are good, which we’re thankful for.” He doesn’t know that I’m crying on the other end of the phone, that I struggle to collect myself before I talk about how brave he is, dealing with such life-altering changes. “I tell my family that we can’t speed things up, we need to stay strong, be positive and stick together. That’s how we’ll get through it.” SARATOGATODAYNEWSPAPER.COM
“Cancer is messy and scary. You throw everything at it, but don’t forget to throw love at it. It turns out that might be the best weapon of all.” ~ Regina Brett Alyssa is 21 years old. She was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) when she was 19. The Monday before Thanksgiving 2017, she noticed some large bruises on her legs, but couldn’t account for how she got them. Alyssa showed them to her mom and said they didn’t hurt. One phone call later and they had an appointment with her primary care physician. “They wanted to run bloodwork, thinking I might be anemic,” Alyssa tells me. “If only it had been that easy.” The doctors found leukemia cells present and immediately sent her to Albany Med for a bone marrow biopsy, which confirmed the news. “Ironically, I felt fine,” Alyssa recalls. “Which made the news difficult to grasp.” Her first round of chemotherapy was unsuccessful. She’d need a bone marrow transplant to survive. Between that and two more rounds of chemo, she went into remission.
After the third round of treatment, Alyssa contracted an infection in her Hickman Line, a catheter used to administer chemo. She remained in a coma for 13 agonizing days, her heart rate at 10% and breathing with a ventilator. The medical profession began to give up, but her parents refused to. Thank goodness. “My support system has been unbelievable. My family, my friends, the entire community, people I didn’t even know rallied around me. I’m so much stronger than I was before cancer. So, in a way, I don’t regret living through it.”
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Bella is a happy 7-year-old. When I meet with her and her parents inside The Melodies Center at Albany Med, she runs right up to me to say hello. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years. A week before her 4th birthday, June 2015, she came down with an ear infection and strep throat. Her parents became concerned when they suddenly began to notice bruises on Bella’s legs and back. Everything happened quickly. A phone call to the doctor, an appointment in his office, and a ride to the hospital where tests confirmed the news – Bella had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. (ALL)
“I remember everything,” Bella tells me. “The spinal taps were the worst. I had chemotherapy and too many needles to count. Mom and dad were strong. They helped me not be so afraid.” She’s a blonde-hair-blue-eyed child. I watch as she twirls long strands around her fingers. I am impressed at how open she is, not afraid to share her story at such a young age. She tells me that she completed her treatments in 2017, that she feels great now. “I’ll be two years cancer-free this August!” Her eyes are bright, full of joy. “Do you want to know how we celebrated?” She doesn’t even wait for me to nod my head yes. “We drove far away and picked up a puppy!” She giggles and then says “Mom, Dad, what kind of puppy is it? Can we show her pictures?” Bella’s new friend is a Shihpoo – a Shih Tzu poodle mix. I cannot think of a better way to mark this new chapter in life.
Charlie is going to be five soon. He’s busy coloring pictures with his mom in the playroom at Albany Med’s Childhood Cancer Center when I meet them for the first time. He’s filling in the outline of a fire truck with a bright red crayon while his mother uses a sunny yellow stick to finish coloring in a baby duck. He was an everyday kid, doing everyday things when cancer struck. The family was headed to Florida when Charlie showed symptoms of a fever. His mom and dad suspected he might have come down with a stomach bug or virus. Kids get them all the time. They phoned their pediatrician, made an appointment, and got the devastating news that threw them all into a tailspin. Charlie had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. (ALL) He looks at me with big brown eyes and grins when his mother speaks. “It’s been a hard road,” she says. “He’s so little. Our children are so innocent.” Her words are measured – the pain of remembering is evident in her voice.
“We haven’t told Charlie that he has cancer, per se. He thinks that all of this, being here, is normal. We’ll explain things to him when he’s a little older. Right now we need to get through his treatments as a family. We’re concentrating on that.” She takes a few deep breaths when I ask about when his treatment will be over. Then she smiles. “Charlie will be finished with chemo this August. He’ll still come for check-ups, but the hardest parts will be over.” Charlie wanders to the play kitchen, makes me a piece of apple pie and brings his mom a doughnut. It strikes me, how he’s having fun playing at the hospital. His mom and I ‘eat’ his baked goods while she tells me how her family and friends see them through the worst times of worry. “People have been great,” she says, clasping her hands together for a moment. “We couldn’t have made it without them.” It’s about focusing on the fight and not the fright.” ~ Robin Roberts SF
For more information on this year’s Ballsfest and the celebration of 2019's new ‘Ballers,’ please visit BallsFest.org/bfny19
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Sharing Saratoga’s Soft Patina WITH FRIENDS FROM THE WEST SIDE
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
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he meeting was inevitable. Growing up on the West side of town, they lived just a short block away from one another. Aside from that, their parents had become fast friends, so both families spent a good deal of time together. “We didn’t have a choice in the matter.” Their words are playful. I watch two grown men take a jab at each other and can’t help but grin at their antics.
on the East Side, but they sure had a charm of their own. We were a group of hard-working families – proud of our homes, our gardens, the neighborhood.” “People helped each other out in those days.” Ralph G says, gazing out the window. “It wasn’t about the haves and the have-nots. It’s about the care and the care-not.”
They were ‘depression babies,’ born in 1932 & 1933 Ralph SanFelice is 86¾’s. He laughs when he reveals his age. respectively. Both men remember Waring Butcher Market “At this point in life, I’ll take any ¼ I can get.” His laugh is & General Store, where soup bones dripping contagious. He’s a tall man, with a firm with flavorful meat cost .25 cents each. handshake and a broad smile that lights up “People can’t “Our mothers were resourceful.” They state, the corner table we’re seated at inside the understand what they almost at the same time. “They’d gather Principessa Elena Society located on missed, not living in dandelion greens from our lawns to add to our Oak Street. Saratoga back then. dinner. It helped stretch out our monthly It was marvelous!” Ralph Grasso is 85 and apologizes as he ration booklets. It must have been tempting to - Ralph G. walks through the door to join us. “I got use them all at once to fill our bellies, but once carried away working outside this they were gone, you had to wait for the next morning.” He tells me, dusting off the allowance, so they learned to space them out sleeves of his blue and white checkered shirt. “We’re trying over the month.” to raise the sheds out back. Until just a few minutes ago, I I listen avidly as the old pals talk about the tracks near was busy working underneath them.” His grin is endearing Division Street and Railroad Place, selling newspapers from and still full of mischief, regardless of his age. two family-owned stands along Broadway, enjoying Their minds are as sharp as tacks with the memory of fireworks that spanned four blocks in the West Side Saratoga when they were young kids. And, boy, do they love neighborhood during St. Michael’s Festival every September. to talk about the old neighborhood to anyone who’ll listen. “The fireworks were set off in front of our houses, right on the “People living on the West Side of Saratoga were appreciative street! Can you imagine being able to do that these days?” when we were kids.” States Ralph S. “The blocks on and Ralph G went to St. Peter’s Catholic School and had two around Oak and Beekman were nothing like grander streets brothers. Ralph S attended public school and was close to
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his sister. “We hung out at each other’s house all the time.” Ralph G states. “It didn’t even matter if I was home, he’d come to visit my dad. Our families were like that, always welcoming friends in.”
When Urban Renewal came to Saratoga, Ralph S tells me he heard murmurs they wanted to take his family home. “It might have been hear-say,” he shakes his head quietly. “ But we worried. Thank goodness it didn’t happen. I still live there.”
“I’m not sure where you grew up,” Ralph S looks right at me when he talks. “But our neighborhood was safe. We didn’t have to lock our doors. We could spend hours playing outside – our parents never had to worry that something bad was going to happen.”
Later, when the neighborhood started to deteriorate, residents formed The West Side Neighborhood Association. “We wanted to clean up the area, bring it back to what it was when our parents and grandparents were alive.”
We spend a few minutes talking about the little town where I was born and lived with my four sisters, mom, and dad. Our childhood was the same. We had that in common. Both towns rich in ethnic history, made of the blue-collar working class.
They remember playing shuffleboard and all sorts of card games. The two boys spent hours pitching pennies and trading war cards. As kids, they played marbles. As adults, they played competitive Bocce, which took them to Rome, New York every July.
Ralph Grasso, of Grasso Italian Ice, laughs as he recalls making money shining shoes. “One of my favorite moments was shaking hands with Thomas E Dewey, the 47th governor of New York and Republican Party’s nomination for president. He lost to Roosevelt, I know, but at least I got to shake his hand.”
“There was another card game we enjoyed playing.” They laugh together at the memory. “Sometimes, it could involve upwards of 20 guys. We had a ‘boss,’ an ‘underboss,’ a set of rules to be reviewed at the start, and several rounds of drinks.”
They walk me up and down both sides of Broadway from our table inside the club - naming all of the grand hotels, general stores, ice cream shops, the Convention Hall, the Jack Harlem Club, even Congress Theater, where kids could go to watch western cartoons and win cool giveaways.
“So playing all these games kept you two out of trouble?” Ralph and Ralph look at each other, grinning. “If you say so,” They shake their heads. “But, no, not really.”
Ralph SanFelice was on the wrestling, boxing, and basketball teams during his four years at Saratoga High School. “I loved playing sports,” he says wistfully. “It was so long ago, but sometimes it seems like yesterday.” ”Both men were in the service. One entered the Navy, the other enlisted in the Air Force. One remained a life-long bachelor, while the other got married and had children.
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Hmmmmmmm. Interesting…….
“People can’t understand what they missed, not living in Saratoga back then. It was marvelous!” Ralph G says. “You’re right.” Ralph S pipes in. “I miss the good old days, the simpler times, the way things were when we were kids.” “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” Andy Bernard You can say that again.
SF
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Healthy Saratoga Summer 2019 Complimentary
GREATER e 10
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SPORTS ® e Se saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Brought to you by
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Welcome to
HEALTHY SARATOGA
Healthy Saratoga... the magazine From The Editor
OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Morgan Rook
ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Forbush Richard Frank Stacie Hebert Megin Potter Don Proulx Karissa Scarabino, DO, MPH Todd L. Shimkus Teresa St. John Diane Whitten
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jackie Donnelly Pattie Garrett Marisa Scirocco
PUBLISHED BY
Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487
@healthysaratogamag
Chris Vallone Bushee • Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • (518) 581-2480 ext.201
Loving our cover story for this issue of Healthy Saratoga! If you didn’t know we had an insanely popular clothing manufacturer in Downton Ballston Spa, you might not be exercising (or shopping!) enough. Check out Greater Than Sports (GTS) Clothing on page 10. Whether you are looking for healthy snacks and recipes, local road races or creative ideas to incorporate daily fitness – we’ve got it! When you’re done with this side, just flip it over for inspirational stories and advice for all the loved ones in your life – the kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents, pets - we cover it all! We hope you like this combination of articles and subject matter and would love your feedback. Send your comments and story ideas to cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com Thank you to our readers …and our advertisers who allow us to provide this informative magazine - free of charge - to the thousands of people that read each issue! Please mention us by name when visiting their businesses. As always… I love hearing from you!
Stay Healthy Saratoga, Chris GTS.. story on page 10, photo provided
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Healthy Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2019, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
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HEALTHY SARATOGA
SUMMER 2019 5 Newsworthy 6 #HealthySaratoga celebrates Employee Wellness Month 8 Because Laughing Matters
COVER STORY 10 Greater Than Sports (GTS) With a global internet following and an Athleisure Wear Design Studio in downtown Ballston Spa - if you don’t know GTS yet - it’s my pleasure to introduce you!
GET MOVING 18 20 21 24
Bring it to The Barre Share a Step for Seniors Local Road Races The Trail Report
GOOD EATS 26 30 33
Healthy Snacking Starts Here Recipes from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga County Recipes from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
HEALTHY MATTERS 35 Spotlight on: Lipedema 36 Unexplained Back and Leg Pain?
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news worthy LEARN TO ROW
ON THE MOHAWK RIVER… Adult and youth opportunities! REGISTER TODAY! BHRow.com/learn-to-row FREE ROWING CLINIC – SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH Open to kids going into 6th grade or older and all adults. 90-minute sessions each, starting at 9AM, 10AM, and 11AM. Intro includes instruction on land then on the water in our 8-person rowing shells mixed with experienced rowers. ADULT LEARN TO ROW Open to anyone 18 and older 6/18-7/3 Tues/Thurs 6:15-8 PM (the July 4 class will be held on July 3) 6 sessions for $125 per person – bring a friend for a discount! YOUTH LEARN TO ROW Open to 6th-12th Grade Three 2-week sessions, starting 7/1, 7/22, & 8/12 Mon-Fri, 10 AM-12:30 PM $160 per person
ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY
FISHING TOURNAMENT FOR KIDS!!!!
WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2019 9:30 AM – 12:00 NOON WHERE: EAGLE’S CLUB – Lake Lonely – 373 Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs WHY: To promote a child’s potentially lifelong interest in fishing, a love of nature and environmental awareness and concern. WHAT: Fishing Contest (catch & release) for our youth. Meet representatives of NYS DEC (our local game wardens) Meet local fishing luminaries & others Fishing assistance offered by expert fishermen/women. (Chicken BBQ available for nominal fee) WHO: All children/youth under the age of 16 (no NYS license necessary). COST: FREE to all participants & family members (costs provided by sponsors). (Please bring your own fishing gear if possible – limited loaner gear available for those without gear. Free worms provided) FREE Refreshments (hot dogs, soda, chips) PRIZES awarded (gender & age groups, fish species, size & weight) SPONSORED BY: •Fraternal Order of Eagles •Saratoga Springs Professional Firefighters Union #343 •Saratoga Tackle (Rt. 29, Schuylerville, NY) •Saratoga Basspointers Fishing Club FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 518-587-3421
THE SICK KIT When The Sick-Kit arrived at or office, we couldn’t wait to see what was inside – how clever is this?! A new and comforting way to send well-wishes and relief, without being close enough to catch what your BFF has. This clever business idea is the brainchild of Scot and Teri Eastwood and is just on the cusp, with plans for expansion including hangover cures and PMS relief – we will most definitely be watching this company! Check them out on Facebook, Instagram and Sick-Kit.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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JUNE IS EMPLOYEE WELLNESS MONTH IN SARATOGA COUNTY
# HealthySaratoga WRITTEN BY TODD L. SHIMKUS, PRESIDENT, SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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tarting in 2014, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has annually celebrated the month of June as Employee Wellness Month across Saratoga County.
Together with our Healthy Saratoga sponsors - - the Adirondack Trust Company and MVP Healthcare, we’re again looking forward to celebrating the actions our members take to organize workplace wellness programs. We’ll also be hosting some events ourselves and inviting our members to team up with their employees to participate. Clifton Park – Halfmoon Employee Wellness Walk – On Friday, June 7th, we will organize an Employee Wellness 1-Mile walk. The walk with start and end at the Clifton Park – Halfmoon EMS, at 15 Crossing Boulevard, in Clifton Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 1-mile walk itself starts at 7:45 a.m. Healthy refreshments are provided as well as Saratoga Water for all walkers. The walk is at a leisurely pace with participants walking in both Clifton Park and Halfmoon during the walk. Registration is just $5 per person and is capped at $30 per team to encourage participation. If it rains, please bring an umbrella. Networking Mixer and Workplace Wellness Expo – On Wednesday, June 12th, we will host a Networking Mixer and Workplace Wellness Expo, at the Roosevelt Baths, in the Saratoga Spa State Park. The Gideon Putnam Hotel will provide a cash bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The event opens at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 6:30 p.m. Chamber members in the Health and Wellness field are invited to exhibit at this event for free. Exhibitors must register and bring all of their own materials and equipment. The idea here is that employers can meet with experts from our health and wellness community to talk about what they might do for themselves or to start a workplace wellness effort. Likewise, the health and wellness firms taking part have the chance to network with one another to perhaps create new partnerships or to generate client leads. During the month of June, the Chamber will also be sharing best practices with its members. These may be tips and suggestions from the experts at MVP Healthcare delivered either by email or a live webinar. Often times, the Chamber also takes part in member-organized wellness events promoting such activities with the hope that other members will follow this lead. We believe making sure Saratoga County is one of the healthiest places to live and work is good for our economy. That’s why we’ve taken a leading interest in organizing health and wellness events and promoting the great work of area employers to help others to improve their own health and wellness. Information about all of the Chamber’s Employee Wellness activities and promotions can be found at Saratoga.org.
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STRONG SOCIAL WELL-BEING LEADS TO HEALTHIER, HAPPIER INDIVIDUALS & COMMUNITIES WRITTEN BY STACIE HEBERT, M.ED., CSCS AND LAUREN BENZ, MPH, CWPM, COMMERCIAL HEALTH PROMOTION, MVP HEALTH CARE
W
e all need people in our lives that make us feel supported and accepted. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer health, depression, and increased risk of early death. In fact research has demonstrated that in terms of both poorer health, loneliness has the same effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Start a collection- Ask friends, family and neighbors to join you in starting a collection of necessary items for a local charity. (Veteran’s Miracle Center, SPCA, City Mission, etc.) and deliver it together!
Research has found that individuals with a variety of social connections tend to practice better health behaviors, have more positive emotions, and lead longer healthier lives. These trends have been shown to carry over into the workplace as well. It has been established that lonelier workers perform more poorly, quit more often, and have less job satisfaction than socially content workers. Unfortunately, they also report fewer promotions and more frequent job changes.
Join a Meet-Up Group or Start your own- Meet up groups are a great way to find others with common interests in your community. Download the app on your smartphone or go to Meet Up. Read more about how one creative woman decided to start her own group, called Finding Female Friends Past 50 and within a couple of weeks, the group amassed around 200 members.
Here are just some examples of how you can enhance your social well-being in both your work and personal life:
Schedule walks with friends or co-workers- Nothing
says, “Welcome, summer,” like a 15-minute invigorating walk in the fresh air and sunshine. A recurring weekly walk with others can do wonders for morale and creativity. On a Friday, maybe stop for coffee or frozen yogurt!
Take time for lunch- A groups that eats together,
shares together. Schedule a lunch in a common area at work, a park, or any of Saratoga’s fine eateries.
MVP Health Care employees volunteering together to help build a healthy community.
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Schedule a creative group activity- Painting class, ceramics, jewelry making, or hand lettering, just to name a few.
Join a sports league- Registering with others for a
softball, basketball, or bowling league is a great way to spend time together in a relaxed, fun environment.
Volunteer together- Research has proven that volunteerism increases life satisfaction. It is also associated with better health, increases life expectancy and happiness. What better way to spend a few hours bonding with your co-workers or friends than giving back to those in need. Consider sprucing up a local park or helping out at your local animal shelter. As you engage in activities with your tribe don’t forget to capture the moments with photos. Display them in a common area at work or share them via social media with your group and celebrate your connections! Volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust.
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t e Laughter may enhance respiration and circulation, oxygenate the blood, suppress stress-related s e J th hormones in the brain, and activate the immune system. In the days before “Google” became a verb, r h we at The HUMOR Project were delighted to receive 50,000 letters a year from folks around the fo ealt ... world interested in the positive, healthy power of humor. Since then, we have been the beneficiary H it of thousands of emails containing humorous goodies that we include in our free Laughing Matters f o e-mail newsletter. Here is a taste to strengthen your funny bone:
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE HUMOR PROJECT’S LAUGHING MATTERS E-ZINE.
Joe Zanchelli is a delightful nonagenarian who brought us in to speak at an event. Joe relishes getting older and wiser... and wittier as he passed along the following: Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. This is so true. I love to hear them say, "You don't look that old."
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?" "Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the woman replied, "I'm wondering then just how serious my condition is, because this prescription is marked "'NO REFILLS.'" The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth... think of Algebra.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Linda Nyquist came from the end of the world in California to attend our Saratoga Springs humor conference in the past. In the present, she shares a couple humor presents:
I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon Prime. I'll let you know.
The Little Toe: Designed specifically to geo-locate furniture in low-light conditions.
Be sure you can geo-locate your sense of humor… especially when you need to lighten up! Indeed, laughter is the jest medicine!
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Howie Kirschenbaum sent along these HUMORefills: The meaning of opaque is unclear. Did you know they won't be making yardsticks any longer? I wasn't going to get a brain transplant, but then I changed my mind.
Have you ever tried to eat a clock? It's very time consuming.
The other day, I held the door open for a clown. I thought it was a nice jester.
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Police were called to a daycare center. A 3-year-old was resisting a rest.
I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.
There was a big paddle sale at the boat store. It was quite an oar deal.
So what if I don't know the meaning of the word "apocalypse"? It's not the end of the world.
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GREATER THAN
SPORTS ®
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Flipping Fast Fashion WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
Fashion is a fast-lane business. Designs go from the catwalk, to the mass-market, to the garbage can. At its worst, it’s an infuriating, high-waste system that makes last-year’s trend into this-years faux pas. One local company is flipping the fashion business around and coming out ahead because of it. Greater Than Sports (GTS) Clothing offers made-to-order athleisure wear that’s made onsite in their Ballston Spa design studio. They are bringing comfortable clothing to you faster by combining the individuality of couture with the convenience of ready-to-wear. “We can think up, sample, test, and have a new product for sale in two weeks,” said GTS founder Mike Borisenok.
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It’s About Adapting In 2009, Borisenok was a University of New Hampshire freshman who had a revelation when he watched a documentary on Coco Chanel in his anthropology class. He was inspired by how brands shape and have an affect on culture. “I did always think of what I was wearing, but never thought, oh, I can recreate this,” said Borisenok. He began buying clothing from a wholesaler and reselling it under a private label. By 2012, he’d graduated, joined up with fellow student, yoga instructor and designer Kelly Sullivan to open an office at 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. They enjoyed being in the mix of all that was happening downtown and within two years moved to Woodlawn Avenue to attract walk-in traffic while also beginning to explore manufacturing options. “It was a constant battle finding manufacturing that worked for us. We’d been getting everything made overseas and while they were awesome to us, the process didn’t work well. The New York City garment district was better, but still wasn’t solving the issues we had. That’s when we thought, what if we took this in-house?” said Borisenok. In 2015, GTS Clothing moved to a 600 sq. ft. space on Lake Avenue and began learning the construction process while also hiring sewers and fabric cutters to help along the way. The manufacturing process quickly maxed out the space and in August 2016, they moved again. Their current facility on Ralph Street in Ballston Spa is a 3,000 + sq. ft. space that used to be a sock factory (but GTS Clothing has no plans to add this garment into their collection).
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Spreading Around the Apex
Doubling-Down at Hacking the System
Running on instinct, Sullivan and Borisenok went to a ready-to-wear trade show and took notes.
Sourcing US-made fabrics to make qualityconscious products in an open company culture, this is activewear that rises up to say to fast fashion; There’s a better way.
Knowing that it would take 8 months for these looks to make it to market, they took what they saw and made up a version of it in their own design. The result, a pair of nylon and spandex Apex leggings featuring two strips of mesh fabric to attract the eye, were up for sale almost immediately. “The Apex pant and the anklet Apex products put us on the map nationwide. That was our number one selling item for that year,” said Borisenok. Responding to customer requests and understanding that each person has their own preference, today GTS Clothing offers a variety of tops, bras, pants and more in lighter fabrics with more give, heavier compression fabrics, as well as in fabrics with a softer, airier feel. “Ultimately, we design what customers want,” he said.
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“We’re doubling down on what other brands strive to do,” said Borisenok. Using their website and social media to encourage a conversation with their customers, GTS Clothing makes you feel like you’re part of a private club. Online pop-ups show who’s buying what, and when you follow them on Instagram, they send you a code for 50% off your first order. When you order, they contact you for feedback. “We’re really open to that. When we get feedback, we can implement those ideas immediately into our process,” he said.
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Brand ambassadors help spread the word. “Especially being small, we have to hack the system in a way. Ambassadors help grow the word online and provide another avenue to have someone else tell our story. Collaborations are key,” said Borisenok. Blogs and vlogs show the team at all stages of the process, combining information and entertainment in an intimate way.
being a sewer at the shop to seamlessly picking up where Kelly Sullivan left off when she moved to Washington D.C. last year. “This business consumes all aspects of my life. It’s always on my mind what we can adjust and what we can improve. If you’re passionate about what you do, it never really turns off. Keeping people happy and creating a good company culture with trust and flexibility, I guess that is my style. Unexpectedly, what I started to find and I definitely feel a reward from, is to have employees
start with us and then they just grow as people over time. It pushes them outside their comfort zone. I look back and say, ‘Wow’ this person was shy and didn’t have knowledge of the process and now they’ve taken charge,” said Borisenok. It’s really a great thing. Follow Greater Than Sports on Instagram and find them online at GTSclothing.com Jump into the race and get your own clothing line going at MovementMFG.com
“We pretty much lay everything out there and we try to be authentic. We want people to feel like they’re a part of it. With everything being online and so impersonal today, it’s like if you can scale the almost unscalable, people can own their part in it and have more impact,” said Borisenok.
Speed Racer Even when you’re doing it your own way, building your brand solely on the athleisure trend is a slippery slope. “Activewear is very saturated now. It’s more of a staple, so the hype around it is not as much. It’s everywhere and it’s all a little bit similar, so we’re looking into customization and fit,” said Borisenok. He’s also building a movement. Last year, Movement MFG was launched to help approximately a dozen small-scale brands bring their products to market. “We have these manufacturing machines and can run other clothing lines through it,” reasoned Borisenok. This laid-back flexible attitude is what has propelled Borisenok over the hurdles of the fashion world to come out on top. He just never knew the rewards that would come with it; like seeing Michele Gribben go from saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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BRING IT TO
The Barre
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CAROL GODETTE
C
ala Cocca fell in love with Pure Barre at the age of 18 as a freshman at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Cala, who had always been a long distance runner, severely lacked core and upper body strength and quickly found that the Pure Barre technique was unparalleled in giving her a workout that targeted and strengthened these areas while providing her with a community of uplifting women and the encouragement that she could do anything after tackling a 50 minute class.
After graduating with honors and a double major in English and Government, Cala began working towards a career in law as she found it combined her educational pursuits and love of helping others in a professional way. However, while studying for the LSAT shortly after relocating to Saratoga Springs, she had an epiphany, why not help others in a different way? And that was when she called her family to discuss the possibility of bringing her favorite workout to the capital region. Quickly, Cala created a business plan and applied for a Pure Barre franchise. Knowing she would be the first to bring this type of establishment to the area, she wanted to eliminate reasons for people not to regularly come to her studio, so location and parking was critical. She found that a newly constructed space would allow her to put her stamp on it making the Fresh Market Plaza the perfect spot and vibe she was looking for. So, at the age of 25, Cala’s journey with Pure Barre took another level as she signed on to open her and the Capital Region’s first studio in Saratoga Springs at 56 Marion Ave. So, what is barre? Cala explains the Pure Barre technique as low impact isometric conditioning that builds muscle while creating a lean physique. She goes on to state that one of her favorite aspects of the workout is that it is accessible to and enhances every body type, every shape and every age, as her clients range from 18-75. Every 50-minute class includes a warm up, light weights, thigh work, seat work, ab exercises and a cool down. Cala’s staff works hard to ensure that no two workouts are ever the same and instructors can choose from an endless selection of fast moving playlists, allowing each saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
instructor to make it fun and personal with their own teaching style. Anna O’Neil Ventre, busy working mom, likes the wide variety of class choices. There are between 5 and 8 classes offered from 5:45 a.m. to 7 pm. during the week. What does it take to be an Instructor at Pure Barre? Well, all Pure Barre Instructors must attend an intensive offsite training at the Pure Barre training centers in Denver or South Carolina, pass an anatomy test, and successfully instruct a class in line with the rigorous pure barre standards to a panel of Master Teachers before becoming certified. The intense vetting process, along with Cala’s total trust and belief in her excellent staff makes the studio a success. “This is a community-based workout. I want my staff to feel like we are all family and equals- big egos don’t belong here. Each person on the staff has contributed something special and I am so happy with the community we have built amongst each other and with our clients." While Pure Barre is a franchise, providing each location with their expertly designed workouts, there is a lot of emphasis on letting owners be independent and integral in their community. As an independent owner Cala has the freedom to put her own stamp on the studio and she works hard to integrate the local community with a variety of “pop up” classes at area business- breweries, teas shops, spas- nothing is off limit. At the end of most weekend classes there is a celebration - mimosas and treats from nearby Fresh Market, Urban Roots or Kru Coffee. Adult Easter egg hunts in the studio, Mardi Gras and Derby parties keep her 1,200 clients coming back. In addition to the workout, Pure Barre also offers an ever-changing variety of high-quality workout attire to purchase. “I love fashion- new brands, new trends so that’s an area where my creativity shines,” the 27-yearold explains. This summer she plans to “bring on the men” with free classes every weekend for men. The first class for everyone is always free. Why not bring it to the barre? Pure Barre Studio is located at 56 Marion Avenue in Saratoga Springs. SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 19
Walkers Wanted
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
E
veryday heroes don’t chase criminals, they capture your heart. They set an example and, with their own actions, inspire you.
The 2019 Share a Step for Seniors event gives everyone an opportunity to step up and make a difference to the community. SEEING WHAT’S POSSIBLE Competition drives the lengths people will go to live up to a challenge that excites them. “People were paying attention to what others were doing and using that for motivation towards improving their own healthy habits as well as to raise money for others,” said Katelynn Donovan, Marketing and Advancement Associate for the Wesley Foundation. With a commitment of 47 people last year, Share a Step raised $4,700 through sponsored walking, running, biking, and other physical activities. Combined with donations and business sponsorships, a total of $5,100 was raised to go towards renovations of the Resident Activities Room at Wesley Health Care Center. “The event hopes to grow significantly in 2019. This year's event will raise funds for the 2nd phase of renovations for the Springs Building at Wesley Health Care Center," said Donovan. GETTING A HEAD START This year, the Share a Step for Seniors event has been streamlined in the hopes that it will rapidly increase participation. “We were so excited to have so many participants
20 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
last year and are hoping they will jump on board again in 2019,” said Donovan. To maintain energy and excitement, fundraising has been ongoing since March but the physical portion of Share a Step has been condensed into a 7-day action-packed event. Participants are invited to get moving on June 6th at the Share a Step for Seniors Kick-Off event. From 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. visit the covered pavilion at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave, Saratoga Springs to register, enjoy food, live music and walk your first mile around the garden. All that week, fun walking events at various Saratoga Springs locations give you an opportunity to walk as a group. Track your workouts online or link your Strava, MyFitnessPal or FitBit fitness apps to share your progress. Then celebrate your achievements at the wrap-up party, Thursday, June 13th at the Courtyard by Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs with gifts, giveaways and awards. “No matter how old you are and where your physical abilities are, we’ve created an event that you can use to motivate yourself to set a goal and achieve it. Beyond your own personal health, this helps support senior services, building knowledge and understanding towards a healthier community in the greater Saratoga Springs area,” said Donovan. Online registration is available until June 11th. For more information, go to ShareAStep2019.EverydayHero.do
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Select Local Road Races SUMMER 2019 JUNE 1ST
JUNE 22ND
10 a.m., 11:00 Fun Run, Red School House, Charlton Rd., Charlton, Charlton5k.org
8 a.m. SUNY Adirondack, Bay Rd., Queensbury, NY to Battlefield Park, Lake George. AdirondackRunners.org/ event/show/442872128
CHARLTON HERITAGE 5K AND KIDS’ 1 MILE FUN RUN
JUNE 1ST
FREIHOFER'S RUN FOR WOMEN 5K, JUNIOR 3K, AND KIDS’ RUN
5K; 9 a.m., Junior 3K; 11 a.m., Kids’ Fun Run; 11 a.m. Starts at State Capital, Washington Avenue, Albany. Freihofersrun.com
JUNE 1ST
TUFF ENUFF 5K OBSTACLE CHALLENGE Select Road Race Information compiled by: DON PROULX
Vice President of Saratoga Stryders
SaratogaStryders.org Send your race information to be considered in our next edition (published Aug 2) by July 5, 2019 to donproulx@nycap.rr.com
Starting times; Wave 1; 9:15 a.m., Wave 2; 9:20 a.m., Kids’ 1 Mile 8:30 a.m. Saratoga BOCES, Henning Rd., Saratoga RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/Saratoga Springs/TuffeNuff5KObstacleChallange
JUNE 2ND
CANTINA KIDS’ FUN RUN
¼ Mile and 1 Mile run for kids up to 12 years of age. Races begin at 9 a. m., registration opens at 8 a. m. Congress Park, Saratoga SaratogaHospital.org/about-us/events/ cantina-kids-fun-run/
JUNE 8TH
LIFESONG DASH 5K AND KIDS’ RUN 9:30 a.m.; Kids’ Run, 10:00 a.m.; 5K Halfmoon Town Park, Clifton Park LifeSongDash.com
JUNE 13TH
THE ROUTE 50 MILE
6:50 p. m. USATF-certified 1-mile race fundraiser in support of CAPTAIN Community Starts at Kingsley Road and Route 50, Burnt Hills CaptainCares.org/news-events/route50-mile.html
JUNE 15TH
DRAGON THE DADS 5K RUN AND 1 MILE KIDS’ RUN
5K; 9 a.m., Kids’ Run; 10 a.m. Warming Hut Spa State park, Saratoga RunSignup.com/Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/ DRAGONtheDads5K
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2ND ADIRONDACK 15K RACE TO THE LAKES
JUNE 24TH
SARATOGA STRYDERS CAMP SARATOGA 5K TRAIL RACE SERIES
6:15 p.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve, Scout Rd., Wilton. A five-race, 5K series held every other Monday starting June 24th. $5 entry fee each race, no pre-registration SaratogaStryders.org/Camp-SaratogaTrail-Race-Series
JULY 4TH
FIRECRACKER 4 MILE ROAD RACE
Start time; 9 a.m., Kids’ ½ Mile Fun Run; 10:50 a.m. Broadway, Saratoga FireCracker4.com
JULY 7TH
PAUL LUTHER MEMORIAL 5K RACE AND KIDS RUN
Start times: 5K Race; 10:30 a. m., Fun Run; 11:30 a. m. Park Pl, Mechanicville RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/Mechanicville/ PaulLutherMemorialRun5K
JULY 13TH
23RD JEFF CLARK MEMORIAL, SILKS & SATINS 5K RUN/WALK
Start time; 8 a. m. Fasig Tipton, 415 East Avenue, Saratoga SpringsRunSignUp.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/SilksandSatins5k
JULY 13TH
5TH FRIENDS OF WILTON PARK FEST 5K RACE/1K KIDS RUN/ 100 YARD KIDS DASH
Start times: 5K; 8:00 a. m., 1K Fun Run; 8:45 a. m., 100 Yard Dash; 9:00 a. m. 10 Lewis Drive, Wilton RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/FriendsofWiltoRecPark Fest20155K1KRunWalk
SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 21
JULY 21ST
AUGUST 17TH
Start time; 9:00 a. m. John Boyd Thacher State Park (Voorheesvile)HMRRC.com/races/2019/ indian-ladder-trail-run-35m-and-15k
Start time; 9:00 a.m., Voorheesville High School, 432 New Salem Rd, Voorheesville, Contact Phil Carducci, 518 861-6350, whiteknighttrm@gmail.com ZippyReg.com/online_reg/index.php?e=1231
INDIAN LADDER 3.5 MILE AND 15K TRAIL RACE
JULY 27TH
VOORHEESVILLE 5K (Hilltown Triple Crown Race #2)
RUN FAST FOR FLINT 5K FUNDRAISER
AUGUST 18TH
AUGUST 3RD
Start time; 9:00 a.m., Hudson Falls Community Pool, Burgoyne Ave and Franklin St, Hudson Falls Active.com/hudson-falls-ny/running/distancerunning/35th-annual-tony-luciano-5k-2019
Start time; 10:00 a. m., Greenwich Junior-Senior High School, Gray Avenue, Greenwich RaceEntry.com/run-fast-for-flint-5k/race-information
35TH TONY LUCIANO 5K
FOX CREEK 5K
AUGUST 19TH
(Hilltown Triple Crown Series, Race #1) Start time: 9 a. m. Berne Town Park, Heldeberg Trail, Berne, NY Active.com/berne-ny/running/distance-running-races/ fox-creek-5k-2019
AUGUST 3RD
HUDSON RIVER RAMBLE 8 MILE RACE
Start time; 9:00 a. m., Johnsburg Central School, 165 Main Street, North Creek. Contact; Tracy Watson (518) 251-0107, Ronda Morris (518) 251-3999 Active.com/north-creek-ny/running/distance-runningraces/1st-hudson-river-ramble-2019?int=
AUGUST 5TH, 12TH, and 19TH
TAWASENTHA 5K CROSS COUNTRY RACE
Start time; 6:30 p.m., Tawasentha Park, Guilderland HMRRC.com/races/2019/tawasentha-xc-5k
AUGUST 10TH
THE CERVEZA SHUFFLE 10K/5K RACE, 1K KIDS AND FAMILY FUN RUN
SARATOGA HARNESS TRACK MILE
Start time; 5:00 p.m., Race appropriate to estimated mile time from over 10-minute mile through sub 5-minute mile. Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St, Saratoga, RunSignup.com/Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/ TheSecondAnnualSaratogaCasinoandRacewayMonda NightMile
AUGUST 21ST
SOUTHERN SARATOGA YMCA HUMP DAY 5K
Start time; 6:15 p.m. Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall St, Clifton Park. Contact Aaron Ditch, aditch@cdymca.org, 518 371-2139
AUGUST 24TH
22ND ALTAMONT 5K (Hilltown Triple Crown Race #3) Start time; 9:00 a.m., Benjamin M. Crupe Bozenkill Park, Gun Club Road, Altamont, Altamont5k.org/
AUGUST 25TH
Start times: 10K/5K; 9 a. m., 1K Fun Run; 10:30 a.m. The event benefits the Glens Falls Medical Mission Foundation. Saratoga Spa State Park Warming Hut, 19 Roosevelt Dr. Saratoga, Active.com/saratoga-springs-ny/running/ cerveza-shuffle-2019
WHAT WOULD TREVOR DO? RUN N’ ROLL FOR HOPE 5K AND KIDS UNDER 12 FUN RUN
34TH RUN FOR THE ROSES 5K RACE, 2.5 MILE NATURE WALK AND KIDS’ 1 MILE FUN RUN
SARATOGA RUN FOR THE HORSES 5K AND KIDS’ FUN RUN
AUGUST 12TH
Start times: 5K Race; 9 a.m., Nature Walk; 8 a.m., 1 Mile Fun Run; 10 a.m., Grafton Lakes State Park, Rt. 2, Grafton GraftonCommunityLibrary.org/run-for-the-roses-2015-2/
AUGUST 17TH
17TH ANNUAL JAILHOUSE ROCK 5K
Start time; 10:00 a.m. Saratoga Spa State Park Warming Hut, Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/RunNroll5k
AUGUST 31ST
Start times: Kids’ Fun Run; 8:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk; 8:30 a.m.Orenda Pavilion, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/RunForTheHorses5kss
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Start time; 8:30 a.m., Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa, Contact Jennifer Ferriss, ferrissj@gmail.com or call the Brookside Museum, 518-885-4000
GLOBAL FOUNDRIES MALTA 5K AND 10K
OVER THE TOP RUN 5K TRAIL RUN/10K MOUNTAIN BIKE
CAMP CHINGACHGOOK CHALLENGE HALF-MARATHON AND 10K HALF-MARATHON
AUGUST 17TH
Start time; 10:00 a.m., Benefits Double-H Ranch West Mountain, 59 West Mountain Rd., Queensbury WestMTN.net/over-the-top-run-bike-and-brewfestival-aug-18/
22 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
Start time; 8:30 a.m., HVCC TEC Smart, 345 Hermes Rd, Malta, Malta5k.com/
SEPTEMBER 8TH
8 AM Lake George Elementary School, 69 Sun Valley Dr, Lake George, 10K; 9AM Camp Chingachgook, 1872 Pilot Knob Rd, Kattskill Bay areep.com/events/acc/index.php
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SEPTEMBER 8TH
THE L.L. BEAN FLANNEL 5K
Arrive no later than 7 AM for packet pickup at L. L. Bean Store, Colonie Center Mall, Albany, NY. Shuttles to race at Crossings of Colonie Park with race start at 8:30. Flannel5k.net/albany/
SEPTEMBER 14TH
ADIRONDACK PUB AND BREWERY ADK 5K
Start time; 10:00 a. m., Adirondack Brewing Company, 33 Canada St, Lake George GreatAmericanBreweryRaces.com/adk-5k
SEPTEMBER 15TH
THE SARATOGA PALIO MELANIE O'DONNELL MEMORIAL RACE 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
Start times: Half-marathon; 7:45 a.m., 5K; 8:00 a.m., Kids’ Fun Run; 9:15 a.m., Broadway, Saratoga Springs TheSaratogaPalio.com/
SEPTEMBER 15TH
2019 DUNKIN’ RUN 5K/10K/10K MASTERS/15K RACES/1/2 MILE FUN RUN
Start times: 10K/10K Masters/15K; 8:20 a.m., 5K; 8:30 a.m., Fun Run; 10:00 a.m., Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center, 340 Whitehall Rd, Albany, Albanyjcc.org/dunkinrun
SEPTEMBER 21ST
ADIRONDACK MARATHON DISTANCE FESTIVAL 5K/10K/1K KIDS’ FUN RUN
5K/10K; 9:30 a.m., Kids’ Run; 2:00 p.m. Town of Chester Municipal Center, 6307 State Route 9, Chestertown, AdirondackMarathon.org/ 5-k-10-k-kids-fun-run/
SEPTEMBER 21ST
START CHILDREN’S CENTER 5K RUN/WALK
Start time; 10:00 a.m. START Children’s Center, 127 Bloomingrove Dr, Troy RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/Troy/STARTChildrensCenter5k
SEPTEMBER 22ND
ADIRONDACK MARATHON DISTANCE FESTIVAL HALF-MARATHON AND FULL MARATHON
Marathon starts at 9:00 a.m., Early bird start; 7:00 a.m. Half-marathon starts at 10:00 a.m. Rt. 9, Schroon Lake bus transportation to half-marathon start AdirondackMarathon.org/
SEPTEMBER 22ND
GLENVILLE MUDDY SNEAKERS 5K TRAIL RACE
Start time; 9:00 a.m., Indian Meadows Park, 155 Droms Rd, Schenectady, Contact Lisa Rivet, 518 399-8118, lrivet@cdymca.org
OCTOBER 6TH
HUDSON MOHAWK ROAD RUNNERS CLUB NEW SCOTLAND 7.1 MILE
Start time; 10:00 a.m., New Scotland Town Park, 148 Swift Rd, Voorheesville, HMRRC.com/races/2019/ town-new-scotland-71m
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SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 23
HIKING
THE STONEWALL TRAIL
The Perfect Trail if You Don’t Like Crowds WRITTEN BY DAN FORBUSH PHOTOS BY JACKIE DONNELLY
T
o hike the Stonewall Trail, you enter Moreau Lake State Park through its back door.
You know the park's front door in Gansevoort just off Interstate 87 at Exit 17. That’s where you’ll find the park’s offices and a paved parking lot that accommodates dozens of cars. The back door lies two miles west on the other side of the Hudson in Warren County. From Saratoga Springs, you take 9N north to cross the river at Corinth, then follow Call Street – also known as Route 32 -- to Hawk Road. Follow that to its end. You’ll know you’re close when you come to a gate and a rock-strewn section that ascends a steep hill. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you come to the grassy rectangle where you’ll park. You’ll find reassuring a simple kiosk with a map that marks the start of the trail, which can be hiked as a loop in either direction. “Ninety-five percent of the people who use the park have no idea there is a trail on that side of the river,” says Sam Lantz, who was a member of the team that 24 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
four years ago marked the 3.2-mile loop with light-blue blazes and continues to serve as the trail’s volunteer steward. “If you don’t like crowds, this trail is for you,” adds trails enthusiast Peter Fedorick, co-leader of the Crooked Canes, a local group of retired hikers that first explored the trail in 2016. This land came into state hands when Niagara Mohawk decided to get out of the power-generation business and sold the land surrounding Spier Falls Dam to the state in 1998. With that acquisition, Moreau Lake State Park instantly expanded from 900 to 4000 acres, including 1300 acres on the Warren County side of the Hudson. So infrequently is the Stonewall Trail hiked that no rut has formed from the constant treading of feet. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
To make your way through the woods, you must constantly look for those light-blue blazes. To be sure you find your way back to your car, you may want to mark it on your GPS -- just in case. True to its name, the Stonewall Trail follows several impressive stonewalls through groves of mixed hardwoods and hemlocks, heading steadily down a long escarpment to the Hudson. Along the way, you'll pass the stone cellars of homesteads abandoned in the late 1800s. Thanks to a "calcareous substrate that creates a limey habitat," you're also likely to find wildflowers that don't grow on the Saratoga County side, says nature writer and photographer Jackie Donnelly. These include Showy Orchis and Purple Milkwort. When you reach the banks of the Hudson halfway around the loop, you'll find rising before you like a great beached whale the 1250-foot plateau of Grant Mountain. At this point on its journey to the Atlantic from Lake Tear of the Clouds, the Hudson is a tamed five-mile reservoir created by Spier Falls Dam, the top of which you’ll see a few hundred yards dowstream to your left. When it was completed in 1903, this was the largest power-producing dam in the world. At 1570 feet long and 157 feet high – the height of a 15-story building – it remains the largest on the Hudson.
The dam’s story begins with a Glens Fall attorney named Eugene Ashley who, upon forming the Hudson River Water Power Company, proposed to build a dam that would generate enough electricity to light cities from Glens Falls to Albany, and power the region’s electric railway lines and factories, including the big General Electric plant in Schenectady. Through what local historian Timothy Weidner calls a “murky back-room deal,” Ashley acquired nearly seven miles of property along the section of the Hudson between Lake Luzerne and Mount McGregor. During the three saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
years it took to build the dam, Ashley used this land to raise beef and grow crops to feed his army of 1500 workers. With its Hudson overlooks and view of Grant Mountain, the Stonewall Trail makes for a great winter hike, notes Fedorick. If you go in winter, just remember the gate will be closed. "You’ll want to park where Call Street meets Hawk Road," he says. "That's about seven-tenths of a mile from the start of the trail." SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 25
GOODIES FOR GRAZING ( Tips for healthy snacking!) WRITTEN BY RICHARD FRANK OF FOUR SEASONS NATURAL FOODS PHOTOS BY MARISA SCIROCCO
HEALTHY SNACKS are essential. No matter how “good” you may be at meal time, any diet or healthy eating protocol can be quickly sabotaged by a snack binge mid-day meal or at night, especially a junky one. So, when you need something and don’t have a lot of time--well, which is almost always--here are some good choices in the alternative snacks arena that can be ready when you are!
GOOD TO GO! LITTLE LAD’S POPCORN.
Don’t eat the whole bag, but you can eat 1/2 of it and still be okay. Non-GMO and made with an insanely good spice blend. It’s a sure bet to hit the spot when you are in need. Vegan and Gluten-free $2.79
GO MACRO BARS.
Originally started by macrobiotic dieters who eat a diet of grains, beans and vegetables, theses folks created a bar that came from an authentic whole foods philosophy. Great ingredients and comes in a dozen or more varieties. Vegan, Organic and Gluten-free $2.39-3.49
SAMI’S MILLET & FLAX CHIPS.
These guys bake up some great products, but our favorite are their crackers. Thick and hearty and taste home baked in the right way. These are great alone or open up a hummus or healthy spread and you’re set for a couple more hours. $3.99
SEAWEED NORI SNACKS...
not over-filling, but can be good to add into the mix. Sea vegetables are incredibly nutrient dense and they filter in nutrition from the oceans that are hard to find elsewhere. Vegan, Organic and Gluten-free $1.79-2.59
26 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
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MOM’S MUNCHIES BARS AND COOKIES.
Mom makes ‘em up right. Ingredients you’d be proud to use at home and flavor that is just dang good. Vegan, Organic and Gluten-free $2.99-$4.29
JOHANNA’S RAW FOODS.
Her carrot crackers are insane and are way more than just a cracker. You have to try them to get it. Vegan, Organic and Gluten-free $5.49 (and worth it!)
GOPALS POWER WRAPS.
We’re not sure how they do it, but these nori sticks are part nori roll and part vegan jerky. There a bunch of types, but the tried and true Japanese is the best. Vegan, Organic and Gluten-free $2.49
SWEET EATS GRANOLA BARS. Made in Delmar with small batches, caring and sweet ingredients. Homemade at its best--almost (almost!) as good as the ones we make (see below). Vegan and Gluten-free $2.79
LYDIA’S CRUNCH BAR.
These have a cult following. If you like raw cacao and live foods, don’t miss these--they might change your life. Vegan, Raw, Organic and Gluten-free $2.99
RIGHTEOUSLY RAW CACAO TREATS.
Well, technically not a snack cause it’s pure chocolate, but these portion-controlled, bite-sized servings hit the spot. Several varieties with unique flavors and ingredients. Vegan, Raw, Organic and Gluten-free $.99
BATTENKILL BRITTLE.
A traditional energy bar made of seeds. Sometimes simple really is better. Vegan, Mostly Organic, Gluten-free and Solar-powered. $3.79
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SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 27
READY IN A JIFFY! IF YOU DO HAVE A FEW MINUTES, MIGHT WE SUGGEST: MISO-TAHINI ON TOAST. This is made by combining
miso paste (Japanese fermented grains and soy beans) with tahini (middle eastern sesame paste).....the combination is delicious, easy and full of beneficial probiotics and nutrients. We liked spreading it on toasted rye bread which provides the slightly crunchy and tart canvas for the spread.
CARROT RAISIN MANNA BREAD. It comes frozen and
simply thaw it. It’s made from sprouted grains mashed up into a loaf. Eat cool, room temperature, or warmed slightly in the toaster oven. Spread on some tahini or nut butter for an amazingly good and quick treat.
MOCHI. Pounded sweet rice that you cut into squares
and bake it quickly in the oven. Serve with apple butter for a fun treat to eat.
FOR ENGINEERS AND OTHERS WHO ARE ACTUALLY ABLE TO PLAN AHEAD (All three of you out there.) COOKED FRUIT. Into a pot, put in some unsulphured dried fruit in a little water and apple juice; add a cinnamon stick and a lemon wedge and cook on low for about 20 minutes. Apples, apricots, plums, peaches,
pears--all favorites. Add raisins towards the end too. If you have the energy, soak raw cashews overnight, blend them in a food processor with a little maple syrup and vanilla into a rich creamy topping to serve with the fruit. Grandma did know best after all.
CHIA SEED PUDDING.
Into a quart Ball jar, put a 1/2 cup of chia seeds, 2 1/2 cups almond milk, a tablespoon of maple syrup, a few pieces of lemon or orange rind. Shake well and refrigerate overnight.
HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS. Don’t buy ones with lame ingredients when you can make them better in 10 minutes.... our favorite recipe is written here.
ORANGE GRANOLA BARS
(inspired from the Cookie and Kate blog) INGREDIENTS: ¼ c. pumpkin seeds ¼ c. sunflower seeds ½ c. dried cranberries (or raisins) 1 ¾ c. oats zest of 1 orange (organic) ½ t. cinnamon ½ t. salt 1 cup sunflower butter ¼ - ½ c. brown rice syrup, honey or maple syrup 1 ½ t. vanilla 1. Line a 9 inch square baking dish with wax paper 2. Pulse oats in a food processor 3. Add seeds and cranberries to food processor and pulse until broken up 4. In a mixing bowl – combine processed oats, seeds and cranberries with orange zest, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine. 5. In a smaller mixing bowl – combine sweetener, sunflower butter and vanilla until blended. 6. Add contents of small mixing bowl to oat mixture. Mix well. 7. Press mixture into baking dish. 8. Refrigerate overnight. Slice into bars. To maintain freshness keep refrigerated, freeze individually wrapped bars or store at room temperature if they are to be eaten in a couple of days. 28 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 29
Fishing for Health
Quick and Delicious Meals for the Family WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, NUTRITION EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
I
f you’re looking for a simple way to improve your health and a quick meal, consider including more fish in your diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish twice a week to reduce the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. With most fish fillets and steaks taking 10 minutes or less to cook, a fish or seafood dinner is one of the quickest meals to prepare.
Omega-3 fatty acids are ocean fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. Omega -3s can inhibit blood clotting and improve blood flow. They relax our arteries, help keep them from becoming clogged with plaque, and improve blood circulation in the heart. They also lower the circulating levels of blood fats and blood pressure and thus reduce the likelihood of heart attacks.
Not only will regular fish consumption reduce the risk of heart disease, it will also reduce the risk of stroke, the leading cause of disability in the U.S. To get the full benefits of eating fish, the AHA recommends eating two 3.5-ounce servings of non-fried fish, or about 3/4 cup of flaked fish, every week. To reap the greatest benefit, your fish meals will replace the intake of less healthy foods, such as foods high in saturated fat, including beef and pork.
• There are a variety of delicious reasons to make fish and shellfish a regular part of your diet. Fish and shellfish are excellent sources of high quality protein, beneficial oils and many important vitamins and minerals. An average serving of fish or other seafood (approximately 5 ounces cooked fish) provides 50-60% of an adult's daily protein needs and only 200 calories.
While fish does have fat, it’s unsaturated fat which doesn’t cause plaque build-up in the arteries. The oiliest fish, including salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and tuna, are high in omega-3 fatty acids
What are Omega 3- Fatty Acids and why are they beneficial? Omega-3 fatty acids are the highly unsaturated fatty acids commonly found in fish oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in all types of seafood. The richest sources of 30 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
Other Health Benefits of Fish
• All seafood is low in fat - less than 5% fat - and nearly all seafood is low in cholesterol. Although shrimp is higher in cholesterol than most types of fish and shellfish, it is still lower in saturated fat and total fat than most meats and poultry. • Oily fish are also among the best dietary sources for naturally occurring Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium. Both Calcium and Vitamin D are the nutrients essential for strong bones. • Seafood is also an excellent source of minerals including: iodine, which is critical to thyroid gland saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
functioning and metabolism; iron is crucial for red cell formation; zinc, for wound healing and sexual function; and niacin -vital for a healthy skin and metabolism. Oysters, scallops, clams and mussels are also terrific sources of iron and zinc. Oysters and mussels have nearly three times as much iron as most meats, and oysters are one of the best food sources of zinc.
Consider Sustainability Fish and seafood consumption is considered sustainable when it is caught in a way that has minimal impact on ocean health and ensures the availability of seafood for future generations. The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a smart phone app to help you make informed choices at the grocery store. Search your app store for Seafood Watch.
Words of Caution: Is it safe to consume raw fish and seafood? Raw fish and seafood consumption is common, including oysters on the half-shell, sushi, sashimi, and ceviche. Consumption of any raw or under cooked animal protein poses a risk of food borne illness to the general population. Raw fish and seafood should be avoided especially by people with the following compromising health conditions: liver disease; diabetes; cancer; immune disorders; long-term steroid use; and hemochromatosis, an iron disorder. What about mercury in fish? Eating contaminated fish is the number one cause of mercury exposure in America. Mercury comes from
coal-burning power plants and factories, then ends up in lakes, rivers, and oceans where it is consumed by small organisms and then works its way up the food chain. Big predatory fish, like swordfish, can have especially high concentrations of mercury. Woman of child-bearing age, and children should avoid eating these and other fish. More information can be found on the Food and Drug Administration web site, FDA.gov. Basically, the key is to eat smaller fish, including flounder, haddock, salmon, and canned light tuna, plus any shellfish.
Tips for Cooking Fish and Seafood • The key to delicious seafood is to cook it quickly. Unlike meat, fish and shellfish do not need to be "tenderized" by cooking. In fact, overcooking toughens seafood and makes it dry out because its natural juices are lost. • If you are cooking whole fish, steaks and fillets, measure the fish at its thickest part. For every inch of thickness, cook ten minutes. If less than an inch, shorten the cooking time accordingly. There are also ways to visually assess cooking. For fish, insert the tip of a sharp knife into the flesh and pull aside. The center should have flakes that are beginning to separate. • When preparing shrimp, lobster and scallops, check color. Shrimp and lobster turn red and the flesh becomes white. Scallops become a milk white color and firm. The shells of clams, mussels and oysters, open when they are done. Throw out those that stay closed. Visit JerseySeafood.nj.gov/nutrition.html
Broiled Scallops with White Wine Sauce Ingredients:
½ cup chicken broth ¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio ½ lemon, juiced 1 Tbsp minced shallot 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup butter 1 lb sea scallops 1 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Preheat the oven broiler. In a skillet over medium heat, mix the chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, shallot and garlic. Cook and stir until most of the liquid has been reduced. Stir in the butter until melted. Brush the scallops with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet. Broil the scallops in the preheated oven about 2 minutes on each side, or until opaque. Serve with the wine sauce. Makes 4 servings. Per serving:278 calories, 16.2g fat, .7g fiber, 3231mg sodium saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 31
Zuppa di Pesce / Fish Soup This quick and easy soup recipe is a tried and true crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra virgin oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (28 oz) Italian style plum tomatoes-undrained 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio 2 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves, minced 1 lb. fish filets, cut into chunks Parmesan cheese, if desired
Preparation: Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onion and garlic. Cook 4-5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, wine and basil, breaking up tomatoes with back of spoon. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add fish; simmer 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with cheese and additional basil leaves, if desired. Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 270 calories, 30 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate, 11 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 450 mg sodium.
Poaching is an all but forgotten cooking technique. This gentle cooking method is perfect for seafood, because it imparts lots of moisture and will not mask the delicate flavor of the fish. Poaching also keeps the volatile oils from leaving a fishy smell in your kitchen.
Poached Haddock with Herb Couscous Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup red onion, diced ½ cup red pepper, diced 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 ½ cups water 1 lemon, juiced ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ tbsp. dried herb blend 3/4 lb. Haddock (or other mild flavored white fish) fillet, cut in bite-size pieces 1 ½ cups couscous ½ cup parmesan cheese
Preparation: Heat olive oil in skillet, add onion, and red pepper; cook until onion is transparent. Add garlic, sauté for 1 minute. Add water, lemon juice and herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add haddock pieces, poach in simmering water until no longer transparent, about 5-10 minutes. Add couscous distributing evenly, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover pan and remove from heat. Let sit five minutes to cook couscous. Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 410 calories; 11g fat; 2g saturated fat; 52mg cholesterol; 78mg sodium 32 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
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Yummies from the Market Provided by Saratoga Farmers' Market PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE
SPRING VEGETABLES IN A BUTTER SAUCE
Author: Cook's Illustrated Serves: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into ½ inch by ½ inch by 2 inch batons 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut on bias into 2 inch lengths 8 ounce sugar snap peas, strings removed, trimmed 4 large radishes halved and sliced thin 1 Tablespoon minced shallots 1½ teaspoons white wine vinegar ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon sugar 6 Tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled 1 Tablespoon minced fresh chives
Instructions: 1. Bring 1 cup water to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Place steamer basket over boiling water. Add turnips and asparagus to basket, cover saucepan, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until vegetables are slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add snap peas, cover, and cook until snap peas are crisp and tender, about 2 minutes. Add radishes, cover, and cook for 1 minutes. Lift basket out of saucepan and transfer vegetables to platter. Spread into even layer to allow steam to dissipate. Discard all but 3 Tablespoons liquid from saucepan. 2. Return saucepan to medium heat. Add shallot, vinegar, salt, and sugar and cook until mixture is reduced to 1½ Tablespoons, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add butter, 1 piece at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until butter is incorporated and sauce has consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. Add vegetables and stir to coat. Serve with chives.
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maple glazed chicken
Author: Chef Jason Baker, NYS Maple Foundation Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups pure maple syrup ¼ cup granulated maple sugar ¼ cup lite soy sauce 1 cup water 2 inch peeled fresh ginger, sliced 3 whole garlic cloves 4 anise stars 2 Tablespoon whole coriander 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Sesame seeds
Instructions: Add all ingredients (maple syrup, maple sugar, soy, water, ginger, garlic, anise, coriander) to sauce pan and simmer 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Pan sear chicken breasts (or 1½ pound pork tenderloin). Place chicken in a shallow baking pan and pour glaze on top. Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until done. Every 5 minutes baste with glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 33
SPINACH PASTA SALAD Author: Barefeet in the Kitchen, Serves: 8
Ingredients:
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta • ½ small red onion thinly sliced and cut into 1 inch pieces, about ¼ cup • 3 large garlic cloves minced • 6 Tablespoons olive oil • ¼ cup red wine vinegar • 4 cups fresh baby spinach • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according the the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta. 2. While the pasta is cooking, place the onions and garlic in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and vinegar to cover the onions. When the pasta has been drained, add it to the mixing bowl and toss well. Add the spinach and tomatoes. 3. Toss everything together to mix well and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. NOTES: Add your favorite vegetables, broccoli, grated carrots, or bell peppers.
RHUBARB ICE CREAM SUNDAE
Author: Sift, A King Arthur Publication, Serves: 8
Ingredients:
Compote: 2 cups chopped rhubarb stalks (8½ ounces) ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt or a pinch a table salt ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cinnamon stick 2 Tablespoons honey juice of ½ lemon Crumble: ¾ cup flour 1 cup rolled oats ¼ cup packed brown sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon table salt ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup chopped walnuts ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes plus more if needed Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions: 1. For the compote: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Combine all the compote ingredients in a covered baking dish. Bake, covered for 30 minutes, until slightly thickened and fragrant. Remove from the oven and take out the cinnamon stick. If you want a smooth sauce, puree the compote, or break up the rhubarb with a potato masher. 2. For the crumble: Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. 3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, granulated sugar, and walnuts. Using your fingers, work the butter cubes into the dry ingredients until the mixture is the texture of coarse meal. Squeeze the mixture together until large clumps form. If the mixture is still dry, work in another Tablespoon of butter. Turn the crumble onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool. Break the topping into small pieces for serving. 4. To assemble: Scoop vanilla ice cream into a dish, drizzle with compote, and sprinkle with crumble. 34 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
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Hidden in Plain Sight “Want me to do something… tell me I can’t do it.” – Maya Angelou
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
K
neel down on a bunch of marbles and you’ll get an inkling of the pain 17 million women in the US are suffering with every day.
It’s a disease that no one talks about, that very few doctors can diagnose, and that can be fatal. “Lipedema was first described in 1940 and since then there really hasn’t been any progress around it in the medical community, there really should be more knowledge about it out there,” said Pattie Cornute.
BIG AS LIFE In 2000, when she was shopping for her wedding dress, Pattie Cornute was a size 4 on top and a size 12 on bottom. “I was always active and always questioning why I wasn’t losing weight,” she said. Cornute tried different workouts, diets, and went through a slew of medical checks but found no answers. Four years later, her daughter Noelle was born and it was obvious that something was terribly wrong. “The most drastic thing for me afterwards was going from having larger legs to really being deformed. If you looked at me, you’d say something was really wrong with me,” said Cornute. Her hips were incredibly wide, her backside totally different and her legs were so large that they started to cuff over her ankle. It felt like they were filled with bean bags. They hurt and bruised easily. She was diagnosed with Lipedema in 2007 at age 38.
REBEL WITH A CAUSE Early on, doctors told Cornute to stop exercising because heat exacerbates the swelling, but her symptoms only worsened, as did her depression.
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She could barely walk down the driveway. She wouldn’t fit in chairs with arms. “I’d be in tears and thought, ‘this is not what I want for myself’,” she recalls. Cornute turned to her husband Bob, a cross fit trainer who also has a black belt in karate and asked for help. She began with standing pushups, squats and sit-ups on the yoga ball. “At the time I was kind of a rebel and going against the grain of what I was supposed to do,” said Cornute. She began a blog advocating fitness for Lipedema patients and a Facebook support group. “It was all I wanted to talk about because for the first time I started to feel good. I didn’t want someone else to go through what I went through,” she said.
WARRIOR WOMEN Cornute started walking 5K races. Her first was the Ryan’s Run 5K in Saratoga Spa State Park in 2013. Then she did a few more while wearing layers of Juzo USA compression garments. “I feel like a warrior, not a victim of what this disease can do to you,” she said. June is Lipedema Awareness month, so by the summer of 2015 she organized the first annual Lipedema Triathlon at the Saratoga Regional YMCA West Avenue Branch. “I want to get the message out to people who are suffering that you’re not alone. We see what you feel and know what you’re going through,” said Cornute. As of 2018, there are 12,650 women suffering from Lipedema in Saratoga County. To join a fitness group or participate in-person or virtually in the 4th Annual Lipedema Triathlon on June 29th go to LipedemaFitness.blogspot.com.
SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 35
THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT...
IS A LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY THE REAL CAUSE BEHIND YOUR ACHES AND INJURIES?
36 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2019
WRITTEN BY KARISSA SCARABINO, DO, MPH
A
s an Osteopathic Physician, I see a lot of patients suffering from aches and injuries from an unknown cause or patients that have never really gotten back to normal following a surgery. What I find in many cases is that the root cause of the problem is a leg length discrepancy (LLD). Leg length discrepancy is a condition where the length of one leg is shorter relative to the other. It can occur in all ages. Most people have some degree of leg length inequality. The average discrepancy is less than 1.1 cm and usually patients easily compensate. However, it is also common to see these leg length discrepancies be pathological and cause pain. The leg length discrepancy causes sacral base unleveling-the sacrum is the triangular fused bone located at the base of the low back in between the hips. The brain wants to remain level to the horizon. The body twists and contorts to make sure the eyes are level, which causes muscular strains and skeletal changes in the pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, neck, and jaw. Lower extremity disorders associated with leg length discrepancy include: • Increased hip pain and degeneration • Altered gait (such as limping) • Scoliosis • Low back pain • Knee injury • Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome • Pronation and plantar fasciitis of the feet • Asymmetrical strength in the lower extremity • Increased disc or vertebral degeneration • Headaches • Neck pain and upper back pain • TMJ dysfunction and pain There are many different neuromuscular and traumatic causes of leg length discrepancies. I commonly see them in the athletes I treat, especially runners and power walkers who run or walk outside on pitched roads. This tends to put a painful strain in the pelvis that results in an acquired leg length discrepancy. I also see many patients who have had bone and/or joint surgeries and have not fully recovered, walking with pain and hitching to one side even when they have completed extensive rehab programs. As an Osteopathic Physician, I have been trained to diagnose and successfully treat leg length discrepancies. My gentle hands-on treatments help individuals struggling with acute and chronic pain return to health without the need for medications or surgical interventions. For additional information on how Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine can help you, please visit my website: OsteopathicHealthOf Saratoga.com, call 518.250.3221, or meet me on the contributors’ page 6 on the Family side of this flip magazine. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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SUMMER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 37