Saratoga Family Winter 2019 Complimentary
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Welcome to
Saratoga Family Magazine Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201
Happy Anniversary to us! Yes, we just finished our first year with the flip format, combining the topics that mean the most to you… your health and your family! Whether it’s the kids, the parents, the grandparents or the pets… We have something for everyone in Saratoga’s only multi-generational print magazine! Are you finishing up your holiday shopping – (or maybe just getting started?!) – we have pages and pages of suggestions. From something for the train enthusiast in your life to great ideas for family outings. You can even “shop our cover shoot” – after meeting the family on page 26! As I mentioned on the Healthy Saratoga side - this magazine is a joy to build with all the community involvement. Keep sending me your ideas, comments and story suggestions, you know I love hearing from you! Oh, that reminds me… we have two dogs featured in this issue – (one story on each side) and they are not only adorable, you could call them “medical professionals” with all the love, care and support they offer. I hope you love meeting them! I know we’re coming into the crazy holiday season, but I’m hoping you can all find time to sit, relax and enjoy this issue – with your kids and your parents – these are share-worthy stories! Don’t forget… When done on this side, flip this over and check out Healthy Saratoga magazine! 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. Happy Holidays from our family to yours! I wish you peace, joy, good health and fun in the snow!
Love, Chris
PS… Meet our talented contributors (for both sides) on page 8.
Cover photo by SuperSourceMedia.com. For more info about our cover, see page 23.
Saratoga Family Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Creative Director / Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Magazine Designer Marisa Scirocco Advertising Designer Morgan Rook Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers Anne Gordon Haley Grant Megan Harrington Ann Hauprich Wendy Hobday Haugh Theresa St. John Megin Potter Jordanna Turcotte Lindsay Wilson Photographers Megin Potter Theresa St. John SuperSourceMedia.com Intern: Olivia Carozza
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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Saratoga Family
HEALTHY SARATOGA
CONTRIBUTORS RICHARD FRANK
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.
ANN HAUPRICH
When not writing magazine articles that warm hearts, lift spirits and tickle funny bones, Ann Hauprich keeps busy preserving the past and present for future generations at Legacies Unlimited in Ballston Spa. The historic upstate village where the author’s family settled half a century ago will be commemorated in her sixth book in 2020. To learn more, visit AnnHauprich.US and LegaciesUnlimited.com.
GERALDINE FREEDMAN
MEGIN POTTER
Geraldine Freedman is a freelance writer and a former freelance flutist, who worked for several years in New York City. She's been in the area for almost twenty years first moving to Saratoga Springs, which reminded her of NYC's West Village. These days she lives in Ballston Spa with her two cats.
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.
ANNE GORDON
DON PROULX
Anne Gordon is the owner of Live Life Travel, which is the only Virtuoso, Luxury Full Service Travel Planning Agency in Saratoga Springs, NY. They specialize in Honeymoons, Family Travel, Destination Weddings and Luxury Cruise. Anne is a devout travel enthusiast herself with a genuine passion for helping others make their travel dreams come true. To get more info on your next vacation, email Anne today: anne@livelifetravel.world. To find out more about Live Life Travel: www.livelifetravel.world
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.
THERESA ST. JOHN HIMANEE GUPTA CARLSON
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.
WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
JORDANA TURCOTTE
MEGAN HARRINGTON
DIANE WHITTEN MS
Empire State College professor Himanee Gupta-Carlson grows vegetables and raises chickens, ducks and goats with her husband Jim at Squashville Farm in Greenfield Center. She writes and edits articles on the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for Saratoga Today, and coordinates a community garden and farm-to-pantry food donation program for the Franklin Community Center. Her book Muncie, India(na), on growing up as the child of immigrant Indians will be released next year.
A native of Burnt Hills, freelancer Wendy Hobday Haugh’s short stories, articles, and poetry have appeared regularly in dozens of national and regional publications, including Woman’s World Weekly, Highlights for Children, WritersWeekly.com, and ten Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. 2019 marks Wendy’s 40th year as a freelance writer. Happily, she reports that the thrill of writing and submitting never wanes. To learn more, visit www. wendyhobdayhaugh.com.
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.
Jordana Turcotte is a lifelong New Yorker and a Saratoga County resident since graduating from RPI. After staying at home for a bit with her children (now 10 and 8), she decided on the “rest of her life job” as Professional Organizer. Starting Simply You in 2008 fulfills a passion for organizing. When she isn’t organizing, you’ll find her volunteering at her kids’ school, being Mommy chauffeur or hanging out with her two rescue dogs.
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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Winter 2019
Saratoga Family 40
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contents
photo by Theresa St. John
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photo by SuperSourceMedia.com
Meet Our Cover Family on page 26! 12 Holiday Gift Guide
23 Shop our COVER SHOOT!
38 Finding Family in Sararoga
14 Book make the perfect gift!
24 Ideas For Date Night
16 Know a train enthusiast?
25 Walking in a Winter Wonderland.. with ELVIS!
40 Wesley Community... Where book-end generations meet
18 Simplify the Season 19 Experiences make great gifts! 20 Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts 22 Multi-Gen Travel Primer
42 My Buddy
26 Meet the COVER FAMILY
44 Local School Mascots
30 Family Friendly Dining
46 Bedlam before Bedtime?
34 Meet Ben Buffa 36 Do you remember Uncle Jim Fisk?
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING
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Their First Phone
ou might be thinking about giving your child a cell phone this holiday season, whether it be a new device or a parent’s hand-me-down. Some parents get smartphones for kids to encourage responsibility while others do so to easily get in touch with them in case of an emergency. A survey conducted by Ting Mobile revealed that 76% of parents got their kid a phone for use in case of emergencies. Giving the gift is just the first step and getting your child a phone doesn’t need to be complicated and stressful. We’ve gathered some helpful tips from Andrew Moore-Crispin, Director of Content at Ting Mobile. Visit www.ting.com for more tips.
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Give the phone a clean slate. Ting’s survey reported that 61% of kids' first phones were hand-me-downs. If you’re giving your child a gently used phone, remove all existing data (i.e. photos, emails, browser history), leaving only the standard pre-installed apps like email, phone and messaging.
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Connect to Wi-Fi and set mobile data limits. The last thing you want is kids using a ton of mobile data, so defaulting to your home Wi-Fi prevents data shocks on your phone bill.
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Add important and emergency numbers. Make sure to add important and backup phone numbers (i.e. parents, neighbors, grandparents, nanny) so kids can get in touch from day one.
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Enable parental controls. Think of parental controls as training wheels so kids can use the Internet respectfully and responsibly. iOS and Android devices offer parental control systems that parents can use to set controls, from screen time limits to app restrictions. Discuss privacy and personal safety with kids. It’s never too early to talk to kids about staying safe online. Having an open conversation around Internet safety will help kids develop mature awareness of the Internet. Turn your child’s phone into a GPS Tracker. Google Maps has a cool feature that lets you share locations in real-time, so parents can see where kids are and supervise remotely. This is a great safety tip for slightly older kids who wish to go out with their friends on their own while letting parents know where they are during the day. SF
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HolidayGIFT GUIDE
Kids
COMPILED BY OLIVIA CAROZZA
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1-Intro to Baking 17 piece set Your kids can become a pro baker at home with this easy to use cooking set! Learn how to make cookies, cupcakes and other sweet treats from any age. Set works in any real kitchen! Find this at your local toy store in Downtown Saratoga, G. Willikers!
3-Leather booties Another great stylish and warm idea for the winter are these adorable little booties found at Lex and Cleo. Many different colors and patterns to match any outfit!
2-Knit Hats
4-Magna-tiles Metropolis
Looking for a cute winter hat for your little one? Stop into G. Willikers and check out these awesome hats! For a boy or girl, these hats will keep your child styling, comfy, and warm during holiday season!
After using this set, your kids will be scientists! With 110 pieces this game will work the mind with math, science, and creativity to give any child an awesome game that involves some thinking as well G. Willikers
5-Gumball Machine Maker Kids can customize their own gumball machine using different tracks and methods! With limitless combinations, they can have fun while learning a bit of physics using launchers, dominos, and trampolines! G. Willikers
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Teens
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With teens going off to college, a great way to remind them of home are these Saratoga Springs themed pillows and wall boards to put in their dorms! Find these downtown at Silverwood, with much Toga themed decor inside!
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2-Belted Cow CompanySaratoga Race Course themed belts Check out these awesome leather belts from Impressions of Saratoga. With all different colors and designs representing Saratoga, any average teen would love to rock one of these!
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3-Saratoga Hats Another Saratoga themed apparel piece for a reminder of home! For all girls and guys, these hats come in different parents and themes according to the track and all things Toga to remind you of your home town. Impressions of Saratoga.
4-Letter necklaces
Pets
Ladies! These necklaces are super popular right now! Pick the letter of your name, along with what charms you want with it at Caroline and Main!
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Leashes/Collars Find these earth friendly leashes and collars at Impressions of Saratoga! They are waterproof and are all recycled. Some even have a bottle opener attached!
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Dog Treats Not your ordinary dog treat! A local boy named Dean, makes these cookies himself! They are all Impressions of Saratoga themed and the proceeds go towards the cost of his dog agility classes with his dog, Max.
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LUCKY IS BACK
for another adventure with her doggie friends!
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hen Lucky’s mom tells her it is a snow day, Lucky is off to spend the day snowshoeing and skating.
After having a winter wonderland adventure with her pals, Lucky is inspired by how lucky she was to be rescued into a loving home. In a moment of inspiration, Lucky has a big idea and surprises her friends with another adventure… a visit to a rescue shelter. They bring coats and toys and spread some kindness and cheer to the rescue dogs who are waiting for a new home. Visiting the rescue dogs at their shelter motivated Lucky and her friends to help their new pals find homes. Together they all spread the word about the special dogs who need to be adopted and the importance of finding loving homes. Through it all, Lucky and her friends realize that making new friends and giving back is the most wonderful adventure they can share. Books are available at stores locally and online at LuckysAdventures.net
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NORTHSHIRE
BOOK REVIEW

Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon by Virginia Loh-Hagan, illustrated by Timothy Banks A beautiful fantasy adventure picture book perfect for the new year! Ages 4-8 Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty This latest in the wildly popular Questioners series lives up to the hype! Follow Sofia Valdez as she learns about civic duty and tries to better her community. Ages 5-7 Just Ask: Be Brave, Be Different, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor From Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor comes a touching picture book about discussing what makes us all different. Ages 4-8 Guts by Raina Telgemeier Perfect for your upper elementary schooler or middle schooler! About the trials of friendship and coming of age from graphic novel rock-star Raina Telgemeier. Ages 8-12 A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry Inspired by a true story, this story follows a wolf who was separated from his pack and his journey to return home. Ages 8-12 We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World by Valentina Giannella Perfect for anyone looking to learn more about what they can do to help save our planet--good for adults, too! Ages 10+ The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys A hauntingly beautiful historical novel about the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the secrets hidden by governments and families alike. Ages 12+
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Photo provided by Chester Railway Station and Museum
KNOW A TRAIN ENTHUSIAST?
BOOK AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN THIS
1919
Little Caboose
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
Long before Airbnb was even a thing, Chester, Massachusetts offered visitors a unique overnight stay in a charming vintage wooden caboose – the Rutland Railway caboose #32, built in 1919, still bearing New York Central markings.
When someone’s workweek consists of 40-plus hours, a quick little vacation get-away from the everyday hum-drum can be just what the doctor ordered. Many studies show that short, three-day trips can have as many health benefits as weeklong sabbaticals. A friend and I were delighted to discover this adorable piece of history while perusing a travel website called ‘Glamping Hub’ – an authentic caboose that proved to be a perfect New England getaway, only a few short hours from Saratoga. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a modern high-speed train in Europe or and old-fashioned steam train in some rural part of the country here in America – people of all ages love this mode of transportation and the recorded importance of their history throughout the world.
When “The Polar Express” made its way into the movie theater in 2004, railway enthusiasts immediately added it to their family’s ‘holiday traditions’ list. Think about it - even Santa Claus loves trains, as seen through Coca-Cola’s Christmas Express Train Collection and other railfan advertisements dating back to the early 1800s. And me? Well, I’ve loved trains as far back as I can remember. Whenever I watched them race by my hometown near Boston, Massachusetts as a child, I imagined where they were going and who was aboard. The Chester Foundation owns and manages the little caboose and museum – both highlight a delightful timeline covering the colorful history of trains in the region. A very knowledgeable man named Dave walked us through the main room of the museum, pointing out items of interest to us. We were all ears. The museum houses train and railroad memorabilia, as well as artifacts from Chester’s railroad days. We stood side-byside in front of old black and white and sepia photographs,
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Photo provided by Chester Railway Station and Museum
staring into the eyes of men who worked the track, wondering out loud about their way of life so many years ago.
times in the darkness to sounds of freight trains moving down the tracks but quickly drifted back to a sound sleep.
It must have been a hard life, as well as a fascinating time – watching as the tracks made their way through such a remote territory. We could only imagine the reaction to sounds of the first trains barreling through the area.
Bring sleeping bags and pillows. As an overnight guest, you’ll have access to restrooms inside the museum – which is right next door. There are no showers.
“At one time at least 150 families had someone working for the railroad,” Dave tells us. “This fact earned Chester a reputation – we were called ‘the cheapest town on the railroad.’ Chester sold the least amount of tickets, as the railroad’s policy was to issue free passes to employees and their families.” Exhibits on the property included the Children’s Heritage Boxcar Museum – which offered several toys and other items of interest from the railroad era, a variety of railroad cars, including a 1923 tank car, a 1929 restored wooden boxcar, level crossing signals, and the 1919 caboose we stayed in for the night. It sits next to the CSX Boston line, which is very busy, as it runs from Springfield, Mass to Albany, New York. We woke several
We loved the fact that families can camp on the property – there’s plenty of room to set up tents, enjoy cookouts, roast marshmallows and breathe in the mountain air. There’s also an easy hike through the woods, which leads towards a series of keystone arch railroad bridges that are historic and interesting at the same time. Glamping is a real thing, something I’ve recently discovered. It’s popular among all ages because each stay is unique and fun. It might have been my first experience, but it sure won’t be my last. Address: 10 Prospect Street, Chester, Massachusetts Phone: (413) 354-7878 For more information, visit GlampingHub.com
SF
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SIMPLIFY THE KIDS FOR THE SEASON
WRITTEN BY JORDANNA TURCOTTE
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he Holidays are just about here. Gift buying and giving is about to commence. Our kids, with all the stuff they have, draft their lists for more stuff! Right now - like after you are done reading this - is the time to simplify what they have so the space (and us) aren’t overwhelmed when all the new stuff comes in. Share with kids often that they can’t get everything they want. And that they can’t keep everything. Both are life skills best taught when they are young. And, understanding this creates a better perspective on the season and life in general. A new trend for gifts is the “4 Gift” rule – one item they want, one item they need, one item to wear and one item to read. Seems minimal but even if you get more than one in each category, spreading out the items in these areas helps keep balance on what comes in. Whether you do this or not, purging prior is a smart idea. Summer clothing is done; let go of those items that are worn or will be too small next year. Assess all the clothing for this season, especially PJs, socks and underwear. Although not fun, socks and PJs are usually needed and fit the need category easily. A new cool sweatshirt or a pair of sneakers will fit the wear category and may actually be on their want list! Books are another great area to make big purges. They outgrow books. They read books and know they won’t ever read them again. These books can be re-gifted to younger extended family or donated.
A few new series are great gifts that last longer than the day of thrill and fit the read category. And then the want list. Most likely these are toys, video games and such. Easily done by you is letting go of broken toys or items' missing pieces and parts. If you have a crafty child, letting go of dried up paint, glues, unusable items and more can clean up that area pretty quickly. Letting go of usable items may be hard, so slip in a few conversations with questions on what they still like/use. These sneaky questions will help you slip some stuff out. If you are unsure, box them up and put them away and see if over the next 2 months they ask for them. If not, let them go. A little plug for actual organization… Ample storage, appropriate bins for certain items and clear homes for things will help keep what you have and what comes in, in order. So, if bins for the ever-growing Lego collection or Barbies are needed, get some now before adding more into those categories. When kids can and do maintain their spaces and items, it shows they value their stuff. This is another lesson best learned young. Lastly, great ideas to tell others about are consumable gifts. Simple gifts of movie tickets and dollar store candy, coupons for ice cream at your local ice cream shop, a money tree filled with dollar bills to make the amount being given look big, tickets to museums or local fun places like an arcade, laser tag, trampoline park, or a gift card to their favorite store. All keep the addition of stuff to a minimum. Simplify this Season with less STUFF and be mindful to what is coming in… you’ll be happy you did! SF
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Who needs more THINGS when all these Experiences are out there! WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON
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tower of wrapped gifts is synonymous with Christmas morning, but for any number of reasons (a small home, a distaste for clutter!), you may be trying to limit physical items this year. Need another reason to consider an activity over another toy? Studies have shown that when it comes to actually remembering a gift, an experience is more likely to evoke positive feelings in years to come. From athletic pursuits to indoor play, we’ve got ten great gift ideas for the 2019 holiday season.
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For the reader in your life, HOW ABOUT A VISIT TO NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE FOR A NEW BOOK? You can peruse the shelves together and then treat your recipient to their book of choice.
AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP TO SARATOGA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. Have the kiddos ride on the child-size fire engine or serve customers in the make-believe diner. It’s a great indoor option for the winter months! Membership levels start at $90/year.
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Know a little fish? Sign them up for a series of SWIM LESSONS AT THE SARATOGA REGIONAL YMCA. With options for babies to big kids, 7 weeks of classes cost just $54 for members and $108 for non-members.
Looking for a special splurge? Treat your recipient to AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT SIX FLAGS GREAT ESCAPE’S INDOOR WATER PARK. The temperature is always a balmy 82 degrees and there are activities for all ages. Prices vary depending on room type and date.
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5. A GIFT CARD OR A TICKET TO THE LOCAL THEATER. Who doesn’t love a bucket of popcorn and a new flick? Many movies are released around the holidays, so options will be plentiful!
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If you’re looking to get outside this winter, check out the “LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD PACKAGES” available at our local mountains.
Can they make midnight? Consider gifting A TICKET TO FIRST NIGHT SARATOGA. A button costs $20 and gives access to hours of music, fireworks, and entertainment on New Year’s Eve.
9. Craving a little one-on-one time? HEAD TO UNCOMMON GROUNDS FOR A HOT COCOA & COOKIE DATE. If the weather cooperates, TAKE A STROLL AROUND CONGRESS PARK afterward. Quality time is truly the best gift of all!
Ready to get the wiggles out? An $18 gift card will give your recipient 60 minutes of jumping fun at SKY ZONE IN QUEENSBURY OR CLIFTON PARK.
10. A MONTHLY (OR YEARLY) PASS TO WIGGLE WORMS PLAYLAND IN WILTON MALL. The newest Wiggle Worms location has weekly craft hours, story times, and a fun indoor playground. It’s $60 for a 10-visit punch card or $140 for a yearly membership.
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Lauren Roberts makes history
Come Alive! WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
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pend ten minutes with Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, and you’ll quickly see why she’s the perfect person for the position. Knowledgeable, articulate, and enthusiastic, Lauren infuses discussions of historic events with modern-day relevance, deftly demonstrating how the past and present are intricately linked. Lauren lives with her husband Jason, son Dane, 9, and daughter Mackenzie, 7, in the Town of Edinburg on Great Sacandaga Lake. She grew up in nearby Northville on farmland dating back to the late 1700s. “I’ve always been interested in history,” Lauren says with a smile. “As a child, I loved exploring the woods, pretending I was ‘Indiana Jones’ finding old bottles and broken ceramics.” These days, as Saratoga County’s historian, Lauren frequently presents short programs to school children. “I’ll talk to them about historical events that happened in their community or give them a ‘Top-3’ list of nearby sites to explore. It’s important to get out and visit these hometown locations,” Lauren says, “and New York State has such a rich history! We were instrumentally involved in so many major issues and times. The American Revolution, the Civil War, immigration, the Great Depression, the mineral springs in Saratoga and Ballston Spa, Native Americans, African Americans, the Underground Railroad. Barker’s Store in Edinburg even housed a hidden compartment to help people escaping north to Canada.” Just the smallest bit of information can bring the past to life, making it seem more immediate. “For example,” Lauren says, “we have all these 24/7 stores today, and we think they’re something new and different. But stores like that
Lauren Roberts
actually existed all along the Erie and Champlain Canals in the 19th century, providing supplies for barges that traveled night and day through the canals.” (A stretch of the original 1825 Erie Canal and towpath can still be seen at the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.) “Or, think of all the different mineral springs in Saratoga County! At one time, it was well-known to drink from this spring if you had a skin ailment or that one if you had stomach troubles.” For kids especially, hands-on experiences are vitally important to understanding history. “Children want to touch things, feel things,” Lauren says. “Recently, at a Civil War encampment reenactment in Lake Luzerne, my kids got an up-close look at the dental implements used back then. They saw how people dressed in military camps, how they cooked. Every aspect of war isn’t battle-based. The daily lives of the soldiers, their families, and communities are full of gripping, relatable tales. “In history,” she muses, “we tend to fixate on the top stories: the biggest events, the most important people. But the citizens’ stories need to be told. They are the roots of the tree, and the roots of the tree are the way you make it feel real for the generations that follow. Trace a historic event down to people like you and me, to our ancestors, and history becomes relevant and alive. People too often think, ‘Oh, my life isn’t interesting.’ But that’s not true! Show your children old family photos. Show them objects you treasure that were passed on to you from relatives. Share those family stories!” Your kids will be happy you did.
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With the holidays fast-approaching, Lauren shares some great, history-inspired gift ideas for youngsters: GIVE AN EXPERIENCE! “One year at Christmas,” Lauren recalls, “I gave my son—who was really into lighthouses—a onenight sleepover at the Race Point Lighthouse on Cape Cod’s outermost tip. We actually slept in the keeper’s house, where a volunteer demonstrated what a lighthouse keeper’s daily life and duties were really like.” If your ‘experience’ isn’t happening right away, though, be sure to pair it with something tangible! To make her son’s future gift feel more immediate, Lauren included several books about lighthouses. Another time, she paired a trip to Glenville’s Empire State Aerospace Museum with a model airplane kit. Be creative! The possibilities for modern-day historical adventures are endless. Purchase Family Memberships to Local Museums, like MiSci in Schenectady. Museums often have reciprocal arrangements with many other museums, Lauren points out— which can save a bundle on future family excursions! GIVE BOOKS! Today’s historical fiction for kids is anything but dull, Lauren enthuses. In Scholastic’s “I Survived” series, gripping, true-life events are recounted by children who lived through them: I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912; The Shark Attacks of 1916; The Great Molasses flood of 1919, to name just a few. Another exciting option is the “Who Was? / What Was? / Where Is?” series, published by Penguin Young Readers. Peruse its diverse list, and you will surely find the perfect tale to capture your child’s imagination this holiday season! SF
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Families Bond through Multi-Gen Travel WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON PHOTOS PROVIDED
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hether we like to admit it or not, life just passes us by way too fast. Having recently lost my grandparents, I can tell you that I have never been more grateful for all the time that we spent together -and how much we loved travelling with them every summer. It is the time you spend together, and the memories you make, that makes life worth living. Multi-generational travel has become very popular and with good reason. As families live further apart and lives are crazier than ever, it is important to carve out that time to have shared experiences, nurture family relationships and create those memories that will last a lifetime. Naturally this type of travel does not come without challenges. I recently spoke with two local women who have traveled as a Multi-Gen family and here are their stories:
Kelly in Paris; Eiffel Tower
In April, Jeanne Sciocchetti, her husband and their daughter took Jeanne’s parents away to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Here is what Jeanne has to say about Multi-Gen travel: “For more than ten years I had the idea I wanted to send my parents back to Bermuda, where they had honeymooned in 1969, for their 50th Anniversary. When it came time to plan, we decided to tag along with them for this trip down memory lane.
Kelly in France
Having three generations of our family together to share this experience made it so special. All of us being there with them and listening to all of their stories was magical, and it also gave my 7-year old daughter a chance to feel like she was part of their love story. Even though we all spend a lot of time together, this is not something that could have happened at home. The memories we made on this trip will last more than a lifetime - they’ll last for three lifetimes!” You can read the full story about their trip to Bermuda (from the Grandparents’ perspective) in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Saratoga Bride.
Jeanne in Bermuda
We also had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Wyland, who explains that doing two big trips in one year is not the norm for her family, but when you have opportunities like this, you have to go for it. Kelly and her family
traveled to Ireland as an extension of a work trip and to France as a school trip with her daughter. Anne: What were some of the highlights of multi-gen travel for you? Kelly: While in Ireland, we had the opportunity to experience part of our family's history going back many generations. In Paris, it was all about sharing experiences and making new memories. A: Any challenges? K: It was difficult at times for the grandparents to keep up with the younger ones when navigating busy streets and some older hotels did not have elevators. A: What are your suggestions for others planning a multi-gen trip? K: 1) Be willing to compromise. 2) Be aware of mobility issues and stamina, and plan accordingly. 3) You don’t have to do everything together, but plan to meet up for lunch or dinner and share your experiences. 4) Take tons of photos and don't be afraid to ask strangers to take your picture so you can all be in it (and then offer to reciprocate!). A: Who did this trip affect the most? K: Honestly – me! I grew up with stories about my ancestors and Irish culture and have tried to teach my kids a little about that part of our family history. It was nice to have my mom to reminisce with, and my kids to learn with. We all have roots there and it was an unforgettable experience to step foot into the same country my ancestors left so many years ago. It's something all of us will remember for the rest of our lives. Don’t wait to plan your Multi-Gen trip – life is too short. SF For more information on Multi-Gen travel, contact: Anne Gordon, Owner; Live Life Travel www.LiveLifeTravel.world anne@LiveLifeTravel.world
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Shop our Cover Meet the family on page 26!
AT
CAROLINE AND MAIN
438 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.450.7350 • CAROLINEANDMAIN.COM
&
UNION HALL SUPPLY CO. 437 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.584.4838 • UNIONHALLSUPPLYCO.COM
That's Mark Bolles from SuperSourceMedia.com taking our cover photo!
On McKenzie: Joules Red Tartan Waterproof Coast Jacket Joules Hayford Blanket Scarf Just Black Denim Roma Rain Boots On Burke: Joules Upton Reversible Scarf Beach Lunch Lounge “Mommy & Me” Flannel Shirt The Blueberry Hill Hand-Knit Popcorn Hat On Kyle: Tyler Böe Signature Striped Toggle Coat. Joules Welford Navy Check Classic Fit Shirt Tyler Böe Plated Cotton Cashmere V-neck Sweater Silver Jeans Co. Machray Cabin Socks by Woven Pear Born Chukka Boots
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‘Tis the Season for a Little Romance:
Ideas for Date Night WRITTEN BY HALEY GRANT
This time of year is truly magical.
From parties to shopping for presents to relishing in the various winter sports that this area offers, there is no shortage of holiday festivities for all to enjoy. And while everyone loves the holidays and the traditions that they bring about, it’s no secret that this time of year can lead to a bit more chaos than usual.
1.
What does this additional chaos mean for you and your significant other? It’s probably safe to assume that your regular date nights begin to slide down your long list of priorities during the winter season. Date nights are essential to keeping the magic alive in any relationship – and we’ve come up with five fabulous ideas for this winter season that are easy, fun, and festive! SKIING 4. WINDOW
Snowfall is just around the corner. And what better way to relish in the snow than by enjoying winter sports? This area is nearby to countless ski resorts and mountains for you to spend a day in the great outdoors with your partner. So get your skis and snowboards out of the shed or rent a pair for the day right at the resort. You can even top off your romantic ski day by warming yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate beside an outdoor fire pit.
2. ICE SKATING If downhill skiing isn’t for you, why not try ice skating? There are plenty of outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks open this time of year that bring the child out in everyone. If you don’t have your own skates, rent a pair and soak in the surrounding winter scenery and holiday bliss. Let’s face it, there’s not much that says wintertime romance more than ice skating alongside your significant other!
3. MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE Looking for a date night idea that will add a special holiday touch to your home? Consider making a gingerbread house. This is a great idea if you and your partner want to stay at home in your sweatpants with a bottle of wine or hot chocolate. Not only is this a relaxing activity, but it is also a sure way to get both you and your loved one in the holiday – and romantic – spirit. Not to mention, it’s a great excuse to stay warm and cozy during a cold winter night.
SHOPPING
The end of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of holiday shopping. And while shopping may not be the most thrilling holiday season “to-do” item, window shopping can make for a lovely date night. Before or after dinner, enjoy a romantic stroll downtown. The festive wreaths and lights, as well as the shop windows decked out in all their trappings set the perfect scene for a romantic evening. You can even use this date night idea to check a few things off your shopping list. You will feel accomplished after getting some holiday shopping done and happy that you did it at a relaxed pace with your loved one.
5. DECORATE THE HOUSE Enjoy a wonderful date night right from the comfort of your own home. Ensure that you have the entire house to yourself for an afternoon or an evening. Then, put on your cozy clothes, order a pizza, and open a bottle of wine. Voila! You just created a romantic evening at home while giving your home a festive holiday makeover. We know that scheduling in a regular date night can be a bit challenging, especially when the holidays kick-off. But with these simple and fun date night ideas, you and your partner will enjoy a little extra romance this winter season.
Happy Holidays!
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Walking in...…
A WINTER WONDERLAND WITH THE KING “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine." - Elvis Presley
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
For 13 years, Matthew Boyce has been living his dream. As an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA), he’s performed in cities all over the country. This year, at the 10th Annual Elvis Rocks Mesquite competition, he won the coveted Triple-Crown Championship title. “I work really hard to bring the truest representation of Elvis and his music to the stage. I do the best that I can to pay tribute to him and make people feel like they’re going back in time. It’s been a dream come true. A dream I don’t want to wake from,” said Boyce. SUPERCHARGING SARATOGA Elvis died in 1977 but he has remained a household name, and his music has lived on, reinvented over time as new generations rediscover the sound that ignited a sensation. “Generation after generation have enjoyed his music and want to come out to a concert with their family,” he said. For years, Boyce has been dreaming of bringing a big Elvis festival to Saratoga Springs. This year, as founder of Winter Wonderland with Elvis, his dream is coming true.
“Saratoga feels like a very homey place to be at Christmas. Elvis really emphasized being with family and being home for the holidays. Saratoga is a great place to be home for the holidays!” said Boyce. AN OPEN HEART SPARK During this two-day Elvis extravaganza, Boyce will be among an impressive line-up of 10 headlining performers including Billy Cherry, Caden Gamblin, Alex Mitchell, Jamie Kelley, Ted Torres, Cliff Wright, among others. Matthew’s younger brother Spencer and their band, The Suspicious Minds will play back up during the whole festival. On Saturday, at 11 a.m., 20+ ETAs begin competing for a cash prize. On Sunday, ETA Robert Washington’s Gospel Hour (benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital) will be followed by competition finals and an awards ceremony. There will be vendors selling Elvis memorabilia, food and a cash bar available throughout the weekend. Winter Wonderland with the King is on December 14th & 15th at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Prices are $75/person. Single day passes and special rate hotel packages are available. For tickets, go to KingFests.com. SF
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Family Time WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM
A
s with many parents of young children, for Kyle and McKenzie Klopstock, free time is a vaguely familiar, yet distant, memory. In their house, free time has been replaced with family time – and they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Our whole life is family and dog focused,” said McKenzie. SERIOUS BUSINESS The Klopstocks are Saratoga natives who have deep-rooted reasons for calling this area home. “We never take family time for granted and are always looking for new, fun ways to get out in the community together,” said McKenzie. McKenzie’s family runs The Burke Companies, a commercial real estate development group that owns numerous Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in the region. She graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 2006 and attended Siena College before going to work in the family business. Now, McKenzie is a full-time stay-athome mom and Kyle, who graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 2004, and studied marketing and finance at Bentley University, works remotely as a training manager for the Boston-based LogMeIn, Inc. software company.
“We love Saratoga. It has a small town feel but still plenty of culture that you’d find in a big city. The weather allows you to experience all four seasons and you can also escape to the Adirondacks,” said Kyle. The Klopstocks take their 4-year-old daughter, Burke, and their 1-year-old son, Keene (who is named after the Keene Valley region) to the Adirondacks often. THE WHOLE FURRY FAMILY When McKenzie first met Kyle at the Tin & Lint, they connected because both were dog people. Eventually, McKenzie agreed to a dog-walking date with Kyle at the Saratoga Spa State Park. The couple continued dating for four years before getting engaged. They married in 2013 and today, have three dogs; Kyle’s former therapy dog, Timber, an 11-yearold Yesterday mixed breed, Kahari, 6, and Crosby, 2, both German Shepherds. Crosby is from renowned canine trainer and author Suzanne Clothier, McKenzie’s mentor and close friend. “I’ve always been passionate about dogs, ever since I can remember. My love for dogs was originally fostered by my parents and has continued to grow, later in life. Suzanne is an absolute wealth of knowledge and has taught me more about dogs than most learn in a lifetime. All dogs require focus and attention, but
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German Shepherds are a special breed that require much more, in turn the reward is that much greater,” said McKenzie. Five years of themed Halloween costumes joyously show their love of animals and a fun family life. Since 2015, they’ve dressed as farmers, the Mary Poppins cast, the Mickey Mouse Club, a sea-faring family and as beekeepers. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Family at the request of McKenzie’s sister, Reilly Burke, and Heidi West, proprietor of Union Hall Supply Company, Lifestyles of Saratoga, and Caroline and Main.
Burke continues to shine and has an undeniable love for the arts. You can find her spending time painting and in a variety of lessons including ballet, ice skating, voice and piano.
The cover image, centered around a Frasier Fir tree from the Ellms Family Farm, shows Burke’s affinity for the spotlight.
Delighted by his sister’s performances, Keene is a bit of a wild child.
“She’s smart, funny and the life of every party,” said McKenzie.
“He’s like a happy tornado, always on the move and smiling all the way. Keene loves music just as much as his sister and has made the world his dance floor.” SF
Holidays are spent with the extended family at Kyle’s grandmother’s house, where Christmas is a double celebration because it is also her birthday. Party food is prepared by Kyle’s aunt, Kim Klopstock, artist and owner of Lily & the Rose Catering. “We make a conscious effort to eat clean in our household and Kim has been very helpful in guiding us. She’s been focused and dedicated to clean, organic, bio-dynamically farmed foods since before we were born and is always willing to help our family. But I’m never above one of her famous brownies,” said McKenzie. Winter is encapsulated with a family trip up to the Mirror Lake Inn of Lake Placid. “We focus this time on reconnecting with family and also partake in all that Lake Placid has to offer. Enjoying great food, the spa, and getting outside to ski, skate and sled; sometimes our Shepherds pull the kids on a Norwegian kicksled. It’s really awesome,” she said. BEHIND THE SCENES The holiday season really gets going for the Klopstocks once they get their Christmas tree. This year, they recreated that experience for Saratoga saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 29
AT MALTA RIDGE
GREAT FOOD AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
T
here’s something special about dining in the Adirondacks.
Home to agricultural and culinary traditions that are deeply rooted – not only in the soil of our farmland but also in our heart and soul. Regional chefs are known for drawing on the inspiration and imagination of nature’s bounty, creating dishes that pair flavors of local harvests for unique dining experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Andy’s Adirondack Grille at Malta Ridge is a perfect example of dining in the Adirondacks, from the moment you step inside to sit at the bar with friends, to dine alone, or grab a few tables with family and children in tow. The walls are warm, knotty pine. Large picture windows let in plenty of sunlight. Dining tables with charmingly mismatched chairs invite guests to sit down and enjoy a meal by the stone fireplace on a cold Winter’s day, or by windows in the porch area, located in the front section of the restaurant.
Once known as Bentley’s, Andy Bentley – the owner – renamed the restaurant a few years ago. Determined to consistently improve the quality of food and service provided to guests, he didn’t want it to be known only as Malta’s ‘pizza joint,’ either. “I love the new name we decided on. I mean, we’re located in the Southern Adirondacks, stand in my parking lot and look North – beautiful! The place has the feel of the mountains, lakes and wildlife – everything that symbolizes the area. It doesn’t get better than that.” Andy is married with two children – a boy and girl, eight and ten years old. He hopes they grow up to love the business. “They’ll have hands-on training here, that’s for sure,” he grins at the thought. “I think everyone should have to work in the restaurant business at some point in life. You learn a lot about people.” Executive Chef Tina Marie Clements knew she wanted to be a chef as early as the sixth grade. She attended Johnson & Wales, earning degrees in both culinary and
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hotel/restaurant management. She’s well-known throughout the Capitol District as well, working at various establishments over her 30 years in the industry. The time she spent working on Saratoga Lake, at Panza’s Restaurant, brings back sweet memories. “I learned so much while I was there. My hands-on training taught me more than any textbook ever could have,” Tina recalls. Whenever someone asks what brought her to Andy’s Adirondack Grille in May 2018, the chef laughs. “It was something new for me. And I wanted to work less, maybe just two or three shifts a week.” Tina chuckles. “It didn’t work out that way.” Instead, she fell in love with the restaurant and in helping Andy refine – not re-invent - the extensive menu already in place. The bartender makes every drink under the sun – we try a refreshingly tart, green apple martini, and a silky-smooth chocolate martini that feels more decadent with every sip. Not surprisingly, local craft beers are served here as well. Our pick, Adirondack Brewery Bare-Naked Ale, a medium-bodied amber ale with a toasty-fruity flavor. Tina’s Thai Shrimp is delectable, freshly grilled, tender, and tossed with a sweet-spicy glaze. It has a small green salad off to one side, a perfect-sized appetizer for two. When our waitress, Lisa, walks over, presenting our next dish, we’re pretty sure we’ve died and gone to heaven. The menu’s Caldwell-style little-neck clams – simmered with chopped clams, white wine, garlic, and herbs tastes scrumptious, especially with the thick garlic toast-points we happily dip into the seasoned broth. “We always bring spoons with this dish,” she says. “People love to empty the bowl – spoons are easier than slurping.” Later, when we grab a few moments to visit with Chef Tina, we ask what’s in the Caldwell broth, there’s a flavor that we can’t quite place. She grins, shaking her head back and forth. “Now, now,” she laughs. “I can’t give away all my secrets.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 31
If you’re in the mood for handcrafted, gourmet pizza, this restaurant serves three sizes and six varieties. There’s a selection of flavorful toppings listed on the menu. We choose ‘The Godfather,’ a combination of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, prosciutto ham – topped with fresh basil, a savory balsamic glaze, and white crust. Andy’s Adirondack Grille serves four soups every day. White clam chowder, a soup-of-the-day, a savory French onion, and a lobster and shrimp combo. We choose the French onion – a hearty beef-based broth layered with bubbling Swiss cheese that’s melted and oozing over the sides of each crock. Don’t judge me when I say we made sure to eat every bit of cheese! With seasonal menu changes – some heartier choices are now available. One of them, known as Prime Rib Day, is offered on Wednesdays. Guests can order three different sizes. Are you kidding? The slab of marbled meat is thick and juicy. It cuts easily and is melt-in-yourmouth tender. Tina hand-cuts onions into super-thin slices, breading and frying them to serve alongside the rib. It comes with a side of horseradish sauce and au jus gravy.
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Not just the décor has an Adirondack feel, but the menu also… with choices like Cedar River Chicken Parmesan, Minerva Chicken Marsala, Friend’s Lake Alfredo, Long Lake Lasagna, and Sagamore Pasta, you get the full experience. Never forgetting they’re located in Saratoga, (just off Exit 13N, minutes from downtown) their nod to the track is the delicious ‘Whirlaway’ Chicken, which honors an American champion Thoroughbred racehorse who won the US triple crown in 1941. Tina cooks a panko crusted chicken breast, drizzles a maple Dijon sauce with Applewood smoked bacon over the top, then serves it on a bed of fluffy rice seasoned to perfection – divine! Vegetables at Andy’s are fresh, perfectly cooked and delicious – we dig into mashed potatoes, grilled carrots, peppers, and colorful, buttery squash. During our time here, tables fill up with couples, families with teenagers, others with small children. We catch snippets of conversation and laughter around us as we end with dessert – a rich and creamy vanilla pumpkin parfait with more than a hint of cinnamon whipped cream– just like our moms would’ve made. The mingling of voices makes it sound very homey here – as if there are no strangers under this roof. “We love kids,” Andy tells us. “It’s nice to serve families. Listening to them chat over lunch or dinner is a pleasure. As you can see, we have crayons and paper for the little ones to color with while they wait.” We watch as Tina walks from table to table. Even Andy is out on the floor, visiting with guests - most they know by name - making sure everything’s to their liking. “Every guest is our favorite,” he tells us when he comes over to say good night. We leave the restaurant feeling full, carrying doggie bags to the car, promising ourselves we’ll be back soon. SF
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KINDNESS DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN
Good-Hearted, Everyday People
Make it Happen WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
I
meet with Ben Buffa and Betsy Coffey at Dunkin' Donuts® to share a cup of coffee and find out more about the senior food delivery program here in Saratoga.
“When I brought the food in and delivered it that first time, well, the feeling was indescribable,” he tells me. I watch as he pauses for a moment, eyes watering.
Instantly, I sense the ‘heart’ of their story and know I want to share it with readers. Because it feels good and right, just what we need more of in the world today.
Buffa is an active member of the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge #161. They have a senior outreach program already in play. In January of 2018, he spoke at length with the Elks Club Exalted Ruler Deborah McCabe, asking if they’d support what he was trying to do. The answer was a resounding ‘Yes!’
Ben Buffa is a Wilton Commons resident. A little over a year ago he offered to drive a neighbor to a medical appointment and other errands after discovering she had no other transportation available. They started to chit-chat along the way. Ben discovered that the last two weeks of every month were trying for her. Buying food seemed to be the hardest on her social security benefits. Ben learned that other people in the neighborhood were feeling the pinch as well. “I felt horrible – no one should be without food or other basic needs.” Says Buffa. “I knew there had to be something I could do to help. I was sure that there were good people who’d want to join forces with me.” The Wilton Food Pantry was his first stop. Peter Maynard was receptive to his ideas. As the executive director of operations, he arranged for Ben to be allowed to fill bags of groceries for a handful of seniors living at Wilton Commons.
Betsy smiles as she talks about the volunteers that help make four deliveries a month to folks in need. “The demand for help is greater than we ever thought possible,” she tells me. “Our volunteers are from all walks of life. When we get together four times a month to fill the bags, there’s such a camaraderie. We work together as a team and whoever can help us deliver the shopping totes once they’re full, does so with joy.” They teamed up with the Wilton Food Pantry, joined forces with St. Clement’s Church and the Franklin Community Center, now delivering to The Saratoga Springs Senior Center, Wilton Commons, Embury, and Northern Pines Senior Housing. “We couldn’t stop there,” Ben says as I sip my coffee. “I approached the Elks Club National Foundation, based in Chicago. I wanted to ask for their support in what is now officially known as the Senior Food Delivery Program.”
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The foundation provided two monetary grants – one for $1,500, which went to the Wilton Food Pantry. The other was shared, with $500 going to both St. Clement’s Church and the Franklin Community Center.
“They’re here!” Ben wanders around the room, joking with each person there. I listen to small talk between the residents. I feel joy and hope there. I think “This could be me someday, a person in need.”
“We are so grateful that people are responding to the needs “Our next mission is to make certain we spread our message of our community. It’s not just food that throughout the county, the state, and the seniors need, either.” Ben states. “They country,” Ben says in a somber tone. “It’s need the basics – toilet paper, soap, “I don’t want to live non-negotiable.” shampoo, dish, and laundry detergent.” in a world where we I’ve spent about two hours helping out. Do The Elks have since awarded the Senior Food Delivery Program a $10,000 grant. “The need is urgent,” Betsy tells me.
I meet Betsy and Ben the next Tuesday and look around the room, into the eyes of 7-8 volunteers gathered inside the Wilton Food Pantry. Everyone is ready to help.
don’t look out for each other. Not just the people who are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand.” ~ Charles de Lint
I grab a ‘menu’ that a senior has made out – the list comprised of things they want to take them through the week – things like fresh fruits and vegetables, juice, milk, butter, canned soups and fresh loaves of bread, chicken, steak, ground beef, and hot dogs, even sugarless cookies for those who are diabetic are listed.
We fill our reusable shopping bags, bring them out to cars in the parking lot, place them in the trunks of a few vehicles, then head out to make our deliveries. I’m assigned Wilton Commons, along with a few other volunteers. We carry our bags into the common area, where seniors are waiting, big smiles on their faces.
I have other things that I need to get done at home, things that are pressing? Yes. Can they wait – maybe get finished tomorrow? Not really.
It doesn’t matter. My heart is full. I feel like I’ve somehow helped the world be a kinder, gentler place for a moment. Volunteering may seem like a small, insignificant gesture to others. But, moments of kindness add up. They make us better humans.
I want to be part of that future. Joining in on the laughter and conversation that sunny Tuesday afternoon allowed me to see how many others feel the same way. “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” ~ Elizabeth Andrew For more information on how you can become involved, donate to, or receive assistance from the Wilton Food Pantry, please visit WiltonFoodPantry.org. SF
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MAP COMPANY FOUNDER needed little direction as the host of FREIHOFER’S "BREADTIME STORIES" WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED
B
eing a New Year’s Eve baby, I’ve enjoyed more than my fair share of festive birthday celebrations since my earthly debut in Albany, NY in 1952.
But none, including those spent singing Auld Lang Syne in Scandinavia and Switzerland, could compare with my memories of meeting “Uncle” Jim Fisk, the host of “The Freddie Freihofer Show” in December 1959.
“Uncle” Jim Fisk as he looked while hosting The Freddie Freihofer Show (also called “Breadtime Stories”) on WRGB CBS-6 TV between 1956 and 1966.
Although I didn’t know it at the time, the program -- which debuted in 1949 and was dubbed “Breadtime Stories” when “Uncle” Jim served as its host from 1956 to 1966 -- was the first live local color series to be broadcast in New York State’s greater Capital Region. A highlight of each show, whose mascot-like namesake was a rabbit, came in the form of “squiggles” – enormous cartoons completed by Fisk with assistance from kids in the WRGB studio audience. While my original squiggle ultimately didn’t survive being jiggled and wriggled by my nine siblings, I’m elated that at least one photo of a just turned seven-year-old me holding my memento remains intact despite dozens of moves over the decades. If you look closely at the photo, you’ll see I am laughing as I show off my squiggle that depicts “Uncle” Jim crying crocodile tears. He had clearly drawn inspiration from the vision of me sobbing when I arrived at the TV studio in my frilly party dress and shiny patent leather shoes too late to be a part of that day’s live broadcast. The reason: My Dad, a World War II Army veteran who prided himself on punctuality, had uncharacteristically taken a wrong turn on the way there and didn’t have a good map in the car to remedy the situation in a timely manner. “Uncle” Jim turned my frown upside down by showering me with extra attention after the CBS-6 cameras stopped rolling and the other young guests had departed with their birthday cakes -- which had been baked and decorated by Freihofer Baking Company professionals. Like thousands of other children who watched “Uncle” Jim at five o’clock each weekday afternoon, the magic of television had transformed James Fisk into someone larger-than-life. I was amazed to discover how incredibly down-to-earth he was.
An early Freihofer’s “Breadtime Stories” promo featured host “Uncle” Jim Fisk and the show’s cartoonish rabbit namesake: Freddie.
The stellar example of congeniality he set made a lasting impression that helped calm the butterflies in my stomach when my future career afforded opportunities to meet such celebrities as Mary Ann Mobley, David Hyde Pierce, Joan Rivers and Andy Rooney.
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So when I had the chance to reunite and reminisce with my childhood hero “Uncle” Jim Fisk four decades after our first encounter, I jumped at it. By now Baby Boomers seeking directions in the great northeast were turning to an innovative product developed by “Uncle” Jim: JIMAPCO – Maps you swear by … not at! Turns out that prior to taking over as the host of The Freddie Freihofer Show in the mid-1950s, ”Uncle” Jim had worked for nearly a decade as a WRGB set designer and he continued to work behind-the-scenes as the station’s art director until 1968 when syndicated television began making local programming obsolete. Fortunately, by then “Uncle” Jim had already started making inroads on a much broader scale. His first official map, which became the foundation for JIMAPCO, was a detailed depiction of Burnt Hills, NY, which Fisk (a native a Glens Falls) called home for more than half a century before his passing in 2011. (Born in 1919, he would have celebrated his 100th SMILE-stone in 2019!)
Ann Hauprich proudly holding her “squiggle” by “Uncle” Jim Fisk on New Year’s Eve 1959.
Hauprich siblings Francis, Pamela and Charlene (in back row) could not contain their enthusiasm when sister Ann was given a Freihofer’s cap to wear at her December 31, 1959 birthday party
Researched by driving every single street himself and seeking input from such diverse sources as school districts and fire departments, Fisk took his hand-drawn map, which included points of interest, to a local printer who ran off 2,000 copies. Today, JIMAPCO is an internationally recognized firm that publishes and distributes a variety of maps and road atlases as well as offering custom on-line and digital mapping and mobile apps. While my Dad surely would not have gotten lost on his way to the TV studio had he possessed a JIMAPCO map in 1959, this story could never have been written had “Uncle” Jim and I found one another under different circumstances. No matter how you slice it, I’m eternally grateful that our paths intersected exactly as they did – not once, but twice -- on the Highway of Life. To this day, I needn’t travel far to find a young-at-heart adult who doesn’t share fond memories of “Uncle” Jim and is willing to join me in belting out the lyrics to the TV theme song that brought so much joy to our childhoods. SF
Squiggling with “Uncle” Jim Fisk on The Freddie Freihofer Show. The date of the photo of the popular children’s TV program’s host with a group of Freihofer birthday celebrants in the WRGB studio is not known.
Freddie Freihofer, we think you’re swell. Freddie, we love the stories you tell. We love your cookies, your cakes and your pies, We love the way you roll those funny bunny eyes. Freddie, we’re ready, we’re waiting for you, Freddie, we love all the things that you do. We love your cookies your bread and your cakes. We love everything Freddie Freihofer bakes.
And we still think you’re swell, “Uncle” Jim!
Jim Fisk as he looked around the time of his 1999 reunion with Ann Hauprich.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 37
All of the Hale descendants.
Finding Family in Saratoga WRITTEN BY LINDSAY WILSON PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM
Saratoga is considered a hub for many great finds… Its natural springs,
lustrous green landscapes and a vast lake. But for Timothy Winston Rapp - his find - was a loving family that he never knew existed.
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After the loss of the man he thought of as his father, Rapp learned that he was given up for adoption after his birth, at the Vanderheyden Hall in Troy, New York. After sifting through documents and overlooking his birth certificate that read Winston Hale, Rapp began a search to learn one simple thing - the name of his birth mother.
"I don't remember when I was first told I was adopted; I really don't remember. I know I was young. In 1996 my adoptive father died, and my mother gave me my adoption papers. So, in 1996 I found out my name was Winston Hale when I was born, but with the New York laws, that's all you know,” said Rapp. Alice May Murphy, born Alice May Hale, kept a secret her entire life, that not a single member of her family knew of; a child she had in 1944. Hale married Joseph Murphy in 1952 and together they raised three children. It was a Christmas present from Bill Murphy - the youngest child of Alice and Joseph - to his daughter Katie that led to a bigger surprise to the entire family. It was Christmas 2018, when Katie Murphy utilized her present – an Ancestry DNA test - a database that uses genetic science to connect familial relationships, Little did she know that in that database was a match to a family member that was unbeknownst to the Murphy clan. "The Hales were like that. They kept their secrets,” explained Bill Murphy. After decades of research and a DNA test, Rapp was superficially introduced to cousins upon cousins with relations to both his biological parents, but still could not be directly connected to his birth mother. That was until Katie finally got the results of her DNA test in March 2019. The pieces to a puzzle the Murphys didn’t know were missing - began to appear. "I bought into it right away,” said Katie Murphy. “My dad was like 'no, no way.' And I'm like "dad, this is real, we just discovered a scandal! This is a scandal!"
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Timothy Winston Rapp and Bill embrace for the first time.
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Katie Murphy with Timothy Winston Rapp.
Bill Murphy began the word of mouth search, beginning with his cousin John Ruston, who had the reputation of being the “know it all” about the family history. After a few speculations that were confirmed with Rapp’s birth certificate, and new connections made on the Ancestry DNA family tree, it was all becoming clear that Rapp was indeed the eldest child of Alice May Hale. “All the hairs are starting to stand up on my back because now I’m starting to say, whoa this is it all! All the while I thought for some reason this was gonna be some kind of mistake,” said Bill Murphy. Then all of a sudden I think 'Oh my God! This is really true!” With the convenience of technology and social media it didn’t take long for the Rapps and the Murphys to begin communicating with each other on a regular basis. On Saturday, July 13, the Rapps, Murphys and Hales gathered for the first time since the discovery, at the Murphy residence in Gansevoort. Through the tears and hugs there were smiles as those who were once strangers celebrated becoming a complete family. "I am 75, and I found my family,” said Rapp. I can't believe it." SF saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 39
Wesley Community
Where Book-End Generations Share Old Chapters and New Stories in Life’s Lessons
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN SOME PHOTOS PROVIDED
P
eople say the older generation has all the best stories. I agree. There’s nothing better than sitting with folks who’ve lived through the good, bad, and ugly in life.
As a young girl in a small town, one of the things I loved most was cooking with my great-grandma Stevens.
Today, it’s different. Intergenerational is more than just the word of the day. Healthy relationships between the old and young are encouraged – more now than ever before. Studies show that interactions between different generations add immeasurable value to both.
She’d fill me in on what life was like as Pop’s wife while we turned pages of her recipe books, working over the stove preparing dinner.
The older generations have witnessed amazing inventions, lived through wars that changed the face of America, seen the first man walk on the moon, suffered stock market crashes.
She loved gardening and her memories of tending to flowers and vegetables while great-grampa was busy traveling made me smile.
They can share stories chronicling the debut of our ball-point pen, the slinky, the popular hula-hoop, and watching Elvis perform for the first time.
Seriously though, who doesn’t relate to a Norman Rockwell scene - sitting at the dining room table during the holidays, listening to our parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends reminiscing about ‘the good old days,’ while the younger generations roll their eyes, asking to be excused the moment their plates are clean.
There are stories of survival, segregation, the heavy workload in owning farmland, and a woman’s love for knitting. Men talk about hunting, fishing, learning to fly small airplanes. Women recall stories about fashion, travel, child-rearing, and beloved recipes passed down from one generation to the next. They like to talk about important things and they love to talk about normal-everyday-things in life.
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Children are full of hope, joy, an insatiable curiosity about everything around them. They’re genuine little human beings that accept people for what they are, no matter how young or old they might be. Students of the Saratoga YMCA Preschool Program and residents of A Commons at the Wesley Community have been sharing old stories and new visions for a long time. The school year includes an enrichment program involving the elderly and youngsters in several ways that bond both generations. For thirty minutes during the day, students and older adults interact and engage with each other. It might be creating an art project – making sculptures with clay and feathers while listening to music, or using a parachute – where everyone works as a team, taking an edge, lifting it upwards to fill it with air. There are times when they paint or sing together, even practicing activities that use movement – like ‘catch.’ “We try to make sure these activities promote cooperation and joy in accomplishing a goal,” says Alison Getz, YMCA Intergenerational Preschool Program Director. “It’s important that we consider skill levels, as well as aligning activities with current themes we’re covering during class.” “Our three and four-year-olds love to work, learn, and play with people they might relate to as grandparents or close friends.” She looks away for a moment, caught up in a pleasant memory. “We had a young boy who enjoyed visiting one of the residents here. They always sat together, working on puzzles, chatting about life in general. People referred to them as ‘batman and robin.’” Of course, I’m assuming the older man is batman, but Alison is quick to set me straight. “In this case,” she smiles, “The boy landed the lead role, Wesley’s resident was the side-kick.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Children also learn social skills during school hours. For Halloween, they take part in festivities, walking throughout the facility, knocking on doors, saying hello in greeting, making sure to shake hands and thank people for their treat. Other times children are encouraged to give back to the residents, maybe with a drawing, something they’ve baked, or a song. St. Patrick’s Day heralds a parade where students visit all ten floors of Wesley Community in costume, bringing smiles to the faces of every adult they get to visit. During school, they might learn about nature, the environment, how everyone’s different yet the same. When I wandered through the classroom early last month, some kids were sorting through pictures of a recent field trip, talking about which part of the day was their favorite. Alison was writing their thoughts down in a journal. Others were painting paper cut-outs of themselves with Tina Krapmann, Alison’s teaching assistant. “I cannot tell you how important Tina is to this program,” she states. “Tina comes to the table with ideas intended to help each child learn everyday skills they’ll take with them when they leave our care. I couldn’t manage without her dedication.” The YMCA/Wesley Community collaborative program is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Alison Getz has been there for seven of them. “I have to tell you, teaching here has been good for my soul.” She confides over coffee. “Children live in the present – they want to share that excitement with the rest of us. Everyone who works here wants to work here. Our partnership with Wesley Community is joyful, upbeat, and positive. I feel privileged to spend part of my day in this nurturing environment.” I know what she means, I got a dose of that myself while visiting. SF
WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 41
My Buddy WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
W
hen they are by our side, friends give us the confidence to freely follow our own path.
Two years ago, Megan Hale met a friend like this. “Her dog is by her side for everything. Hero is awesome! He helps her get around safely. He runs with her. He watches out for her and makes sure she’s okay,” said Tiffany Mitrakos, Director of Camp Abilities Saratoga. FINDING NEW FREEDOMS Each summer since middle school, Hale has been attending Camp Abilities Saratoga’s week-long program. As one of 26 blind and visually impaired campers between the ages of 10 and 16+ in the program, Hale had the opportunity to participate in sports including track, baseball and bicycling, on the grounds of the Skidmore College campus. “After camp, I tried out for and got into, the varsity team at school starting in 8th grade. I was able to join and tell them how to adapt things so I could do them, too,” said Hale. This summer, Hale was a counselorin-training at Camp Abilities and is currently a Freshman at Hudson Valley Community College pursuing a physical education degree.
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Do you have a story that our
PET SECTION
readers would enjoy? Or maybe an animal related service?
We’d love to hear from you!
“I have realized, over the years and going to camp especially, that not many students with a disability – any disability – are being included in sports. There are not many teachers out there who know how,” she said.
Our readers love their pets, and most are animal lovers in general – so check out our other “pet story” on page12 of the Healthy Saratoga side and send me your ideas: cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com
A SPECIAL SIDEKICK Hale’s sense of sight has been substantially affected by Leber congenital amaurosis, a condition that she describes as, “similar to going to see a 3-D movie without 3-D glasses on, and with no peripheral vision”. She had primarily been using a cane to get around until high school, when she was old enough to be matched with a guide dog. “I was nervous. Growing up, we didn’t have a dog and we’d never had dogs in the house before. This is my first time being around a dog, but I knew the benefits, and that pushed me forward,” said Hale. Guiding Eyes for the Blind trained Hale how to work with and care for her guide dog, a yellow Labrador named Hero. “He’s like a car and they teach us how to drive the car. I call him my “Lab-orghini,” she said. Hero has given Hale an inspiring new independence. “She is the only camper that has ever come to Saratoga with a guide dog. It was really cool for the other campers to see that might be an option in the future for them, too,” said Mitrakos. COACHING COMPANION Together at Camp Abilities Saratoga, Hale and Hero not only participated in sports, but also experienced leading others. “He will basically be at my side the whole time. They call us; Coach Megan and Coach Hero. On the very rare occasion that I’d need to guide athletes, he’d guide both of us,” said Hale. As heros are apt to do. “More people will get excited about physical activity if people like them were a part of leading it. I just think that everyone should have equal access to it and it should be open, with opportunities for everyone to participate.” To find out more about Camp Abilities Saratoga, go to CampAbilitiesSaratoga.org. SF saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 43
These are the symbols we cheer for – the ones that represent our journey with the team.
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SC
O
L MASC O O H RUNDOWN We sit beside their painted images on the gymnasium walls during games and assemblies. They look out at us as we walk the halls. BUT WHY THESE SYMBOLS? We wear certain colors to encourage a feeling of solidarity and school spirit. WHY THESE COLORS? By scouring documents and gathering personal accounts, town and village historians, athletic directors, school personnel, and others have found answers to some of these questions, adding a rich layer of meaning to the mascots we applaud.
BALLSTON SPA SCHOOL DISTRICT: “SCOTTIES” PURPLE & GOLD The Scottie dog became the Ballston Spa mascot in the 1960s. It was in honor of William B. Scott, a longtime district Teacher, Coach and Athletic Director. His teams were referred to as “Scottie’s Boys” so the Scottie dog became the team mascot.
BURNT HILLS-BALLSTON LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: “SPARTANS” MAROON & WHITE Once called the “Hilltoppers” because the school (grades K-12 in one building) was at the top of the hill coming up from Ballston Lake, the mascot was changed to the “Spartans” in the 1950s. The latest rendition, completed in 2006, reimagined the logo to portray a friendlier, kinder and gentler Spartan.
CORINTH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: “TOMAHAWKS” BLACK & ORANGE In their early days, the school’s sports teams were named after their coaches. From the 1930s to the mid-1940s they were named the “Bankers” or “Banks’ Men” after their Coach Banks. When Coach Crawley (who would later become Principal Crawley) took over, the school’s team was known as the “Crawleymen.” It wasn’t until 1951 that a line drawing and reference to the school’s team as the “ Tomahawks,” first appeared. . 44 | SARATOGA FAMILY | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
EDINBURG COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT: “EAGLES” BLUE & WHITE When the intramural sports program began in the 1970s, they chose the Eagles mascot – perhaps because Eagles often nest in the trees surrounding the nearby Great Sacandaga Lake. .
GALWAY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: “GOLDEN EAGLES” BLUE & GOLD The earliest recorded history of the school’s colors occurs in 1946, when it was the Galway Union Free School. Soccer, basketball and baseball were the primary sports, and to show their school spirit, the cheerleaders started wearing blue skirts and yellow sweaters with the letter “G” sewn onto the front.
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SHENENDEHOWA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: “STALLIONS” GREEN & WHITE Shenendehowa is Iroquois for “great plains” and the people of the land known as the “Plainsmen.” The “Plainsmen” moniker was adopted by the school in 1950. Their Native American mascot was replaced in 2005 by a student-designed horse mascot. This was then redesigned as their current logo in 2014.
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SOUTH GLENS FALLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: “BULLDOGS” ROYAL BLUE & SCARLET The school’s colors were changed from purple and gold to blue and red by the PTA in 1935. During the 1939 school year, Carl Supor attended all the school’s sporting events with his Boston Bulldog at the field between Jackson and Wilson Avenues. In recognition of his allegiance, the sports teams were named the “Bulldogs.” In 1976, gym teacher Jean Steffens went to a conference in Virginia and on the way back purchased a bulldog sticker at a truck stop. She used that sticker as inspiration for the Bulldog mural she painted on the gymnasium wall. To the present day, this is the image that is used.
STILLWATER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. “WARRIORS” MAROON & WHITE The “Warriors” mascot is known to have been used since 1958.
Do you have information about the origins of your Saratoga County school mascot? Let us know.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 45
Bedlam at Bedtime? Try Tweaking your Tales! WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
W
hen I was a child, I loved nothing more than leaning up against my mother and listening, spellbound, as she read me fairy tales. Those enchanted sessions made me feel special, protected, and loved, and I couldn’t wait to share that magic with my firstborn, Henry. I’d read about the importance of reading aloud to a child, and I’d dreamed about the precious hours my son and I would spend doing just that. But, as I soon learned, dreams and reality don’t always mesh. After herding my toddler to bed for story time, I quickly discovered that not every child leans in and listens. Some fidget and flip, and my little guy was one of those. Without a doubt, Henry was a squirmer. I don’t recall ever fidgeting beside my mother or merrily flipping forward and backward through the pages of a book. But, then, I was a quiet, shy child, and Henry was no minime. Constantly wiggling, chattering non-stop, his gnat-like attention span soon wilted my warm ‘n fuzzy feelings for our nightly ritual. His frenetic page-turning messed up my reading and made me feisty. Was he even listening? I groused silently as he babbled away, perfectly content with his own scattered version of a story. Night after night, oozing maternal failure, I’d flick off the light, kiss Henry goodnight, and stonily exit the room. Despite countless attempts to make him conform to my childhood template, Henry’s creative young mind was lightyears ahead of my weary one, and my approach simply wasn’t working. One night, as the same crazy scene unfolded, I finally lost it. Slamming the book shut, I threw it on the floor, switched off the light, and dropped down on the bed beside Henry—who, suddenly, was very, very still. For a few uncomfortably long seconds, the air between us crackled with tension. Then, miraculously, inspiration dawned. Drawing a deep breath, I reached over and gently rubbed my son’s small hand, instantly dispelling his fears that Mommy had morphed into a monster. “Okay, kiddo. Tonight we’re going to try something different,” I began. “I’m going to tell you ‘The Story of Henry’s Nice Day.’” Quickly, he snuggled up against me in the darkness, eager for a new adventure. Then, chronologically, in storybook fashion, I launched into a detailed and animated account of
every big and little thing my sweet young boy had done that day. Waking up. Getting dressed. Having breakfast. Watching Sesame Street. Playing outside. Shopping for groceries. Greeting neighbors. Chasing kitties. And if Henry had done something naughty, I recapped that, too, giving it an upbeat spin. Life is full of missteps, and I wanted my little guy to know that, despite any unsettling incidents, we still had a really nice day. On that very first night, something magical happened. Henry stopped fidgeting and started listening attentively, hanging on my every word. But would it work again tomorrow night? I wondered. To my delight, it did. Whereas traditional bedtime stories had failed to capture Henry’s attention, or captivate his imagination, a more customized approach perfectly suited his age and personality. My son loved our new method of storytelling, and so did I. As our bedtime groove deepened, Henry began excitedly interjecting details that I had forgotten to mention. Clearly, this wasn’t idle talk for him. It was the story of his very own life, and nothing delighted him more than hearing its daily recap. In no time, my son was diving into bed at night, eager for our “talk,” “Let’s talk The Nice Day, Mommy!” he’d cry, eyes shining with excitement. My heart melted every time. Henry’s and my nightly stories continued for several years and, in time, I tried this personalized approach with my two younger sons as well. But it never really took with them as it had with Henry. By then, with three lively youngsters in tow, our family tapestry had become more complex, and story time evolved into more of a group affair than a one-on-one. My three sons are all grown up now and pursuing their own lives. But every so often when Henry visits, one of us will mention “the nice day,” and we both break out grinning. After all these years, cherished memories of snuggling together in darkened rooms, recounting the details of childhood, still burn brightly. To this day, I am grateful that a personal disappointment led me to rethink my story options and try something different. Out of frustration and failure, a precious new tradition was born. By letting go of my own expectations and finding a solution better suited to my child, bedtime ceased to be a burden and became a blessing instead. SF
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Healthy Saratoga Winter 2019 Complimentary
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Welcome to
HEALTHY SARATOGA
Healthy Saratoga... the magazine
OWNER/PUBLISHER
From The Editor
Chad Beatty
GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee
MAGAZINE DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Morgan Rook
ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Buniak Richard Frank Geraldine Freedman Megan Harrington Ann Hauprich Himanee Gupta-Carlson Dan Justis Jaclyn Masci John Pezzulo Megin Potter Don Proulx Theresa St. John Todd Shimkus Diane Whitten
PHOTOGRAPHERS Pattie Garrett Geraldine Freedman SuperSourceMedia.com
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Chris Vallone Bushee • Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • (518) 581-2480 ext. 201
Happy Anniversary to us! As we finish up our first year of putting out the area’s only FLIP MAGAZINE – I am convinced - this was a great idea! Combing Healthy Saratoga and Saratoga Family was brilliant! I get so much feedback on this publication… Comments on articles, people wanting to be featured, readers with suggestions as to what they want to see… I’ve always felt this would become a community resource, and I want to thank you for supporting us during our first year of combining these two subjects – You and your family! I’d like to take a minute to introduce our newest Healthy Saratoga contributor; Deb Czech. As a former “Healthy” spotlight herself and someone who truly lives healthy, she will be an inspiration to all of us. Her column on the benefits of a plant based diet will start in our Spring issue, due out on March 6th. Healthy Saratoga: Deb, we’re hearing more and more about plant-based eating these days, from news of restaurants offering the plant-based Beyond Burger to celebrities and athletes who have suddenly “gone vegan”-when did you become a plant-based eater? Deb Czech, Planted Platter: I made the switch in 2012. I’ve always been interested in food and cooking, and I had seen movies including Food, Inc. and Forks Over Knives that made me question the mantra of “everything in moderation.” I then studied plant-based nutrition through Cornell and the T. Colin Campbell Foundation. Presented with medical evidence, I made the transition rapidly. Healthy Saratoga: Love your website – so informative! What made you decide to teach classes and start Planted Platter? Deb Czech, Planted Platter: I wanted to share what I’ve learned about health and nutrition. There are so many people with chronic health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Research shows that a low-fat, plant-based diet can help. I recently trained with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and am now a licensed instructor for their Food for Life classes.
Sounds good to me! Check out her website PlantedPlatter.com for some healthy holiday recipes that didn’t make the print deadline but promise to be worth the wait! …Looking forward to hearing more from Deb! Speaking of recipes… this issue is filled with them, as well as great articles on a range of topics – hope you enjoy them all! Thank you for picking up this magazine and I have to close with a big Thank You to all 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 in touch and stay healthy, Saratoga!
Love, Chris Cover photo by Pattie Garrett
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 3
HEALTHY SARATOGA
WINTER 2019 6 From the Chamber 8 Because Laughing Matters 10 Teen Vaping Needs to Stop – See How You Can Help 12 Cuddle Therapy 14 Cold and Flu Season Survival Tips 15 Soups and Chili Recipes from Four Seasons 20 One Chicken, Endless Recipes from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 25 Slow Cooker Recipes from Cornell Cooperative Extension 28 eGym at the YMCA 29 Local Road Races 30 Leg Veins Tell Us So Much 32 Dancing Through Parkinson’s 33 Speed Skaters Rebecca Simmons and Marcus Yanagihara
Speed Skating story on page 33.
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A TRIFECTA MOVING THE FOR A HEALTHY MOVEMENT HEALTHYSARATOGA COMMUNITY
FORWARD ACROSS SARATOGA COUNTY
WRITTEN BY SUSAN HALSTEAD,CHAIR OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS COUNCIL AND THE OWNER OF FAMILY VISION CARE CENTER WRITTEN BY BY TODD SHIMKUS, PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Health. History. Horses.
ust keep moving is something I’ve heard of local organizations involved in health and numerous health and wellness trainers say wellness moved tables and brochures out to during workouts over the years. the Spa State Park’s Great Lawn to be able to Of course, Saratoga’s brand is a trifecta. Being more active - - walking, biking, dancing, inform attract running, kayaking, crossand country skiing,more snow people into their thanis sitting But Rather in first place HEALTH!or standing around, they tell us businesses, organizations and events. shoeing, etc., will also help us to live a to move. The more all of us find opportunities to
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After all, where else in the world can you healthier lifestyle. move and stay the healthier we become We cut a ribbon for the Empire State Trail, in access FREE water, all active day, and every day Eating better is Schuylerville, also crucial for our individually and as a community. andpersonal supported City efforts to install from natural springs all collectively across the City. health. With so many amazing restaurants in bike lanes on Lake Avenue. If we can ever get OurTo City is often described as walkable. a some extent, that’s been theIt’smission of our the City, it’s so easy to get off track. But they Amtrak and New York feature that attracts people who want to live all have healthier options. And of course, State to allow bikes on Healthy Saratoga movement. downtown. can link there are thosetrains, farmerswe markets andour localCity to both the Empire our members, their employees, stores who not State only carry local food Trailhealthy and our passenger rail system like We Give have strategically placed public art across and chance to keep options but arenever often willing to offer thelocal City toresidents encourageapeople to walk. We moving before. This advice will allow cyclists locally and and guidance.across New York to move on their bicycles more and be for active. have dogto parks people to walk with their dogs. We have Congress Park, the Saratoga Drinking more physicallyCounty for travel and easilyBeing across Saratoga Chamber’s Veterans for more water. SpaThe State Park, and trails in which Business to walk orCouncil, to active. Eating Better. These three actions have healthy fun. instance, kept moving this summer playing exercise in other ways. been featured in nearly all of the Saratoga softball against teams from the US NavyCounty Chamber’s We Healthy promoted and events participated in so many 5Ks Saratoga Within Saratoga County, we have approximately Center – Saratoga Springs and and fromprograms. the and walks - - the Firecracker 4; the Malta 5K & 650Support local farms. Saratoga Springs’ Police Department. From our celebration 10K; the Mother Lovin 5K; the Tugboat Chug 5K of Employee Wellness We have two farmer’s markets in the City Month & Wellnessthe Week to ourDay 5K, in Clifton Park; in Waterford; Hump alone. you canhosted buy localan produce twice Day TheHere Chamber April Fools’ Walkto our Health Basketball or Silent Disco, Trot; the Revolutionary a week the year. We have localPark.HORSE thetournament First Night 5K; the Turkey andevery Run week in theofSaratoga Spa State This we’ve tried to educate employers and stores like Four Seasons and Healthy Living who Run for Veterans and the Apple Blossom 5K, new event attracted more than 100 participants employees on what they can do together to pride themselves on offering local produce both in Schuylerville, and ofwe’re whom moved so fast had a personal be healthier at home and in the workplace. more. too.all And adding new stores andthey restaurants best time that day.all the time. featuring healthy options programs and promotions But for Health toThese really efforts, win andevents, place first for our community, the Healthy Saratoga may appear often times as separate and These three features that define our healthy We hosted ribbon cuttings for Max Level Fitness, hasdistinct to engage employers, community - - water, exercise, from one another. But the reality is that iRun Local, andwalking UrbanorRoots to name amovement few. employees AND the individuals and families and fresh local food - - are showcased in our all of this activity is what gives people more They are all moving our community forward who live here. Healthy Saratoga logo.
expanding healthy food, fitness and product
chances to move making Saratoga County one
In this case, it doesn’t whichplaces group to live, work and play. of thematter healthiest places first, second or third, we all have to be in the money for the community to really Therefore, our work to move grow the Healthy Saratoga We organized ourdefines 5th Annual Health In many ways, this logo the trifecta of and the needle ensuring that we remain one ofpromote the movement is simply to participation in Wellness Week. healthy. what makes Saratoga healthiest places to live. these events and promote our members who But As thispart trifecta alsoevent, really the to our own of isthis wekey had corporate teams To help you win,are please visitbusiness our website in the ofand helping local people to individual health. who had employees moving around Saratoga take a look at the extensive of our move morelistand tomembers live a healthier lifestyle. If we want toto beall healthy and to stay healthy, in the health and wellness sector. They all want County of the participating local fitness drinking moreto water canpoints. really make a difference. To learn whatand youindividuals can do across Saratoga to help employers, employees venues earn It is perhaps one of the more profound things to live a healthier lifestyle.to You can bet on it.follow us on Facebook or County move more, we We can celebrated do to improveEmployee our health. Wellness Month, in check out our event calendar from time to time The logo has a water feature; a leaf and a offerings locally. person running. This design was intentional.
June. The highlight of this month long celebration was our Networking Mixer and Health & Wellness Expo at the Roosevelt Bath and Spa. Dozens
6 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | FALL 2019
at www.saratoga.org. Both of these sites are often filled with ideas and events that might just move you to come out have some healthy fun. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
6 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
CARING FOR YOUR WELL-BEING DURING THE HOLIDAYS WRITTEN BY
JACLYN MASCI, MS, RD, WELL-BEING STRATEGIST, MVP HEALTH CARE DAN JUSTIS, RYT200, WELL-BEING STRATEGIST, MVP HEALTH CARE SCOTT BUNIAK, CWPC, WELL-BEING PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MVP HEALTH CARE
The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year full of excitement and memories, but for many it can also be a significant source of stress on our personal well-being. Here are some helpful strategies for self-care throughout the holidays. CARE FOR YOUR MIND AND SPIRIT There may be no better time to begin a meditation practice than over the holiday season. As we are frequently bombarded with information and responsibility, the holidays offer us time to pause, quiet our minds, and find clarity. Additionally, it allows us time to be grateful for our families, friends and holiday traditions. Below you will find four simple steps to beginning a meditation practice. Like riding a bike—the more often we do it, the easier it gets. • Find a comfortable position. This can be seated in a chair, on a meditation pillow, with crossed legs on the floor, or lying on your back. • Breath in and out through the nose. This allows a steady even flow of breath for our minds to focus. • Acknowledge physical distress and unruly mind-chatter. Acknowledge any thoughts, feelings or concerns so you can better manage any impulse that may disturb your meditation. • Set a timer. Start small, even if it’s only one minute a day, gradually increasing the duration over time. 5 minutes is a great starting point.
CARE FOR YOUR BODY
CARE FOR YOUR SURROUNDINGS
While it’s important to enjoy special holiday foods, being mindful of what you are eating can help ensure that you stay on track with your wellness goals. When you eat, remember to take small bites, chew slowly, and take the time to think about how your food tastes. When you slow down and enjoy your food, you are less likely to overeat. Simple ingredient swaps can also make some of your favorite dishes healthier:
This year, we challenge you to stuff your Thanksgiving full of gratitude. Share an inspirational quote with others, thank someone to let them know you appreciate them, or make a favorite recipe to share with friends and family. Research shows that gratitude may reinforce health, the ability to deal with adversity, and help build strong relationships. Furthermore, taking time to reflect on your support network and surroundings may provide you with a heightened sense of gratefulness and presence. For the upcoming holiday season remember that sometimes small things really do go a long way!
• Use applesauce instead of the oil in baked goods • Choose reduced-sodium versions of broth or stock • Roast vegetables in olive oil instead of cooking them in butter • Try white whole wheat flour in place of white flour in baked goods During the holidays, our schedules are jammed packed with fun familyoriented events which might not include daily trips to the gym. Don’t worry, movement in small doses can have a big impact on your overall joint and tissue health. Find time in-between meals, parties, and quality time with family to move your body. Whether it’s a one-minute plank or a ten-minute yoga session, this small dose stickto-itiveness will have you prepped and primed to hit the ground running when the long holiday season ends. Try these holiday activities: • Plan an active game with your family like tag, red rover, twister, or build a snowman or snow fort. • Walk the neighborhood looking at decorations, Turkey Trot, hiking, sledding, or chop firewood.
CARE FOR YOUR WALLET Spending money for gifts and groceries during the holidays is inevitable. However, there are a few simple tips to keep you on track. First, create a budget. Using last year’s expenses as a starting point, set a realistic budget for this year and do your best to stick to it! There are many apps for your phone that can help you track expenses. Second, consider using an envelope of cash for holiday purchases, so you are forced to work within your budget. Finally, compare products and brands as some may be cheaper than others. If you have a store that you visit regularly, consider signing up for their rewards program for extra savings.
• 10 minutes of stretching during your favorite holiday movies.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 7
he t In ys... da
Before “google” became a verb, we at The HUMOR Project were delighted to receive 50,000 letters a year from folks around the world interested in the positive, healthy power of humor. In more recent years, we have been the beneficiary of tens of thousands of emails containing humorous goodies that we in our free“Google” Laughing Matters newsletter. Here is a tasteProject to strengthen Ininclude the days before becamee-mail a verb, we at The HUMOR your funny bone:were delighted to receive 50,000 letters a year from folks around the world
t e s e J th in the positive, HEALTHY power of humor. Since then, we have r lth interested o received thousands of emails humorous thathumor: we include JoefZanchelli local nonagenarian whocontaining always exercises hisgoodies sense of a is a.delightful, . . e our free Laughing Matters e-mail newsletter. Hmakeitit to theingym + I didn’t today. That makes five years in a row. f + I decided to stop calling the bathroom the “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. o I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
+ When I was a child I thought time” was a punishment. Now, as a John Madden offers some of his “nap fun food-for-thought: grownup, it feels like a small vacation.
+ The biggest lie I tell myself is “I don’t need to write that down.
- Steven Wright
Squirre Crossin l g preach a better
Linda Nyquist came from California to our Saratoga Springs humor conference. She passes along this tongue-in-cheek wisdom:
+ Be decisive. Right or wrong. Make a decision. The road of life is
You can sermon paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision. with your life than with your + It’s easy being a humorist when you’ve got the whole government lips. - Oliver Goldsmith working for you. (Will Rogers)
+ Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life. (Yoko Ono)
+ You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. (Mae West) + Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. (Albert Schweitzer)
If you don't A jury consists of twelve believe you persons chosenand to decide Louise Rourke is a close friend who was happy successful when she haverecently anythingswam the 32-mile It's good to have money who has thepolio. betterLouise lawyer. to smile about, fun-raiser when she sent some Lake George as a fund-raiser to eradicate was also a and the things that - Robert Frost you won't. money can buy, butthat it's appear at the Indian Hills Community Center in Colorado: “hill areas” signs better to check up once in + Our mountains aren’t just funny… they’re hill areas! As soon as you a while and make sure + Turning vegan would be a big missed steak. begin to smile, you haven't lost the + Forget world peace… visualize your turn signal. you'll have things that something to + For chemists alcohol is not a problem… it’s a solution. money + My mood ring is missing… and I don’t know how I feel about that. smile about. can't - Lee Jampolsky) buy. + I’m friends with 25 letters of the alphabet. I don’t know Y. -George + CowLorimer) stumbles
into a pot field. The steaks have never been higher. + Crushing pop cans is soda pressing. + Big shout out to my fingers. I can always count on them. + He who laughs last… didn’t get it.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE HUMOR PROJECT’S LAUGHING MATTERS E-ZINE.
I was going to have cosmetic There is nothing Sometimes I’ll remember it.” surgery until I noticed that so useless as doing I lie awake + If God wanted me to touch my toes, Heoffice would’ve putof them on the doctor's was full efficiently that which should at night, portraits by Picasso. -Rita Rudner myI'll knees. not be done at all. -Peter Drucker afraid die before get + OfI course I talk to myself. Sometimes I need expert advice. to use all of + Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven’t met yet. my Forever stamps.
8 | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com 10| HEALTHY | HEALTHYSARATOGA SARATOGA | SPRING 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Louise Rourke shows that laughter loves company even more than misery loves company as she passes along some goodies from Bob Carr: I skim the news but read the funnies word for word. It helps me in my attempt to remain sane and happy in a crazy world.
You never appreciate what you have till it's gone. A good example is toilet paper.
When I was a kid, my parents would always say, "Excuse my French" just after a swear word... I'll never forget my first day at school when my teacher asked if any of us knew any French.
If you are paying $3 for a bottle of smart water... it isn't working!
The brain is the most outstanding organ. It works for 24 hours, 365 days, right from your birth until you fall in love.
Try to remember, the greener grass across the fence may be due to a septic tank issue.
If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee, you have to take the spoon out of the cup.
Kathy Kusel shares some timeless wit and wisdom from Andy Rooney who had the gift of saying so much with so few words:
I don't call it "getting old." I call it "outliving the warranty."
I've learned that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned that you should keep your words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 9
TEEN VAPING: A Public Health Emergency WRITTEN BY JOHN PEZZULO, DO, FAAFP PHOTOS PROVIDED BY USFDA AND CDC
I
became a doctor to save people from lung cancer. I was 12 years old when my father passed away from that terrible disease, and I decided right then that I would make sure no other family would go through what we did. As a family physician, working the front lines of care, I could watch for warning signs and symptoms of just about any disease or condition, including nicotine addiction. Over the decades, we’ve worked hard, with much success, to educate people and help them quit using tobacco. Then along came e-cigarettes. Vaping. Inhaling that toxic vapor has become the most commonly used form of tobacco among teenagers in this country. Vaping devices are easy to get, easy to hide, they have appealing ads and fruity flavors—and too many young people have the mistaken belief that vaping is safer than cigarettes. It’s heartbreaking to see the news of the devastating outbreak of lung injury caused by vaping. By the end of October, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had been notified of 1,888 cases across the country and thirty-seven deaths, including here in New York. More than half of everyone sickened by this current outbreak of vaping lung damage are youth under 24. And it’s not over.
In just one year, e-cigarette use jumped 78% among high school and 48% among middle school students, between 2017 and 2018 according to the CDC. Smoking and vaping in adolescents is a public health emergency. WHAT IS VAPING? An e-cigarette is an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) that uses a noncombustible tobacco product. Instead of lighting it with a match, it runs on a battery. Users fill a small compartment with an “e-liquid” that may contain nicotine, heavy metals, and varying compositions of flavorings and other ingredients. The battery heats the liquid, which creates an aerosol that users breathe in. These devices are commonly known by a number of different names, such as vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), and e-pipes. WHERE DID IT COME FROM? It’s only been around for the last decade or so. The first commercially successful e-cigarette was created by a pharmacist in China after his father died of lung cancer. It was thought to be a safer way to smoke, but it’s not. People will defend vaping as a tool to quit smoking, and it’s been advertised as such, but it’s not. Vaping leaves you addicted to nicotine. If you stop vaping, you’ll turn to cigarettes. There’s also evidence that vape advertising is directed at young people. Flavored vapes like mango and mint appeal to teens and pre-teens. Youth find hidden devices appealing, and it is easy to buy vaping devices in hoodie strings or that look like watches, pens, or USBs. E-liquid containers can look like apple juice boxes, lollipops, or cookie and candy boxes. There are even black-market versions, which the CDC has found to increase risk for lung injury. And it’s all for profit.
10 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
HOW DOES IT IMPACT TEENS? It is important for parents to understand that once an adolescent starts with an addictive substance, it changes their brain chemistry, including attention and learning. Adolescence is a critical time for brain development, leaving this age group highly vulnerable. Addiction affects the part of the brain that impairs your child’s already immature prefrontal cortex, which includes impulse control. That impairment can be permanent. When young people start using nicotine, parents can expect they will be more impulsive overall. They are likely to start drinking, try other drugs, drive under the influence, and act on other risky behaviors that may harm themselves or others. Unfortunately, the younger you start, the harder it is to come off the addiction. WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? Talk with your primary care physician. With the vaping crisis, family practices are obtaining the tools to help young people overcome addiction and wean off nicotine. Adults may be familiar with nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and other smokingcessation medications, but they are not necessarily useful for adolescents. Your doctor will help you find what works best for your family. Talk with your legislators. Recently, New York state took most flavored e-cigarettes off the market and raised the age limit to buy tobacco products and vaping devices to 21 effective November 13, 2019. But there is more that they can do, and your voice matters. Attend informational forums and prevention programs on vaping. Saratoga Hospital participated in one recently with Saratoga County Public Health, the Prevention Council, the American Cancer Society, and the Parent University at Saratoga Springs School District. Forums such as these are ideal opportunities to ask questions and obtain the latest in local information and resources. But most of all, talk with your kids. John Pezzulo, DO, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, is a primary care physician at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Primary Care – Scotia-Glenville. For more information, visit SaratogaHospital.org.
RESOURCES The following organizations offer a variety of resources, including tip sheets for parents, prevention programs, weekly updates on lung injury cases, and more. If you are concerned about your health after using an e-cigarette or vaping product, contact your health care provider or your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. New York State Department of Health: health.ny.gov, Vaping Hotline: 1-888-364-3046 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov The Prevention Council: PreventionCouncil.org 518-581-1230 Saratoga Hospital: SaratogaHospital.org 518-587-3222 Saratoga County Public Health: SaratogaCountyNY.gov, 518-584-7460 National Institute on Drug Abuse: DrugAbuse.gov. American Cancer Society: Cancer.org, 518-220-6902
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 11
Cuddle THERAPY
She perks up the moment you arrive. Quietly watching as you sit down, she slowly comes over, rests her head gently on your knee, and looks up at you with sympathetic eyes. “She naturally took to this job and 99 percent of people who walk through the door are happy to see her,” said Dr. Martin Ferrillo, an Osteopathic Physician at The Albany & Saratoga Centers for Pain Management.
D
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Dr. Ferrillo and Nurse Practitioner Julie Cuneo have witnessed many instances when Petunia’s presence has had a healing effect on patients who come into the office. “They just lit up and I saw a new side of this patient. They were moved to tears. Petunia makes this a warmer environment and takes the chill right away,” said Cuneo. PLAY DAYS Some days are for work and others are for play. On Mondays and Fridays, Petunia works at the Queensbury and Saratoga pain management offices, but three days a week she goes to doggie daycare, and on weekends, she’s usually running around outside. Playing in puddles and going on hikes are among her favorite off-duty activities. Petunia enjoys her time off, but also takes her role as a healer very seriously. As soon as Dr. Ferrillo puts on her vest (which signifies that she’s a therapy dog and carries her business cards), Petunia knows she has a job to do. “The second the uniform goes on, she’s no longer frolicking around, she knows it’s time to go to work,” he said. To find out more about how The Albany & Saratoga Centers for Pain Management are reducing pain in a variety of ways, go to ascpm.com. SF WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER
MEET PETUNIA Petunia is a 3-year-old English Springer Spaniel who has been trained and certified as a therapy dog. Growing up with the spaniels his mother trained, Dr. Ferrillo was already familiar with the breed’s amicable nature when Petunia came into his life. Because his work as a physician focuses on a whole-body approach to healing, he knew Petunia would be a wonderful addition to his practice. “If you let her, she’d just love you until you didn’t want her to anymore,” he said. SHE SEES YOUR PAIN The patients that he treats with neck, back, joint and nerve pain are also under a great amount of stress. “She can sense if people are nervous or apprehensive before going into the operating room for injections and tends to gravitate towards those people,” said Dr. Ferrillo. Pet Petunia’s silky-smooth hair, look into her amazingly sweet eyes, and feel her softly lean against you. It releases feel-good chemicals within the body that help to lower blood pressure and ease a patient’s burden of pain. If you’re open to it, she’ll lure you into giving her a belly-rub or to shake hands. She is also allowed healthy treats as a reward.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 13
COLD & FLU SEASON
Survival Tips
WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON
READY OR NOT, winter has arrived and with it comes runny noses, fevers, and coughs. A bit of sickness is inevitable (especially if you have little ones at home), but there are some things you can do to limit illness and stay comfortable. Consider this your cold and flu season tool kit. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE: Get your flu shot. If you haven’t received it yet, the number one thing you can do is head to your doctor and receive the influenza vaccine. This is especially important if you’re pregnant or have contact with the elderly or children. Flu season can last until April, so it’s not too late! Be vigilant with hand washing. Use soap and hot water and wash for at least 20 seconds! This seems basic, but it makes a big difference. If you have little ones, consider having them change clothes and bathe as soon as they get home from school or daycare. Try elderberry gummies or syrup. A 2004 study in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests that taking a 15-milliliter dose of elderberry extract four times a day can reduce flu symptoms by up to four days. Some studies have shown elderberry syrup to reduce the duration of other viruses as well. Increase your intake of probiotic foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. A 2016 article published in the Baltimore Journal of Medicine found that children who consumed probiotics had fewer upper respiratory infections compared to those who took a placebo. Pay attention to zinc. A 2013 Cochrane Library analysis of 18 trials found that ingesting zinc within 24 hours of the onset of cold symptoms might reduce the duration of the illness. Ask your healthcare provider about taking a supplement or increase your intake of zinc-rich foods like oysters, crab, lobster, beef, and fortified breakfast cereals. IF SICKNESS STRIKES: For littles who can’t blow their noses yet, parents swear by the Nose Frieda “snot sucker.” Kinda gross, but really amazing! And of course, good old saline drops can help a lot, too. Dry air can exacerbate sore throats and coughs, so get your humidifiers out and running, especially at bedtime. Sore throat? Mix up a glass of warm salt water and gargle for about 30 seconds. The salt will reduce inflammation (salt kills germs!) and loosen throat mucous. Your mom was on to something – when you’re feeling under the weather, chicken soup can truly be the best medicine. The steam can decongest a stuffy nose, the warm liquid feels good on the throat, and it’s easy for upset tummies to digest. Got a cough that won’t quit? A spoonful of honey has been shown to soothe better than over-the-counter medicines. Just don’t give honey to children under one year old! SF 14 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Soups, Chilis and StewsFROM A TO ZUPPA! WRITTEN BY RICHARD FRANK AT FOUR SEASONS NATURAL FOODS
‘Tis the season for soups, stews, chili and all things warm and delicious. Nothing hits the spot (for those of us with finer taste!) as a soup with the perfect consistency, seasoning and flavor. Sure, you don’t always get it right, but when you get a good one, you know it when you taste it. First, you and soup are in good company--check out these great quotes (while you slurp, chew and enjoy): That bowl of soup—it was dearer than freedom, dearer than life itself, past, present, and future. - Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life Of Ivan Denisovich Anyone who tells a lie has not pure heart and cannot make good soup. - Ludwig van Beethoven I’m the first to admit I’m not much of a cook. But since soup mainly involves tossing everything in a pot and waiting, it’s one of my better dishes. - Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Soup is cuisine’s kindest course. - Virginia Woolf Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite. -Auguste Escoffier I live on good soup, not on fine words. -Moliere Soup is just a way of screwing you out of a meal. - - Jay Leno
A spoon does not know the taste of soup, nor a learned fool the taste of wisdom. - Proverbs Here’s a few hearty fares that we think really hit the spot:
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PUREE Super easy and super delicious. Serves 4
1 Large or 2 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped course 1/3C parsley, coarsely chopped 1/2C pumpkin seeds (Dry roasted in skillet until aromatic-- approx. 3-4 minutes stirring to prevent burning) 4-6C water (or vegetable broth) 2T Maple Syrup (Optional and depending on squash’s sweetness) 1t sea salt 1. Put squash, onion and parsley in soup pot. Add water--enough to cover. Bring to boil and then simmer for approximately 20 minutes until vegetables are soft. 2. Add in parsley. Blend mixture in blender or immersion blender until smooth. (Do multiple batches if needed in blender and return puree to pot.) Salt to taste. 3. Add in maple syrup if needed for sweetness. 4. Serve with roasted pumpkin seeds on top.. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 15
EASY MISO SOUP Great for lunch or anytime. Serves 4
1 medium onion, diced 2 carrots, chopped or sliced 1C cauliflower in small pieces 1C kale, shredded 1 piece wakame seaweed, soaked and then cut up into course chunks 4C water 1/4C chickpea or favorite miso (more or less possible to taste) 1T toasted sesame oil 1t sea salt 1. In soup pot, sauté onion and carrots in oil and salt for approximately 5 minutes 2. Add in cauliflower and continue to sauté another 5 minutes until carrots and onions are soft. 3. Add water and bring to boil. Then turn down, add in kale and wakame and simmer for 5 minutes. 4. Add a little broth to miso to thin and then add mixture into the pot. 5. Simmer for a few minutes and serve.
RED LENTIL SOUP Yummy, easy and awesome! Serves 4
1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1T curry powder 2 slices of lemon peel 1.5C dried red lentils, rinsed 6C vegetable stock (homemade, store or powdered okay) 2C baby spinach or shredded kale, washed 1T olive oil 1t sea salt 1T plain yogurt to each serving (optional)
1. In soup pot, sauté onion, garlic and salt in oil until onions are soft. 2. Add water, curry powder, lemon peel, lentils and stock. 3. Bring to boil and then simmer about 25 minutes until lentils are soft and broken apart. 4. Add in spinach and let wilt. Stir and serve with a dollop of yogurt. 16 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
VEGGIE CHILI A favorite on a cold day. Serves 4
3/4C dried kidney beans or 1 15 oz can 3/4C dried pinto beans or 1 15 oz can 3/4C dried black beans or 1 15 oz can 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 large onion, diced 1/4C jarred jalapeno diced 2T tomato paste 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes 2T olive oil 2T chili powder 2t sea salt 1 avocado 1T lime juice 2T fresh cilantro, chopped 3T water 1t cayenne powder or hot sauce (optional)
3. Add in canned tomatoes, chili powder, beans and tomato paste.
1. Pressure cook beans together for 28 minutes until soft (varies by cooker type). If beans are very different in size, you may need to pressure cook separately.
4. Add in hot sauce or cayenne if desired.
2. In a large soup pot, sauté onion, garlic, jalapenos and 1t salt until onions soften.
7. Serve with grated cheese and dollop of avocado whip.
5. Simmer together for 15 minutes. 6. In a food processor, add avocado, lime juice, 1 t salt, water and cilantro. Blend.
HEARTY VEGAN STEW Hits the spot! (Substitute pre-cooked real or vegan meat for the seitan) Serves 4 3 carrots, cut into 1/2” chunks 3lbs potatoes, peeled if necessary, cut into 1/2” cubes 1 medium onion, peeled and diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1lb seitan (a store-bought wheat meat--you can make, but you probably don’t want to) 2T olive oil 6C water for boiling carrots and potatoes 4C water 1t sea salt 1T bouquet garni (really just a blend of dried thyme, bay leaf, parsley, basil--could 1 t each) 2T vegetable seasoning cube or broth (Seitan bacher or Rapunzel are our favorites, cut into 1” chunks) 3T Bragg’s liquid aminos 1/4C whole wheat flour 1/4C parsley, chopped
1. In soup pot, boil carrots and potatoes in 6 C water until soft. Drain. 2. In wok or large pot, sauté onion, garlic, salt and bouquet garni in oil until onions are soft.
4. Add in flour to thicken and simmer for 5 more minutes. 5. Add in parsley, serve and enjoy.
3. Add in potatoes, carrots, seitan, vegetable seasoning, 4C water and aminos. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 17
CARROT SOUP Yes, orange and yes, good Serves 4
2C onions, diced 3C carrots, diced 2C sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 5C water 2T olive oil 1T each cumin, fennel, caraway seeds, and coriander 1 (15 oz.) can of coconut milk salt and pepper to taste 1. Into soup pot, combine the vegetables, oil, and herbs over medium heat. The vegetables should cook gently and should not brown. Lower flame, cover, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Add 5 cups water and raise the heat to boil. Lower heat and simmer soup until vegetables are soft about 20 minutes. 4. Puree the soup with immersion blender and add coconut milk. Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
POTATO-LEEK SOUP This is a winner on any day, but especially when the sun is hidden by the clouds, which, well, like we said, is most any day...in winter! Serves 4
2 bunches leeks, split, cleaned, sliced 1/2 head celery, diced 3 lbs. potatoes, peeled, diced 2 scallions, sliced 1C soymilk, plain 1 clove garlic, chopped 2T olive oil 1t dried dill 1t dried thyme or tarragon 1. Into soup pot sautĂŠ leeks, garlic, potatoes and celery in olive oil, for 5 minutes. 2. Cover with 2 quarts water, bring to boil and then reduce to simmer, approximately 1 hour. 3. Blend 1/2 the soup in blender and then add back to pot. 4. Add soymilk and herbs. Careful not to boil. Serve with sliced scallions.
18  | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 19
Savoring
A WHOLE CHICKEN OVER MANY MEALS
M
WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETT
any farmers at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market offer chicken, whole or in parts. These locally raised chickens have a deep rich flavor that is worth savoring over many meals. The chickens cost $6-$8 a pound, and weigh between three and five pounds. But with a little planning and imagination they can create as many as six meals. Here’s how: MEAL 1. Buy the chicken, defrost it if it has been frozen, and roast it in the oven with a little salt and pepper rubbed over it. I usually separate the wings and breasts from the legs, thighs and back, or wrap them in aluminum foil prior to roasting. Sear the chicken for 15 minutes at 450 degrees in an uncovered pot, then remove and cool the oven down to 325 degrees. Remove the foil from the chicken, cover the pot, and continue to cook the chicken for about 15 minutes per pound. If you separated the wings and breasts, remove them from the pot after the initial sear and return them for the final 20 minutes of cooking.
season for which breasts make good additions, and pot pies, which are wonderful with any part of the chicken including the thin slices from the back. MEAL 5 AND SOMETIMES 6. Each earlier meal leaves one with bones. I save these bones in a bag in my refrigerator and when the bulk of the chicken has been finished, I use them to create stock. Following the suggestion of fellow farmer Nelly Levanduski of Slate River Farm, I roast the bones lightly with olive oil and rosemary sprigs for about 10 minutes, then cook them overnight with about eight to 10 cups of water in a slow cooker. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar also helps bring out the flavor and nutrients in the bones. I often add a couple of turnips, carrots and/or potatoes to the cooker in the morning, along with some garlic, black pepper, and fresh parsley or carrot tops, and let the stock continue to simmer throughout the day. The end result is a rich, flavorful stock that I often use for such dishes as risotto and paella, as well as soups or chowders later.
MEALS 2, 3, AND SOMETIMES 4. My husband and I each have our favorite chicken parts, and we jockey for them during the meal 1: the wings in my case; the legs in his. This leaves us with quite a bit of thigh, breast and back meat to use in future meals. I often search for recipes via the Internet or comb through my cookbooks for ideas. But I also rely on many favorites such as the Indian savory rice dish; biryani for which the thighs are excellent, stir fries with whatever market vegetables are in
20 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
ROAST CHICKEN Adapted from the recipe by Ina Garten, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table. Makes 8 servings *Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken* • Kosher salt • Freshly ground black pepper 1 large bunch fresh thyme* 1 lemon, halved 1 head garlic*, cut in half crosswise 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter*, melted 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 2. Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. 3. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush
the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. 4. Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve.
WEEKNIGHT CHICKEN FRIED RICE 1 small onion, diced. 1 tablespoon ginger, minced. 1 garlic clove, minced 1 cup of such mixed vegetables as carrots, turnips, radishes, corn, peas, green beans, peppers 1 cup rice, uncooked. 3-4 eggs 1 cup cooked chicken, cut into one-inch pieces • Oil • Soy sauce (or Bragg’s Amino acids) • Optional: peanuts, cashews, or slivered almonds.
1. Prepare rice with 2-1/4 cups water in rice cooker or on stove. 2. While rice is cooking, heat oil in a deep-frying pan or wok. Lower heat, add soy sauce and stir until combined. 3. Turn up heat to medium. Add chicken and cook for about 1 minute, turning meat pieces so that all sides are coated with oil and soy sauce mixture. 4. Remove chicken from pan and add more oil if necessary. 5. Turn up heat to medium high. Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Toss in oil for 1 minute.
cook about 5 minutes. 8. Remove vegetables from pan and add more oil if necessary. 9. Crack eggs into pan, drizzle with soy sauce if desired, and scramble, stirring to prevent sticking. 10. Remove scrambled eggs. 11. Add cooked rice to pan, and gently stir in vegetables, chicken, and scrambled eggs. 12. Top with peanuts, cashews, or slivered almonds if desired, and serve.
6. Add other vegetables, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring quickly. 7. Lower heat, place lid on pan, and allow vegetables to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 21
CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP WITH BUTTERMILK BISCUITS Recipe by Coffee and Crayons with Biscuits from America's Test Kitchen, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table *Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
Buttermilk Biscuits: 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon sugar ¾ teaspoon salt 1 cup chilled buttermilk* 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter*, melted and cooled slightly Chicken Soup: 2 Tablespoons butter* 1 large yellow onion*, diced 2 cloves garlic*, minced 4 carrots*, quartered lengthwise and chopped 4 stalks of celery*, halved lengthwise and chopped 4 Tablespoons of flour 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 2 to 3 cups cooked and shredded boneless skinless chicken breasts* ½ cup frozen peas 1 cup milk* ¼ cup half and half* • Salt and pepper to taste • Fresh chopped parsley* for topping 1. For biscuits: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in large bowl. Combine buttermilk and 8 Tablespoons melted butter in a medium bowl, stirring with butter forms small clumps. 2. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until just incorporated and batter pulls away from sides of bowl. Using greased ¼ cup dry measure and working quickly, scoop level amount of batter and drop onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining batter , spacing about 1½ inches apart. Bake until tops are golden brown and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. 3. For Chicken Soup: In a large pot or Dutch oven melt butter over medium high heat. 4. Add the onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, carrots, celery to the pot and stir to mix. Continue to cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, or just until the vegetables start to soften. 5. Slowly sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir everything together until completely combined. Allow vegetables to cook for 1-2 minutes before slowly pouring in the chicken broth, stirring the entire time. 6. Reduce the heat to medium and bring the soup to a simmer. Partially cover the pot with the lid and simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes. 7. Remove the lid and stir in the chicken, peas, milk, and half and half. Return soup to a simmer, not boil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with biscuit and fresh chopped parsley. 22 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE By My Saratoga Kitchen Table Makes 6 servings *Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
1 Tablespoon butter* 1 medium onion*, chopped ¼ cup chopped celery 1 cup carrots*, diced 1 cup broccoli florets (include chopped stalks) 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken broth ½ cup whole milk* • Salt and pepper 2 cups chicken*, cooked, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 medium potatoes*, peeled, cooked and diced 1 pie crust, your favorite recipe or store bought 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Heat butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and celery to skillet. Sauté until tender. Add carrots and broccoli and cook for 1 minute more. 3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the flour dissolves. 4. Add the broth and bring to simmer. Stir until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off heat, stir in the milk, and season with salt and pepper. 5. Add chicken and potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. 6. Place the pie crust on the top of the filling, crimping the edges. Cut slits into the crust to allow steam to escape. 7. Place on a sheet pan (for any filling that spills out) and bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes.
BONE BROTH CHICKEN STOCK Adapted from Slate River Farms recipe for bone broth.
1 Chicken bones, meat removed. • Oil 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 8-10 cups water 1-3 turnips, carrots, potatoes or any combination • Optional: peanuts, cashews, or slivered almonds. 1. P reheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken bones on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil and rosemary. Roast for 10-15 minutes. (If using an Instant Pot, you can set the device to the sauté function, and roast the bones directly in the pot; just keep stirring to prevent burning.) 2. Place roasted bones in a slow cooker, Instant pot, or large stovetop stockpot. Add apple cider vinegar, water, and vegetables. 3. Cook on low heat for 18-24 hours, checking periodically to stir. (If using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can pressure cook the stock before setting it to simmer.) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 23
CHICKEN STOCK Recipe by Sally Fallon, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Tables *Ingredients currently available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
1 whole free-range chicken* or 2-3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings • Gizzards of one chicken (optional) 4 quarts cold filtered water 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 large onion*, coarsely chopped 2 carrots*, peeled and coarsely chopped 3 celery sticks, coarsely chopped 1 bunch parsley* 1. Cut the chicken parts into several pieces. If you are using a whole chicken, remove the neck and wings and cut them into several pieces. Place the chicken or the chicken pieces in a large stainless-steel pot with water, vinegar, and all vegetables except parsley. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Bring to a boil and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6 to 24 hours. The longer you cook the stock, the richer and more flavorful it will be.
3. About 10 minutes before finishing the stock, add parsley. 4. Remove whole chicken or pieces with a slotted spoon. If you are using a whole chicken, let cool and remove chicken meat from the carcass. Reserve for other uses, such as chicken salads, enchiladas, sandwiches or curries. 5. Strain the stock into a large bowl and reserve in your refrigerator until the fat rises to the top and congeals. Skim off the fat and refrigerate the stock or freeze for later use.
CHICKEN SALAD 4 servings. Adapted from Jamie Oliver
For salad: 4 cups cooked, diced chicken 2 teaspoons ground cumin seed ¼ cup sliced almonds For dressing: 2 Tablespoons plain yogurt 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise Juice and zest from ½ lemon ½ cucumber peeled and diced • A small bunch of fresh basil, leaves picked and torn 2 cups of mixed salad greens 1. Pan fry cumin and almonds in a hot pan and cool 2. Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest in a large bowl. Add chicken, cucumber, cumin and almonds with basil. Mix well and serve on salad greens.
24 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Slow Cooker
RECIPES
WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, FOOD & NUTRITION EDUCATOR
CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
IT’S TIME to dig out your slow cooker, so you can set
it and forget it. After work or chores, there’s nothing more wonderful than coming home to the aromas of food cooking. Clean up is a breeze, since you’ve only got one pot to clean. Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, from the 1.5 quart mini size that’s great for dips, such as the Artichoke Dip below, to the typical 6 quart size or the larger 10 quart model. Slow cookers can be used for some surprising recipes, including cakes, and the Tomato Herb Bread on the following page. This makes a focaccia style bread that’s moist and delicious. SLOW COOKER TIPS • Fill the crockpot one half to two thirds full. The foods will not cook properly if the appliance is filled to the brim. If the food and liquid level is too low, it will cook too quickly. • You can thicken the juices and concentrate flavors by removing the lid and cooking on HIGH for the last half hour of cooking time. • Most meats require 8 hours of cooking on LOW. Use less expensive cuts of meat - not only do you save money, but these meats work better in the slow cooker, since moist, long cooking results in tender meats. • For best results, ground meats should be cooked in a skillet before cooking in the crockpot. Seafood should be added during the last hour of cooking time, or it will overcook and have a rubbery texture.
• Slow cookers don’t brown food, therefore you may want to sear meats or poultry in a skillet before placing in the pot. This step is optional, but gives extra flavor and added eye-appeal. • To thicken gravies before serving, remove ½ cup liquid from slow cooker, stir recommended amount of flour or cornstarch into liquid, return to slow cooker and simmer on high for 15 minutes. Or, stir in ¼ cup quick-cooking tapioca or instant potato flakes at start of cooking, and gravy will thicken as it cooks. • Follow the layering instructions carefully. Vegetables do not cook as quickly as meat, so they should be placed in the bottom of the appliance. Foods cooked on the bottom of the slow cooker cook faster and will be moister because they are immersed in the simmering liquid. • Add tender vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini during the last 45 minutes of cooking time so they don't overcook. • Don't lift the lid to stir, especially if you are cooking on the low setting. Each time you lift the lid, enough heat will escape that the cooking time should be extended by 20 minutes to half an hour. • One hour on HIGH is equal to two hours on LOW, so you can adjust the cooking time to meet your needs.
ARTICHOKE DIP This recipe is meant for a mini-slow cooker. Makes 2 cups.
4 ounce lite cream cheese, softened ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ½ cup lite mayonnaise ¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ cup lite sour cream 1 tablespoon chopped green onion ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 (6 ounce) jars artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1. Beat cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream together in a bowl until smooth. 2. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and green onion. 3. Add chopped artichokes. Put into 3-1/2 quart slow cooker.
* Nutrition Info Per Serving: 110 calories, 9g fat, 2.5g sat. fat, 15mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 3f carbohydrate, 3g protein.
4. Cook on Low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally until warm. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 25
TOMATO HERB BREAD Cut into 14 slices.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar ¼ cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1/3 cup warm water 1 teaspoon salt 5 (1/4 oz) packet active dry yeast ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon dried whole oregano 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar ¼ cup finely minced onion 6 oz tomato sauce, plus water to make 1 cup 1. Stir 1 teaspoon of sugar into warm water in large warmed bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top. Let stand for 10 minutes. Stir to dissolve yeast. 2. Add next 8 ingredients. Beat on low to moisten. Beat on high for 2 minutes. 3. Turn into greased 3-½ quart slow cooker. Smooth top with wet spoon or hand. Place 5 paper towels between top of slow cooker and lid. 4. Put wooden match or an object 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick between paper towels and edge of slow cooker to allow a bit of steam to escape. Do not lift lid for the first 2 hours cooking time. 5. Cook on High for about 2 ½ hours. Loosen sides with knife. Turn out onto rack to cool. Cut into 14 slices. * Nutrition Info Per Serving: 90 calories, 1 g fat, 0.5 g st. fat, 250 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.
VEGETARIAN BLACK BEAN CHILI Makes 10 servings
2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 large onions, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 tsp. cumin 1 Tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 3 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained 10 oz. pkg. frozen corn 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup taco sauce 1. In a heavy skillet, saute onions in the olive oil until tender, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes longer. 2. Transfer to a 4-5 quart slow cooker. 3. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low about 10 hours. If you have a newer, hotter cooking crockpot, cook on low for 6-7 hours. * Nutrition per serving: Calorie:170, Fat:3.5g, Sat. Fat:0g, Chol:0mg, Sodium 740mg (260mg made with no-salt-added tomato and black beans), CHO:25g, Pro:7g.
26 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
EASY SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK Makes 12 servings, Source: Sparkpeople.com
3 lb boneless pork loin 1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce 1 can jellied cranberry sauce 2 large onions, sliced 1. Trim pork loin roast taking off any visible fat, and place in crock pot. 2. Mix the chili sauce and cranberry sauce together and pour over pork. Add onions. 3. Cover and cook for 3 hours on high, then lower to low for 2-3 more hours until you can shred pork with a fork. 4. Remove the roast; turn the crock pot to high to reduce the sauce. 5. Shred the pork using 2 forks then add back to the sauce. *Nutrition Info per serving: 278 calories, 7g fat, 20.7g carbohydrates, 31.9g protein, 246mg sodium, 1g fiber
SLOW COOKER APPLE CRISP Makes 8 servings
6 cups apples, sliced 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup brown sugar (divided) ¾ cup whole wheat flour, or white whole wheat flour ½ cup old-fashioned oats 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided) 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ cup butter 1. Spread the apples in the bottom of your slow cooker. 2. Add the lemon juice and stir to coat. 3. Next, add ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; stir to coat the apples. 4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, remaining brown sugar, remaining spices, and salt. 5. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 6. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples until completely covered. Cover and cook on low 4 hours. * Nutrition Info per serving; 230 calories, 4.7g fat, 45.7g carbohydrates, 2.3g protein, 134mg sodium, 4g fiber.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 27
CONNECTING THE DOTS AT THE
YMCA
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM
D
espite knowing that it provides loads of health benefits, resistance training can be intimidating to some. Frustration and boredom set in long before we notice our body’s defined muscles or increased metabolism. Discipline alone can’t change that. Hiring a personal trainer to motivate you could get expensive, but the Saratoga Regional YMCA now has a low cost alternative.The solution: personalized motivation through innovation. FROM TRYING TO DOING In October, the Saratoga Springs YMCA introduced their members to eGYM – a new circuit of strength training machines, providing users with a personalized workout that offers an interactive and entertaining strength training experience. “We wanted to get equipment that is unlike anything else out there. It’s the latest advancement of strength training equipment. We wanted something that’s really engaging for our members and that’s exactly what eGYM is,” said Steve Butler, Membership and Program Director. The eGym circuit consists of nine pieces of smart technology equipment that works your whole body in a convenient and fun 17 minutes. Andrew Bobbitt, Saratoga Regional YMCA CEO is an avid runner but wasn’t as enthusiastic about strength training. Then, he tried the eGYM. “It goes by so much easier and is a more enjoyable experience for me,” he said. THE FUN FACTOR The brilliance behind the eGYM is that it turns resistance training into a game.
When you work out, a screen displays your personalized training path with dots along the way. Doing the exercises at the correct speed and position lets you gobble the dots up like Pac-Man – occupying your mind while toning your body by simply following a curve. “At the pace that we’re signing people up, we believe they are really enjoying it,” said Butler. MASTERY OF MOTION Strength tests, seven unique training modes, and connectivity to all your fitness devices and apps lets you set goals, track your progress, participate in challenges and see results like never before. In addition to the digital information, the YMCA’s program provides face-to-face meetings with an eGYM specialist so you can talk about things like nutrition and evaluate your overall health. With the ability to adjust the seat, read your movements, and change the weight automatically, people of all ages (even children 10+ and at least 5’2” tall) can use this equipment safely and correctly. “The great thing about eGym is that it really is for everyone. At any given time you could see teens, young adults or even active older adults using the machines in tandem. We even have families who are coming in to use eGYM together,” said Mike Miakisz, Marketing and Communications Director. “eGym is just one piece of how the Y is bringing today’s advanced digital technologies into our facilities to help our members on their health and wellness journey. ” In the new year, the Y will be rolling out more enhanced digital technologies that will further bring their mission of whole-body health into the future. eGym is now available at the Saratoga Springs YMCA. To find out more information or to schedule an eGym consultation, please visit srymca.org/egym. SF
28 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SELECT LOCAL ROAD RACES
WINTER 2020 DECEMBER 7TH
23RD ANNUAL ST. PETER’S CARDIAC & VASCULAR CENTER ALBANY LAST RUN 5K
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 March 6) by 2/ 7/20 to
donproulx@nycap.rr.com
5 p.m. Race through Albany Holiday Lights, Fireworks Empire State Plaza Concourse, Albany AlbanyEvents.org/events/ Albany-Last-Run-5k_8_ event_main.htm
DECEMBER 8TH DOUG BOWDEN WINTER SERIES
10 a.m., UAlbany Campus, Albany. www.hmrrc.com/ races/2019/doug-bowdenwinter-series-1-3m-15k
DECEMBER 14TH
HALFMOON JINGLE BELL RUN 5K Halfmoon Town Park, Halfmoon. E vents.arthritis.org
DECEMBER 31ST
SARATOGA ARTS FIRST NIGHT 5K
5:30 p.m. Skidmore College Athletic Complex, Saratoga Springs. RunSignup.com/ Race/NY/SaratogaSprings/ SaratogaArtsFirstNight5k
JANUARY 1ST
HANGOVER HALF AND BILL HOGAN 3.5M
12:00 p.m. University of Albany, Albany www.hmrrc.com/ races/2019/winter-series2-hangover-half-and-billhogan-35m-walkrun
JANUARY 12TH
HUDSON MOHAWK RUNNERS WINTER SERIES #3 3 Mile, 10K, and 25K 10:00 a.m. University of Albany. Hmrrc.com/races/2020/ winter-series-3-3m-10k-25k
JANUARY 19TH
HUDSON MOHAWK RUNNERS WINTER SERIES #4 3 Mile, 10K, and 25K 10:00 a.m. University of Albany. Hmrrc.com/races/2020/ winter-series-3-3m-10k-25k
FEBRUARY 2ND
21ST SARATOGA WINTERFEST 5K SNOWSHOE RACE
11:00 a.m. Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. Runsignup.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/20thSarat ogaWinterfest5kSnowshoe Race
FEBRUARY 2ND
HUDSON MOHAWK RUNNERS WINTER SERIES #5 5 Mile, 10 Mile, and 20 Mile 10:00 a.m. University of Albany. Hmrrc.com/races/2020/winter-series-5-5m-10m-20m
FEBRUARY 8TH
2WMAC-SNOWSHOE SERIES 8K SNOWSHOE RACE
11:00 a.m. Camp Saratoga, Scout Rd. Wilton Runsignup.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/20thSarat ogaWinterfest5kSnowshoe Race
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 29
YOU’RE SO VEIN ... Or Are You?
Road maps on legs point to need for treatment
WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED
D
ispelling the myth that it would be VAIN to have an unsightly VEIN removed is but one of the wellness education challenges facing Dr. Stephen Dempsey, founder of the Spa Vein Center at Saratoga Cardiology Associates. What many of those who are walking around with varicose veins on their legs don’t realize is that related disorders can cause significant pain and discomfort, sometimes leading to serious health complications down the road. So says the MD who is also a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (FSCAI). While early symptoms may be limited to slight discomfort and restlessness in the diseased leg, Dempsey explains that left untreated, the pain associated with varicose veins typically increases, often resulting in mobility limitations and cramps during sleeping. “In severe cases, varicose veins and venous insufficiency can cause skin injury, wounds, and other complications, including bleeding,” notes Dempsey. As part of his quest to quash misconceptions regarding vein treatment options and to educate the public regarding associated benefits and risks, Dempsey recently took time to respond to the following questions for writer Ann Hauprich. To watch a video produced by St. Peter’s Health Partners in which the distinguished interventional cardiologist talks about vein disorders, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=TukQ8K4zM8w. Glowing patient reviews, meanwhile, are but a click away at www.sphpma. com/provider/stephen-dempsey-md-cardiology.
These images show the dramatic difference of the appearance of a varicose vein patient’s leg prior to and upon recovery from a minimally invasive treatment.
Q: What is vein disease and what factors contribute to its development? A: Essentially, varicose and venous insufficiencies develop when valves within the veins malfunction. Instead of carrying blood from the leg back to the heart, blood is allowed to flow backward down the leg, leading to the formation of varicose and spider veins. While aging, obesity, pregnancy, and /or long periods of standing or sitting can contribute to the development of vein disease, the number one risk factor is heredity. Q: Your own career requires long hours in diagnostic and treatment settings. What activities and nutritional choices help keep your own circulation flowing smoothly when not busy caring for patients? SF
30 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | WINTER 2019 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Dr. Stephen Dempsey, Founder and medical director of the Spa Vein Center, a division of Saratoga Cardiology Associates on Care Lane in Saratoga Springs.
A: I personally enjoy mountain biking, running and skiing, but as I tell my patients, any form of general exercise that gets you up and moving is good. As far as nutrition, I recommend eating nonprocessed natural foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Processed foods, fried foods and those that are high in sugar are to be avoided.
Q: While the image of a doctor waving a healing wand over patients remains the stuff of which sci-fi flicks are made, your operating room at 6 Care Lane in Saratoga Springs utilizes some hi-tech devices that would serve as believable props on the sets of shows like Star Trek Voyager. What in the realm of minimally invasive vein treatments can you offer on the eve of 2020 that would have been unheard of on the eve of Y2K? A: Newer procedures include endovenous laser ablation AND radiofrequency ablation and chemical adhesive oblation, using a VenaSeal closure device – all of which cause the diseased vein to close. These minimally invasive
procedures are performed with local anesthesia through a tiny incision. Other minimally invasive procedures with longer histories include sclerotherapy and micro phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into small veins. The solution irritates the lining of the unhealthy blood vessels, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view. Micro phlebectomy entails the officebased removal of varicose veins through tiny incisions. All procedures are performed in office under local anesthesia, without need for sutures, IVs or sedation. Q: Given such breakthroughs, why do folks still hesitate to seek consultations? A: Many are simply unaware that minimally invasive options are available or don’t realize that many health insurance plans provide coverage for such treatments. Many are also unaware that symptoms caused by vein disorders (including pain, heaviness, tiredness, fatigue, itching, burning, cramping, restlessness) are markedly improved with treatment. Q: How many minimally invasive vascular surgeries do you typically perform a year? A: I perform hundreds of vein procedures per year. Although most patients are between 30 and 60 years of age, the range in my practice thus far has spanned from as young as 14 and to as old as 94. In terms of gender, I see slightly more females than males, but many men also benefit from the minimally invasive procedures my office provides. Q: What is the average recovery time from a minimally invasive vein surgery? A: Procedures normally take about an hour and are performed in my office. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately, although compression stockings must typically be worn for two weeks following the treatments. (Some insurance companies also mandate the wearing of therapeutic stockings for six weeks prior to select procedures.) To learn more, call (518) 587-7625 or visit SaratogaCardiology.com. SF
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com WINTER 2019 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 31
Dancing
THROUGH PARKINSON'S
Far right: Rachelle Smith-Stallman, Dance Instructor WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY GERALDINE FREEDMAN
P
eople who suffer from Parkinson’s disease often struggle with tremors, facial stiffness, slurred speech or difficulties with movement. While the disease is considered incurable and progressive, these symptoms can possibly be alleviated with aerobic exercise and physical therapy focused on balance and stretching.
Parkinson program that Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group founded in 2001. Dancers were trained to explore movement through different types of music to enhance a participant’s strength, flexibility, and balance for awareness and confidence. The program is now in more than 250 communities and 25 countries.
One of the best ways to maintain a discipline for these exercises is to keep moving with activities such as swimming, boxing or attending a weekly class, such as Dance through Parkinson’s held at the National Museum of Dance every Tuesday afternoon.
Smith-Stallman trained with the Mark Morris Dance Group at the Juilliard School in Brooklyn to become Board Certified in Dance Movement. She also recently completed another class. “It’s fantastic!” Smith-Stallman said.
“It helps a lot,” said Fred, who’s been coming for about six months to the class as well as attending twice weekly physical therapy sessions in Scotia. Donald, another Tuesday attendee, has been coming through the summer, said his caregiver Marilyn. “I take him to a lot of classes,” she said. “If I didn’t, he’d sit home watching television.” Leading the class is Rachelle Smith-Stallman, a dancer and dance therapist, with a Master’s in Dance/ Movement Therapy from Hunter College, who got involved about six years ago when a cousin and a friend of her husband’s got Parkinson’s. “It broke my heart,” Smith-Stallman said. “I decided to volunteer and do a dance class.” Albany had a Parkinson’s group and the response to her participation was so immediate that she decided to do four to five classes. That’s when she learned about the Dance for
Two years ago, she began giving Thursday classes at Colonie’s Ciccotti Center (30 Aviation Road) and in January 2018 she began the Tuesday sessions at the Dance Museum. While her Thursday classes are large, at 20-30 people, which also includes caregivers and friends, her Tuesday classes are small, at under ten people. Despite size, she likes to theme her classes. A recent Tuesday class focused on the music of famous television programs. “It’s a dance class. We warm up in chairs, then on to standing with plies and then improvisation and dance sequences across the floor. For those who can’t stand, they are encouraged to join along by using arms and legs while sitting.” she said. “We really have a good time. It’s fun.” The classes are free, although donations are accepted.
SF
Tuesday classes are at 1:30 p.m. for an hour at the National Museum of Dance (99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs). Call 518-584-2225, ex. 3001; DanceMuseum.org. Thursday classes are at 1:30 p.m. for 75 minutes at the Ciccotti Center. Call 518-867-8920; www.CiccottiCenter.org.
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Rebecca Simmons and Marcus Yanagihara speed skating side-by-side in Salt Lake City.
Rebecca Simmons & Marcus Yanagihara
A match made in speed skating heaven
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WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED
lades of steel, wills of iron and hearts of gold are but three of the things Rebecca Simmons and Marcus Yanagihara have in common. True it was a shared passion for the sport where astonishing velocities on ice must blend seamlessly with stamina and precision that initially led to the speed skating couple’s first date several years ago. But what keeps the Saratoga County pair from drifting apart despite enduring lengthy separations while Simmons is in training in Utah and Wisconsin with aspirations of making an Olympic or World Cup speed skating team is proofpositive that unconditional love never melts. Being there for one another “in spirit” -- both on and off the ice -- is the undisputed cornerstone of their union. It grieved Simmons, for example, to be far from their Ballston Spa home
when her beau’s legacy as a top level Masters speed skater and a world class wrestler was honored during the school district’s 2019 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. But Digital Age innovations enabled Yanagihara, who is also a director at a data analytics organization, to promptly share highlights of that SMILEstone – and others – with her. Another impenetrable block in their foundation has been the unwavering support of coaches, mentors and other role models upon whom they lavish praise for contributions to their respective achievements. While some of the names will be familiar to fans who cheer athletes on wheels and blades, this tribute to Simmons and Yanagihara wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of their cherished “four-legged kids.”
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When asked about the importance of 13-year-old Border Collie Charlie and two-year-old Bernese Mountain dog Ziggie, Simmons awarded her “boys” the equivalent of gold medals for their fitnessenhancing and morale-boosting performances. “Charlie and Ziggie are the only reason I stay sane in all of this training when Marcus and I are thousands of miles apart . . . I come home from practice and my boys are greeting me at the door. They never care to ask or know, how well I skated that day. Whether it was a good or bad day they still love me the same. There are many times I could just stay in my apartment alone watching shows, but having my boys nearby forces me to get out. Every time I take them for a walk or hike, I get fresh air and feel like I can reset myself. They remind me to come back to reality outside of a skating rink and just enjoy life and the process,” muses Simmons.
This too doggone adorable golden hour in the sun portrait of the whole family, Rebecca and Marcus with “four-legged kids” Charlie and Ziggie was taken by Becca somewhere in Wyoming using arm-stretched selfie status.
As excerpts from a recent Q & A reveal, it’s a marvel Simmons and Yanagihara ever crossed paths at all. Turns out speed skating was NOT the first competitive sports love of either. Hers was ice hockey; his wrestling. AH: Where – and at what age --did you strap on your first pair of skates? How did your earliest experiences on ice ultimately fuel your future passion for speed skating? RS: I grew up in a home that was surrounded by big farm fields in the small western NY town of Hamlin with my parents Mark and Ruth, my brother Andrew and sister Amie. Every winter there was this creek that would flood one corner of a field behind the house and freeze, so our dad would shovel it off for me and my slightly older siblings. We kids would strap on our double runners and shuffle around in our snow suits. It must have been the smallest spot when I think of it now, but I wasn’t yet in kindergarten, so it felt so big to me. I could have shuffled around out there on my skates forever. But to be honest, I was an ice hockey player from the age of six until I saw speed skating on an adjacent rink and begged my mom to let me try it. Once I did, I was instantly hooked, but moved away during my teens and played on ice hockey teams in Lake Placid and in the Toronto area, as well as playing on the Salve Regina University ice hockey team in Newport, RI for four years. It wasn’t until 2013 (after relocating to the Saratoga area and getting involved with coaches and other skaters here) that I truly became passionate about speed skating.
Rebecca and Marcus taking a break on the ice following some speed skating practice sessions in Salt Lake City. They are sporting wrestling shirts in this photo and another on Page 36 because Marcus wanted to give a shout out to his wrestling club friends.
MY: My introduction to the sport came when I was a 25-year-old Greco Roman Wrestler at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. While waiting in line for lunch, I met a few speed skaters from the Saratoga Winter Club. Prior to that, (despite having grown up in neighboring Ballston Spa with parents Kuni and Vickie and older sister Lisa), I had never been aware of the legendary speed skating program that resides right in our own backyard. After returning
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home to tend to family matters, I began speed skating as a way to stay in shape and cross train for wrestling. At the time, I did not envision a 20-year journey with speed skating. But here I am, and I couldn't possibly be more fortunate. The fact is, my performance during my first Saratoga Winter Club practice was, in a word, terrible. I could barely stay upright on the pair of hockey skates I had borrowed from a friend. I could only inch myself forward, I had no idea how to stop and turning wasn't an option. There was a core group of girls who were Olympians whizzing by me and all I could do was watch in awe. Among them were Amy Peterson (5x Olympian), Kristen Talbot (3x Olympian) and Erin Porter (2x Olympian). I was humbled. Pat Maxwell (5x U.S. Olympic Short Track Speed Skating Coach & Hall of Fame Member) was decidedly my first inspiration to improve my speed skating skills. Mark Boudreau, owner and operator at MYGYM fitness had given me Pat's phone number so I could ask how I could join a practice. Pat told me when and where to show up- so I did. Immediately, Pat had me joining the elite group of girls for every on and off ice training session. I still think back to then, and I'm amazed how Pat dedicated so much time coaching me (a novice, at best) while simultaneously training the country's best athletes in preparation for the Olympics. That was 20 years ago and to this day, I see him and/ or speak with him nearly every day. Also, at the beginning of my speed skating journey, I met Paul Marchese (3X Olympic Coaching and Technical Staff for USA and China - Hall of Fame Member). He's world-renowned for making the best custom boots for top speed skating athletes around the world. Paul's coaching credentials are equally as impressive. Most familiar to the Saratoga/Ballston Spa community, he coached Trevor Marsicano to a 2010 Olympic Silver Medal and 2009
World Championship. Paul took me under his wing and for years we spent every winter weekend together -- training on a frozen sheet of ice somewhere in the country. There isn't an athlete on the planet who has received more generosity from Paul (and) I'm forever grateful. Both Pat and Paul are coaches; however, that doesn't scratch the surface of the relationship. They're my family. They're my mentors. They're my best of friends. The amount of time, energy, advice and support they have provided me is impossible for me to quantify. The closest I can come is to say I will be forever in
their debt. My motivation to perform is simple. First, my coaches invest so much time and energy and I want to perform to honor them. Second, I've trained most of my life side-by-side with many of the best athletes on the planet. It's easy to be motivated when that's the environment you live in. AH: What have been your proudest, most memorable and/or most exhilarating moments? Can you share any tips on staying positive and persevering when challenges arise?
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RS: One of my proudest moments was skating at the Olympic trials in 2018. The whole experience was amazing on every level. My saints for parents came and got to see me race for the first time in person on such a big stage. After everything they have done for me, I was just glad to have them there to experience it with me. I remember being told by many that I smiled too much during the week. Even as I finished each day people would message me after they watched the races about smiling and I would laugh. But I was also glad to hear it because that meant I was enjoying myself in the moment. Lastly when I came home after the competition and ran into friends, family or skaters I compete with or see at races, no matter what, they were always so happy, proud to say they had watched me perform on TV, and even cheered for me. To think that I was even remotely who they thought of or enjoyed just seeing racing really meant a lot to me. We think about competing so often in a “did I do well or not” type of way and so many of the people congratulating and cheering for me, they weren’t worried about numbers or times they were supporting me in that moment to just do my best. My aspiration is to become the best skater that I am capable of being. I think most top competitors share dreams of making an Olympic or World Cup team. But for now, I am focused on bettering my abilities to hopefully one day get there. MY: This is such a difficult question to answer. My most memorable are too many, each is unique, and they aren't my performances. Those that top the list include watching Rebecca competing at the 2018 U.S. Olympic Trials -- seeing how happy my girlfriend was and how proud her parents were -- and remain; Amy Peterson carrying the red, white and blue as "flag bearer" for the United States during opening ceremonies at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City; Trevor Marsicano winning the 2009 World Championships; Trevor Marsicano falling after 4600m of a 5000m race, then being awarded a re-skate 20 minutes later to race again and make the World Cup Team; David Skoda turning his life around and making his first of two Junior World Teams; Paul Marchese walking the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games as part of Team China; Josh Cummings just missing making the Junior World Team. I was prouder (of him) in defeat than in victory. He was such a warrior; and meeting Kristen Talbot. She was so entirely welcoming and supportive of me. Personal accomplishments that stand out for me include breaking the 40-second barrier in the Long Track 500m and winning a Long Track Masters National Championship. My current goals include breaking the 39 second barrier in the Long Track 500m and skating a 9 second lap in Short Track. As for the final part of this question: Considering the length of my career in athletics between wrestling and speed skating, I've been quite fortunate in comparison to many in the injury department. The scariest injury was tearing the Medial Collateral Ligament in my left knee while wrestling. I’ve also had a broken nose, a fractured wrist, too many sprains to remember, my left thumb still dislocates, pinched nerves in my neck and back, and chronic back pain. I don't remember a physically healthy day of my father’s life, yet he was ALWAYS there. I've watched my mother battle grief following the losses of her husband, mother and little sister within a six-month period. I've watched Rebecca's mom survive two heart pumps, three strokes and a heart transplant. To me, that's perseverance. My injuries are the price of admission to do what I love every day. SF
Rebecca Simmons sporting a red skin suit during Olympic trials in Milwaukee.
Speedskater Rebecca Simmons dazzles on ice.
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