Complimentary
Fall 2014
SARATOGA
™
THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
September 20-21, September 27-28 & October 4-5 Saratogashowcaseofhomes.com
CONTENT FALL SHOWCASE OF HOMES ISSUE 2014
SHOWCASE OF HOMES Pages 2 – 80
A GOOD READ 84 Restaurant review – The Thirsty Owl
23
92 Advice from Meghan Lemery 95 Arthur Gonick Talks With… The Bonacios 100 Artist Spotlight – Rebecca Kane
95 136
HISTORY 105
Richard Canfield & the Canfield Casino
FASHION 111
Saratoga Style
120
HOME & GARDEN 120 Carriage House Chronicles - Yes… this is NEW construction!
100 154
129 Reclaimed, Repurposed, Salvaged? 136 Have you taken a cooking class yet? 142 Your beautiful spring lawn starts NOW 144 Get your kitchen ready, it’s that time of year! SEASONAL 148 Chad is not just “climbing the walls” anymore, journey with him as he takes on the real deal
84 Complimentary
Fall 2014
SARATOGA
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Winner of the 2013 BALA GOLD AWARD for “One of a Kind Custom Home: 4001-6500 sq. ft.” Best in American Living Award (BALA) is the nation’s premier award program for residential building and design excellence.
164 Fabulous Fall Fun Starts Here!
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Hillside Retreat by Witt Construction.
THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
154 Tales from the 46 Peaks
177 Road Trip: Burlington, VT
cover CREDIT:
September 20-21 & October 4-5 Saratogashowcaseofhomes.com
Photographed by Randall Perry saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
From The Publisher...
As the days get shorter and leaves begin turning vibrant hues of crimson red, I am already hard at work planning home improvement projects which I have been actively putting off for the past six months. Yes, Fall has arrived bringing with it a crisp snap to the air and the urge to start working around the house.
Chadwick M. Beatty Owner/Publisher
Did you just call me lazy for putting off my spring and summer projects? No, no, no. I have a very legitimate reason...I’ve been waiting all year for the annual Showcase of Homes! Yes, the inspiration behind many a Saratoga home has arrived! The Saratoga Builders Association ‘Showcase of Homes’ kicks off on Saturday, September 20 and there is no better source for artistic inspiration.
Whether you are a seasoned home-owner or a newbie looking for a creative spark, the Showcase tour has something for everyone and we are proud to be a sponsor. So turn the page and begin your journey into a world of quality craftsmanship. Savor the imagery, read the articles and by all means get out and tour these one-of-a-kind homes. Enjoy!
samanthadeckerphoto.com
SARATOGA ™
THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Advertising Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Graphic DesignERS Jessica Kane Colleen Sweeney Copy Editor Brian Cremo Writers Peter Bowden Chelsea DiSchiano Ashley Dingeman Helen Susan Edelman Arthur Gonick Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery Dave Patterson Megin Potter Chelsea Hoopes-Silver Jordana Turcotte Photographers Mark Bolles Will Cook Samantha Decker Luke Dow Susan Farnsworth Jessica Kane Randall Perry Tom Stock Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2014, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
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CONTRIBUTORS Peter Bowden
Chelsea Hoopes Silver
CHELSEA DISCHIANO
CHARLIE KUENZEL and dave patterson
Chelsea Silver owns Silverwood Home & Gallery in downtown Saratoga Springs with her mother, Charlene. She began writing her blog, The Carriage House Chronicles, in 2012, loving the new opportunity to virtually connect with other designoriented folks amateur and professional, local and afar. With degrees in English and American Fine and Decorative Arts, she is very happy to be combining these two passions in her new endeavor writing for Simply Saratoga.
Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. His knack for practical and concise explanations has served him well during his 20-year tenure as WRGB’s garden guy. He is an artist and avid photographer whose images have appeared in textbooks, magazines and travel guides. Peter lives with his wife, Sharon and their pets in an old house in the country.
Chelsea is a freelance writer and media coordinator hailing all the way from Austin, Texas where she was born and raised. When she's not busy researching how to stay warm for eight months at a time in Upstate New York, she enjoys writing about the local people and businesses who make up this closely-knit community.
Saratoga Tours
Dave and Charlie are co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC and are both retired award winning educators with a combined 70 years of service to the students of Saratoga Springs High School. Over the last 15 years they have excited and educated thousands of visitors with their depth of knowledge and appreciation for the history of the city of Saratoga Springs.
ASHLEY DINGEMAN
Meghan Lemery
Helen Edelman
Megin Potter
Arthur Gonick
JORDANA TURCOTTE
Ashley Dingeman owns SaratogaFoodFanatic.com, a website dedicated to anything and everything food related in Saratoga Springs, NY and beyond. A Saratoga native, her passion for food spans way beyond just going out to eat and reviewing restaurants, as she also loves spending time recreating some of the best meals she’s eaten in the comfort of her own kitchen.
Helen writes about other writers, which can be a daunting task. She also writes about education, health care, the arts, and profiles of important and intriguing people she has met along the way. Edelman has been living in Saratoga Springs since 1970, when she arrived as a Skidmore freshman. She is the mother of four children and the extravagently proud grandmother of Cyra Friedlander, a chattering 2-year old who brings out the brightest stars with her smile.
Arthur finds people of all walks of life interesting. Whether it’s a well-known name in town (power real-estate couple Sonny and Julie Bonacio) that he gets to flesh out further, or someone who he uncovers for the first time (artist Rebecca Kane) that he is introducing to a mass audience for the first time, personality profiles are his favorite subjects to write about. It’s probably why he will never stop writing, at least until sentence cannot complete form can’t he… Oh no!
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Meghan began her career in Boston where she spent five years counseling cancer patients at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She returned to the Saratoga area and started in private psychotherapy practice. She currently has an office in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls. She is also the author of her first published book, titled “Please Pass the Barbie Shoes” which was published in Spring of 2011.
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.
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.
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lence of Excel s r a e Y ing 19 Celebrat
Randall Perry Photography
Visit 14 exceptional new homes from our area’s finest builders! Get Social with us!
#SaratogaSOH
Contents Welcome and Showcase Committee Members 24 Schedule of Events and Ticket Information 25 Driving Directions and Map 26-27
Showcase Homes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Classic Homes Ridgeview Estates Bella Home Builders Rolling Greens Saratoga Builders Schuyler Pointe Bonacio Construction The Springs Belmonte Builders The Mill at Smith Bridge BCI Construction The Elms at Saratoga Polito Homes Park Grove
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33 37 39 41 45
28-29 68-71 80
Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Home” Subcontractors and Suppliers Showcase Sponsors
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Witt Construction 106 Southard Road VanVeghten Construction Battle Ridge Malta Development Lakeview Landing Richbell Capital The Kensington at Halfmoon Heritage Custom Builders Timber Creek Preserve Traditional Builders Stonebridge Estates Heritage Custom Builders Mourningkill Meadows
47 51 53 55 57 59 63
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Welcome to the “Greatest Show in Town” each and every fall over three weekends. It’s an event that is truly part of the regional fabric in our autumn season.
Excellen ears of Y 19 g in Celebrat
ce
On behalf of the Saratoga Builders Association and the Showcase Committee, I’d like to thank all the generous sponsors and countless volunteers for their continued support. Special thanks to all our builders who are committed to this show and make this annual event a reality. Lastly, we are grateful for the tremendous public support through ticket sales each and every year. The 19th edition of this area’s premier home tour will once again be spectacular. We are excited and proud to present 14 new homes in Saratoga County from 13 award-winning builders for your enjoyment over three weekends. You’ll see the most innovative products, beautiful décor, professional craftsmanship and impeccable construction of each of these magnificent homes, inviting you through their doors. Consider adding a dash of delectable treats to your experience and join us for the Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Home” event taking place on Friday, September 19 from 5:00 – 10:00 PM. Eight homes are participating in what should be a fun and memorable evening. You’ll have a chance to sample comfort food from some of the area’s top chefs and restaurants while touring these exceptional homes. The Saratoga Builders Association has contributed over $825,000 to our local charities from this annual event, and this year will be no different. Proceeds from this year’s Showcase of Homes will benefit two worthwhile organizations: Rebuilding Together, Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Both of these groups help give back to the community through improving the homes and lives of those in need. Many families in our area would never realize their dreams of home ownership or improvement of their living conditions without the efforts of these two incredible organizations. Please take a moment to explore the pages of this official guide for lots of great information and to see what’s waiting for you this year at the 2014 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.
u 2014 Showcase of Homes Committee Tammy DiCara
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties
Marci Fila
Realty USA
Doug Winters
Spa City Builders & President, Saratoga Builders Association
Rilla Schulte Lisa Licata-Stoll
Co-Chair & Realty USA
Jamie Pietrosanto
Pietrosanto Insurance
Barry Potoker
Co-Chair & Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association
Pam Stott
Where else can you visit 14 brand new homes over three beautiful fall weekends for just $20?
Curtis Lumber
Enjoy the show . . . it is a not to be missed event this year!
Michelle Larkin
Barry Potoker Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association saratogabuilders.org • saratogashowcaseofhomes.com
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Rebuilding Together Saratoga County
Get Social with us!
#SaratogaSOH saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Dates for upcoming events Tuesday, September 16
2014 Showcase of Homes Realtor and Judges Tour
Thursday, September 18
2014 Showcase of Homes Awards Presentation Celebration & Dinner at Vapor in the Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Friday, September 19
Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Home” at eight participating showcase homes
Saturday and Sunday, September 20–21
19th Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes The Greatest Show in Town!
Saturday and Sunday, September 27–28
19th Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes The Greatest Show in Town!
Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5
19th Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes The Greatest Show in Town!
FREE
Every ticket holder receives a complimentary shoe tote bag at the first home visited.
Ticket Information 2014 Saratoga Showcase of Homes $20.00 each “Comforts of Home” $25.00 each Limited quantities – buy early! Ticket Combo: Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Home” and Showcase of Homes ticket $40.00 each Tickets are available at Adirondack Trust, Trustco Bank, Saratoga National Bank, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa, Realty USA in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park and at Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are also available online at www.SaratogaShowcaseofHomes.com and always conveniently available at the door at any showcase home during the tour hours of 11 a.m.–5 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at the “Greatest Show in Town” this fall!
Showcase of Homes Proceeds benefit: saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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2014 Showcase of Homes Directions 1. Classic Homes Ridgeview Estates, 6 Ridgeview Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831 I-87 to Exit 16, left on Ballard Road, right on Northern Pines, right on Gansevoort Road, left on Ridgeview 2. Bella Home Builders Rolling Greens, 7 Rolling Green Drive, Wilton , NY 12831 I-87 to Exit 15 to North on Route 50, left on Edie road, left on Rolling Green Drive into subdivision 3. Saratoga Builders Schuyler Pointe, 12 Ashleigh Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 I-87 to Exit 14, left on Route 9P South, left on Gilbert Road, right on Route 29 East, drive 5 miles and turn left on Louden Road, drive ½ mile and turn left on Ashleigh Lane 4. Bonacio Construction The Springs - Apartment, 11 Hampstead Place, #204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 I-87 to Exit 15, head East on Route 50. Right on Weibel Avenue. Left into The Springs (Look for The Springs North Entrance) 5. Belmonte Builders The Mill at Smith Bridge, 2 Saw Mill Court, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 I-87 North to Exit 15, left on Route 50, Right on US-9 (Marion Avenue), Right on Smith Bridge Road, Left on Cider Mill Way to 2 Saw Mill Court 6. BCI Construction The Elms at Saratoga, 28 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 I-87 North/South to Exit 14. Bear right onto Union Ave. At the end of Union take a left on Circular St. heading toward Broadway. Cross over Broadway onto West Circular St. and go 5 blocks, turn left onto Joseph St. 7. Polito Homes Park Grove, 21 Joshua Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 I-87 to Exit 13N to Route 9 North, right on Crescent Street, right on Joshua Road 8. Witt Construction 106 Southard Road, Saratoga Springs, 12866 NY I-87 to Exit 14 to Route 9P South, left on Meadowbrook, right on Staffords Bridge Road, left on Wagmans Ridge Road, right on Southard Road 9. VanVeghten Construction Battle Ridge, 4 Battle Ridge Place, Stillwater, NY 12170 I-87 to Exit 14, left on Union Avenue Route 9P South towards Saratoga Lake, left on Brown Road, right on Putnam Road to right into Battle Ridge 10. Malta Development Lakeview Landing, 27 Yachtsmans Way, Malta, NY 12020 I-87 to Exit 13S, go 2 miles South on Route 9 to left on Route 9P, go ½ mile, left on Yachtsmans Way 11. Richbell Capital The Kensington at Halfmoon - Apartment, 3J Kensington Court, Clifton Park, NY 12065 I-87 to Exit 8A, left on CR-91/Grooms Road, go 1.6 miles and take a right on Halfmoon Pky., US-9, go ½ mile and take right on Stone Quarry Road, The Kensington at Halfmoon will be on your right 12. Heritage Custom Builders Timber Creek Preserve, 52 Sycamore Street, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 I-87 to Exit 11, West on round Lake Road for 1.2 miles, left into Timber Creek Preserve (use second entrance) onto Timberline Drive, first left on Sycamore Street 13. Traditional Builders Stonebridge Estates, 6 Stonebridge Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 I-87 to Exit 12, go west on Route 67, left on Eastline Road, go ½ mile to right on Lake Road, go 7/10th of a mile to left on Stonebridge. Showcase home is 2/10’s of a mile on the right 14. Heritage Custom Builders Mourningkill Meadows, 23 Independence Trail, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 I-87 to Exit 12, West on Route 67 for 2.5 miles. Left on Brookline Road. At intersection of Brookline and Route 50 turn left on Route 50, right on Mourningkill Drive, left into Mourningkill Meadows subdivision onto Independence Trail
Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. • P.O. Box 1063, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Tel. (518) 366-0946 • www.saratogabuilders.org 26 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Home” Friday, September 19 th 5:00 – 10:00 PM Now in its 19th year, the Showcase of Homes celebrates Saratoga County’s most exceptional homes built by some of the Capital Region’s finest builders. Once again this year, the event will feature and display the latest in building techniques and products, as well as beautiful, high-quality furnishings and fixtures from some of the area’s top suppliers and designers. The event runs three consecutive weekends: September 20-21, 27-28 & October 4-5. The showcase home tour hours are 11 a.m.–5 p.m. This year, mark your calendar for the popular and unique Showcase Chefs “Comforts of Homes” event being held on the evening of Friday, September 19 from 5:00 -10:00 PM at participating showcase homes. This event will feature Tom Dillon from from Jack Dillon’s at BCI Construction; Chef Scott Ringwood from Lake Ridge Restaurant at Bella Home Builders; Chef Carla Kuchar from Zest at Belmonte Builders; Chef Patrick Longton from The Wishing Well at Classic Homes; Chef Brady DuHame from 15 Church at Polito Homes; Chef James Frese from Pasta Pane at Witt Construction; Chef John LaPosta from Maestro’s at the Van Dam at Malta Development Co.; and Chef Sandra Foster from Villago Pizzeria & Ristorante at Traditional Builders.
Chef Tom Dillon from Jack Dillon’s at BCI Construction The Elms at Saratoga
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Chef Scott Ringwood
from Lake Ridge Restaurant at Bella Home Builders Rolling Greens
Chef Carla Kuchar from Zest at Belmonte Builders The Mill at Smith Bridge
Chef Patrick Longton from The Wishing Well at Classic Homes Ridgeview Estates
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Celebrating 19 years, this annual community event has contributed over $825,000 to our local charities. Proceeds from the 2014 Showcase of Homes event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, RebuildingTogetherSaratoga.org, and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, GlensFallsHabitat.org. For more details on the 2014 Showcase of Homes event, please visit SaratogaShowcaseofHomes.com.
About Saratoga Builders Association
The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the well-being and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit their website at www.SaratogaBuilders.org.
Chef Brady DuHame from 15 Church at Polito Homes Park Grove
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Chef James Frese from Pasta Pane at Witt Construction 106 Southard Road
Chef John LaPosta
from Maestro’s at the Van Dam at Malta Development Co. Lakeview Landing
Chef Sandra Foster
from Villago Pizzeria & Ristorante at Traditional Builders Stonebridge Estates
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Classic Homes
1
Brian K. Smith
Ridgeview Estates - 6 Ridgeview Road, Gansevoort 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,520 sq. ft. Classic Homes 2014 Showcase entry is located between Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls in The Ridgeview Estates. A unique spot with public water, sewer and natural gas, yet country living with views . Easy access to Capital District and Adirondacks. The “Springmill” model is designed for modern open living on one floor. The kitchen and great room blend together with a breakfast nook on one side and a master suite on the other featuring spa quality bath and a large walk-in closet. Let Classic homes personally customize this home for you or build a dream home on this outstanding site.
Home Features: Bright Open Floor Plan Full Gourmet Kitchen Upgraded Trim Package Coffered Ceiling Dining Room First Floor Master Suite One Acre Lot 4″ Pre-Finished Oak Flooring “Spa” Quality Master Bath Large Walk-in Closet Screened-in Porch off Kitchen
Realtor: Roohan Realty – Karen Hankinson / David Schweizer Interior Design Firm:
Karen Hankinson Interiors – Karen Hankinson
Kitchen Design firm:
Curtis Lumber – Jacques Legere LANDSCAPE: Classic Homes with Bob’s Trees – Bob Eaton
Classic Homes is a modern residential construction firm. We combine the latest technologies with time-tested construction techniques performed by skilled professionals to provide New York’s Capital Region with a single source for complete New Construction and Home Remodeling services. We offer our customers a superior design and construction experience that makes the entire process as efficient, cost-effective, and painless as possible. NAHB Certified Graduate Builders NAHB Certified Green Professional bksclassichomes.com 518.664.2083
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: Energy saving insulation and window package High efficient, Energy Star rated natural gas forced air furnace with programmable thermostat Fully insulated basement
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Bella Home Builders
2
Dave DePaulo
Rolling Greens - 7 Rolling Green Drive, Wilton 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 2,358 sq. ft. This quaint custom cottage style home captures your heart the moment you approach the driveway. Situated on two beautifully wooded acres, its backed by a New York State “forever wild” nature preserve. The custom heavy timber beamed screened-in porch allows you to take in all the natural beauty. This first floor master has a large custom master bath and walk-in closet. The home is detailed throughout, from 7″ baseboard to custom woodwork. This subdivision offers large lots and is in the Saratoga Springs School District. Wilton taxes are the lowest in the area. The homes start at $399,000 and there are 27 lots of 1 and 2 acres each.
Home Features: Custom Timber-Framed “screened-in” Porch Genuine Granite Porch Walls Vaulted Ceilings Custom Vanities and Cabinetry Wide Plank Oak Flooring
Energy Efficiencies:
Realtor: Remax Park Place – Lisa Breen Interior Design Firm:
Saratoga Signature – Nancy Smith
Dave DePaulo owner of the award winning Bella Home Builders Inc., has an artistic approach to building homes for clients with various budgets and needs. Dave’s creative visions give him the ability to meet specific requirements and fit the lifestyle of his clients with exceptional results. This could be as as simple as where the clients enjoy their morning coffee. Bella’s basic approach is to offer superior craftsmanship, honesty, integrity and EXCEPTIONAL VALUE that equals happy customers. bellahomebuildersinc.com 518.312.8874
Kitchen Design firm:
Curtis Lumber – Jacques Legere
Landscape:
Bella Home Builders – Dave DePaulo
Energy Efficient Throughout
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Saratoga Builders
Sam Palazzole & Dan Barber Saratoga Builders is an award-winning, custom home builder that builds homes of the highest quality and energy efficiency to satisfy the needs of every new home buyer. They will build custom homes using their own plans or the customer’s plans. They will build on their own lots or on land owned by the customer.
Schuyler Pointe 12 Ashleigh Lane, Saratoga Springs 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 1,956 sq. ft. This 2014 Showcase Home is a one-of-a-kind custom design offering a first floor master suite, open floor plan, and screened porch. It includes hardwood floors, granite countertops, Kohler fixtures, Pella windows, gas fireplace, cathedral ceilings, and much more. Wrought iron spindles line the stairway and a 2nd floor balcony overlooks the entire 1st floor. Realtor: Equitas Realty – Janet Besheer Home Features: Interior Design Firm: Jennifer Johnston Kitchen Design firm: 1st Floor Master Bedroom Suite Builder’s Kitchens, Inc. – Nikki Stelling Hardwood Floors Granite Countertops Landscape: Screened Porch Blue Spruce Landscaping – Bob Daly Garage Access to Basement
saratogabuilders.com 518.587.2666
guarD rail @ 36"
Dn guarD rail @ 36"
BATH
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology:
LIN.
Highest Energy Star rating with a 40% reduction in energy costs. Energy Star Appliances including the Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher, Microwave, and HVAC System.
BEDROOM #3 11'-0"x10'-8"
SCREENED PORCH 15'-8"x8'-8"
BEDROOM #2 11'-1"x11'-0"
Dn
CL.
CL.
NOOK 11'-1"x11'-8"
SeConD floor plan 1/4" = 1'-0"
FAMILY ROOM 15'-4"x19'-2"
MASTER BEDROOM 13'-6"x16'-6"
KITCHEN 11'-1"x11'-6"
GARAGE
Dn
21'-4"x21'-11"
7'-10" Clg. ThiS area
MUD/ LAUNDRY Dn up
FOYER
M.BATH
PWDR firST floor plan 1/4" = 1'-0"
W.I.C.
CL. DEN 11'-1"x11'-0"
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Bonacio Construction
4
Sonny Bonacio As an award winning builder of residential and
The Springs 11 Hampstead Place, Unit 204, Saratoga Springs 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1410 sq. ft. This particular unit has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an additional space for den or office, boasting two beautiful private balconies, and upgraded appliances. The Springs offers urban living in a park-like setting with a vibrant mix of commercial amenities on-site. Bonacio Construction brings a wealth of mixed-use experience to The Springs with an ideal location convenient to the Northway/I-87 and downtown Saratoga Springs. Each spacious one, two and three bedroom layouts offer the character and the high-quality finishes synonymous with Bonacio Construction. Proudly managed by Burns Management.
Home Features: Stainless Steel Appliances Full size washer and dryer Condo-like finishes; wider casing and baseboard moldings Additional den/office space Custom built-in closets
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: All high efficiency appliances and furnace
Kitchen Design firm: Curtis Lumber Landscape: Peak Environmental – Terry Hubbard
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commercial structures since 1988, Bonacio Construction has worked on projects large and small and both grand and modest. Inside every structure you will discover the hallmarks of the Bonacio approach: value, integrity, and attention to detail. Our team approach including an audio visual and plumbing division, metal shop and design team bring out the best in all our buildings. Bonacio Construction brings a wealth of experience to their mixed-use apartment projects— The Springs, The Washington and Market Center Apartments at Railroad Place. The Springs offers urban living in a park-like setting, with commercial conveniences sharing an address with luxury apartments. In each of the open one, two and three bedroom layouts, you will find character and the high-quality finishes synonymous with Bonacio Construction. Make The Springs your new residence! bonacio.com 518.584.9007
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Belmonte Builders
5
Peter Belmonte
Realtor: Belmonte Builders – Rob Rothschild Interior Design Firm: Plum and Crimson –
Founded in 1977, Belmonte is one of the largest custom home builders in the area. Our mission is to identify the individual needs and lifestyle of our customer and build a “Home As Individual As You Are.” Come visit a Belmonte home to see the flow of the floor plan, the quality of the fixtures, the integrity of construction, and the loving attention to detail. These qualities are the building blocks which our success stands on today.
Kitchen Design firm:
belmontebuilders.com 518.371.1000
The Mill at Smith Bridge 2 Saw Mill Court, Saratoga Springs 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 3,000 sq. ft. On the heels of our very successful McKenzie’s Way community, our next Affordable Luxury neighborhood, The Mill at Smith Bridge offers its Showcase entry, “The Newlin, II.” This 3,000 sq. ft. home has an elegant first floor master bedroom suite with 3 bedrooms in total and 2 ½ baths, as well as a unique 350 square foot 2nd floor bonus room.
Home Features: 10’ ceilings on the first floor Coffered ceiling in Family Room Plate Rail paneled dining room Wine Cellar Screened-in Porch
Denise Palumbo / Erika Gallagher
Belmonte Builders – Lindsey Belmonte Landscape: CPI Landscaping – Chris Gennoy
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: Energy Star-rated Pella Encompass windows Low-e argon gas-filled R-21 wall and R-38 ceiling insulation Energy Star rated 95% furnace with programmable thermostat
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BCI Construction
6
Jim Amsler, VP BCI CONSTRUCTION, INC.
The Elms at Saratoga 28 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 1,639 sq. ft. with 281 Sq. Ft. Bonus Room Striking design and exquisite touches combine to make this Craftsman home just what you’ve been looking for. A spacious covered front porch leads you to the exciting open floor plan, which is terrific for entertaining as well as day-to-day living. Inside, a comfortable and modern design of the great room caters to the active family requiring more functional than formal space. The island kitchen will be a favorite hangout. Having both formal and casual dining space close to the gourmet kitchen is an ideal arrangement. Off the kitchen is a conveniently situated mud room/laundry combination with cubbies and storage shelves. Having a generous first floor master suite is an added bonus to this home. Upstairs, you’ll find a spacious bonus room over the garage that offers endless possibilities
is a full service builder that is committed to providing customers with award winning quality and service in each project. From simple to complex projects BCI guides and works with the customer to achieve their project goals and exceed expectations. Integrity, Professionalism and attention to the smallest detail is the driving force every day at BCI Construction, Inc. bciconst.com 518.426.3200
Home Features: White Washed Pine Wall Treatment Custom Cabinetry throughout Country Cottage Landscaping w/privacy fence Unique lighting throughout
Realtor: Natalie Amsler Realty – Natalie Amsler Interior Design Firm: Natalie Amsler Kitchen Design firm: Olde Saratoga Millwork –
Keith Kreppein / Natalie Amsler
Landscape:
New Dimensions, Inc. – Randy Countermine
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Polito Homes
7
Dan Polito Polito Homes LLC has been building home since 1990. Daniel Polito and Daniel Lombardi have been co-owners for over 24 years. Polito Homes LLC custom designs and builds to the exact specifications of all their clients. Polito Homes designs are truly unique, no two homes are built alike. 518.365.3518
Park Grove - 21 Joshua Road, Saratoga Springs 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,700 sq. ft. Our Showcase Home was designed by architect Frank Gilmore featuring a unique cape style home with many interesting elevations. This home is a wonderful 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath rooms, with a two stall oversized garage. Our home has a wonderful exterior patio with lush landscaping. The interior layout provides an open feel with many intimate areas as well. This home is a one-of-a-kind design that has a comfortable feel to all spaces.
Home Features: Cedar Shake Roofing Natural Stone Work Custom Trim Details Throughout Custom Kitchen Bright Sunroom off the Kitchen
Realtor: Realty USA – Scott Varley Interior Design Firm:
LGS Interior Design Group – Linda Gerace
Kitchen Design firm:
Zarrillo’s Custom Design Kitchens – Dawn Zarrillo Landscape: GSL Landscaping – Matt Baker
Energy Efficiencies/ Green Technology: All kitchens appliances Furnace Hot water heater
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Witt Construction
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John Witt
SkyFall - 106 Southard Road, Saratoga Springs 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 4,800 sq. ft. With the Owner’s belief that any space worth building is worth building right, this stunning modern New England home is a collaborative effort between Witt Construction Inc. and architect Balzer + Tuck. Every room in this expansive, custom home affords beautiful, unobstructed views of the Mohawk Valley and Adirondack Mountains. The exterior’s natural finishes of cedar rain screen siding, locally quarried stone veneer, and standing seam metal roof complement this home’s breezy hill-top location. The home’s interior and exterior were designed for comfort and entertaining with an elegant dining area, showcase kitchen, large butler’s pantry, three fireplaces, bluestone terrace, black slate flooring, 3-car garage completely lined with reclaimed hemlock wood, and over 1,000 square feet of glass to ensure full visual enjoyment of the spectacular view. The finished lower level includes a guest bedroom suite, home office and media room.
Home Features: First floor Master Suite Bluestone terrace with steel pergola Showcase Kitchen with large Butler’s Pantry Open-riser steel and oak stairway Private Guest Suite Theater room with surround sound and wall-to-wall projection screen One outdoor wood and two interior gas fireplaces Custom fiberglass pool and outdoor shower
Energy Efficiencies/ Green Technology:
Witt construction, inc.
builds award-winning, customdesigned homes that are striking in appearance, energy-efficient, and enduring in their value. Witt Construction, founded in 1987, builds custom and semi-custom homes in the historic city of Saratoga Springs, NY and the surrounding Capital Region. The company is recognized in the industry and by clients alike as the premier custom-home builder in Saratoga and is noted for constructing homes that are rich in spirit of space and designed to enhance the unique character of each home. Equally notable is John Witt’s passion and gusto for crafting homes solid of structure, stunning in design, and inspired by an elegant sense of style. wit tconstruction.com 518.587.4113
Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling Solar Hot Water Closed Cell Insulation Living fence/wind break
ARChitect: Balzer + Tuck Architecture Interior Design Firm:
Leah Margolis Design, LLC
Kitchen Design firm:
Columbia CabinetWorks Lighting Design: Nelson Reeds Landscape: Witt Construction, Inc.
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VanVeghten Construction
Shawn VanVeghten VanVeghten Construction
Battle Ridge - 4 Battle Ridge Place, Stillwater 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,785 sq. ft. 4 Battle Ridge offers a large open first floor layout that is family-friendly and perfect for entertaining. The first floor master suite offers single floor living that is tucked away behind the main living areas for privacy and convenience. The large kitchen, great room, and eating area feature reclaimed beechwood flooring removed from an early 1900′s barn located in Stillwater, NY. Douglas Fir beams and doors, a weathered brick fireplace, built-ins, and extensive cabinetry add beauty and charm to this modern farmhouse. Three spacious bedrooms and a loft located on the second floor add plenty of room for guests and children. The exterior of this home is finished with fiber cement siding with wide trim accents for a classic finish.
Home Features: Beech hardwood flooring reclaimed from an early 1900’s barn in Stillwater NY Douglas Fir timber framing Rear screened porch Open floor plan
Energy Efficiencies/ Green Technology: Responsibly Sourced building materials Zoned heating and cooling system Increased insulation throughout home
is an award-winning homebuilder who handcrafts each home we build to the highest standard. With a commitment to quality, attention to detail, efficiency, and value, our building process has allowed us to earn an outstanding reputation as well as the trust of our clients. We listen to our clients and work together to design and build homes that meet the demands of their lifestyle. We invite you to experience the quality of a VanVeghten-built home. VanVeghten Construction, LLC began building homes in 2003. Shawn VanVeghten had recently graduated from Union College where he earned his BA in Economics. A desire for the industry, which was fostered early in his life, gave Shawn the ambition to start his own firm building homes. Shawn has a “hands on” attitude and operates his company in the same manner. His persistent attitude regarding his involvement with every phase throughout the building process grants him the benefit of knowing his quality standards are not taken lightly. vanveghten.com 518.583.4554
Realtor: Shawn VanVeghten Interior Design Firm: Design On 20 – Stacy Snell
and Bennington Furniture
Kitchen Design firm: Builders Kitchens – Michelle Buccierro Landscape: Peak Environmental – Terry Hubbard
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Malta Development
Tom Samascott
Lakeview Landing - 27 Yachtsmans Way, Malta 3 Bedrooms, 2 full – 3 half Bathrooms, 2,550 sq. ft. The “Algonquin” is the newest addition to the Lakeview Landing Carriage Home Collection featured in the June 2014 issue of Professional Builder Magazine. This unique 3 bedroom home with 2 full and 3 partial baths offers grand living all on one level and is designed to utilize all available space, making it highly functional for years to come. No stairs to climb makes it the perfect home to “age in place.” A full array of modern design elements and amenities such as Butler’s Pantry, reading nook in the study, private guest wing, built-in wine venter, and dramatic vaulted, coffered and tray ceilings combine to elevate this artfully crafted home from practical to dream home. Take entertaining to a whole new level in the private basement retreat. A large, L-shaped front porch and gracious stone accents make for excellent curb appeal. Our state-of-the-art Technology Package includes a whole home audio system, wireless Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt on front door, weather station, security system, bathroom mirror TV, front door video intercom, and wi-fi programmable furnace. This home is National Green Building Standard certified and Energy Star certified for a healthier living environment and lower operating costs. Lakeview Landing has sidewalks throughout, 3 community walking trails, and offers an optional Exterior Maintenance Program.
Home Features: Soaring vaulted ceiling in the Great Room with stately 10 ft. ceilings in all other areas Stone fireplace in the Great Room Gourmet kitchen with wine center and built-in cabinetry; granite countertops Cleverly designed, recessed reading nook in the study 2 BR guest wing with separate powder rooms for maximum privacy; shared bathtub room Finished basement entertaining area; powder room. Remainder of basement sheetrocked
SINCE 1988, Malta Development Co., Inc. has been building the American Dream for home buyers in all price ranges and at every stage of life in Saratoga County. Malta Development is dedicated to creating communities that exceed expectation by anticipating the ever-changing needs of the modern home buyer. Maltadevelopment.com 518.885.6420
ARCHITECT: Barton Partners Realtor: Beth Smith Realty, Ltd. –
Beth Smith
Interior Design Firm:
Brendan Flanigan Design, Inc.
Kitchen Design firm:
Friends Lumber – Wendell Parsons and Brendan Flanigan Design, Inc.
Landscape:
New Dimensions Outdoor Services – Randy Countermine
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: National Green Building Standard certified and Energy Star certified Super-efficient spray foam insulation on all floors, including basement High-tech ZIP System wall sheathing to reduce air infiltration and moisture-related issues
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Richbell Capital
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Toby Milde
The Kensington at Halfmoon 3J Kensington Court, Clifton Park 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1,450 sq. ft. The Allerton is a 1450 sq. ft. luxury apartment home located at the Kensington at Halfmoon. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a den. Inside the apartment home the kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, stylish cabinetry, a tile backsplash and pendant lighting. The master bedroom suite includes a walk-in closet, vanity with granite counters and double sinks and a walk-in shower. The Allerton features oversized windows, 9 foot ceilings and an attached garage.
Home Features: Oversized Windows Open Floor Plan Granite Countertops Stainless Steel Appliances Attached Garage
Richbell Capital is a full-service, privately-held development company with the ability to perform site selection, acquisition, financing, construction, leasing and property management for institutional-quality projects. RBC is strategically focused on the development, construction and investment of multi-family, single-family, hospitality, retail and office properties. richbellcapital.com 518.786.7100
Energy Efficiencies/ Green Technology: Energy Efficient Appliances Energy Efficient HVAC Low e and Argon Windows R21 Insulation
REALTOR: Capital District Properties – Jessica Clairmont Interior Design Firm:
Valerie DeLaCruz Landscape: Blue Spruce Landscaping – Bob Daley
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12 Heritage Custom Builders Timber Creek Preserve
Geoffrey Brooks
Timber Creek Preserve 52 Sycamore Street, Ballston Lake 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,150 sq. ft. The Tamarack is designed for those families who do most of their living in the family room and kitchen. The open floor plan and large deck off the kitchen and family room area makes staying in touch with the activities easy. The master suite is located on the 1st floor making the Tamarack model popular with “empty nesters” as well as the mom and dad who seek maximum privacy after a long day. The first floor is completed with a dining room and a front room that is perfect for a sunroom/library or office. There are two bedrooms, an optional bonus room and a full bath located upstairs. The basement is extremely spacious and ready for finishing with the two large garden view windows.
Home Features: Open first floor plan with kitchen, family room and dining room all connected First floor master suite Custom kitchen cabinets with granite tops and stainless appliances Bonus room on second floor
In the early 1950’s, Arthur J. Brooks began a business relationship by remodeling and restoring homes. Along with his wife Laurie and daughter Deborah, a truly family-based, quality-oriented building company was started. Geoffrey C. Brooks continues his grandfather’s tradition of building custom homes in the Capital District. Heritage Custom Builders, LLC has been built upon a tradition of quality, a dedication to excellence and commitment to fine detail. brooksheritage.com 518.348.0931
REALTOR: Heritage Realty International, LLC – Deborah Brooks Interior Design Firm: Brooks Heritage Kitchen Design Firm: Bellevue Builders Supply – Sarah McDonald Landscape: Surroundings – Dave Mastropietro
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: Energy Star Home
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Traditional Builders The Traditional Builders
team started in 1963 and has been developing subdivisions, building homes, apartment projects and townhomes throughout the tri-city area with two things in mind… building a quality home and taking care of our customers to ensure that building with us is an enjoyable experience. traditional-builders.com 518.356.5640
Stonebridge Estates 6 Stonebridge Drive, Ballston Lake 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,105 sq. ft. Charming 2-story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, front porch, large kitchen with granite and center island, and spacious bedrooms. Large bonus room/bedroom with dormers.
Home Features: Situated in Stonebridge with tree-lined sidewalks, street lamps, front porches, acres of green space, and public utilities. A truly quaint neighborhood like long ago. Construction features include steel beams, framed & R13 insulated full basement walls (ceiling to floor), power attic fan, future proof conduit, to run wires from cellar to second floor and passive radon system, metal roof above front porch. 9’ first floor ceilings Wide style base molding and wide windsor casing first floor Master BR w/oval window and spacious (7’ x 13’6”) closet with window Laundry room w/utility sink Granite counters & decorative tiled backsplash in kitchen Hardwood floors throughout first floor Custom tiled shower in master bath Staircase w/stained oak treads Large bonus room with dormer windows Expanded 2-car garage
First Floor
Hollister
Second Floor
Although all illustrations and specifications are believed correct at time of publication, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The right is reserved to make changes, without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist renderings. Elevations, windows, doors and ceilings ect. May vary or be optional at additional cost. Side load garages shown are optional. This sheet is for illustrative purposes only. Square footage and room sizes are approximate.
REALTOR: Sterling Homes – Lynn Johnson Interior Design Firm: Traditional Builders – Jovan Lucarelli Kitchen Design Firm: Bellevue Builders Supply – Craig Pallone Landscape: Hansen Lawn & Landscaping – Jeff Hansen
Energy Efficiencies/Green Technology: R-21 Fiberglass exterior wall insulation R-38 Fiberglass ceiling insulation Up to 95% A.F.U.E. High Efficiency gas furnace with humidifier Water saver plumbing fixtures
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14 Heritage Custom Builders Mourningkill Meadows
Geoffrey Brooks
Mourningkill Meadows 23 Independence Trail, Ballston Spa 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, 2,850 sq. ft. The Sequoia is a two-story home which features traditional details blended with a touch of contemporary flare. The large first floor windows allow plenty of sunlight to stream in, making this a warm and inviting place to raise a family and entertain guests. Enjoy cozy evenings in the Family Room in front of the fireplace, prepare meals in the Kitchen and serve them in the formal Dining Room or Breakfast nook. The two-car garage offers an entrance to the home that is complete with a traditional bench with storage and a large Pantry. The Four Bedrooms on the second floor make this home the perfect choice for a family’s first home. The Master Suite has two large walk-in closets and a private Bath with tile shower, whirlpool tub and separate commode room. The second floor is completed with three additional Bedrooms that offer ample closet space and share a full Bathroom. You’ll fall in love with the convenience of an upstairs Laundry and Hall Linen Closet.
Home Features: Oversized Master Suite and Master Bath Luxurious Master Bath with double vanities, soaking tub with tile deck and panel front and a tile shower with two shower heads and glass door Large Family Room with stone fireplace, coffered ceiling and custom trim windows Gourmet Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite tops and plenty of upgraded cabinets for storage
In the early 1950’s, Arthur J. Brooks began a business relationship by remodeling and restoring homes.Along with his wife Laurie and daughter Deborah, a truly family-based, quality-oriented building company was started. Geoffrey C. Brooks continues his grandfather’s tradition of building custom homes in the Capital District. Heritage Custom Builders, LLC has been built upon a tradition of quality, a dedication to excellence and commitment to fine detail. brooksheritage.com 518.348.0931
REALTOR: Heritage Realty International, LLC – Deborah Brooks Interior Design Firm:
Classic Interiors – Lynn Ricci
Kitchen Design Firm:
Bellevue Builders Supply – Sarah McDonald Landscape: Surroundings – Dave Mastropietro
Energy Efficiencies/ Green Technology: Energy Star Home
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Subcontractors and Suppliers BCI Construction Inc. Earl B Feiden Capital Supply Olde Saratoga Millwork Best Tile Key Siding Erie Materials Curtis Lumber Boyd Construction Winslow Brothers Painting Collar City Tile Works BCI Construction Mohawk Heating Digesare Plumbing
Patricelli Electric Bluman Roofing MJS Construction Precision Glass Bella Home Builders A.W. Hamel Stairs Albany Marble/Hudson Valley Mosaic Tile Andy’s Plumbing AJ Masonry Best Fire Hearth & Patio Bonded Concrete Crawford Door & Windows
Curtis Lumber Drywall Center, Inc. Erie Materials F & L Construction Heroth Siding J.B. Asphalt Paving JSE Contracting Kirkland Electric Neubauer Carriage Doors North Valley Construction Pallette Stone Corp. Peterson Builders Framing Contractors Randall Perry Photography Rosick Well Drilling Saratoga Lumber Traders, Inc. Saratoga Masonry Security Supply Specialized Sheet Metal Equip Whitbeck Construction William J. O’Rourke Inc. Witz Roofing & Painting Belmonte Builders Crawford Door & Windows VP Supply ABC Supply Curtis Lumber A.W. Hamel Stairs Albany Mechanical Services Capital Plumbing Brower Electric Granite & Marble Works Floor Source Lill Overhead Doors BLD Contracting Town & Country Painting Best Fire Earl B. Feiden
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Precision Glass The Tile Man Baker Electric Bonded Concrete Best Tile Bonacio Construction Galusha and Sons AJS Masonry Ragone Concrete Bonacio Construction JWC Custom Homes Valente Builders Albany Mechanical B & B Plumbing Central New York Electric SRI Fire Sprinkler Erie Materials Curtis Lumber C&S Siding Pinnacle Roofing Gypsy Hill Stone Snyder’s Drywall McKenzie Drywall AGM TPL Flooring Marcella Appliances Curtis Lumber NLD Carpentry Precision Glass North Country Janitorial Budget Blinds C and D Painting Classic Homes Curtis Lumber Harvey Industries VP Supply Kelly Concrete J.P. Excavation Sheft Construction saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Harrison Drywall BD Painting Carpet Master Capital District Stairs Precision Glass Best Fire Top Tile DecoGranites K&W Services RC Plumbing Decelle Enterprises Thompson Fleming Adirondack Trust Garone’s Concrete Pumping Caton’s Paving Kirkland Electric Anderson/Byrne Law Roohan Realty Trojan Steel
Precision Glass & Aluminum, Inc Capital Stone Adirondack Plastics Laminates Intelligent Home Solutions, LLC Form-It Construction, LLC Ross Concrete, LLC Tiles by Giuseppe New Dimensions Outdoor Services, Inc. D.S. DiGesare Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Sheft Electric, LLC A.R. Heflin Painting Contractor, Inc. M & R Coulombe Drywall
Heritage Custom Builders
Polito Homes
Bellevue Builders Supply Security Supply Corp. Schenectady Floor Covering Niskayuna Glass John D Marcella Appliances Adirondack Overhead Doors Pallette Stone Wolberg Electric
Curtis Lumber Security Supply Wolberg Electric Best Tile International Built-In Systems, Inc. Pro Source Zarrillo’s Custom Design Kitchens Hippo’s Klassic Stone Lill Overhead Doors Champlain Stone Best Fire Albany Mechanical Services, Inc. California Closets Girvin Electric Capital Drywall The Carpenter’s Hands D & D Masonry Tri City Masonry
Malta Development Appolo Heating Friends Lumber Curtis Lumber Alside Supply Pallette Stone David-Louis Floors Sherwin-Williams Security Plumbing Supply Overhead Door Co. of Glens Falls
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Richbell Capital Galusha & Sons, LLC Bellamy Construction Northwoods Concrete Rankin Construction National Builders Richard Sheffield Remodeling Louis Petraccione & Sons, Inc. AE Rosen Electric Co., Inc. Competitive Advantage Group, LLC RBM Guardian Fire Protection, Inc. Upstate Acoustical Corp. Snyder’s Painting, LLC. RJ Graves Construction Inc. R Falco Insulation LLC Saratoga Cabinet Co. Tri Point Stone DTMC27, LLC Rochester Flooring Resource RR Siding & Roofing Winchip Overhead Door Co., Inc. Precision Glass and Aluminum, Inc. Rand Window Fashions Korandace Pool Builders, LTD. DA Collins – Pallette Concrete Curtis Lumber Co., Inc. Erie Materials Blue Spruce Nursery & Landscaping Saratoga Builders ABC Supply Appolo Heating, Inc. Best Fire, Hearth & Patio Best Tile Builders Kitchens, Inc. Capital District Supplies Crawford Doors & Windows Curtis Lumber Earl B Feiden, Inc. 70 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Floormaster Carpet One Granite and Marble Works P J Baker Electrical Contractor, Inc. Precision Glass Sherwin Williams Paint Traditional Builders Grandview Concrete Bellevue Builders Alside NBS Electrical Best Tile Capital Stone Wolberg Electric Erie Building Supply Niskayuna Glass David-Louis Floor Covering Security Plumbing & Heating Supply D&R Paving Tech Valley Home Theater Adams Heating & Cooling VanVeghten Construction Curtis Lumber Co. Erie Materials Builders Kitchens Design on 20 Top Notch Framing Key Siding McAvoy Roofing BDB Paving First Class Interiors Watson & Son Plumbing Bove Fuels Hamel Stair Company Bennington Furniture The Tile Man Security Supply Company Crawford Pella Door & Window Sherwin Williams Co. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Precision Glass & Aluminum Pallette Stone Builders Kitchens Carpet Master Carpet One Peak Environmental Overhead Door Company Storied Boards Witt Construction Balzer Tuck Architects Leah Margolis Design, LLC DB Carpentry Curtis Lumber Ohm Lighting/Lighting Solutions Aztech Geothermal Wells Quality Excavating Harbrook Witt Construction Columbia CabinetWorks Iron Horse Roofing P.C. Pritchard Electrical Contracting, Inc. Jeff Arnold, Inc. Adirondack Natural Stone Pat Cherko Associates, LLC BCS Construction Adirondack Electric & Home Automation CS Illumination Brady Wood Floors, LLC Rosick Well Drilling, LLC Dil Sheji Masonry Signature Landscapes & Irrigation, LLC Innovations by VP Empire State Stone Saratoga Best Tile Capital Stone
JM Trackey Custom Finishes James Trackey Painting, Inc. Bonacio Metal Earl B. Feiden Morin’s Construction Best Fire Saratoga Masonry Supply, Inc. Precision Glass & Aluminum, Inc. Done Right Pools & Spas ABC Supply Co. Inc. Hart Alarm Systems Builders Installed Product Sheldon Slate Ballston Spa Carpet & Tile Vermont Timber Frames Olde School Woodworking County Waste Stone Industries Williams Fence
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Happy Fall everyone! Saratoga TODAY is once again, proud to be the magazine media sponsor for the Saratoga Builders Association’s annual f undraiser, the Showcase of Homes. As such, we dedicate (most of) the fall issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine to promote this MUST-DO fall tradition… yes, af ter 19 years, it’s safe to say it’s a T RADIT ION for many people in the Saratoga area! This event showcases the latest building techniques and products and of course, the most amazing floor plans and beautif ully designed & decorated homes the area has to offer! Check out pages 2 – 80, to plan your weekend adventures traipsing around some of the most inspiring neighborhoods in Saratoga County. Picking the cover of our fall issue is always such a… process. (yeah, that’s the word!) All these beautif ul homes speak to us differently. Some might like the comfor t of a beautif ully set dining room table conjuring up images of a holiday feast, while others might like to picture themselves working away in a well-designed kitchen, still others are more into the outside spaces… How does a group decide on that ONE iconic shot that just screams… HOME?!
Letter From The Editor
Our cover shot came in from a story on reclaimed wood and as luck would have it, it was a Witt Construction Showcase entry from 2011… “A European-California influenced Custom Home that sits on a hillside with an incredible sunset view of Saratoga Lake. The exterior was finished with reclaimed Cypress, Stucco and Stone. While inside, the gourmet kitchen, dining and living areas, custom office/lounge and Witt designed and built yoga studio create a perfect space for enter taining and relaxation.” We all looked at that picture and you could hear us sinking into the couches and putting our feet up… we were home.
…We hope that you too have that same response!
In addition to Showcase of Homes coverage, we take you along on our annual ROAD T RIP… this year we went to Burlington, V T (see page 177) and introduce you to some of our favorite fall activities to enjoy the most beautif ul season of all (this star ts on page 164) Our restaurant feature this month is The Thirsty Owl – page 84. I would star t dialing in your reservation now! Of course we have all of your favorite columns as well as a sampling of the clothes you want to be seen in this fall (see page 111) Local food blogger, Ashley Dingeman sits in on a DZ Restaurants Cooking Class and tells us all about it! (page 136)
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I always close by asking you, the reader, TO STAY IN TOUCH. I love hearing how you LOVE our magazines, how you USE our magazines (lef t out for new neighbors, house guests, B&B guests, patients, new employees, new co-workers, etc…) but for the most par t, I read the letters, send them around the office and file them away with other “testimonials.” But, this letter… I HAVE to share T HIS LET T ER with all of you! This letter speaks to WHY we LOVE being a media sponsor for the Saratoga Builder’s Association’s Showcase of Homes. This event is not only a feel good f und raiser, but apparently a life changer! “Simply Saratoga was a treasure to find as we searched for our perfect place to be! During a visit last year I picked up your Fall issue. My husband, Bill, and I were driving around the area and saw the Showcase of Homes highlighted in the magazine. Af ter narrowing down our choices… we are getting ready to build! I don’t know if we would have chosen Stillwater or Camelot Associates if it wasn’t for Simply Saratoga. Many of the vendors that Camelot endorses were also featured in the magazine - All have been top-notch!” Fast forward 16 months later... “No surprises! We LOVE it here and every day is a joy. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t express our appreciation for the area, the people, the nature, hometown businesses, clean air, great water and more. You can never take this place for granted! Everywhere we go, there is a warm welcome and friendly face or helping hand. We suppor t local businesses and are amazed at the availability of just about anything one could need! Our home here in Revolutionary Heights is just beautif ul and we have even had a few double rainbows… Did you arrange that for us? Af ter all, we credit the magazine for featuring the Showcase of Homes sixteen months ago! Thank you again for the wonderf ul features you offer and for your personal commitment to share the good news. We wouldn’t trade this life for anything and look forward to introducing our friends and family to the joys of Saratoga County.” Fondly, Diane WOW! I have to close with a big T HANK YOU to all of our adver tisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautif ul publications free of charge to the thousands that read them each issue – please mention us when visiting these businesses. Enjoy the season, because before you know it… you’ll be reading our HOLIDAY issue :- ) Happy reading, Chris PS… don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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The Thirsty Owl: Begging for “Just One More Bite” on Broadway By Helen Susan Edelman photos by StockStudiosPhotography.com
Just one more bite of this, just one more bite of that – well, maybe two more bites, because I’ve never tasted anything quite like it – that was the tenor of conversation at the Thirsty Owl Bistro on South Broadway at a recent weekday lunch. Around the table – jaunty Simply Saratoga publisher Chad Beatty, his candid wife, Kim, fresh from ankle surgery, and their wry son Keegan, 10, whose sense of humor keeps everything in perspective, as in, “Yes, I will have more Kraft macaroni and cheese, but no, I will not have any calamari tentacles.” Oh, and me, with an appetite and a positive predisposition based on several other meals there in the recent past. 84 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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The Thirsty Owl, just on the edge of the downtown at 184 South Broadway, is a great example of updating and upgrading one of Saratoga Springs’ historic buildings for contemporary use. Formerly the Kimberly Inn, a bed and breakfast, the mid-1860s structure had become a blemish at the entrance to Lincoln Avenue, where people turn off for the track and the cemetery. So when the Cupp family, owners of a thriving winery on Cayuga Lake, decided to open a casual restaurant, tasting room and gift shop (featuring a plethora of fun, owl-themed goodies) on that corner, it was a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Now, it is also a welcome restaurant for diners and oenophiles, and a little more than a year into the act, gaining ground as a destination as word-of-mouth does its magic. That’s because the food is terrific, the service is impeccable and the wine menu is wide-ranging. The Cupps have done a very nice job with the décor, including the porch, and while the meal comes to the table in well-paced courses, you don’t really want to leave, once you’ve settled in. Spoiler alert: on Monday, tapas are half price, all day. Happy Hour, Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m., $5 wine tasting with $5 tapas. You do yourself a disservice if you don’t go. Trust me on this.
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The Thirsty Owl has an admirable menu, overseen by Saratoga Springs native James Wilsey, a graduate of the prestigious Schenectady County Community College culinary arts program, and while it’s rounded out by soups and greens, sandwiches at lunch, entrees at dinner and sublime desserts made right on the premises, what distinguishes the menu are the tapas. These small plates, at $6-14, take advantage of the specialness of various ingredients in an array of unusual and flavorful dishes such as lump crab cakes served with greens and lemon caper aioli; spinach-artichoke dip served with pita chips; black paella with scallops, shrimp, calamari and roasted red peppers, as well as shellfish paella with shrimp, scallops, mussels and calamari served with Spanish saffron rice; Papas Bravas – fried potatoes with spicy sauce; grilled artichokes, shaved Asiago cheese, lemon and garlic; lightly fried calamari with lemon-caper aioli; Cajun grilled chicken skewers with roasted red pepper and remoulade sauce; stuffed shrimp with fresh mozzarella, serrano ham and balsamic reduction (my personal favorite); seared diver scallops, mushroom quinoa and white chocolate chipotle sauce; Price Edward mussels in a spicy tomato broth; grilled asparagus with roasted grape tomatoes and shaved Asiago cheese; and braised pork belly on top of creamy polenta and blueberry bbq sauce. I have found that sharing four works for two people very nicely – a meal made even more satisfying by a bowl of soup and lovely, warm bread.
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Also, it is worth remarking that the presentation of the food is very beautiful. I feel like Wilsey bestows tender loving care on everything coming out of his kitchen, as if every morsel is his gift to the dining guests. Kids under 10 are happy too, with The Little Owls, a $6.95 special, which offers Kraft mac & cheese, cheeseburger with fries, pasta with tomato sauce or butter, or chicken tenders and fries, as well as a drink and dessert. (The whimsical menu seconds as a page to color and crayons are at the ready.) Keegan was ecstatic with his food, said so, and took a break from talking about rock climbing camp at The Edge and building a woods paradise with his dad and dog to consume it. His plate was 100 percent clean before he started in on a towering dessert – luckily, Chad was available and eager to share it, which made Kim’s and my mouths water with envy. Any thought we’d had of forgoing the luxury of dessert ($9-10) were quashed by the sight of his and the “yummmmmmmmmmmmy-yum” noises he was emitting. Weakened and not quite registering that we were actually sated from our tapas extravaganza, we ordered one of each (bread pudding, cheese cake, flourless chocolate cake and ice cream and flan) and passed them around for tastes – well, maybe we passed them around twice. Maybe we each over-consumed on the sugar, but you only live once, right? Our lovely waitress, Lyndsey, let us know that the dessert menu changes and items are made fresh, daily. Wilsey made a brief appearance at the table and told us that unlike many chefs, he personally loves to bake. “Things have to be exact,” he explains. Note to diners: It shows. The desserts were exceptional. Thank you, James Wilsey, for singlehandedly undermining my determination to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
cut down on dessert. Next week, I’ll do it. Suggestion: Narrow it down better than we did, and share. As we taste-tested the menu, Chad, Kim and I benefitted from nourishment from not only the food, but also the conversation, which is always lively and stimulating. We steer away from prattling small talk and go straight to Big Topics, always managing to disagree as much as we agree, but always coming away best friends. So, this gathering featured conversation about Saratoga’s summer frenzy and elegance – from parking (not so good) to street music (fun!), SPAC (excellent, diverse productions), polo (exciting) and fancy parties and galas (ohh-la-la). Also, a big reveal: Kim says Chad loves to cook on Sundays. Who knew? He admits it’s true and that he wants to expand his kitchen repertoire when he retires, sometime in the next 100 years. A shout out to the underappreciated publisher, for once. We also talked about Saratoga TODAY’S role in the community and its mission to offer Saratogians a consistent source of wide-ranging news about their extended community - from what’s happening in politics to who is celebrating his or her first birthday, and everything in between. I don’t mind saying that the newspaper has exceeded expectations (no, Chad did not ask me to say that), as a forum for both hard news and editorials. In addition to reporting on major topics and happenings, the paper blends features about interesting personalities, arts events and family-friendly news, recipes and advice. As you are probably aware, Chad and the company’s diligent and brilliant general manager, Robin Mitchell, have also launched six magazines, this one, Simply Saratoga, being at the heart of the mix, as well as FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 87
events, such as a bridal show, a free directory of local businesses and services and the very popular Women of Influence event, which honors women in our community who make a difference to our quality of life. I mention this because I feel deeply that Chad provides an important public service, free to readers, and I am proud to be part of it. I am not so much patting him on the back, (don’t get a swelled head, Beatty), as inviting readers of both the newspaper and the magazine to be ever-aware that the publications are here for YOU. Chad loves feedback, it just improves the product, so send him comments and suggestions to Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs. I mean it. Oh, Chad – are you ready for the deluge? Now, back to the point of this article: eating and drinking. The source of the enterprise: The Thirsty Owl bistro, tasting room and gift shop (aka outlet and wine garden) in Saratoga Springs was the natural outgrowth of the Cupp’s Thirsty Owl Wine Co. in Ovid, N.Y., open year-round, seven days a week to the general public (closed only for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Located on 150 acres of frontage on Cayuga Lake, the original Company offers an experience of award-winning wines and knowledgeable staff in a spacious tasting room overlooking one of the most breathtaking views in the Finger Lakes, where, in season, guests can enjoy a glass of wine on the deck of the bistro, while enjoying a lunch featuring a wonderful menu incorporating local ingredients. The tasting room is also accessible by water – dock your boat and call for a ride up. So, yes, the Thirsty Owl did start out with winemaking and the food was added later. Though we are focusing on food here, I can’t bypass the fact that the company’s product has gained international recognition and won prestigious awards, including The Governor’s Cup and The John Rose Award. From superb Rieslings to world-class pinot noirs and distinctive blends, the Cupps say, “You’re sure to find the perfect Thirsty Owl wine to fit your taste.” It’s a really, really good idea to ask the staff to help you choose a wine that pairs well with your meal. They truly know their stuff and can talk about how the wine is made and the distinctive flavors you can expect from various bottles. I very much enjoyed listening, because learning enhances the experience of tasting. 88 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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I have focused so much on the tapas here, but there’s so much more to know. Like the greens ($11-15) – Caesar with parmesan croutons and marinated anchovies (add shrimp for $7 or chicken for $5), beet and goat cheese with lemon vinaigrette and balsamic reduction (shrimp or chicken extra), Acapulco salad with grilled shrimp and creamy avocado dressing. And soups – including a gorgeous vegetarian French onion and chowder that took the top prize in the “new entry” category in last year’s annual, citywide Chowderfest. I love soups of all kinds, and I was not disappointed in my crab chowder. I sortaz wished I’d tasted the gazpacho as well, served in a wine glass. Well, that was before we got to the dessert course and I was foolishly worried about my eyes being bigger in my stomach. I guess this, among other things, guarantees many return trips to the Thirsty Owl. There’s a cheese board and a charcuterie board, or a combo platter, which could be a meal in itself, especially paired with soup. Think about it!! Sandwiches are characteristically imaginative – short rib/burger blend with a tangy sauce, sautéed onions and mushrooms and cheddar cheese ($15); Cajun chicken sandwich with roasted red peppers, tomato, mixed greens and spicy aioli on focaccia ($14); roasted veggie sandwich with asparagus, tomato, roasted red peppers and mushrooms with cheddar cheese, mixed greens and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
spicy aioli ($14). See what I mean about going back? If you’ve decided you want a traditional dinner, you’ve come to the right place. Hello Chilean sea bass with fingerling potatoes, olives and capers ($31); black paella (see tapas descriptions), dinner size ($28); shellfish paella (see tapas descriptions), dinner size ($29); seared diver scallops (see tapas descriptions), dinner size ($28); surf and turf with scallops or lobster ($38); vegetarian risotto ($24); braised veal short ribs with mashed potatoes and honey-glazed baby carrots ($26); pasta penne vodka with creamy Serrano ham sauce topped with fresh mozzarella ($24); seared shrimp with lobster mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and Bordelaise sauce ($28); and the burger/short rib blend (see sandwich descriptions), dinner size ($25). Mercifully, all the menu items have suggested wines listed. Or, choose your own, but it’s cool to see what those in the know think after professional, experienced consideration and experimentation on their own. Also, the wine menu is fascinating. Some of them I’ve heard of before, some not – but what’s clear is that the name doesn’t say it all. Chardonnay is not, for example, never the same chardonnay you can get other places, and what the Thirsty Owl does with it is incomparable. Then there are intriguing names like Snow Owl, Meritage and Syrah. But if you want a pinot gris or a cabernet sauvignon, you’re in luck. Still, ask the wait staff about what makes it special, because they know. FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 89
By the way – very important – Wilsey tries to shop local, shop fresh, though, obviously, it’s harder in certain seasons. So the menu will have to adapt – some things won’t be available whenever you go and additions will be. So if there’s something you see here that is going to tip the scale on your outing, I suggest you call first (518-587-9694). The Thirsty Owl is a very unusual place and provides a great setting for gatherings – they’ve even hosted a wedding – with a custom menu and a special party room, so give that some thought when you’re planning yours, for family or business associates. So far, I haven’t had a problem with seating when I’ve gone spontaneously, but I have noticed it’s getting fuller and fuller as buzz spreads. At this point, reservations are a good idea – just a thought. Wouldn’t want you to be disappointed. A place like this doesn’t stay a secret for long. Specials: Monday, half-price tapas; Tuesday, complimentary wine flight with dinner; Wednesday, paella night, including a glass of sangria ($25). Put it on your calendar. Suggest the Thirsty Owl to your friends -- it will make you very popular. 90 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Thirsty Owl 184 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-9694 www.thirstyowlsaratoga.com Open daily, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Meghan Lemery,
LCSWR
Meghan Talks about Accepting the uncomfortable:
how to survive LIFE’S TRANSITIONS ON
the scale of life stressors, a major move is in the top five of the most stressful things you can experience. Moving into a new home, job or the end of a relationship can be a huge trigger for anxiety and it can steal any and all joy you may experience in your new adventure.
I recently moved to central Pennsylvania to relocate where my fiancé lives. I left my family, friends and counseling practice to be able to begin my life with my partner. All within a time span of 4 weeks I closed my practice, moved 6 hours away, joined a new counseling practice, closed and moved into a new home while planning our destination wedding for the fall. Needless to say I have hit all of the major stressors on the life scale all at once. I have my therapist on speed dial and some Xanax in my purse, but here are a few other things I have learned along the way. 1) Comfy cozies are key. You know those things that make you feel warm and cozy… Whether it’s a favorite book, coffee mug or blanket, have your comfy cozies near you and available to you. My first morning here I woke up to find that Bill had set up my Keurig with my favorite mug. Just seeing “my stuff” in the new 92 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
space immediately gave me a sense of home and familiarity. Don’t pack away the things that give you joy and a sense of peace. Even putting pictures of family and friends out right away can make you feel calmer. Keep the things that matter most near you-especially when you are stressed or in a major life transition. 2) It’s okay to be uncomfortable. The first week here I was so glad to be living in the same space as Bill that it really didn’t sink in that I had moved here. I still felt like I was visiting and not enough time had passed to miss my friends or my clients that had been with me for years. As the days went on, I started to experience lots of anxiety. I got lost on my way home from work, I couldn’t find a grocery store I liked and I cried when I visited the mall and saw the slim selection for shopping. I quickly developed a mantra I say out loud whenever this uncomfortable feeling creeps in. “I accept being uncomfortable…” Just repeating this out loud and allowing myself to accept the feeling makes me feel more comfortable. Whenever we are
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in a new situation or major life transition we are going to feel uncomfortable. Don’t panic- recognize this is part of the journey and allow yourself to accept the discomfort. This simple acceptance will lower your blood pressure and help you experience peace in the midst of discomfort. 3) Have support. You think I was kidding about having my therapist on speed dial? True story. You know who the people are in your life that make you feel supported. Lean on them. The first few weeks here I put a really brave face on and told everyone I was doing great. And the truth is, in many ways I was doing great. But I was not very good at being vulnerable about missing my friends, my favorite places to shop and my manicurist. There were moments I just had to cry and let myself be frustrated that I just got lost for the 80th time that week. It really helped just to rely on the people I trust the most to make me laugh and help redirect my frustration. Call your friends, get a therapist and do what you need to do to bolster yourself with support. 4) See the silver lining. Transitions allow us to let go of the old and experience the new. If we never made changes we would never stretch our muscles and grow. Recognize that you are far more resilient and stronger than you realize. See the growth, recognize
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the good and appreciate the silver lining of whatever transition you are in. As difficult as the transition has been for me at times, I met someone who I was ready to build a life with. I wouldn’t trade getting lost and enduring a bad manicure for the strong, genuine, caring, kind partner I have. If I had refused to relocate out of comfort I would have missed this amazing opportunity. Sometimes being too comfortable in our lives stunts our growth. We fail to seek out new and interesting opportunities because we don’t want to move outside our comfort zone. Don’t let being comfortable keep you from your silver lining. Next time you find yourself in a major change, remember, get your comfy cozies, accept the discomfort, call your therapist and see the silver lining in your new experience. These simple yet effective practices will help you get through the challenging times with sanity and a sense of humor! Wishing you acceptance in the discomfort… today and always!
Ms. Lemery is a therapist who practices in State College, Pennsylvania. She is available for phone consultation. For more information visit meghanlemery.com or email meghanlemery@yahoo.com
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Arthur talks with…
Sonny and Julie
Bonacio By Arthur Gonick, photos by MarkBolles.com and provided
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In the local/regional real estate game, there is no last name necessary with these two. Sonny and Julie are all that is needed and you know who I’m talking about. Each in their own right are real estate titans, but as a couple they bring to the table a nuclear synergy where the sum is much greater than the parts. Further, the name Bonacio on a project has become an icon – exemplar of quality and distinction, with significant singular signature residential, retail and commercial properties throughout our city. And even more, Sonny and Julie have been a couple that have given back to their hometown, lending their name and resources to a million different events and charitable organizations as diverse as honorary co-chairs of Saratoga Bridges’ White Party, to providing the resources to rebuild the Saratoga Center for the Family when it suffered an unfortunate fire. I’ve been a fan of their work, but a bigger fan of them as people- and what they stand for- for quite some time, and so it was a special, nice opportunity to sit down, chat a bit and have you get to know them better. Julie and Sonny on their wedding day with friends Bill Benton (left) and Dominick Zetina (right). Arthur: So my first question is for Sonny. Is Sonny your given name? Sonny: I am actually Alfio Bonacio, Jr. My dad was also a “Sonny”. You are probably one of a handful of people who know that… Arthur: Yes, at least until September 5… Sonny: Even Julie’s father was surprised at that one! Julie: And now we have three! Our eldest son Will is actually named Sonny William. (Note: Their three children are: Gianna, 14; Will, 13; and Luca, 11.) Arthur: You’ve been happily married for some time now… Julie: 22 years. Our wedding date is December 31, 1992… Sonny: We were married at St. Clements, and had our reception at the Canfield Casino. Arthur: Both of you are native to this area… Julie: Yes, born in Saratoga Hospital… Sonny: We both went to Saratoga High School. Arthur: There are so many demands on both your time, with business and charitable/gala activities, and, of course family. But every now and then you get a night off, just the two of you. What’s a date night for you when that happens? Sonny: We hop on the Harley and go for about 45 minutes 96 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
The Bonacios on a family vacation. From left to right: Luca, Julie, Will, Sonny and Gianna saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
to an hour in any direction. I can’t say where we’ll end up but we look to find a quiet space where we can just be away and enjoy each other. Arthur: This is interesting. (To Julie) You’re on the back? Julie: (Big smile) Oh yes, it’s quite a ride! Arthur: Do you have a favorite vacation spot? Julie: St. Barts, for sure. We take the whole family. We all love it! Arthur: OK, probably more often on an off night it’s a family night. What are those like? Sonny: Well, these typically happen at a place we have in Lake George. Every one of our kids brings at least one friend along, so there’s usually about six to eight kids around on these excursions… on a night in August, the focus is on things like boating, tubing and outdoor activities that we all enjoy. Julie: Also, we really like our Family nights at home here. That’s because Sonny does all the cooking. He’s fabulous! His Sunday sauce is my favorite… I’m great at opening the wine. Arthur: Hmmm, Sonny’s Sunday Sauce… has a nice ring to it. We may be looking at a new “Famous Amos” here, Julie. I could make a couple of calls to Price Chopper if you like… Sonny: Might be worth a shot. (Smiles and laughter all around). Arthur: Obviously, you have the family dynamic, but you also work together every day. What are the challenges and joys…? Sonny: Overall it’s a blessing. The primary benefit is that if we don’t agree on something, we argue it out and it never lasts longer than a day. The staff here has a name for these episodes: “The Sonny and Julie Mating Process.” The staff knows, some of them have been with Bonacio for 20+ years, they know when this happens, it’s best for them to leave (smile.) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Julie: It’s really a good thing, a by-product of creative process and passion that we both feel about the work we do. Arthur: Do you ever take it home? Julie: Sometimes… Sonny: It usually ends at about 11 o’clock at night. With one or the other of us saying the key phrase: “I’m done!” (Laughs.) But we have a lot of trust for each other’s instincts and abilities, and usually we come to the best solution. Arthur: Speaking of mating dances, let’s talk about yours… were you the classic high school sweethearts? How did the two of you get together? Sonny: It was the result of a very long stalking process on my part. (smiles.) Arthur: Oh, Really? Julie: Oh, c’mon. Sonny: Let’s just say I persevered. A lot. Julie: We were both in long-term relationships with other people in high school… but we certainly knew each other. Arthur: So how did it finally happen? Sonny: Well, I happened to run into Julie’s sister (Shawna) who was a clerk in (attorney) Tony Iannello’s office…she said: Hey Sonny, Julie’s coming home… Julie: From Catherine Gibbs School in Boston… Sonny: …and I said, oh really? Well, why don’t you put me on the ‘list’? hahaha. Arthur: I see. Well, apparently at one point, your name rose to the top of the list… so, here you are with your dream date- chances are you may only get one shot… so, did you go all out to impress her with something fancy, or play it cool in the hope she would like you for you? Sonny: I won her over with a burger and a beer! Julie: He did! FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 97
Arthur: And the rest, they say, is history… (More smiles all around). Arthur: So, 20 minutes into this and we haven’t even discussed real estate, a subject which I hear you have some expertise. First, of all, I assume you were married before joining forces in the corporate boardroom. Julie: Yes, I came over here in 1996. Arthur: But you were in real estate... Julie: Yes, in sales, for my father’s manufactured housing firm Sonny: By that point, Bonacio started getting really busy. So I brought her over. Arthur: So, in fact, you stole her from her father twice? (Biggest smile of the day from Julie) Sonny: (Amused) That would be factually accurate… Arthur: Now, this might be a little like asking you to pick a favorite child, but among the many projects you have brought to completion, do you have any that you are particularly proud of? Sonny: Well, one for sure is the Van Raalte Mill, which was a
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partnership with Tom Roohan. That’s because we were able to save the building and put it back to use. Obviously, the Bowtie Cinemas. We are proud to have brought a movie theater back to downtown after 39 years without one. And the Washington— we just had a unique event with the Hillary Clinton book signing… it was my first experience with the Secret Service… Arthur: I bet they found a few nooks and crannies in that place that even you didn’t know it had. Sonny: (Pauses) I’ll say this: they were VERY thorough. Arthur: So you come into the fall off a busy summer. Frequently honorary chairs of several galas while both business and family proceed apace… what are you looking forward to in the fall? It could be some things in any category. Julie: We love the SPAC Food and Wine Fest. Both Sonny and I are car aficionados… and we are proud to be part of the Showcase of Homes, which will feature “The Springs.” There’s a lot going on there. Tim and Colleen Holmes of Wheatfields have just opened their new concept restaurant called “B.W.P.” – standing for beer, wine and pizza. This project has 310 apartments and we expect it will be full by late fall. Sonny: We also broke ground on 2 West Avenue; a mixed development with 60 residential apartment units with 5,000 square feet of retail space. Arthur: Is there any key to developing the proper retail/residential mix? Sonny: We like to say: “Retail follows rooftops” but it has to be the right retail. You need to look at the surrounding area and the primary focus should be the things that best services the residents above and the nearby neighborhood. Arthur: Lastly, the St. John Neumann residence project has gotten quite a lot of attention… Sonny: Well, yes. We are very proud of what we will have here. It’s similar to the Mill in that we are reclaiming and repurposing a building, in a very important gateway building at a key city entrance. At the same time, we’re fulfilling a very important need for senior housing. Now that the plans have been approved, we will have an ambitious 9-10 month construction schedule including asbestos abatement, and we should be ready for new residents by next summer. So Sonny and Julie’s story is truly a story in progress, with several chapters remaining to be written, buildings to be built, charitable causes to champion. In the meantime, should you see them – on a Harley, at an event, or perhaps on a construction site with their hardhats (Julie’s is pink) please thank them for the good work they have done and will do.
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The Essence Of The
Elements By Arthur Gonick, Photos by MarkBolles.com and Rebecca Kane
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Rebecca Kane was more than ready for a miracle. When it came, she was prepared to capture it and share it with the world. An intensely spiritual person, who is a Capital Region native and a resident of Saratoga Springs since 2002, she described her previous work career as “empty calories.” Not unsuccessful; yet unfulfilling. But she found powerful fulfillment around the mineral springs that surround this area, drawn to them as so many have been drawn before, for the elemental essence that so many have ascribed mystical, almost magical healing properties.
Once You See Rebecca Kane’s ‘Living Waters,’ You Will Never Look At Saratoga’s Mineral Springs The Same Way saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“For years, I have meditated in front of these springs,” Rebecca says, “with crystals, metals and the like. I feel I have become one with them. I call it my bliss.” (Story continued on page 103)
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Moment of Discovery Rebecca also enjoyed photography, and one day last year through happenstance she had her camera with her on one of those pilgrimages to the Old Red Spring on High Rock Avenue. “I looked through the viewfinder and couldn’t believe what I saw.” She said. Before her lay a kaleidoscope of color. The minerals in the spring forming a spectrum of hues and shades, the purest colors she had ever seen.
“Just as the water tastes different depending on the season. They also shoot different depending on season. My preference is to shoot in late fall and winter. I enjoy the contrasts of the freezing cold and my beautiful warm colors. I love throwing my rust soiled jeans on, my favorite Harley boots and stand by black down vest - Its my favorite ‘shooting’ outfit.” “I don’t wear gloves when I shoot, so in the winter I stay in the moment as long
“At that moment, a saw my life’s purpose, and I haven’t stopped.” Rebecca said.
Having proven the point, Rebecca went on a tear. To date she has in her catalog for public enjoyment a total of seven springs that were shot at various times, with a total of 22 “collections.” Two other springs have been photographed, and five collections from those are on schedule to be released soon. Rebecca intends to shoot six new springs next year. What makes the prospect interesting is that within each spring there are an infinite number of “collection” possibilities. Rebecca explains: saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
When you converse with Rebecca Kane, you get an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the miracle she was given, combined with a sense of joy of sharing, but also a serious side that exhibits responsibility that comes with stewardship of an important portal to the universe’s wonder: “My works portray a pure and enlightened fluid source of energy that flows through me, my lens and is then captured onto the platform. My life as an artist is an organic process that only occurs when I step out of the way and let the uninhibited enlightened energy flow.
With the discovery came more questions. Was Old Red Spring unique in the way it revealed its colors? Is it the water itself or the minerals within? “I went to Yaddo the next day, where the water is relatively mineral-free.” She said, “and I got nothing. From there I went to Hathorn Spring (on Spring and Putnam) and Congress Spring in Congress Park, and behold – the colors were back! But different, because of the different minerals each contains.”
the brightness and richness of the colors, and also makes them suitable for outdoor display if desired, which is appropriate as the waters themselves are out of doors of course. There are also limited edition prints, postcards and other items available.
as my fingers allow and than I run as fast as I can through the snow and ice back to my car, blast the heat through the vent, thaw out my fingers and head back to my sacred spot. Sun direction is very important.” “Some days when I am in the downward stream of my bliss and my images are just pouring through the lens It’s all I can do to chase the sun from here to there all day long! The winter light is magnificent. I living in the center of town (with family Michael, Oliver (18,) and Emilia (10)), so I enjoy watching the sun rise and set around me; knowing that at all times the waters are flowing and waiting for me to arrive at the precise moment that the perfect shot will emerge!” The recommended display of these images are on metal, which intensifies
“It is not by chance that the “Healing Waters” of Saratoga is the subject I’ve been given. The heartbeat of the living waters and mine are one. The kaleidoscope of color is my white light and the layering of textures represents the contrast I’ve lived. “The medicinal qualities of drinking and smelling the sacred waters are legendary. And now, through art, the visual stimulation completes the circle. I am truly blessed to share these sacred times with you.” To view Rebecca Kane’s work, visit Flores Fine Art Gallery, 328 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. (518) 584-8444. She is also available for private consultations. Visit RebeccaKaneLivingWaters.com for more information.
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Saratoga...
By The Numbers
1894 73% 6.1 Million The population of Saratoga County as of the last census.
223, 86 5
The year that the CLUB SANDWICH made its debut at Morrissey’s Club House in Saratoga Springs.
The amount of people in Saratoga County who own their own home.
Amount of acreage that mak e up the Adirondack Park
2,032 lbs
The size of the World’s Largest Pumpkin in 2013
$825k 5,344
How much money has been raised over the last 18 years of Showcase of Homes!
1997 feet The day
The height of Mount Marcy, one of only two mountains over 5,000 feet in the Adirondack Park.
the Minne How many Ha Ha was homes are in this year’s dry docked Showcase of Homes and cut in half, to be Amount of people who drive to work enlarged by vs taking a bike, 34 feet. bus or walking.
15 88%
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C E L E B RATI N G S ARATOGA By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson of Saratoga Tours saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Celebrating Saratoga Springs • Celebrating Sar at
RICHARD A. CANFIELD “The Prince of Gamblers” By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson, photos provided
One of the jewels of Saratoga Springs today is the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. The Casino got its start due to the wisdom and planning of John Morrissey who in 1870 constructed and opened for business this great gaming site under the name of the Club House. Although we credit Morrissey with the creation of the site, it is Richard Canfield who raises its glamour and respectability to a level never seen before in the industry. Richard Canfield was born in New Bedford Massachusetts in 1855 and was the 5th child of 6. Canfield went to work at an early age in the shipping department of a large department store in Boston. At age 15 he quit his job and for three years operated a floating 10 cent poker game in Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island as well as Boston. In 1876 Canfield took his earnings and traveled to Europe, only to return broke, but with a strong desire to open his own gaming house. Realizing he needed to make connections with the right people, he became a night clerk in a few well respected hotels. In 1882 he met and married his wife, Genevieve Martin in Pawtucket. Canfield became a partner in a gaming house in Providence that was ultimately raided and he was sentenced to prison for six months. It was during his prison sentence that he completed his education by reading countless books in all areas of study. He became knowledgeable in art, history, philosophy, religion and literature. Upon his release from
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jail, this education, as well as his years of experience in the gambling business made him a perfect upscale gaming house operator. Educated, refined and knowledgeable in operations gave him the perfect mix to impress the wealthy and run a well-managed business. He moved to New York City and opened a poker room. In 1888 he went into business with another gambler, David Duff, and opened a very successful establishment called the Hoffman House near Delmonico’s in the city. Canfield became a millionaire and bought out his partner. After numerous trips to Saratoga Springs and visits to the Club House in particular, he was sure that changes to that venue could result in huge profits. In 1893 Canfield purchased the Club House from Reed and Spencer for a price of $250,000. When Canfield took ownership of the Club House he changed the name to The Casino. He wanted this location to be the very best gaming house in America. He set forth to have the very best of everything and to attract the very wealthy to his new venture. He started by adding a restaurant that would rival any restaurant in the country. He hired a renowned French chef by the name of Jean Columbin. Columbin was paid a wage of $5,000 for the season to produce a remarkable menu that would truly impress the diners. The best food and drink were offered at very high prices. He paid the travel costs of 50 New York City waiters to Saratoga Springs at the beginning of the season to insure the best service. His model was simple. He believed that the more people saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
you could attract and the longer they were to stay, the more likely they would be to gamble. Canfield knew the longer they gambled the more likely it was that he would get their money. This model is similar to what was developed in Las Vegas years ago. At the end of the first season the restaurant lost about $70,000, but the gambling section made almost $250,000. The experiment worked. Richard Canfield also required patrons to dress in evening attire. To prevent patrons from disrupting the tailoring of their suits by stuffing their jackets with huge amounts of money he extended credit and used chips at the gaming tables. He kept a million dollars in a safe on the property to pay anyone who won big on a given night. This raised the respectability and confidence of the patrons in Canfield and the Casino. The wealthy embraced these elements and flocked to the Casino and to Saratoga Springs as a result. Locals were banned from gambling to prevent hard feelings from loses at the tables. Large donations were made by Canfield to churches and other charities which kept him in good standing in the community. Detectives were hired to protect the operations by searching for known criminals in the crowd as well as preventing locals from gaining entry. Feeling pressure from an anti-gambling movement, Canfield sold all his holdings to the Village of Saratoga Springs for a mere $150,000 in 1911. Richard Canfield returned to NYC and would later die at age 59 in New York City as a result of head injuries from a fall in a NYC subway stairway. The grandeur of gaming at the famed Canfield Casino had ended, and with it the loss of an era in Saratoga Springs history. ˜
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Celebrating Saratoga Springs • Celebrating Sar at
The Canfield Casino A Saratoga Springs Treasure By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson
Photo courtesy of Saratoga Springs History Museum The original 50’ x 66’ four story brick structure, known as “The Clubhouse”, was constructed for $190,000 by John Morrissey in 1869. Morrissey had operated a gambling establishment on Matilda St. (now Woodlawn Avenue) but wanted a more central location. The Clubhouse was built on East Congress Street and was located on the route that people took from Broadway to the track (East Congress Street used to connect to Union Ave.). The room currently used by the Saratoga Springs History Museum as an orientation gallery (1st floor on your left) served as Morrissey’s office. The upper floors were reserved for gambling. In the basement were wine cellars, coal and
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wood vaults, kitchens and a laundry. The second floor had a whist room and a high stakes gambling parlor as well as sleeping rooms and baths.
In 1871 Morrissey added a 60’ x 40’ addition. This was known as the Grand Parlor and was considered one of the most elegant rooms in America. Morrissey did not allow local residents to gamble. He had an “understanding” with local law enforcement and he regularly contributed large sums of money to local charities. After Morrissey’s death in May of 1878 his minor business partners, Charles Reed and Albert Spencer ran the Clubhouse. Under their leadership the luster of the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
establishment waned and in 1894 they sold the building to Richard Canfield. Richard Canfield had spent a great deal of time in Europe and he brought a new sense of style and elegance to The Casino. Between 1901 and 1903 he purchased property immediately north of the building and spent one million dollars on renovations and landscaping. He added the Italian Gardens (home to Spit and Spat) and planted flower beds. Canfield’s most stunning addition was the 93’ x 60’ dining room. It contained sixty octagonal windows (12 of them depict the signs of the Zodiac). The dining room also had one of the nation’s earliest air conditioning systems, using a squirrel cage fan in the basement that forced iced cool air through vents into the dining room. His restaurant was the most expensive one in the US at the time and was where the club sandwich was invented. From 1904-1907 the Casino was subject to intermittent closings thanks to the efforts of the Saratoga Springs Village Board of Trustees and prominent anti-gambling forces led by Spencer Trask. The Casino was closed in 1904, re-opened in 1905 then closed again in 1907. Canfield decided to sell the Casino and spend more time at his establishments in New York City. In 1911 the village of Saratoga Springs purchased the Casino and Congress Spring Park for $150,000. The upper floors were given to the Saratoga Springs History Museum and the lower floor was used by the general public as a smoking room and gathering place. In 1912 Congress Hall (a large hotel that fronted Broadway and down Spring Street) was demolished. That corner at Broadway and Spring St. is now occupied by the Saratoga Springs Arts Council. In 1923 the first floor chandeliers were electrified and new stairs and a new entrance were put in. The city added fire exits to the dining room in the 1920s. In the 1950s the residents of Saratoga Springs voted to allow a hotel chain to buy the casino and adjacent lands. Happily, those plans were never realized. In 1960 a greenhouse was installed over the back kitchen. In 1983 Mr. and Mrs. C.V. Whitney donated a modern air conditioning system to the casino. The Canfield Casino is on the National Historic Registry of Historic Buildings. It has survived all these years thanks to good luck, custodial care by the city and grateful residents who see a treasured part of their history in this beautiful building.
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SS
Fashion: aratoga tyle
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Vegan Leather Jacket Montanaco mandarin collar moto jacket – vegan leather, washable. Eileen Fisher black coated denim pants. Ro ost Triple shaped diamond earrings (Ro ost’s gorgeous collection of jewelry and accessories upholds the brand’s commitment to, quality, and craftsmanship. Ro ost utilizes authentic materials and finishes that are contemporary without being hard-edged. . . The finished pieces are a truly handmade, small craft production!) Marjorie Baer Bangles -Sculptural Jewelry Hair & Makeup by Classical Concepts Aveda Salon and Spa Available at: LIFESTYLES CLOTHING • JEWELRY• ACCESSORIES 436 BROADWAY 584-4665 LIFESTYLESOFSARATOGA.COM
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Ahhhhhh....Fall embodies all that is cozy. Snuggle into our embroidered cardigan and listen for the compliments to come! We added our Red Engine jeans and belted the lo ok. Feel comfortable knowing the spirit of fall is here, and so are those warm colors!! Have fun this season, and come say hi to the girls at Spoken!!! Spoken Boutique
Av a il a bl e a t : Spo ken b o utiq ue 27 Chur ch Str eet 5 87 - 27 72 spo kensar ato ga . com
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Find your perfect party dress for any occasion, in any size!
Av a il a bl e a t : Danielle ’ s b r idal b o utiq ue 4249 r o ute 5 0 5 84 - 70 67 Photo by Deborah Neary saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Get cozy with chunky knit sweaters and Fall dresses from Knot Sisters. Available at LUCIA BOUTIQUE 454 Broadway 587-7890
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Put a little prep in your step Back to scho ol, back to fall From oxfords to bo ots, jeans, jackets and dresses Yellow Boutique has it all! Available at: YELLOW BOUTIQUE 491 Broadway 581-1700 Photo by MarkBolles.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Home & Garden • Pages 120 -145
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
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Carriage House Chronicles The
Story by Chelsea Hoopes Silver, Photos by Randall Perry Photography
Hi, I’m Chelsea Hoopes Silver... And as some of you may know, I have a blog called The Carriage House Chronicles, where I feature various design, architecture, lifestyle, and art inspirations I find while living in the beautiful and historically rich city of Saratoga Springs. I come by my love of collecting and house obsession honestly—my parents have been flipping and building houses since I was five-years-old and my grandfather traveled the world collecting art and antiques. I also love a nice, “raw canvas” and I would probably never buy a “turn-key” home. My first and current homes were both big renovations and even my store (Silverwood, Home & Gallery; which I own with my mother), was a total renovation. Although I can certainly see the appeal of buying something that is done, I just love a good project! Now I’ve got a new “project”— adapting my blog into a series for the award-winning Simply Saratoga!
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A
Starting from
Scratch
A Saratoga Couple Builds their Dream Home Renovations are hard, but building a new home can be even more stressful. There’s no existing foundation or building to work off of. Virtually everything needs a decision, from windows to flooring to fixtures. And the timing? It always seems to take longer than you think, because one tiny thing can hold up everything else. One subcontractor’s sick day can slow down production by weeks. In other words, it’s not all decorating and fun meetings with architects- the process can be grueling and tedious. However, Mark Hogan and Rob Saba claim their experience building their custom dream home was easy, painless, and- gasp!- actually done within six months (it also had to be ready for the 2009 Parade of Homes, so the timing was extra crucial for their builder as well).
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Mark and Rob chose their coastalinspired, cottage-style home plan from one of Maine Coastal Cottages stock plans, then worked with local builder, John Witt, to customize the home to meet all of their needs. Even though the cozy- looking cottage grew from a fairly modest 1,900 square feet to a much roomier 2,900 square feet, it sits on its urban Saratoga lot beautifully, without looking crowded or too conspicuous. “We chose Park Alley because we loved its location and its proximity to both downtown and Skidmore College. We also liked the mix of homes that you find over in this area ranging from mansions to modest bungalows. Park Alley is an eclectic mix of homes and we felt if we were going to try and pull this [coastal cottage] style home off in Saratoga, this would be the place to do it”, says Mark. Plus, the couple loves the fact that their new home is so close to downtown, so they can really take
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advantage of Saratoga’s “walkable” city lifestyle (one of my top reasons for living in this town as well). “We love parking our car in the driveway when we get home from work on Friday night and not getting back into it until Monday morning. We walk downtown with our golden retriever, Jameson, every weekend, to the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, and out to dinner multiple times a week.”
“
We love parking our car in the driveway when we get home from work on Friday night and not getting back into it until Monday morning...
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”
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When “starting from scratch”, so to speak, one of the most overwhelming decisions can be choosing the design and style of your home. There are so many options! How do you even begin to narrow it down? For Mark and Rob, it was inspiration from a movie that became the basis for their dream home- Diane Keaton’s Hamptons home in “Something’s Gotta Give”. Their previous house had been more Ralph Lauren influenced, which they loved, but with their affinity for the ocean (they travel to Nantucket and Maine whenever they get the chance), this time around they chose to use a very calming, cool palette and contrasting natural textures that reminded them more of the coast. 124 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Love this Kohler sink!
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According to Mark and Rob, this style of home was uncharted territory for their builder, John
Rob and Mark’s Best Pieces of Advice for Anyone Considering Building:
Witt, but the results show that Witt had no problem adapting. With Witt’s signature custom built-ins featured throughout the house, the place is soothing and charming. Mark and Rob wanted something uncluttered but welcoming, and the result is exactly that. They even included a small apartment for their son, Christian, which includes a stunning custom kitchenette and living area, as well as a small bedroom with a built-in bed that makes the room reminiscent of a ship’s cabin. What kid would want to leave with digs like these?
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◊ Our advice would be less is more. Don’t build more house than you need or will actually “live in”. We would trade size for quality any day of the week. ◊ Make sure you surround yourself with talented people. Even though Rob and I, and more-so Rob, have a knack for design and decorating, our home would never have turned out as well as it did had we not had the collaboration of John Witt and Beverly Tracy and their team working with us on this project. We couldn’t have done it without them! ◊ And lastly, we’d say build a home that will stand the test of time. We tried to build this home in a way that years down the road someone would have no idea when it was constructed. During the Parade of Homes (in 2009), a woman viewing our home commented on what an amazing renovation job this was. Rob and I just smiled with pride. We had accomplished our goal.
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Randall Perry Photography for Witt Construction
Reclaimed White Oak Chestnut Floors. Reclaimed beams as door header
Wise Wood By Megin Potter
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Randall Perry Photography for Witt Construction
Kitchen Shelves and Brackets
in the buildings behind the Auction Barn restaurant in Argyle, they were unloading a huge tractor trailer of Douglas fir, yellow pine and mahogany boards.
You know it first by sight. Used as paneling on the wall, flooring underfoot or standing strong as a piece of furniture; real, old, wood has a unique look that can’t be replicated.
“We take it when it’s available,” said Trevett. In just four years, he has filled three buildings, stacked to the rafters, with lumber saved from the landfill. When he hears about gymnasium bleachers, old homes or factories being taken down, his crew is there to disassemble and save the boards.
When it comes to this old wood, there’s something everyone seems to agree on… “To have the vision to look at a board and see what it can become, it’s an art,” said Joe Murphy, a contractor for 30 years. During the last two, he has been working with Mark Trevett of Trevett Millworks in Greenwich to reclaim wood from all over the area. On a recent visit to their stockpile of old lumber stored
Pulling grey boards from the stack that are a foot-and-ahalf wide, he mentions they were taken out of a Jackson home built in the 1700’s. In order to get that large by then, they likely came from a tree that was last alive more than 400 years ago.
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Let-In Barn Beams
Randall Perry Photography for Witt Construction
Ingrained along the growth rings of reclaimed wood is the ancient knowledge that using a product like this is a matter of character and of conscience.
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Randall Perry Photography for Witt Construction
Reclaimed Beams & Cyprus from Mushroom Barns in PA
Randall Perry Photography for Witt Construction
Reclaimed Beams in this Den
Reclaimed Cyprus Exterior Trim
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“
they likely came from a tree that was last alive more than 400 years ago. - Mark Trevett
”
“To have that is really unique, but here’s the clincher; the story behind the wood, we’ve gotten so many stories,” said Trevett. They are stories that travel with the wood, which has been used to create things such as the bar at the Henry Street Taproom in Saratoga Springs, a bass violin for the Florida Symphony orchestra, and furniture within residential homes as far south as Texas. In his shop stocked with the heavy equipment necessary to replain, saw and join together these massive boards at an industrial level, Trevett has taught his two sons Carl and Luke the tradition of woodworking, storytelling and using what you have. It is a set of values that has carried over into another area of their lives as well. Carl is the drummer and Luke, the banjo player in the popular local Americana band Eastbound Jesus. David Ashdown of Orchard Lane Fine Furniture has gotten away from the dust, heat and noise of the industrial machine shops and has joined together with a small group of artisans to build a serene woodworking school called the Maplewood Center for Common Craft in the town of Easton. “When you start out, it’s not so much the romantic ideal of using reclaimed wood as much as it is using what’s available,” said Ashdown. He can see the value in cherry or oak wooden pallets that would otherwise be thrown away and definitely tries to use reclaimed wood as much as possible in his current projects, he said. Working old lumber with old tools, he can create gorgeous custom pieces for clients that have the look and feel of quality craftsmanship passed down through the generations. It is a technique that he learned from his father-in-law Thomas Bowden. “I’d rather make furniture out of that than new wood. It has a history, it has a life, and that’s the most important thing. It was part of an era, part of a life. It wasn’t just something manufactured. If it had eyes, who knows what it would’ve seen,” said Bowden. 132 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
“From a practical level, it is more stable. The grain is tighter. It is well acclimated. It will not swell and shrink like new wood. It was not farmed. It grew in difficult conditions and it grew strong.” Appreciating its strength and reclaiming its history, Storied Boards in Lake George exhaustively researches and thoroughly documents their products, proudly giving a voice to the wood and architectural salvage in their overflowing 6,000 square foot warehouse. Relics from the recently disassembled St. Patrick’s church in Watervilet remain in their inventory, but also in the Burnt Hills home workshop of Saratoga Table Works designer and builder Rod Bower. “When it comes to wood, people either think it’s gold or it’s trash. When they think it’s trash, it’s actually beautiful stuff,” said Bower. His custom pieces are made-to-order, often at half the price of those sold by popular companies such as Restoration Hardware, he said. “We use reclaimed wood in quite a lot of our projects. It gives it the warmth and has a different patina than new wood has. In the right applications, it looks great,” said John Witt of Witt Construction Inc. in Saratoga Springs. “Everybody loves it. The color of 100-year-old wood has a patina that new wood doesn’t have but working with it is a nightmare for us. You have to pick around and use only the good stuff, but the finished product is gorgeous,” said Justin Steinberger, co-owner of Steinberger Woodworks, maker of hand-crafted cabinetry in Queensbury. “It’s really popular for vacation homes on the lake and goes really well with the rustic theme. There’s something really, really neat about the look of reclaimed wood.” “People are getting something they just can’t get anywhere else and they’re really passionate about it once they get it,” said Karen Totino, owner of Green Conscience in Saratoga, a retailer of Trevett Millwork’s reclaimed wood. “It’s the greenest option out there. It’s sourced locally using what would’ve been in the landfill otherwise.” -For more information about the companies and products referenced in the article you can go online to http:// trevettmillworks.com, http://orchardlanefurniture.com, http:// maplewoodcraft.org, http://www.storiedboards.com, http://www. saratogatableworks.com, http://www.wittconstruction.com, http:// www.steinbergerwoodworks.com, and http://green-conscience. com . You can also see local projects and get inspiration for using reclaimed wood in your home by going online to http://www. houzz.com. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Out and About:
Spotting Reclaimed Wood Locally Using reclaimed wood is a growing trend and there are more and more opportunities to see the variety and depth of its possibilities while visiting Saratoga County businesses. While this is in no way an exhaustive list, here are a few places where you can get started.
In Saratoga Springs: Check out the beautiful display tables at
Saratoga Olive Oil Co .- 484 Broadway The Savory Pantry - 486 Broadway Red Wolf - 16 Spring Street Slide up to the bar at
Henry Street Taproom – 86 Henry Street Mingle on the Avenue – 30 Lake Avenue In Schuylerville: Peruse the walls at
Canal Street Art Center – 84 Broad Street Eli’s Broad Street Breakfast – 70 Broad Street
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Photo provided by Saratoga Table Works
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COMMON TERMS Seeing it and knowing what to call it are two different things however. Often the words to describe this look are used interchangeably. General definitions that can serve as guidelines when talking about the different types of wood being reused include:
Reclaimed
wood that was once something else, such as a barn, and has been disassembled and constructed into something entirely new, often being re-sawn and re-milled
Salvaged
whole logs that were not previously cut into lumber, such as fallen trees pulled from the riverbed
Repurposed/Upcycled
wood that is reused with minimal refinishing to create something else
Recycled
wood parts are broken down by machine processing to make an entirely new product
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Photo provided by Storied Boards
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Cooking with
Class By Ashley Dingeman, photos by MarkBolles.com
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The
concept of a cooking class is brilliant. You get to meet and interact with some of the most talked about local chefs, be instructed as to how to create some of your favorite dishes, and learn skills you wouldn’t necessarily be able to learn anywhere else.
While the Saratoga region doesn’t offer many cooking classes, DZ Restaurants is leading the way with classes at all of their four locations throughout the year. Since owner David Zecchini opened his first restaurant, Chianti Il Ristorante in 1998, DZ Restaurants has grown by leaps and bounds, now owning Forno Bistro, Pasta Pane, Boca Bistro, and recently purchasing a 65 acre farm in Galway, NY. I recently had the opportunity to participate in one of their cooking classes at Pasta Pane with Chef James Frese, who taught a class on the art of preparing potato and ricotta gnocchi. Going into the class I felt relatively confident of my abilities, especially after spending a summer working as a prep cook at Wheatfields, where my main job was making gnocchi each and every day. Assuming it was one of those skills you learn like riding a bike that sticks with you over time, I was excited for the opportunity to show off my talents. If you’ve ever been to any of the DZ Restaurants, you already know the immediate feeling of comfort and hospitality when you walk through the door. During their cooking classes, that feeling is no different. The class was set up with multiple dining tables pushed together, facing the demonstration table where Chef Frese was standing. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
On the demonstration table sat all of the necessary ingredients measured out based on each recipe to create a potato and ricotta gnocchi, as well as two large sauté pans for making a pomodoro sauce for the potato gnocchi, and a limone cream sauce for the ricotta gnocchi. One tip I’ve learned over time is that having your ingredients measured and ready to go when you’re following a recipe or making something a little more hands-on is always helpful, and it makes the cooking process so much easier. My fellow students and I watched as Chef Frese worked together the ingredients for a traditional potato gnocchi, combining the riced potatoes, allpurpose flour, salt and olive oil. After mixing the ingredients, he created a ball out of the dough, and separated it into multiple parts for the class to work with. One thing Chef Frese stressed was the quality of ingredients he was working with, and how much of a difference it makes when you’re using the best quality for your recipes. From the ripe, fresh tomatoes to the extra virgin olive oil, you don’t have to work as hard to make already high quality ingredients taste good, because they already do naturally. I really loved getting my hands on the dough and having the chance to roll out the gnocchi myself, and it appeared the others in attendance did as well. We were instructed to roll the dough into a long, circular shape with the thickness similar to a finger. After that point, we cut the dough into little pillows, and rolled them out on a gnocchi board, a tool used to create lines down a piece of dough.
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Just like I thought, the gnocchi making process came back to me like it was just yesterday that I was rolling out gnocchi dough in my little prep cook station at Wheatfields, but this time around I got to take it one step further, rolling it out on the gnocchi board to give it that traditional, lined look. While the class rolled out the dough, Chef Frese was at the demo table creating his sauces, one at a time. As the aroma of onion and garlic filled the air, he brought the sauté pan around to each member of the class to smell. This was a really nice touch as it allowed for me as a student to feel like I was part of the cooking process, just like my grandma used to do when I was a little girl.
That’s me!
After preparing and rolling out each type of gnocchi, Chef Frese gave us a short break while he went into the kitchen to boil the gnocchi for us to eat. The great thing about fresh gnocchi is that it only takes a couple of minutes to cook in boiling water, and as soon as they start floating to the top, they’re done! When he returned, we were first served the potato gnocchi that the class rolled with the pomodoro sauce, a traditional tomato sauce with simple ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, garlic, Italian plum tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil. After that sampling, he was right back to the kitchen to prepare the ricotta gnocchi to be tossed with the limone cream sauce, a heavy cream and parmesan cheese based sauce. As we sat in our seats and enjoyed the fruits of our labor, the students also had the chance to then chat with one another, discuss their backgrounds with cooking, why they love it, why they wanted to learn more, etc., almost creating a little community of wannabe chefs. At the end of the day, I left the class feeling like a gnocchi making all-star. Not only did Chef Frese make it look too easy to be true, but he made me feel capable of making a restaurant quality meal right at home, which is a huge plus for me. If you think these classes are just for 138 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Potato Gnocchi Ingredients: 2 ¼ pounds starchy potatoes 1 ½ cups all purpose flour (could need more depending on dough) Pinch of fine sea salt Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil 1. Steam potatoes over boiling water in steamer or colander 30-45 minutes. 2. Test with fork for doneness. 3. Peel potatoes when cool enough to handle and put potatoes through a ricer. 4. Add salt, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and slowly add flour little at a time. 5. Slow knead in flour until firm, smooth and not wet.
Pomodoro Sauce Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 gloves garlic minced 1 28-ounch can of Italian plum tomato (pulsed in a blender) ½ teaspoon sea salt Black pepper to taste 4 leaves of basil (cut in strips) 1. Over medium heat toast garlic to light brown and add tomato, salt, and black pepper. 2. Cook over medium heat for about 20 to 30 minutes. 3. When sauce is almost done add basil.
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random food lovers, think again. According to Bill Gathen, Director of Marketing for DZ Restaurants, “our cooking classes act as perfect events for team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or social gettogethers”. What’s great is that with each location, the classes vary. “Depending on the chef, our classes range from hands-on classes from start to finish to full four-course demonstrations”, said Gathen. “Chianti’s Executive Chef Fabrizio Bazzani, for example, takes his guests on a journey through Italy and its flavors, region by region. Guests learn tips and sip wine while watching a fantastic meal prepared from start to finish by Chef Fabrizio.” If this isn’t enough of a draw to get you to a cooking class, I don’t know what is! If you’re interested in signing up for a cooking class at any of the DZ Restaurants, visit the calendar on their website, www. dzrestaurants.com. Considering coordinating a private cooking class? Contact the Sales Department at DZ Restaurants for more information.
Ricotta Gnocchi Ingredients: 1 egg yolk 1 lb ricotta ½ cup flour 1 cup grated parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 1. Dry ricotta in some towels until most of moisture has been removed. 2. Combine egg yolk and ricotta. Add flour in stages working into dough add cheese and season don’t work dough too much. 3. Knead until completely combined. If dough comes together without all the flour, that’s fine, if it needs a bit more add slowly. All depends on the moisture in the ricotta. 4. Once dough is formed roll into logs and cut into uniform size squares. Form using the back of a fork, or leave as is. 5. Boil 4 quarts water with 2 tablespoons salt, add gnocchi to water and when floating, drain. After drained spread on backing sheet to let rest and drain excess water. Reserve 2 cups of the water from gnocchi for the cream sauce.
Limone Cream Sauce Ingredients: 1 tablespoon minced shallots 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil Zest of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups gnocchi water ½ cup Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1. Saute shallots, butter, and olive oil until shallots are translucent. 2. Add heavy cream and gnocchi water, lemon zest, and juice of lemons. 3. Reduce sauce on medium heat, reduce to a light cream and add gnocchi until warm. 4. Turn off heat and add Parmesan cheese and basil.
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LAWN CARE with
PETER BOWDEN
Get the Jump on
Photos provided
LAWN WEEDS
Most folks take the “reactive” approach of killing dandelions and other lawn weeds in the spring when they see them flowering. After they wipe that initial round of flowering weeds out, they’ll have a lovely lawn all summer. Unfortunately the seeds of dandelions from other, untreated areas (like you neighbor’s yard perhaps) around our yards are blowing in and sprouting in our lawn. These little seedlings of the perennial weeds are small and go unnoticed. They’ll survive the winter and burst into flower with the first warm days the following spring. With this in mind the “proactive” gardener will treat his or her lawn in September with a “weed & feed” type lawn food with granular weed killer added or with a liquid spray weed killer. I apply granular “weed & feed” when the lawn is moist (like in the morning when there is dew on the lawn) so the weed killer dissolves on the leaves of the weeds where it is absorbed into the weed. If the lawn is dry, make sure to water it heavily the 142 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
day before you apply your weed killer. Weed killer applied to a very dry lawn may actually damage the grass or kill it along with the weeks. The longer this dissolved weed killer remains in contact with the leaves of the weeds, the better it will work. If the weed killer is washed off the leaves before 48 hours have passed, it won’t be very effective killing the weeds. Liquid weed killers are applied the same as they are in spring (sprayed onto the leaves of the weeds in the lawn) and the same “not watering for 48 hours” rule applies with them as well. Like granular “weed & feed” liquid weed killer should NOT be applied to a very dry lawn. Now you can skip spring weed control. By killing the young weed seedlings that are growing in your lawn this September, you’ll find that you won’t have to take the “reactive” measure of trying to fit saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
weed killing into a busy spring gardening schedule. You’ll also wipe out a higher percentage of the weeds if you treat in September since they’re smaller and it takes less weed killer to kill small weeds than mature weeds.
Thanks for the read!
Want to start controlling Japanese beetle grubs without chemicals...now’s the time for that too. Milky Spore is a disease that only kills Japanese beetle grubs. It won’t hurt earthworms or even a bird that eats a grub that has the disease. Milky Spore needs to be applied two or three times a year for three years to reach “epidemic” proportions in the soil. Milky Spore is best applied in spring and late summer/ early fall and must get watered heavily right after application, just like the other grub controls. After that, grubs hatch into your lawn, contract the disease then die, reproducing the disease and spreading it throughout the soil. This happens over and over and soon the entire lawn is protected by the disease spread by their dead bodies. Milky Spore is more expensive up front but will last at least 20 years once it takes hold. Not a bad investment if your main problem is Japanese beetle grubs.
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The secret to a happy life…
A clean kitchen! By Jordana Turcotte
Kick the Kitchen Clutter The kitchen; what isn’t done here? We enter and drop! Cook, process mail, do homework, do crafts, wrap gifts, you name it – it happens here. It is flat-surface syndrome. So many flat surfaces to pile stuff! No room more than this one thrives on organization and functionality. If you can’t efficiently prepare and cook meals and clean up after making one, chances are you won’t be cooking at all. More and more people are going out or ordering in; you can save money and be healthier by making meals at home in your organized kitchen. So how do you do it all and keep things organized? A full evaluation of items within as well as clarity on what you do in the space has to happen. There will be lots of tough questions and some good habits to form. First, look at your present kitchen and write down all the functions you see happening based on the stuff that is there. Then, by each, answer yes or no for if it should be happening in the kitchen. If it shouldn’t, the key is to get that activity back to where it needs to be (this may mean some organizing in that space too) or find a better spot for that function. 144 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
Second, for those functions necessary, the next question is do you have the right “equipment” for it? Let me give you typical functions with typical equipment: 1. Cooking = pots/pans, spices, utensils, containers, dishes 2. Mail = Mail bin, recycling/trash bin, bill holder, magazine/catalog holder, coupon holder 3. Bill Paying = checkbook, stamps, envelopes, computer, home for paid bills if you keep them or “to file” container to be moved out of space 4. Homework = pens, pencils, paper, art supplies if younger, reference material 5. Mud room = shoe rack, coat rack/hooks, bins for each person’s hats/gloves/sunglasses Each of these functions should have a zone or area – which means the items to serve that function are close to where it needs to happen and the proper storage is present. Typical kitchen zones: prep area, cooking center, everyday use dishes, eating area, clean up, food storage, entertaining items, coffee station. And then the other zones; mail/bill paying, homework, bags/coats, etc. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
A few specific notes on mail; a problem for everyone! Really let go of all things you will never need (via trash, recycle, shred). Decide on coupons, where you will need them and how to get them there. Reduce the incoming paper as much as possible by returning their slip saying remove me, call them, opt for electronic statements, etc. Less paper coming in equals less you have to physically deal with. Invest in esthetically pleasing bins – if it looks pretty, you will maintain it more! Lastly, to truly organize all, everything has to be taken out and touched so you can not only see it all, decide if you want it or not, but also where it should go based on how you use it. Be rigorous with your decisions because if cabinets are overflowing, you will not go in them at all. Some of the least used kitchen items? Fondue pot, bread-making machine, crepe maker, ice cream machine, juicer, waffle iron, propane torch, banana-ripening rack; you get the idea! IF you have a few appliances and/or gadgets you use less than once a month, it is best to move them to an overflow closet or a dedicated buffet in the space or a shelving unit in the basement for kitchen overflow. This goes for extra pantry items too. Don’t clog the kitchen with infrequently used items. Because food is a major part of the kitchen, here are a few guidelines. Go through your entire pantry 1-2x per year. You have to. Things get lost, expire, go stale, leak – go through to purge out those items and reestablish your zones. Yes, by zones again I mean areas for like things – pasta, snacks, soup, breakfast and so on. Some items work best being taken out of its packaging and put in containers. Invest in ones for these items and use them. Some handy “tools” I always use in the pantry – stacking shelves, lazy susans for spices or sauces, clear shoe organizers with the pockets mounted on doors to house snacks, small seasoning packets and the like, baskets/rectangular bins for items that you take out of boxes (I always take out bars and individually packaged items), and binder clips as chip clips keep things really sealed and fresh. Lastly, the habits. Daily try to put everything back in its zone. Weekly process the mail and bills; waiting much longer leads to a large pile and missed payments. And make sure those items that sneak in make their way out of the kitchen to where they belong. Kick out the clutter so you can really utilize your kitchen to its fullest!
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Enjoy the Shades of
Autumn
In the Beautiful Saratoga-Adirondack Region
SamanthaDeckerPhotography.com 146 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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the ascent By Chad Beatty, photos by StockStudiosPhotography.com
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Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the overcoming of fear. It was just a year ago that I filled these pages with my newest pastime and passion: indoor rock climbing. Yes, it has been 12 months since I first scaled the walls of our local climbing gym. As you will recall, I have a fear of heights, so keep that in mind as you read on. After spending the past three seasons (fall, winter and spring) practicing indoors, I decided it was time to take on real rock and venture into the outdoors. After all, how much harder could it be? I had already made it to the top of the highest spot at the gym and thought I was ready to take on Everest. Well, it appears that it can be MUCH harder, but with any great challenge comes great reward. What I didn’t take into consideration were a few obvious facts. In the controlled environment of the gym... - I was on a nice smooth wall. - I had pre-arranged handholds securely attached to the wall. - I was safely hooked up to a sturdy top-rope system. - Below me were beautifully soft mats covering the ground like a pillow-top mattress awaiting my arrival. Conversely, once I got above 10 feet up on real rock, I realized that the rock I was climbing was very hard, the rock below me was very hard, and the rock around me was very hard (yeah, I know, it’s rock). Although I was well aware that I was safely attached to my rope with a competent partner belaying me, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering into tragic scenarios that involved me smashing into jagged boulders as I plummeted toward earth. (Keep in mind I was only about 15-20 feet off the ground when these thoughts began – don’t make fun of me!) Although my outdoor adventures were much more challenging than anticipated, my year of practicing indoors was crucial. Some of the key skills I acquired during that period included: climbing protocol, knots, belaying techniques, safety, hand holds, foot holds, etc. I also spent quality time at my computer watching a lot of instructional videos covering such topics as proper knot-tying, rappelling, body movement, and so on. So, if you ever plan on heading outdoors to tackle your nearest crag (a cliff or group of cliffs, suitable for climbing), I recommend you check out your local climbing gyms and spend the fall and winter practicing and having some fun. Now, back to my outdoor adventure. As with all my indoor adventures, I had my right-hand man with me for the trip. He is my 10-year old son, and I can’t think of a better partner to spend my time with. For our first, and subsequent trips, we chose a location in Lake George called Shelving Rock. Shelving Rock is a short drive off exit 20 on the Northway. It is an attractive spot for beginner climbers for a number of reasons. First, the parking area is only a four-minute walk from the rock face. This may not sound significant, but when you are hauling your gear up to the base, all the energy you save walking can be used for the ascent. Secondly, Shelving Rock has dozens of pre-bolted routes ranging from beginner (5.5) to more advanced (5.7/5.8). I am not embarrassed to admit I am still working on 5.5’s. (See scale to the right) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Climbing Difficulty Scale 5.0 to 5.4There are two hand- and two footholds for every move; the holds become progressively smaller as the number increases.
5.5 to 5.6The two hand- and two footholds are there, obvious to the experienced, but not necessarily so to the beginner.
5.7The move is missing one hand- or foothold.
5.8The move is missing two holds of the four, or missing only one but is very strenuous.
5.9The move has only one reasonable hold which may be for either a foot or a hand.
5.10No hand- or footholds. The choices are to pretend a hold is there, pray a lot, or go home.
5.11After thorough inspection you conclude this move is obviously impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it. Since there is nothing for a handhold, grab it with both hands. FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 149
v
u
w
Safety Check 1. SHOES
First, squeeze into your specially designed climbing shoes. The right shoes can make a world of difference to your climbing fun and performance. To increase the grip of the foot on the rock face, the shoe is covered with a vulcanized rubber layer
2. HARNESS
Now step into your harness. The harness is a sewn nylon webbing device worn around the waist and thighs. It is designed to allow a person to safely hang while suspended in the air.
3. ROPE
Always inspect your rope to make sure it is in good condition and untangled. It is a good idea to keep it in a rope bag to protect it from the elements. And, always, always, make sure your climbing rope is long enough to reach the anchors and lower you back down. The last thing you want is to run out of rope, mid- climb.
4. CARABINER/KNOTS
Now that you have you harness on, and your rope inspected, it is time to get hooked in. A locking carbineer should be used to avoid accidental openings. In this photo a standard figure-8 knot is used with a stopper knot behind it.
5. HELMET
Put on your helmet (AKA brain bucket) and make sure it is adjusted properly. Both the climber and the belayer should wear a helmet because they protect your head from falling rocks and from the impact of falling.
6. CHALK
Lastly, chalk up and get ready to climb. Chalk is used by climbers to improve grip by absorbing sweat. Climbers tend to store their chalk in a small bag attached to the climber’s harness or with a clip that goes round his/her waist. 150 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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While each trip has included the two of us, we have always climbed with at least one other more experienced climber. As I have learned in my multiple trips, the most important thing in rock climbing is SAFETY. And, there is no substitute for experience when it comes to safety. I learned this the hard, or scary, way.
FLASHBACK: It was early summer 2014 and we were ending our first day of outdoor rock climbing. A porcupine sat precariously on a high branch, curiously watching our activities. As the final rays of sunlight lit the mountain, I settled in at the anchor point (fixed anchors bolted into the rock at the top of the route used for securing gear). As is standard operating procedure for the end of a climb, I was preparing to “clean the route”. Cleaning a route refers to the removal of all gear used to set the top rope. This is a multi-step process and involves proper technique to ensure safety. As far as I was concerned, I was properly prepared to undertake this task. I had watched plenty of videos, I had practiced it dozens of times in my head, and I had practiced it a few times on the ground. So I began the step-by-step process and attached my safety harnesses to the anchors to ensure that I was securely fastened to the side of the mountain. I then removed the climbing rope from the anchor system and prepared for the next step. All of a sudden my mind went blank. To gather my thoughts, I decided to look down, at which point I realized that gravity would love to have its way with me and pull me toward its rocky surface. Within seconds, an involuntary physical response took over and my legs began shaking. Much to my chagrin, I had chuckled at the idea a week earlier when a climbing buddy described this response. He told the story of a beginner climber who got stuck in a similar situation while on an Adirondack climb. Well, I wasn’t chuckling anymore. My climbing partner (not my son) hollered up to me asking what I was doing. I responded with a simple, “I have no idea. I am really scared.” I caught my breath and decided to place the climbing rope back in the equipment saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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“
Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. -Barry Finlay, Kilimanjaro and Beyond
”
we had hooked up to the anchor. Once I checked and double checked that the rope was securely locked into our equipment, I unhooked my safety harnesses and was easily belayed down to the bottom. We never did get our few pieces of gear off the rock; it became a free present for the next climber who was a little more experienced than me. In hindsight, this was a great learning experience for me and solidified that there is no substitute for time on the mountain. My problem didn’t have anything to do with safety. I was safely attached to the anchor with two harnesses. I was also still safely attached to our climbing rope, which we had run through a carabineer/bolt below the anchor for added security. The only thing I didn’t have was experience, and that lack of experience turned me into a wobbly-kneed nervous-Nelly. Since that first climb, my comfort level at Shelving Rock has doubled. I feel much more confident trusting the equipment and trusting my technique. I still don’t push myself beyond my ability, but I do push myself a little further each time, confident that the equipment and my partners have my back. I am hoping to graduate from the 5.5’s to a few 5.7’s by early next year. Until that time, I just enjoy the moment, taking in nature and making memories for my son and me. See you on the mountain!
After a step-by-step series of moves, I finally reached photographer and experienced rock climber, Tom Stock. 152 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
The curious ‘Porcupine’ that sat on his branch observing us. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
”
GOTTA GET to the GUNKS!… We have already planned a tentative climbing trip for next spring. We will be heading south to The Gunks! The Gunks is short for Shawangunks, one of the premier climbing areas in the country. Lucky for us it is only about two hours away, near New Paltz, NY. Other than the sheer beauty of the cliffs and scenery, what makes it so desirable is the rock, which is quartz conglomerate - Solid rock with horizontal rather than vertical cracks. You’ll find some of the best, easy and moderate climbs in the country at the Gunks. For more info visit: www.gunkguide.com
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Why Climb Every
Mountain? By Megin Potter, photos provided
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Hiking up all of the Adirondack’s ORIGINAL 46 highest peaks is no walk in the park... Increasing numbers of people are heading into the mountains and registering their climbs with The Adirondack 46 ers , a hiking club Where all of the members have accomplished every summitevery peak over 4,000 feet in elevation. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Zebrowski on top of Mt. Marcy. The temperature was 37 degrees in July.
meet
TOM ZEBROWSKI #5280 1st peak: 46th PEAK:
Colden 9/2/89 Emmons 9/13/03
a big person; 6’2” and 275 lbs., and the first time I climbed these mountains, I got my rear end kicked,” said Saratoga Springs resident Tom Zebrowski. Referred to as a bulldozer on the football field, Zebrowski was humbled by how unprepared he was to push his large frame up Mount Colden’s 4,714 foot summit for the first time in September,1989.
“I’m
He saw the mountains as a formidable competitor and kept at it. Zebrowski’s quest to conquer the mountains was fueled by a drive to succeed that endured through numerous surgeries (needed in part from the exertion of bush whacking through trail-less mountains), having his jacket torn off his back by wild foliage, and even a face to face encounter with a black bear. Checking the mountains off his list one by one, he finished his final peak 14 years later.
“
It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life
”
“At times climbing I had to really suck it up, thinking, ‘This is crazy’. Hiking through mud for miles, ponds full of leeches; it’s humbling. You come out of there and realize; this is respect.” 156 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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meet
MILLIE SMITH #7224 1st peak: 46th PEAK:
Giant 4/30/11 Phelps 8/27/11
Respecting
the mountains and oneself is intertwined, discovered Millie Smith.
included climbing in sarongs to have a luau, hiking at night so they could arrive at the summit to fly kites at sunrise, and incredible superhero costume parties.
“I grew up as a farm kid. We had a camp on Garnet Lake and being in the Adirondack Mountains was always a part of me. Over the years a lot changed; I got married, had my daughter and got divorced. That’s when I decided it was time to get back to the mountains.”
Camaraderie paired with commitment created the conditions that awakened in Smith a sense of self-empowerment that allowed her to complete the peaks in just four months while also finishing nursing school. Once it was over, it became important to Smith to teach her daughter the value of her experience.
Smith went online to meetup.com and found a core group of people to hike with. They gave her the confidence to learn what she was capable of.
“These are long hikes, there are tricky spots. Coming off the mountain and being able to see that sense of accomplishment in her face, it’s like ‘Wow, I’m 9, look what I can do.” said Smith about her daughter Cady’s reaction to climbing her first high peak.
“‘Nope, I got it,’ I was always saying. After the divorce and everything, it became very important to me to know I could do this on my own, but at the same time, having this group of people that I could trust my life with was very startling to me.” “There were a lot of impromptu therapy sessions on the mountains that summer and hikes added to the fun,” said Smith. These 158 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
“I want her to know that strength is in her. It’s about learning those little things to be a healthy, strong, contributing person in society.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“
I want her to know that strength is in her...
”
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“As a kid,
you don’t realize it should be scary or that what you’re doing is different than other kids. I would just run down the mountain singing Christmas carols,” said Allison Cascade Badger. Climbing her first high peak; Cascade Mountain (from which her middle name derives) when she was just 5 years old and finishing her 46th peak a few days after her 13th birthday, Badger is truly a child of the mountains.
meet
ALLISON BADGER #3757 1st peak: 46th PEAK:
Cascade 8/30/87 Colden 9/17/95
Her parents were the first couple to ever be married, in 1976, atop the high peak. One of a handful of guests in attendance was a close family friend, the first woman to ever summit the high peaks and The Adirondack 46ers matriarch Grace Hudowalski. “The mountains will wait for you,” stated Hudowalski in a letter to Badger’s father Bill Kozel (#1529w) when he was feeling homesick for the mountains. So well did this woman and these words characterize the enduring admiration people have for this landscape that a documentary by the same name was released last year and East Dix mountain was renamed “Grace Peak” in June. Giving back to the mountains that have given so much to the hikers was always a part of Hudowalski’s mission. Thousands of hours of volunteer trail maintenance work, bridge and lean-to construction, combined
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with educational trainings conducted by the mountaineering group have helped save the mountains from the increasing number of hikers that traverse its terrain each year, ensuring they are still there waiting for you. Indeed, Cascade Mountain was again there for Badger in 2009 (but a bit more crowded) when she took her boyfriend of four years up for his first peak climb. At the summit he surprised her with a picnic and an engagement ring. “He did a good job,” she said, nodding her head as she recounted the experience. “There’s a part of me that gets a wicked itch to be outside in nature.”
“
The mountains will wait for you.
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”
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meet
PENNY SKINNER #7612 1st peak: 46th PEAK:
Algonquin 6/25/00 Big Slide 8/22/12
““THERES
There’s an absolute beauty of being at the top of these mountains, it’s like wow, this is our backyard, it’s so breathtaking.
an absolute beauty of being at the top of these mountains, it’s like wow, this is our backyard, it’s so breathtaking,” said Penny Skinner. Originally inspired by her husband Kevin ( #7611) she enjoys the feeling she gets from overcoming crazy challenges, she said. Whether climbing with her husband, a group of friends or her two sons who are now both 46ers as well, it is the hours on end of sharing, camaraderie and laughing together that she enjoys most.
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”
It is a connection she feels even when scaling a very steep rock climb like that at Saddleback Mountain, where her tiny 5’1” frame had to stretch and strain to find footholds and handholds while the wind threatened to blow her off the mountain. “It’s not just getting to the top, it’s a journey. For me it’s a very spiritual thing. It’s very, very spiritual.” “The whole connection is amazing and I don’t know where else I can find that. It’s everything to me.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
meet
Lynn Hilpertshauser #4860 1st peak: 46th PEAK:
Rocky Peak Ridge 10/3/98 Redfield 9/2/01
Lynn’s personal notes regarding each hike are still kept tucked away in her notebook... this one has been there for 15 years! r to the Lynn’s “Lette ouncing her Historian” ann peaks by goal of all 46 hday-DONE! her 50th Birt
In October 1998,
Lynn Hilpertshauser was 47 years old when she went with a small group of friends from work up Rocky Peak Ridge. They enjoyed the beautiful fall hike, awe-struck by the rewarding view of ridges from the summit, but weariness set in as they trekked down the mountain. “We moaned and groaned the whole week about how sore we were, but it was funny, as soon as that pain went away, we were talking about what peak to do next,” said Hilpertshauser. Having been bitten firmly by the hiking bug, Hilpertshauser decided to do all the high peaks by the time she turned 50 years old. This meant putting in some 22-hour days, hiking despite tree saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
branches to the face, chipping a tooth, and among blackflies so thick that eating a sandwich left more blackflies in her mouth than peanut butter. The most harrowing experiences can also be the most beautiful, she said. For instance, in 1999, when Hurricane Floyd came through the region uprooting trees and erasing trails, Hilpertshauser’s memory of the treacherous hike is accompanied by the rich fragrance of balsam that scented the air.
“
There are all kinds of crazy stories that come out of each hike. It’s a grueling grind, but you learn to love it.
”
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Date
Save the
for fall fun
Luke Dow Photography 2012
Leaf Peeping From the Water The Lake George Steamboat Company To learn more or to reserve a ticket, call (518) 668-5777 or visit www.lakegeorgesteamboat.com.
Lake George ShoreLine Visit www.LakeGeorgeShorline.com for more information.
Mohawk Maiden Cruises Visit www.Champlain CanalTours.com for more details or call (518) 695-5496 for tickets and information. visitLakeGeorge.com 164 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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2014 Jazz Weekend on lake george Saturday 9/13
1:00 pm - Manuel Valera / Cuban Express 2:45 pm – Cyrille Aimee / Gypsy Jazz Quintet 4:30 pm – Sexmob Plays Fellini/ The Music of Nino Rota 7:30 pm – Anat Cohen Quartet
Sunday 9/14 1:00 pm – Billy Martin’s Wicked Knee 2:45 pm – Jane Bunnett & Maqueque/ 4:30 pm
Sounds of Cuba – Raymond Scott Orchestrette
The American Music Festival for the Lake Saturday 9/20 & Sunday 9/21 Fireworks: Charles R Wood Park, Lake George. Activities and fun for all ages! Live music, Saturday Rocks, Robert Randolph & The Family Band; NRQB; Wild Adriatic, and Paranoid Social Club. Country Music Sunday, New Riders of the Purple Sage; Claire Lynch Band; Stony Creek Band, and Rosco Bandana. Arts and crafts show, pony rides and amusement rides, food, hot air balloon moonglow, and more! Fireworks on Saturday. Fee for music festival. Block party, free admission. Fireworks on Saturday. Supporting the S.A.V.E. Lake George Partnership aid in efforts against invasive species and efforts to ensure the water quality of the Queen of the American Lakes. 11am, $/free, festivalforthelake.com
Sunday 9/28 Taste of the North Country Food Festival: City Park, Glens Falls. Sample delicious foods from the North Country’s best restaurants. Enjoy music and children’s activities. Food coupon rate varies. Rain or Shine! Arrive early for best selections! Always great fun in support of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls. 11am-3pm, $ 518-744-7470; glensfallstaste.com
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ADIRONDACK balloon Festival 2014 adirondackballoonfest.org
Will Cook Photography 166 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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2014 Adirondack Balloon Festival Events Schedule
Thursday 9/18- Sunday 9/21 “TOP 100 Events in North America” All balloon flights are scheduled WEATHER PERMITTING. The Festival is open to the public FREE of charge, donations will be accepted for parking, Premiere VIP parking is available for a fee. Please do not bring your dogs to the Festival. Thank you! Thursday, September 18th Crandall Park 600 Glen Street, Glens Falls. 4:30-6:30 pm: Musical Performance by the Stony Creek Band 5:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies 5:15 pm: Launch of up to 20 balloons and tethered balloon rides 6:00-9:30 pm: City of Glens Falls Block Party featuring Walk-about balloon, balloon baskets on display, car show, and kid’s activities! Friday, September 19th Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport 443 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury 3:00 pm: Gates Open, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA, kid’s activities and Food Vendors open for business 5:00 pm: Balloon Launch – 80+ balloons including special shapes Saturday, September 20th Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport 443 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury 5:00 am - 11:00 am: “Big Balloon Breakfast” - Airport Hanger $8.00 adults, $6.00 seniors saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
6:00 am - 7:00 pm: Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 30+ vendors, kids activities, including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, aircraft static display 6:30 am: Flight of up to 100 Balloons 10:00 am: Bicycle Tour of airport sponsored by Warren County Safe and Quality Bicycling Organization 2:00 pm - 4:45pm: Local Band performances 5:00 pm: Flight of 100 Balloons 8:00 pm: “Lighting Up The Night” Moonglow Featuring 20+ Balloons Bring Your Flashlights!!
Darth Vader is coming to the Adirondacks… making 3 major U.S appearances in 2014 including Reno, NV; Albuquerque, NM and here at the Adirondack Balloon Festival!
Sunday, September 21st Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport 443 Queensbury Ave, Queensbury 5:00 am - 11:00 am: “Big Balloon Breakfast” - Airport Hanger $8.00 adults, $6.00 seniors 6:00 am - 12:00 pm: Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 30+ vendors, kids activities, including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, aircraft display 6:30 am: “Walter’s Mass Ascension” simultaneous Flight of up to 100 Balloons 8:00 am: Catholic Mass in the Entertainment tent 9:00 am: Protestant Sunday Service in the Entertainment tent Sunday, September 21st Crandall Park 600 Glen Street, Glens Falls 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Jonathan Newell Band performs 5:00 pm: Launch of 20+ Balloons Will Cook Photography FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 167
Saturday 10/4 2014 FIBER FEST The 6th Annual Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival is sure to delight experienced and beginner fiber enthusiasts alike. Oct 4, 2014. We are located at the historic Washington County Fairgrounds, in Gre enwich, NY. Visit adkfiber.com for more details
Sunday 10/5
World’s Largest Garage Sale At the World’s Largest Garage Sale, in Warrensburg, New York, you will find treasures from all over the country including antiques, hard-to-find items, old toys, new toys, hats, hardware, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, dollar items and just about anything else you can imagine! Check here for more activities!
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Apples, Pumpkins
& Hayrides
Saratoga Springs Sunnyside Gardens
Corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin patch, train ride, cider donuts and more. 345A Church Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-1034 www.sunnysidegardensllc.com
Bowman Orchards:
Pick your own and picked apples, raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins cider, donuts and farm animals too! 141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford NY, 12148. 518-371-2042
10-20 Minutes from Saratoga Double M’s Hayride & Corn Maze
Daytime hayride, corn maze, petting zoo and children’s activities. Haunted hayride at night! 678 Route 67 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 518-884-9122 www.mmhauntedhayrides.com
Saratoga Apple
Apples, cider, fresh baked goods, and produce. Also an assortment of local, natural, and healthy food and gifts. Apple cider donuts are made daily all year round. 1174 Route 29, Schuylerville, NY 12871 518-695-3131 www.saratogaapple.com
Lakeside Farms
Apples, Indian corn, gourds, pumpkins, apple cider, cider donuts, and a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. 336 Schauber Rd., Ballston Lake NY,12019 518-399-8359 www.lakesidefarmscidermill.com
Schuyler Farms
Corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin patch, other fall fun! 1124 Route 29, Schuylerville, NY 12871 518-695-5308, www.schuylerfarms.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
20-30 Minutes From Saratoga Ellms Family Farm
Pumpkin patch, hay rides, corn maze and more! 468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020 518-884-8168 www.ellmsfarms.com
Bowman Orchards
Pick your own and picked apples, raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, cider, donuts and farm animals too! 141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford NY, 12148 518-371-2042 www.bowmanorchards.com
Lindsey’s Idyllwood Orchard
Apple picking, cider, cider donuts, baked goods. 267 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford, NY 12148 518-371-5785 www.lindseyscountrystore.com
Devoe’s Rainbow Orchards
Apple picking, baked goods, and Rainbow Delights, their ice cream shop is open April-October. 1569 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065, 518-371-8397 www.devoesorchards.com
30-40 Minutes from Saratoga Liberty Ridge Farm
One of the area’s largest corn mazes, barnyard adventure, pumpkin picking, trolley ride, cow train and more family fun. 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 518-664-1515 www.libertyridgefarmny.com
Eagle Mills
Watch cider being pressed in an antique cider press, take a train ride, participate in a dino dig, and explore the family fun park. Visit the bakery for some pies, cider
donuts and other treats. 383 County Hwy 138 (Off Rt. 29), Broadalbin, New York 12025 518-8838700, www.eaglemillsfun.com
West Mountain Fall Festival
Weekends in October and November Westmtn.net
Riverview Orchard
Apples, bakery, donuts, hayrides are free on weekends. 660 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148-1433 518-371-2174
Engelke Farm
Pumpkin picking, corn maze, haunted hayride, zipline, and animals. Be sure to call ahead for zip line reservations, they fill up quickly! 463 Garfield Rd, Troy, NY 12180 518-478-4939 www.engelkefarm.com
50-60 Minutes from Saratoga Hicks Orchard
Apple picking, wagon rides, hard cider tasting room, cider donuts, and apple wood fired pizza. Plus many family fun activities through the fall! 18 Hicks Road Granville, NY, 518-642-1788 www.hicksorchard.com
Indian Ladder Farms
Pick your own apples, berries and other produce. Visit the farm store and gift shop for a wide variety of decorative and unique items. 342 Altamont Road, Altamont NY, 12009 518-765-2956 www.indianladderfarms.com
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pumpkin Festivals across the northeast Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival Drive Time: It’s the ultimate game of fall one-upmanship. Held 3 Hours at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, the Pumpkin
Chuckin’ Festival challenges kids and adults to build a better trebuchet: a modern version of the medieval catapult. Spectators watch pumpkins soar…and smash. But for competitors, this is a serious intellectual exercise. Last year’s champ launched a pumpkin 521 feet. Low-cost entry and admission fees support the Lamoille Family Center. And a chili cook-off gives Stowe-area restaurants a chance to compete for glory, too. September 28, 2014. Vtpumpkinchuckin.blogspot.com
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Drive Time: Lines can be long at Providence, Rhode Island’s under Rodger Williams Park Zoo, but the artistry on display 3 Hours will mesmerize you. This isn’t simply an outdoor
gallery of 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns (some 125 of which are intricately etched); special effects transform zoo pathways into a Halloween fantasyland. Artisan carvers from Passion for Pumpkins whittle rinds throughout the show’s run to keep the display fresh. Nightly, October – November 2, 2014. rwpzoo.org.
Pumpkintown USA Your GPS won’t recognize Pumpkintown, Connecticut,
Drive Time: but keep your eyes peeled as you drive through 2.5 hours East Hampton on Route 66. When you see adorable
orange-headed beings at the side of the road, you’ve found New England’s most whimsical Halloween attraction. Pumpkintown USA is the rare destination that amuses all ages, even the littlest zomboys and ghouls. And more characters await on a 20-minute hayride. Affordable admission fees benefit the Sandy Peszynski Breast Cancer Foundation. Daily, September 21-October 31, 2014. pumpkintown.com.
Keene Pumpkin Festival For one day a college town in southwestern New
Drive Time: Hampshire becomes the Jack-o-Lantern Epicenter of 2.5 hours the World. Towers are stacked and streets are lined
with glowing faces and ingenious designs. Keene collected Guinness World Records for years following festival’s 1991 founding, but in 2006, a one-time event on Boston Common captured the crown. Then…after a tense, hushed moment, jack-o-lantern jubilation erupted once again when Keene mayor Kendall Lane announced 2013’s total had finally squashed Boston’s record. Your carving skills can help Keene hold its title tight. October 18, 2014. pumpkinfestival2011.org. 170 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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Even More
FAMILY Events Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14
t
2014 Insane Inflatable 5K Run Ellms Family Farm 468 Charlton Road Ballston Spa, 9 a.m.
The Insane Inflatable 5K is coming to your neck of the woods! Get ready to experience the most fun, wild and insane obstacle run in the world. Get “pumped up” for a course filled with the world’s largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever produced. Here’s your chance to be a kid at heart, but insane by choice. For more information visit insaneinflatable5k.com/easternnew-york/.
Saturday, September 20
Family Fun Day Celebrating the City Center’s 30th Birthday
Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fun for the whole family, for the entire day! Start at the Farmers’ Market and see a Kids Cook Off, climb the National Guard’s rock wall, bounce in a house, ride a pony, interact with a petting zoo, explore public service emergency vehicles and meet service personnel, listen to popular tunes, create artwork, eat ice cream, bring your blanket and lawn chair to watch Despicable Me 2 on the street at dusk under the open sky! Free and open to the public. Let’s “Bring People Together”!
Sunday, October 12
“The Way We Were” Car Show Front St., Ballston Spa, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stroll the historic Village of Ballston Spa’s Front Street from one end to the other, while checking out a wide variety of cars and trucks and enjoying outdoor barbecues, vendors, and music. Free admission.
Saturday, October 18
The Great Pumpkin Challenge
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. This event features 5K (walk or run) and 10K (run) through the beautiful and historic Saratoga Spa State Park. The day also includes a Fun Run for kids 12 and under. Pre-Registered participants (by 10/1) receive long-sleeved moisture wicking t-shirts. **PLEASE NOTE** Net Chip Timing (5K & 10K begin at the same time), disposable chips/ bibs and NO DAY OF REGISTRATION, shirts are men’s sizes.
Sunday, October 26
Special Olympics rUNDEAD 5K Saratoga Springs State Park 7:30 a.m.
Don’t miss this year’s rUNDEAD! This 5k run in Saratoga Springs State Park will support Special Olympics New York. The obstacles on this run... zombies. For more information contact Michelle mmumma@nyso.org or (518)388-0790 x109. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Fall Festival Saturday 10/25, 10-5 p.m.
Saratoga Downtown Business Association’s 13th Annual... Fall Festival, a celebration of autumn and Halloween, will kick off on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Farmers’ Market with a ribbon cutting and special guests Mayor Joanne Yepsen. The fun will continue all day Saturday throughout downtown Saratoga Springs, including the pumpkin roll down Caroline Street, pumpkin decorating, face painting, cupcake decorating, traveling magicians, “Sparkles” the Stilt Juggler, a costume parade, clowns, and fun games and trick or treat candy at many of the stores and restaurants.
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The event finishes with an exciting Costume Parade starting at 4:00pm at Forno Bistro, 541 Broadway that begins in the parking lot and proceeds down Broadway. The Parade ends at the Congress Park Carousel where the Department of Public Works has donated their time so all the kids can take a Carousel ride for free! Watch the festival schedule grow day by day at: www.saratoga.com Photos by Susan Farnsworth
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Adirondack Museum THE ADIRONDACK MUSEUM The Adirondack museum is open for it’s 57th season this year. With Blue Mountain rising behind it and Blue Mountain Lake sparkling below, the Adirondack Museum’s vast campus features displays in 22 modern exhibition galleries and historic buildings. There are lush grounds and sweeping views. The exhibitions tell the unique story of the Adirondacks and its people. You will explore topics ranging from boating to logging, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids, too. For more information about the Adirondack Museum, call (518) 352-7311 email info@adirondackmuseum.org or visit www.adkmuseum.org. Open daily through October 13th 174 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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A Weekend Roadtrip
Burlington VERMONT
to
By Chelsea DiSchiano, Photos by Jessica Kane
Another year has come and gone, and fall is upon us once again! It’s hard to believe it’s already here—after last year’s brutal winter, this summer seemed to pass by even more quickly than usual, but it brings us to another beautiful fall here in Upstate New York. Last fall, I was lucky enough to be assigned to the “Roadtrip to Manchester, Vermont” piece to explore the area and see what kind of fun activities are just across our state lines, it was so much fun that I was thrilled when I was chosen to do it again this year to visit Burlington, Vermont. I packed up my suitcase and notebook and got our amazing creative director/ photographer extraordinaire, Jess Kane, to come with me to help document the trip. We left on a sunny Friday afternoon and had a weekend jam-packed with fun activities—from a dinner at the renowned Hotel Vermont, to a Segway tour on the Lake Champlain waterfront, a visit to the Ben and Jerry’s factory, to exploring a bed and breakfast treehouse, to the historic Shelburne Museum, and plenty more in between. Jess and I had an absolute blast exploring Burlington. There is so much to do, plenty of history to discover, and a great nightlife and overall atmosphere! I hope you enjoy reading about our trip as much as we enjoyed being there, and perhaps this will inspire you to take your own trip with friends or family for a fun weekend getaway! Happy Traveling, ~Chelsea
Church Street in Burlington is such a great place to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com be! Day or Night. But we liked the nightlife best!
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Hotel Vermont/ Juniper Restaurant
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“ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
...a lemon ginger martini. This martini was made with two ounces of Green Mountain lemon vodka, fresh lemon juice, ginger simple syrup and fresh pepper.
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After a two-and-a-half hour drive to Burlington, it was safe to say I was starving. We had reservations at Juniper, the restaurant in Hotel Vermont. Needless to say, my expectations were beyond exceeded. We were given our own little tasting of some of the restaurant’s finest cocktails by our bartender, Nick, the first of which was called “Farmer’s Tan.” The Farmer’s Tan was their version of a dirty martini, made with your choice of either gin or vodka and mixed with house-made pickle juice. The rim was also wiped with pickle and then sprinkled with 180 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
a dehydrated veggie rim full of tasty spices. It was quite possibly the smoothest martini I’ve ever had, and the garden salt rim was amazing. The Juniper salt, prominent pickle flavor and the gin counteracted the many spices on the rim for an overall amazing cocktail. Our photographer Jess, whose favorite drink is a dirty martini, will possibly never be satisfied by another one again after trying this one! I would only suggest the next drink, called the Pocketknife, to those who are adventurous and love—and I mean, really love—spicy flavors. The Pocketknife is made with jalapeños and red chili peppers (one of the hottest out there),
along with a house-made raspberry or strawberry-like juice, with a red orange liquor and ginger. The drink tastes great and has quite the after-kick. Try it, if you dare! Our third cocktail was a lemon ginger martini. This martini was made with two ounces of Green Mountain lemon vodka, fresh lemon juice, ginger simple syrup and fresh pepper. The drink was sweet and savory but with enough peppery spice at the finish to balance the combination out. Now, I promise we’re not alcoholics—but we did try a fourth cocktail! The final cocktail of the evening was called “The Meeting of the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Elders” and consisted of Dunc’s Mill elderflower rum, St. Germaine, lemon juice, cucumber, and orange flavors. I was going to try and pick a favorite drink, but after thinking it over I simply can’t decide because they were all so delicious and unique. On to the food: We ordered two appetizers. The first was a plate of Heirloom tomatoes, fried burrata, and basil gastrique. The cheese was sweet and blended so perfectly with the juicy tomatoes that it was almost impossible to put the fork down. But alas, we had another appetizer to try. The second appetizer was a plate of grilled veggies in romesco sauce, served with hummus. The vegetables were grilled to perfection and being a huge fan of hummus, believe me when I say it was the best hummus I’ve ever had. If for some reason you’re wary of hummus or have never tried it, I would strongly suggest taking a visit to Juniper for your first taste. I told Jess that I would order a halfton of it to take home with me if I could! For our main course, we decided to go a little lighter by ordering sandwiches. I went with the smoked turkey sandwich, complete with leaf lettuce, clothbound cheddar cheese and the most delicious tomato bacon jam, which added a whole new level to my idea of a turkey sandwich. The meat itself was cut into thick, mouthwatering slices and tasted so fresh. Jess ordered the hot press porchetta, which had pickles, mustard and farmhouse jack. Her sandwich also was packed full with fresh shaved pork and the housemade pickles added the extra flavor to put it beyond a normal porchetta sandwich. In addition to the amazing meal and cocktails, the waitstaff was friendly and helpful, and our bartender Nick was especially helpful in answering questions and telling us about the menu items. Much of the foods served at Juniper are farmto-plate and ingredients from local farms and communities are used, even in the drinks! Overall, the entire experience was fantastic and I will now recommend Juniper/Hotel Vermont as a must-eat-at restaurant. Daily breakfast is served from 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. during the week and 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. on weekends, while lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with brunch on weekends. Dinner is served from 5 – 10 p.m. with a late night menu available 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. Visit www.hotelvt.com to see a full menu or call (802) 651-5027.
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Chelsea and Owner Rick Sharp
Burlington Segway Tour It was a pleasantly warm and sunny morning in downtown Burlington, and I nervously strapped on my helmet. I hadn’t worn one in years, but due to my clumsy nature and natural ability to fall at any moment, I knew it was necessary for my safety. I patted my helmet as I approached employee Claire Madden, who stood awaiting me with a Segway. 182 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
Yes, I was about to take my very first Segway tour. If you don’t know, Segways are a means of transportation invented in 1999 and unveiled to the public in 2001. It’s an electric, two-wheeled, selfbalancing transportation device—operated by balancing your feet from your heels to toes: pushing forward when you want to accelerate, and leaning back on your
heels when you want to slow down or stop the Segway. The ones we used were able to accelerate up to 12 miles per hour. Segways are commonly used for city tours and mall cops and security guards, so I had never used one before. As they say, there’s a first time for everything! As a natural born people-pleaser and perfectionist, I was determined to conquer saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
the Segway and become the star of our class. After we watched a safety and demonstration video, our small group of tour participants was given a hands-on training session in the parking lot led by our tour leader and Segway expert, Rick Sharp, with the help of our other guide, Claire. We all started off a little shaky, but the Segway is actually pretty manageable once you get the hang of balancing! We zig-zagged throughout the lot until we were all comfortable enough to roam the streets of downtown Burlington. “Let’s form a single file line as we leave,” Rick said. “Chelsea, you can be in the front.” “I did it!” I thought to myself. “I’m the star pupil!” As I gloated to the secondbest Jess, we took off on the streets to the waterfront of Lake Champlain, where our extremely knowledgeable guide Rick told us the history of how Burlington came to be due to commerce on the waterfront. Rick himself actually spent years working to preserve the waterfront from being taken over by hotels, and his stories are interesting and will surely make you appreciate the value of the waterfront. We continued to glide through the waterfront park and bike path as Rick and Claire pointed out historical structures and sites. We also got to hear about Champ, the mythical creature of Loch Ness fame in Lake Champlain! We rode by a statue of “Champ”, and saw plenty of drawings and other “sightings” of Champ throughout the tour. We got to take a break at a dock on the lake—turns out, all that balancing is actually a bit of a leg workout! Jess and I had to take a picture with the beautiful saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
scenery and she got some great shots on her own of the lake and mountains. We headed back to the headquarters through Old Town Burlington, which was a fun ride. The city of Burlington is beautiful and historic, and the Segway tour was a fantastic way to see it all in a timely fashion and great guides. Rick and Claire both proved their knowledge of Burlington and were helpful in training us to use the Segways and guiding us through downtown. The tour was so much fun, and by the end of it I felt I had a grasp on both the Segway and downtown Burlington! If you’re a history buff or just want to try out the Segway while checking out some great views, be sure to reserve a spot on a tour by Burlington Segways on your next visit. They offer one-hour or two-hour tours, both of which begin at the office located at 277 Pine Street. The one-hour tour begins at Perkins Pier, the birthplace of Burlington, and proceeds up the bike path to ECHO and the boathouse, Waterfront Park and the fishing pier. The two-hour tour begins with all of the one-hour tour activities but also proceeds into downtown Burlington, visiting the birthplace of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, the Church Street Marketplace and University of Vermont before returning to the Segway shop via Main Street. One-hour tours are available at: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and two-hour tours are available at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. To reserve a spot, call (802) 489-5113 or email burlingtonsegways@comcast.net. You can also visit their website at www.burlingtonsegways.com.
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Just south of Burlington sits a small and charming town called Waterbury. Deep within the woods of Waterbury sits an even more charming bed and breakfast: Moose Meadow Lodge. Self-described as “Central Vermont’s Only Luxury Log Home B&B,” the Moose Meadow Lodge sits on a whopping 86 lush acres of land, purchased by innkeepers Willie Docto and Greg Trulson in 1996. The pair spent two years restoring and adding onto the alreadybuilt home before officially opening the B&B in 1998. The new and improved lodge was worth the wait. Jess and I arrived at the B&B Saturday afternoon and were greeted warmly by co-owner Willie Docto, who invited us in for a tour. As soon as we walked in, we were immediately struck by the cozy atmosphere and awed at the sheer amount of décor on the walls. Every kind of fish, animal, and bird we could think of were mounted on the walls, with framed photos and antique objects hanging between. Among the more unique animals mounted throughout the entry rooms of the lodge were a stuffed bear cub that was actually found and shot on the property; a huge water buffalo from Uganda; a mountain lion, and plenty of large fish and fish replicas. There’s even a ram that was actually shot back in 1914 with Teddy Roosevelt that Willie and Greg found at an antique shop years ago. Another amazement found in the lodge is the entire kitchen in itself. Everything is made of maple butternut and birch woods from locally sourced materials and artisans, while the countertops are made of absolute black granite tops, with no grains or sparkles, sourced from either South Africa or India. Even the sinks are made from rock from the foundation of the original house as Greg and Willie were restoring it. The chandelier goes along with the wooden theme, built completely with wood and shaped to look like deer antlers. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Everything in the kitchen is also built to be camouflaged and in the same likeness—we thought the fridge and dishwasher were just parts of the walls until Willie pulled them open to reveal what they really were! The lodge has four rooms for guests, all with different themes and stowed privately away to offer guests their own secluded areas: The Teddy Bear room, a corner room with a Queen bed and a variety of stuffed bears and miniature bears; the Creel Room, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
filld with antique fishing creels, fly rods and other fishing-related items adorn the Creel Room with its king size bed, down pillows, and twig night tables; the Duck Room, filled with duck decoys, duck calls, duck photos, and other duck adornings—plus a screen door to a private screened in porch area; and finally, the Mountain View Room, which has amazing views of Hunger Mountain and the Worcester Range. The private bathroom has a huge skylight with views of the treetops.
“We try as much as possible to make this feel not like a hotel, but like you’re visiting family,” Willie said. “Everyone is free to use the space as they please and put food in the fridge or even cook if they want, which is very different from a normal bed and breakfast. We want this to feel more like home.” We then ventured out of the main lodge to see our inner childhood dream come true: the real, live treehouse available for guests to stay in—and so popular, it has to be booked up to 16 months in advance. FALL 2014 | Si mply Saratoga | 187
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Everything about the treehouse is magical.
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The treehouse is nested far enough from the main lodge to feel completely private, and overlooks a scenic pond stocked with trout amongst the trees. The treehouse is made completely of wood, including the stairs and black locust wooden railings—all woodworking was done by Eyrich Stauffer of Stauffer Woodworking—and has a whopping 31 windows throughout. “Even when you’re inside, it makes you feel like you’re really in the woods,” Willie said. The first floor of the treehouse features a living and dining area on the first floor with an expansive wrap-around deck. Though it has an antique feel, the structure actually has electricity, a water heater and plumbing. The second-story bedroom features a custom-made queen size bed, while the balcony provides a high perch to take in the surrounding trees. The newly-built bathroom on the first-floor deck includes a custom sink made from a rock on the property. The water from the sink runs down to the bottom of the tree to feed the tree every time you wash your hands! The shower’s curtain rod is even made out of wood, and the toilet is a high-tech electric incinerating toilet, meaning whatever is put in the toilet’s liner is moved down to a small tank after every flush and burns the remains in an eco-friendly manner. Everything about the treehouse was magical, and if your inner child is thrilled by outdoor adventures such as staying in a real treehouse, be sure to visit Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury! Though the main lodge is open yearround, the treehouse is only open from the end of May to the beginning of November and is available for one, two, or three-night stays. For full room rates for the treehouse and the main lodge, visit www.moosemeadowlodge.com or call (802) 244-5378.
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Shelburne Museum
If you’re a history buff, I would highly suggest you visit Shelburne Museum at least once in your life! Founded in 1945 and consisting of 25 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that were each relocated to the site, the Museum is an amazing source of history with houses, barns, a meeting house, a one-room schoolhouse, a lighthouse, a jail, a general store, a covered bridge, and the 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga. Walking around the grounds, it actually feels like you are in the middle of an old village, as all of the buildings have the 192 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
unique historic New England architecture, surrounded by a landscape that includes over 400 lilacs, a circular formal garden, a small pond, herb and heirloom vegetable gardens, and perennial gardens. According to the Museum, the Ticonderoga steamboat was actually built in Shelburne in 1906 and operated as a day boat on Lake Champlain, serving ports along the New York and Vermont shores, until 1953. In 1955, the Ticonderoga was moved two miles overland from the lake to Shelburne Museum in a “remarkable engineering effort that stands as one of the great feats of
maritime preservation.” Today, the Ticonderoga represents life on board in 1923. The ship’s carved and varnished woodwork, gilded ceilings, staterooms, grand staircase, and dining room recall the old-fashioned elegance of steamboat travel. Visitors may explore the Ticonderoga’s massive engine, four decks, pilot’s house, galley, and crew’s quarters. It is truly a sight to see! We also got to take a look inside the Meeting House, which portrays an early American community space and served saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
that warned drivers of the 15 mile per hour speed limit! It’s hard to imagine driving that slow everywhere in the present-day. All in all, the Shelburne Museum was extremely interesting and another great place to visit in Vermont. Enjoy!
as a site for performances, weddings, and meetings. Your mind wanders back to imagine how the people of those small towns and villages would meet there for so many special occasions. Another interesting site was the Covered Bridge, originally built in Cambridge, Vermont as a two-lane covered bridge in 1845. The 168-foot bridge has two vehicle lanes and a footpath. The roof protects it from severe weather and adds structural stability, and the enclosed sides shielded farm animals from distracting views. A funny thing to see was the sign next to the bridge saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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A Morning Cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III May 3, 2002 marked the inaugural sail of the Spirit of Ethan Allen III, Lake Champlain´s largest cruise ship. The Spirit III, 140´ long and with a 33´ beam, accommodates 363 passengers, and is one of Vermont´s largest banquet facilities. The ship was built in 1997 in Salisbury, Maryland, and is powered by two Detroit Diesel engines, navigating at an average speed of seven knots. Lake Champlain is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. after the five Great Lakes and is believed to have the best collection of historic shipwrecks in North America, so our photographer Jess and I knew we had to take an outing on the lake before we left Vermont Sunday morning. 194 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
It was a beautiful, breezy day and absolutely perfect for a cruise around Lake Champlain. The views from the waterfront alone are amazing, but actually being out in the middle of the lake on top of a cruise boat was very surreal. The brunch meal itself was amazing: a grand buffet, filled with chef-carved baked ham in a warm Hawaiian sauce, ButtermilkThyme Drop Biscuits and herb-cream gravy, Huevos Rancheros (eggs layered with salsa, Cabot cheddar, sour cream and black beans in a crisp tortilla shell, a Belgian waffle station, seasonal fruit salad, home fry potatoes, scrambled eggs, sausage, a salad bar and a Chef’s assortment of desserts and pastries. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
We were told all the food is cooked on board the boat by an executive chef who has been with the Spirit for four years. “He makes all kinds of sauces and gourmet food,” Captain Bob Gosson revealed. “And all of it is made here—it’s not brought on board like most other boats do with their food.” After brunch was served, we were all allowed to mill about the different levels of the boat and view the lake from different points. Many people gathered at the front section of the boat and sat at tables as they took in the breathtaking views. We went up to the Captain’s wheel for a conversation about his time on the cruise ship. Captain Bob Gosson sat at the wheel with engineer Wilson Tucker by his side, who told us about the technical aspects of the boat (it runs on two 12-cylinder generators with diesel fuel) as we continued our sail. Captain Gosson previously spent two years working on the Mohican in Lake George among many other stints on cruise boats like the Spirit. I asked the Captain if he had ever had any sightings of Champ, the mythical lake creature of Lake Champlain, but he laughed and shook his head no. He drives the ship several times a day, often working 14-hour days, but still hasn’t spotted the iconic Champ. “However, you never know—the lake is 427 feet deep at one point, so I’m not going to rule it out!” He exclaimed. The Spirit of Ethan Allen III offers a brunch cruise, lunch cruise, themed dinners, a sunset cruise and dinner cruise, along with rentals by small groups and wedding parties. Prices are available online at www.soea.com. We had an amazing time on the boat—the food was delicious, the views were breathtaking, the Captain knowledgeable and friendly, and it was overall a relaxing and refreshing experience. Don’t go to Burlington without taking an outing on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III—it’s worth it, I promise! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour We couldn’t visit Burlington without taking a trip down to the Ben and Jerry’s headquarters for a factory tour! If you’ve never been, I would definitely suggest taking the family over for a day of fun—besides the actual factory tour, Ben and Jerry’s has plenty to offer: a giant picture of Ben and Jerry with cutout holes for you to put your faces in, tables and tents with face painting and tie-dye t-shirt stations, and of course an ice cream shop with all the flavors made right there at the headquarters. The long line is worth the wait! The tour itself was interesting and fun. The first thing we did was watch a video on a projector screen, detailing how Ben and Jerry came together to start their ice cream company and the road from becoming a small ice cream shop in Vermont to a worldwide phenomenon. The video also explained how Ben and Jerry’s operates today with a mission to create quality ice cream and increase company growth while adding value to local communities and maintaining its eco-friendly status. After the video, we proceeded to tour the room above their production facility where they physically make all the ice cream flavors. Though the facility wasn’t active that day, we still got to 196 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
see the machinery and learn the process of how each flavor is made. It’s pretty technical so I won’t go into detail, but if you’re into science and mechanics then be sure to book yourself a tour so you can learn how Ben and Jerry’s does it!
After the production room, we went downstairs to the “Flavor Lab,” where scientists work to create and test out new ice cream flavors. We got a sample of Better Than Chai ice cream, a malt made with cinnamon and ginger spices. Delicious! With that, the tour ended and we were free to mill about the grounds of the gigantic headquarters. In the back of the building, there’s a trail that leads up to the “Flavor Graveyard,” a makeshift graveyard with tombstones for all the ice cream flavors Ben and Jerry’s invented but found no popularity, and thus were forced to be taken off the shelves. Oh, well—more room for the awesome flavors on the shelves! The entire tour was a lot of fun and is the perfect activity for a day-trip for some family fun. Make sure to go on an empty stomach so you can eat all the ice cream your heart desires! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
WORTH NOTING: This event didn’t make it into our summer “Gala Section” but it’s too good of a cause to not mention! Community Hospice of Saratoga will hold its Nineteenth Annual
“Touched By An Angel” fund-raiser
Thursday, October 16th at The National Museum of Dance, Saratoga Springs. 6:00 pm. – 8:30 p.m. Two complimentary champagne stations, one cash bar, and two Saratoga Water stations will be available. There will be 20 delicious food stations to choose from and ornaments for sale at our Memory Tree. Over 125 local restaurateurs, florists and businesses have generously donated elegant hors d’oeuvres, food stations, chocolate fountain, volunteers, and decorations towards this spectacular event. A nostalgic Photo Booth, courtesy of Saratoga Photobooth Company, will be available for guests to take home a commemorative event photo. All proceeds raised from this event will be used to support Community Hospice patient and family care, and programs and services in Saratoga County. Tickets ($75.00 each) may be purchased ahead of time, or at the door the night of the event. For more information, please call 581-0800.
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Editor’s Choice
WHAT: The Iron Roost WHERE : 36 Front Street, Ballston Spa WHY: Great service, exposed brick, and comfort food. . . What’s not to love?! 198 | Si m ply Saratoga | FALL 2014
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