A Saratoga TODAY Publication
SARATOGA
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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
Complimentary Spring 2015
See pages 52 - 57 & 104 - 105
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SARATOGA
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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director Alyssa Jackson Advertising Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Graphic DesignERS Amy Gifford Shawn Lockwood Alyssa Jackson
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Writers Neil Benjamin Jr. Peter Bowden Jenna Burger Helen Edelman Megan Harrington Charlie Kuenzel Stephanie Hale Lopez Chelsea Hoopes Silver Meghan Lemery Fritz Dave Patterson Jamie Parillo Megin Potter Dan Romand Carrie Rowlands Johnson Jordana Turcotte
Photographers Mark Bolles Alice Corey Rob Spring 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 © 2015, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.
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from the editor SARATOGA
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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
S PRING 2 015
This issue kicks off the countdown of the Centennial Activities celebrating the city of Saratoga Springs’ 100th birthday! See page 104 and get out your calendar - you will not want to miss any of these events. In conjunction with the city ’s 100th birthday, more coming so stay tuned. High Rock Spring is being re-drilled so the waters will flow again… see page 52 to read about how instrumental this spring was to the development of our fine city. We have two new features this month… a look at SARATOGA FAMILIES, and we are chatting with none other than Kate Roohan Naughton. See page 34 to TRY to figure out how she does it all! …and we are debuting the first of our seasonal photography spreads, see page 110 to experience LIFE in Saratoga.
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This issue brings back our annual BOATING section, where we get to look at beautiful pictures of the great bodies of water we have within driving distance …and dream of warmer days! See page 89 to start planning your summer water activities. And speaking of ACTIVITIES… I LOVE how many fundraisers we have going on this time of year (Save the Date, page 102) this community is AWESOME, as my daughter would say, and yes, I’m sure we all agree! Did you know that a nationally syndicated TV show was filmed not too far from here recently? Read how National Geographic’s BUILDING WILD helped local maple producer, Wild Hogs Sugar Shack get some new digs. Page 108 One last thing… When I was putting together Saratoga BRIDE, I couldn’t get over how many of the women had tattoos. Beautiful, elaborate tattoos, with stories to tell. Check out page 41 for a glimpse into the local tattoo industry. We hope you enjoy this issue and I must close with a thank you to our advertisers… without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide these beautiful publications, free of charge, to our thousands of readers… please, mention us by name when visiting them : )
Here’s to warmer days - Chris
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CONTRIBUTORS Neil Benjamin jr.
Neil has made his career as a sportswriter and editor. On the side, he expresses his deep love of live music by traveling the country, seeing music festivals, Phish concerts and anything having to do with the Grateful Dead, and sharing these experiences in music magazines. He will even tell you a set of cringeworthy corny jokes over a Lagunitas IPA, before ranting about the New York Yankees.
Peter Bowden
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.
JENNA BURGER
Jenna Burger is a local Interior Designer, Blogger, Bargain Hunter, and avid DIYer who strives to inspire and empower others with her high-end look for less design approach. She shares daily inspiration and DIY projects on her blog, and delivers smart, stylish, and sophisticated design solutions to fit the needs and visions for each client’s space. Visit Jenna at www.jennaburger.com
Helen Edelman
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.
Megan HARRINGTON
Megan is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including national magazines, local newspapers, and websites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys training for marathons and coaching fellow runners. After spending the previous seven years in New York City, Megan and her husband recently relocated to Saratoga Springs and are loving their new community at the base of the Adirondacks.
Meghan Lemery FRITZ
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 Potter
Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.
Carrie ROWLANDS JOHNSON
Carrie Rowlands Johnson is a former TV News reporter for Fox News. She is a freelance writer and blogger. Read more of her work at Carowlands.wix.com/ carrie-rowlands
STEPHANIE HALE-LOPEZ
Dan Romand
Stephanie is a bilingual journalist with more than four years of experience in the news industry in both broadcast and print. A former TV reporter, Stephanie joined the Saratoga TODAY team in July of 2014. She and her husband moved to New York from Idaho with their dog, Mia, and are happy to call Saratoga their new home.
Dan is a certified personal trainer and Yoga instructor as well as co-owner with his wife Laurie of Full Circle Fitness-NY. The staff at FCFNY believe that anyone can improve their fitness level and make their daily life more enjoyable. They specialize in working with the morbidly obese and showing them through lifestyle changes how to not just lose weight safely and effectively but keep it off.
Chelsea Hoopes Silver
JORDANA TURCOTTE
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 design-oriented 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.
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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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SARATOGA
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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE
A GOOD READ
SPRING 2015
CONTENT
14 Restaurant Feature - Duo 20 Firearms... From a Woman’s Perspective 34 Saratoga Families - The Naughtons 36 Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria 41 Body Art
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HEALTH & WELLNESS 48 Meghan Lemery Fritz 50 Dan’s Fit Tips
110
HISTORY & LORE 52 High Rock Spring
HOME & GARDEN 60 Carriage House Chronicles 68 Jordana Turcotte 70 Peter Bowden 76 Jenna Burger Design
Fashion Pages 79 - 87
89
60
108
Seasonal 89 Boating 102
Save the Date
104
Centennial Preview
106 Maple Weekend 108
Building Wild...In our area!
41
Life in Saratoga Pages 110-113
EDITOR’S CHOICE 114 Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Tea
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Cover photo by Mark Bolles!
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DUO
Modern Japanese Cuisine By Helen Edelman, Photos by SaratogaPhotographer.com
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Duo. You might think it refers to a lucky twosome out for dinner, but the name of the restaurant signifies the fusion of Asian and American foods, the two parts creating more than the sum of their whole.
Y
ou might want Beef Yaki Udon (fried Japanese noodles, thick, smooth and white, with beef and mixed vegetables ($12), or, you may be in the mood for Mushroom Black Risotto, a dreamy, creamy delight ($10). Maybe you’ve come in for Angry Dragon Roll -- shrimp tempura and avocado roll, topped with spicy King Crab with orange edamame sauce ($13), but, once you’re in the door, you get an unanticipated craving for mashed potatoes ($5). Either way, Duo can accommodate you. And, you’ll always benefit from another, subtler “duo” – great, imaginative food blended with excellent service. You can’t taste those intangibles, but their presence enhances the experience. So, a jaunty Simply Saratoga Publisher Chad Beatty, his indefatigable wife, Kim, and their dry-humored son, Keegan, arrive on time on a Sunday, straight from Keegan’s
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music recital in Malta. Chad starts off by showing me a cellphone video of Keegan blowing into his horn. It’s impressive and I am transfixed, because the instrument is almost as big as the boy. A modest Keegan smiles, but he is never one to boast – he’s just sort of enjoying being the center of attention (in a good way) and impatient to have a double order of edamame -- soybeans in the pod, steamed and served with salt. I agree with him that these are excellent; without fanfare, he eats the double order ($5 per bowl). Again, I am impressed. Chad, Kim and I are interested in food, though not starved, since it is early, because you know how it is when you come to a restaurant famished and start ordering too much of this, that and those. Wait! We DID order this, that and those anyway. It’s hard to pass up Tuna Tartar ($12) in favor of Lemongrass Chicken Soup ($6), so we get
both. Again, it all disappears. Kim goes with the Seafood Bisque ($8) and is glad she did -- I can tell from the contented silence and steady sound of the spoon. We are all secretly hankering to lick our plates when the next course comes out, exactly on time, and saves us from making fools of ourselves. It’s just hard to leave behind a morsel. Oh, oh, oh – I forgot to mention the lovely steamed hand towels that the impeccably polite and attentive server provides in advance of the main course, so we can warm up our hands and make sure any errant stickiness has been wiped away. We love this particular tradition. Usually Chad and I have “friendly disagreements” (i.e., agree to disagree) across the table. He comes from point A at an issue, I inevitably come from point B -- we would never, ever, ever vote the same way. Moreover, neither of us is ever neutral, but
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today we are agreeing on some serious global topics that somehow just seem outright, unquestionably true – the need, for example, to address ISIS aggressively; the arrogance of legislators, who think they are above the law (names are named); how tired we are of the weather. Kim and Keegan discuss the challenges and rewards of home schooling, which the Beattys have chosen for their son. Chad and I bore everybody else by talking about nit-picky proofreading techniques and then I go on and on and on about my new granddaughter, who made an appearance in late January. Chef and owner Wilfred greets us at our table and is eager to talk about the restaurant, which had a slow start four years ago, but which has revved up since and is continuing to reel in regulars, now that people have tuned in to realize that Duo offers amazing food at reasonable prices, as well as a relaxed and friendly ambiance, off-street parking just minutes from the heart of downtown and plenty of comfortable seating. That’s why, increasingly -- in addition to choosing Duo as a destination for intimate têtes-a-têtes, friendly lunches, casual drinks (summers on the outdoor patio too!!!) or Happy Hour, Monday-Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m., and Sunday all day, with selected beverages and appetizers at special prices – people are hosting large parties at the restaurant, including corporate luncheons and dinners, holiday festivities, engagement and anniversary parties, even a Sweet Sixteen (the party room can accommodate, literally, hundreds, or there are more informal spaces for smaller, cozy groups and Duo is happy to arrange a DJ). I, myself, organized a Farewell for Winter there, for a favorite friend who flees the snow for the welcoming sun of Texas every winter. I plan to host a similar Welcome Home for her in May. Duo is also growing its catering division – and serves the only sushi permitted at the Saratoga Racetrack, as well as pleasing its fans with an
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active take-out business. (I have Duo on speed dial – it is not unusual for me to give a call 20 minutes before I take off for the day, drop by for a quick pick up and enjoy dinner at home). For those who prefer, there’s efficient online ordering. Also, if you’re meeting friends, you can just say “sushi and sashimi for four (or six, or whatever)” and when you get there, it’s ready, featuring the chef’s thoughtful selection of fishes. A word on the parties – there are some exceptionally reasonable per-person packages for group mixers. If you’re thinking about a gathering and where to do it, check it out at http://duo-japanese. com/p/plan-your-party. What are you waiting for? The Beattys and I met up for dinner, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention lunch, which is the best-kept secret in town. You can get a bento box for $13 that has enough food for two meals, if you’re eating light, but at least a meal and a half, with choices from many categories, including a sushi or vegetable roll, as well as soup or salad, an appetizer and an entrée. If you’re not in that mood, there are other choices and combinations, with lots of flexibility. This is a restaurant where the owner encourages diners to design their own meals – with guidelines for combinations, yes, but not the strict boundaries some places have that make you give up and order a la carte. If you’ve read this far, you’re interested, so I’ll point out that the sushi and sashimi are, in my humble opinion, as fresh as you can get in the area, and you can go with creative hand rolls, all with a choice of brown or white rice and wrapped in a seaweed cone (i.e., asparagus, avocado and cucumber; avocado, cucumber and salmon; avocado, cucumber and crabstick); regular sushi rolls with fish and/or vegetable in the center of just-the-right-amount of rice, sliced into six bites; or gorgeous, thin-sliced fish placed carefully on the plate (sashimi, no rice, but feel free to get a bowl on the side). A sampling of sashimi 18 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
includes salmon ($3), eel (cooked) ($3), scallop ($3), salmon roe ($3), octopus ($3), shrimp ($3) and seared tuna ($3). Sushi rolls include such delicious choices as (among many others) salmon and avocado, eel with cucumber, soft-shell crab tempura, sweet potato tempura (SO GOOD!!!), smoked salmon, yellowtail with scallion, tuna with avocado, salmon skin, or peanut avocado. Vegetarian? No problem. If you don’t want fish, you have lots of alternatives. I know, I know, and so does the chef, that some people absolutely refuse to eat raw fish, though cooked is acceptable, and that’s fine at Duo, because the menu is so diverse, but not overwhelming. So, don’t hesitate to come on in. There’s low-sodium soy sauce on your table, too, if that’s a concern for you, for health reasons or simply because you prefer the flavor. Meat, chicken, shrimp? Yes. Either hibachi (my personal favorite), or teriyaki (which used to be my favorite until I was introduced to hibachi). Both come with a variety of perfectly prepared veggies, not gunked up with too much sauce, and brown or white rice. There’s also shrimp and vegetable tempura, again, not overcooked or oily. Crispy and flavorful. Both are top of mind when people think of Japanese food. By the way, there are other Asian foods represented, such as Thai, with Pad Thai, a popular favorite. Do you ever wonder if I get paid to say these nice things? I’ve been asked many times. The answer is no. I say them because they’re true. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine 175 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone: 518-580-8881 Fax: 518-580-8889 duojapanese@gmail.com http://duo-japanese.com Serving lunch Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m; Dinner, Monday-Friday, 5-10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Reservations accepted Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover
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Retired New York City Police Officer, Jessica Ferenczy and the writer, Carrie Rowlands Johnson 20 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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Woman’s ...from the
per specti ve
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A Good Read
by Carrie Rowlands Johnson photos by Alice Corey
The beginner & the instructor
The butt is resting in the meaty part between my chest and my shoulder, just below my collarbone. My cheek rests against the side. One hand is on the right, my pointer finger resting just above the opening surrounding the trigger, careful not to slip down any farther and accidentally discharge the weapon. The other hand is on the pump action, lined up on the left side, my fingers resting just below the barrel. I try to assume the correct position: slightly bent at the waist, body leaning forward, maintaining an aggressive stance, knees slightly bent, bracing myself for the recoil, and focused on keeping my balance. Within seconds, my entire being is heavy 22 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
and weary. Maintaining this pose is as completely unnatural as the feeling of holding this potentially destructive weapon in my hands. I lower my head and close my left eye, peering through the tiny opening at the top of the shotgun, attempting to place the red notch in the middle of it. The mark stays there for a fraction of a second before the rhythm of my breathing unintentionally pulls it first toward one side and then the other. With my heart pounding and my breath escaping my lips in short, shallow gasps, I slide my pointer finger down and place it in the opening. My body
doesn’t hide the fact that I’m nervous, verging on downright scared, but I don’t allow my fear to win. My finger does exactly as it’s been trained, feeling for the trigger and pulling back. I immediately hear what sounds like lighting striking a tree and splitting it in two and I catch the scent of hot metal. Simultaneously, the impact of the powder firing and propelling the bullet through the bore and into the desired target 30 - feet away attempts to hurl me backwards. I resist, stabilizing my balance as I’ve been taught, preventing my back-end from impacting against the hard, frozen ground. I catch my breath, my body reacting as though I have just completed a road race.
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My cheek cries out in painful reaction to the impact as the twelve gauge recoils, but I barely notice because my adrenalin is screaming even louder, pumping exhilaration from the top of my head to the tips of my toes, in large ocean-y waves. I feel powerful. I did not give in to my fear. I now realize this deadly weapon can’t control me. I am in command. All of this, my reward for about four hours of classroom-type private instruction on everything firearms. Jessica Ferenczy is my patient teacher. A retired New York City Police Officer who is now building a campground for injured law enforcement personnel and veterans in the Adirondacks, she has holstered a handgun on her hip for twenty years. She knows what it’s like to walk the fine line between when to fire and when to hold it, one of the first lessons in gun safety. She believes everyone who’s capable, especially women, should own a gun— but stresses the importance of knowing how, when, where, and why to shoot it. “A gun is a great equalizer. If you have a 260 pound linebacker waiting to do you harm in the parking lot of a shopping center, you as a 120 pound woman have no chance of saving your-self… You shouldn’t have to be dependent on other people to save you. You can’t fit a cop in your pocket.” Ferenczy says both handguns and shotguns work for self-defense, depending on where you want to use them. A longer barrel is generally more powerful and makes more sense if you are keeping it in your house. If your goal is to carry it when you are out and about, you would obviously need a handgun. Other reasons women would buy a gun would be for hunting, target shooting, security on the job, and just because it is your constitutional right as an American to “Bear arms.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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In New York State, anyone can own and fire a shotgun but you can’t even hold a handgun without first securing a license, a process that varies county-by-county. In Saratoga County, five hours of approved classroom instruction, a background check, fingerprinting, and pre-selection of your weapon are all requirements in applying for your license. You can call your local sheriff’s department for specific information. No matter which weapon you choose, Ferenczy recommends first going online 24 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
and researching resources like the NRA; S.C.O.P.E., which covers the political and legal information; and “The Well Armed Woman,” which offers a comprehensive look at every aspect of female gun ownership. She also advises attending a safety class, where a good instructor will go over such basics as muzzle control, trigger safety, proper handling, cleaning, and storage. “The biggest thing you need to remember, no matter what, is to always assume a gun is loaded… as long as you know where the muzzle is pointed, assume it is loaded, and in the event of
an accidental discharge, you know you won’t shoot yourself or someone around you because you have muzzle control.” Muzzle control involves always being aware of where the end of the gun is pointed and being very careful to never look into the barrel of a gun, even if you think you are positive it is unloaded. Trigger safety entails never allowing anything to come in contact with the trigger until you are ready to shoot. You ensure that by properly safeguarding your weapon in either a holster on your body or a locked gun safe or storage box. As far as carrying a handgun in saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
your purse, Ferenczy advises against it. “I think if you’re carrying a loaded firearm it should be affixed to your person… you don’t want someone grabbing your purse and now they have your gun… safety is paramount over looking cute… no one is cute with a hole in your chest. I don’t care if you spent 500 bucks on it.” She’s also not a fan of bra holsters, questioning the accessibility and safety should you need to draw your weapon. Police say just last month, a 55-yearold Michigan woman died after shooting herself in the head while adjusting the handgun in her bra holster.
has to have the next, cutest thing. But from my standpoint, I’d rather you be proficient in handling some crappy looking brown thing that’s safer to manipulate, carry, and use.” A decent instructor or reputable gun dealer will help you select the gun that’s best for you, de-pending on your size and motive. They’ll generally have you practice shooting for a few days first. You can buy a box of dummy rounds to use for practice without ever firing a live round. Just remember to keep your training materials separate from the live ammunition and cleaning to help prevent accidents.
Blinged-out, sparkly, colorful weapons are popular with some women, but Ferenczy reminds that guns are weapons, not accessories.
After that, the best way to ensure your gun will do its job in keeping you safe is to practice, practice, practice. Practice loading, practice firing, and practice cleaning.
“Paisley, pink, bejeweled, that’s all great if it’s furthering your interest or everyone
“All guns should always be kept clean and serviceable and readily operable.”
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My face beams with pride as I lower the 12 gauge and set it on the table, giving my aching arms a rest while my instructor reviews my work. It was the first shot I’ve ever taken, but I know it won’t be my last. The exhilaration is addicting. The confidence that I can protect myself and my children if I need to is empowering. Ferenczy seems pleased with my progress. “I think it’s awesome. I think everyone who’s physically and mentally capable of handling the responsibility of gun ownership should have a gun. I would rather be food shopping in a market with one hundred people with a firearm on them than have one perp with a box cutter.” Ferenczy offers private instruction. To arrange a class or ask a question, you can email her at jessferenczy@gmail.com.
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Left to right it is Casie Henderson, Naomi Arens, Michele Hieber, Sherrill McGill and Maisey Loucks.
By Michele Hieber, the Women’s Activities Director for SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club, photos by Mark Bolles
SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club, Greenfield, NY started a league just for women, a little shy of two years ago. With three NRA Certified Instructors they get together on Wednesday evenings for practice shooting of .22LR rifles. Women from 12 to 69 are currently shooting on a regular basis. Most participate in the Winchester/NRA Qualification Programs but it is not required. Targets are supplied and women start out going through the various levels of achievement from Pro-Marksman up to Distinguished Expert. They are not competing against each other, but practicing and learning skills that enable them to see personal achievements 26 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
The Target Shooters as they move up and earn their patches. They are having a lot of fun doing it and learning in a very safe environment. To date, eight women have earned the Distinguished Expert ranking in Light Rifle. A pistol night will be added to the rotation soon! This year we will also host Women on Target events at SaraSpa that are all-day events where beginners can come and learn different shooting disciplines such as rifle, shotgun and pistol. These events are generally very popular and a lot of fun. Seeing these women continually get better and having fun is the most rewarding experience for me and why we do it. Shooting sports are becoming more of a family activity, and we appreciate being able to advance the focus on women in the shooting sports. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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A AGood Good Read Read
By Megin Potter, photos by Mark Bolles
Amanda Ronca made her first bullseye while learning archery at school in third grade. From then on, she stayed focused on learning how to shoot. “She just loves it,” said Amanda’s mother Debbie Ronca. Shooting is a sport that has impacted Amanda’s life beyond the range. Like many others with autism, once she found something that sparked her interest, Amanda immersed herself in all facets of it. Enthusiastically practicing with her father, Jim Ronca, friends and family, today, at 16 years old, Amanda owns a pellet gun, a BB gun, and a .22 rifle. The full-scope of how significant a role the sport has played in her life can be seen by Amanda’s preoccupation with all things camouflage. From the bedding, to the walls her grandfather hand-painted, to clothing and everything in between-it’s all camouflage. Even for her Sweet 16 28 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
The Future Hunter birthday party, Amanda’s gown reflected her interest: it was camouflage too. Liberties with camouflage are paired with disciplined safety precautions when handling the firearms. Amanda’s parents take care to ensure that the guns are not loaded and are locked up when not in use. Amanda is diligent about following the rules and respects that she isn’t allowed to go shooting without adult supervision. In fact, it is the time she gets to spend with her family in the vastness of their hundred-acre property, targetshooting or tagging along on turkey hunts (she’s not old enough to get her own hunting license yet) that really gives this sport such impact. “Her dad has really been supportive… He’s very good with her and makes it a point to bring her and spend that time with her. It’s important for any dad and daughter to have that.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
The Professional by Abby DelGiacco, photo by Mark Bolles
Growing up, I was not exposed to firearms and
it was not until I became a Police Officer that I first fired a gun. I now have a greater appreciation of firearm safety, sensible regulations and a woman’s ability to defend herself. While studying Criminal Justice at the College of Saint Rose, I became interested in a law enforcement career. After interning with the Troy Police Department, I was hired as a Police Officer in 2010. At the Police Academy, I learned to shoot a pistol, rifle, and shotgun, along with firearms safety, legal standards and response under stress. Since then, I have continuously trained and qualified to my department’s standards. Playing ice hockey my entire life as well as other sports, and dedication to fitness has taught me the power of mental and physical toughness. Many times though, people, particularly women, may encounter an assailant who is more powerful or armed with a weapon. Beyond my law enforcement training, I have also learned to defend myself through Kelevra Krav Maga, located in Saratoga Springs. Krav Maga is a selfdefense system that was developed for the military in Israel. Using instruction and high stress, realistic scenarios, Kelevra Krav Maga empowers women by teaching them to defend against both unarmed and armed attackers. Through my training, I am better prepared for dangerous situations that I may encounter. I carry a weapon every day while on patrol, but that is not where it ends. It is my professional duty to act in threatening situations, to always be prepared and ready to use the force necessary to defend others and myself. I hope that no woman ever has to experience a violent encounter with someone intent on harming her. Though if that day ever comes, my wish is for all women to have the confidence and strength to protect themselves and those in their lives from danger. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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A Good Read
By Megin Potter, photos provided
By Megin Potter, photos provided
In the flicker of an instant,
it’s there; blink, and it’s gone. Small and quick, instinct instructs us to catch it. The same instinct resides in the frisky cat pawing at a springy feather, as it does a dog bolting after a rabbit bounding through the grass. As evolution has progressed, those instincts transformed the way we hunt. While no longer needed as an act of survival, there are many disciplines out there that capitalize on these same pintrigger responses while offering rewards at a snap of the fingers. “The fastest growing sport out there is sporting clays,” said renowned firearms expert Lars Jacob. Characterized by clay disks the shape 30 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
A Gun of Her Own of a Frisbee and varying in size from a little larger than a hockey puck down to hummingbird dimensions, sporting clays are catapulted into the air or rolled along the ground while participants poise their shotguns and pull the trigger. With all the excitement and precision required for wild game hunting (especially with Battue clays that fly fast before changing direction and then plunging to the ground), shooters move from station-to-station through a course of 100 targets. It’s a golf course for the shotgunner, said Jacob, and a sport that more and more women are being drawn too. “Shooting is a focus and finesse game, and women excel at focus and finesse,” said Jacob. As Baby Boomers become emptysaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
nesters, women are finding that getting out and shooting is something they can share with their spouses and enjoy with their dogs. Investing in a wellmade gun that can be handed down from generation to generation, while still being used regularly, is another attractive reason to get started. “Sometimes the miss of a target is because you bought a low-end gun,” explained Jacob. There are things built into a gun that make shooting more fun, he said. Because a shotgun uses a plastic shell filled with many small pellets, patternability is worked into the parts of the gun you don’t see to ensure these won’t scatter randomly when shot. The slightest changes in design dimensions can make a big difference when you shoot. “The smallest little hitch in your giddy-up…” Jacob said, trailing off and shaking his head. Then he picked a gun costing thousands of dollars up off the table at the sophisticated Covey & Nye gun library and shop, stretched out his arm and balanced it on one finger. Nationally and internationally known, the gorgeous Covey & Nye is the premier destination for many travelling through the beautiful mountains and for those seeking not just to buy a gun, but to invest in Jacob’s gun wisdom, fitting and instruction. A native Vermonter, Jacob first travelled throughout the country with his father who was an avid hunter and fisherman, experiencing the skills he now eagerly shares with others. “I’m not just a gun salesman; I know the gun trade from every angle. I’m a mentor. People have faith in me because I was out in the field first and I tell them, shooting isn’t a talent you’re born with, it’s something that can be taught and learned.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Over the years, Jacob has used his eagle-eye to help fit thousands of people to their ideal gun. While doing this, he watched as women scrunched down or craned their neck to aim, arched their backs to counteract fatigue from a badly-balanced gun, or strained with their shorter arm length to hold a gun properly to shoot. In 2011, he collaborated with his good friend Al Kondak, Managing Director of Perazzi USA to design and build the Perazzi Ladies Sporter. Taking the dimensions of a woman’s anatomy into account; from cheekbones, to neck
length, to hand size, this gun offers better handling dynamics and a better feel, with softer recoil than other guns on the market.
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“Now, ladies have a gun that feels as lively as a man’s gun. It will make the sport so much more enjoyable for them,” said Jacob. Since its inception, the Perazzi Ladies Sporter has been hugely received, he said. Dealers are carrying it across the country, which allows Jacob to do much of his business online and over the phone. He has a select list of trusted fitters, so each gun can be built to a customer’s unique specifications. “Gun fit is not black magic, but another tool to be the best you can be. Technique is number one, but fit takes you to the next level.” Art form meets with function at Covey & Nye. Whether interested in the guns priced at under $1,000 or the matched pair that features 600 hours of engraving work and are priced at $265,000, or anything in between, visitors are in store for a unique shopping experience. The
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newly expanded showroom located across the street from the luxurious Equinox Resort and Spa is decorated to evoke the atmosphere of a comfortable country estate den. Even for those that have never held a gun, the classic sporting fashions and accessories available at Covey & Nye are of the best quality and offer a timeless wear-ability. Sporting enthusiasts are donning the full attire; a traditional camouflage of tweed jackets, paired with field shirts in heathers and lodens to enjoy the world-class activities in the private setting offered at the Covey & Nye shooting grounds located in Salem, NY. The 1,200 acres on the Dutch River Club preserve serve as host to game hunts as well as a sporting clays course. Stocked with 15,000 birds, sportsmen serve as stewards of the land, ensuring it is used responsibly and maintaining vegetation. This is also where Jacob will give you the one-on-one instruction that has earned him the reputation of being among the best in the country. After hitting what he proclaims to be “bazillions” of targets himself, it is teaching and seeing a student progress that excites him now. “Today I get more of a thrill standing behind them and keeping their head in the game,” he said.
renowned firearms expert Lars Jacob.
Covey & Nye 3566 Main St. Manchester, VT 05254 www.coveyandnye.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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A Good Read
The
Saratoga Families... aughtons. . TChirecaN 2 0 10
W
By Megan Kretz, photos provided
hen I first spoke with Kate Roohan Naughton, it was clear why she’s one of Saratoga’s favorite (and busiest!) residents. While fielding my questions, Kate was also preparing for a client meeting, running errands, and making plans to pick-up her son from college later that day. Five minutes with Kate and you’ll be wondering: How does she do it all? However, it’s clear that everything in her packed schedule is something she loves doing. Kate and her husband are life-long residents of the Spa City and their children, she says, are proud fourth generation Saratogians. Kate spent her early years at St. Clement’s and Saratoga Central Catholic, then attended college at Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland. She eventually moved back to the area and met her husband Michael, whom she affectionately calls “Coach” as a reference to his days coaching softball. Over the years, Kate and Michael added four children to their family. Their eldest, Michael Jr., is a freshman at College of the Holy Cross, Bridget, 17 and Jack, 15 attend Saratoga Central Catholic, and the family’s youngest member, Annie Ryan is in the 6th grade. Last but not least, a 5-year-old Wheaton terrier named Maggie completes the family. With this large brood, you can bet there’s always something going on. “We like to spend time with our kids,” says Kate. “We’re very active in their lives – from
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volleyball to soccer to basketball to odyssey of the minds (and that’s just this weekend’s activities!),” explains Kate. The family also enjoys all of the outdoor activities the region has to offer. “We ice skate, ski, kayak, go camping – we really like to embrace whatever season we’re in,” says Kate. “We come from a big extended family and we really enjoy spending time with each other,” explains Kate. The Naughtons so value family that they built their Wilton home around the corner from Kate’s sister. But beyond their busy home life, Kate and Michael also lead successful careers. Michael, a graduate of Albany Law School, is an attorney for the DEC and Kate is one of Roohan Realty’s top agents. Kate explained that she initially got her broker’s license for a summer job during high school. 31 years later, she says, “It was the best decision I ever made.” Kate deals primarily in residential real estate deals and she says her favorite part of the job is getting to know her clients. “I love meeting new people and learning their needs and wants,” she says. “It’s always interesting because one person’s priorities [when it comes to real estate] aren’t necessarily the same as another person’s. The Naughtons also work hard to give back to the community they love. Michael and Kate are active on Saratoga Catholic’s school board, volunteer for the annual Diabetes Tour de Cure bike race, and partner with Roohan Realty on the Rebuilding Saratoga Together initiative. And every December, the whole family gets involved with Saratoga’s Festival of Trees benefit. From helping out to enjoying everything the city has to offer, it’s easy to see why the Naughtons are one of Saratoga’s iconic families. Kate concludes, “Saratoga is truly a great place to raise a family.” We couldn’t agree more.
“
“
“Saratoga is truly a great place to raise a family.”
...We couldn’t agree more.
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The story behind
Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria
Owners, Anthony Gargano & Brian Brumley Circa 1999- With Brian’s dad, David who’s help was indispensable in the early days. Neither Tony nor Brian could even use a screwdriver back then!
by Neil Benjamin Jr. photos by Mark Bolles
Photo provided.
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As
the two young ladies enjoy their quesadillas while distracting themselves with friendly conversation, a man at the counter, greeted with a warming smile from the front of house manager, orders a club sandwich with the works. A group of high school students take a group selfie, destined for Snapchat, before tearing away at the generously sized heroes that lie in front of them. To the left, a scruffy faced young man reaches into a stainless steel oven, returning with a piping hot pizza pie. As he rolls the cutter through the doughy masterpiece, his face widens with a grin, a playful reaction to his boss’ joke.
The camaraderie is everywhere. It is the best hidden gem of the local dining scene, located off the hustle and bustle of downtown Broadway. Spring Street Deli and Pizzeria was started by a pair of wayward 20-somethings on Dec. 5, 1996, serving up a multitude of items, from the famous chicken soft tacos to sandwiches named after legendary race horses to freshly prepared pizza. For 18 years, Spring Street has filled the bellies of the neighborhood and the collective conscious of its dedicated employees. Brian Brumley, 42, and Anthony Gargano, 40, both graduates of Saratoga Springs High School, were crisscrossing the world in an attempt to find themselves throughout the early 1990s. Both worked on-and-off jobs at local eateries and concessions, building up their resumes in hopes of building a career in the restaurant industry. Fast forward to the present, and Brumley and Gargano have built a profitable business that neither wants to “cash out” of, as it has become a part of each. “[When we started] We had nothing to lose,” Brumley said. “I didn’t have a car, I rode my bike to work. We were working from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, making saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
everything from scratch. There is no cutting corners. We started small, and put every cent back into the business. I have no thoughts of selling.” When both were asked about passing the business along to their children, both were in agreement that it would be wishful thinking that the kids would want to run the restaurant. “Yeah, in a perfect world,” Gargano said. “It’s good they’ll have at least something to fall back on.”
Over the 18 years, not much has changed at the shop. After a year in business, the dynamic duo were able to purchase the building at 132 Spring Street, on their own, and upgraded the infrastructure. And fortunately, they have a solid staff, that’s been with them for years. In keeping with the familiar nature of the deli, Brumley and Gargano said the menu is almost identical from the original one, save for a few additions and subtractions.
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A AGood Good Read Read
The Menu As lifelong horse racing fans, Brumley and Gargano fit right into the fabric of Saratoga. The Saratoga Race Course, a thoroughbred track that is part of the New York Racing Association, is open just 40 days out of the calendar year, starting in late July and ending on Labor Day. During that time, people from all over the region, country and world flock to the city to experience the most unique racing meet in the country. Piggy backing off of the legend that continues to grow every year at the track, the deli feeds the bellies of its customer base with creative sandwiches and wraps inspired by some of the greatest horses to ever grace the flat track. These items are in addition to a breakfast menu, a bevy of appetizers and fresh salads and an extensive pizza list. Some bear the name of actual horses,
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like the Seabiscuit – the horse that captured the awe of fans in the late 1930s – which features blackened chicken topped with bacon and cheddar. The Rachel Alexandra is a straight forward take on the New York deli favorite featuring pastrami or corned beef with sauerkraut and Russian dressing. It’s a mighty fitting sandwich on a board filled dominated by male names, as the female horse became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years when she breezed past the field in 2009. Even Funny Cide, the New York bred gelding who won the hearts of the country and local community by winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown in 2003, has a place amongst the legends. The delicious melding of shaved steak, portabellas and provolone is the perfectly simple pairing for a horse that beat all odds in a year filled with some
of the most promising horses of the decade. “Everything is made from scratch here,” Gargano said. “We roast the beef and turkey each morning, and we spice our cured meats daily. Pairing this freshness with affordability is what we love doing. I’ve had people come up and tell me that they could take their family out to a restaurant and drop $100, $200, but they choose to eat here because they can get the same quality for a fraction of the price.” Horse racing fans will notice other names, such as the Cigar, a cajun chicken breast with bacon and cheddar, the Citation, the deli’s take on a chicken cordon bleu and the Seattle Slew, which has the triple crown winning combination of barbecue chicken, bacon and American cheese. “It’s all very simple, and made to order,” Brumley said. “You can’t really beat the price, and we deliver.” Other favorites, Gargano said, include the Thunder Gluch, the Point Given, the Man o’ War and the Four Star Dave. On the other end of the menu is a listing of all the freshly made pizzas, tacos, soups and even a vegetarian menu. Meaghan Macfarland, the 23-yearold front of house manager, who has already logged eight years there, claims her favorite item off the menu is the vegetarian stir fry “I’m not a vegetarian, but I love it - It’s very good. It’s very Saratoga.” Brumley and Gargano said that anyone who is visiting the restaurant for the first time should try the chicken soft tacos, as it is one of the best-selling menu items. “But I really don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu,” Macfarland said. Soups and chili are made daily with fresh ingredients. Recently, the owners said they have shifted a lot of their attention to the catering menu, which has been around for a few years, but is really just now beginning to get attention from local businesses.
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“We did a party not too long ago where we served almost 400 people,” Gargano said. “It brings us a lot of business.” On the menu is everything from cheese and fruit platters to sandwich and wrap platters. Entrees include lasagna, stuffed chicken, pulled pork, a variety of pasta dishes, gigantic salads and a full dessert selection. Gargano said that trainers and jockeys, as well as celebrities, frequent the restaurant during the Saratoga meet. Some names he dropped were current Louisville coach Rick Pitino and former NBA star Rashad Lewis.
Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria 132 Spring Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-0994
Enjoying the workplace There are about 15 employees at a given time, and the staff all agreed that it’s a wonderful atmosphere in which to work, family-like in nature. “We grew up in this building,” Brumley said. “Since we were kids, this is all we have known. At the end of the day, we get done what we need to, and try to bring a smile to each customer’s face.” Macfarland added that she, personally, likes to remember names and faces, so she can greet each customer in a unique way. But for the same reason she says customers return is why she has remained as an employee for so long. “This is a warm place,” she said. “If I wasn’t working here now, I’d definitely apply to come back. Anthony and Brian look out for all of us. That’s it – we’re family, we’ve grown up together. All of our days our full of energy. Seasons change and attitudes change, but if you look around, you can see each person’s personality and see why it works. Yeah, it can be chaotic, but we are a team.” That’s probably why, for 18 years and counting, the Spring Street Deli has been such a force in feeding the Saratoga Springs community.
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Everyone’s doing it. . By Stephanie Hale-Lopez Various Photographers
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A AGood Good Read Read
The tattoo industry has come a long way since the work of Martin Hildebrandt -- the first recorded tattoo artist in America. According to literature, Hildebrandt’s career as a tattoo artist began in 1846 and reached its peak during the Civil War, where he tattooed thousands of soldiers and sailors. But the early beginnings of tattooing began over 5,000 years ago, although the practice hasn’t left much of a historical record. The truth is the history of tattooing is as diverse as the people who wear them. While the trend for tattoos is not exactly breaking news, the diversity of those sporting “tats” is greater than ever. From bikers to brides, young adults and grandparents, it seems as though nowadays just about everyone has a tattoo; and according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 45 million Americans are now tatted up. So we stopped by Needlewürks in Saratoga – arguably the busiest tattoo parlor in the greater Capital Region – to see if the artists and piercing experts were noticing a trend in the industry… client “newcomers,” if you will, to getting inked. Self-expression meets its extreme in the halls of this tattoo and piercing parlor. Needlewürks has been inking and piercing since 1997 and offers a wide range of art and body modifications. For owner, Paul Bromley, the world of body art drew him in at a young age. Brumley says he gave himself his first piercing at the age of 14 by sneakily using his mother’s gold hoop earrings.
Thank you Rob Spring Photography for all these beautiful tattooed brides!
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Owner, Paul Brumley
“Punk rock...I don’t even know,” laughs Paul Brumley, owner of Needlewürks. “I’m good with a needle. It’s something I did with my friends in the mid to late 80’s and then it just sort of took off from there.” The parlor has garnered a large following in the local community since first opening its doors nearly 20 years ago and like any saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
other business, Brumley says he’s seen his fair share of changes in the industry. “It’s definitely more artoriented,” said Brumley. “I believe you need to be an artist to be a tattoo artist. If you don’t have an art background...you can learn how to tattoo, but if you can’t create imagery on a daily basis, then you’re not going to make it.” Needlewürks houses roughly a dozen tattoo artists and three piercers, each with different styles and the important ability to create art for clients that is uniquely theirs. Although many people come in with images they found online of tattoos they like, or sketches they drew themselves, each artist at the shop uses the inspiration from the client as well as their own artistic style to come up with a piece their client will love.
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A AGood Good Read Read
Matt Mrowka and Joe Wood have been tattoo artists for 10 and 11 years, respectively, and exercise their artistic talents at Needlewürks. “Anything and everything is inspiring to an artist,” said Mrowka. “We’re never bored.” Like other forms of artistry, tattooing requires a tremendous amount of concentration, practice and skill. However, unlike other art forms, tattoo artists can’t rely on an eraser or have a back-up canvas in case of error. “I think it’s one of the boldest, most difficult art forms in the world,” said Mrowka. “There is no eraser. You need to get it done right the first time. I can’t think of another art form that puts the artist under more pressure.” “We sometimes do make mistakes here and there but you learn how to work with that and fix it, hide it, make it look good,” added Wood. “It’s very physically and mentally demanding. Your concentration and overall focus gets better the more you do it because you have to learn how to keep your focus...especially when there are four or five other people tattooing around you.”
Thank you Mark Bolles for all these great photos from Needlewürks
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Another difference from other art forms is that tattoo artists work directly and intimately with their clients. Both are in constant contact for hours on end, depending on the piece, adding to the artistic pressure.
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Over the last 10 years, Mrowka says the local body art industry has become over-saturated with new tattooers, increasing competition. However, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Competition raises the quality of the product being offered, raising the bar of consumer expectation. Plus, with talent being the predominant way in which artists differentiate their product from one another, market saturation can drive new lifeblood into the industry. Unfortunately, a saturated market also attracts some tattoo and piercing parlors of questionable quality. Bromley says his artists have a lot of clients needing cover-up work from tattoos they had done from other parlors and shops. “That’s why we try to be the best that we can...so other people don’t have to go through the same mistake of getting a bad tattoo,” said Bromley. Regardless, the demand for tattoos -- especially custom designs -- is high. “People are still starving for tattoos,” said Mrowka. “We’re booked out weeks to months in advance, every one of us. There is no shortage of business right now and it keeps growing and growing. It’s a good time to be a good tattoo artist.” As the client list grows, so does the diversity of the clients themselves. Wood says gone are the days of the stereotypical customer. Nowadays, it seems as though it’s somewhat rare to not have a tattoo; body art is no longer a niche market. Continued on page 47
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A AGood Good Read Read
Local Saratoga woman, Anne Kearney Proulx, fits Wood’s description of clients that aren’t who you’d expect to see in a tattoo chair. The 67-year-old has close to a dozen tattoos and can tell you a story about each one.
Anne Proulx and her daughter Whitney stopped by at the office, and we had to snap a picture...here are some of her “souvenirs”
“I like to think of myself as being pretty cool for my age in that I have nine tattoos,” said Proulx. “I’ve always prided myself on being a little bit different.” Proulx says her tattoo experience began around 15 years ago, when she had some cosmetic tattooing done; but she says her first “real” tattoo was done while on vacation in Key West, Florida. Proulx got a palm tree on a little island on her left ankle. After that, Proulx says she developed an obsession with flower fairies, based on the books and illustrations by Cicely Mary Barker, and knew that a flower fairy would be her next tattoo. She had it done by Kristie McKeighan, formerly of Needlewürks, about seven years ago. Proulx’s next tattoo was done while on vacation in Galway, Ireland. “I have a really cool shamrock on my left forearm and it just kind of snowballed after that,” said Proulx. “I have one in memory of my mom -- a breast cancer ribbon. My daughter and my ex-sister-in-law, but very dear friend, and I all have dragonflies on various parts and a Celtic knot on our ankles...that’s probably the crux of it now. They all mean something. They have to mean something to me.”
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Proulx says she doesn’t have immediate plans for another tattoo at the moment, but if she comes across something that inspires her and holds significance with her, she would have another one done.
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“There’s an overall diversity,” said Wood. “Before, you could walk in and pick something off the wall and tattoo artists might’ve done a custom piece; but now, it’s predominantly custom pieces and the ideas are much more varied. It’s not just a simple this or that...you have a lot more options now. The equipment and the ink have evolved as well.” The same also holds true for the piercing side of the body art industry and Bromley says it has evolved and improved for the better. In fact, one of the things Bromley is most proud of is having Needlewürks certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Everything is more suited for the industry...we’re not just doing trial and error,” added Bromley. “There’s a lot more working with different metals and water systems. Everything has been more high quality.”
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While Needlewürks continues to watch and participate in industry trends, one aspect of the business that hasn’t changed -- and never will -- is the passion and love the team has for the art form and for each other. “It’s phenomenal...just being able to work around such incredibly talented people all day long and feed off of that,” said Mrowka. “In no other job are you surrounded by that much talent doing the typical 9-5. I very much appreciate the crew and the energy that we have here.” “We like what we do and we’re very serious about the work that we do,” added Brumley. “The fact that we are so busy is a good sign that people like what we’re doing.”
Needlewürks
80 West Circular Street, Saratoga Springs To set up a consultation, call 583-4044. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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Health & Fitness
The Process of Forgiveness
Take Back Your Power and Enjoy the
Freedom
Forgiveness Brings Meghan Lemery FRITZ,
LCSWR
M
any people get very uncomfortable with the concept of forgiveness. It can often trigger feelings of anxiety or anger in the person that has been wronged by another. It’s the idea that you are letting the person that hurt you off the hook and allowing them to be free of making things right. This could not be further from the truth. Forgiveness is not about letting things go and continuing a relationship with someone who has hurt you. Rather, true forgiveness, is about not allowing anyone to have such power of you. When we carry an offense around deep in our hearts we allow our spirits to be weighed down with the burden of anger and bitterness. We can see the person or think of the incident that caused us pain and trigger all of the feelings as if it were happening all over again. Our brains do not categorize pain in the past or future, it processes feelings in the NOW moment making our bodies and minds respond to the situation as if it were in the present moment. This is why when you see a person who wronged you, or visit a place where trauma occurred, or even smell a familiar smell that reminds you of the pain your body will respond as if it is happening in the present moment.
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This gives pain tremendous power over your life. The idea behind forgiveness is to take your power back and release the person or situation from taking all of the power and energy away from you. Think back to a time in your life when you hurt someone or made a poor decision. Chances are when you look at the circumstances surrounding the situation you will see that you were operating from a place of fear, anger, depression or hopelessness. When we are hurting or in a really dark place we hurt other people. Hurt people, go on to hurt more people. Realizing this can free you of all the emotional junk you carry around being angry at other people. True forgiveness is about looking at the situation and realizing that the person who hurt you was in a confusing place of their own and was not coming from a place of health and wellness. Someone hurting you really isn’t even about you, it’s about all of the other person’s emotional junk that is unresolved. If a parent could not give what you needed to feel emotionally safe and protected as a child, it’s because they didn’t have that for themselves. If a spouse failed to be the partner you wanted it’s about their inability to consciously be healthy and communicate directly. If you made some really
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poor decisions that cripple you with regret recognize that you were not in a space that you were clear or conscious enough to make healthy choices. Remember, hurt people… hurt people. Don’t spend your precious emotional and spiritual energy harboring anger and resentment toward others. This only clogs up your ability to have a healthy relationship with yourself or others. Recognize that giving that much power to someone else makes you just as dysfunctional and unhealthy. Taking back your power and forgiving another person doesn’t mean you have to continue a relationship with them or even confront them and let them know that you forgive them for their wrong doing. It simply means that you recognize their actions were about where they were in life at the time and that their mistreatment of you is about THEM not YOU. If the situation calls for you to see this person regularly and you need to confront them to move on, have the conversation you need to have and keep going. As we move into a season of light and new growth, think about the people that represent the weeds and darkness in your life. Pull the weeds up at the root and begin to focus on new growth. Plant and water new seeds of empowerment and emotional health and wellness. Think about the people who you allow to have power over your emotions and release them from your spirit. Recognize that this process will free you from pain and help you to move forward to make room for more of what you want and deserve in your life. If you are not happy with where you are in your life and you are consistently hurting others, take inventory and recognize that you have the power to change the dynamic and pattern you keep repeating. Be accountable for actions and take the steps you need to take to create abundance and peace in your life. Don’t spend another minute giving someone else power in your life. Let this season of light and coming warmth illuminate dark areas in your spirit that you need to release. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Wishing you light and abundance in every area of your life! Meghan Lemery Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA.
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Health & Fitness
DAN’S FITNESS TIPS
Time to work on
Body Image Dan Romand CPT & YOGA INSTRUCTOR “I thought it would be higher, much higher” that’s what was said to me by one of my clients, “Darlene” recently. Darlene had signed up for our Winter Challenge and in the first 5 weeks had lost about 13lbs. Now I’m sure some of you will say: “What? 13 lbs. lost and you think it’s not enough? But in my experience even more of you will think she should have lost more. This is a very common problem that we personal trainers have to deal with. It’s a combination of unrealistic expectations and something even more hurtful which is body image issues. First let’s talk about expectations. For many the beginning of the year is a time to make resolutions, and one of the most common being to lose weight. You join a gym and start eating right, yet just a few short weeks later most has given up. That gym membership? Just a monthly charge on your bank account. Eating healthy disappeared with that bag of chips How does that happen? As I mentioned in a lot of cases such as Darlene, it’s having unrealistic expectations about how much weight you should have lost at a given point in time. Much of this is media driven. Weight Loss Game Shows that claim losses of literally hundreds of pounds in as little as 6 weeks lead people to believe that they should hit
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those same numbers, when the reality is that a TV week isn’t always a week. Not to mention those people spend 10-12 hours a day working out which none of us can realistically expect to do. Add to it celebrity doctors on TV who pitch weight loss products with lines like “I’ve found the magic weight loss cure” or promoting their “Rapid Weight Loss Plan” which they say will help you lose 20lbs in just 2 weeks. It’s no wonder people like Darlene beat themselves up for ONLY losing 13 pounds in 5 weeks when they should be jumping for joy. Then of course there is the growing problem of body image. What do I mean by that? Well, I have another client who recently started with me who I’ll call “Jan”. Jan who is about 30, happens to be a fan of a certain younger female movie star who is often on magazine covers. The very first day she met with me she said: “I want to look just like her”. Jan was doing what many other women (and yes even men) do which is compare themselves to others, in particular celebrities. I hear things like this all the time and usually I can work around them. I explain that celebrities live their lives much differently than
we do. Most of them employ private chefs and nutritionists, have nannys to watch their kids, not to mention have daily sessions with very expensive personal trainers. Long story short, a few weeks later as I was taking her measurements Jan said to me: “I’m frustrated. I told you I want to look like “her” and I’m not even close to that.” I should mention that Jan had by that time lost about 15lbs and almost 10 inches off her body though as she said: “I don’t see it”. She was clearly on the verge of giving up and I knew then we had a problem to deal with. So I said to Jan: “I am not really familiar with her but I’ll google her and check out her photos and see what we can do” I also asked Jan to do me a favor and bring in her favorite picture of said celebrity. Now I will have to confess, I fibbed a bit to Jan. I knew all along exactly who she was referring to. I did the google search but it wasn’t to find magazine covers or head shot photos. No it was to find real photos as in ones that hadn’t been retouched. And find them I did. A week later I met with Jan again and she couldn’t wait to show me the latest magazine cover of this star. The funny part was I had the exact same photo ready to show her but
“Instead of trying to look like some celebrity, focus on being the best YOU that you possibly can.”
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what I had was not just the photo that was on the cover but the original non-photo-shopped picture. I’d like to say it was planned but it was a coincidence that we had both chosen the same photo but she was shocked at the difference between the original and what became the magazine cover. In this case her arms, face, torso and hips had all been made to look slimmer than they actually were. Sadly this is a disturbingly common practice. Is it any wonder women like Jan feel like giving up because they can’t meet an artificial ideal? The good news in Jan’s case is that after seeing the real photo she came to understand that she was comparing herself to an ideal that no one could ever hope to reach. It helped her to adjust her expectations and focus on meeting goals that were both realistic and attainable. Not only did she not give up but she hit her stride and focused on being the best person she could be. Even better… she became a much happier person. As for Darlene, to be honest it’s a work in progress. So ingrained is her belief that she should have lost at least 50lbs these past 6 weeks that she can’t enjoy the success she has achieved. But we are working on it. We talk often, almost daily, about what is not just a healthy weight loss but one that will lead to keeping it off. Our focus is to average 1-2lbs of weight loss each week. As I say to her on a regular basis: “You didn’t put the 50lbs on in 6 weeks and it certainly isn’t going to come off in 6 weeks.” So if you are one of those who have given up on your resolution to get fit. Or even if you are just starting out, don’t fall into the traps that “Darlene” and “Jan” have. Set realistic expectations for yourself and celebrate those 1-2lbs when they come off. Instead of trying to look like some celebrity, focus on being the best YOU that you possibly can. You’ll not only improve your chances of success, you’ll be happier and healthier in the long run.
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History & Lore 52 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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The Rejuvenation of
High Rock Spring By Jamie Parillo, Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson, photos provided by The Saratoga Springs History Museum
As the City of Saratoga Springs celebrates its Centennial Year during 2015, we are reminded of our history since becoming a city, and the main reason the Village of Saratoga Springs was founded. The early development of Saratoga Springs was made possible because of visitors using our number one asset, mineral water. High Rock Spring is the location where the first use of our mineral water by the
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Mohawks took place. In fact the official Seal of Saratoga Springs depicts a Mohawk family at High Rock. Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced in the summer of 2014 the creation of a Centennial Committee who would plan and coordinate events in 2015 to help celebrate the founding of the City of Saratoga Springs in 1915. One of the top projects for the year would include
the re-drilling of the High Rock Spring to highlight the founding location of Saratoga Springs. A sub-committee of the Centennial Committee has been charged with the duty of making this idea a reality. Since the High Rock Spring is such an important site in the formation of the city, the following is an attempt to define and clarify that site.
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History & Lore A timeline of the High Rock Spring Geologic Development: 490 Million Years Ago This story starts 490 million years ago. At that time in history the Earth looked very different than today. The continents were very different in size, shape and location on the Earth’s surface. The area of present day Saratoga Springs was covered by a tropical ocean. This ocean basin was receiving sediments from eroding mountains to the west and over millions of years these sediments would be transformed into carbonate sedimentary rock layers. These layers of limestone and dolomite acted as the source material for the minerals in the present day mineral springs. Those rock layers are very rich in calcium, magnesium, and a large assortment of salts. A final rock layer of shale was added that sealed the water bearing layers. Geologic Development 230 Million Years Ago The geologic story continues as the continents were moving and breaking apwart to form the Atlantic Ocean. There was a tremendous amount of tectonic forces that ripped the continents apart causing many earthquakes and subsequent faults to form. A few faults were formed in the Saratoga Springs area. The fault most important to our development is seen today as the raised rocks in High Rock Park. That fault comes from the north and cuts through the city with Broadway being the up thrown side of the normal geologic fault. Because of the fault’s location, streets to the east of Broadway are found to go down the face of the fault. Lake Avenue, Caroline, Phila, and Spring streets all go down this fault. This fault cracked the rock layers previously discussed and allowed the mineral waters in those layers to rise to the surface in just a very few locations. High Rock was one such location.
In more recent times… The Native Americans of this area, the Mohawks, found the waters bubbling to the surface and drank them regularly. They referred to the High Rock as the “Medicine Spring”. It’s logical that they would consider 54 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
it medicine since the waters contained many trace elements such as iron, iodine, tin, zinc, and more. These might provide good health especially in a person with a poor diet or a diet deficient in one or more of these. Therefore the area that Saratoga Springs occupies today was considered sacred and therefore protected by the Mohawk from early development.
1771 European Discovery High Rock Spring is one of the few springs that were natural. The water found its way through fissures in the rocks and became visible on the surface. It had a very low rate of flow, but it was enough to trickle and form the cone that exists today. Sir William Johnson was one of the first Europeans to visit the spring and see the cone. He had served as the British Crown’s agent to the Iroquois since the 1750’s and was very close with the Mohawks. It is believed that in 1771 he was brought to the spring by the Mohawks to treat an old, lingering injury. It is said that the visit did wonders for Johnson and he promoted the healing power of the water. As word spread, more visitors came to High Rock and soon after settlement began there, creating the first elements of a Village of Saratoga Springs. As a small community grew around the
cone, early tourism began. In 1783, General George Washington was touring the northern New York battlefields and visited High Rock with General Phillip Schuyler, whose summer home was in “Saratoga” (modern day Schuylerville). Upon conclusion of this visit, General Washington even made an offer to purchase the High Rock Spring and lands around it. Owners refused to sell and the “Father of our country” was kept from being one of Saratoga Springs early land owners. The visit by the General did act to increase the popularity and notoriety of the mineral water.
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Early Tourism In the 19th century the springs in the Village of Saratoga Springs were promoted in guide books. These were early advertising media that were sold in bookstores nationally, driving an early tourist trade. These books advertised hotels, attractions and focused on the mineral springs. They frequently included handsomely done engravings and woodcuts of the attractions to entice visitation. High Rock Spring was one of the most common springs discussed. The guides published mineral contents of the springs, which aided the visitor and aided physicians who prescribed daily doses of the mineral waters for the patients who then traveled to Saratoga Springs for their health. Ironically, in different years, the mineral content of High Rock Spring, and others, varied greatly. The Saratoga Illustrated Visitors Guide of 1875 noted the dissolved mineral content of High Rock as follows:
Per one gallon of water: Sodium Chloride: 390.127 Grains Potassium Chloride: 8.497 Grains Sodium Bromide: 0.731 Grains Sodium Iodide: 0.986 Grains Calcium Fluoride: Trace Potassium Sulfate: 1.608 Grains Baryta Carbonate: Trace Strontium Bicarbonate: Trace Lime Carbonate: 131.739 Grains Magnesium Bicarbonate: 131.739 Grain Soda: 34.888 Grains Iron: 1.478 Grains Aluminum: 1.223 Grains Silica: 2.260 Grains
Like many of the other mineral springs the waters of High Rock Springs were also made available for sale.
1848 Bottling of High Rock The Clarke and White Spring Water Company was the first to commercially bottle High Rock water. John Clarke put Saratoga Springs on the international map by bottling Congress Spring water in the 1820s. He died in 1846, but the company carried on. They purchased the High Rock spring in 1848 and erected a circular brick structure to protect the cone and proceeded to bottle the water. High Rock did not produce the volume of flow required to make a major profit compared to Congress Spring.
Seymour Ainsworth purchased High Rock from the Clark and White Company. McCaffery and Ainsworth wanted to exploit the spring to its fullest potential and create a spectacle for visitors. They ordered the construction of a massive Gothic pavilion crested with a golden eagle, to be located forty feet to the northeast of the then current site. In order to facilitate this, the cone had to be moved, creating an opportunity to study the ground underneath. An excavation ensued and exposed thousands of years of human occupation at the site.
1865 McCaffery and Ainsworth In 1865 William McCaffery and
This differs greatly from another book published just one year earlier, Miles Guide to Saratoga Springs. The numbers are almost exactly one half the levels of every dissolved mineral found in the water. This begs to question was the source changing each year, or did rainfall and other environmental features affect the potency of the waters on a yearly basis? Regardless, doctors prescribed drinking from the springs for health which attracted visitors. The most common “prescription” for a spring usually read, “Drink two glasses followed by a brisk walk”. We now realize that the “brisk walk” was to the nearest bathroom, since the mineral content usually caused a rapid cleansing of the lower digestive system.
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History & Lore
In 1866 the structure was complete at a final cost of approximately $6,000. The duo was ridiculed in the press and among the town for the extravagant expense and size of the structure. The cost put them in debt forcing them to declare bankruptcy. The spring and pavilion sold at auction for $16,000 in 1872 to a new company: The Saratoga High Rock Spring Company, owned by William Fargo. Fargo operated the spring and bottling plant site until 1904 when he sold out to the final private owners, Barnes and Henry. Their tenure was short lived as the New York State Commission was formed soon after their purchase to save all of the springs in Saratoga.
Commission. The Commission’s charge was to preserve and protect the waters and keep them available to the people. High Rock was included in this and the High Rock area became City property. The cone was moved from the 1865 location back to its
original location and placed in a covered pavilion to protect it. The spring itself was dry, but preserved as an attraction. The lands around the spring flooded easily so fill was brought in raising grade to the present day level. In 1960 Governor Rockefeller
1911: The State Reservation Years of over pumping had depleted the natural aquifers of spring water. Companies had been pumping copious amount of water, removing the carbonic gas and selling it to entrepreneurs in the emerging soda pop industry. The left over water was dumped and wasted. In 1911, the State of New York claimed ownership of the springs and formed the Saratoga Springs Reservation 56 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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aimed his sights on cutting expenses and made major changes to the New York State Reservation. Three properties were sold to the City of Saratoga Springs, including High Rock Cone and pavilion in 1968. The sale mandated the establishment of a historic park; High Rock Park was born.
1967 Celebration In 1967 the City of Saratoga Springs held a 200 year anniversary celebration at High Rock Park. At that time it was believed that Sir William’s first visit to High Rock was in 1767, and later changed to 1771. During that celebration former Mayor Benton addressed the crowd and made a strong plea to re-drill the High Rock in the future because of its great importance in Saratoga Springs history. Over the years the face of the park has changed. The High Rock cone sat dry until the 1980s when water was piped over from the nearby Governor Spring. The water
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barely trickled out of the cone and was turned off about fifteen years ago for health reasons.
High Rock Spring Today Efforts are ongoing to return the water to High Rock Spring. A target date for “rededication” of the site would be in the fall. All efforts are being made to tube water from the same aquifer that once fed the original spring. We may never know if the water that is found will contain the exact mineral content as the waters the Mohawks held sacred. It will however, be a tribute to the spring that made Saratoga Springs the famous destination is it today. Plans are to not only re-establish the flow of water but to provide permanent plaques that would tell the story to visitors of the High Rock Spring and the role it has played in our history.
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HOME & GARDEN
Carriage House Chronicles Room to Grow: The
Story and photos by Chelsea Hoopes Silver
A Young Family Builds their “Forever” House
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 “turnkey” 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! 60 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING Spring 2015
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The metal work on the stairs was done by local artisan, Dan Jazinski.
As newlyweds, Ed and Nicole Pieper bought a tiny farmhouse near Fish Creek, with a longterm plan. They knew they would outgrow the onebedroom house once they started a family, but they loved the land it was on and bought it with the plan to eventually build on the site’s nine acres. Six years later, the Pieper family is two kids larger and their spacious, timber-frame dream home now stands down the hill from their little white farmhouse. Built by Nicole’s uncle, contractor Billy Moreau, the Pieper’s designed a house to go the distance. “We are never moving”, claims Ed. “We have to die in this house”, he jokes. The home truly shows as the labor of love it was for the Piepers. Each space works well for a family of four, two of which are under five years old. There is plenty of room for the kids to run and roam and the open layout is great for the “sight-lines” that parents of young children tend to covet. Nicole can easily watch Penelope eat her snack at the table while Lawrence plays with his dinosaurs in the living room, all while preparing dinner in the home’s enviable kitchen.
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HOME & GARDEN
Ed made the pot rack from an old machine axel that he found at the Brimfield antiques show. The old butcher’s block came from their old house and is still one of their favorite pieces.
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The Pieper’s kitchen is truly the heart of the home and an entertainer’s dream.
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The thick, concrete countertops were poured by Ed himself, with the help and guidance of local furniture maker, Pete Harrison. The commercialgrade appliances allow for the Pieper’s to host the amazing farm-style dinners they previously could only host outside (due to space constraints) and the roomy flow around the middle island allows for guests to gather comfortably in the room that everyone always gravitates towards. There’s even a counter-height refrigerator built into the kitchen island that is used solely for beer, further proof that Ed and Nicole know how to throw a great party. The stunning, timber-frame architecture and thoughtfully planned, familyfriendly layout are great features but it is the Piepers’ eye for collecting that truly makes the home special. They have painstakingly scoured antiques markets, road-side shops, and Craigslist for some truly unique pieces, since before the home was even built. “I will find things five years ahead of time and know there will be a place for it”, Ed says. The antique butcher block in the kitchen is still the couple’s favorite piece in that room, brought down from the old house. Ed found an antique dixie-cup dispenser on eBay years ago that adds a perfect touch of personality (not to mention function) to the kids’ bathroom. The large work table in the upstairs hall is something they looked for for a long time and is now another favorite. The large hand-blown “car boy” Nicole has placed on top of the massive table is like the icing on this rustic old “cake”. It just looks like it was meant to live there. Another favorite find are the doors they used for the kids’ rooms- old barn doors (a Craiglist score) that are hung on sliding hardware. For Lawrence’s room, they’ve mounted a wood panel trimmed with forest-inspired wallpaper, for a little privacy. Owners Ed and Nicole Pieper
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HOME & GARDEN
Penelope, just at 18 months old, still has hers open so they can hear her when she wakes. The kids’ rooms are any child’s dream space, lovingly curated by their mother’s artist eye (Nicole is an art teacher and owns Pipe and Holly, a hand-stamped textile and baby clothing line, with her best friend, Josie). I often hear (and somewhat believed) that by building a new home, you would lose the character you get in an old home. And while it’s true, to some degree, the Pieper’s have created a wonderful space that is anything but cookiecutter. They now have the best of both worlds- the comfort and convenience of a new home but with the charm and eclectic feel of a century-old homestead.
Nicole bought the hanging chair from Silverwood and Ed built the shelves out of old docks from the family lake house.
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The adorable owl wallpaper in the powder room was an Anthropologie find.
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HOME & GARDEN
These awesome barn doors were a Craigslist score!
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“The kids’ rooms are a child’s dream space, lovingly curated by their mother’s artist eye...”
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HOME & GARDEN
Digital Organization
By Jordana Turcotte
T
he influx of digital data coming to us is increasing all the time. Electronic communication is how most work and correspondence is done now. On top of that, we shop online more now than ever before, as well as pay bills, manage photos and keep our daily tasks all at our fingertips on our computers and/or mobile devices. With everything, if there isn’t a system there’s little hope that it will get done. We survive even if systems are loose, but things are stressed, chaotic – we feel out of control. So, here are some tips on managing 3 of the stress-inducing digital areas and suggested systems.
Email When an email comes to you, treat each as a virtual piece of paper that requires an action. At least daily go through each item in your inbox and check if you can do any of the below: 1. Delete it if it has no relevance to your work or interests, you can get the info again, it isn’t needed for bills/taxes and no action by you. Really, hit the delete button! 2. File it if there is no action needed by you but you will need it for future reference and can’t easily re-get. Create good folders within your inbox and move items to them. Typical folders: each family member, orders, each club or 68 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
job you have, upcoming travel. Sub-folders within each general folder can be set up too. 3. Delegate it if there is no action by you but one for someone else; forward it on with a brief note. Then delete! 4. Do it if there is an action by you needed. You can either leave the action in your inbox or create a folder called @ Action so you can store until you have time. As with tasks, if it takes less than 2 minutes to do, you should just do it. Create tasks in your current to-do system with the action required in the email so you remember to do it. Some additional useful notes on email; if you get an email with an attachment that you will need for reference or editing, save it to your drive in a clearly marked folder. Your “sent” folder is very helpful if you are waiting on action by another; check that weekly to make sure you have received responses. Lastly, get a solicitation for a company you never want to hear from again? Hit the unsubscribe button. Taking 20 seconds to do it will lessen the amount of emails you get each day that require action by you.
Electronic Files As with email, files need to be dealt with and stored efficiently. When you generate a file or open one and then plan to save; saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
make sure you know where you are saving too – select the right path/folder on the pull down. With that, create good folders to put files into on your C drive; very specific is best! It is better to have more folders that are specific then hundreds of files in one large folder. When creating a file name, be clear. “Mom Birthday Party 2015” is better than “Party” or if you generate the same type over and over like a newsletter, do Newsletter 02.15. That way they are easy to sort and find. Pick a time monthly to back up your files, or pay for a service that does this for you. Monthly or every other month, look at your files and just see what you have. Move files between folders, rename or just delete those that you no longer need. Think of this as shuffling papers on your desk, it is the same principle – move, file or trash.
Digital Photos Photos are invaluable and now we are generating tons with the ease of a click on our phone. Decide where you want them to “live” – computer, thumb drive, photo site or cloud storage. Set up good folders for them, such as “Feb 2015” or “FL trip 2015”. This helps with finding them when you want, knowing when the picture was from and with any projects such as scrapbooks or gifts. Decide how often you want to get them there – weekly, monthly, when you have 800! Whatever it is, that will be your system. I suggest monthly and setting up a reminder that is on a set day – the first Sunday of the month, etc. That way the details stay fresh and you can print ones you love or just free up space on your devices. Do this with all sources of photos – phone, camera, etc (remember the kid’s iPods! - give them their own folder/thumb drive, etc for their photos); that way you know you have grabbed all the latest or all for that event.
“I hope this helps work through some digital clutter! Like clearing out actual clutter, the stress lifted by managing it consistently will save time and energy daily.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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HOME & GARDEN
GARDENING with
PETER BOWDEN Photos provided
Spring’s
first flowers Finally we have turned the corner on one very cold winter. As the snow melts away, we are greeted by the first flowers of spring and most of those early flowers are the flowering bulbs we planted last thing in the fall. Every year I add to my collection and every spring I wish that I’d planted even more. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up to give us a first glimpse of the colorful season ahead.
Crocus is one of the first flowers we see in the spring. They are reliable and reproduce quickly. Everyone should have some crocus planted in their flowerbeds and they will also be happy growing in the lawn among the grass. 70 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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Puschkina Scilloides Another early flowering bulb is Puschkina Scilloides...very hardy and they reproduce quickly. Now don’t you wish you’d planted some last fall?
Scilla or Siberian SquilloW is another small blue flower bulb that I love for its reliability. They also reproduce more quickly than any other flower bulb I know and will easily spread out from the flowerbed and into the lawn. Since blue is my favorite color, I’m happy to let Scilla go wherever it wants to. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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HOME & GARDEN
Tulips While I’m not overly fond of most tulips (that’s just me) there are a few that have won my heart. I live in a very windy location so I need tulips that are short or have very strong stems. The Species Tulips that resemble the original tulips are quite small and durable and I have found that the graceful lily flowering tulips hold up well even in my windy location.
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Muscari or Grape Hyacinth. The color blue is rare among flowers and Muscari treats us to a beautiful blue right at the beginning of the season. Besides, if the honeybees love Muscari, how could I not?
Did I mention I like blue??
Hyacinths are also the most fragrant of the fall flower bulbs and they come in a range of colors from blue to pink to yellow.
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Narcissus and daffodils have to be my favorite spring flower. Reliable and deer resistant, daffodils will always find a home in my gardens. From the small early flowering Tete-a-tete to the large cupped later varieties, Narcissus always make me smile. They are great as a cut flower so you can bring a bit of spring inside to enjoy.
These flower bulbs bring us such joy in spring we want to do everything we can to make sure they return and flower year after year. Think of the flower bulb as a rechargeable battery. The trick to perpetual success with bulbs is knowing how to “recharge the battery” after they flower in spring. The “growth energy” stored in the bulb is quickly depleted during the all-out effort to reproduce (flower) in spring. After the flowers go by, cut them off including the stem. This prevents the bulb from wasting “growth energy” producing seeds. That “growth energy” is instead directed to the bulb where it is stored until next spring’s flowering cycle. Feed your bulbs during their growth cycle starting when the first shoots appear in spring. Bulb food (my favorite is Espoma Bulb-Tone) will 74 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
provide the balance of nutrients your bulbs will need in addition to the phosphorus from the bone meal. Think of the bulbs’ leaves as solar collectors that change sunlight into “growth energy” that is sent to the bulb below for storage. Don’t cut off these solar collectors when you remove the spent blossoms. wLet them remain until they finish charging up your “bulb batteries”. The leaves will eventually turn yellow, letting you know when it’s time to cut them off. That’s it…pretty simple and, with proper care, feeding and sunlight, you bulbs will increase every year and bring you spring joy for decades to come.
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Allium is a large family of bulbs that includes garlic and onions. The fancy flowering cousins we find in the fall bulb selection have become quite popular in the last ten years….and with good reason. Alliums are very hardy and reliable. They also produce some of the largest and showiest flowers of any of the fall bulbs. New varieties show up every year and I welcome every one.
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HOME & GARDEN
5 Ways to Update a Bathroom
on a Budg et by Jenna Burger Design photos provided
Unlike a typical 4 walled room in a house, bathrooms (as well as kitchens) can often seem daunting when thinking about a makeover. There’s plumbing, electrical, tile, and more that is involved in changing. BUT, instead of neglecting the idea of an overwhelming revamp, embrace what you have and update the layers of the existing. Not only will a budget-friendly bathroom makeover increase the value of your home, but it can be a space to enjoy being in now!
Ditch those apprehensive thoughts. Here are 5 Ways to Update a Bathroom on a Budget (without breaking the bank)…
Paint Easy (well fairly easy) and cheap! There is nothing like a fresh, new coat of paint on the walls! And for a typical bathroom, from start to finish, it should really only take a few hours. Since the fixtures of a bathroom are typically white or light-colored, think about adding a pop of color on the walls. Or, if you desiring a serene and calming space, go light with an off-white, gray, or soft blue hue. To step it up a notch, consider painting the existing bathroom cabinet. It’s not uber difficult to remove / upgrade a bathroom cabinet, but it does involve plumbing and the possible install of a new countertop and/or sink. If that’s not within your wheelhouse, a new coat of paint can be the answer. Whether wood or laminate, the bath cabinet can most likely be revamped. If it’s not structurally stable or you don’t love the look, ditch it, but if it can be used there is a little prep work before you paint. Start by removing the doors and give them a good cleaning (diluted all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, or white vinegar with a little warm water usually works). Lightly sand the surface – using a hand sander is best. Then add a stain-blocking primer to seal the wood 76 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
underneath and to give a solid base coat for the paint to adhere to. Then using a roller / brush combination or a hand sprayer, apply at least two coats of paint (read all instructions ahead of time and follow the directions on the product). The transformation will be breathtaking.
Hardware
so bright? It’s okay to raise your hand. I’m all for good light in a bath space, but you don’t need a blinding light that is glaring into your eyes every time you enter. Upgrade to a fixture(s) that is different and maybe not typical for a bathroom. This is a light that I found for my powder room and it was on sale for $17. The ‘before’ light was fine, but expected. This light is functional & exciting.
The layers of any space are key to making it unique and interesting. An easy upgrade in a bathroom is adding or changing the hardware on the bath cabinet to give it new life. In my home, the original builder-grade vanity in my master bath had no hardware, so using a drill, I drilled 2 holes, added crystal knobs, and now the “black dress” is accessorized!
Lighting I feel the light fixture in a space is so important. A fixture can truly make or break a room, and typically I live by the motto GO big, or GO home! How many of you have those old eye-ball style fixtures with 3 or 5 or 7 bulbs across and every time you walk into the bath you cringe because it’s saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Flooring I know, it sounds like a big, scary project, but it doesn’t have to be! I am a big fan of luxury vinyl tile that can be grouted and the result looks very similar to ceramic tile. It’s a quick, easy (no experience needed), and budgetfriendly way to cover up the ugly mess of a floor that you may have. And if you don’t have an ugly mess of a floor, you might just want a change and LVT flooring is a great solution. There are many other flooring options that will jazz up a drear bathroom space, but they may be more costly!
Layers Last, but certainly not least, but actually the most important… The Layers! If you’re on a bare bones budget and have very little to spend, focus on the layers. What layers? Towels, a pretty shower curtain, a simple window treatment (if you’re bath has a view of the exterior), artwork, hooks, and shelving are all beautiful ways to update a bathroom. The layers in any room of the home speak your style and share the story of who you are. Incorporate elements you love & those that are truly meaningful. Look for inspiration around you before executing, and always remember it’s not a race.
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Product Spotlight “It’s the worldwide brand with hometown roots.”
EMBRACE THE RACE® speaks to the discerning enthusiast, celebrating and promoting The Horse Racing Lifestyle®. The Brand, founded and based here in Saratoga Springs, ultimately combines an inspirational logo with an impassioned phrase to captivate customers. A refined necktie for the man who loves the life! Featuring the iconic and striking EMBRACE THE RACE® Logo in a variety of vibrant and elegant colors. You’ll look classy and sharp with a suit or a sport coat. Handmade and constructed of fine silk and featuring a matte surface. t
Just released in time for the season, EMBRACE THE RACE® is proud to unveil their exclusive line of ladies pendants. Wonderfully elegant, and simple yet striking - in silver, 18 k white gold and 18K gold. Handmade with care to reflect the allure of the brand, it’s ideal for the woman who knows what it means to EMBRACE ... q
The Passion of Horse Racing®
It’s the core fabric woven throughout a world that celebrates its personalities, participants and unforgettable moments. With EMBRACE THE RACE®, The Apparel for The Horse Racing Lifestyle®, express your passion for horse racing without saying anything at all.
From generation to generation, from on track to off. Celebrate in style. Visit the EMBRACE THE RACE® flagship retail location at 12 Circular Street (across from the Holiday Inn with private customer parking), select Saratoga retailers; online at embracetherace.com or call for a private shopping experience 518-580-4500. 80 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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This cocktail dress is from the Josh and Jazz collection.
The embroidered top features a v-neckline and pencil style knee length skirt Danielle’s Bridal 4249 Route 50 Saratoga Springs, NY (518) 584-7067 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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This gorgeous ‘BCBG MaxAzria’ top is perfect with a pair of white ‘7 For All Mankind’ skinny jeans. This look will bring you from day to night. Violets of Saratoga 494 Broadway 584-4838
Spring is in the air and Violet’s has just what you are looking for!
Violet’s is the boutique to find the perfect look for all of your Summer events!
A tank dress by Susana Monaco, Seychelles espadrille wedges and a Bella U. statement necklace are great for a day at the track! Violets of Saratoga 494 Broadway 584-4838
Alexis & Aida full photo
Step into Spring with unique, sophisticated fashion
photo by Kate Mindel
Brighten your wardrobe with accessories and Spring fashions all at Alexis Aida, where classic and modern are always the perfect blend. Alexis Aida Boutique 437 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 788-8545
‘Something Good Maxi Dress’ by Knot Sisters, available at Lucia. Lucia 454 Broadway #8, (518) 587-7890
From casual chic maxi dresses to floral day dresses and soft tees and tanks, Lucia is sure to refresh your Spring wardrobe!
Simply Spring Chic! Cap-sleeved black crepe bodice with guava wildrose ‘sketch’, printed on fluid duchess satin tea length skirt. And of course, POCKETS! Designer, Don O’Neill for THEIA, exclusively at SARATOGA TRUNK .lady’s finery.
Saratoga Trunk 493 Broadway 584-3543 for your appointment!
As promised... Spring does come. And with it is the ease of a great dress! Donna Morgan creates a soft eyelet drop waist stunner for us to swoon over!!! Come swoon at Spoken for lots of Spring choices!!
Available at: Spoken boutique 27 Church Street 587-2772 spokensaratoga.com
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get ready for summer start here! • Boat Launches • Marinas • Beaches • Camping
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content and photos provided by the SLA
Saratoga Lake A
popular lake located on the eastside of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Lake is great for a paddling, recreational motor boating and fishing, with it being only 1 mile across at its widest point and 5 miles long, it’s big enough to enjoy, but small enough to know your neighbors! The deepest section of the lake is 96 feet. From Saratoga Lake you can paddle south to the mouth of Kayaderosseras Creek or northeast to Fish Creek. There are some marinas and restaurants along the shores of the lake.
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NY State Boat Launch From Saratoga Springs (Exit 14 off of I-87) follow Rte 9P south toward Saratoga Lake. After crossing over the bridge make an immediate left into the NYSDEC parking area and boat launch. Parking fee is $6.
Waterfront Park at Saratoga Lake Picnicking, non-motorized boat launch, fishing. Off of Crescent St, east on Union Ave/Route 9P
Stillwater Brown’s Beach has returned for public use: Thanks to the Town of Stillwater, Brown’s Beach will open May 30th for approximately 15 weeks of fun in the sun. The beach will be open from 11 am to 6 PM daily. In addition to the Beach, a quaint snack shop will be available for beach goers or families just looking to picnic. Other Park amenities include: Dock Brown’s Tavern offering a variety of lunch and dinner menus, a seven room Inn called The Nest, a marina operation with up to 150 slip and small craft rentals, a large party pavilion available for picnic or party rental and a general picnic area for family fun. The Stillwater Brown’s Beach Park is currently open for restaurant and Inn operations. All remaining functions will be open for full use this coming summer season. For information please contact our Town Clerk at 518-664-6148, press 2.
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Saratoga Rowing Association opens the spring regatta season this year on April 24th with Friday night racing for the Liberty League Championships. This regatta is a collegiate NCAA qualifier for the Liberty League women’s programs. The next morning, April 25th is the beginning of the annual Saratoga Invitational regatta. The Saratoga Invitational features high school rowing programs from across the northeast and Canada. With over 1200 boats scheduled to race on Saturday and Sunday, this is one of the largest spring regattas in the country. The spring regatta season continues the following weekend May 2nd and 3rd with 2 more regattas. 92 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
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The Spring Regatta season
finishes up on May 9th and10th with the NY State High School Championships. All the regattas will be held on Lee’s Park, the State Boat Launch, and the new SRA property across from the state boat launch. Parking is available on Lee’s Park for $15/car and there is no admittance fee. The races are all in the early spring so bundle up, spectators are welcome and encouraged. The next SRA sponsored lake event is a fishing tournament in the beginning of September. The date has not been set for that, but check in with Saratoga Tackle for more information as the summer winds to a close. SRA is hopeful that this will be a fun family event and are excited to sponsor prizes for many skillful adult and child anglers. SRA closes 2015 with the Fall Regatta season. Tail of the Fish Regatta will be held on September 24th and while the fall regattas are raced against the clock (like cross country vs. track) and don’t have the excitement of the side by side racing of spring, the weather is usually a bit nicer and the atmosphere is exciting. The final regatta of the Fall, and one of the largest regattas in the country is the Head of the Fish Regatta. With 2000 entries on Oct 31st and Nov 1st, this regatta features the country’s most interesting trophies, and is the year end regatta for most of the Northeast and Canadian teams in attendance. www. saratogarowing.com
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Saratoga Sailing Club Situated on 100 acres on the western shore of the lake with a beautiful, historic Queen Ann club house. An active racing program as well as recreational sailing and social programs. The club is also the home of the Saratoga Sailing School which offers sailing lessons for both children and adults of all levels. Membership is not required for lessons. For more information: 518-587-0659
Saratoga Lake Association
is a charitable not-for-profit organization, the purpose of which is to promote and enhance the health, safety, sanitation, recreation and environmental quality of Saratoga Lake 94  |  Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
and its extensive watershed. Individuals and businesses that live near or recreate on Saratoga Lake can join for $20 per year. Membership benefits include: 1) Annual business and periodic informational meetings; 2) Community service events to benefit the lake such as roadside clean-ups and water chestnut pulls; and 3) a wide array of other events including boat and paddle safety courses, and membership gatherings at exciting venues including Saratoga National Gold Course. Membership applications are available at saratogalake.org or by contacting Georgia Hinchman at gtbythelake@aol.com.
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Photos by visitlakegeorge.com
Lake George
Information provided by VisitLakeGeorge.com and JohnnyMillerAdventures.com
T
he “Queen of American Lakes” lies in the eastern section of the Adirondack State Park, under an hour drive north of Saratoga Springs. Formed at the end of the last ice age, this majestic lake is a recreational gem that is unmatched in water quality and outdoor recreation opportunity. Fishermen, kayakers, hikers, swimmers, summer residents, and general tourists migrate to this region during the spring and summer. There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 40 plus state owned islands. Draining to the north, Lake George is 32 miles long from Lake George Village to Ticonderoga, 3 miles wide and 195 feet deep, making a great habitat for lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike. There are four NYSDEC campgrounds around the lake and seven public access points for motorboats and kayaks.
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Note: Visitors to the Lake George Area should be aware of actions they can take to reduce the transport of aquatic invasive species. Please visit Protect Lake George and www. protectlakegeorge.com DEC Fisheries for more information.
Lake George Park Commission also requires registration and decal on any boat10hp or more.
Fee is determined by length of boat. Daily, weekly, annual permits available. www.lgpc.statew.ny.us
Lake George Park Commission website has most comprehensive information on mandatory boat inspections: www.lgboatinspections.com Inspections and wash are FREE!
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Lake George Village Million Dollar Beach Boat Launch and Day Use Area
Beach Road in Lake George Village.
*NEW* Boat Launch, opens end of MAY 2015!!! East of Million Dollar Beach. This hard surface launch is open year round (after May opening). In the past, the south basin launch was only open BEFORE Memorial Day and AFTER Labor Day! In-season: Limited to 25 launches per day; limited parking; day use fee applies. Off-season: No launch restrictions; free.
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For 200 cars and trailers. Close to shops and in town activities.
Off the lake on Route 9, 1/4 mile south of Lake George Village.
Lake George Battleground Campground:
Heartstone Point Campground:
Campground with 68 sites is within walking distance to Million Dollar Beach and Lake George Village, and adjacent to Battlefield Park. There is a self-guided historical interpretive path with educational information at the Battlefield Park from the military activity during the French and Indian War period.
Two miles north of Lake George Village with over 250 tents and trailer sites. No boat launch facility, but campsite and a large beach for daily swimming and playing in the clean and clear water.
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Bolton Landing Norowal Marina
Located off 9N on Sagamore Road. (Car Top $12.00, Powerboat $24.00) Northwest Bay/Clay Meadow Located four miles north of Bolton Landing. (No Fee, Car Top Boats Only) Cartop boat access to Northwest Bay and southern trailhead to the Tongue Mountain Range.
Roger’s Rock Campsites 330 sites Located three miles north of Hague on Route 9N. (Day Use Fee of $6.00 per day) Boat Launch, Beach, Small and Large Group Camping, Rock Climbing Gull Bay Boat Launch and Beach Large beach and hard surface boat launch. Parking is limited.
Hague
Ticonderoga
Hague Town Beach and Boat Launch
Mossy Point Boat Launch
Small parking area with a nice shallow water beach and playground for the kids. Located off Route 9N in Hague.
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Located two miles south of Ticonderoga on Black Point Road. (No Fee) Large parking lot for boat trailers and hard surface boat ramp.
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Island Camping On Lake George There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 44 state owned islands. 85 sites are located in the Narrow Island Group (Mother Bunch Group), 170 sites and 42 cruiser sites are in the Glen Island Group (The Narrows), and 90 sites are on Long Island. The 42 cruiser sites are for large boats with sleeping quarters. 25 sites in the Glen Island Group are located on the mainland but are accessible by boat only. Most sites are well forested and private. All sites have a dock for one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility. Cruiser sites also provide a charcoal burner and privy.
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Glen Island Group in The Narrows east of Bolton Landing (518) 644-9696
Long Island Group on the south end of the lake (518) 656-9426
Narrow Island Group in the Mother Bunch located in the northern part of the lake (518) 499-1288
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Before you go... Accessible Features: 2 wheelchair accessible campsites with tent platforms, level trail with a natural surface, picnic tables, dock and a privy Directions: Lake George is accessible from Route I-87 (Adirondack Northway) using exits 20-25, and 28, then Routes 4, 9, 9N, 8, 22, 74 and 149. Once leaving the Adirondack Northway, caution should be observed as some roads contain steep grades. Please Note: Dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks.
USER FRIENDLY WEBSITES!!
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24474.html or http:// newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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e h T ve a S
DATE spring 2015
Make-A-Wish Northeast New York Gala Hall of Springs, Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 6 – 11 p.m. An evening of dining, dancing and more to benefit Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. For more information call (518) 456-9474.
Third Annual Saratoga Mom Prom 2015 Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 11 p.m. Looking for a fabulous fun-filled girls’ night out? Then pull out those old prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses or find the tackiest thriftshop dress and join us for night of dancing, lite fare, cash bar, raffle baskets, good company and humorous prom traditions. Proceeds from this event benefit Camp Abilities Saratoga. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.saratogamomprom.com.
Saturday, April 4
Sunday, April 19
Saturday, March 21 Maple Weekend… see pages 106-107/ www.mapleweekend.com
Saturday, March 28
Code Blue Annual 8K Run “Making a difference, one stride at a time”. This inaugural 8k race event was created from the momentum of an inspiring first winter had by the Saratoga Springs Code Blue Emergency Shelter. For information and to register: www.SaratogaCodeBlueRun.com.
Saturday, April 18 Estherville Animal Shelter Annual Spring Luncheon VanPatten Golf Club, 94 Main St., Clifton Park, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Silent Auction and Raffl¬e tabl¬e celebrating our 60th anniversary. Estherville is a privately owned “no kill” animal shelter that relies on fundraisers and donations. $35 per person in advance - Mail checks payable to Estherville to: Barb Kerker 1556 Division St., Charlton NY 12010 by April 5th. more Information call (518) 893-7451. 102 | Simply Saratoga | Spring 2015
4th Annual Autism Information Fair and Carnival Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Noon – 3 p.m. April is Autism Awareness Month. The 4th Annual Autism Information Fair assists parents, families & caregivers in their search for resources. Sponsored by the Law Offices of Wilcenski & Pleat, LLC, Saratoga Bridges, The Skidmore College Psychology Department, and Parent Network of the Capital Region. Exhibitors will include: Recreational Programs, Camps, Technological Apps For Autism, School Programs (Pre-K - College), and Therapeutic Programs. For more information call (518) 587-0723.
Thursday, April 23 Bowl for Kids’ Sake- Community/ School Bowl Saratoga Strike Zone, Saratoga Springs, 4 – 10 p.m.
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a bowling night hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. For more information call (518) 862-1250 ext. 21
Saturday, April 25 The Upstate NY Comic Con: ChaseCon Expo Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. ChaseCon Expo was founded in 2014 by Samuel J. Chase, featuring not just comic book dealers, but artists, vendors of all kinds and guest stars! For more information call (518) 260-1755. Washington County Fiber Tour Washington County, 10 – 4 p.m. The Tour features 16 farms. Visit alpacas, bunnies, goats, sheep and lambs, llamas, and more - on the farm; and meet the farmers and their families. Watch spinning, knitting, weaving and felting demonstrations. Learn about raising the livestock and pets that we cherish. Drive from farm to farm through scenic Washington County in eastern NYS. Shop for handspun and dyed yarns, unique woven and knitted items, high quality fleeces, cuts of lamb, and more. For more information visit, www. washingtoncountyfibertour.org.
Saturday, May 2 Hollywood for Homeless Pets Celebrity Auction
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Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 4 - 9 p.m. Superhero themed celebrity auction event to benefit the homeless pets at The SPCA of Upstate New York. Come join us for a $5 donation at the door and enjoy a silent auction including autographed items from over 100 celebrities, meet and greet celebrity guests, meet & greets and autographs with Comic Book Guests, super hero face painting, raffles, food and drink and much, much, more. Come dressed as your favorite super hero. For more information call (518) 798-3500.
Sunday, May 3 Walk! MS Saratoga Springs High School, 1 Blue Streak Blvd., Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movementa community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for a future without MS. This community event raises critical funds to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research. Registration begins at 9 a.m., walk starts at 10 a.m. For more information call (585) 271-0805.
Wednesday, May 6 May Day Spring Fling Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. The 26th Annual Dinner and Auction Fundraiser to support the Saratoga County EOC. For more information: www.SaratogaEOC.org/events To register for the event: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1224431
Saturday, May 16 History Faire Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. A family event with activities for children. Many historical societies, museums and groups will be at the 4th annual History Faire, hosted by Heritage Hunters, a genealogy and local history organization. JOIN US! (It’s free!). For information call (518) 587-2978.
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Centennial
Celebration
Calendar of Events
All year long Centennial Souvenirs
There will be a large amount of Centennial souvenirs offered for sale through the efforts of N. Fox Jewelers and Impressions of Saratoga. While N. Fox will offer a distinctive line of jewelry with the Centennial logo, Impressions is developing a complete line of shirts, hats, glassware and much more all to commemorate the 2015 Centennial year.
Health Theme
Many health related activities will occur throughout the year as a result of the hard work of the Centennial sub-committee on health. Road races and many other events will be announced during the year.
Mark your calendars… Mapping a City: Saratoga Springs as seen through 200 Years of Maps.
Exhibition opening Tuesday, April 14, 7 to 9 pm at the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino. A partnership exhibit including The History Museum, The Tang Museum, Skidmore College, The Saratoga Springs Public Library, The Saratoga Springs City Historian and The Saratoga County Historian.
Saratoga Auto Museum
The museum will offer a display of 1915 automobile transportation that would have been seen in Saratoga Springs during that year. These were the early days of the automobile development and the horse was still very much a part of many people’s lives.
Centennial Park
On June 1st, the new Centennial Park, at the top of Congress Park at Union Avenue, will be given to the city as a gift from Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. This wonderful new park will feature a bronze statue of the great thoroughbred, Native Dancer.
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Spirit of Life
June 26th marks the date of the rededication ceremony for the statue, Spirit of Life, found in Congress Park. This bronze work by Daniel Chester French was originally dedicated in 1915 to honor the life of Spencer Trask. The Spirit has been undergoing tremendous restoration of not only the statue but the water features and landscaping that is part of the Trask memorial.
September dates to be announced... High Rock Spring will be dedicated after the re-drilling of the High Rock Spring. The waters stopped flowing to this site over one hundred years ago and these efforts will be to re-establish water to the cone as it did for hundreds of years. A set of permanent plaques will also be erected on site to tell the story of High Rock Spring in the development of Saratoga Springs.
More to come… The Centennial Committee will be announcing new events to the calendar on a regular basis.
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Welcome to...
Maple Weekend
March 21-22 & 28-29, 2015 10 - 4 each day
by Megin Potter, Photos provided by Rathbun’s Maple Sugar House and Dry Brook Sugar House
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M
outh-watering cascades of glistening golden syrup beckon people into the warmth of the small sugar houses tucked among the trees around here, every year. As we emerge from our winter hibernations, it is the sweet aroma of the sticky liquid that draws us out, and makes us glad that we came. Maple syrup production is at the whim of the weather, as a freezing and thawing cycle is needed to make sap flow, and this year’s cold temperatures are going to make for a later start to the season, said David Campbell, an International Maple Syrup Institute Board of Directors member and owner of Mapleland Farms in Salem. Each of the more than 150 local farms opening their doors to visitors during the Maple Weekends, held March 21, 22, 28 and 29, delivers a different version of the delectable delight due to recipe variations caused by more than just the weather. Differences in tree location, minerals found in the soil, and sap boiling time can cause the maple syrup that is produced to vary in taste from farm-to-farm, year-to-year and even day-to-day. “We just rely on mother nature to feed the trees. There’s only one ingredient, and that’s sap. It doesn’t get any easier than that,” said Campbell. Hosting a pancake breakfast and guided walking tours, he expects to see between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors to Mapleland Farms during the event. After a lifetime spent selling syrup and maple products, he has some advice. “Dress warm and wear boots, the way the weather’s going, it looks like you might need ‘em,” he said.
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Wild Secret in the woods
By Megin Potter, photos provided
H
eavy snow collapsed a small sugar shack hidden in the Jackson back woods of Maple Milk Farm several years ago. Today, it is something extraordinary. The day after Glenn Hynick filled out the online application for his building to be featured on the National Geographic channel’s hit television show; Building Wild, an email confirmed their interest in featuring it. After initial communications and filming however, Hynick was notified he would not be on the show after all. Several months later however, they reconsidered, the interview process repeated itself and this time they were in.
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Starting on September 11; the crew, Hynick family members and approximately 20 volunteers, from as far away as Georgia, got to work on an intense five days of transforming the sugar house. While restricted from going into the details, Hynick said plans resourced from the University of Vermont were incorporated to ensure the torrents of steam released from boiling maple sugar sap were able to escape. “There was a lot of stuff we had to do, to fireproof and insulate. For food safety reasons, you can’t have one of those old pine things with dirt floors like the sugar houses that you used to see out in the
woods,” said Hynick. “It’s a unique sugar maker’s paradise.” With a name inspired by Hynick’s lifelong hobby of riding motorcycles, the new Wild Hogs Sugar Shack hopes to produce 300 gallons of syrup this year, which will be available for sale on their website. Building Wild, currently in its second season, chronicles a team lead by hosts Paul “Paulie” DiMeo (also seen on the popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) and Patrick “Tuffy” Bakaitis as they build amazing cabins in the rough terrain of the back woods. Tuffy was childhood friends with the show’s
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producer George Vershoor. Both are from the nearby town of Hoosick and many episodes have been filmed in the region. Hynick, who worked in contracting since he retired from military service and a telephone company career, had run across Tuffy, owner of Hoosick Sand & Gravel Company, several times previously, but said that this casual acquaintance had no bearing on his acceptance to and appearance on the show. Describing the process as a great experience, with four-star catering even in the woods, Hynick said that nothing was staged. “Whenever there was a question of, ‘How you gonna do it, Paulie’s way or Tuffy’s way?’ it always gets done Tuffy’s way,” said Hynick. The ABC News program Nightline, also recently filmed promotional segments at the property, but no air date has yet been set.
This episode of Building Wild can be seen April 7th at 9 p.m. EST on the National Geographic Channel. The Hynicks are hosting a viewing party for family and friends at the Dutchaven Golf Course in Buskirk from 7 to 10 p.m., with proceeds to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For more information or to purchase Wild Hogs Sugar Shack Maple Syrup visit:
www.maplemilkfarm.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Two Danes Photography
Gail Stein
in Saratoga Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tumbler, Linkedin, Facebook, Vimeo, Skype, emails, faxes, text messages… Too often the virtual world blurs our view of the real world and we miss the everyday beauty around us. Who better to capture the simple pleasures and iconic moments in life than our local photographers. With an eye for art and their finger on the trigger, they are the pictorial biographers of life. We hope you enjoy these snapshots in time…
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Two Danes Photography
Gail Stein
Gail Stein
Tracey Buyce saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Life in Saratoga
iparkerphotography
Two Danes Photography
Vanessa Lewis Photography
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iparkerphotography
Sue Clark
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Tracey Buyce
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Editor’s Choice WHAT: Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels WHERE: 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs WHY: Everything’s better with a hot cup of coffee!
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