Home & Garden Edition May/June 2013
Simply The People. The Places. The Lifestyle.
Compliments of
Simply the best…
S
Simply
I’ve been toying with using this headline for my first “letter from the editor” because; I do feel that we have the BEST of everything at Saratoga TODAY. We have the best locale and people to write about (The Batchellor Mansion and Lisa Bates all in ONE issue!), the best writers to make it all happen, the best graphic artists, the best “support staff” and of course the best readers and advertisers. Thank you to all of our advertisers who make it possible for us to distribute all of these wonderful magazines free of charge! In my first issue as Managing Editor I’m so excited to announce we now have PETER BOWDEN writing for us and dispensing all of his gardening wisdom. I’ve been reading his articles for years now and
ARATOGA
TM
The People. The Places. The Lifestyle.
Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Production Director Richard Hale Creative Director Jessica Kane
I just love him - welcome aboard Peter! Our spring Home & Garden issue is always so much fun to plan… Saratoga starts to hum this time of year and it’s our job to transfer that excitement to the printed page! I tried to incorporate a little “connection” by adding a CONT RIBUTORS page and adding photos to our regular columnist’s pieces… I like to know who I’m spending time with while I’m reading, so I hope you like that feature also. And speaking of which… I’d love to hear from you! Let me know who you want to read about, whose house or garden you want a glimpse at or what businesses or activities you’d like covered. One more NEW thing before you dig into this month’s issue and savor all those beautiful photos… You asked and we answered...We are now offering the option of paid HOME DELIVERY of Simply Saratoga Magazine! (you can still pick it up for free downtown) Fill out and return the coupon below with a $30 check made out to Saratoga TODAY and enjoy the next six issues delivered to your mailbox :- )
☑
Happy Spring! ~Chris
YES!
Advertising Jim Daley, Cindy Durfey Graphic Designers Eric Havens Writers Peter Bowden Brian Cremo Chelsea DiSchiano Helen Susan Edelman Arthur Gonick Meghan Lemery Trina Lucas Patricia Older Hollis Palmer Chelsea Hoopes Silver Photographers MarkBolles.com Stock Studios Photography Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Printed by Digital X-Press 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 a ny means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright (c) 2013, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
I want Home Delivery of
Simply Saratoga Magazine.
Please mail the next six issues to: *Dont forget your check!
4 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
CONTRIBUTORS Spring Home & Garden Issue ~ May 2013
Peter Bowden
Jessica Kane
Brian Cremo
Meghan Lemery
Chelsea DiSchiano
Trina Lucas
Helen Edelman
Patricia Older
Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. During his decades of garden center management he has had thousands of hours of conversations with customers. 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.
Brian is a writer from Scotia, who graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in newspaper journalism. He is currently the sports editor for Saratoga TODAY. Cremo has enjoyed travels across the United States but has always been at home with the places and people of upstate New York, who all have a story to tell.
Chelsea is a native Texan turned New Yorker. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, she headed north and joined Saratoga TODAY in September 2012. She has been writing about education, entertainment, local news stories and Malta politics. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys watching live music, eating BBQ and TexMex food, going to the lake and reading.
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. Since then, she has had incarnations as a writer, journalist, marketer and anthropologist. She is the mother of four children and grandmother to one goat named Ruby!
Arthur Gonick
Arthur has been associated with Saratoga TODAY since 2009 when he served as the editor of Saratoga TODAY’s “PULSE” section. Arthur says his brain generates thoughts that are punctuated with a highly advanced form of sarcasm that only few can truly understand. This lends itself to whatever texture and perspective he brings to his writing. “I had a goal of achieving ‘second childhood’ status while I was still in middle age,” Arthur states. “And I am proud to say that I am well on my way.”
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Jessica is a Graphic Designer and Photographer with a passion for animals, music and a good laugh. After she obtained a Fine Arts degree from SUNY Oswego, she returned to Saratoga Springs to follow her dream of photography, design and creating. With her attention to detail and heightened creative background, Simply Saratoga was yet another perfect project for her to undertake! Here's to many more!
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.
Trina is Saratoga TODAY's event columnist and principal of sofiEvents, a boutique firm specializing in event marketing, public relations and sponsorship management. She first moved to Saratoga Springs in 1995, and after relocating to the Washington, DC, area in 2004, returned 'home' in 2010. Trina and her husband, Dave, are happy to be raising their Southern Belle in a community rich with history, culture and philanthropy.
Patricia made the move from Key West to Saratoga Springs in 1973. She currently lives in Middle Grove with her husband, two horses, two donkeys, four dogs, nine chickens, and one cat. In 1998, Patricia was awarded first place for a feature article from the NYPA for a series on a local woman who had survived the Killing Fields of Cambodia along with her seven children.
Chelsea Hoopes Silver
Chelsea Silver owns Silverwood Home & Gallery in downtown Saratoga Springs with her mother, Charlene. She is also a real estate agent for Town & Country Properties and does interior design consulting. 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.
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 5
CONTENT Spring Home & Garden Issue ~ May 2013
A GOOD READ 8. Saratoga Rainmakers: The Dake Family Katrina Lucas brings us back nearly a hundred years, to the early days when you were more likely to get your favorite flavor from a red Model T truck sporting "Dake's Delicious Ice Cream"
16. A Bo ok Review by Helen Edelman Rich Romano: Disrupting the Future
18. Young Stars!
68 39
Arthur Gonick provides an update on four young performers that he originally covered in 2009
30. C.A.N.D. i Patricia Older tells us how local wedding photographer Tracey Buyce is making a global difference.
8
36. Advice from Meghan Lemery How to move past PAIN
ENTERTAINMENT 28. Save The Date Save these Dates! Everything from "FUN RUNS" to Dave Mathews...
18
48
FASHION 39.
Saratoga Fashion
HOME & GARDEN 48. We Have Peter Bowden! We have Peter Bowden... And in his first article with us, he starts with the basics... How to correctly feed your plants.
50. The Carriage House Chronicles
58. Backyard Projects Brian Cremo walks us through some great backyard projects for us NorthEasterners who are eager to lose the parkas and get outside.
68. A Summer Swarm
Home & Garden Edition May/June 2013
Simply The People. The Places. The Lifestyle.
Chelsea DiSchiano interviews local homeowners Denise and Jim Eliopulos... after discovering they had roughly 30,000 bees removed from their home - a must read for homeowners!
74.
74
50
Chelsea Hoopes Silver brings you Lisa Bates in her second feature for us!
The Story Behind The Batcheller Mansion
Our beautiful cover photo was shot by MarkBolles.com
Let Hollis Palmer take you inside the Batchellerr Mansion... The house that epitomizes "the people, the places, the lifestyle" for the Saratoga region during its heyday.
82. Closing Thoughts
Compliments of
See who has the last word this month.
6 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 7
milk
Saratoga Rainmakers William P. Dake and the Dake Family By Trina Lucas, photos provided
By the late ‘20s, Dake’s annual ice cream production reached 100,000 gallons and the brothers sold their business to Robert McMullen with the understanding that they would stay and run it. The business name became Dake’s Dairy Products Company.
I
Charles S. Dake, Percy W. Dake, Charles V. Dake, William P. Dake
t is actually showers of milk falling from clouds of ice cream that have made this Greenfield native one of Saratoga’s rainmakers. As Chairman of the Board, William ‘Bill’ Dake, with his son Gary as president, oversees 329 Stewart’s Shops, employing 4,300 people. The stores are scattered from Newburg, New York, to the Canadian border and as far west as Oswego, with 10 locations in Vermont. All born from the first shop on Church Avenue in Ballston Spa. However, the story of Saratoga’s favorite ice cream started long before those doors ever opened. The Dake Family first moved to land near Kayaderosseras Creek, in the present-day Town of Greenfield, in 1787. Generations of Dakes were born and raised in ‘Daketown,’ and almost 100 years later, in 1874, Starks and Melvina Dake married there. In the years to follow, the couple had 11 children, including Charles V. and Percy.
Supposedly making $1,000 per day in royalties from his invention of the vacuum pack, McMullen moved the ice cream production to a state-of-the-art facility near Splinterville on 9N at a cost of $150,000. He also started planning several other development projects, including a resort hotel and two golf courses. But the stock market crashed, crushing those plans with it. Instead, McMullen built the biggest, most modern cow barn in the country, with four 20-foot silos, 40-feet high. It was located near the ice cream plant, cost $250,000, and never housed a single cow. McMullen’s venture to vacuum pack ice cream ended in failure and he sold out to Sealtest in 1932. Sealtest paid Charles and Percy a considerable amount of money for a 10-year non-compete agreement. At the same time, McMullen agreed to pay the brothers $40,000 for their share of the ice cream sale. He went broke before doing so, however, and instead, offered them ownership of the new cow barn. For several years, Charles and Percy pursued other endeavors, from inventing plastic cups to starting a soda bottling plant in Ballston. Nothing quite worked as they had hoped. Then, in 1935, New York State moved to require pasteurization of all milk.
Starks was a teacher, surveyor, lawyer, Justice of the Peace and Daketown farmer. Learning what they lived, Charles and Percy formed a partnership in 1917 to purchase the Dake family dairy farm from their father. In their search for a better market for the milk, the brothers settled on ice cream, and in their first year, sold 4,000 gallons. Within two years, they rented and converted the railroad freight station on Route 9N into an ice cream manufacturing plant and started making bulk ice cream deliveries to Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany and Troy in a bright red “Dake’s Delicious Ice Cream” Model-T truck.
8 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
The Dake Milk Plant on Excelsior Avenue, in the former water works building
Previously, most milk was sold raw from farmers. The Dake brothers seized the opportunity to create Saratoga Dairy and began pasteurizing milk for the local farmers who couldn’t afford to do it themselves. After their numerous failures, they were back in business. The new family motto became, “If it ain’t got milk in it, stay out of it!”
In 1945, Charles and his wife, Olive, purchased the
They purchased the old Splinterville plant from Sealtest in 1940 under the condition that they not produce ice cream there. Instead, Charles and Percy chose to manufacture butter, and during World War II, that plant became the largest east of the Mississippi, servicing farms from New England to Maryland. More than three million pounds were churned one winter alone. They bought back Saratoga Dairy in 1942.
Wartime rations had created a pent-up demand for ice cream, so sales were strong at seven cents for a single dip and 10 cents for a double. As sugar shortages eased, Charlie was able to produce more ice cream, eventually opening more shops.
Mansion on the Hill in Greenfield, McMullen’s former residence. That same year, the Dake brothers bought a small dairy and ice cream business in Ballston Spa from Don Stewart, who had been operating it for almost 30 years. The sale included licenses to sell milk in other Charles and Percy eventually sold Saratoga Dairy to Floyd towns and an ice cream freezer and hardening room. The purchase coincided with the return of Charles’ son, and Ralph Ellsworth, owners of the Ellsworth Ice Cream Charles S. ‘Charlie’ Company and Dake, from two years opened a new milk of infantry service in receiving plant in Europe. Charlie took McMullen’s former cow barn on 9N. over some of the operation of the ice They designed and cream plant with help built a separation from his father and plant where they uncle, while another could use the uncle, Walt Hall, ran cream to make the business. With cheese, skim milk the Sealtest nonto make casein compete agreement and create dried fulfilled, Charles and whey. Every McMullen’s extravagant cow barn on 9N; the site of Stewart’s plant today Percy could pitch component of the in to get the ice milk was used, cream business up and running and the storefront at the with very little deposited in the sewer bed across the street, which set the Dake operation apart from others who Stewart’s ice cream plant was re-opened to sell ice cream and milk as the first Stewart’s Ice Cream Shop. were dumping waste into streams.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
In 1948, working with the Sutherland Paper Company, Stewart’s became the first ice cream in a folding halfgallon carton. That same year, Charlie’s wife, Phyllis Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 9
(affectionately known as ‘Philly,’) introduced the “Make Your Own Sundae” concept, a trademark for Stewart’s. Partnering with local television stations to sponsor shows like “Hopalong Cassidy” and “Whirlybird,” Stewart’s could advertise their ice cream, resulting in throngs of shop visitors clamoring to make their own sundaes after watching it on TV. “We were unique because we scooped ice cream and sold the packaged product to enjoy at home,” explains Bill Dake. Two years later, Charles, Percy and Charlie moved all operations to the cow barn, where they remain today. Paul ‘Perky’ Robinson was put in charge of the plant itself, allowing Charlie to focus on sales and shop openings. In 1953, he and Philly purchased the Mansion on the Hill from his parents, who then retired to the family homestead on Daketown Road. There, Charles raised prize-winning Southdown sheep, and the animals became a traveling petting zoo of sorts, visiting Stewart’s shops to entertain children as they enjoyed their ice cream treats. The sheep also sparked an incredibly successful advertising campaign for Stewart’s. First, it was a naming contest for two new lambs, ‘Perky’ and ‘Patches,’ that became the company mascots. Then an incentive program was introduced, encouraging customers to collect Perky Points redeemable for discounts and prizes, including a helicopter ride for those who collected and saved 500 points. “Yes, we actually owned a helicopter,” recalls Bill Dake with a smile. “Another of the family ventures was Adirondack Helicopters. We would deliver Santa Clause, reward loyal customers and even sell rides for special occasions. The helicopter rides and Perky made for
popular marketing campaigns in the ‘50s.” By 1955, Stewarts’s had more than 40 shops open, but due to state law and licensing regulations, the company could not sell milk at all of them. In 1957, the company took on the New York State Department of Agriculture for permission to sell milk from their own Saratoga Dairy plant to their own Stewart’s shops. After a highly publicized battle in court and in the press, Stewart’s was granted legal rights to sell its own milk, destroying the monopoly of the larger companies serving area supermarkets and resulting in Capital Region milk prices dropping 25 percent per gallon. Stewart’s sales skyrocketed. Charlie took over Saratoga Dairy from his uncle, Percy, and needing technical savvy to meet the demand, convinced his younger brother, Bill, to return home. Fresh from a two-year term with the US Navy, Bill Dake had not intended to come back to Saratoga. “I graduated from Cornell after a five-year Mechanical Engineering program with internships,” states Bill. “When I finished my ROTC service with the Navy, I planned to work for Boeing or Proctor & Gamble. I never thought about coming back to the family business.” He agreed to help his big brother though, and within a year of returning in 1960, Bill’s engineering acumen had significantly increased the dairy’s profitability. Stewart’s was now being run by another generation of brothers.
A second generation of brothers take the helm (Charlie and Bill Dake)
Bill Dake refers to the company’s history by product. “The ‘50s were about ice cream, the ‘60s about milk and the ‘70s brought gasoline.” In 1972, Stewart’s sought to purchase a Mobil shop in Hudson that offered self-service gas. Ironically, Mobil wouldn’t let Stewart’s buy the property unless they committed to sell gasoline too. Stewart’s agreed and completed the sale, thus becoming Mobil’s biggest competitor. Today, 270 of the 329 Stewart’s Shops sell gas.“They created their own competition,” Bill remarks with a grin. In the mid-seventies, as the company grew to include 65
Adirondack Helicopters
10 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
stores, Stewart’s introduced a profit-sharing plan resulting in one-sixth employee ownership. The brothers continued to lead together until Charlie’s sudden death in 1978, when Bill assumed complete responsibility of the company. His father, Charles, and uncle, Percy, died the following year. The ‘80s were a period of significant growth for Stewart’s. “We were able to provide fresh, quality, local products, like milk,” says Bill. “And we also offered value items that met national interest, matching the leading brands.” And the product of the ‘80s? “Definitely coffee,” he declares. “Coffee became very popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. People wanted fresh, hot coffee, prepared the way they liked it. So, we made it easy for them to have just that, at the self-service counter.” “The team thought it was crazy to let customers pour their own coffee,” he continues. “’They’ll break the pots,’ everyone said. But I insisted and it worked.” The ‘80s also marked Gary Dake’s start at the company. Bill’s son began working for Stewart’s in 1984. Today, the two share an office, working sideby-side. In 1994, Stewart’s built an expanded 35,000-square foot dairy and warehouse in Greenfield, allowing them to make or distribute what they sell in their shops. “Seventy-five percent of what we sell is manufactured or distributed by us,” Bill explains. “Through the years, we’ve focused more and more on distributing products from our plant, and by doing so, have been able to price things more competitively for our customers.” The company’s focus over the past two decades has turned to its people. In 2001, Stewart’s established the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, selling an additional one-sixth of the company to the employees and bringing their ownership to onethird. “When you own something, you take pride in it. You make it the best you can,” affirms Bill. “Our employees are partners. They are loyal and committed and see the return on their investment of time and energy. And as a result, our customers experience outstanding service. At all levels, it’s about the people.” “We deal directly with about 40 local milk producers. Those relationships are invaluable because they guarantee our customers the best product.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 11
Gary Dake and his father, Bill Dake, exchange service pins on their 25th and 50th anniversaries, respectively. Photo Provided.
12 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Bill Dake is quick to point out that as with any successful company, “Luck and good timing have definitely played a part in Stewart’s growth.” “But our success is also in vertical integration, making our own products and having the warehouse from which to distribute those we don’t manufacture ourselves. It’s an efficient way to operate and allows better pricing, while ensuring quality because we control it.” “On that note, I noticed a shift several years ago,” Bill continues. “Instead of asking me the secret of our success, I was being asked how Stewart’s simply survived. Thinking about it, I believe it was an inherited sense of curiosity.” “My father, uncle, brother and I didn’t hesitate to ask ‘What if…’ How else can one explain trying to invent a milk bottle that skimmed cream? Or trying to separate the salts from water to form a tablet that could be shipped and then recombined to form the original spring water again? And the helicopter business? We were curious to see what could work, how it could work. We were willing to try anything.” Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it infused life into the Dake Family, and in turn, Stewart’s. Milk, ice cream, gas and coffee have done more than grow the company, however. They’ve grown the community. Bill was married to former Saratoga Springs Mayor, Almeda ‘AC’ Riley, for 25 years. The couple had four children, including Gary, the only one to return home and join the company. Now president, he celebrated his 25th anniversary with Stewart’s in 2009. His sister is an optometrist in Connecticut, while another sister and brother are an architect and land architect, respectively, in Los Angeles Twenty-eight years ago, Bill married Susan Law, who many came to know through the iconic Stewart’s commercials that start with “Hi, I’m Susan.” Susan Dake is now president of the Stewart’s Foundation, one of the three foundations affiliated with the family, which also include the Philly and Charlie Dake Foundation and the Susan and Bill Dake Foundation. Stewart’s Foundation contributes more than $2.25 million to charitable and community organizations each year; the family foundations donate twice as much. In addition, Stewart’s Holiday Match program reached just under $1.4 million in 2012. Of that, $700,000 was Stewart’s match for its customers’ in-store donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the past 26 years, the Holiday Match has contributed more than $17 million to local children’s charities. These impressive numbers don’t include the countless hours that Bill, Susan and Gary have given to the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 13
Philanthropists Bill and Susan Dake with Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson at the 2012 National Museum of Dance Gala Photo Provided
numerous boards and committees they’ve served on through the years. The late Philly Dake was also wellknown for her philanthropic spirit and community service. There are a few contributions, however, that many do not realize were the direct result of Bill Dake. “These are the projects I’m most proud of,” he says, skimming his resume.
He also coordinated construction of the Saratoga YMCA, first on Broadway in 1970, then on West Avenue in 2005 and just last year in Wilton. Most recently, he and Susan funded and oversaw the façade facelift for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
That innate Dake curiosity was piqued again in 1994. As a member of the Saratoga County Planning Board, Bill discovered that the Saratoga Springs City Charter predated the state-mandated bidding process for government projects. This quirk of history meant that he could build on city property as a private builder, and he did, funding many of the projects himself. “The contractors were happy to work with me because it was efficient. There was no red tape to get caught in,” he states. “So we could build with quality, in less time and for less money.” They don’t bear the Dake name, but Saratoga can thank Bill for the ice rinks on Weibel Avenue. He built one in 1994 and the second in 1996. “I was pulling out of the parking lot one day soon after, and a man was walking down the drive, hand-in-hand with his child,” Bill recalls. “He motioned to me and I rolled down the window. He simply said ‘Thank you.’ That moment has stayed with me. It truly touched me.” In 1999, it was Bill Dake who oversaw construction of the Farmers’ Market pavilions at High Rock Park; and in 2001, the carousel building in Congress Park.
Congress Park Carousel Photo Provided
14 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“I can’t thank the guys who have worked with me enough, ” he adds. “They really made the projects possible. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Stewart’s Shops have enhanced the local economy; contributed millions to advance the culture, health and welfare of the region; and made memories filled with sundaes and smiles. It’s Saratoga that can’t thank Bill and the Dake Family enough. When it comes to local rainmakers, they have scooped generous amounts of support.
Farmers Market Pavillion Photo Provided
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 15
Richard Romano
A Book Review By Helen Edelman
R
ich Romano is a smart guy, a funny guy, creative, ironic, versatile, graceful at negotiating the twists and turns of a phrase, reflective, straightforward and cunning at inserting puns without inserting foot in mouth. And it shows every time he puts words on paper or engages in verbal parry. Whether he’s talking or writing about the printing and graphic arts industry, designing and blurbing the Saratoga Film Forum newsletter as a stalwart volunteer, blogging on topics ranging from sustainability to Black Friday to running the hills of the Skidmore campus, co-authoring books on integrated marketing communications that give away all the trade secrets, collaborating with colleagues on economic and demographic reports, speaking at conferences or writing plays, Romano is mesmerizing.
Romano landed in Saratoga Springs about 13 years ago after “flailing around during the ‘90s” in jobs such as working for St. Martin’s Press as an assistant editor whose claim to fame was success in compiling books about serial killers; working as a research assistant “and personal valet” for genius Marilyn vos Savant, author of a column in which she solves puzzles and answers questions from readers on esoteric subjects. More landmarks on the circuitous career path included courses at NYU, helping to develop a CD Rom game right before
that market tanked and gigs as a humor columnist, editor for trade magazines “for a pittance” and time in California as a full-timer for a small publishing company that sold out to a big one and was eaten alive by efficiencies and the ravages of a consolidating industry. Exhausted by musical jobs and frustrated that his creative writing was languishing, Romano, who had spent many hours in local taverns with a friend he had visited more than once in Saratoga Springs, decided to put down roots. Long story short, that’s why he’s here, scrutinizing trends and giving sound advice to printing industry professionals; publishing about printing and communications in magazines and online; capitalizing on skills he honed in Toastmasters as an in-demand public speaker in his areas of expertise; and entertaining a crowd via the Internet in tongue-in-cheek commentary that can turn dead serious in a flash. Okay, okay, he says it well. So, what is it he’s saying exactly? Perhaps the biggest take-away is his observation that the printing industry will be spinning its wheels and shrinking unless it becomes a “communications services industry.” As print cedes space and authority to other communications vehicles, suppliers have to update their strategies to stay in business. For example, recruiting and retaining clients by designing websites, putting together a trade show, printing t-shirts or refrigerator magnets, arranging for a direct-mail campaign, conducting and analyzing consumer research, optimizing Internet searches and launching a social and mobile media effort are important marketing activities that have as much or more urgency as phone directory ads, sales staff, billboards, public relations and event sponsorship, which are more traditional routes to consumers. In his book “Disrupting the Future,” Romano offers “uncommon wisdom for navigating print’s challenging marketplace,” in which he addresses the central question, “What happened to the power of print?” He starts with some startling facts: “When the printing press was invented in the 1450s, the
16 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
population of Europe was approximately 50 million people. The literacy rate at that time has been estimated at 500,000 people capable of reading what was printed. It took about 100 years to get the literacy rate to 50 percent, about 70 million – which means it took 100 years for the number of people who could read what was printed to 35 million. On the contrary, it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million users; it took TV 13 years to reach 50 million users; it took the Internet four years to reach 50 million users; and it took the iPod three years to reach 50 million users. “Furthermore, Facebook added 100 million users in less than nine months; iPhone app downloads hit one billion in nine months; and the number of Ashton Kutcher’s and Ellen DeGeneres’ Twitter followers exceeds the population of Ireland, Norway and Panama.” His conclusion is that technology and innovation have “disrupted the future” for the printing industry that was counting on predictable growth, so in order to survive and thrive, the printing industry must also disrupt the future by implementing its own technological innovations that complement and amplify their primary business. Romano is himself a good example of being adaptive. Once upon a time he would write the Saratoga Film Forum newsletter and give the content to a designer. When the Film Forum’s budget got too slim to put out the tabloid, communications shifted to post cards. When funding became available for a newsletter again, Romano was glad to oblige. By then, he had become competent in the program InDesign. Not just pretty good at it, but so good that he wrote a book about using InDesign.
for those for whom these issues are already understood. Also worth the time is “Does a Plumber Need a Web Site,” which encourages the use of multichannel marketing. The answer to the question in the title is a resounding “yes--” and so do pizza parlors, hairdressers and, he says, “other edgy entrepreneurs.” Romano does a great job in this book describing why all businesses – not just those with appeal for younger, tech-savvy demographics -- can benefit from social media and Internet communication. And, for those intimidated by terminology, there’s a glossary. It would be unfair to go on about Romano without mentioning the success he’s had as a playwright. He started penning plays in 2008 when he learned that the Colonial Little Theater in Johnstown was looking for plays for a theater festival. He entered and won with a family drama. Next was a play about people trapped at an airport gate. The most recent is “Famous Last Words,” a fascinating and somehow funny foray into the unfunny realm of the twin powers of love and death, risk and hope. A full production of the play will be mounted in 2014. Many adjectives later, Romano’s surface has barely been skimmed, but this remains: Q: “So, Rich, do you call yourself a business writer, a blogger, an author, a playwright, an editor, a designer, a printer’s advocate…what exactly?” A: “Oh, I like to think of myself as a pundit… whatever that is.”
Or this: When his brother was getting married, he asked Romano to be his best man; this involved a toast in front of a large Irish family known for its superior storytelling abilities. Romano didn’t feel comfortable with public speaking or thrilled about this prospect, so he joined Toastmasters. He went from dreading speaking opportunities to a person who can “babble coherently.” “Toastmasters changed my life,” he says. “I make more money speaking to printing industry experts at conferences than I do writing now.” He is today an officer in the club and an ironically vocal proponent of its power. “At $90 a year, it’s the best bargain I know of,” he reports. “Disrupting the Future” is a quick,
fun, informative read, worth the time, especially for a businessperson who wants to understand how to integrate conventional print advertising with progressive channels. It’s accessible to brand new merchants and reinforcing saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 17
The Kids are all right
By Arthur Gonick
2009
’s
young Hats Off performers are progressing
Nicely!
18 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
NASHVILLE, TN –
The dirty little secret of deadline journalism is that we are always after the next ‘big’ story. As a consequence, we writers can tend to behave like “playas” at a singles bar: Most times, we love you (in print, that is) and leave you. Other times, we don’t love you but maybe we write that we do. And then we leave you. Or maybe we check you out and give you a pass altogether. But we always leave. Next!
Over the years, I have had the pleasure to detail the promise, hopes and dreams of a wide roster of arts/entertainment performers. Stories that are, I hope, accurate and complete on the day they are published. But then, like a shiny new car rolling of the lot, they start to become obsolete. The next chapter(s) are missing. This is particularly true with young performers, with their entire careers before them. But it’s the nature of the business that we don’t write follow-ups. Not “never,” but rarely. So I regard this opportunity as unique privilege.
On July 24, 2009 Saratoga TODAY published my article about five young performers that were scheduled to make their debut at the leading music festival of the summer season - Hats Off to Saratoga. Of those five, four are making great strides in their music careers. Actually, they are kicking some major butt in a variety of ways. The original article has been reprinted for you at the end of this piece (see pages 26 and 27), so you can revisit their teenage aspirations and see how they have played out nearly 4 years later as young 20-somethings…I’ll give you a preview: see paragraph above. This opportunity presented itself because two of these four ‘next gen’ people live within 10 miles of me… in Nashville, TN! That means I didn’t need to take the company Learjet out of its hanger, and still could get fresh performance photos… more to the point, it made me thirsty for each of their next chapters… which also led me to New York City and Maine. But in truth, once bitten, I would have traveled to Kurdistan to find out about them. So Saratoga, here are some postcard-updates from your native sons and daughters—the kids are all right. (pictured left to right): Nashvillve based song writers Aubrey Wollett and Colby Dee are anchored by guitar backup from Zac Rossi at Soul Shine Pizza Factory. Photo by Hans Kirkendoll
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 19
an in-the-round with original songwriters Aubrey Wollett and Colby Dee—both worth giving a 10th or 11th listen to, BTW, it says here. To give you an idea, Ms. Aubrey was not only a featured performer that night, but programs the entire lineup for each of these in-the-rounds… As for Ms. Colby, she sang the National Anthem…today! As I write this she is singing it before a packed house at Turner Field in the ATL before the Georgia v. Georgia Tech afternoon baseball tilt. Yep, that’s pretty much Nashville in a paragraph.
“To make it in Nashville, you have to be flexible.” Zac said, “The opportunities are there, but you need to embrace them when they come along.”
Aubrey Wollett (Dunedin, FL), Zac Rossi (Saratoga Springs, NY), Colby Dee (Suwanee, GA) Photo by Hans Kirkendoll
Zac Rossi
A unique opportunity was embraced on April 2, when Zac performed at the iconic Bluebird Café as part of the Tin Pan South festival, backing guitar in support of songwriter Jessie Lee in a trio.
Another opportunity embraced was scoring a gig as a lighting tech/ roadie crew on the Country Throwdown tour with Rodney Atkins, Josh Thompson and Gary Allan. When I spoke to him, Zac was just back from Texas and Kansas. Back in Nashville for a couple a days, then back out on the road with Rodney for a two and a half weeker: Postcards home from Cali, Wisc, Ohio and ND. Oh yeah, when they need a guitarist for sound check, I am sure Zac makes time to accommodate their requests.
Still Strong.
NASHVILLE- Zac Rossi moved to the town called “Music City” in March, 2012. I had heard Zac was in the region and was planning to surprise him at a gig, but then he ran into me. Naturally, at a checkout lane at Target in Brentwood, TN! Go figure…
In the performance realm, Zac has networked incredibly well with Nashville’s prolific songwriter community, and is now sort of a ‘go-to’ guitarist who backs about a dozen of the region’s finest singer-songwriters – just like he did for Maggie Doherty back in the day.
We met on a Tuesday night at a popular place called Soul Shine Pizza Factory, where Zac was in guitar-mode for
He’s having the time of his life on the road. “Lighting became a full time unforeseen career that I fell in love with,” Zac said. “I found that I was surprisingly adept at it.” It’s also a good foundation to making a living, and the benefits of traveling at Zac’s age are limitless. “I used to see music as a singular mountain to climb,” Zac said, “I now look at it as two possible mountains; either of which would be fantastic. I now would be thrilled to be either the lighting director or a guitar player for any major touring act.” Wanna bet against him? I’ll gladly take THAT action!
20 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Maggie Doherty
Still surprising, yet no surprise at all.
NEW YORK CITY- OK, the first surprise is that her performance persona in her formative years made her, in many people’s eyes, “most likely to migrate to Port Arthur, TX to commune with the spirit of Janis Joplin” or at least someplace where hay is a major economic contributor for the given county—but noooooo, no no no no!
The Maggie who ‘grew up on stage’ in Saratoga Springs busted out a different door, and now is, if not urban, urbane – still the same cheerful smile that you can literally hear over a phone, but sophisticated, nuanced and focused. She’s got a lot of highlights, so let’s catch up: Now living in Astoria, Queens, a modern cultural and culinary melting pot, Maggie still practices journalism, as she did throughout her college days at Hofstra, which included an internship at Billboard Mag. Now a Hofstra grad, she’s currently employed at Midtown Wine and Spirits Magazine, a prestigious trade publication that covers retail openings and national trends in ‘grapeland’ in general. Music? Yeah, some… like in June 2011, when she had her ‘anthem moment’ in front of her fave team the NY Mets and their friends and family at Citi Field. Smashed out of the park- no surprise of course… maybe there is something in the water here…
Also, she did a good deal of a cappella group singing while at Hofstra, and now has added the keyboard to her repertoire! Maggie’s most notable application of this keys/vocal combo has been with friend Erin Willett (she
Maggie Doherty singing with Erin Willett at the Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY Photo by Betch Laschever
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 21
of the “Top 8” on season two of ‘The Voice'), playing at prestigious venues like Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory. They also will bring it back to Hofstra as alumni VIP’s during its annual Music Fest this month. An exciting program currently in development finds Maggie combining forces with Saratoga native and allaround talent powerhouse Ms. Kelley Sweeney – who is currently pursuing a Masters degree in musical theater, with an eye for becoming a professor at SUNY Stony Brook. From what I have experienced, Ms. Sweeney is a nothing short of a master in extracting the best out of the talented performers she works with, which also includes herself.
The project in development is called “Blue Harvest,” a one-act nostalgia revue which recalls the music that was spawned from the prolific songwriting which emerged out of California’s Laurel Canyon region in the early 1970’s – you know the names: Joni and Carly, CSN&Y and Carole King. To bake a good cake, you need to use the finest ingredients. In that
Art by Sharon Bolton
connection there’s no doubt here that any recipe that has Ms. Maggie as a headliner, with Ms. Kelley as arranger/ director is going to be a “Multi-WOW!” Not really a word, but highly apropos in this case. It’s a totally homegrown Saratoga Springs Natives Kelley Sweeney affair too, complete and Maggie Doherty with poster art by Maggie’s aunt Sharon Bolton, she of the First Night poster multi-award fame.
At press time, the crew of “Blue Harvest” was still to have their final stage run through, but by the time you read this they should be up and running on all cylinders. The only question might be where and when (definitely not ‘if’) they will be back in Saratoga Springs to perform for a hometown audience. So search them out—I am sure they will be around sometime this summer. So all in all, Maggie is taking big strides in surprising ways. Which is absolutely no surprise at all! 22 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
J t a M
Jenn Guay
Une fleur Français attente à fleurir.
Jenn Guay approaches the French building at McGill University Montreal, Quebec.
ORONO, MAINE – When we last left Ms. Jenn, she was poised to venture to Burlington, Vermont immediately after her Hats Off gig, which she did and enrolled at the University of Vermont; receiving her BA in French language last year, and then skipped over to Orono, where she is pursuing grad degrees in the same field at the University of Maine.
“
The plan is to be a French teacher, keeping my summers open for music.” Jenn said.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Yes, music. With the release of her EP (“Toxic Babe”) as planned on the night of Hats Off, Jenn has moved on to some new projects. For the past year and a half, she has made her way back to Saratoga to work on recording in her dad’s home studio, and utilize his expertise as well as equipment- and his musical mates! Papa John Guay is an experienced drummer and producer who has stewarded Jenn throughout her musical career—teaching her to navigate the nuances of timing and tone- to surf through them successfully.
(Speaking of surfing—it’s notable that John’s band - Big Fez and the Surfmatics - are scheduled to play on the day this issue is published at The Parting Glass. So if you are reading this on that day, bring an issue over to him during the break and tell him that I said to bring his daughter up on stage to reprise Barbara Adkins’ role in “Church Key.”) ‘Surfmatic’ members are providing backing for Jenn’s new five-song original EP. In the meantime, she has availed herself of the music networking opportunities in the main college towns in two New England states - subject to class schedules and earning a living - while still making time to check in with musical buddies on her recording visits. Jenn lists Maurizio and Steve Candlen as two of the songwriters she tries to see every visit.
“This summer it will all come together,” Jenn said. In the meantime, she is a French flower waiting to bloom… oh BTW, that’s the translation of the subhead above. You didn’t think I’d leave you hanging at this point, did you?
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 23
Rachel VanSlyke
A wandering minstrel finds a home.
interests- as diverse as clogging to performing musical comedy skits in a touring show. She came to Nashville by accident. Actually, by a car breakdown in Orlando, FL To explain, Rachel was on a leg on yet another 20-city concert tour. The fourth stop was Orlando, and this is where her transport of the moment died. “The next stop was Nashville, and the mentality of the time was ‘how do we make the next gig’—not if, how,” Rachel recalled. “We patched together some vehicle, and off we go.” You don’t have to ask. Of course they made it. It was May 2010. Just another springtime in Saratoga, but in Nashville, it was the time of the big flood, which arrived a few days later. You can look it up. It was heavy. For Rachel, though, this was a seminal moment. The weather forced her to stop and look around. Despite the devastation, she liked what she saw. The wandering minstrel may not have known it at that point, but she was about to find a home. Rachel settled in East Nashville – the region’s funkafied trendy answer to portions of Brooklyn, I guess. I can confirm that she still doesn’t have the greenest lawn, but as you can see, she does wonders for any sunflower she encounters along the way!
Nashville is fertile soil for Rachel Van Slyke to firmly plant herself and...
grow, grow, grow. For one thing, she has her sister Kirsten here. Kirsten fills several important stabilizing roles for the artiste`. For instance: “She wakes me up.” Rachel says, which appears to have both literal and spiritual meanings. Photo provided
NASHVILLE – I have no way of knowing if you are reading this by going back and forth between the “then” and “now” stories, or waiting to read the 2009 one until the end. But I want to be sure about this one. Please turn to page 27 and read Rachel Van Slyke’s story first. By the time Rachel had reached Hat’s Off, she had lived a full lifetime of experiences, at home – but mostly on the road. That continued for a while, with Rachel’s pursuit of not “worrying about having the greenest lawn” taking her to a “home base” cabin in Pickens, SC. Let Rachel set the picture: “14 miles from town, fresh water but no shower, wood stove…” live off the land stuff. While in the woods outside Pickens, Rachel pursued some new
And the songwriter awards keep coming. Like Euro-site 100% music’s Overall Grand Prize. Rachel’s making a good stab at leading/programming a Sunday afternoon songwriter series at Jackalope Brewery – at this writing, it was approaching it’s seventh week and starting to develop a following. She participates in another monthly all-female “in-the-rounder,” and has started to pick up guitar lessons clients. Also, Rachel’s a studio singer for recordings- equally adept at backing up singers or singing other songwriters’ songs. And recordings of her own a plenty! She’s got a CD of traditional holiday jazz tunes in her belt, and a second songwriter release scheduled for this summer. You see her live once, you don’t wonder why she can be as busy as she wants to be. After all, Rachel was a pro long before she arrived at Hat’s Off. And this is what pros do.
24 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
So we end our update journey where we began. Nashville is a transportation hub, first and foremost. In this case, it serves as a launching pad to other markets for Zac, and a magnet that provides a career for Rachel, and many others. Without that overlay, ABC would be looking for a hit show called “Tampa” or “Huntsville” maybe. But regardless of location, it says here that all four of our “next gen” friends are making the right bold moves that are setting themselves up to be heard from for decades to come. This article is now obsolete. NEXT! * Arthur Gonick is sooooooooo looking forward to being an annoying tourist at several Saratoga 150 events.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
(lleft and right) Rachel Van Slyke performing at the Fiddle & Pick in Peagram, TN
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 25
d Reprinte from 2009! , 4 2 y l u J
26 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Repri nted fro July 2 m 4, 200 9
!
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 27
Save The Date Saturday, May 18th
Hero Rush Ellms Family Farm, 448 Charlton Rd. Ballston Spa The obstacle and race experience created by firefighters. Race through a 3- 5 mile course of heroic (and unique!) obstacles. http://www.herorush.com/events/new-york/ The Emma Foundation 5K and Kids Fun Run 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Established in memory of Emma Durrant. http://www.emmas5krun.org/ (518) 584-7643 Saratoga National Car & Truck Show & Expo Saratoga County Fairgrounds, Saturday and Sunday Custom & Classic Cars, Trucks, & Bikes - Vendors, Food, Live Music, & Bouncy’s for the young’uns! Adults $5; kids under 12 free. (518) 885-1338. Tuff eNuff Challenge: Overcoming the Obstacles 5K, BOCES Campus/ NYRA Lowlands, Saratoga Springs, 9 a.m. Join the Prevention Council for our 2nd Annual Tuff eNuff Challenge and turn your standard 5K run into a fun, muddy adventure for families and serious athletes alike. (518) 581-1230.
Spring Arts and Crafts Show American Legion, 34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy this family event browsing through gift items and handcrafted items made by talented local artists. Free admission. (518) 744-9310.
Saratoga Hospital Dog Walk Saratoga Spa State Park, Warming Huts (start of walk) 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Proceeds from event will be split between Saratoga Hospital's Angel Fund and Estherville Animal Shelter a No Kill facility in Saratoga Co. Contact Barb Kerker to pre-register at 882-5562.
Sunday, May 19
2013 SPAC's 5k Rock & Run SPAC State Park, 9 a.m. There will be a kids race at 10 a.m. ,with the adult 5k going off at 10:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit SPAC's Kids education programs and its classical programming. Cost is $32 the day of the event.
Friday, May 24 Saratoga 150 Kickoff and Fireworks Saratoga Performing Arts Center The Official Kickoff of the Saratoga 150 Celebration will feature family activities, entertainment, a picnic contest, fireworks and more. Free admission with Official Saratoga 150 Lapel Pin Medallion. www.Saratoga150.com. SPAC Battle of the Bands Spa Little Theater, 7 p.m. 10 bands will compete to win the annual SPAC Battle of the Bands! All catered by the rock stars at Mazzone Management.
Saturday, May 25 Dave Matthews Band Live at SPAC Saratoga Performing Art Center, 8 p.m. The Dave Matthews Band Summer 2013 Tour Saturday and Sunday.
Thursday, May 30 Music, Models, Mingling and More Saratoga Polo Field, Bloomfield Rd. Join us for The Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga's biggest fundraising event of the year! (518) 584-1621.
Friday, May 31 Hall of Fame Grand Opening & Anna Pavlova Induction National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs 6 p.m. www.dancemuseum.org.
28 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Sunday, June 2
Thursday, June 27
Sixth Annual Cantina Kids Fun Run Saratogaian Parking Lot 8 a.m. Benefiting Pediatric Emergency Services at Saratoga Hospital. (518) 583-8340 or visit www.SartogaHospital.org
2013 TRASK Art Show and Sale Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presents TRASK: Preserving Saratoga Springs through art, a one night art show and sale through silent auction. TRASK benefits the restoration of the Spirit of Life sculpture and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park. TRASK will showcase artists who, in some way honor 'the Spirit of Saratoga' through ideas or images of preservation, local history, architecture, landscapes, and culture, concepts of philanthropy, and especially the historic Saratoga Race Course to celebrate its 150th Anniversary. (518) 587-5030.
American Diabetes Association’s Saratoga Tour de Cure Saratoga Springs High School 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The annual ride is part of a nationwide movement to Stop Diabetes and change the future of the nearly 26 million Americans living with the disease. (518) 218-1755 ext. 3606.
Thursday, June 6 Saratoga ArtsFest 2013 Saratoga Springs (various locations) SaratogaArtsFest is back again this year, drawing thousands to for a four-day celebration of the arts in its many forms including music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art.
Saturday, June 8 The Elks Flag Day Parade North Broadway to Congress Park Saratoga Springs, 12 p.m. Bowling for Scholars Gutterball Bash Saratoga Strike Zone, 32 Ballston Ave. Saratoga Springs, 6 – 10 p.m. Join Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar for their annual fundraiser. Admission is $75.00. (518) 587-2472.
Sunday, June 9 2nd Annual Beekman Street Art Fair On Beekman Street from Grand Ave. to West Circular Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A juried art and craft fair, with musical groups, street performers, and gourmet food trucks. (518)-583-2120
Monday, June 10 Aim Services, Inc. Fifth Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament McGregor Links Golf Club, 359 Northern Pines Rd., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information please contact Kathy Butler (518) 4502842 or Sandra Beach (518) 450-2866.
Saturday, June 15 War of 1812 Encampment Congress Park, Saratoga Springs This event is part of the Saratoga 150 celebration. For more information visit www.saratoga150.com. Saturday and Sunday
Sunday, June 16 Rascal Flatts Live at SPAC Saratoga Performing Art Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, 7 p.m. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 29
Local Photographer Helping the World
One Dog at a Time By Patricia Older, Photos by Tracey Buyce
A
year and a half ago, local photographer Tracey Buyce was ready for a little getaway. It was December, winter was just beginning and the wedding season was winding down. As a newlywed herself, she was looking forward to a much anticipated vacation to Cancun. She never realized how the trip would change her life. It was a glorious end to a day on the beach in the popular Mexican resort town. The ocean was a soothing turquoise hue with waves gently crashing onto the white sands of the beach. The rosy-red setting sun drifted just above the skyline of hotels and restaurants, as Tracey and her husband made their way along the shoreline to a nearby restaurant. It should have been the most romantic moment of the trip. Instead, as they walked, Tracey could not help but noticed the stray dogs nearby, their skinny bodies hunched down in the shadows, their movements filled with hunger and fear.
Photo by Hector Na
“My husband Pete and I were on vacation for a getaway,” explains Tracey. “We were walking down the beach going to dinner and that is when I saw several emaciated, homeless dogs It was heartbreaking.” As an animal lover, the sight of the starving dogs sent Tracey into a sense of helplessness and sadness that carried on through dinner. She couldn’t forget how they looked—skin taunt against a skeleton frame and fear and sadness in their eyes. “I could barely eat during dinner knowing those dogs were right outside suffering,” Tracey continued. “I gave them my
varro
dessert on the way out of the restaurant and then I cried and cried and cried.” When she got back to her hotel room, Tracey, still haunted by the sight of the dogs, began searching the Internet for some way to help. “I googled animal welfare groups from my hotel room and found CANDi,” said Tracey, adding that within minutes after contacting them, the organization emailed her right
30 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
back. The organization asked her to come on board and she readily agreed. CANDi, she explained, is a non-profit organization that brings tourism businesses together with local animal welfare groups organizing spay and neuter programs to address the issue of cat and dog overpopulation in destination communities, such as Cancun.
The organization was started by Darci Galati a few years ago after a trip to Cancun. A successful entrepreneur, Galati had sold one company that dealt with the travel industry and during the transition, had taken her three daughters to Cancun for a vacation. While there, the girls noticed the enormous number of stray dogs and cats on the streets. While they tried to feed the animals during the day, but were distraught at having to leave them behind to fend for themselves. Galati vowed to her daughters she would do something and CANDi—Cats And Dogs International—was born. “Darci saw a need and created this organization,” said Tracey, who jumped on board as CANDi’s official photographer following that Cancun vacation. But she is humble about the task, adding that she is there for the animals. “I don’t just do photography—I do whatever has to be done—I clean the cages, fetch water [during the spay/neuter clinics where dozens of feral dogs and cats are sterilized in marathon runs,] and help catch the animals.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 31
Tracey (center) with local volunteers, Maria and Mario
Tracey explained that in order for CANDi to be successful, Galati had to first gain the support of the tourism industry. “There are not a lot of laws to protect the animals,” explained Tracey. “Because the hotels and restaurants do not want the tourists to see these starving animals, they will round them up and kill them.” She continued that for years, the owners of the hotels, restaurants and destination areas were reluctant to help or be a part of CANDi, but soon they realized they were losing tourists. And the dollars that they bring.
32 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“The suffering [of the animals] was on a level I had never witnessed before,” said Tracey. “The hotel owners realized they were losing repeat tourism business because people did not want to come back after witnessing the suffering these animals were going through.” At first, Tracey explained, the tourism industry did a widespread sweep of the stray dogs and cats, resulting in a 98 percent euthanasia rate. In Puerto Rico, dozens of dogs collected during one of these sweeps were found dead in a ravine after being tossed from an overhead bridge. They had been destined for an animal shelter, which was already over-populated, and the driver, unwilling to deal with the animals, had thrown them to their deaths. Tracey said she attended her first spay/neuter clinic last year and did another one last January. “The clinics have taught me a lot about myself,” said Tracey. “It is so important to give—the power of paying it forward—and you are stronger than you think you are.” She said one of the saddest moments was when she realized the totality of indifference some people exhibit to an animal’s suffering. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 33
“Maria, a humane partner on the ground, had gotten a call about a dog who had been hit by a car,” said Tracey. “When we got to him, he had been laying there from 8 p.m. the night before and it was now noon. When I realized all these people had drove past him and walked past him and did absolutely nothing—it was heartbreaking.” The dog was too far gone at that point and had to be euthanized. But the experience only galvanized Tracey to make a difference. "Seeing the difference CANDi is making is a good feeling,” said Tracey. “The power of giving feels so good.” Tracey said that at the last clinic held last January—clinics can only be held once enough donations are raised—over 1,300 animals were sterilized during the weeklong clinic. It was at that last clinic she also crossed paths with Luna, a small, emaciated dog tied in the backyard of a home. “She was so skinny and sad looking,” said Tracey, noting that after the two male volunteers failed to get the owner to surrender her, she decided to give it a try. “I had to practically beg her, and I don’t know if it was because I was a woman or what, she eventually agreed to give me the dog.” 34 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Luna, as she was named, was taken back to the clinic where she was diagnosed with cancer and starvation. “I felt such a sense of relief,” said Tracey of Luna’s rescue. “I knew she wasn’t going to suffer anymore.” In fact, after surgery to remove the cancer and rehabilitation to address her starvation issues, Luna recently was flown into Albany Airport where she was met by the family who had adopted her. Tracey said it is easy for others to also become involved in helping bring a dog back to the states for adoption. “There is no quarantine, but the [animals] need someone to literally walk them through,” explained Tracey. She continued that Air Transit out of Canada has partnered with CANDi and transports the animals free of charge when adoptive homes have been found. “A lot of people go on vacation and they can help even by agreeing to be the transport person.” Tracey said she has found the task of photographing the animals difficult, but rewarding. “It is challenging to document the street dogs—you need to separate yourself,” said Tracey. “People ask me how can I do that, but I feel I am giving these dogs a voice.” The organization is slowly making inroads, said Tracey, noting that at the most recent clinic, they noticed fewer stray dogs and cats on the streets.
day about these poor animals,” said Tracey. “But I feel good that I am there and CANDi is making a difference. To leave a clinic and to know these animals are not reproducing—thousands of dogs are born and die on the streets—helps me feel better. CANDi is a grassroots movement for worldwide change. You can do more than just feel bad—you can get involved.”
To get more information on CANDI, visit their website at
www.candiinternational.org.
Putts for Pups
a fundraiser to help CANDI is being held June 15 at Frear Park in Troy
www.facebook.com/PuttForThePups
“The stray cats—they live in colonies and now, and instead of the hotels rounding them up and euthanizing them, [CANDi] educates them and now they build these cat huts and tourists respond positively because they can see them and pet them,” she said, adding that even so, the organization still needs help to keep making a difference. “If you are going on vacation, you email CANDi and let them know where you are travelling to and they have several rescue partners who can help set you up,” said Tracey. “They can also use monetary and inkind donations, like crates, leashes, collars and Frontline.” Summing it up, Tracey said it is all about taking action. “I still cry every saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 35
Facing the Darkness Learning to Heal from Emotional Pain and Trauma By Meghan D. Lemery, LCSW-R
Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs N.Y. Visit meghanlemery.com or email meghanlemery@yahoo.com for more information.
All of us
have had times in our lives where we felt completely overwhelmed by negative emotions. Maybe it’s consumed with guilt from the past, shame and self-loathing, the constant feeling of not being good enough or worthy of love. It really doesn’t matter what the feeling is because the end result of this feeling is pain that begins to consume our minds, hearts and spirits. Part of being human is experiencing a range of different emotions. We all have the innate desire to be loved and accepted and to experience joy, peace, lightheartedness and connection to ourselves and others.
The reality is however that we all go through times where we experience emotional pain. Sometimes that emotional pain is so deep that it consumes our physical bodies and causes us to feel joint aches, pains and severe migraines. When we don’t honor this pain and walk through the healing process the result is an anxious, depressed, detached, fearful heart. These painful emotions have no release valve in our hearts and spirits and the result can be a paralyzing feeling of anxiety. Anytime you are experiencing a high degree of anxiety in your life you are avoiding your feelings. Think of anxiety as the red warning light in your car that goes off to let you know something is wrong with your engine. If you avoid the warning, your car will break down and maybe even explode. Likewise, when we ignore the anxiety in our hearts we began to shut down and die emotionally, spiritually, sexually and eventually physically. Anxiety is a call from your intuition to STOP and pay attention. Lyanla Vanzant who is an author and self-help guru seen often on Oprah came up with this acronym for PAIN
P ay A ttention I nward N ow
Anytime pain knocks on the door of your heart, stop, honor it and pay attention. This seems easier said than done. When we think of pain we immediately want to run and avoid any hurt we may experience. Most of us feel pain and anxiety and ignore it or try to dull the edge with booze, Facebook, porn, food, pills or TV. It really doesn’t matter what the drug is because it all offers the same solution, distraction. Distraction from the pain is simply avoidance. If you fall down and cut your knee open and ignore the wound the wound becomes infected and does not heal properly. Think of your emotional pain or negative emotions as a wound that needs the proper care of love, attention and tenderness. The definition of pain is: Physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury Synonyms (noun): ache - grief - misery - suffering affliction - anguish (verb): hurt - ache - grieve - ail afflict - distress - smart
Painful emotions that are not addressed can be paralyzing and keep us stuck in depression and self-loathing. Think of your feelings as you would a brand new baby. What does a newborn baby need?
Love, Affection, Security, Attention
When a newborn baby fails to have these emotional needs met they will scream and cry to give voice to their pain. Whether we are newborns or adults, when we ignore our feelings we shut down and die. If you ignored your newborn overtime they would fail to grow and thrive. For any of us to grow spiritually, emotionally and physically we need love, attention and acceptance. Your feelings, positive or negative are your feelings. A feeling cannot be right or wrong, it simply is. If you tell me you feel bad about a past decision you made in life and I say, “Don’t feel bad!” I immediately judged your feeling and did not provide you an outlet to work through the pain. The problem most of us have is that we constantly judge our feelings. We feel shame, guilt, anger or anxiety and we beat ourselves up for the feelings or the experiences that led to those feelings. When we kick ourselves around for our feelings we are allowing the shame or painful feeling to gain power over
36 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
our spirits and take over. When we simply ALLOW our feelings to BE we provide a release for them. What happens to most of us is we ignore the crying baby (our feelings) and the baby only cries and screams louder or eventually shuts down feeling nothing. The first step in working through your emotional pain and negative feelings is to acknowledge the crying baby. When you feel scared, embarrassed, shame, frustrated angry or full of guilt simply acknowledge it’s presence in your heart. Put your hand over your heart and silently acknowledge the uncomfortable feeling. “It’s okay, you are safe, and I will take care of you.” You have acknowledged the feeling and that simple acknowledgement releases the hold on your heart. Here’s where most of us get stuck. The guilt, shame, anger or frustration screams and cries in our hearts and instead of acknowledging it’s presence we say: “Here we go again; you are so stupid I can’t believe you screwed that up. You are a worthless loser” This judgment only creates more anxiety and fuels the fire and energy for the negative emotion to stay stuck and stagnant in your heart. Think of it like asking a newborn baby why they are crying and what their problem is. Would you say, “What the hell is wrong with you? Get it together baby!” No, this seems ridiculous to us! Simply treat your emotions as you would a beautiful precious perfect newborn. Treat the pain with compassion, acknowledgment, understanding, love, acceptance and a judgment free zone. When you start to acknowledge and care for your feelings your body will respond with health and wellness. You will feel calmer and more relaxed. Your energy will increase and a sense of calm will began to enter your heart and mind. Every organ, cell and tissue in your body will literally be filled with light and joy as you acknowledge the darkness that wants to take over… Take the pain and hold it, rock it, love it and watch it begin to heal and remove its hold on your heart. What we need from ourselves and others is compassion, love and acceptance. When we treat ourselves and others with this level of care and attention we grow and thrive. We transform our spirits into the pure light and love we crave and desire. We are here on this planet to experience love, joy and acceptance. Each time we acknowledge our own personal pain in a loving and non-judgmental way we are helping to clean up the planet form negative toxic energy. Know that it is your birthright to live a joyful life. Treat yourself and others with kindness, compassion and love. Take care of your baby and teach others around you how to do the same. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 37
SS
Fashion: aratoga tyle
38 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Find your perfect summer accessories at Lucia, including handmade jewelry by Los Angeles based designer Vanessa Mooney. LU CI A ' S 454 Broadway Saratoga Springs
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 39
Be a hit at any garden party in this Rylan Dress in Pink Metallic Boucle, Bow Tie Belt and Goodie Goodie Necklace, all by Lilly Pultizer. Available at… PINK PADDOCK 358 Broadway Saratoga Springs
40 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Whether you are walking the beach or walking Broadway, you will turn heads in this Janice Dress in Hotty Pink Party Favors by Lilly Pulitzer. Available at… PINK PADDOCK 358 Broadway Saratoga Springs saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 41
From relaxing on your deck with a cocktail to a day at the track, Yellow will help adorn your summer wardrobe with versatility and comfort. YELLOW BOUTIQUE 491 Broadway Saratoga Springs
42 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Salute Spring with this fun, cloud print dress from Nally and Millie. The fun prints and reversible dresses make this California based clothing company a customer favorite! Stop in and check out their new designs at… SpokeN BOUTIQUE 24 Church Street Saratoga Springs saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 43
You'll be in handbag heaven as you stroll down broadway clutching this 100% leather Cole Haan Haven Tote in Cherry Tomato. VIOLETS & STELLAS OF SARATOGA 494 Broadway Saratoga Springs
44 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Celebrate The Passion of Horse Racing® with an iconic tie from EMBRACE THE RACE®. Available in a variety of classic colors featuring their stylish logo, all ties are 100% Silk and Handmade. Available at: EMBRACE THE RACE® Boutique 80 Henry Street Saratoga Springs saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com www.embracetherace.com
National Museum of Racing Union Avenue Saratoga Springs Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 45
46 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Home & Garden
Breakfast In Bed Photos and Article By Peter Bowden
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day for us. Likewise, spring feeding is the most important meal of the season for our shrubs, Peter Bowden trees, lawns and perennial flowerbeds. But what the heck is the best food to give them? It can sure be daunting picking out the best plant food when you're facing a wall full of choices. The first step is to get a handle on those three mysterious numbers on all fertilizer bags. You may be familiar with 5-10-5, the food our parents and grandparents used on their vegetable gardens.
The first number represents N or nitrogen
make sure they get plenty of P or phosphorus. Here are some examples:
These formulas have less nitrogen but plenty of phosphorus and potassium for flower and fruit production. Tree spikes make feeding established trees in spring quick and easy.
and indicates how much of the fertilizer is devoted to green, upward growth like leaves on trees, needles on evergreens and blades on grass.
The second number is P for phosphorus
and shows how much is devoted to root growth and flower and fruit production.
The last number, K for potassium
is an overall building block that benefits all parts of the plant. These three numbers must, by law, appear on every plant food product always in the same order, N-P-K. There must always be three numbers so if a food contains no potassium for instance, a zero must appear in the "K" or last spot. As an example, bone meal (4-12-0) is an excellent source of phosphorus but has no potassium. In that case a zero appears in the third position. These numbers must appear on lawn food packages as well. Here are a couple of examples:
This lawn food above is higher in nitrogen and is made for an established lawn.
The winterizer/seed starter above is best for a new lawn or a lawn deficient in phosphorus.
Then there are the foods for our flower beds and vegetable gardens. All plants need all three nutrients,
but for better flower and vegetable production, we need to
Fruit tree spikes (on the left above) provide extra phosphorus and potassium while the shade tree and evergreen spikes are higher in nitrogen, the first number... it all makes sense, doesn't it? Here's another interesting example. On the left is one of the current formulas of Miracle-Gro and on the right is another soluble plant food you've probably never heard of, Jack's Classic Blossom Booster. These are plant foods that you mix with water to feed flowering baskets, window boxes and annuals in flowerbeds. The three numbers on the Miracle-Gro package are small and hidden way up in the corner on the back of the package and read 24-8-16. This is the latest in a string of ever changing formulas for Miracle-Gro. When the Sterns family owned Miracle-Gro, the formula was 15-30-15. It is perfectly legal to change these formulas without changing the name. Miracle-Gro is such a trusted name that no one ever bothers to read the formula. Jack's Blossom Booster formula is clearly labeled on the front of the package...almost as if Jack is proud of it. 1030-20. Indeed, if I want to get more flowers on my annuals or roses (who doesn't?) I'm going to buy Jack's Blossom Booster. This is a good example of why it's important to
48 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
read the formulas and make your decision based on the numbers rather than fancy packaging and celebrity endorsements.
Trust your local garden center
Get to know the folks at your local garden center and have them assist and educate you. This is what real garden centers are for...take advantage of their knowledge and experience, and you'll get just what you need.
Bringing breakfast to our beds
Like a hibernating bear, our garden plants have depleted a great deal of their reserve energy just surviving the winter, they need nutrients more in the early spring than at any other time of year. We want to get our woody shrubs and perennial plants fed early since the granular fertilizers and tree food spikes that we use take some time to dissolve and permeate the soil. When the plants get the warmth they need to spring into growth, the nutrients they need will already be there waiting for them.
Using tree food spikes
Be careful to follow the directions when using fertilizer spikes. They should be driven into the ground AWAY from the trunk or stem of the plant you’re feeding. The tiny roots that take up the nutrients are about the same distance from the trunk as the outermost branch tips. For trees, it’s easy to figure out where to place the spikes. Simply walk away from the trunk until you are standing under the outermost branch tips and pound in the spikes at that circumference. Pound the spike in as deeply as you can. For smaller shrubs and perennials, you’ll want to use a gentle, granular food. I like the Espoma products….Flower-tone for the perennials and flowering shrubs and Holly-tone for the evergreens. It is tempting to walk about your beds casting the food over the ground like the good plant food fairy. That method mostly benefits shallow rooted weeds. Most of our perennials and shrubs have roots several inches to a foot or so deep. To get the greatest benefit from your plant food, you need to get it into the soil down where the roots live. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Rather than scatter food, I like to trench and poke holes. For shallow-rooted perennials like this Heuchera, I'll use the 'trench method'. First dig a shallow trench in a ring around the plant. Not too close though. Then sprinkle the food into the trench...in this case about a half cup of Flower-Tone. Fill in the trench when you're done. More often, I'm working in close quarters where the trench method isn't feasible. Instead, I'll poke holes with my dibble. A dibble is a tool used for poking holes...I found mine at a garage sale, but any short pointed stick or pipe will work. For deeper rooted plants, I’ll use the tire iron to make deeper holes. Any longer pipe will do. Here I'm making holes for the Japanese Maple. The trunk is near my foot on the right. Notice that I'm well away from the trunk. I'll use Tree-Tone for the maple instead of Flower-Tone. This is a good chore to take care of right away before the plants grow larger and it becomes more difficult to work among them. For my perennials, shrubs and trees, this is the only feeding they'll get, so I like to do it right so my plants will grow healthy and strong and provide me with the flowers and fruit that I love so much once summer arrives.
Thanks for the read!
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 49
Carriage House Chronicles The
Photos provided by Stockstudiosphotography.com
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 5 years old and my grandfather travelled the world collecting art and antiques. I also love a nice, “raw canvas” and I would probably never buy a “turn-key” home. My first and current homes were both big renovations and even my store (Silverwood, Home & Gallery, which I own with my mother) was a total renovation. Although I can certainly see the appeal of buying something that is done, I just love a good project! Now I’ve got a new “project”— adapting my blog into a series for the award-winning Simply Saratoga!
A Lisa Bates home
is like a breath of fresh air. It is simple and unfussy, light- filled and organic. Her lines are straight, never curved or scrolled, as she will attest, giving her designs a beautiful sense of balance and grace. She uses materials that are “honest” and timeless- most of the wood floors and trim in her newest home, on the east side of Saratoga, is reclaimed from an old schoolhouse. It is also
immediately easy to see that she prefers Swedish and Dutch design, her inspirations stemming from her own Swedish heritage (she also loves Ikea!) and high- end designers like minimalist Piet Boon, from the Netherlands. In a town such as ours, filled with historic Victorian houses
50 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
(the ultimate form of dark and busy architecture) Lisa’s renovations respectfully walk the line between preservation and re-birth. Lisa is not a “house flipper”, although some might call her that since she has been a bit itinerant. No, what Lisa does is more thoughtful and personal than a “flip”. Whether it’s her own house or someone else’s, you won’t see some
quick Big Box kitchen fix with stock cabinets and status quo granite countertops. Every design element appears deliberate and uniquely her own- sophisticated, yet approachable. Lucky for me, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lisa at her latest project on Mitchell Place, a former mechanic’s garage turned airy abode, and pick the local designer’s brain on her “tools of the trade” and what motivates her own design choices.
•
CS: You’ve been designing for 20 years and although the general feel is the same, it seems like every one of your houses is aesthetically different than the last. How has your style evolved over time? Very simply. I can honestly look back at my work and say it does not look dated. I try very hard not to do anything trendy that could have an expiration date. It is easy for me to look at a house first from the exterior, then wander through, and know fairly quickly what has to happen to maintain its authentic beginning. I am very drawn to the simplest of statements. I use a straight line. The curved “OG”, the bevel on a counter top, or a scrolled bracket under a shelf or mantel are not in my repertoire. Rarely, unless it is inherent in an old piece of furniture, will you see it in my work. Symmetry is my friend.
Lisa Bates
← saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 51
CS: If you’re anything like me, there are those couple of houses or buildings in Saratoga that you’d love to get your hands on to restore or renovate. Do you have any? I really want to complete the “job” I started back in 2001. Then, Mitchell Place was a semi commercial alley with a gas station/mechanics garage, a carpet and floor covering warehouse and a florist. We restored the carpet warehouse first (2 Mitchell Place) and then tackled [Bates and Good Company’s] only new build in the city, 10 Mitchell Place. And then, just recently, I purchased this garage. I finished restoring it last year, so it would be fun to [finally] tackle the little red farmhouse on the corner of Mitchell and Marion Place. It has all the bones to be a sweet farmhouse in the city... and of course it would complete the “job” I started over 10 years ago. CS: I love that house as well. It would be great to see that become another “Lisa Bates” house. You love to work with antiques and salvaged materials. What are your favorite local sources for furniture and antiques?
Sadly, many of my favorites have moved away, but I can always find something great in RERUNS on Phila. I have known Stuart along time and he has the best ‘good junk ‘. I also find lots of validation and good ideas in Silverwood, a great new store in the old plumbing shop on Caroline Street, where I used to spend time talking about plumbing issues and getting caught up on the town gossip!
52 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
CS: Aside from the plumbing fixtures, not much has changed at 24 Caroline I guess! Do you shop online at all? I’m not much of an online shopper- I much prefer jumping in my car or wandering in Hudson, NY. [However], as you know, I am a huge fan of IKEA. Before I go I will always check their online goods. I also like 1st Dibs, an online store that sells cool stuff. CS: So much of the material you use is reclaimed. Where do you go for great architectural salvage finds? If I can’t find it at Brimfield or at our local auction houses I will sometimes take a trip down to Kingston to visit Zaborski’s, a three- story factory building crammed with stuff. But prepare to get really dirty! Also, Historic Parts
Warren St. [in Hudson] that make it well worth the trip, even if it is just for new and different ideas. CS: You’ve been going to Brimfield (the massive antiques fair in Massachusetts) for years. What are three pieces of advice do you have for navigating through all the STUFF at big fairs and flea markets like it? Number 1: If you go with a small car, you will be kicking yourself, so bring a friend and get a truck! Number 2: At Brimfield there are thousands of dealers from all over the country. The market is divided into fields with names (my favorites are the Meadows and Hertans). It is important to know that these fields remain the same year after year so it is quite easy to find dealers you love.
Warehouse in downtown Albany is good too. I can always find a good door or window in a pinch! CS: Do you have a favorite destination shop that you’re willing to travel a ways just to check in with? Yes, the Hudson Supermarket [a vintage and antique dealer co-op], in Hudson is my all time favorite. One of my beloved dealers has two very large spaces she leases and she always has something for me. I could spend all day in that store. There are also others on saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 53
54 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Also the fields open on different days of the week to keep shoppers interested and for crowd management, so before you go, check the website to see the days and field openings. Some open at the crack of dawn rain or shine! Number 3: Beware of the weather! It can be brutally hot so dress accordingly (same if it rains). I did a show once and it rained all five days of the show! CS: Good point- those fields get muddy fast! Bring some Wellies if rain is in the forecast! Like me, you’re also a big fan of the country] auction. What words of advice would you give for rookie auction shoppers? I have been attending Cherry Tree Auctions at the Washington County Fairgrounds for about 20 years now and I have learned lot. It is critical that you preview the auction. Many times I have purchased an item without really looking closely at it- big mistake! CS: Yeah, I’ve definitely made that mistake before... all sales are final, people! And most importantly, hang back! Don’t be the anxious first bidder. And try to keep your emotions out of it. Come up with a [cap on how much] you will spend and call it a day! (continued on page 57) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 55
56 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
CS: What are a few general “rules” or words of advice you would suggest our readers follow when attempting their own restoration or renovation? Number 1: Be kind to the the home…look at it carefully it will give you important information about what really needs to be done, vs what “over the top thing” you can do to it! Make sure it resonates, rings true. Number 2: Look carefully as well. I believe the house becomes confused when too many design elements are chosen. Remember, “less is more” is a good rule of thumb. Number 3: When you are choosing the materials for your home, again less is more. The fewer you choose, the easier on the eye. Plus, it is darn confusing to keep track of so many different tile types, colors and sizes! Number 4: One thing about paint- pick a trim color that is the same throughout the home. Also remember that woodwork is a part of the trim, so it makes it easy to know what the color of built- ins and other woodwork, like wainscoting or tongue and groove, should be. Number 5: Sometimes restoring a home can be incredibly stressful but it is always worth the time, effort, and angst you put in…. I promise!!!! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 57
Something for Everyone... Create The Backyard
of your Dreams! By Brian Cremo
58 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Photo Provided
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 59
Photo Provided
W
ith the spring season finally in swing, the time to enjoy the comfort of your own backyard is here. But perhaps there are a couple new additions you would like to make this year to take full advantage of what your home has to offer. Instead of going away on vacation, maybe you would like to feel like you’re on vacation the moment you step out your back door.
to Latham Corners in 1947, has continued that streak through the changing times.
Whether you’re looking to add a simple water feature, a convenient place for shade, or even an outdoor kitchen, there’s something for everyone. How far you are willing to go just depends on two things: your budget and your imagination.
“The outdoor kitchen is almost taking on a world of its own, equal to what indoor kitchens have,” Dan Oliver of Feiden Appliances said. “Basically, it has become an extension of the home. You could very easily call it an indoor kitchen.” With an unlimited amount of options for customizing your outdoor kitchen space, Feiden Appliances has a variety of accessories to add. From grills, refrigerators and cutting boards to wet bars, warming drawers, patio heaters and wine storage units, Feiden Appliances has everything to offer.
Some local professionals just might have the key to transform your backyard into that utopia, where an extension of the home provides you with another place to relax, or enjoy company, without having to leave your driveway.
Outdoor Kitchens...
The Sky is the Limit!
Earl B. Feiden Inc. Appliances has a long reputation of helping local homeowners enhance their living space — 87 years to be exact.Current owner Mary Feiden, daughter of original owner Earl B. Feiden who founded the business in 1926 on Waterviliet–Shaker Road before moving
One of those changes has been an increasing desire for outdoor kitchens.
There’s no longer a need to go back into the house for any utensils or cooking surfaces when you have all you need in your new addition and there’s an unlimited amount of options to customize that outdoor kitchen space to a family friendly environment where you have room to be both the chef and the host. “Outdoors is a big extension of people’s homes, so there are more and more people enjoying the quality time with their families outdoors, so they’re purchasing nice equipment, larger equipment and more full-featured
60 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 61
For instance, the Lynx’s infrared searing zone allows you to throw a steak on, sear it, flip it once and take it out. Many of the new grills feature a much more controlled flame and also a switch to gas grills because of less maintenance. “You light it, you turn it on, you let it heat up and you’re ready to cook,” Oliver said. “They make it easy. The world is almost your oyster with this product.” Photos Provided
equipment,” Brian Snyder of Feiden Appliances said. The price of these is always relative to what the customer is looking to get out of the kitchen, but there are always options. “The sky’s your limit,” Oliver said. “It’s just how far you want to push your imagination.” And that goes for the products themselves, as well. For instance, their available wood fire pizza oven isn’t one dimensional. Aside from pizza, the stone-lined oven holds enough heat for you to experiment with other foods. Then there’s always the option of a free-standing grill in your back patio, which can be moved at any time, but there are also affordable ways for something more permanent that is representative of something you would find inside a home. If you’re not looking to spend on the construction of an entire kitchen countertop area, for instance, Feiden Appliances has grills that come with prebuilt islands and the choice of color and surface. Grills are one of Feiden Appliances’ specialties. They carry a variety different brands of grills, including Holland, Webber and Lynx, each with different sizes and heat sources. While many people tend to bleed meats dry with a grill, said Oliver, many of the new grills they carry make it easier to grill steaks at restaurant quality “like your favorite steak house.”
The grilling stations offer some of the most innovative products that allow multiple people to be in one area, working simultaneously. Storage space for cylinders below the grill is available, along with cabinetry faces, stainless steel cabinets and side burners. The business also looks out for its customers and will give them the tools and amenities to stay safe as you add features, like grills, to your new outdoor kitchen area. For example, Feiden Appliances recommends drawing a gas line out with a shutoff valve and offers quick-connect gas connector, which is 15-20 feet of hard rubber hose with a shut-off valve to help avoid rare possible fire hazards. One thing people have to remember is that if the kitchen is not enclosed, there has to be a seasonal approach in New York. “Our type of outdoor kitchen is different than say a California style outdoor kitchen,” Snyder said. “Ours are a little bit more seasonal and for the elements, where someone who lives in the South can use it 24 hours a day, seven days a week all across the board. We still
62 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
encourage people to use year-round.”
Photo Provided
As Feiden Appliances has continued its tradition, it now has showrooms in Latham, Kingston and Clifton Park to showcase the wide variety of tools offered to the homeowner and customer.
“We stick to our forte,” Oliver said. “We’ve always been down one path and that’s appliances.” Ear. B. Feiden Inc. Appliances can be reached at 518-785-8555.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 63
Water Features
From Rain Barrels to Ponds Photos by MarkBolles.com
Alan Decker got into the landscaping business when he was 16. Five years later he went on to start a landscaping business of his own at the age of 21 before eventually expanding to pond installation three years later in 1993. In his 20th year of making ponds, Decker’s Landscape and Aquatics now creates all sizes of residential and commercial water features, from 6-foot by 6-foot ponds to one acre ponds. If someone is looking to add a water feature to their backyard, Decker encourages people to head to the business’ location on 1632 Main Street, Rte.5 South in Pattersonville, where they have 11 different water features on display. After seeing what options are available, he will set up a consultation, where the possibilities are endless from there. “The best part of the water features is, even if we were to put two in side by side, each one is unique and different,” Decker said. As someone new to ponds readies their new backyard water feature, Decker stresses the biggest concept: not to leave any part of the ecosystem out. Whether it’s rock, gravel, plants or fish, leaving one element out can be fatal to the entire piece. When someone wants fish, he doesn’t give the option of
notadding aquatic plants because it’s part of the natural filtration process. The key word: natural. Decker installs rainwater harvesting systems, if the home is near a well, so rain water can be captured and used. He also utilizes bog filtration, which filters water through rock, gravel and plants like Mother Nature intended. The water gets pumped into a bog setting and gets washed as it comes from the bottom up and overflows into the pond. “To me every project is exciting because it’s kind of a hobbyist thing and people get real exited about it,” Decker said. “It’s a living, moving thing.” An additional feature Decker’s offers is rain barrels, where a 70 gallon barrel with a water spicket at the bottom utilizes a gutter spout to create rain for the ecosystem. Aside from necessary pumps, which can range from $5 to $80 based on the feature, there really isn’t much maintenance needed if the system is set up right, Decker said. Decker and his employees open and close 130 ponds annually.
Decker’s offers a variety of wildlife including coy, goldfish, shubunkin fish, frogs and snails. They’re also the largest aquatic plant carrier in the area. Irises, floaters (water lilies), cat tails, cardinal flowers, marsh marigolds are among their 30 different varieties. Decker’s hosts free opening and closing seminars in the spring and fall, including a recent April 27 Build a Pond day class, to help people learn how to properly utilize every aspect of a successful backyard pond and show off examples for ideas. “I just want people to be successful in it,” Decker said. “A lot of guys don’t want to teach customers to do things themselves because they think it’s going to take business away. We teach them because, let’s face it, a lot of us do stuff ourselves.” If someone isn’t ready to jump into an expensive and extensive system, Decker’s has smaller features for people to “get their feet wet,” like a water feature as big
64 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
around as a five gallon bucket, an $80 bubbling rock system, smaller fountain features and overflowing pots. They also drill rock for people who want the bubbling systems. “I always tell people that with water features the only limitation is your imagination because it’s just an awesome thing and something that needs to be done well,” Decker said. “The way I do it is the way I’m going to teach you. I love what I do. You can’t beat it.” In addition to the water features and planting flowers, Decker and his well-versed employees also do custom work with installing patios, fire pits, pizza ovens, pavilion setups and outdoor kitchens. “Since the economy started to fluctuate, more people are not going on vacation, so in the last four years we’ve been doing more of a full back yard for people as opposed to just going into the water features,” Decker said. “It used to be a matter of putting a water feature in my backyard. Now it’s, ‘Can you create an outdoor living space?’ It seems like a majority of people want to keep the kids close to home now and have more of that family setting.” Decker, who has owned the business with his wife Jodi since five years after opening the business, can be reached at the Pattersonville location at (518) 887-5552 or on the web via thepondpeople.net.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 65
Awnings... keeping it cool Viscusi’s Aluminum Products, Inc. has been family owned and operated since 1947 and has a tradition for making custom awnings and canopies to fit the necessary needs of Capital Region homeowners. Often times, the only thing missing from a backyard patio is having the choice of sanctuary from the blaring sun. One answer for that might be installing an awning. Mike Viscusi started working at Viscusi’s in 1983, co-owned the business with his older brother, Bill, starting in 1990 and has been the sole owner since 1995. In the spring, he is often installing one of two types of awnings: retractable fabric patio awnings and laced-on stationary fabric patio covers. The retractables offer sanctuary from the sun at the push of a button, literally. You can choose to extend your awning over a deck, patio, or even just the backyard grass by either using the included button for the motorized unit or by utilizing the hand crank to extend and retract the arms.
the guy who installs it and that’s important,” Viscusi said. There are hundreds of color and design options for the retractables, which usually have projections between eight and 13 feet with the option of a roll-down drop valance. The retractable awning does not need much maintenance, but it should only be utilized and extended when the customer is outside. “The [retractable awnings] are for if they’re looking to have that spot in the backyard, to sit underneath and enjoy the summer without the sun blaring on them,” Viscusi said. “It’s for while you’re out there using it. You don’t want to put it out and go away for the day. It’s basically for the sun
Photo provided
The lateral arm awning and the shade, it’s not made for real heavy rain can be a convenient or wind.” solution mounted on a The option of the laced-on stationary fabric patio cover back wall, roof or soffit, allows the homeowner to keep the awning up all day while maintaining plenty long, except when winter rolls around. of headroom for people Photo provided to stand and enjoy “They’re cool too because you put the cover on in the themselves at a cookout. spring and take it off in the fall and the framework stays It also protects from the sun’s harmful rays and can on year-round,” he said. “It can be used in the inclement reduce heat up to 77 percent while protecting any outdoor weather. Not the snow, but the rain and wind, you don’t furniture from fading. have to worry about it. With the retractables, you have to Viscusi's will give a free estimate. Then it has to be ordered from SUNAIR Awnings & Solar Screens, the retractable awning and pergola manufacturer that has been around for over 30 years, which takes a couple weeks.
After that, Viscusi will be the one to install the product with one or two other employees. “When you deal with Viscusi’s, you’re dealing with the guy who measures it and
keep an eye out for a sudden thunder storm or high winds popping up.” The laced-on stationary awning’s material can either be vinyl fabric, or the smoother looking Sunbrella acrylic. There is also the option of the roll down curtain, which is operated with a rope and pulley system, to additionally keep the sun out and further enclose the outdoor living space. Viscusi’s also offers to seasonally take down the
66 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
laced-on covers, which is recommended mid-fall. For someone looking for something even more permanent, Viscusi’s also installs screen enclosed rooms with a storm door covered by a 3-inch, white insulated permanent roof. There’s also the option of installing a three-season room with operating, slidingglass panels. Screens are another specialty at Viscusi’s, which provides the choice of regular screening or more durable paw-proof screen. The paw-proof will withstand any household pets that scratch and claw at the screen. “What can the awning man do for me?” asks Viscusi. “He can give you a retractable to keep you out of the sun, he can give you a screen room and keep you bug-free, or he can give you the permanent roof so you can be out there all the time.” Viscusi’s also has an expertise in installing year-round, permanent aluminum awnings, as well as a variety of other welded frame fabric awning styles. The business also repairs, manufactures and installs windows and blinds. Viscusi’s is located at 858 Albany St. in Schenectady and can be reached at (518) 377-1344 or Facebook: Viscusi’s Aluminum Products.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 67
68 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
A Summer Swarm: How 30,000 Honeybees Came and Went By Chelsea DiSchiano, photos provided
D
enise Eliopulos was working in an attic-like room on the third floor of her home last August when she began to hear the subtle but noticeable humming of what sounded like a motor in her walls. She found the noise bizarre, but continued to work. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the window suddenly go completely dark.
the walls of their third floor room had been discovered by a swarm of honeybees looking for a perfect place to build a beehive—and they found it. For months, the bees in her house multiplied rapidly without Denise knowing.
“It was like Alfred Hitchcock and ‘The Birds,’ but with bees,” says Eliopulos, owner of Something Bleu Bridal and Bird of Paradise Boutique in Saratoga Springs. Unbeknownst to Denise and her husband, a hollow spot in
“I saw so many bees it scared me,” Eliopulos says. “I ran out of the house and downstairs and out the back, and realized the motor sound was this swarm [of bees], so I panicked and I couldn’t even talk. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life—they all came out at once.” After she recovered from her panic, Denise went back up to the room and put her ear up against the wall.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
As it turned out, over 30,000 bees had made a home in her house.
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 69
“It was unbelievable,” Eliopulos remembers. “It was unreal, what I heard on the other side of that wall. Imagine 30,000 bees humming right there on the other side of the sheetrock.” After realizing just how many bees were residing in her home, Eliopulos knew it was time to do something about it—and fast. Unsuccessful at attempting to get help from area beekeepers, Denise and her husband decided to resort to an extermination of the bees. “I took it really seriously and started getting involved, but we couldn’t get any beekeepers to help us [get them out],” Eliopulos says. “Then I asked somebody with pest control and they, with reservation, didn’t want to do it either. At that point, we thought we had to do the extermination of them— we felt there was no other recourse. It was that bad. “We knew we had to do it, and we didn’t want to do it and it was heartbreaking, but when we saw that many bees, it was very serious,” Eliopulos adds. But the day the extermination was scheduled to happen, one of Eliopulos’ friends called with a beekeeper in mind who she thought could help. Just an hour later, Duanesburg beekeeper Anne Frey had come to the rescue. “It was amazing,” Eliopulos says. Frey, an experienced beekeeper who sells her honey to local customers and does specialized bee relocations about once a week every summer, said the job at
Eliopulos’ house was “a tough one.” “My assistant and I went up to her third floor where the chimneytop was and we got through the wall there and actually found that the bees were in a cricket space—a little protective piece of roof behind the chimney—so they were in a pyramid-shaped area behind the wall and chimney,” Frey explains. “We couldn’t really stand up straight in the room because it was like an attic, so we were both crouching in a room that had no lights in it, and I opened the wall and we took out the honeycomb and the bees and the drippy mess that comes about when you slice it to get it down.” Frey adds that the 30,000 bees were a “fair-sized colony” and probably only took about three months to build the three-feet long, three-feet wide hive that was in Eliopulos’ home. Frey says the job of finding the beehive, getting them out and cleaning up the mess afterwards took a whole afternoon and some of the evening to finish. “The bees were taken out of the comb and put in boxes that beekeepers can use called frames, and the whole hive was carried down three flights of stairs in her house and onto the truck so we could put them in a bee yard,” Frey explains. “It took about the entire afternoon and part of the evening, but we got the bees out and cleaned up and Denise and her husband were satisfied.” Eliopulos says she and her husband were fascinated by the entire process of removing the bees. “If I had any idea it was going to be as fascinating as it was, I would have made them bring an extra beekeeping outfit for me,” she says with a laugh. “I was outside the door listening all day. Anne had a beekeeping vacuum on, where they vacuum as many bees as they can into
70 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
this holding tank and then they had to start taking the hive apart and rebuild the hive right inside the room. “They bring the frames in and rebuild with big chunks of the honeycomb, and then when they did enough of that they got all the bees they could possibly get out and re-hived,” Eliopulos continues. “They had to get the rest of the hive out—they didn’t need to take the entire hive, they just needed some of it—then they took the honeycomb out and put chunks of it in this tub, and they brought all that out. Then they had to clean the entire area, because they couldn’t have any trace at all of any honey because it would attract other bees. So then they had to spray paint the area and stuff it with insulation and wait until dusk for the worker bees to come back to the hive after working all day.”
“I asked if the queen bee was in the [holding tank], and they said, ‘Yeah we think so!’ So I go outside and I’m looking at the holding tank just being amazed by it, and on the outside of the tank there was this big emerald green bee—I was amazed by it,” Eliopulos recalls. “I said, ‘Oh my God, it’s the queen, she’s on the outside of tank and she’s going to get away!’ So I run upstairs in the house screaming that there’s an emerald green bee and I think it’s the queen! And Anne and her assistant were laughing at me and I said ‘Why are you laughing?’ But like I said earlier, they had spray painted on the inside of the wall where the hive was and stuffed the insulation there, and it turned out they had accidentally painted one of the bees with the bright green spray paint. I thought I had the queen, and it was just spray painted. That’s why if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ve got to let the pros do it,” Eliopulos finishes with a laugh.
Eliopulos laughs as she recounts a story of how that spray paint later made her mistake a regular bee for the queen bee of the colony.
Eliopulos later adds that it was important to wait for the worker bees and try to save as many as possible due to the way they die if they have no beehive to return to.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 71
“If you don’t get them, they die slowly—Anne has to get as many as they can, and if any are leftover, you have to spray them with pesticides because they’ll just stay there and hover—they don’t know where their hive went, so they’ll just stay there waiting until they die.” Eliopulos says that she was “overjoyed” that the bees were all saved instead of exterminated. “I was so overjoyed, words can’t even describe it,” Eliopulos says. “Especially when they told me there were 30,000 of them and knowing they were supposed to have been taken care of by the pesticide and [the pest control person] didn’t want to do that— none of us did. And it didn’t have to be done, and they were all saved. It was the most amazing experience.” Frey says it is important to try and save bees by calling a beekeeper to relocate them rather than exterminate them.
insulate everything—under or above windows, or funny hollow triangular places that people never think about—but if they do get bees, they should really try and find a beekeeper who will remove them,” Frey says. Another reason not to exterminate bees is because of their value to the local environment, Frey explains. “Bees are very valuable pollinators— plus, if [people] kill them they’re going to have a big mess in their wall, and it’s sad to kill honeybees anyway,” Frey says. “They would be depriving the whole area around that beehive for about a mile or two in every direction of really good bees that could pollinate everyone’s gardens and orchards.” Frey adds that the problem of bee swarms looking for new homes to build hives is prominent in the months of May and June, which keeps her busy relocating bees to her multiple bee yards, which currently hold about 24 hives.
“That kind of work is so specialized that people should try and find a beekeeper to get the bees out of the wall or ceiling rather than asking their exterminator to just kill them,” Frey says. “If the exterminator agrees to do it and doesn’t do the work of taking the material out of the wall—the wax, the honey, the dead bees—the homeowner is going to have a big problem later on because of all that stuff remaining in the wall.”
“Probably about once a week through the summer I relocate bees—I also know a few other people in my club, called the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association (SABA), and I can refer customers to them if they’re closer to the customer or if I’m booked already and they need it to be done now,” Frey explains. “Overall, we have about 200 members and it covers probably six counties around the Capital Region, so there are more beekeepers out there than people realize.”
Frey adds that insulation is a key factor in making sure that bees don’t build a hive in your home or shed.
Frey adds that the SABA has initiated a Swarm Hotline for those with hive problems to call for removal by beekeepers.
“When homeowners build a home, they should try to
“Because May and June are the big times for swarming, which is when
72 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
a honeybee hive gets crowded and gets the urge to split in two—about half of the bees just fly out of the hive and look for a new hollow home to live in—homeowners will see this large clump of bees and don’t know what it is or what to do, so they can call the hotline to find a beekeeper who will come and fetch the swarm and then [the bees] will be clumped into a beekeeper’s hive instead of taking up residence in someone’s house somewhere,” Frey says.
If you find yourself with a bee swarm in your home this summer, be sure to call (518) 38-SWARM to get help from a local beekeeper. Due to the long and exhausting process of removing bees, Frey does charge for bee removals. For any details or questions about honeybees or bee removals, call Anne Frey at (518) 895-8744.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 73
Power Couples
The story behind one of Saratoga's first
74 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Photos courtesy of Stockstudiosphotography saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 75
A
merica should produce the equivalent of Downton Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs, and it should be set in Saratoga and feature the Batcheller Mansion. No other house reflects the family who had it built, the city it is built in, and the United States at the time it was built (1874) more than this great mansion. In addition to the magnificent home, the Batchellers left behind a second treasure- family documents that provide some of the best records of the customs and practices of the Victorian Era. The house was built to host grand affairs. Those fortunate enough to enter the house today will testify that its stately, intimidating exterior gives way to a gracious, embracing interior. The Batchellers understood that everything matters, so they had a formal foyer where guests were met by the butler and a parlor designed to insure the protocols of the Victorian culture. The Batchellers were politically and socially connected and needed an elegant space in which to entertain. The dining room was conceived to comfortably accommodate more than 20 and its three main rooms can host receptions for over a hundred. The library was redone in March of 2013 and stands as yet one more effort to maintain the grandeur of the gracious house. Both George Sherman Batcheller and Catherine Phillips Cook were from the informal aristocracy who formulated and directed the United States in the early 1800s. George always used his middle name, Sherman, because he was related to Roger Sherman, who signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and
he was nominated for the New York State Assembly by the new, upstart, liberal, Republican Party. He won by a two-to-one margin. When he took office he was the youngest New York Assemblyman ever, at the age of 21 years and five months. Throughout his career, he would return to the Assembly on two other occasions. His career would include serving as a Lt. Colonel in the 115th New York Volunteers, the Provost Marshal of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (age 25), the Inspector General of the New York State Militia, a judge on the International Tribunal in Alexandria Egypt, the Acting Secretary of the Treasury, the Council (Ambassador) to Portugal and the President of Catherine Phillips Cook George Sherman Batcheller the Appeals Court of the International Court Batcheller in Alexandria. Reprinted with permission from Hollis Palmer's book "The Batcheller Mansion" Batcheller was brilliant, born to an upper middle the Constitution. Only 20 when he graduated from class family, and obviously politically connected. It was in Harvard Law School, young Batcheller was destined for his selection of a wife where he truly excelled. In 1861, greatness. Immediately after graduation, he moved from Batcheller married Catharine, an educated, sophisticated Batchellerville to Saratoga Springs to read New York woman who would support his career at a time when it State law. By October 1858, having recently turned 21, was difficult for a woman to have a career of her own. 76 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
The dark woods of the library add to the formality of the room.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 77
Catherine was only 16 when her mother became an invalid. She immediately stepped in, taking over as her father’s hostess. At the time, her father was the Superintendent of the New York State Banking Department. Before she was 20, she hosted senators, governors, generals, and presidential candidates. While George was raised in a financially comfortable family, Catharine’s family was wealthy. Catharine attended the Albany Female Academy, which would later become the Albany Academy for Girls, where she won an award for her language skills (French.) While in Egypt, Catharine and George hosted a reception in honor of former President Grant. Catharine, who was fluent in several languages, introduced Grant to everyone in their native languages. Catherine’s diplomatic skills were so respected that in 1903, the Khedive of Egypt hosted a reception in her honor. After she returned home, she suffered heart issues and died ten days later. The family took a year to have the grand mausoleum designed and built in Greenridge Cemetery. It was built to resemble those in Egypt. The Batchellers had three children. The oldest daughter, Anna, lived less than two months, a son, James, lived six months, and the youngest daughter, Katherine (Kate)
78 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
the house when the last descendent died, the house would eventually own the house. was to be left to the city and set up as the Batcheller After her father’s death in 1908, Kate returned to Memorial. Since the book on the family came out in 2009, Saratoga. Having lived abroad for almost half her life, there have been numerous opportunities for Kate had a beautiful house, people to enjoy the house. It appears but not a home. In 1910, the family’s wish has come true; the Josephine Amelia La house now stands as a memorial to Saux, of Paris, became her companion. They the Batchellers and their era. would remain together In addition to the house, the family for the rest of Kate’s life. left behind a plethora of information In 1916, Kate sold the to serve historians. In various house that had cost her archives are some of George’s parents over $65,000 Civil War letters, written from the to build to a member of battlefield, Catharine’s school diary the Mabee family for from 1852, Kate’s diary begun in under $17,000. After 1891 when they were bound for the Mabee family sold Portugal, two memoriam calling the house in the 1930s, cards and a day book. Most of Original drafting plans, reprinted with permission from it started a downward these have been transcribed and Hollis Palmer's book "The Batcheller Mansion" cycle, eventually being are free to the public at http://www. abandoned in the 1960s. batchellerpapers.com. Rescued from the wrecking ball in the 1970s, the house was one of the first of Saratoga’s great mansions to be restored. In each of the Batchellers’ wills there is a codicil that states if the family still owned
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
There are 30 letters from George to Catherine that were written during their engagement. These letters are housed in the archives of the Saratoga Historical Museum and open a window to George’s emotional side. In one
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 79
Like many of the mansions in Saratoga, the billiard room was on the third floor.
Although the dining room can easily seat twenty, when the Batchellers were in residence, they had a round table with four seats.
Because of the high ceilings on the first two floors, when one looks up the grand staircase it is 30 feet to the ceiling.
80 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
letter George learned that because of conversations Catharine had with her friends, she wanted to end their relationship. In desperation he wrote back “I did not think when I kissed and bid your darling image adieu for the day, that the mails would bring such terrible agony.” Heartbroken, he fought on “but as God as my judge whatever I have done has been prompted by my purist love for you in my own soul.” He closed, accepting his fate, with “if I should not see you again know that I love you with all my heart and soul.” Those of us who have researched our families often can learn facts about them but rarely how they felt on issues. There is one quote by George that explains his emotional introversion: “I have always believed that we are better alone unless with those without whom we cannot be ourselves.” (The man was a poet!) Interesting facts about the Batchellers and their mansion: The house would belong to all three of the Batchellers; it was in Catherine’s name until her death in 1903, George’s until he died in 1908, then it became Kate’s. Most people who pass the house never notice that not one porch has steps. Everyone who joined the Batchellers on their porch had to pass through the formal parlor. When the house was completed it had five bathrooms at a time when most homes had none. When Catharine was returning from meeting with the Queen of Portugal in 1891, the axle on her carriage broke and she was hospitalized in critical condition. She would eventually recover enough to return to the United States that summer; however, when it was time for George to return to Lisbon in the fall of 1891 she elected to stay in Washington D.C. An 1891 portrait of Catharine still hangs over the desk of the head of Girls Academy. The books by Hollis Palmer are available at Crafters' Gallery. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 | 81
S to r y a n d ph oto s b y P e t e r B ow d e n
Put on a Happy Face!
The name 'Pansy' comes from the French word 'pensee' which means 'to think'. In the Victorian language of flowers, pansies indicate merriment and "thinking of you". Since their flowers look so much like little faces, it’s easy to attribute little personalities to them. They do look merry, don't they?
Dainty but durable
While there is little hope that you could get a marigold or impatien to survive the many frosts of April, pansies and violas not only survive these cold days of early spring, they actually thrive in the cold. Frost won't even damage the dainty blossoms of these little tough guys. After a long flower-less winter, pansies will be a welcome sight indeed!
E a s y to g r ow y o u r ow n o r i g i n a l
In the past, violas and pansies were considered biennials meaning that during the first year of growth from seeds, no flowers are produced. It is only during the second year that flowers appear. Plant breeders have now developed pansies that will flower during the first year of growth from seed. They will also survive winter in sheltered locations so you can expect your pansies and violas to put on their show for a couple of years. If you let them go to seed, you may get to enjoy them even longer, although they do cross pollinate so you may get flowers far different
from the ones you originally planted. Pansies are bred from the smaller-flowered violas and tend to revert to the smaller viola flower from generation to generation. I love this kind of little surprise in the garden so some pansies usually follow me home from the garden center every spring. What better way to chase away those winter blues.
W i l d co u s i n s
Then there are the wild violets that like to grow in the lawn. Some folks hate them as much as they do dandelions, but I like them fine. A friend gave us a couple of these speckled wild violets a decade or so ago. Now they have spread throughout the lawn mixing with the blue and white ones that were already there...I feel a little bad when I have to mow them but it doesn't seem to hinder their gradual takeover of the lawn. I buy a few more pansies and violas every spring so there’s no end to the cheerful surprises they bring.. They give a pop of color to perennial gardens that are only just slowly awakening. They’ll smile right back at you as you enjoy those wonderful, sunny first days of spring.
Thanks for the read!
82 | Simply Saratoga | Home & Garden Edition 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com