BESTIES: PEOPLE & PLACES

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Mellyia Maicus, Leeanne Shade and Tammie Martin of Choices Hair Studio photographed by Hannah Kuznia of Hannah Lux Photography at the

View Responsibly: Prepare for a safe viewing of the 2024 eclipse in the Adirondacks

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event as a total solar eclipse casts its shadow on the Adirondacks this April! The combination of our scenic wilderness setting, quaint villages, and community events will make the Adirondacks a special place for viewing totality. To make the most of this exciting event, planning for harsh April weather and possible traffic congestion will be important. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable Adirondack eclipse experience.

A component of the American Dental Association

BEST DENTISTS

#1 Kendra Zappia, DDS and Morgan Fryer, DDS and the staff of Zappia and Fryer

#2 Henry Huang, DDS and the staff of Bethlehem Family Dental

#3 Shakil Virjee, DMD and

#3 Dr. Robert Herzon, DDS FAGD and Dr. Tricia Primomo, DDS and the staff of Dental Wellness of Albany

BEST ORTHODONTISTS

#1 Brendan Cooney, DDS and Canaan Tyner, DDS and the staff of Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics

#2 Michael Sbuttoni, DDS, Marianne DiCerbo, DDS, Gregory Lawless, DDS, Paul Hyun, DDS, Oliva Turner, DDS and the staff at Albany Braces

#3 Greg Efros, DMD and the staff of Efros Orthodontists.

www.third-district.org

Abby Tegnelia

Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland

Neal Burdick, Francesco D’Amico

Samantha Decker, Jeff Dingler

Dori Fitzpatrick, John Gray

Audrey Knizek, Hannah Kuznia

TR Laz, Chantal Marie, Konrad Odhiambo

Nate Seitelman, Kathleen Willcox

Teresa Frazer

Abby Tegnelia

Source: Recipe adapted from American Institute for Cancer Research, aicr.org

From The Editors

SPRING INTO ACTION

After a long Capital Region hibernation, you’re surely ready to pack up that heated blanket and get back out into the world. Luckily, our annual Besties Awards are out just in time to give you a little inspo on everything from local shopping and much-needed services to cultural hotspots and outdoor recreation. Turn to page 18 to meet this issue’s cover stars—three ubertalented stylists at Delmar’s Choices Hair Studio who are ready to upgrade your up-do in time for spring—then flip the page for the rest of the 2024 Besties People & Places winners, including L. Browe Asphalt Services (new driveway, anyone?), The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (family fun, all summer long), and The Hangar at 743’s Cullen Enders (who’s ready to make your next big event shine).

Of course, you’ll have to wait for our summer issue for the reveal of this year’s Food & Drink Bestie winners, but on page 60 we give you a sneak peek: Stacy Tecler of Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen, which won the 2024 Bestie for Fulton County Restaurant, shares a recipe for her filet-topped cremini mushroom stroganoff. Try your hand at the recipe and sit tight—there’s much more foodie goodness where that came from. But first, meet this year’s Bestie-winning people and places of the Capital Region.

—The Editors

Bestie-winning Chef Marc Yanni of Yanni’s Too

NEW NOW AND

Hattie’s opens in Albany and Delmar gets a new fine-dining venue—plus two local books and breast cancer support in Amsterdam.

BY ABBY TEGNELIA

FINGER LICKIN’

Business for Good, a foundation that, among other philanthropic endeavors, donates profits from restaurants it owns to Capital Region charities, has brought Saratoga’s famous fried chicken south to Albany. At press time, Hattie’s Albany was set to open March 14 in what used to be Lombardo’s Restaurant. While Hattie Moseley Austin’s famous Louisiana recipe was surely not altered, the Albany team has created some new dishes to serve during dinner (every day but Sunday) and weekend brunch.

ODE TO ALBANY

Sandra Foyt, an Albany resident of more than 25 years, has penned an homage to her adopted hometown. In 100 Things To Do Before You Die, Foyt promises a hefty bucket list that both shows off New York’s Capital City to tourists and provides delightful-yet-obscure finds to surprise the natives. Her must-visit locales range from the Capitol building’s haunted Million Dollar stairs and the world’s largest indoor roller-skating rink to a mini hot dog stand. Already been to those? Just 97 more to go.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Amsterdam has officially welcomed To Life!’s signature brand of breast cancer support to town. The Delmar-based information hub was founded as a welcoming place for women to ask medical questions, learn how to explain things to their families, and even as a comfortable setting for trying on wigs and prostheses. The nonprofit’s new Amsterdam locale is in the Riverfront Center thanks to New York Oncology Hematology, which offered To Life! office space within its cancer treatment center. Two businesses, one goal: to show breast cancer patients that they’re never alone.

SHUCK YEAH

Chef Javier Villatoro cut his teeth in San Francisco, working his way up in the foodie-centric city after leaving his home country, Honduras. Next stop? Delmar, his wife Casey Carroll’s hometown, to open their own restaurant “surrounded by family and friends.” The recentlyopened Coray Kitchen offers a fresh oyster bar and a main menu kept to about a dozen small plates and entrées to ensure freshness and quality. “Everything is made from scratch, embracing a sense of home,” Villatoro says. “We proudly work with local Hudson Valley farms, and source from our own backyard garden, to deliver the best of the region.”

THE LAST WORD

Grieving loved ones can be devastating, and now there’s a new book to help us get through it. The Grief Experience gathers 20 authors (including 11 from the Capital Region) with a range of experience with death and grief. “All of us authors have been through some tragedy or loss,” says Brittany DeMarco-Furman, a licensed funeral director and celebrant at Glenville Funeral Home—and author of the book’s Last Responder chapter. “We lay it all out there, telling you what helped us, honestly.”

(To Life!)

PETER R. BARBER/THE DAILY GAZETTE

This year’s Bestie-winning Beauty Professionals: (from left) Mellyia Maicus, Leeanne Shade and Tammie Martin from Choices Hair Studio.

TOP CHOICES

DELMAR’S CHOICES HAIR STUDIO—LED BY OWNER LEEANNE SHADE, MANAGER TAMMIE MARTIN AND ASSOCIATE TRAINER MELLYIA MAICUS—DOMINATED THIS YEAR’S BEAUTY BESTIES.

BY NATALIE MOORE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH KUZNIA / HANNAH LUX PHOTOGRAPHY

Watching Choices

Hair Studio stylists

Tammie Martin, Mellyia Maicus and Leeanne Shade interact, it’s easy to see why the three hair dressers swept the Beauty Professional category of this year’s Bestie Awards: They’re besties themselves.

“All of us have friendships with each other outside of the salon,” says Choices manager Martin of the 22 women who work at the Delmar salon. “We are so connected to each other and feel such a strong bond. It’s important to have that family feeling because we spend so much time together.”

Both Martin and Shade began working at the salon in 1988, five years before Shade took over as the owner and changed the business name to Choices. Since then, they’ve been building up a team of talented hairdressers who offer all sorts of services to clients at a wide range of price points.

“Leeanne encourages you to be the best you are as an individual person and stylist,” says Maicus, who joined the Choices team in 2013 and is now in charge of training new stylists. “She doesn’t want a cookiecutter salon where everybody’s the same. If your strength is in one area, she’s going to empower you to do that.”

The result? A salon where customers have (you guessed it) choices—believe it or not, not everyone is looking for balayage.

Tammie Martin and Mellyia Maicus got got first and second place, respectively, in the Besties Hair Dresser category.

Clients can choose a stylist who’s 17, or one who’s nearly 70. They can choose someone who specializes in curly hair, extensions, facials, nonsurgical grafting for hair loss or—yes—balayage. They even have choices when it comes to how much they pay.

“We do women, men and children here,” Shade says. “So I didn’t want a name that was too female driven. I wanted to incorporate that we do everything.”

And don’t think that the abundance of services at Choices is at the expense of the salon’s quality. They do everything well. In addition to first, second and third place honors in the Beauty Professional category, the salon went home with first-place wins for Facial, Hair Salon and Customer Service—out of all businesses in the Capital Region. Martin and Maicus even nabbed first- and second-place wins, respectively, in the Hair Dresser category.

Choices’ success after all these years can be at least partially attributed to its workplace culture—the Choices stylists aren’t worried about one stylist taking another’s client. “We’d rather have them come to anybody here than go up the street,” Shade says. “So we work as a team and consult as a team.” Another part—and this is a biggie for Choices—is continuing education. The regular classes Shade holds at the salon to keep stylists up to date on the latest beauty trends are one of the main reasons Maicus was drawn to work there in the first place, and Martin is known for never missing a class—even one that was held on the day after she had major surgery.

But the biggest piece of Choices’ success story is its staff’s members’ passion for their work. “I just enjoy being able to give somebody confidence in themselves,” Martin says. “When you get a card in the mail that says ‘I’ve never felt so beautiful,’ it’s so rewarding.”

PE PLE PLACES & CULTURE

ART GALLERY

ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY AND ART

125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478

albanyinstitute.org

Albany Center Gallery 488 Broadway, Albany (518) 462-4775

albanycentergallery.org

The Arts Center of the Capital Region 265 River Street, Troy (518) 273-0552

artscenteronline.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA

65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5540

cmssny.org

miSci

15 Museum Drive, Schenectady (518) 382-7890

misci.org

Berkshire Museum 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-7171

berkshiremuseum.org

CONCERT VENUE

SPAC

108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9330

spac.org

The Egg Empire State Plaza, Albany (518) 473-1845

theegg.org

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Avenue, Albany (518) 465-4663

palacealbany.org

COUNTY FAIR

THE ALTAMONT FAIR

Route 146 at Arlington Street, Altamont (518) 861-6671

altamontfair.com

The Saratoga County Fair

162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa (518) 885-9701

saratogacountyfair.org

Columbia County Fair

182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham (518) 392-2121 columbiafair.com

MUSEUM

NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM

222 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 474-5877

nysm.nysed.gov

Clark Art Institute (tie) 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA (413) 458-2303

clarkart.edu

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (tie)

191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-0400

racingmuseum.org

Tang Teaching Museum

815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 580-8080

tang.skidmore.edu

OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE

SPAC

108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9330

spac.org

The Hangar at 743

743 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 633-1155

hangar743.com

Tanglewood

297 West Street, Lenox, MA (617) 266-1200

bso.org

SEASONAL EVENT

SARATOGA RACING SEASON

267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-6200

nyra.com/saratoga

Troy Victorian Stroll Downtown Troy (518) 274-7020

victorianstroll.com

Albany Tulip Festival Washington Park, Albany (518) 434-5411

albanyevents.org

SERVICES

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands (518) 456-0852

theanimalhospital.com

Miller Animal Hospital

380 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 283-1166

millerah.com

Sand Creek Animal Hospital

130 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 446-9171

sandcreekanimalhospital.com

APPLIANCE STORE

MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER

15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 952-7700

560 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 381-1957

marcellasappliance.com

Earl B. Feiden Appliance

Multiple Locations earlbfeiden.com

Green’s

1207 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 458-7994

greenshasgonegreen.com

ARCHITECTURE FIRM

WALLANT ARCHITECTURE

883 Broadway, Albany (518) 436-9454

wallantarchitecture.com

Conklin Architecture

3 Fyke Road, Catskill (518) 943-4220

conklinarchitecture.com

Phinney Design Group

Multiple Locations (518) 587-7120

phinneydesign.com

AUTO SERVICE

LAWTON’S AUTOMOTIVE AND TIRE CENTER

90 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 269-3550

Lawtons Automotive and Tire Center on Facebook

LaBarge’s Tire & Auto Service

Multiple Locations

CHILD’S PLAY

Sometimes a new location makes a world of difference. That’s certainly the case with The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, which has a long history with the Besties. Looking at just the past few years, the kids’ museum was a finalist in the Children’s Museum category in 2019 and 2020—when the museum slowly started its moving process from Caroline Street to the Lincoln Baths building in Spa State Park. The new digs apparently made the world of difference: The museum has won its category every year since, including 2021, 2022, 2023 and this year, 2024. Congrats to the museum’s staff, and to the kiddos who get to learn and make wonderful memories because of their hard work.

Bethlehem Auto Service

62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont (518) 426-8414

Bethlehem Auto Service on Facebook

BANK

TRUSTCO BANK

Multiple Locations trustcobank.com

Bank of Greene County

Multiple Locations thebankofgreenecounty.com

Adirondack Trust Company

Multiple Locations adirondacktrust.com

BARBERSHOP

GREGORY’S BARBERSHOP

316 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3525

gregorysbarbershop.com

Will’s Barbershop

444 Delaware Ave, Albany (518) 436-1308

Will’s Barbershop on Facebook

Michael John Barber Lounge

1775 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-7618

michaeljohnbarberlounge.com

BARTENDERS

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

Yanni’s Too

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

The Misfit

1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 285-0129

themisfitsaratoga.com

BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL

TAMMIE MARTIN

Choices Hair Studio

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Mellyia Maicus Choices Hair Studio

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Leeanne Shade

Choices Hair Studio

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

CATERER

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

2Shea Catering

257 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany (518) 389-2889

2sheacatering.com

Cardona’s Market (tie) Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com

Daley Hospitality Group (tie) (518) 235-2656

daleyhospitalitygroup.com

CHEF

MARC YANNI

Yanni’s Too

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Marty Gerrity

The Greens at Copake Country Club

44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019

thegreensatcopake.com

PARTY ON

Cullen Enders found out about the Besties at last year’s Bestie Fest, the yearly awards dinner for all winners and finalists. What was he doing there if not celebrating his own win? He was the party planner for the event! That’s right, Enders is the event planner at The Hangar at 743, where CRL held its big Bestie bash last year. It was one of the first high-profile events held at the fabulous party venue that overlooks runways at the Albany International Airport, and new-to-the-game Enders was impressed. He vowed to come back as a winner in his category—a conversation we mostly forgot until tallying up votes nearly a year later. When we saw he had won, we were thrilled. We look forward to our second Bestie Fest later this year at the Hangar, which also tied for Best Wedding Venue, and seeing Enders pull double-duty as both event planner and Bestie winner.

Joseph Ventrice Illusive

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

CHIROPRACTOR

DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC

204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7644

delmarchiropractic.com

Capital District Family Chiropractic 40 Colvin Avenue, Albany 480 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 599-0067

cdfchiro.com

Enlighten Chiropractic 2 Tower Place, Albany (518) 313-6470

enlightenalbany.com

CREDIT UNION

BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Multiple Locations (800) 727-3328

broadviewfcu.com

Sunmark Credit Union Multiple Locations (866) 786-6275

sunmark.org

Hudson Valley Credit Union Multiple Locations (845) 463-3011

hvcu.org

CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHOICES HAIR STUDIO

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Priority 1 Urgent Care

2080 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 867-8040

priority1urgentcare.com

Broadview Federal Credit Union Multiple Locations (800) 727-3328

broadviewfcu.com

DAY SPA

COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 489-5231

268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-5502

complexions.com

Blush & Co.

579 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1481

blushcohairandbeauty.com

Spa Mirbeau

1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (844) 647-2328

spamirbeau.com

DENTIST

ZAPPIA & FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY

1 Pine West Plaza, Albany (518) 869-1138

zappiafryer.com

Bethlehem Town Family Dental 241 Route 9W, Glenmont (518) 776-4939

btfdental.com

Dental Wellness of Albany (tie) 651 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 427-2447

651dental.com

Shakil Virjee, DMD (tie) 1533 2nd Avenue, Watervliet (518) 212-7166

virjeedental.com

DRY CLEANERS

BEST CLEANERS

Multiple Locations bestcleanersny.com

Handy Dandy Dry Cleaners

240 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4444

handydandyclean.com

Cudney’s Cleaners

Multiple Locations cudneys.com

EVENT PLANNER

CULLEN ENDERS

The Hangar at 743 743 Albany Shaker Road, Latham (518) 633-1155

hangar743.com

Katie O’ Weddings and Events (518) 275-6813

katieoevents.com

Kyleigh Zangen

The Greens at Copake Country Club

44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019

thegreensatcopake.com

FACIAL

CHOICES

HAIR STUDIO

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Breathe Massage Therapy

48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar (518) 621-7979

breathemassagedelmar.com

Karli Jillian Esthetics

350 Watervliet Shaker Road, Watervliet (518) 227-1422

karlijillianesthetics.com

FINANCIAL PLANNER

BONANNO FINANCIAL ADVISORS

250 Osborne Road, Colonie (518) 438-1835

bonannofinancialadvisors.com

Fenimore Asset Management

4 Executive Park Drive, Albany

384 North Grand Street, Cobleskill (800) 721-5391

fenimoreasset.com

Bouchey Financial Group

340 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 1819 Fifth Avenue, Troy (518) 720-3333

bouchey.com

FITNESS CENTER

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929

thegoodkarmastudio.com

Vent Fitness

Multiple Locations ventfitness.com

Anatomie

52 & 30 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 649-0094

anatomielife.com

FLORIST

THE ENCHANTED FLORIST

54 Columbia Street, Albany (518) 813-4990

enchantedfloristalbany.net

Flowers by Pesha

501 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1980

flowersbypesha.net

Janine’s Floral Creations

2447 Route 9W, Ravena (518) 756-3767

janinesfloralcreations.com

FUNERAL HOME

DEVITO-SALVADORE FUNERAL HOME

39 South Main Street, Mechanicville (518) 664-4500

devito-salvadorefh.com

Applebee Funeral Home

403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-2715

applebeefuneralhome.com

Bryce Funeral Home

276 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 272-7281

brycefuneralhome.com

FURNITURE STORE

OLD BRICK FURNITURE

Multiple Locations oldbrickfurniture.com

Luke Dygert

Michaela Norris

Rebecca Cavalieri

Mooradians Furniture

800 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 489-2529

1758A Route 9 Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park (518) 694-8452

mooradians.com

Furniture Plus

329 Fairview Avenue, Hudson (518) 828-3683

furnitureplushudson.com

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

KHYBER KHAN, MD

Ellis Primary Care

115 Saratoga Road, Glenville (844) 518-3627

ellismedicine.org

Oldendorf Medical Services

407 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 435-1300

oldendorfmedical.com

Delmar Family Medical (tie)

1499 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 320-7517

delmarfamilymedicine.com

Sabiha Friedrich, MD (tie)

St. Peter’s Internal Medicine

4 Palisades Drive, Albany (518) 446-9545

sphp.com

HAIR SALON

CHOICES HAIR STUDIO

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Blush & Co. Hair and Beauty

579 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1481

blushcohairandbeauty.com

Ambiance Salon

23 Executive Park Drive, Clifton Park (518) 782-7560

ambiancesalon.com

HAIRDRESSER

TAMMIE MARTIN

Choices Hair Studio

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Mellyia Maicus

Choices Hair Studio

180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619

choiceshairstudio.com

Jessica Shattuck

The Shop

814 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 817-7195

theshopon7.com

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

This year’s Besties brought in some stellar first-time wins!

First up is Best Home Builder, which Saratoga’s Witt Construction scooped right up for the very first time. And we see why: Founded in 1987 by John Witt, the company has made its mark on the Spa City with its hundreds of award-winning, custom and semi-custom homes.

And then we have the winners of this year’s new categories, including Best Financial Planner (Bonanno Financial Advisors, Albany), Best Funeral Home (DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, Mechanicville) Best Local College/University (Siena College, Loudonville) and Best Orthodontist (Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, Troy and Ballston Lake). Congrats to all—and welcome to the winners’ club!

HEALTH CARE/HMO

CDPHP

500 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Albany (518) 641-3140

cdphp.com

MVP Health Care

625 State Street, Schenectady (888) 687-6277

mvphealthcare.com

The Empire Plan (877) 769-7447

empireplanproviders.com

HEATING & COOLING

CRISAFULLI BROS. PLUMBING & HEATING

25 Industrial Park, Albany (518) 254-8604

106 Dix Avenue, Glens Falls (518) 862-8936

crisbro.com

Family Danz Heating & Cooling

404 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 427-8685

familydanz.com

Main-Care Energy

1 Booth Lane, Albany (800) 542-5552 maincareenergy.com

HOME BUILDER

WITT CONSTRUCTION

563 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-4113

wittconstruction.com

Amedore Homes

1900 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-1010

amedorehomes.com

Barbera Homes (tie)

14 Wade Road, Latham (518) 690-0777

barberahomes.com

Michaels Group Homes (tie)

1 Marions Way, Mechanicville (518) 899-6311

michaelsgroup.com

HOME HEALTHCARE

ATTENTIVE CARE

5 Computer Drive West, Albany (518) 438-6271

attentivecareservices.com

Marquis Certified Home Care

1762 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 216-0100

marquishc.com

Right at Home

125 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 757-4041

rightathome.net

HOSPITAL

ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL

315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany (518) 525-1550

sphp.com

Albany Medical Center

43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany (518) 262-3125

albanymed.org

Saratoga Hospital

211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-3222

saratogahospital.org

INSURANCE AGENCY

BROADVIEW INSURANCE AGENCY

469 State Street, Schenectady (518) 786-9905

297 Main Street, Schoharie

(888) 250-6689

broadviewinsuranceagency.com

Anatriello Agency

2477 Route 9W, Ravena (518) 756-2877

weedross.com

Grapeville Agency

16 Boulevard Avenue, Catskill (518) 943-3220

grapevilleagency.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

INTERIOR DESIGNS ATELIER

3 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-1204

interiordesignsatelier.com

Sensory Six

245 Washington Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 368-2486

sensorysix.com

FunCycled (518) 629-5386

funcycled.com

LANDSCAPER

TROY’S LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-1526

troyslandscapesupply.com

A Cut Above Landscaping & Design (518) 376-9632

Faddegon’s Landscaping (tie) 1140 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-6726

faddegons.com

Gallivan Corporation (tie) 2702 Sixth Avenue, Troy (518) 271-6100

gallivancompanies.com

LAW FIRM

O’CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ

54 State Street, Albany (518) 462-5601

1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5205

oalaw.com

Lemery Greisler LLC

677 Broadway, Albany (518) 433-8800

60 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs

(518) 581-8800 lemerygreisler.com

Mack & Associates, PLLC

270 Mount Hope Drive, Albany (518) 465-1451 mack-associates.com

LOCAL COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY

SIENA COLLEGE

515 Loudon Road, Loudonville (518) 783-2300 siena.edu

Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy (518) 629-4822

hvcc.cedu

University at Albany 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 442-3300 albany.edu

MANI/PEDI

VENUS NAIL SPA

52 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 326-9594

Venus Nails Spa on Facebook

L Perfect Nail & Spa

400 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 432-4037

L Perfect Nail & Spa on Facebook

Queen House Nail & Spa

10 New Karner Road, Guilderland (518) 608-5741

queenhousenailspa.com

MARINA

COEYMANS LANDING MARINA

20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-6111

coeymanslandingmarina.com

Doc’s Marina 117 School Street, Mayfield (518) 921-2595

docsmarinany.com

Point Breeze Marina 1459 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-3397

pointbreezemarina.com

MASSAGE

MASSAGE BY MEG

251 New Karner Road, Albany (518) 391-8648

massagesbymeg.com

Breathe Massage Therapy

48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar (518) 621-7979

breathemassagedelmar.com

Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness

221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 489-5231

268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-5502

complexions.com

MEDICAL SPA

LUCIE CAPEK, MD PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

1003 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 765-8405

capekplasticsurgery.com

Reviva Wellness

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2121

jeanpaulspa.com

TENDER LOVING CARE

OArtistry of Face (tie)

475 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 620-8692

481 Glen Street, Glens Falls (518) 940-4723

artistryofface.com

The Rejuva Center at Williams (tie)

1072 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 308-4119

rejuvacenters.com

MEDICAL SPECIALIST

THE BONE & JOINT CENTER

Multiple Locations

theboneandjointcenter.com

Albany ENT & Allergy Services

123 Everett Road, Albany (518) 701-2085

1785 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 701-2075

albanyentandallergy.com

Capital Cardiology Associates

Multiple Locations capitalcardiology.com

ORTHODONTIST

COONEY & TYNER ORTHODONTICS

500 Federal Street, Troy (518) 274-4322

30 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake (518) 400-1200 cooneyorthodontics.com

Albany Braces

Multiple Locations albanybraces.com

Efros Orthodontics

424 Fairview Avenue, Hudson (845) 237-5321

efrosorthodontics.com

PAVING/SEALCOATING

L. BROWE ASPHALT SERVICES

19 Sun Oil Road, Rensselaer (518) 479-1400

broweasphalt.com

Smith’s Paving and Sealcoating 3485 River Road, Rensselaer (518) 266-9526

smithspaving.com

Luizzi Asphalt Services

70 Tivoli Street, Albany (518) 459-7325

luizziasphalt.com

PEDIATRICIAN

DELMAR PEDIATRICS

1220 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 439-2273

delmarpediatricspllc.com

Giombetti & Brady Pediatrics

208 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5611

ne pandemic-born category we’ve enjoyed watching grow over the past few years is Home Health—even though the industry itself has been around for decades. Ever since “aging in place” began to pick up steam, home healthcare entities have stepped in to make sure that seniors living at home have the care they need, within the comforts of their own home. We finally woke up to this crucial service in 2022, when we added the category for the first time. That year’s winner was Albany’s Marquis Home Care, and Saratoga’s Wesley Senior Services picked up the winner’s trophy in 2023. This year’s winner? Attentive Care, whose fleet of home RNs, home companions and caregivers have been serving the Capital Region since 1977. We’re happy we finally got with the program and added this crucial category after watching so many telehealth and homevisit services pop up—and stay—after the Covid lockdown. And happier that the winners have been doing what they do for longer than that. Now they have a place to shine in the Besties.

giombettiandbradypediatrics.com

Schoolhouse Pediatrics

Multiple Locations (518) 456-1211

schoolhousepeds.com

PERSONAL TRAINER

TONI HOWARD

Total Fitness with Toni (518) 339-3037

totalfitnesswithtoni.com

Jessica Lubin

Good Karma Studio 12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929

thegoodkarmastudio.com

Dylan Thompson

Best Fitness

@d_thompson1 on Instagram

PET SERVICES

PET SPAS PAMPER & PLAY

1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Colonie (518) 783-5506

petspaspamperandplay.com

The Detailed Dog

2093 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 213-7911

thedetaileddog.com

Ideal K9 Training LLC

1779 Kennedy Road, St. Johnsville (518) 774-7774

idealk9trainingllc.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

CHELSEA SYLVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

251 New Karner Road, Colonie (518) 657-1331

chelseasylvesterphotography.com

Kristen Renee Photography (518) 859-2089

kristenreneephotography.com

All Occasions Photography (518) 986-3440

alloccasionsphoto.net

BACK ON TOP

LBrowe Asphalt Services knows its way around a Bestie win—and 2024 found it back on top. Going back to prepandemic 2019, the company—which handles professional paving for projects such as driveways, private roads and parking lots—has been a finalist or winner every single year.

PILATES STUDIO

SERGEY’S PILATES

431 New Karner Road, Albany (518) 258-3356

sergeyspilates.com

Free Movement Pilates

5 Becker Terrace, Delmar (518) 275-2644

freemovementpilates.com

Pilates Principle

578 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-1678

lathampilates.com

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

GABLER REALTY (TIE)

321 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 935-4800

gablerrealty.com

JULIE & CO. (TIE)

18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 350-7653

juliecorealty.com

Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

Multiple Locations

866-323-2277

coldwellbankerprime.com

Signature ONE Realty Group

2460 Route 9, Malta (518) 639-4663

signatureonerealtygroup.com

L. Browe’s trajectory has been an exciting one, nabbing top honors in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and coming in as an esteemed finalist in 2021 and 2023. This made it extra-exciting when they rose to first place again this year.

Congratulations, L. Browe, and see you at Bestie Fest!

TREE SERVICE

ADVANTAGE TREE SERVICE

772 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 944-5172

advantagetreeny.com

Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping

1277 Route 9W, Selkirk (518) 635-4111

sevenzocks.com

New Leaf Tree Services, Inc 652 Route 9H, Hudson (518) 526-6675

newleaftreeservicesinc.com

WAITSTAFF

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

The Greens at Copake Country Club

44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019

thegreensatcopake.com

Tatu Tacos and Tequila 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028

tatuny.com

YOGA STUDIO

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929

thegoodkarmastudio.com

The Hot Yoga Spot Multiple Locations (518) 219-8112 thehotyogaspot.com

Anatomie

30 & 52 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 649-0094

anatomielife.com

SHOPPING

APPLE ORCHARD

INDIAN LADDER FARMS

342 Altamont Road, Altamont (518) 765-2956

indianladderfarms.com

Golden Harvest Farms

3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683

goldenharvestfarms.com

Samascott Orchards

5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook (518) 217-2868

samascottorchards.com

BOOKSTORE

I LOVE BOOKS

380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 478-0715

I Love Books on Facebook

Northshire Bookstore 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-4200 northshire.com

Market Block Books

290 River Street, Troy (518) 328-0045 bhny.com

BRIDAL SHOP

BRIDAL GALLERY BY YVONNE

895 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 782-9333

bridalgallerybyyvonne.com

A Love Story by Angela’s Bridal 112 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 869-1848

alovestorybridal.com

DeAnna’s Gifts, Clothing & Bridal 3991 Route 43, Wynantskill (518) 283-6252

deannas.houseacct.com

CANNABIS DISPENSARY

UPSTATE CANNA CO

1613 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 280-4289

upstate-canna.co

Stage One

810 Broadway, Rensselaer (518) 451-9540

stageonedispensary.com

SMOKIN’ HOT

Don Andrews—recent CRL cover star—has picked up his first Bestie, in the red-hot category of Best Dispensary. It was one of the more popular new categories this year, which came as no surprise to us. After all, we covered the growing industry of legal cannabis in our most recent issue. Now imagine how thrilled we were when that issue’s cover star, Don Andrews, handedly scooped up his first Bestie, winning the category hands down with his Schenectady dispensary, Upstate Canna Co.

We chose Andrews to feature because of the leadership he’s exhibited—his being the first dispensary in the Capital Region to open after cannabis was legalized in the State of New York was the result of careful and strategic planning on his part. Now, he wants to support other dispensaries in their bids to open, and it sounds like he might one day expand his own business. “There is so much product out there and not enough stores,” he told us for the article. “I’m really looking forward to opening up more stores to give more communities goodquality, tested cannabis.”

The Pass

1375 North Main Street, Sheffield (413) 644-6892 thepass.co

CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP

HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP

100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2667

honestweight.coop

Niskayuna Co-op

2227 Nott Street, Niskayuna (518) 374-1362

niskayunaco-op.com

Fox Creek Farm CSA

182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie (518) 872-2375

foxcreekfarmcsa.com

CAR DEALER

AUDI ALBANY

723 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-5003

audialbany.com

(cover photo) HANNAH KUZNIA

Lia Auto Group

Multiple Locations (855) 212-7985

liacars.com

New Country Auto Group

Multiple Locations

newcountry.com

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

TRULY RHE

1 Broadway, Troy (518) 273-1540

trulyrhe.shop

Circles

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2554

circles-shop.com

Boho Chic Boutique

90 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 885-1546

bohochicny.com

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

THE CLOSET SHOP

257 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5722

The Closet Shop Delmar on Facebook

Something Olde, Something New 1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 475-0663

somethingoldenew.com

Polkadots Consignment Shop

10 New Karner Road, Guilderland (518) 452-1812

polkadotsconsignment.com

FARMERS’ MARKET

TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET

Inside Troy Atrium (November-April)

Outside on River Street (May-October) (518) 708-4216

troymarket.org

Delmar Farmers’ Market 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar delmarmarket.org

Schenectady Greenmarket

Inside Proctors (December-April)

Outside Schenectady City Hall (April-November)

schenectadygreenmarket.com

GARDEN NURSERY

TROY’S LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-1526 troyslandscapesupply.com

Hewitt’s Garden Center Multiple Locations hewitts.com

Faddegon’s Nursery

1140 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-6726 faddegons.com

GIFT SHOP

5TH CORNER GOODS AND GIFTS (TIE)

395 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 1475 Western Avenue, Albany 5thcornergoods.com

CROSS EYED OWL GIFT SHOP (TIE)

3143 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-6755 crosseyedowl.com

Maggie’s Gift Shop

521 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-2629 shopmaggies.com

Apple Barrel Store + Cafe

115 Route 30A, Schoharie (518) 295-7179

shopapplebarrel.com

HARDWARE STORE

ROBINSON’S ACE HARDWARE Multiple Locations robinsonshardware.com

Phillip’s Hardware

6495 Route 158, Altamont (518) 861-5364

235 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9943

shopphillips.com

Hatchet Hardware

Multiple Locations hatchethardware.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE

HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP

100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2667

honestweight.coop

Healthy Living

3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-4900

healthylivingmarket.com

Four Seasons Natural Foods

120 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4670

fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com

JEWELER

JOYELLES JEWELERS

318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9993

joyellesjewelers.com

Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers 1675 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 464-9636

druesanders.com

Hannoush Jewelers

112 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 472-0368

1750 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 930-2093

hannoushny.com

LIQUOR/WINE

EMPIRE WINE & LIQUOR

1440 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 694-8503

48 Railroad Avenue, Albany (518) 226-8700

empirewine.com

Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor

70 Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 584-5400

purdyswine.com

Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse

9 Halfmoon Crossing, Clifton Park (518) 688-0153

exit9wineandliquor.com

MENSWEAR

MR. FORMAL WEAR

22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 383-7701

mrformalwear.com

Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel

5 Metro Park Road, Albany (518) 438-7887

385 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 871-1293

markthomasmensapparel.com

Britches of Troy

216 River Street, Troy (518) 279-2752

Britches of Troy on Facebook

MUSIC STORE

RIVER STREET BEAT SHOP

197 River Street, Troy (518) 272-0433

Rivers Street Beat Shop on Facebook

Parkway Music

1777 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 383-0300

parkwaymusic.com

John Keal Music

Multiple Locations (518) 482-4405

johnkealmusic.com

OPTICAL CENTER

NEW YORK OPTICAL

116 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 438-8600

451 Hoosick Street, Troy (518) 274-8600

newyorkoptical.com

Hughes Opticians

411 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4971

hughesopticians.com

Buenau’s Opticians (tie) 228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7012

buenaus.com

DiNapoli Opticians (tie)

Multiple Locations dinapoliopt.com

PET STORE

BENSON’S PET CENTER

Multiple Locations bensonspet.com

Healthy Pet Center

Multiple Locations healthypetcenters.com

Head to Tail

1604 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 280-9898

Head to Tail Pet Wellness Center on Facebok

SHOPPING MALL/CENTER

COLONIE CENTER

131 Colonie Center, Albany (518) 459-9020

shopatcoloniecenter.com

Clifton Park Center

22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 371-7467

cliftonparkcenter.com

Stuyvesant Plaza

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 813-4959

stuyvesantplaza.com

SPORTING GOODS STORE

MAD DOG BICYCLES (TIE)

561 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3669

maddogbicycles.com

STEINER’S SPORTS (TIE)

Multiple Locations steinersskibike.com

Tune Skis

272 Saratoga Road, Glenville (888) 863-7547 tuneskis.com

TEENAGE DREAM

This year marked the Bestie debut of possibly (probably!) the youngest Bestie winner to date: Kelsey Dodd, a junior at Emma Willard School, who took home first place in the Band/Musician/ Entertainer category. With the voice and stage presence of someone twice her age, Dodd regularly performs in local theater productions, at Panza’s Starlight Lounge in Saratoga, and at charity functions for the American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House Charities and other nonprofits. She’s even sung the National Anthem for major league sports teams the Baltimore Orioles and the Buffalo Bills. Dodd’s dream? “To perform on Broadway,” she says. “Ever since I saw my first musical—Phantom of the Opera—I knew that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.”

Berkshire Bike & Board

Multiple Locations berkshirebikeandboard.com

SUPERMARKET

HANNAFORD

Multiple Locations hannaford.com

Price Chopper/Market 32

Multiple Locations pricechopper.com

Honest Weight Food Co-op

100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2667

honestweight.coop

TIRE STORE

WARREN TIRE

Multiple Locations warrentiresvc.com

Grand Premier Tires & Custom Wheels

591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-4753

3361 South Thompson Street, Schenectady (518) 630-5055

grandpremieretire.com

Adirondack Tire & Service

Multiple Locations adirondacktire.com

TRAVEL AGENCY

AAA HUDSON VALLEY

Multiple Locations hudsonvalley.aaa.com

Blue Skies Travel 2 Pittsfield Avenue, East Greenbush (518) 477-4700

blueskiestravel.com

Enchanting Escapes

2261 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 608-4644

enchantingescapes.net

PEOPLE & MEDIA ARTIST

PREMO DESIGNS FACE PAINTING & MORE Schenectady (518) 952-1328 facepaint518.com

iCandy Designs Face Painting Saratoga Springs icandydesignsfacepainting.com

Julia Durgee juliadurgee.com

AUTHOR

MARILYN A. PITTELLI nogoandtell.com

John Gray johngraywriter.com

Patricia Crandall patriciacrandall.com

AFTERNOON ANCHOR

CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC

Faith King, NewsChannel 13

Lara Bryn, CBS 6 News BAND/MUSICIAN/ ENTERTAINER

KELSEY DODD Saratoga Springs @_kelseydodd_ on Instagram

The Refrigerators

Troy (518) 374-3400

the-refrigerators.com

Joe Barna

Troy

Joe Barna on Facebook

EVENING ANCHOR

LYDIA KULBIDA, NEWS10 ABC

John Gray, NEWS10 ABC

Mark Mulholland, NewsChannel 13

EVENING TEAM

NEWS10 ABC TEAM

NewsChannel 13 Team

CBS 6 Team

MORNING ANCHOR

STEPHANIE RIVAS, NEWS10 ABC

Chris Onorato, NewsChannel 13

Julia Chapman, Spectrum News

MORNING TEAM

NEWS10 ABC TEAM

NewsChannel 13 Team

CBS 6 Team

METEOROLOGIST

STEVE CAPORIZZO, NEWS10 ABC

Jill Szwed, NEWS10 ABC (No longer at NEWS10)

Paul Caiano, NewsChannel 13

MUSIC RADIO

FLY 92.3 fly92.com

WEQX 102.7 weqx.com

WGNA 107.7 wgna.com

NEWS RADIO

WAMC wamc.org

WGY wgy.iheart.com

TALK 1300 talk1300.com RADIO

JOE DONAHUE (WAMC) wamc.org

Chad O’Hara (B95.5) b95.com

Brian and Chrissy (WGNA) wgna.com

CHRIS

Steve Barnes Times Union

Paul Grondahl Times Union

Griffin

Stockbridge, MA stockbridgechamber.org

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOT

HIGHER GROUND DISTILLING COMPANY

2513 Highway 30, Mayfield (518) 527-5490

Higher Ground Distilling Company on Facebook

Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237

parks.ny.gov

June Farms

275 Parker Road, West Sand Lake (518) 444-3276

junefarms.com

GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)

ALBANY COUNTRY CLUB

300 Wormer Road, Voorheesville (518) 765-2851

albanycc.cc

Columbia Golf & Country Club

295 Route 217, Claverack (518) 851-9195

columbiagolf.org

Schuyler Meadows Club (tie)

17 Schuyler Meadows Club Road, Loudonville (518) 785-8558

schuylermeadows.com

Shaker Ridge Country Club (tie) 802 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 869-0246 shakerridge.com

GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)

COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB

44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 copakecountryclub.com

Saratoga National Golf Club 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-4653 golfsaratoga.com

Sycamore Country Club 38 Tompkins Road, Ravena (518) 756-9555 thesycamorecountryclub.com

HIKING TRAIL

THACHER STATE PARK 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237 parks.ny.gov

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar (518) 475-0291 dec.ny.gov

Pine Hollow Arboretum 34 Pine Hollow Road, Slingerlands (518) 992-2033 pinehollowarboretum.org

HOTEL/RESORT

THE SAGAMORE RESORT 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing (518) 644-9400 opalcollection.com/sagamore

The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 678-6000 theadelphihotel.com

Mirror Lake Inn (tie) 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid (518) 523-2544 mirrorlakeinn.com

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel (tie) 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 869-8100 desmondhotelsalbany.com

INN

THE INN AT SARATOGA

231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-1890

theinnatsaratoga.com

The Dorset Inn

8 Church Street, Dorset, VT (802) 867-5500

dorsetinn.com

Reluctant Panther

39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT (802) 362-2568

reluctantpanther.com

KIDS BIRTHDAY VENUE

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929

thegoodkarmastudio.com

High Rollers Roller Skating 4313 Route 30, Amsterdam (518) 843-0783

highrollersskating.com

KJ’s Gymnastics

3143 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-2554

kjsgymnasticsny.com

KIDS CAMP

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929

thegoodkarmastudio.com

Camp Fowler

152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant (518) 548-6524

campfowler.org

YMCA Camp Chingachgook

1872 Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay (518) 656-9462

lakegeorgecamp.org

PARK

THACHER STATE PARK

830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237

parks.ny.gov

Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-2535

parks.ny.gov

Washington Park

State and Willet Streets, Albany (518) 434-5699

albany.org

55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

THE SPINNEY AT VAN DYKE

6 Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar (518) 689-0162

thespinneyatvandyke.com

THE SPINNEY AT POND VIEW

2490 Pond View, Castleton-On-Hudson (518) 479-0800

thespinneyatpondview.com

Shaker Pointe at Carondelet

1 Bell Tower Drive, Watervliet (518) 250-4890

shakerpointe.org

Beverwyck

40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands (518) 280-8385

eddyseniorliving.com

ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN

THE DORSET INN

8 Church Street, Dorset, VT (802) 867-5500

dorsetinn.com

Mirror Lake Inn

77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid (518) 523-2544

mirrorlakeinn.com

Mohonk Mountain House

1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz (855) 883-3798

mohonk.com

SKI AREA

GORE MOUNTAIN

793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek (518) 251-2411

goremountain.com

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA (413) 738-5500

jiminypeak.com

West

59

THE

861-6557 appelinn.com

THE

743 Albany Shaker Road, Latham (518) 633-1155 hangar743.com

Liberty Ridge Farm 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke

664-1515

libertyridgefarmny.com

Old Daley on Crooked Lake 2339 Route 43,

Park (518) 674-3132

daleyhospitalitygroup.com

Albany

ALL SEASONS EQUIPMENT

All Seasons Equipment, Inc. is family owned and operated, and provides the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. The staff in Scotia are happy to help you find the perfect outdoor power equipment, service or parts you’ve been looking for, from brands including Ariens, Honda Power Equipment, Scag, STIHL and Toro.

60 Freeman’s Bridge Road, Scotia | 518.372.5611 | allseasonsequipinc.com

BARBERA HOMES

Barbera Homes— which proudly builds gorgeous new homes in our region’s most in-demand neighborhoods—has an honest approach to business that’s been honed over two generations. Earning the trust of homeowners, peers and partners, the award-winning home builder boasts a comprehensive Design Studio that features the most trusted brands for the ultimate in personalization when it comes to building your dream home.

14 Wade Road, Latham | 518.690.0777 | barberahomes.com

CLASSIC SHED & PATIO

Classic Shed & Patio is a family-owned, one-stop shop for the design and creation of the finest home storage sheds. Known for allowing customers to design their dream project themselves, Classic Sheds builds the most reliable custom sheds (think Quaker, A-frame, barns and New England styles), as well as gazebos, playgrounds and any outdoor special project—from chicken coops and dog houses to sunrooms and playhouses.

1997 Central Avenue, Colonie | 518.869.7474 | classicshedandpatio.com

CLAVERACK PUMP SERVICE

Clean, healthy water isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity and essential to your health. That’s why Claverack Pump Service has been providing quality water solutions (well drilling, water pumps, water filtration, hand pumps, geothermal drilling and more) to New York homes and businesses since 1946. Don’t trust just any business to handle your water needs—turn to Claverack Pump.

8960 NY-22, Hillsdale | 518.828.6267 | claverackpumpservice.com

CONKLIN ARCHITECTURE

From its office in the foothills of the Hudson Valley region, Conklin Architecture designs truly one-off custom homes and commercial spaces throughout New York State, from New York City to the Adirondack region. The Conklin team takes pride in finding a harmonious balance of its clients’ needs and strives to design a project with a unique, thought-through design.

3 Fyke Road, Catskill | 518.943.4220 | conklinarchitecture.com

CYPRESS POOLS & SPA

Are you ready to transform your backyard into your personal paradise? Cypress Pools & Spas is a premier pool builder specializing in fiberglass pool installation, custom inground pools, pool maintenance, and so much more! Visit them online or at their retail store to get started.

115 Wade Road, Latham | 518.783.5232 | cypresspoolsandspas.com

GARDEN TIME

Whether you are in the market for a beautiful blooming plant for your porch, a screened-in gazebo for your backyard, fertilizer for your lawn, or a storage solution for a little extra space, head straight to the Garden Time location near you. Garden Time also offers a wide selection of outdoor furniture, as well as excellent customer service to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful lawn and garden.

Multiple Locations | 518.793.8555 | gardentimeinc.com

GHENT WOOD PRODUCTS

Spring means warmth, longer days and new beginnings, and with it comes the excitement of spring projects. The Ghent Wood team is ready to help you get started on everything from preparing your garden (got mulch?) to that much-anticipated home enhancement. Whatever your next home improvement undertaking is, turn to Ghent Wood Products for your wood, stone and mulch needs to make your next project oh-so special!

1262 Route 66, Ghent | 518.828.5684 | ghentwoodproducts.com

HEWITT’S GARDEN CENTERS, INC.

With 50 years in the business and seven stores located in the 518 area code, Hewitt’s Garden Centers is a local company specializing in lawn- and garden-related products, services and information. The fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country, Hewitt’s is known for its experienced staff, who are always ready to assist you with your project.

Multiple Locations | hewitts.com

HOUSEWRIGHT CABINETRY

Housewright Cabinetry—where bespoke cabinetry transcends the ordinary. Enhance your home with artistic cabinetry, created with the highest quality craftsmanship by the Capital Region’s most prestigious builders and designers. Reach a new level of luxury with a wide selection of materials, finishes and styles for every taste.

75 Church Street, Saratoga Springs | 518.934.3101 | housewrightcabinetry.com

J. HUNZIKER PAVING

When it comes to driveway paving, you need to work with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. J. Hunziker has 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the nearby areas, and is committed to providing customers with the best possible workmanship and service.

25 Correlis Drive, Rensselaer | 518.858.7917 | jhunzikerpavingllc.com

L. BROWE ASPHALT SERVICES

L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley, with installations that are built to last becuase of correct elevations and subtle detailing that ease the job into the land. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically-pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that complete and enhance the entire property setting

Rensselaer | 518.479.1400 | broweasphalt.com

LUIZZI ASPHALT SERVICES

Luizzi Asphalt Services’ mission is to be the most trusted name in quality products and dependable service for homes and businesses across the Capital Region. Luizzi is a third-generation company that has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers over the years. Call Luizzi Asphalt Services for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs.

70 Tivoli Street, Albany | 518.459.7325 | luizziasphalt.com

MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER

Marcella’s Appliance Center is a family-owned appliance store with showrooms in Schenectady and Clifton Park that together boast more than 30,000 square feet of inventory and feature appliances for every budget. Since 1957 they have served Capital Region customers with the area’s best selection of appliances at the best prices, top-notch customer service, and a dedicated service and repair team.

560 Broadway, Schenectady | 518.381.1957

15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park | 518.952.7700 | marcellasappliance.com

REDBUD DEVELOPMENT

Redbud Development is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with their interiors to reflect the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.

2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | 518.691.0428 | redbuddevelopment.com

ROTOR-MATIC SEWER & DRAIN

Rotor-Matic Sewer & Drain’s services range from routine residential drain and sewer services to emergencies and advanced commercial plumbing repairs and replacements. Equipped with the latest tools, equipment and technology to diagnose plumbing and drain challenges, Rotor-Matic’s highly experienced and conscientious technicians go the extra mile to get the job done right. At Rotor-Matic, there’s nothing too big, nothing too small.

720 4th Street, Watervliet | 518. 465.8000 | rotor-matic.com

SEASONS SUPPLY CO.

Offering professional landscaping and property maintenance led by a lifelong Clifton Park resident, Seasons Supply Co. has all the tools you need to transform boring yards into enviable works of art. From shovels and wheelbarrows for your next DIY project to bulk supplies of mulch or sand for top-level contractors, Seasons has what you need to create the utmost in outdoor living.

2706 US Route 9 | Malta | 518.581.2900

852 Grooms Road, Rexford | 518.371.5730 | seasonssupply.com

WITT CONSTRUCTION

Witt Construction has built hundreds of award-winning, custom and semi-custom homes in the Capital Region, and excels at renovation of residential architecture, too. Founded by John Witt in 1987, the home builder has earned much acclaim for its innovative yet functional designs that reflect how young professionals, new and growing families, urban-dwellers and empty-nesters live today—with each home uniquely nestled in its natural surroundings.

563 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4113 | wittconstruction.com

Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry

Zappia & Fryer is a general dentistry office owned and operated by two sisters, Drs. Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer. For the past 15 years, Drs. Zappia and Fryer have provided comprehensive dental treatment for patients of all ages. They believe in customized care in a relaxed and friendly environment. Warm hand mitts, massaging chairs and a relaxation room are comforts offered while you receive excellent treatment with the most up-to-date dental technology. They are happy to welcome new patients to their practice.

The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop

Pop into Cross Eyed Owl the next time you need a unique gift, item for your home, seasonal décor or simply a little treat for yourself. Albany’s beloved gift shop is packed with knickknacks, jewelry, garden décor, picture frames, toys, plants…you name it. “I opened the shop back in 1993 to sell my own floral designs and other local handcrafted items,” says owner Patti Varga. “I never imagined that I’d still be doing this 31 years later. The shop is an extension of who I am and all the things I love!”

Joyelles Jewelers

Countless Capital Regionites have special memories involving Joyelles and its fine jewelry, whether they were picking out an engagement ring or graduation gift, or having an inherited keepsake repaired. The shop carries fine jewelry (including diamonds of the highest quality for all of those engagement rings), sterling silver, pearls, estate jewelry, watches, glassware, giftware, scarves, scents and lotions. “I love helping customers choose the perfect gift or engagement ring,” says owner Mary Vail, “or repairing family heirlooms that are very special to them and have been in their family for generations.”

Dr. Lucie Capek, Capek Plastic Surgery

Dr. Lucie Capek

Dr. Lucie Capek knows that the decision to get plastic surgery is a big one, so she and her all-female team make sure clients have all the information they need before going through with a procedure that will change their body and life forever. “Knowledge is empowering and clarifies realistic expectations,” says Dr. Capek, who has been working in the Capital Region for more than 25 years. Dr. Capek’s practice offers a full range of aesthetic services, plus injectables, lasers and body contouring. She specializes in cosmetic surgery to the face, breast and body and is well known for her “mommy” and “menopausal” makeovers.

Mary Vail of Joyelles Jewelers

Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer

Patricia Varga of The Cross Eyed Owl

Classic Shed and Patio is a local, family-run business specializing in the manufacture of the highest quality storage sheds. Since opening in 1990, our product line has expanded to include gazebos, garages, pool houses, playhouses, picnic tables, Adirondack furniture, rose arbors, porch swings and more.

Classic Sheds would not be what it is today without our many skilled craftsmen who are dedicated to delivering a Quality Hand Crafted product that will last for decades.

Life&Leisure

9 Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss

BY NATALIE MOORE

March 24

Fall Out Boy MVP Arena

Sugar, we’re goin’ down…to MVP Arena to see Fall Out Boy on March 24. Due to overwhelming demand, the Grammynominated punk rock band extended its 2023 So Much For (Tour) Dust tour into 2024, rechristening it So Much For (2our) Dust. The Albany show is one of more than 20 shows the group will perform across the country with special guests Jimmy Eat World, Hot Mulligan and Games We Play. mvparena.com

April 2

An Evening With David Sedaris

The Egg

Award-winning humorist David Sedaris is

beloved for his personal essays and short stories that are regularly published in The New Yorker as well as in numerous books such as Me Talk Pretty One Day, Calypso and Happy-Go-Lucky. Heck, two volumes of the man’s diaries were New York Times bestsellers. Many of his recent works include stories of encounters with fans at live shows like the one coming to The Egg on April 2. Will you be a subject in his next bestseller? theegg.org

April 10

Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo MVP Arena

A couple of weeks after Fall Out Boy swings through Albany, head back to MVP Arena to witness Corteo, the Cirque du Soleil show that’s been described as a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated

in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. In this first-of-its kind show, the stage is central in the arena, with half the audience facing the other half. Experience the graceful power of Cirque du Soleil’s acrobats; the grandiose, Eiffel Tower–inspired set curtains; and the raw portrayal of humanity that’s within each of us on April 10. mvparena.com

April 10

Overdress to Impress Panza’s Restaurant

One of saratoga living’s most anticipated events of the year is back. On April 10, dozens of Saratoga’s best-dressed ladies and gentlemen will walk the red carpet at Panza’s Restaurant (new venue, who dis?)—grand entrances encouraged! Paparazzi will be on hand to snap plenty of pics, Panza’s will provide its acclaimed classic Italian fare, and bubbly from Bocage Champagne Bar will be flowing. Saratoga’s Met Gala will culminate in a fashion show, and our esteemed judges will ultimately name the winners of Most Overdressed and Best Overall. saratogaliving.com

April 21

Mind Body Soul Expo

Saratoga Springs City Center

Celebrate the pink moon—April’s full moon named for the color of the wildflowers that bloom in North America during that time—at the free (!) Mind Body Soul Expo this April 21. Dozens of vendors, offering everything from tarot card readings and reiki to skincare products and handcrafted jewelry, will take over the Saratoga Springs City Center from 10am-6pm. Don’t miss free lectures and workshops going on throughout the day!

mindbodysoulexpo.com

Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo

Events Calendar

April 27

Glens Falls Wing Fest

Downtown Glens Falls

Looking for plans on April 27? Just wing it! In other words, head to downtown Glens Falls for the annual Wing Fest, a competition between restaurants to produce the best chicken wing. After three hours of wing-tasting at participating restaurants, an awards ceremony will be held at the City Park Bandstand. There, the winners in categories including Best Wings, Best Visitor, Best Rookie and Best Meatless Entrée will be named. glensfallscollaborative.com

April 27-28

BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo

Empire State Plaza Convention Center

Thousands of master builders-in-training will descend upon Empire State Plaza Convention Center this April 27 and 28 for BrickUniverse’s Build It! Tour. The ultimate LEGO fan experience will welcome professional artists from around the country who will exhibit their epic creations, including world landmarks, life-size sculptures, LEGO mosaics and interactive displays. Attendees will be invited to unleash their creativity at specified building zones, and stock up on LEGO pieces and merch before they head out. brickuniverseusa.com

May 7-12

SIX the Musical Proctors

When you purchase tickets to one of the eight performances of SIX coming to Proctors this May, you won’t just be signing up for an afternoon or evening at the theater—you’re in for 500 years’ worth of historical heartbreak remixed into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power. The Tony-winning musical is a modern retelling of the story of Henry VIII’s six wives, presented in the form of a pop concert. Slay. proctors.com

BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo

May 11-12

Albany Tulip Festival

Washington Park

Get your yearly dose of flower power at the 76th annual Albany Tulip Festival, which will take over the 81-acre “crown jewel” of Albany (aka Washington Park) this May 11-12. Experience traditions rooted in the

city’s rich Dutch heritage including tulip tours, street scrubbing and the crowning of the 2024 Tulip Queen as well as artisan booths, food, the KidZone, two stages of live entertainment and, of course, more than 140,000 blooming tulips in more than 150 different varieties. albanyevents.org

Albany Tulip Festival

Signs of the Times

BY CHANTAL MARIE | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

All’s fair in love and war, and right now that’s the spectrum you may be swinging on, my Aries friends. Emotions could be running high, leaving you exhausted—but you still come back swinging to tell another tale like the warrior you are. Focus on yourself during this time and you’ll be right as rain once the dust settles. Towards the end of this cycle, fortune will be smiling on you as a very lucky transit moves through your area of finances. Keep your head and spirits up, stay locked in on your goals, and enjoy the wild ride.

TAURUS APRIL 20 - MAY 20

A rebirth is coming for you, sweet Taurus, but not before some deep introspection and reflection of where you’ve been. Have the things to which you’ve been dedicating your energy and time been advocating for the life you desire? If not, it’s time to change it all up and develop new action plans that align with your authentic self and true purpose. The winds are shifting and you will get a boost of confidence to chase your dreams, so be sure to steady

your sails in preparation of an energy push into wide-open seas of possibility.

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

You are what you think, so make sure your thoughts are of the highest quality, Gemini. This doesn’t mean to take everything too seriously: Make sure you are leaving room for and incorporating fun and whimsy into all aspects of life. And what’s fun without a healthy dose of imagination and fantasy? Let yourself dream and drift into what could be in the areas of career and social circles. Who could you imagine yourself rubbing shoulders with while doing the most for your public image? If practicality (re: doubt) rears its head, ask yourself, “why not me?” The answer is in what you believe.

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22

The best-laid plans require and start with grand ideas, and you may find yourself conjuring up some pretty amazing things in that beautiful head of yours. They say if you shoot for the moon you’ll land among the stars, so don’t hold back from those

big dreams, Cancer dears. Expanding your horizons (via travel or ideas) will lay the foundation for the motivation you’ve been searching for to act upon those career goals you’ve had for some time now. And never forget, who you know is most often more important than what you know.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 22

You’ve been exercising your demons for some time now, my Leo loves; it may be time to finally send them on

their way for good. Let go of the old stories that have kept you in the dark by giving them new plot lines that paint a lighter and happier picture so that you may shine like the Sun’s chosen child you are. Then remove any blocks that have been holding you back from growth and go be a part of the world again! Career prospects are primed to shock and excite you in the best ways, so stay open to whatever the Universe lays in your path.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22

It’s time to fall in love with love again and embody main character energy as the planet

Venus pays homage to your relationships, blessing them with all the beautiful feelings. This highlight into your personal life will be, of course, followed by some shedding of those who no longer vibe with you. When you shine the brightest, pay attention to who puts their shades on in an attempt to block or dim you. Matters in money and growth (both external and internal) will receive a healthy dose of glow-up magic once you’ve cleared the debris from your inner circles. Enjoy it, Virgos! You’ve earned and most definitely deserve it.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22

Time to shake off the cobwebs, Libras! Stuck energy/ projects are now ready to move forward and there could be some surprises in store that come along with them. All of this is happening at the exact right time and is working in your best interests; try to remember that if things get to feeling a bit jarring or intense. Don’t forget that breakdowns always lead to breakthroughs—so keep it pushing like the cardinal sign you are. Doors that close now will close for good; don’t look back because you’re most definitely headed forward.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21

You can look forward to some welldeserved fun and flirty times ahead! Enjoy it, dear Scorpio. Just don’t forget that every action has a reaction and it’s all fun and games until it’s not. Responsibilities are always around and will eventually need your

attention, so try not to neglect too much of what’s important and pressing at the time. Your health and the daily habits that directly affect it may also demand more dedication. Make adjustments where necessary but don’t forget to let loose and let go; it’s important for your life balance.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21

Feeling like staying in more and more isn’t usually your method of living, but here we are, my Sag babes. The (good?) news is that this won’t last and you’ll soon be back to your natural wanderlusting selves; however, let this homebody energy do its thing as it is important to recharge, reflect and renew your batteries every now and then. Maybe your ideas of what a good time is are shifting. Maybe your social circles are evolving. Whatever the reason, it’s a great opportunity to grow and expand your own personal beliefs and philosophies.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19

You’ve got a lot to say, Capricorn, and it’s all due to that beautiful brain of yours that’s downloading new thoughts on what you want your life to look and feel like. You are encouraged to share your thoughts with the class and put your money where your mouth is. Don’t just dream it, do it! Tearing up old foundations to lay down new and improved ones will serve you well in the long run, so start now. You aren’t one to shy away from the hard work and sacrifice needed for your goals, so roll them

sleeves up and get going. You know it’ll be worth every minute.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18

Is it time to make some major moves yet, my Aquarius friends? It could be an actual move or maybe just renovations of the home you are currently in. Either way, a refresh is definitely on the horizon, and you’re feeling good about it all. And why shouldn’t you? You’re in your rebrand era and with that should come bold and courageous commitment levels to your new life. Peel back the layers of your home (literally and figuratively) to find surprise elements that were once hidden and now increase your value. It’s your time to shine!

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

If it feels like you’re riding a rollercoaster, my best advice is to put your hands in the air and just go with it. The ups and downs can give you whiplash if you are not flexible in how you move through the twists and turns. So do what you do best and let the energy take you where it wants to while you make the most of the ride, sweet Pisces. Things will settle, so you’ll have both feet planted firmly on the ground again soon. Until then, do your best to sway in the breeze—always bending, never breaking.

Chantal Marie is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccystalhealing.com

Life&Leisure

Tips on Top

HOT ON THE HEELS OF A BIG “RISING STAR CHEF” WIN AT ALBANY WINE AND DINE FOR THE ARTS, STACY’S SCRATCH KITCHEN COOKS UP FILET-TOPPED GOODNESS.

Cremini Mushroom

Stroganoff With Filet Tips

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves

2 shallots

1 cup sherry

3 cups cremini mushrooms

1 Tbsp beef base

1 pint heavy cream

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp roux (corn starch & water)

12 oz tenderloin of beef tips/chunks

1 lb egg pappardelle

Instructions:

• In a sauté pan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Add two cloves

of garlic and cook until golden brown. Add two shallots and cook until translucent. Add one cup of sherry and let it reduce. Add three cups of cremini mushrooms and sauté until tender. Add one tablespoon of beef base and a cup of water. Add one pint of heavy cream and one tablespoon of Dijon mustard and reduce. Then add one tablespoon of the cornstarch and water mixture.

• S eer beef tips in a pan and finish in the oven to desired temperature.

• Bring water to a boil and add in egg noodles. Cook until tender and combine into sauce.

• Top the noodles with the beef and serve.

Cut & Style

BY NATALIE MOORE

ACROSS

1. Meet your ___

6. Sloths work there in Zootopia, for short

9. Comedian Vulcano

12. Scent

13. Three-lettered outdoors store

14. Brand you may buy at 13-Across or 4-Down

17. Glad products

19. “The ___ does not exist!” (Mean Girls quote)

20. Long fish

21. “Unholy” singer Smith

22. Friendly

24. Word that means and rhymes with fan

26. Tupac’s genre

28. GA airport code

29. What the 32-Down does twice a day

31. ___ A Sketch

33. Bug spray brand

36. Honey-yellow gemstone

39. Real Housewife Jayne

40. Popular Thanksgiving dessert

41. Word used in many a cheese pun

42. Not even

43. Apple tablets

45. Make a mistake

46. Belly button variety

48. Reigns

49. Hibernation location

50. Nostril location

51. Nonverbal communication method, for short

52. Play a role

53. Chicago ___ (NBC series)

55. Cans of light beer, familiarly

59. Windpipe, medically

63. Roadside assistance org.

65. Glee star Michele

66. Starbucks size

67. Source of balmy temperatures

70 Slow-moving gastropod

71. “___ for one and one for ___”

72. Downton

73. Top of a container

74. Exclamation of approval

75. See 54-Down

DOWN

1. Friends, in England

2. Word on Quebecois stop signs

3. Animal often mislabeled as a bear

4. Three-lettered outdoors store

5. Cheerleaders’ exclamations

6. ___ queen

7. Actress Ryan

8. Mastercard competitor

9. Make small and unnecessary distinctions, or a clue to this puzzle’s shaded squares

10. Popular sans-serif font

11. Baby sheep

15. Zero

16. Had a bite

18. and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

23. Semi-truck manufacturer

25. Require

27. Latin phrase meaning “for each day”

30. Idea belonging to a particular person

32. Moon-related ocean phenomenon

33. Multicolored gemstone

34. Bona ___

35. ___ up (tell the truth)

36. Got better, like fine wine

37. Word before Gore in a local ski resort slogan

38. It may be described as third degree

39. Ages

44. Divisive orange juice ingredient

47 Word after music or bank

51. Actor Driver

52. When Hamilton dies in Hamilton

54. With 75-across, one who wakes up before 7am, say

56. Objects with no distinct shape

57 Accented woman’s name

58. Greek woodland spirit

59 Flatscreens and others, for short

60 Kylo ___ (Star Wars character)

61. Excessively orderly

62. On vacation, say

64. At a distance

68. Pie ___ mode

69. Clean-up hitter stat

KSECRET INGREDIENT

BY JOHN GRAY

enny Hickenbottom was a nice little boy who came from a strange world, at least in the eyes of his classmates. His family owned the town pet store and while selling goldfish and dog food was perfectly normal, it was the spiders, snakes and lizards that Kenny took care of after school that made him an outcast in the eighth grade. After all, who plays with such creepy, crawly things?

His favorite reptile was his pet iguana, Simon.

Once, when Kenny was nine, he brought Simon to school for show and tell He concluded his presentation by kissing the lizard on the head, a gesture that made his classmates groan with disgust.

One student, a blonde with pigtails named Becky Worthington, called him “Creepy Kenny” after his display of affection, and because of her popularity, the nickname stuck.

The name-calling continued for the next three years, and Kenny often found himself sitting alone at lunch or playing on the swings by himself at recess.

One day, the kind boy asked his mother why children like Becky were so mean. She explained that nobody is born that way, telling Kenny that kids are a lot like Jell-O: What you put in the mix early on will be stuck there once

the Jell-O hardens.

She told her son, “If you toss sliced bananas and raspberries in the Jell-O liquid, then put it in the fridge, it’s very hard to separate them later.”

When she saw Kenny didn’t grasp her analogy, she shared a secret about Becky that few people knew. His mother explained that Becky once had a twin sister named Rose who died of leukemia at the age of five. His mom said that Becky seemed to change after that loss, becoming meaner.

Even though she had been so unkind to him, Kenny was sad over Becky’s heartbreak and asked his mother if there was any way to change the Jell-O once it was hardened by life. She told him it was

difficult, but it never hurt to try.

Since it was time for the Spring Fling dance at school, Kenny came up with a surprise he hoped would win him some friends and, perhaps, change the Jell-O when it came to Becky.

On the day of the dance, Kenny arrived with 100 green cupcakes carefully arranged to look like a gigantic lizard. Since they were double chocolate with vanilla custard inside, the kids swarmed the display to grab one.

As the children devoured the dessert, the boy they called Creepy Kenny announced that there was a “secret ingredient” inside one of the cupcakes and he made certain that the special cupcake was given to Becky Worthington.

Everyone in the room stopped chewing and looked at her.

Becky, assuming the worst, spit the cupcake out, causing everyone to laugh.

Kenny Hickenbottom slowly approached, took the half-eaten cupcake from her hand, and showed Becky a small red rose petal made of sugar hiding inside with the custard.

“I don’t understand,” Becky said.

“I made two cupcake lizards,” Kenny explained. “One for school and one we sold outside the pet store last Saturday. The cupcakes went for a buck a piece.”

“Why?” she asked.

“So, I could raise money to buy a beautiful rose bush, which will be planted in front of the school to honor the twin sister you lost.”

Becky was speechless for a moment, finally asking, “Why would you do that for me when I’ve been so mean to you?”

Kenny answered, “The secret ingredient in my cupcakes was forgiveness.”

From that moment forward, no one ever called him Creepy Kenny ever again.

3/15 - COOL COOL COOL W/ SOPHISTAFUNK

3/16 - PINK TALKING FISH W/ ROB BEAULIEU BAND

3/22 - DOPAPOD W/ STRANGE MACHINES

3/24 - LISTEN UP AWARDS

3/29 - EKOOSTIK HOOKAH W/ CREAMERY STATION

4/5 - BROWN EYED WOMEN

4/6 - JIMKATA W/ ESCAPER

4/11 - KUNG FU

4/13 - THE DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND W/ RICH ORTIZ

4/14 - STEVE’N’SEAGULLS W/ DIG DEEP

4/17 - BADFISH: A TRIBUTE TO SUBLIME

W/ KASH’D OUT, THE QUASI KINGS

4/20 - RAINBOW FULL OF SOUND PRESENTS: DEAD-ZEP

4/27 - THE WARPED TOUR BAND

W/ DOOKIE, ALL THE BLINK THINGS

5/10 - REHAP W/ 607 SOS

5/11 - MOON HOOCH

5/24 - MARC FORD W/ SLY FOX AND THE HUSTLERS

FULL PAGE

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