Stephanie Sittnick - Director of Sales ( 860) 227-8199 advertising@518mag.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Carol St.Sauveur Ferris, Karen Richman, Rona Mann
Chandler Stevens, Lawrence White, Kirsten Ferguson, Susan Brink, Vanessa G. Ahern, Joseph Raucci, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski
COVER
Wendy Ide Williams “Caladria Delusion” 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas On exhibit now at The Laffer Gallery, Schuylerville, NY
Is it already August? Wow time flies when you’re able to once ag ain enjoy shopping with friends, eat at your favorite restaurants and having gatherings with one another.
It feels so good to see businesses flourishing and events coming back for everyone to enjoy. The sun is shining and people are out and about with smiles on their faces.
Welcome to the August issue which is filled to the brim with amazing stories about extraordinary and creative people who truly love what they do. Each month I look forward to preparing 518 Profiles because it allows me the opportunity to meet new and extremely interesting people every day. We live in a “magical area” and every month I am reminded of just that.
As always, our goal is to deliver authentic, and unique content about creative people and interesting places. We hope you love this issue as much as we do.
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
518 PROFILES
587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Continuing the Journey of its Heritage Two Lions Farm pg. 4
ENCORE
She's Looked At Life From Both Sides Now The Left & Right Brains Power the Art of Laura Mann pg. 12
The Saratoga Arts Center At the Corner of Community and the Arts pg. 22
"We Found a Unique American Town" Sabine Rodgers' Love Affair with Her Husband, Horses, & Saratoga pg. 34
Mary Reardon and David Cornell
Continuing the Journey of its Heritage Two Lions Farm
By Jillian K. Pasco
Photos by Todd Bailey
When you think about Saratoga Springs, New York, an immediate, al most unconscious correlation is made: that of thoroughbred horses and the life the city experiences throughout the track season. However, what is often missed is the history of such a tradition and where these majestic horses’ journeys began. Just beyond the hustle and bustle of downtown Saratoga Springs are some of the finest horse farms in the country, including Two Lions Farm’s soon-to- be equestrian training facility.
As you drive down its long, expansive driveway encased by the serene vision of sprawling hills, forestry, and foals frolicking, you almost forget its proximity to the Saratoga Race Course. Although the property hasn’t been an active farm for the past few years, the land and now home to Two Lions has a deep-rooted history. Situated on a discrete 76 acres on the historic grounds of Rojan Farm and previously owned and operated by the Bongard family, the operation dates to 1997 with Rojan’s roots be ginning in Columbia County and dating to 1960. It wasn’t until 1997, that Ellen and Barbara Bongard – daughters of the late attorney
Bertram F. Bongard – relocated the farm to Saratoga County. If this family name seems familiar to you, you likely have visited The Bongard Room at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
While under their operation, the Bongard family intentionally kept the farm on the small side and always operated it with the same sentiment in mind: the horses, the land, and the farming. Similar to the Bongards, David Cornell and Mary Reardon had a vision of owning a horse property, never dreaming they’d find Rojan. Upon learning more about the farm’s history, David and Mary immediately felt compelled to continue
the orig inal vision for, and the stew ardship of, the land. “For us, it’s more than the investment in a new business, it’s about ensuring we offer a safe haven where a horse can simply be a horse,” said Mary.
Although David grew up in Saratoga and was often surrounded by the environment of thoroughbred horses, it wasn’t until his late-thirties when he began taking lessons and trail riding. This was the pivotal inflection point for David and when horses be came an integral part of his life. David is now an active adult amature competitor in the discipline of threeday eventing. Mary discovered her passion for horses at a young age when she began taking lessons at 12 years old. She grew up mucking stalls and assisting at the stables, simply for the opportunity to ride the horses boarded onsite. In high school, Mary’s parents purchased her first horse, Misty, which was a Tennessee walking horse. Although Mary is not an active competitor, she is keenly engaged in the day-to-day operations of the farm. Additionally, her love of horses has certainly had some influence as her eight-year-old daughter, Caroline, does compete.
Purchased in January, the couple spent this past winter breathing new life into the property; upgrading and remodeling the farm and stables, while maintaining the integrity of each oversized paddock and the land
open- land boarding farm that specializes as an equestrian facility catering to several disciplines. Although the property offers decades of breeding history, it was never their original intention to carry on such tradition. However, recently they found their vision expanding, and the couple is exploring what the farm could look like with such an investment. “Now that Two Lions is home to a handful of thoroughbreds and foals, investing in a boutique-style breeding program is certainly on the horizon for us,” David shared.
In addition to their focus on boarding and soon-to-be breeding, Two Lions is operating with two principles in mind: specialized training and sustainable land usage. When asked how they planned to deliver on such values, David referred to the famous Henry Ford quote: “I am not the smartest, but I surround myself with competent people.” David went on to share, “from the very beginning, it was essential that we brought on the right team that could fill any knowledge gaps Mary and I had while aiding us in delivering on our vision.”
The couple works with Marcia Kulak as their lead consultant. In this capacity, Marcia focuses on the development of a first-class facility, the proper feeding, training, and overall care of the horses. For those unfamiliar with Marcia, she was shortlisted for two Olympic teams and has successfully competed at Rolex, Burghley, and Blenheim, as well as numerous other inter national events.
Two Lions is currently developing a training facility for competitive equestrians, with a focus on the safety of the rider and the horse.
Such enhancement will fill an existing gap in the Saratoga equestrian community and offer an essential must-have for those who compete. “We’ve found there are limited local opportunities for riders to have access to a ship-in facility, with such expansive property to practice and train on,” said Marcia. The training facility will enable those that compete in the discipline known as three day eventing, acre upon acre of a safe intricately thought-out cross country course offering numerous jumps of varying degrees. “One of the challenges in practicing this discipline is having access to the necessary
Marcia Kulak riding Nimbalina with her dog Trinket
space to gallop and effectively practice such jumps, simulating a competitive environment on exceptional turf footing” said David. “Just like any sport, you need access to appropriate facilities to practice and train for ‘game day.’”
As for sustainable land usage, David’s daughter, Nicole Cornell, serves as the facility’s land consultant. Having recently graduated
from Union College with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental pol icy, Nicole is passionate about sustainability, responsible farm ing, and water quality management. With this in mind, the op erations of the farm are focused on being good stewards of the land, where no chemical fertilizers are utilized for minimal en vironmental impact. There is also particular attention to waste water runoff and protecting the local waterways.
“At the end of the day, Two Lions will continue to build on the her itage of the land and always focus on the sentiment of the horses, the land, and the farming,” said David and Mary. A history that began with the Bongard Family over 60 years ago with a long and prosperous runway with David and Mary for years to come.
Further information: Two Lions Farm 165 Beaver Street Rd Schuylerville, NY 12871 www.twolionsfarm.com,
Cross country course
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Tom Clement Clement Frame Shop & Art Gallery, Troy
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The Magic Moon, Saratoga Springs
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Acrylic and mixed media on birch cradle board. 24”x 30”
Acrylic and mixed media on birch cradle board. 24”x 30”
She's Looked At Life From Both Sides Now The Left & Right Brains Power the Art of Laura Mann
by Rona Mann
You've probably heard the expression for years. "Right brain vs. left brain."
According to science, as well as that of conventional wisdom, people tend to have a personality, thinking style, or way of doing things that is either rightbrained or left-brained. Those who are right-brained are supposed to b e intu itive and creative free thinkers. They are the qualitative big-picture thinkers in life who tend to experience the world in terms that are often de scriptive or subjective.
Meanwhile, those deemed to be leftbrained tend to be more quantitative and analytical. They pay attention to details and are almost exclusively ruled by logic. They are numbers p eople, those who examine and research everything before making a move, while their right-brained cousins just tend to jump in and check the facts later.
Well, whether you consider yourself a right-brained or left-brained individual, consider if you will Laura Mann, who
never really thought about her brain, she just used it - both sides of it - and continues to use it to great advantage. You can neither pigeon-hole Laura Mann nor hang a specific label on her or her work because she is constantly learning, changing, growing, and de veloping her talents, and the re sults are something which we can all enjoy.
Mann was always a part of the Capital District having been born in Albany and raised in Schenectady. She earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature at SUNY Albany, a prestigious MBA from RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), and her dual right-brain, left-brain balancing act she gleaned from life experience. For a time, Laura lived on a 110-acre prop erty in Providence, New York, a hamlet of just 1800 people, but it be came too much to manage on her own in addition to having more than an hour's commute to work which proved untenable.
“Circadian Rythym III” Acrylic and mixed media on birch cradle board. 20” x 24”
"W ork" was, and still is, serving as Vice President of Business Growth for the Capital Region C hamber of Commerce where her MBA, prior extensive work experience with both start-ups and established businesses has served her well. I n addition to other responsibilities, she directs a 60-hour Boot Camp guiding would-be entrepreneurs as well as existing commerce through a step-by-step process of starting, o perating, and maintaining business.
Some eight years ago something clicked in Laura Mann's right brain, something that had been mulling
around since she was a child. She wanted to seriously try her hand at art. But true to her left brain she didn't just jump in without a good bit of research and training. Laura had always enjoyed looking at art books, and now she delved into them even more. She also s pent hours on websites studying styles and media, eventually taking a Life Drawing class at the Junior College of Albany. "Yet it still felt like a hobby and not a vocation," she said. But one thing was certain. Mann wanted to experiment and create "something on
my own." She called it "an instinctive response born out of a need to capture and express thoughts and
feelings in ways that did not involve the structure of words."
She chose acrylics as her primary media because, "Watercolors require a level of technical precision that's generally bet ter suited for representational work. I wanted a blue sky approach to style and boldness. I also like the fact that acrylics dry fast, so I can work on multiple pieces at once. I get impa tient. Watercolors are just not the right fit for me."
The first year or two Mann still viewed her art as an experiment as
“Dragonfly”
“Dragonfly” detail
well as a science project, as she learned to use, manipulate, and incorporate multiples types of materials. "I watched YouTube a lot and began with very small can vasses, then little by little as I learned more and did more, the size of the canvasses increased," she said.
The pandemic proved to be a positive experience for the emergence of Laura Mann the Artist. "It became an outlet for me, I became quite prolific being shut in so much for so long, so I created a body of work. I went on Facebook, met a lot of other artists that way, developed a community."
She also developed her talent and affinity for what she calls "found objects." Little pieces of wood, colored stones, stained glass and a col lection of beautiful and natural materials served to make up an inventory culled from the five years Mann had lived on that expansive property. All have found their way embed ded into much of Mann's work which she categorizes as abstract, but it is not ab surd. The colors, sometimes soft and muted, other times bold and a p pearing to pop off the canvas, are carefully chosen and blended with many natural ob jects she has found during frequent walks in the shadow of the Ad irondacks. Objects like bark, leaves, clay, and stones are frequently part of her work. Her synthetic objects cover a broad range from wood, gem stones, and glass to the special gift from a Facebook friend and fellow artist who del ighted her and gave new dimension to Laura's paintings when he shipped a box of fantastic, curly,
“Capture”
“Aztec”
“Precipice” Acrylic and mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas. 40”x 60”
“Eloquent” Acrylic and mixed media on gallery canvas. 36” x 36”
delicate ceramic shavings trimmed from his work as a potter and ceramicist.
It would appear that Mann has good friends, both fellow artists and just those who value what she does. Early on in her career a local friend who was taken with what he saw online called Laura and asked if he could place her art on the walls of an Albany gastropub and restaurant. She readily agreed and quickly called upon her innate ingenuity. "I threw myself a champagne and cheese party. My friends came, others came. Some people bought because they were my friends, others bought just because." Later on, still others reached out seeking the newly discovered art of Laura Mann who gained further recognition when she generously donated some of her work to charitable or ganizations for their fundraising efforts.
No longer unsure of herself and confined to those tiny canvasses, Laura Mann now works larger-scale, but not exclusively. A recent exhibition of her work at Pause Gallery in Troy garnered a good deal of attention from visitors to the gallery and the gallerist herself, Gail Snitkoff. "Laura Mann's paintings are bright and gorgeous. Though most are large-scale, they deserve close inspection because of the little gems that are embedded in her work."
All this newly acquired recognition leaves Mann a bit non-plussed. "For me, this is a creative exploration, and then it becomes centered. I'm not married to just one style."
Laura Mann, who now lives in Saratoga and has for the past two years, paints because it gives her joy, satisfaction, and a sense of balance...no doubt a delicate balance between her very active right and left brains. It is what makes her work "pop," it is why no two pieces are ever similar, it's the ex pression she had always sought, had deep within her, and just needed to be let out. It is the vibrant colors of some, the noticeable contrast of the subtle tones of others, and the tiny nuggets of mixed media implanted in her work which have given shape and significance to the woman whom it almost ap pears was always seeking that something beyond words and has now finally found it.
You can find Laura Mann's work on www.lauramanndesigns.com
“Circadian Rythym II”
“Screaming Trees” Acrylic and mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas. Triptych - 20” x 60” each
The Saratoga Arts Center At the Corner of Community and the Arts
by Carol St. Sauveur Ferris
The old adage that “all roads lead to Rome” has many applications. Here in Saratoga Springs, it’s safe to say that no matter the genre, all roads lead to 320 Broadway for capital area artists and art lovers. Saratoga Arts Center, located at the corner of Spring Street and Broadway, is home to a wide variety of engaging and innovative programs, shows, galleries, and receptions. But it wasn’t always that way.
The Center’s inauspicious beginnings date back to the early 1980s when Long Island native Dee Sarno, began to work part-time for the fledgling Saratoga Arts Council recently launched by the city of Saratoga Springs. Sarno was a one-woman band in those days, working from a portable file box in her car and any available desk at the Chamber. By 1986 the Arts Council became an independent nonprofit organization and in 1989 Sarno became its first Executive Director. She was a force to be reckoned with. In less than four years she was able to raise $550K to renovate the former Saratoga Springs Public Library so the Saratoga Arts Council would have a home. Sarno’s unflagging vision
for The Arts Center and its connection to the vital ity of both the region’s art community and the community-at-large, is still fundamental to the Center’s continued growth and commitment today.
For Louise Kerr, who recently joined the organization as its new Executive Director, Sarno’s herculean ef forts and outreach inspire her every day. An ac complished woman in her own right, Kerr brings years of experience in the arts. She was born and brought up in rural Scotland, and later earned her undergraduate degree in Architecture and De sign from Glasgow College of Building and Printing. Following her arrival to the United States, she earned her master’s degree in Painting from the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture.
Kerr’s career path has touched upon many different aspects of the arts that are proving beneficial to her current position. She feels very fortunate to have been Operations Manager for the Betty Cuningham Gallery on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she was involved in the
Dee Sarno and Louise Kerr
Juliana Haliti “Nature 1” oil on board 8’x4’
Adrian Lee “Keep Walking Yankees” oil on paper 50x 50 Raina Briggs “Broad Daylight” oil on canvas_36x36
Gary Larsen “Maui Shore” photography, 20”x28”
Tom Ryan “Chicken Feed” watercolor, 12”x24”
com mercial side of the art world, working with the most significant artists of our time. Later Kerr served as Director of Engagement and Visitor Operations at Olana, the home of renowned artist and Hudson River painter Frederic Church in Columbia County. In this position, she was immersed in museum operations, education, and programmatic engagement which facilitated work with scholars, curators, historians, and other museums and cultural organizations. Combined with her for mal education, Kerr’s professional background has provided her with the tools and expertise to help take The Saratoga Arts Center to the next level.
These days, it’s no secret that 2021 has become the year for outreach, engagement, and collaboration. The pandemic has seriously challenged all the hows and the whys of what we do, both at work and at home.
The pat phrases of the past such as, “This is how we do things,” have largely been replaced with questions like, “What can we do now?” and “Maybe we should give this a try?”. At Saratoga Arts especially, minds and hearts have opened up to this new way of thinking. People are taking risks and coloring outside the lines. And the cool thing is, most are discovering that creating something new is expanding things for the better.
Saratoga Arts’ mission, “to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and by ensuring that the arts are accessible to all,” has taken on new meaning in this new worldview post-pandemic. Kerr and her staff have been listening intently to the community, reevaluating, and redesigning how things are done in light of its impact on artists, cultural and educational organizations. The result is evolving into a multi-pronged approach to bringing people together after so much isolation.
Storytelling Painters and Poets: Special guest speakers poet, Bernadette Mayer, poet, John Yau, painter, Sarah Cain, moderated by John O’Grady
Spirit Rappings: Retelling Stories. Collaborations and work by artists Judy Glantzman and Jeffrey Hargrave, Ben Gocker and Helen Macro
In order to facilitate and expand programmatic work and outreach, major renovations to The Art Center’s building systems are happening in celebration of their 25th anniversary. Some of the much-needed changes and property alterations currently underway include new and updated community maker spaces for fiber arts, a print shop, theater infrastructure and lighting, complete gallery renovations, and upgraded technology.
While building upgrades are proceeding, collaboration is the next order of business for Kerr. New members of the board in cluding Ian Barry, Dayton Director of The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Elizabeth Sobel, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have become valued supporters and influencers They are helping to position Saratoga Arts as the central location for promoting and facilitating all of the arts in the re gion. Through membership support and other collaborations, individuals and area businesses are beginning to participate as well. There is little doubt that Kerr’s vision of a robust cultural community under one central umbrella is really happening.
Grants are awarded to artists and organizations whose applications for assistance are reviewed by an independent panel made up of rep resentatives from local cultural organizations and past grant recip ients. The grants range from $500.00 to $5000.00 based on the merits of the project and can make all the difference for the artist.
Over the years, Saratoga Arts has provided $1.6 million in direct support to artists, community, and educational organizations in Fulton, Montgomery and Saratoga counties as a re-granting arm of NYSCA.
There are also 2400 square feet of gallery space in the building available to artists who apply for exhibition op portunities through The Arts Center’s annual open call for artists. Sixteen lucky artists are selected by an independently appointed panel to participate. It’s a tremendous op portunity for regional artists to show their work to a large audience in a supportive and beautiful setting.
Additionally, every year in August, The Arts Center holds its 10 x 10 Show. Then in November, they host their Members Show for any member of The Arts Center who would like to participate. And in January, there’s the regional High School All-Stars show. All of these exhibitions are open to the general public, and all work is available for purchase, with a small percentage of the proceeds going back to The Arts Center.
Art in Public Places is another very popular, collaborative endeavor. Saratoga Arts partners with local businesses including the visitor center,
High School All Stars 2020
the train station, and other independent businesses like Uncommon Grounds in various towns, to feature the work of area artists.
The Arts Center also offers a variety of online and in-person classes across all genres. Paint ing, drawing, weaving, printing, and music are just some of the great classes offered to all age groups. In addition, there are numerous Summer Art camps both at the center and the surrounding parks including Teen Art Camp, designed for kids ages 13-18. This camp provides amazing opportunities for students to expand and explore different media which in turn helps them build their portfolios. And for the young thespian, there is a Theatre Camp for Kids for ages 9-18 in collaboration with Home Made Theater. This popular camp explores acting, voice, and movement and culminates in two wonderful productions that will be shared with their family and friends.
For the budding photographer, there’s a class called Beginner Photography 2 which focuses on composition tech niques. In addition, there are several other classes for the advanced photographer including Intermediate Photography, Advanced Photography, and Advanced Photo Editing. And for the flora and fauna enthusiast, Small Object Photography Outdoors is a great opportunity to learn how to capture the perfect shot of Mother Nature at her best.
First Thursdays with Saratoga Arts made possible by a generous legacy gr ant from Radial Arts, is a very popular event, scheduled for the first Thurs day of every month at 320 Broadway and other venues across Saratoga Springs. After such a difficult year, First Thursday is giving Saratoga Springs a chance to enjoy the arts while giving a rtists a chance to showcase their work and benefit financially. Are a businesses are encouraged to participate in the fun and fes tivities with special offerings inspired by the presenting artists.
And great news! Art in the Park is making a comeback! It will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Historic Congress Park, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. The Arts Center recently issued a call for artists to participate in this vibrant event, which will give the general public a wonderful opportunity to meet individual artists who will be available to discuss their work, answer questions, and even
put on some live demonstrations. After such a long hiatus, it will be a welcome addition to this year’s lineup.
Thankfully, pandemic restrictions are loosening up and people are becoming more comfortable being together. As a result, new opportunities for artists are emerging and more venues are opening up for residents and tourists alike. At Saratoga Arts, Louise Kerr and her staff are hard at work making that happen. They are reconnecting and collaborating like never before, bringing all genres of art back to Saratoga Springs and the surrounding communities. And not a day too soon!
Please visit www.saratoga-arts.com for more information about in-person and online classes, exhibits, events, and how to become a supporting member.
Be part of the comeback of the arts in Saratoga Springs and help make it happen!
First Thursday
Teen Art Camp
Art in the Park
Casual Upstate Restaurant Upscales Traditional Diner Fare
The Rooster Burger
by Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™
You don't have to live in the smallest city in New York State, Mechanicville, NY, with its population of just over 5,000 people in less than a square mile radius to have eaten at or heard of The Ugly Rooster Cafe. This coun try cafe draws in diners from big cities, miles away. If you ask someone in the Capital Region for breakfast suggestions, The Ugly Rooster will most likely be mentioned in that list.
My family has been eating at the Ugly Rooster since it first opened about 12 years ago. My kids have grown up on their breakfast sandwiches, eggs benedict, and burgers. If you ask my autistic son where he wants to eat breakfast, he will always excitedly say "Ugly Rooster!" It's his fa vorite place to eat. The rest of my family loves all the food here too.
The cafe started when the founding owner, Ariel Pagan, had a desire to own a place where his own kids could work with him. That dream came true when The Ugly Rooster opened in July 2009, founded on family. "It was my dream to serve a good breakfast and lunch and to be done early to have time with my family," Ariel expressed.
Courtney Batchelder started working for The Ugly Rooster in 2009 when it first opened and was the manager for 10 years before becoming Ariel's business partner in 2020 with the expansion of their second location in Ballston Spa in July of 2021. Courtney has been an amazing team leader and sincerely shared that, "The restaurant exists from everyone’s hard work and dedication. We are very fortunate to have a great team that has been with us for many years working together for the same goal."
The menu is inspired by Ariel's love for Creole style and flavors in cooking, as he brings a bit of his Puerto Rican culture and heritage to his food.
The Spanish Omelette is a very filling, fluffy, threeegg omelet filled with taco beef, cheddar cheese, and topped with house-made queso, garnished with tomato & green onion.
The Cup O' Benny Eggs is a creative dish that could be served at any up scale restaurant. Eggs Benedict with bacon & hollandaise nestled in a crisp potato "cup." It's delicious and plated very nicely.
I enjoyed in two ways the Breakfast Berry Bruschetta, a mixed berry medley over a cream cheese jelly spread: its wonderful taste and vi sual stimulation. It's a very colorful and delightful dish.
I love the creativeness of the Huevos Rancheros dish, with its unique shaped corn tortilla bowls, salsa, cheddar cheese, and 2 eggs, any style served with rice and refried beans
The Mechanicville Special is the perfect lunch sandwich with grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, and ranch.
Their Pulled Pork Panini, is made with their very own tender house- made pulled pork, served with coleslaw, banana peppers, Swiss cheese on rustic white bread.
You can get some tasty soft shell tacos here too. Your choice of beef or chicken with lettuce, tomato, shredded cheddar.
One of my favorite burgers in the 518, is the Rooster Burger! Stacked with bacon, a fried egg, their delicious fried green tomatoes, Swiss cheese, and mayonnaise. I can't count the number of times I've eaten this burger.
The staff knows my kids, and they know what we always order before we ask for it. It really is a hometown cafe. You will feel all of this too when you dine here; however, don't let the "small-town feel" of this cafe discount the big flavors that The Ugly Rooster has to offer their customers. I know that you and your family will enjoy dining here as well.
The Ugly Rooster is located at 2476 Route 9, Ballston Spa, NY & 312 N 3rd Avenue, Mechanicville, NY
Happy Eating!
Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Feed Me 518™ Instagram: @FeedMe518 www.facebook.com/FeedMe518 www.FeedMe518.com
Ariel Pagan and Courtney Batchelder
Spanish Omelette
The Cup O' Benny Eggs
"We Found a Unique American Town"
Sabine Rodgers' Love Affair with Her Husband, Horses, & Saratoga
by Rona Mann
photos by Stephanie Sittnick
She was born in Europe.
She traveled and worked all over the world.
She was an acclaimed television producer in Germany.
And yet, there is no place she loves more than being right here, right in beautiful Saratoga with
a husband she adores, children for whom she will do anything, and a thriving business powered by a loyal staff that's her second family and supported by a coterie of customers for whom it is all made worthwhile.
"Saratoga is a very unique American town with big city character, but small town feel. It's a place where you know your neighbors, where you feel safe, and it's a wonderful place to raise a family."
Meet Sabine Rodgers, owner of Saratoga Saddlery, yes that very special place right on Broadway in downtown Saratoga. It's that place dedicated not just to horses and those who worship all things equestrian, but also a place where both riders and non-riders can be perfectly outfitted with distinctive, high quality, beautiful clothing for the track, for dinner, or just because they want to look and feel good.
"I am positively adamant about high quality," Rodgers says. "I want to only sell things here that will be able to be kept for many years be cause they are well made."
Owners Sabine and Mick Rodgers
Sabine Rodgers' journey to Saratoga began in Germany where she was born. At the same time, a few continents away, her future husband and soul mate, Mick, was born in Australia.
Sabine was a high -level TV producer at ProSieben in Munich, working for a news magazine similar to our 60 Minutes on CBS in the States.
Mick came from a family that bred Australian horses, so from the very first the equestrian lifestyle was a part of his DNA. Although he did not ride right away he manufactured equestrian wax jackets and riding boots, with his business primarily on the East Coast of the United States.
"We wound up meeting at a horse show in Los Angeles," offers Sabine. At the time I lived in San Diego, and he was in Indiana. We fell in love, and quickly realized that distance between us wasn't going to work." So the couple starting traveling throughout the United States to find a place that would speak to them. When they got to Saratoga some 15 1/2 years ago, they finally found a place that spoke volumes!
The couple originally opened Saratoga Saddlery in 2006 with the idea that it would be dedicated strictly to the equestrian lifestyle since Mick rode horses and Sabine played polo. It encompassed everything the couple enjoyed and seemed a perfect
fit for the town, but along the way the store and its customers changed the appearance of their retail landscape, and soon Saratoga Saddlery became an internationally recognized supplier not only of equestrian merchandise, but of upscale luxury lifestyle fashion and gifts for both men and women.
Mick displaying his Outback Survival Gear product line.
Initially, the shop sold outerwear from Outback Survival Gear, Mick's company that featured not just clothing and boots that he both designed and manufactured, but also a now wildly popular natural le ather seal cleaner and conditioner that employs essential oils and organic beeswax. Not only will it work on everything leather from saddles to jackets and vests,
car seats, and virtually anything made of leather but because it's made of natural ingredients it can be used to condition feet, hands, pet paws, vinyl, utensils, most anything in order to season and soften.
Early on, Sabine started carrying "some" cowboy boots, but was looking for a niche. She found it! Today Saratoga Saddlery
has an entire wall of boots for men and women and boasts the largest selection of cowboy boots in the Northeast.
"You don't have to be a rider to enjoy our clothing and boots," Sabine says, then adds, "I always wanted our store to be a place where people enjoy themselves...and they do! It's not a tack shop, but we celebrate the equestrian lifestyle every day."
And when it comes to enjoyment, no one loves polo more than Sabine who started a polo school (Saratoga Polo School) eight years ago with an Argentine polo player, Mario who now runs it. "80% of the game of polo is the horse itself," Sabine adds. "They are born to play polo and absolutely love it."
Rodgers gives much of the credit for the success of her shop to the people who work with her. "I have an amazing team, they are so positive, so willing to work, so willing to do whatever it takes for our customers. When customers come in there is always a smile, always pleasant conversation, not sales talk. Our staff like to help customers find exactly what they're looking for which creates a relaxed and positive experience for everyone. It makes for a very pleasant atmosphere."
Saratoga Saddlery is constantly changing and evolving. In summer it is geared toward the equestrian lifestyle and sports, but because they are open year 'round, in winter their focus is skiing and all things winter sports related.
"We have Mark Miller winter coats, which are very stylish, leather jackets from Italy. and Bergen of Norway known for their shearling winter coats, fur coats, and leather jackets to keep you warm."
Whether you ride, play polo, visit the track, or just enjoy horses, a "must" stop is Saratoga Saddlery. If you have no interest in horses whatsoever (shame on you!), but love beautiful, high quality town and country clothes and accessories, a "must" shop is Saratoga Saddlery. And if you just can't wait till the weather gets colder and you can ski, snowboard, snowmobile, or just throw snowballs at people you love, Saratoga Saddlery has tons of ways to keep you warm and dry.
Best of all, it's a wonderful place to just stop in and look around for a while. There's never any sales
pressure. Sabine, Mick, and their "terrific team" are just proud of what they have and do and want to show it off. The very best of inter national boutiques coupled with the very best American-made products shown to you by some of the very best people in Saratoga who know what they're talking about.
As Sabine might say in her native tongue when describing the essence of Saratoga Saddlery, "Ein Lächeln, ein Schwätzchen, ein Atmosphäre. Ein freundliches Team."
Translation: "A smile, a chat, an atmosphere. A friendly team."
Saratoga Saddlery(and International Boutiques) is located right downtown at 392 Broadway in Saratoga Springs (518) 580-4522 www.saratogasaddlery.com
Mosquitoes and The Great Pillow Tag Caper
by Karen Richman
When I was about nine years old, I committed a crime.
Actually, it was a pretty heinous crime given the times in which we lived, a time when children did what they were told and obeyed their parents...at least most of the time, that is.
I grew up in New Jersey where summers were hot and oppressively humid, and the mosquitoes were so big I thought they should be on leashes. I never liked summer when I was a kid, probably because it was hot, oppressively humid, and the mosquitoes around our property were so big they should have been leashes. I can remember night after night lying awake in bed for hours listening to those hated insects intone their monotonous whiny song as they circled above my head, and I lived in fear I would get bitten. And I always did too.
NEVER, EVER to remove the tag that hangs off the pillow...but she never said why. But whether it was furniture, mattresses, or pillows, her warning was always the same, "Don't rip the tag off!"
So this one night, I got my flashlight out and shone it on the tag. Oh, it was certainly ominous because it stated in no uncertain terms that it was against Federal law to remove that tag. "Under penalty of law this tag not to be removed by the consumer." Yipe! I shuddered in fear wondering what would happen if I just accidentally removed the tag. I mean, what if I rolled over one night, and it came off on its own? That wouldn't be my fault, right? But Federal law? That was something with which to be reckoned.
Well, my 9-year-old curiosity finally got the best of me, so on this night I made just the teeniest, tiniest tear in the tag. My heart was pounding,
My mother tried valiantly, but unsuccessfully to help and appease me. She bought what was purported to be the great mosquito elixir of the day, some God-awful stuff called 6-12. Remember 6-12? They don't make it anymore, probably for good reason. It was a very thick, sticky, sweet- smelling oil that came in a clear glass bottle with a yellow and blue label proclaiming, "Hours of Protection." The idea was to slather 6-12 all over your body, and according to the advertising on the bottle, it would keep not only the mosquitoes away, but also chiggers and other flying, biting insects from tainting the flesh. Sounded promising, but promises don't always mean truth. Every night I would grease myself up as though I were going to swim the English Channel, and 6-12 had the following result: NOTHING! 6-12 did absolutely nothing except for the guy's bank account who invented it. It smelled so nauseatingly sweet that the mosquitoes loved it. Totally attracted, they now came in swarms...I was their candy store, their single, whiny voices blending to gether in a chorus, and they bit the living heck out of me night after night.
So as I lay there night after night all greased up and waiting for the expected and inevitable onslaught, I would think up things to do to pass the time to take my mind off the imminent mosquito attack. One partic ularly oppressive night while tossing and turning, my hand came upon the tag that hung off my pillow. I remember my mother telling me
and I saw erect in bed wondering if somehow that tag was connected to some master switch at the pillow tag factory that would signal the manufacturer, and soon they would come in a police car and take me away. But nothing happened that night. With each succeeding night, I got bolder and bolder until that tag hung for dear life from the pillow by just a single thread.
The very next night I decided this was it, this would be the night. Obvi ously this pillow tag business was the biggest lie ever perpetrated on the American public, and I, little 9-year-old- Karen from New Jersey, would be the one to prove it a laughable hoax and bust the myth wide open.
I prepared well for the event, steadying myself in bed, a strange sense of euphoria washing over my entire body. I sat up ramrod straight, put the pillow in my lap and nonchalantly stroked it, turned it over, and played with it for a very long time. I made sure everyone else in the house had gone to bed and all was quiet. Very, very quiet. Then, with a very deep breath and one deliberate motion, I pulled that sucker free...and at that very moment...an ambulance, I guess, or a fire engine, or a police car...whatever it was...came roaring around the corner outside my window with the siren screaming loudly.
And I wet my pants.
Summertime Herbs
Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE, INHC
I really enjoy cooking. It’s a form of relaxation for me and a way for me to escape into my “Zen Zone”. I can usually be found in my kitchen on the weekends with the music playing, a glass of wine in my hand, exper imenting with whatever I have in my pantry or fresh veggies and herbs that I found at the local farmer’s market or my favorite farm, Featherbed Lane Farm in Ballston Spa.
Now, just because I love to cook, doesn’t mean that I always have TIME to cook. Like most of you, I rarely have time to be creative in the kitchen during the week, so I rely on fast, easy and nutritious recipes to get us through our crazy work schedule. Gazpacho and watermelon salad are two of our favorites during the warm summer nights and make a beautiful addition to any table.
Fresh herbs add color, a burst of flavor and visual intrigue to many dishes and August is a perfect time to try adding fresh herbs to your summertime meals. There are hundreds of herbs available, but these are some of my favorites:
Lovage
Lovage, a member of the carrot family that’s similar to parsley, is a non- traditional herb with a bright, yet bold, flavor. It’s no surprise that it pairs well with carrots, but it really works well with potatoes, tomatoes and wild rice. Add it to a sandwich or salad with cucumbers. Since its flavor is robust, a little goes a long way.
Basil
There are many different varieties of basil, a member of the mint family, from well-known Genovese to Thai, purple and lemon-scented basil. These aromatic leaves are the perfect accompaniment to just about any summer vegetable. Green beans and tomatoes are classic, but summer squash, eggplant and new potatoes will partner well, too. Try it with fresh mozzarella cheese, as in the traditional Caprese salad, or try it with strawberries, burrata and walnuts. I love it with blueberries, ricotta, a touch of maple syrup, toasted pecans and the best olive oil you can find.
Cilantro
Like lovage and parsley, cilantro is a member of the carrot family, and it tends to “take over” a garden, growing into large plants. Don’t overlook the buds of cilantro (also known as green coriander), which are edible and can create a beautiful garnish for dishes. Try pairing cilantro with lentils and grains, such as frikeh, as well as beets and other members of the carrot family such as celery and carrots.
Vietnamese Coriander
Also called rau ram, Vietnamese coriander is a member of the rhubarb family and a little less overpowering than cilantro. Try tossing the chopped leaves with rice noodles and bean threads. It pairs wonderfully with Thai basil and mint in an herbal finish for a carrot salad, chicken salad, or for topping fish.
Tarragon
Key in French cooking (think a traditional béarnaise sauce), tarragon is less popular in the US, but its strong scent and distinctive flavor enhances many foods. It’s a member of the sunflower family, along with artichokes, chicories and lettuces. Tarragon is incredible in egg salad and combines well with spring vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes and braised leeks. Mix chopped tarragon into an herb butter or fresh mayonnaise to capture its taste. Try it in a creamy herb dressing over a Romaine or Butter lettuce salad.
Marjoram
Marjoram, like basil, is a member of the mint family, similar to oregano but with a more floral taste and aroma. The Mediterranean herb is ideal for the summer months and can replace basil in a variety of dishes featuring tomatoes and summer squash. Try mashing it with fresh garlic and walnuts into a salsa verde, tossing it with pasta, or sprinkling it on a pizza.
Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE, INHC FACES of Saratoga, Organic Skin Therapy Studio www.facesofsaratoga.com 518-396-7403
WATERMELON AND POMEGRANATE SALAD
Makes 8 servings
This is my absolute favorite fruit salad. Watermelon helps prevent water reten tion and promotes hydrated and youthful skin.
1 small watermelon
1 ripe pomegranate
1-2 tsp raw, organic honey
1 TBS culinary grade rosewater
Fresh, organic mint leaves for garnish
Remove the seeds and skin from the watermelon. Cut into bite sized cubes and place in a medium to large bowl. Reserve the juice.
Cut the pomegranate open and discard the heavy, white membrane. Re serve the juice.
Pour the reserved pomegranate juice and the watermelon juice into a large glass measuring cup.
Stir in the rosewater and then stir in the honey until it is fully dissolved.
Pour the juice over the top of the fruit, cover and chill for one hour.
Lightly toss the salad and serve with the mint leaves scattered over the top.
Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad prior to serving and sprinkle with raw pepitas or pine nuts.
GAZPACHO
Makes 6 to 8 servings depending on your glass size.
Did you know that organic tomatoes have twice the antioxidant flavonols as conventionally grown tomatoes? Less pesticides too. This recipe uses beautiful, fresh tomatoes and sweet apples for a twist on traditional Gazpacho.
Make this several hours ahead to let the flavors marry into a groovy union. Spoon into wine glasses, wafer goblets, or any pretty glasses you have on hand. Garnish with some sliced avocado and/or some minced chiles, and you have a new, summertime dish full of skin healthy vitamins.
2 organic, English cucumbers, peeled and finely diced
1⁄2 organic, sweet onion, finely diced
1 organic green bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 organic red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1. organic crisp, sweet apple, cored and finely diced
(*Note: you can substitute the apples with finely diced jicama)
1 cup loosely packed, organic, chopped cilantro leaves, reserving 1 TBS as a garnish
1 TBS raw, organic apple cider vinegar
2 cups or 16 oz organic tomato juice blend or make your own
2 TBS extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
2 cloves fresh, minced garlic
1 TBS freshly squeezed, organic lemon juice
1 organic, fresh, minced chile (to be used as a garnish)
1 organic, whole, ripe but firm, avocado sliced or cubed (to be used as a garnish)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Combine everything except the salt, pepper, chile, avocado and a tablespoon of the chopped cilantro in a large, non-reactive bowl. I use a glass or Pyrex bowl.
- Season to taste with the salt and pepper, cover, and chill
- until ready to serve (about 4 hours).
- Spoon into martini glasses or wine goblets. Garnish with a touch of the minced chile, a slice of avocado, a cilantro leaf or two, and serve. You can omit the cilantro if it tastes like soap to you. Most people either love cilantro or they absolutely hate it. Basil is a great substitution.
JAZZ AT THE LAKE
September 17,18,19 2021 Shepard Park, Lake George NY
