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PUBLISHER / FOUNDER
Stephanie Sittnick
COPY EDITOR
Elisabeth Allen
WEBMASTER
Tony Rivera
ADVERTISING SALES
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, Alan Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski
Welcome to the February issue of 518 PROFILES! February reminds us of creative and special ways to show and tell others that they are meaningful to us, that we appreciate them, and that they are loved. This is the month to share gift-giving and dinner with that special someone, to take a moment to celebrate the loved ones who are in our life.
I n this issue, we stuffed our pages full of love. Each of our feature stories, al though very different, have the same main ingredient… Pa ssion. The passion to pursue what they love and the drive to follow their dreams. Each story in this issue is as inspiring as the next.
As we all turn our focus to the loved ones this Valentines, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful advertisers and community. We appreciate your support and wish you all a love-filled Fe bruary! As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, i s always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We strive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about creative people and interesting destinations. Find a nice cozy spot and enjoy our publication!
Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher
Jon Gernon: A Man of Many Talents pg. 4
ENCORE
"It's a Piece of Who We Are" The Albany Institute of History & Art
pg. 12
Preserving People's Memories is a True Art Knowing What You Want is: Morningside Gallery
pg. 22 518 PROFILES 587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Winning Recipe: One Country Girl, Scratch Kitchen, Loyal Staff, Love of Customers. This is The Country Corner Cafe
pg. 30
“I have advertised with 518 Profiles since its inception. I am extremely happy with the lush colorful layouts and positioning of ads. The magazine has my best interest in mind; offering advice to make visual improvements when necessary. Customer service is exquisite. I highly recommend advertising with this magazine.”
Tom Myott, Artist - www.tmyottart.com
“Doing business with 518 profiles has been an absolute pleasure. Stephanie is extremely professional in designing and ex ecuting our print ads exactly as we envi sioned. She makes the process smooth and easy leaving my time free to focus on our employees and guests”
Michael J. Fortin, Owner/Executive Chef MJF Restaurant Group LLC, Cohoes
"We have been very pleased with our advertising program in 518 Profiles magazine. Stephanie has created a unique and fresh advertising venue. We absolutely loved our feature story! The photography and layout, the writing, a nd everything about it. 518 Profiles is a classy, informative, and welcome addition to our Artistic and Cultural surroundings."
Tom Clement Clement Frame Shop & Art Gallery, Troy
“My customers and I love 518 Profiles, the articles provide information about local artists, unique shops and things to do. The quality of the articles, images and publication values are hard to find anywhere else in the region. I am so pleased to be a part of the 518 Profiles family.”
Gail Snitkoff, Pause Gallery, Troy
“Saratoga’s finest magazine! A magazine you pick up and keep for its quality, feel and content. I have done many ads in newspapers and magazines in my career, and we literally have people walking in with 518 Profiles in their hands looking for us. Advertising with the magazine works well because the readers pay attention to the high quality and editorial.”
Saratoga Saddlery & International Boutique, Saratoga Springs
“The cover, alone, of 518 Profiles draws me in, every time. I always wait for a block of time before opening it, so I can settle in and enjoy. The articles are in-depth portraits of a business or of a person and the photos are brilliant. Even the advertisements are quite spec tacular. I had looked forward to placing my own business ad, and finally have done so. Stephanie is easy to work with and I just love the ad that was created.”
Kathy Agneta
M&P Gifts LLC / Merriman and Pfister’s Marketplace, Delmar
“Working with Stephanie and 518 Profiles has been a consistently exceptionally profes sional and positive experience. They are very easy to work with and have an un usual attention to detail that is ap pre ciated! The award-winning publication i s beautiful... an d my cu stomers look forward to picking up the new issue each month. We are proud to be among their advertisers!”
Magnetta
“518 Profile has provided great exposure for our business. Each issue inspires its readers and contributors.”
DB TRENDS, Ballston Spa
'What a beautiful Magazine!! It’s a pleasure to display it in my shop... my customers love it! Stephanie is a delight to work with in all of the facets! I am very proud to be part of this publication which has not only brought me sales but has connected me with very loyal and devoted customers from all over our region!'
“As a photographer, and the the advertising and marketing director of The Alpine Sport Shop, a family owned business in Saratoga Springs, I appreciate the creative insight and thoughtful stories that 518 Profiles shares about local artists and businesses. The magazine is a quality resource and guide for its readers, on where to find what is interesting and unique in our area.”
“The Magic Moon is a small business that has grown with the community over the last 26 years, and as such, we ap preciate the efforts of 518 Profiles, a publication that consistently turns its spotlight on the lesser-known niche businesses in and around Saratoga Springs. From an ad vertiser's point of view, we're more than pleased with the personal attention we've received from the publisher, as well as the eye-catching presentation of the printed product each month.”
The Magic Moon, Saratoga Springs
“Great Magazine! Stephanie and staff do a great job in presenting the artist they feature each month. Great photos and in depth interviews.”
Gary Zack, Zack Gallery, Saratoga Springs
“Love this magazine, down to earth articles about home town folks and businesses, lots of great photos, well written.”
With a brush, pencil, or directly with their hands, artists draw lines and shapes, apply color and texture, creating an image that defines a moment in time. It may represent an emotion or an ideology. It can be a political statement or a simple observation. No matter which of these it is, the viewer is given a unique glimpse into the mind and heart of the artist. Well, not always. In the case of Jon Gernon, the goal is to NOT paint with a personal point of view. He’d rather leave that up to you.
Gernon was born and raised in Troy, New York, and enjoyed a pretty typical childhood. His immediate family was not artistically inclined, however, one cousin was a successful abstract painter and a great uncle was a mechanical en gineer, which may account for some of his drawing genes. But to hear Gernon’s take on it, he believes all kids like to draw, and he was just
one of them. His drawing inspiration came from watching horror movies while visiting his grandmother and great aunt when he was a boy. He would draw the monsters he saw on TV like the Creature from the Blue Lagoon and Dracula. He also liked to copy Spider-Man and Prince Valiant from the comic strips. Admittedly, his interest in art waned as he grew up but was rekindled in 11th grade when he decided he might be able to make a career from it. Watervliet High School had a good art program, so he took every course available including me chanical drawing, fashion design, and photography. He excelled at all of them and jokes that his once dismal GPA soared by the time he graduated. Obviously, art was his destiny.
until he attended Sage College of Albany. Sur prisingly, his first visit to a real museum,
other than those with dinosaurs he visited as a kid, was to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) around that time. At the MET he discovered artist Egon Schiele’s work which resonated with him, because as he puts it, “They were pretty horrific drawings like mine and weren’t beautiful at all. Schiele lived during the pandemic of 1918 and died from it. His drawings were of his life, and that’s when I thought, wow, this is fine art? Maybe I can do that.” Soon after, Gernon took his first painting class.
A job as an illustrator of direction sheets for Screamin’ Enterprise, a company that made expensive collectible models for fans of the horror/fantasy/sci-fi genre, soon followed. At the same time, he met a couple of guys who worked in the comics industry and thought that could be a really cool job to pursue but it didn’t take long for
"Lighting the Way" - Digital, acrylic & resin, edition of 5
"Whispers from the Woods" - Egg Tempera & Oil on linen - 35" x 45"
"Winter Sleeping Through Summer" - Egg Tempera & Oil on panel
"Sleeping Beauty" - Oil on wood panel - Private Collection
Gernon to realize that it wasn’t for him. He discovered that a comic book illustrator must draw 26 pages of comics every month so there’s a lot of pressure and little return. Gernon ad mits “I really didn’t want to be told what to do.” He then kicked around doing illustrations here and there until he got a job at Clement Frame Shop and Art Gallery in Troy.
Clement hung pieces in their gallery by artists whose work they framed but never took it any further until Gernon approached them with an idea. He suggested they hold actual shows and allow him to curate them. They agreed to let him pursue it. Gernon approached artists he knew, hung their work, and sent out flyers. He exclaims, “People actually showed up!” For the next 22 years, he curated many shows in the Troy area and still cu rates a few today.
poster he was framing at the shop. The poster was by artist, George Tooker whose work is associated with Magic Realism. Gernon was fascinated by Tooker’s use of egg tempera.
During this time, Gernon was also pursuing his passion for painting. In fact, his current painting techniques can be attributed to a
That fascination with the medium led him to research it extensively and other painters that used it. He discovered that egg tempera is an ancient medium dating back to the Egyptians
and was a precursor to oil paints. It is literally made with egg yolks, color pigments, and water. The medium is then applied in many thin layers until the desired color is achieved. Egg tempera has a very short shelf life so a painter must work quickly and deliberately when using it; however, the finished cured painting can retain its vibrant colors 500 years later if done correctly. Since there were no classes anywhere, Gernon went on to teach himself how to use egg tempera and began painting contemporary por traits in the style of Russian icons using the medium exclusively. In his own words, “I finally felt like a real artist."
For years since Gernon has been jotting down ideas and research notes in notebooks for creative reference. He’ll often peruse them to develop a theme or concept for his next series of paintings. His most recent work is truly magical and was inspired by fairy tales, mythology, and fables. There is no political statement or overt point of view to be found.
Gernon fervently believes that “making art is a strange thing. Artists have an idea, a feeling, a spark and put paint to canvas, clay to form, notes to music, and pen to paper. We try to communicate this idea in the hope that the viewer, listener, or reader 'gets it.'Getting it is where it all goes to hell. Why do we even have to 'get it?' Today the world is filled with such negativity, and access to it is a fingertip away. There are artists who relate their frustration through their work that is sometimes incredibly uplifting and beautiful and sometimes...well, completely de pressing and emotionally heavy. The artist and the recipient have different ideas, different thought patterns going on. Sometimes, most of the time in the case of my work, it’s very simple. I want you to create a story. I want you, the viewer, to leave feeling happy. This body of work is for you to have ideas and stories. Your own Myths, Fables & Fairy Tales. Don’t be caught up in what the artist has to say but be part of the story and the artwork you see before you. I’m trying to create a moment of conscious dreams and floating beauty. Devoid of any current political news or social statements, I’m simply trying to construct a beautiful image.“
“Reliquary for St. Alice” - Oil, acrylic, resin, wood, apoxie and objects
"Reliquary for St. Alice" - detail
"Woodland Cathedral" - Detail
No doubt Gernon has an impressive resume, but while he enjoys the work he is currently doing, he does not want to paint in one style for the rest of his life. “Unfortunately, that happens to many artists and their careers because clients and galleries request spe cific work over and over again.” He goes on to say that “his interpretation of an artist is you’re always looking to do something different and not stay in the same spot all the time. It’s really easy to get comfortable. And when you get too comfortable it becomes just a job. Also, it’s easier to keep doing one thing for a long time because it’s safe. I understand that.”
In addition to being an accomplished artist and expert framer, Gernon is a highly regarded frame designer as well. It seems that he comes by it naturally based on a serendipitous discovery some 10 years ago. A newspaper article brought to his attention revealed that he is a descendent of a family in Ireland who designed and fabricated frames more than a century ago. It’s a pretty cool discovery and makes for a great story too. These days Gernon has taken the family business a step further with some of his own frames that are themselves unique works of art. He claims that they originated with a nutty idea a couple of years ago when he decided to make a frame that looked like a cake for a painting called Winter Sleeping Through Summer. He literally piped the cake design onto the frame using a mixture of acrylic medium paint and your garden variety spackle, then poured resin on it to achieve a lacquer-like shine.
For another piece, called Woodland Cathedral, he created a unique frame covered in bas relief swirls painted black with hand-sculpted rosebuds interspersed along the bottom. It is stunning. He has even done a 3-D frame with tiny figures running across the top of a piece called Reliquary of St. Alice. He jokes that they were talking more about the frames than his art at one show!
Gernon has also dabbled in digital art, something he would have scoffed at ten years ago. Honeycomb is a digitally created, one-of-a-kind piece of a mythical woman using gold leaf and printed on Hahnemuhle paper. He appreciates the convenience of technology often using his iPad for laying and color studies for actual paintings but hopes that younger gen erations will always see the value in creating and owning authentic works of art.
For now, Gernon will continue to paint beautiful, mythical creatures because “makebelieve is a wonderful place to live.”
We could not agree more.
Jon Gernon’s work can be found on Artsy.net represented by 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago, Illinois. It can also be viewed and purchased online at www.jongernon.com.
“Honeycomb” - 16" x 16" - One of a kind digital painting, gold leaf on Hahnemuhle paper
"It's a Piece of Who We Are"
The Albany Institute of History & Art
by Rona Mann
"We tell the stories of the people who lived, worked, and traveled here."
The speaker is Tammis Groft. Her official title is Executive Director of the Albany Institute of History & Art, but when you meet her, it doesn't take long to realize she's an unabashed cheerleader, leading the charge for the preservation of history, the exhibiting of art and artifacts, and the sheer joy and fun in doing it all. Groft began at the AIHA as an intern, later became a curator in the '70s, and now serves as Executive Director. "It's a great job," she enthuses. "I've had so much fun!"
The story of the Albany Institute of History & Art has a fascinating history and backstory all its own, rivaling what's inside the formidable building on Washington Street in downtown Albany. Founded in 1791, it is the oldest museum in New York State and second only to The Charleston (South Carolina) Museum as the oldest in the country. "It's older than the Louvre and the Smithsonian," says Groft, words which may surprise many.
The Director gently guides those who are considering a first-time visit to the website saying, "It is our electronic front door." She's not wrong! For once
you step through that "electronic front door," it draws you in, regardless of your demographic or interest in museums. There's nothing dull nor stuffy in this place, for here is an installation of art and history that honors the past, excites in the present, and makes you hungry to see what the future holds, both in history and in the art that's on view throughout the 12,000 square feet of exhibit space.
When first founded in 1791 and modeled after The Royal Society in London where people got together and shared papers and new information on science, agriculture, and the humanities, it was known as the Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufacturers. The society was originally part of the New York State Legislature which was based in New York City, the-then state capital. In 1796, the capital was moved from New York to Kingston, and the Institute moved right along with it. Albany finally became the state capital in 1798, and the name was changed several more times. Then in 1886, Albany had its bi-centennial drawing 30,000 people who viewed 4000 objects over a two-week period. This surge in popularity caused what was then the Albany Institute to now become the Albany Institute for Historical and Art Society. Since 1900, it is perma nently known as the Albany Institute for History and Art...and it's not going anywhere anytime soon!
In 1907, the first building was erected proudly exhibiting collections of art, artifacts, and ethnic relics from around the world. Paramount among the popular collections was the acquisition of two mummies purchased from the Cairo Museum. It was an enormous draw in 1909 and still remains thus as a large number of visitors come to the AIHA specifically to see this fascinating part of history, "The Mystery of the Albany Mummies." Tammis Groft adds that with the advent of science and technology in 2013 researchers were able to uncover their identities and learn a great deal about them.
The mission evolved once more in 1926 when the society became a museum dedicated in large pa rt to the people and history of the Upper Hudson Valley. The salon-style gallery now is home to the largest exhibition of Hudson River School Paintings, a mid-19th century American
Current Exhibit: The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings from the Albany Institute
art movement, and is an ongoing exhibition de picting the Hudson River Valley and the Adirondacks, Catskill, and White Mountains. Groft interjects, "We tell stories, stories about the people who lived, worked, and traveled here."
An enviable 12,000 square feet of space awaits visitors of all ages with many changing exhibits. This month, the AIHA will feature, in a show called "Constant Motion and Currents," works by an internationally known and revered Tai wanese artist, Leigh Li-Yun Wen, who went to SUNY Albany and spent more than 20 years in New York. Hers is a contemporary show in spired by the elements of nature: water, air, fire, and earth.
Leigh Li-Yun Wen - “Olana 3-2”, oil on canvas
Current Exhibit: Romancing the Rails: Train Travel in the 1920s and 1930s
Current Exhibit: Ancient Egypt
Past Exhibits: Above: Fashionable Frocks of the 1920s Below: Telling Her Story: New Acquisitions
Looking ahead to September, Artist Paul Scott tackles the present-day issues of pollution and climate change by creating antique and contemporary blue and white plates.
Children, as well as their parents, will delight in the exhibit by Jan Brett, popular and prolific book author with an activity-filled website; and those who appreciate the nuances of ex quisite photojournalism will be drawn to the Gordon Parks exhibit, a former Time/Life photojournalist in addition to being a musician and film director who is perhaps best known for his black and white photos of poor Americans struggling in the 1940s. Each of his works tells a story, and storytelling is what the Albany In stitute is about. Exhibits are carefully scheduled at the AIHA and are set for the next four to five years, Tammis reports.
Education is of extreme importance at the AIHA which is why the museum strives to create programs and work with all area schools. Tammis Groft stresses, "Exposure to the arts for children is critical. If they are n ot given the opportunity at an early age to expe rience art, music, theatre, it affects their growth and chance of incorporating the arts into their world in later life."
Sculpture Court: Nineteenth-Century American Sculpture: Erastus Dow Palmer and his Protégés Launt Thompson, Charles Calverley, and Richard Park
Partnerships and collaborations are key to the institute's growth and success as well, so in addition to partnering with other museums around the country and the world "to strengthen our reach," the AIHA relies on their relationship with local businesses for corporate funding. "We want everyone to come, and if people cannot afford to do so, there are ways to make this free to them," says Groft. "Our audience is certainly the people who live here, but also encompasses the thousands who visit from out of state and all over the country and the world."
Every effort has been taken to make the museum clean and safe. It is large enough for social dis tancing at all times, and according to Tam mis, "We have the best air filtration system
outside of a hospital! People need to heal right now after the last two years, and we provide healing of both mind and body."
So if you think a museum is a dusty, dark, boring place, take a look. Take another look at the Albany Institute of History & Art, a place that tells stories every day. A place of vibrancy, of education, and a place that Tammis Groft calls just plain "fun." It's our past, it's our present, and it's a place for all future generations.
It is indeed, "a piece of who we are."
Visit the AIHA soon at 125 Washington Avenue (Rt. 5) in downtown Albany (518) 463-4478 For more information, come through their electronic front door at: www.albanyinstitute.org
Patrice and Paul Martterer
Preserving People's Memories is a True Art Knowing What You Want is: Morningside Gallery
by Rona Mann
photos by Stephanie Sittnick
Life is funny, isn't it?
You think you know what it is you want, and after you get it, you realize it wasn't what you wanted at all. Then there are those rare and wonderful individuals who know right from the start what they want, they work hard for it, and once achieved, they never stop being grateful.
This is the story of such a man, a man named Paul...and of course, there's a woman involved! That's what makes the story so delicious and what contributes to its ultimate happiness and success. Paul grew up in the Capital District in Brunswick and Troy. As a young man, he met Patrice who hailed from Watervliet. He knew a good thing when he saw it and did not want to let her get away. But he had a problem. In order to take her out and properly woo her, he needed to put gas in his car. He needed a job, so in 1970 he found one working in a frame shop. Although Paul had no experience whatsoever in the art world, he took to framing, enjoyed it, and kept up with it for a number of years.
Along the way, Paul earned a degree in Criminal Justice and straight out of college went on to
work first as a probation officer and then as a police instructor for the State of New York. Patrice, now his wife, had her own career as a dental hygienist, a profession she loved because she had a symbiotic 16-year relationship with her patients.
In 1983 as Paul said, "I made a decision. I was giving up criminal justice and wanted to open my own frame shop." In 1983 Patrice also made a decision, "I went along with his," she laughs.
Although neither of the two were artists nor had any schooling in the field, Paul had years of learning to frame just about everything and frame it the right way, and found Patrice a willing student because according to her, "I always loved art and design and colors."
Within a short and successful eight years, they outgrew the small space that housed their first shop and move to a larger space in Newton Plaza on New Loudon Road in Latham. They are still in that location, have been there for 30 years, and are known as Morningside Gallery, a name culled from the Troy neighborhood where they once lived.
"It's a great location," Paul says. "There's a CVS on one end of the plaza, a Starbucks on the other, and all the shops in between are primarily Mom and Pop places with an upscale feel. It draws a lot of people, it's a comfortable place."
Both Patrice and Paul readily admit that even though they have successfully built a reputation and well-liked business in the Capital District, "we still learn something new every day."
Morningside Gallery started out as strictly framing, but along the way Paul and Patrice decided to install some original artwork on their walls. The artists provided a beautiful variety of media, and soon the original artwork adorning their walls developed into a full gallery of which they are very proud. "We have hosted national and invitational shows here," Paul adds proudly, "and sell a little of everything, all styles, all price points."
Patrice is quick to add that over the years the artists' work represented on their walls has undergone significant change. "In the beginning, it was primarily traditional pieces. As homes have gotten larger with more space and people's lifestyles and tastes have evolved, it's shifted in popularity to the contemporary."
Paul and Patrice Martterer are more than just salespeople, they are designers. They will go to a client's home or workspace and do anything from consulting about one piece of art in one room to outfitting an entire building. They have amassed a formidable reputation working with a corporate market in the Capital District as well
and quite often are commissioned to outfit offices or large buildings, a job that sometimes can take months but gives them a great sense of satisfaction.
Their custom framing work is exquisite and unique and is limited only by the client's needs and imagination. Often people hear "framing" and think strictly of a piece of art or a photograph. With over 43 years experience, Morningside Gallery can design the most professional of frames for diplomas and awards, showcase needlework and textile pieces, create shadow boxes for sports memorabilia, or any other item that evokes memories and is too precious to go unframed. Over the years, Paul and Patrice have framed everything from hole-in-
one golf balls, ballet slippers, a special hat, christening gowns, military medals, even Muhammed Ali's boxing robe!
Professionalism means showing the client a variety of moulding styles and how they may enhance what is being framed, state-ofthe-art mats and backing boards, ultraviolet filter glass to protect an image from fading, and materials that are museum quality both in technique and longevity. The pandemic and
forced closure of the gallery hit the Martterers with the same force as it leveled other businesses, but their loyal clientele would not hear of anything other than keeping the couple positive and pointed toward a successful reopening. "It was a scary time going back after the lockdown," says Patrice, "but our customers were wonderful. We couldn't have done it without them. They even called us at home to make sure we were alright, and when we reopened, they were there once again to see them preserving people's most important memories, freeze-framing their achievements, heirlooms, and life moments.
Paul and Patrice have devoted most of their lives to preserving what is most important in the lives of others. They do it with the utmost patience, the finest state-of-the art materials, and with the experience, care, and design each piece deserves. The artwork that compliments the walls in their gallery is mostly original art, not posters nor prints.
What customers bring to Morningside Gallery are their possessions, but the framing is the true art, and the Marterrers work every day to respect that which is precious to others. Their success and customer loyalty are the results of their commitment to what they do and their passion for doing it and doing it well.
Photos
Paul knew what he wanted all those years ago. He wanted to give up his criminal justice ca reer and continue framing because he had completely lost himself in the art and wanted to use his abilities and passions to preserve the memories of others. He also knew he wanted Patrice and a family and a business.
Along the way, he got all three, and according to that special woman he married, "It's been a great ride."
Morningside Gallery is located in the New ton Plaza at 588 New Loudon Road in Latham.
Winning Recipe: One Country Girl, Scratch Kitchen, Loyal Staff, Love of Customers. This is The Country Corner Cafe
by Rona Mann - photos by Stephanie Sittnick
You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.
Probably not the first time you've read that, right? Well, sometimes old sayings are the best because they perfectly fit those who consider themselves old souls. Like Roseann Hotaling. She lets you know it right upfront, it's part of her charm and genuineness.
"I'm a country girl."
From that moment on, there's absolutely no question whatsoever. This lady is country through and through. Born and raised in the tiny, rural community of Walton at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, it was nearly inevitable that the young girl would become a member of 4-H. After all, that's what country girls do. "Walton is in Delaware County, and each year I entered my baked goods at the Delaware County Fair. One year,
I won first prize for my special vanilla cake. I also won the right to go on and compete at the New York State Fair in Syracuse where that same cake won the blue ribbon." That's NOT what all country girls do!
Ask Hotaling what her secret ingredient is for the prize-winning cake, and she gives a little laugh, then zips her lip. We can't tell you the secret because she didn't spill, but pretty soon there will be a little 4-year-old who's going to know. "I'm planning to teach my granddaughter how to make the very same cake, and I want her to carry that tradition on in the family." She says it's a simple cake, but try and get the recipe from her? You might as well find out how they make Coca Cola or get Colonel Sanders' special spices recipe secret for his chicken.
When Roseann was only 15, she got her first job in a restaurant. Starting as most young
people do as a member of the waitstaff, she really wanted to get in the kitchen, so she asked if she could learn grillwork, how to make pies, and just about everything else. Her request was granted, and, "I've been in food service ever since," she adds.
During high school and again in college, Hotaling worked in nursing homes where she learned and pursued a course of institutional food experience which eventually led to her positions as Dietary Director in both a hospital and nursing home setting.
It was, however, an offer to become Food Service Direction for the Saratoga School District that initiated a move to the area in 1988, and ever since, the country girl appears to have put down permanent roots in a different sort of country setting but one that has become close to her heart.
In 1991 she bought out the contents of an existing restaurant and set about in earnest to hang her own shingle. It would be a compilation of her experience, knowledge, and love of good food well prepared...and of course, it would be more than a nod to her roots, so Roseann named it The Country Corner Cafe. Her grandmother on her father's side was one of 16 children. Living on a farm they all became self-sustaining and self-sufficient. She passed that knowledge down, and at an early age, Roseann learned about canning produce. She did n't just learn, she became a veritable expert at making jams and jellies. They are much-loved and appear on every table at The Country Corner Cafe and also sold retail. Roseann says she sells 2000 jars a year, and outside of some help in the kitchen from a close friend, she is a solo act!
The Country Corner serves only breakfast (served all day) and lunch, but is wildly popular and often has lines waiting on weekends. When asked
what makes this place so very special, Hotaling replies, "We provide a very comfortable atmosphere. The food is excellent, mostly from scratch, and with a little extra touch here and there. Plus my loyal and wonderful staff brings a level of comfort that people really appreciate."
Not only is her staff loyal, but they have a dedicated following, so good and friendly is their service. One employee has been there 20 years and another for 15. All of them are fiercely dedicated to the restaurant and to Roseann and love their customers who often ask for them by name.
Kelly Greenlaw-hired 05-2005, Roseann Hotaling & Amanda Allen-hired 06-2001
Kind of like "Cheers" without the alcohol? Oh no, they have that as well as Hotaling applied for and procured a liquor license and finds Bloody Marys and Mimosas a welcome and much sought-after addition to breakfast.
Like nearly every business in the world, The Country Co r ner Cafe was devastated by the pandemic, yet when they were forced to close for a time, Roseann made the
difficult decision not to do a takeout business. "Breakfast foods just don't travel well, and I didn't want to compromise our quality, so we took a pause." Her commitment to quality instead of to just making money has paid off as her loyal customers came back in droves. "Like after 911, where we had a huge influx of New Yorkers who knew us and wanted to come here because they told us they felt safe and comfortable...and they needed that desperately."
Yes, the Country Corner Cafe sells comfort as much as eggs and sandwiches, and that's why over the last 30 years they have earned more
than a reputation for food... they have earned a reputation as a place with consistently good food and always a smiling face. Comfort food to soothe not just bellies, but souls.
The restaurant is decorated by that ever-lovin' country girl who has a passion for antiques and all things vintage. That, along with the beeswax candles she makes and sells both at the restaurant and to area shops and caterers, are well-received because "They burn cleaner. They don't give off soot, so they're good for people with allergies."
The ambiance, the jams and jellies, the candles, and permanent fa vorites like the unique Eggs Benedict ("Sunrise" poached eggs served on potato pancakes; "Cal ifornia" with avocado and tomato; and "Southern-Style" with turkey sausage and fried green tomatoes), along with hearty,
made-from-scratch soups like split pea and ham, creamy chicken Florentine, and tomato bisque tell you this place is something special indeed. Gluten-free, vegan, salads, clubs, no one is forgotten and everyone gets filled up, just like in a proper country home."Country" is not just part of its name, it's an ingredient in every sandwich, every omelette, and part of every smile.
The Country Corner Cafe may be found in downtown Saratoga Springs at 25 Church Street. (518) 583-7889 www.countrycornercafe.net
The Minimalist: Cooking & Eating Like One
by Rona Mann
We've all heard the phrase over and over now for a number of years. Be a minimalist.
We hear it from "experts" who tell us how to decorate our living space, or how to get rid of much of the stuff we've been living with in that space for years.
We hear it from the fashion mavens telling us a basic black dress, a couple of stylish shirts, an expensive pair of boots that go with everything, a few good pairs of well-tailored slacks in black and blue that match with anything make us a sensible wardrobe. To accessorize the "look," they recommend a nice scarf, some simple jewelry, perhaps a shawl, but always keep it simple.
The same now applies to food. Everyone from renowned chefs specializing in haute cuisine to the people on those food shows are now making more out of less, and the results are more popular than ever. Entire cookbooks are being snatched off the shelves filled with delicious 5-ingredient recipes, and the trend is slowly moving away from recipes with 20 in gredients and an interminable amount of prep time to retro foods we remember and
en joyed. The sliders White Castle introduced in 1921 has had a glorious rebirth with everything from the traditional burger to brisket, lobster salad, or the popular '50s lunch of ham and cheese. Mac and cheese has gone from the comfort food of childhood to nearly every menu in every kind of restaurant. Bread bowls for soups and stews, iceberg lettuce in salads with 1000 Island Dressing, a simple dessert of cupcakes or instant pudding have all made a delicious comeback. Even our Happy Hour li bations are characterized by a rebirth in the popularity of bourbon, rum, and rye whiskey and mixed drinks like Tom Collins and Old Fashioneds.
While gourmet meals still appeal to many or are reserved for a special occasion, what could be more special than a simple serving of prime rib, a side of mashed potatoes with nothing added other than salt and pepper so that you could appreciate what a good potato tastes like, and perhaps some fresh string beans, peas, or broccoli.
A true minimalist focuses on whole, singlein gredient foods like vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, poultry, eggs, fruit, and grains. If you
begin with high-quality ingredients you don't need to add a lot of flavoring. Good olive oil, salt, and pepper can be enough, or perhaps add some fresh herbs, but don't confuse the flavors with too much of anything.
Make sure your pantry and spice cabinets are minimalist as well. Get rid of those things you bought and "meant to use one day," but haven't as yet. Throw away old spices, they can alter the taste.
Regardless of those great gadgets you got at your shower or for a wedding gift 15 years ago, donate them or have a yard sale if you're not using them. If you notice, those half-hour-long infomercials on TV for kitchen helpers are usually for the simplest of appliances and utensils like Emeril Lagasse's air fryer, George Foreman's grills, and simple food processors because they are the ones which do the most with the least effort.
Here are a couple of minimalist recipes that are tried and true and will save you time and money while always delivering good taste.
6. Bring ends of foil together so that juices do not escape
NO SALT-LOW CAL DRESSING
1/3 c. honey
1/3 c. canola oil
1/3 cup vinegar
1 tsp. horseradish
Combine, mix, and pour on your salad!
THE MINIMALIST'S POT ROAST DINNER
1 (3 to 4 lb) boneless chuck roast
5 large russet potatoes, quartered
4 celery stalks, cut in 2" pieces
1 lb. baby carrots
1 (1.25 oz) pkg. onion soup mix
1 (14-oz) can whole peeled tomatoes, sliced in thirds, liquid reserved
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees
2. Prepare a 15" x 10" baking dish with two 24" long pieces of heavy-duty foil crisscrossed in the center
3. Lay roast in the center and arrange potatoes and vegetables around roast
4. Spread contents of onion soup mix on top and add tomatoes
5. Add water to reserved tomato liquid to fill the can and pour over vegetables
7. Put in oven and roast for 8 hours (you can also make this in a crockpot on low heat 10-12 hrs; high 4-5 hours)
THE MINIMALIST'S FAVORITE NO-BAKE DESSERT
9 whole graham crackers, halved
1 pkg. (6 serving size) instant vanilla pudding
2 c. cold milk
1 4 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 cup. finely chopped berries (strawberries are favorites)
1. Arrange 9 of the crackers in bottom of 9" square pan
2. Prepare pudding mix with milk and fold in 1 c. whipped topping
3. Pour half the mixture over crackers in the pan and top with strawberries
4. Arrange remaining crackers on the berries and add remaining pudding
5. Spread remaining whipping top, garnish with berries.
6. Chill and cut into squares ENJOY!
A Much-Missed T Y P E of Nostalgia
by Karen Richman
To borrow loosely from William Shakespeare, "It was the summer of my discontent."
Heck, it was more than discontent, a whole lot more. I was angry, whitehot mad in fact at my mother. Without asking me, without even telling me she was going to do it, she signed me up for a summer school class to learn how to type. With one stroke of a pen and a personal check, she ruined the summer between 8th and 9th grades. While all my other friends would be out in the sun swimming at a local pool or in a convertible with the top down headed for the beach, or just on a great vacation to a new place, I would be in a classroom learning how to type.
"Why?" I fairly wailed at my mother. "Why do I have to learn how to type now? Why can't I wait till Fall? I promise, I'll take an after-school course, I'll learn it then!" But no amount of pleading, whining, or cajol ing could even make a dent in my mother's resolve nor change my ultimate fate.
School ended for the summer in late June, and right after July 4th, it began for me again. So did a kind of hell as the course was taught in an old school building, up on the third floor, with two out of three win dows that stuck, and no air-conditioning in the building. We were allowed to wear shorts (remember, these were the years of "dressing" for school) because it was summer and so very hot, but with sweat dripping down, it only made my thighs stick to the chair attached to the old wooden desk upon which resided my typewriter. It was black, just like our rotary phone. It had round metal keys, and it seemed to glower each morning as I arrived, almost mocking me.
The teacher was a humorless old maid with little patience for adolescents She was there for one purpose and one purpose only, to make sure that the 15 or so sweaty adolescents in front of her learned the ins and outs of typewriting. "It's the professional alternative to handwriting, except for thank-you notes which must always be handwritten," she would say over and over.
In the beginning, she also intoned: "a, s, d, f, j, k, l, semi-colon" as we would cup our hands and rest our fingers on the second row of the keyboard.
And so it went hour upon hour for those first few days. I didn't know how I was going to get words and eventual sentences out of all that, but I repeated the exercise over and over again.
The brain is a fascinating and complex organ of the body. Just when you think you can't "get" something, you do. The brain has a sort of muscle memory that plays tricks on the rest of you, so one day not long after those first few days of fresh hell, I was able to type words, then sentences, then put sentences into paragraphs with proper punctuation. I learned how to capitalize and what a space bar was, and even how to make copies by putting obnoxious dark blue pieces of something called carbon paper between pieces of white paper, usually winding up with blue ink all over my hands and anything else I touched.
The rest of the school was devoid of students for the summer, but you knew where the typists were by the sound of the clickety-clacking com ing from the third floor. Probably the thing I dreaded most was making a mistake. We weren't allowed to type the correct letter over the incorrect entry. You had to stop typing and erase, or if using carbon paper you had to erase each mistake separately on each page, then use the backspace key to correct the error.
We learned the sentence, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country." The proper quote ends with "come to the aid of their party," but the typing teacher changed it because the phrase including the period made the sentence exactly 70 characters long, the entire length of one complete line on a typewriter.
I learned to change a spooled typewriter ribbon, I learned to type fast, an d in spite of myself, I learned to really like "writing" on a Smith C orona, a Royal, an Underwood, or a Remington. By the time I gradu ated fr om high school, friends were requesting electric typewrit ers to take along to college, but I hung fast to my manual. I loved the clicketyclack and the rhythm that I controlled. Before long, there were word processors and then computers. The clickety-clack was rapidly silenced, carbon paper was replaced with a nifty little key called "Delete," and printers with cartridges took the place of those ribbons.
Now you can find online artists hawking handmade jewelry fashioned from old typewriter keys. Although quite inventive, any time I see that I feel like some hungry vulture has feasted upon the bones of a corpse for its own pleasure, never realizing that those bones were once part of something that lived and was useful.
Kind of like a big, heavy manual typewriter that ruined summer vaca tion for a bunch of kids but in return gave them tools for a lifetime along with a whole bunch of unforgettable memories.
Memories that began with a,s,d,f,j,k,l,semi.
7 Ways to Show Your Skin Some Love
Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE
Valentine’s Day is in two weeks and it’s the perfect time to show some love to your skin! With these seven tips, learn how you can love your skin everyday!
Your skin is your largest organ and it’s one of the most important shields you have against your environment. Did you know that your skin protects you from harmful toxins like bacteria, viruses and microorganisms? It can be easy for us to neglect our skin and not make it a priority. However, even the busiest of schedules can spare a few minutes for a simple skincare routine … especially in the evening.
So…first and foremost, always, always cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin before bed.
Remember this… anything you picked up during the day is hanging out on your face (and hair) before you go to bed. Now imagine that whatever you picked up is now hanging out on your pillow, while you sleep. Ewwww.
1. Double Cleanse
Cleansing your face does not mean you can reach for those chemically laden makeup wipes. Wipes do not cleanse your skin, they just smear the makeup all over your face and leave a residue of harmful ingredients behind.
You can use an oil, balm or milky cleanser to effectively remove makeup and other debris. I like milky cleansers the best because the rinse easily. Put a small amount of your milky cleanser into the palm of your hands. Massage onto your face and neck, then rinse well.
Next, use a pre-biotic or pro-biotic cleanser. It’s important to preserve your acid mantel and keep it healthy. Your second cleanse is designed to minimize the unhealthy growth of bad bacteria that tends to grow on everyone’s skin and gently remove any accumulated toxins.
2. Tone
Toning your skin helps to preserve your acid mantle. Your acid mantle is made up of amino and lactic acids, plus sebum, also known as fatty acids. It protects your skin from environmental factors that lead to aging and irritation. Your skin should remain somewhere around 4.7 pH. Tap water is around 7.5 pH. Using a toner, immediately after a cleanser helps to maintain the appropriate pH balance of your skin.
Why is this important? The skin’s barrier is slightly acidic for a reason: To keep moisture in and bacteria out. If your pH is off and it’s too acidic, you’ll increase your chances of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne. If it’s too alkaline, your skin will probably look flakey and red AND show signs of sensitivity.
3. Exfoliate
Try to exfoliate once or twice a week. Let’s start with once a week. Dou ble cleanse, rinse well and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of your exfo liant to your face, neck and chest. Allow to set for a few minutes and then massage off, using upwards strokes until the product rolls of your face onto a paper towel or in the sink. Rinse well, pat dry, tone and follow your skincare routine unless you are applying a face mask.
Facial masks can be used to detoxify, stimulate blood flow and oxygenate the skin cells and provide calming/soothing relief to sensitive skin or dry skin. If applying a face mask, now is the time to apply your mask and relax for a few minutes. Close your eyes and practice deep breath ing or relax with your favorite magazine or podcast. 15-20 min utes is best. Then, remove the mask with tepid water, pat dry, tone and follow the rest of your skincare routine.
4. Moisturize
Why is it important to moisturize? Did you know that your body is constantly evaporating water? Through your lungs and your skin? Have you ever heard of TEWL? It stands for trans epidermal water loss. Water travels from the lower layers of your skin, to the top. Then it’s gone.
A moisturizer isn’t used to put moisture deep into the skin…it’s used to moisturize the top layers and prevent your natural moisture from evaporating…which slows down TEWL.
So the best way to moisturize your skin in the evening is to double cleanse your skin, rinse, lightly pat your skin with a towel (don’t rub and don’t over dry), apply a toner (to balance your pH) and apply a lit tle serum or oil (depending on your skin’s needs) and apply your moisturizer, to moist skin.
In the morning, try skipping the cleanse if you tend to be really dry. Instead, spritz your skin with your toner, apply a serum and moisturizer to your damp skin, apply your mineral based SPF and go slay your day!
5. Wear SPF
Your skin is aging everyday. Your skin also needs a high quality, mineral based SPF to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Your mineral based sunscreen will protect your skin from photo aging which can cause hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and accelerated fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Ingredients Matter
What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body. Try to use organic ingredients, no preservatives, no chemicals and no endocrine disruptors. Take the time to research and invest in skincare products that your skin will love, or enlist the help of a skin expert like your favorite esthetician!
7. Stay Hydrated
Drink water and eat moisture rich fruits and vegetables. Try to start your day off with this simple recipe:
1 slice of organic, fresh lemon.
1 chunk of fresh peeled ginger.
1 teaspoon of organic maple syrup or 1 teaspoon of local, raw honey.
1 pinch of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.
Layer in that order and pour fresh, hot clean water over the top. Let steep for a few minutes and then drink. We call this drink our “Mystic Pizza” and it will truly help your boost your body’s hydration level. You will see a dif ference within a few days!
Try these tips for healthy, vibrant skin and love the skin you’re in this Valentine’s Day.
Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE
FACES of Saratoga, Organic Skin Therapy Studio 489 Broadway, Long Alley Suite 3, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 facesofsaratoga.com
INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>
February 1 - June 18 Albany
Leigh Li-Yun Wen: Constant Motion and Currents. Constant Motion and Currents by Taiwanese artist Leigh Li-Yun Wen explores the four elements of nature: water, fire, earth, and air. Her monumental paintings, mixed media works, fashions, and ceramics highlight the supernatural power found in nature and the simplicity and harmony that exists in the chaos of the world. The exhibition reflects different phases throughout her 35+ year career. Wen has exhibited nationally and internationally since the early 1980s. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210 www.albanyinstitute.org
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 4 Glens Falls
Month of February Lake George Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, mustsee winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. This winter, escape into an icy wonderland at The Festival Commons in beautiful Lake George, New York. Lake George, New York is one of only five locations across the United States. Each castle is approximately an acre in size and consists of more than 25 million pounds of ice. The experience is built entirely by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles, grown, sculpted, and handplaced by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, caverns, slides, and fountains By day, this frozen fortress glimmers a natural glacial blue. At night, colorchanging lights embedded inside the ice twinkle and dance to whimsical music. Opening dates for Ice Castles are weather dependent, but most locations open sometime in January and remain open until early March. Ice Castles' activities are weather dependent, and may be temporarily closed or unavailable due to weather. Tickets MAY be available on-site if Ice Castles is not sold out. For guaranteed entry and the lowest price, buy tickets online in advance. The Festival Commons, 33 West Brook Road, Lake George, NY 12845
February 1-26 Lake George
Living in Harm's Way, a solo exhibition of work by Kingsley Parker. Kingsley Parker continues his decades-long research and concern with all the myriad ways that humans interact with and extract from the natural world. Lake George Arts Project, 1 Amherst St, Lake George, NY 12845. (518) 668-2616
February 1- March 20 Troy
The "Garden Awakening" Show runs from January 28th, 2022 - March 20th 2022. Alexandra Higgins is a local painter and sculptor whose work revolves around a theme she calls "roots" which is about gardens, plants, women and the physical work involved in gardening. The series is based on ideas which started when she was working in her own gardens. All the work is related to gardens and their growth. Iridescent Glass, is an exhibit of fused glass that is both sculptural and functional and runs through February 23, 2020. JoAnne Sigond is a local artist who works with different types of glass to produce work that mixes positive and negative space in a balance way. Pause Gallery, 501 Broadway #106, Troy, NY 12180
The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook Show. This unique and entertaining music and multimedia event chronicles the extraordinary career of Simon & Garfunkel. The music speaks for itself, anchored by Rex Fowler, co-founder of the renowned folk/rock duo Aztec Two-Step, and his wife, Dodie Pettit, an original cast member of Broadway’s The Phantom of The Opera. The show’s sto ryline was originally created by Pete Fornatale, the late great pioneer of progressive FM radio and author of Simon & Garfunkel’s Bookends biography. Nostalgia and laughter abound, and a sing a-long is always in the mix! Doors: 7pm | Showtime: 8pm. Friday, Feb 4, 2022 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Cost: $35 - $40 The Park Theater, 14 Park Street Glens Falls, NY
February 4 Paul Smiths See the New Adirondack Jazz Quartet perform at Paul Smith's College VIC! The New Adirondack Jazz Quartet is: Steven Frieder, alto & tenor sax, Luke Franco, guitar, Bryan Copeland, bass, Bob Meyer, leader, drums and cymbals. They present the late, great Bert Wilson's music in depth plus band originals and fun special stan dards. Friday, Feb 4, 2022 7:00 PM. Paul Smith's College VIC, 8023 State Route 30 Paul Smiths, NY 12970 Cost: $15.
February 4 Old Forge Ghosts of Old Forge: Paranormal Investigation. Experienced paranormal investigator Kenny Har ris will explain the different types of ghost hunting equipment he will bring along this evening. His equipment includes electromagnetic frequency (EMF) detectors, a spirit box, motion detectors, and more. Harris will set up cameras and motion detectors. This is an evening program for the paranormally curious. Friday, Feb 4, 2022 7:00 PM. Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Boulevard Old Forge, NY 13420. For additional information please call 315-369-6008.
February 5 Glens Falls Mile Twelve. Although their sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass, Mile Twelve surveys a broader landscape on their newest album, City on a Hill. All five band members bring their own influences and observations into the music, resulting in a project that feels contemporary, thoughtfully crafted, and relevant. 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm $20 – $25 www.parktheatergf.com Park Theater, 14 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801
FEBRUARY EVENTS
February 5 Saratoga Springs Caffe Lena presents Mary Fahl, formerly of October Project. With "a voice for the gods that can transport lis teners to other realms" (Boston Globe), Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYC- based chamber-pop group October Project. As a solo artist, she’s had more freedom to pursue her own muse, whether that means writing and recording songs for movies (including the theme for the Civil War epic "Gods and Generals"), singing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical or releasing a unique album-length take on Dark Side of the Moon. Saturday, Feb 5, 2022 8:00 PM Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
February 5, 6 Glens Falls
Banff Center Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Al berta, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. With stops planned in about 550 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide! From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world. Saturday, Feb 5, 2022 until Sunday, Feb 6, 2022. Saturday, February 5 at 7 pm (Doors Open at 6PM) Sunday, February 6 at 2 pm (Doors Open at 1PM) Charles R. Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street Glens Falls, NY 12801
February 8 Saratoga Springs
JAZZ at Caffe Lena: Chuck Lamb Trio Featuring Dave Stryker. Enjoy an evening of world class jazz in an intimate listening room that combines the refinement of a concert hall with the comfort of a living room. This continuing series is hosted by resident composer, pianist and jazz master, Chuck Lamb, with support from music producer Joel Moss. JAZZ at Caffe Lena features collaborations between Lamb and internationally touring jazz artists, as well as many of the Capital Region's best. Tue, February 8, 2022, 7:00 PM EST Doors at 6:30 PM. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
February 12 Clifton Park
Town of Clifton Park Winterfest 2022. Saturday, Feb 12, 2022 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The Town of Clifton Park is pleased to announce its annual Winterfest. Join your friends and neighbors during this day of fun and excitement in and out of the cold. There will be winter activities, family fun, and more. Enjoy ac tivities and free admission at the following locations: Barney Road Pond, Clifton Common, Riverview Orchards,Vischer Ferry General Store, And more!
February 16 - March 26 North Creek "Winter Into Spring" by George Dirolf. Opening Reception on Friday, February 18 | 5:00-7:00 PM. George Dirolf has exhibited in numerous galleries throughout New York’s Capital District, most recently as part of the 2021 Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region Exhibition at Albany International Airport. He has won several awards, including the 2020 Juror’s Choice Award at the Regional Art Galleries of the Arkell Museum (Canajoharie, NY) and Best in Show at the 2017 Upstate Artists Show at Laffer Gallery (Schuylerville, NY). Tannery Pond Community Center, 228 Main Street, PO Box 54 North Creek, NY
February 19 - 26 Corning Wi nter Break at Corning Museum of Glass. Shake off the snow and stop into the Museum during winter break! Enjoy a printed interactive guide that will help you explore the collection and find lots of family -friendly activ ities that will keep both you and the kids happy and busy. Admission for kids and teens (17 and under) is always free, and local residents (living in ZIP codes beginning with 148, 149, or 169) can visit for just $10, making Winter Break at the Museum an affordable option for families of all sizes. The Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum way, Corning, NY 14830 (607) 937-5371 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
February 22-26 Saratoga 2022 Saratoga Beer Week. The 2022 Saratoga Beer Week is scheduled for February 22 - 26 in Saratoga Springs, NY. This event features fun, food, and fantastic beer! With multiple beercentered events, locals and visitors alike will enjoy top regional and national brews while seeing the best of what Saratoga has to offer, including restaurants, hops, and hotels. Tuesday, Feb 22, 2022 until Saturday, Feb 26, 2022. Saratoga Beer Week, Saratoga Springs
February 25-27
Schenectady Waitress. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county —and a satisfying encounter with someone new —show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Friday, Feb 25, 2022 until Sunday, Feb 27, 2022. Fri 2/25 at 8pm, Sat 2/26 at 2pm, Sat 2/26 at 8pm, Sun 2/27 at 2pm. Cost: $25.50 - $95.50 MainStage at Proctors, 432 State St Schenectady, NY 12305
February 25 - April 2 Glens Falls “Inside Out” Eden Compton, features a mix of urban scenes and interior paintings in oil and gouache. Mid and large sized oil paintings include local and NYC cityscapes as well as a number of smaller studies in gouache and oil. Eden Compton has a studio and gallery on Beekman Street and is very active in our local art scene. February 25 - April 2, 2022. Opening Reception Friday February 25th 6-8pm
