AUGUST, 2023 - 518 PROFILES MAGAZINE

The Effervescent Expressive: Celeste Susany, Fine Artist

pg. 6

PUBLISHER / FOUNDER

Stephanie Sittnick

COPY EDITOR

Elisabeth Allen

WEBMASTER

Tony Graveheart

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 B. Richer, Crystal Cobert Giddens, Nellie Ackerman-Vellano, Kristina Watrobski

Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

“Hi, This is Jay Leno. I’d Like to Order” Fortuna’s: How the Sausage is Made

pg. 16

Being “Upset:” A Great Life Lesson!

COVER

Celeste Susany

"Heading For Home" 24x30 Oil on Canvas

August is upon us and there are so many things to do! Local performances, exhibits, festivals, lectures, concerts, films and of course the track just to name a few. We live in an area that makes it almost impossible for us to be bored.

In our August issue you will find The Best places to eat, shop, stay and spend the day. So… if you’re looking for something to do, have no fear, you’ll def initely find your next adventure within these pages.

As always, our goal at 518 PROFILES, is always to focus on the good, the beautiful and the positive by publishing stories with heart and soul. We str ive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about cre ative people and interesting destinations. Enjoy!

Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

The Country Corner Cafe

Where meals are served with a smile and a warm hello!

pg. 34

Sweet Nostalgia pg. 40

Mickey, Yogi, the Mosquitoes, and Me

LIFEspa pg. 42

Mosquito Season

pg. 26 518

Culinary Destinations: pg. 44

Taconic Trail part 2

August Events pg. 47

Events throughout the Capital Region

The Laffer Gallery

Laffer Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery and custom framing studio showcasing nationally and regionally recognized contemporary artists. Exhibitions ranging from realism to abstraction rotate every 4 to 6 weeks.

The

The Effervescent Expressive: Celeste Susany, Fine Artist

By Lawrence White

“With the passing of time, the subject in art loses much of its meaning. But the fine execution of that subject retains its value”

... Nicolai Fechin, Master Painter Artist Celeste Susany is excited. Not about one thing, but about everything. Celeste’s old-school enthusiasm and her visionary imagination gives the impression that anything is possible, and it is possible right now.

As I climb the multi-tiered wooden stairs to Celeste’s bungalow overlooking Saratoga Lake, it feels like I am going back in time to the best part of Bohemia. The intelligent, growing, learning, and creative part. Celeste has owned the property for over 20 years making it a productive art studio that embodies her creative pulse and palette of colors.

However, it must be noted that Celeste is not anchored in any one place. “I am a bit of a vagabond,” she tells me while painting a canvas on the cottage’s vast wooden deck overlooking Saratoga Lake. “The idea of living in only one place is not appealing to me.”

Indeed, Celeste has just returned from an extended stay in the rustic Kentucky cabin she and her late husband, Lee constructed as a sort of wilderness retreat. Celeste also spends time in California where she pitches a safari tent on property near the co ast owned by her brother and sister. By the way, Celeste drives her car everywhere she travels.

It is important to understand this essence of freedom in Celeste’s spirit when you view her artwork. She has an innate gift to create exact ing realistic artwork, but that is the last thing Celeste wants. “As a creative artist, real ism bores me. I do represent perspective and proportion in my work, but I take it from there. I use various techniques with the canvas and the oil paints to create impressionistic art work that goes deeper and triggers the viewer's imagination as much as it did mine while creating it. This process keeps the artwork alive for me, so I go with it.“

Inside her studio workspace, Celeste’s creative method is obvious. At one end of the narrow, converted porch on the rear of the cottage Ce leste created a compact work area where she placed a large easel. Next to the easel is a customized “palette table” with a large col lection of brushes standing upright in

circu lar containers. The top of the table is glass with various hues of oil paint dabbed on the surface. The hues are covered with a thin sheet of clear plastic to keep the oil paints moist when Celeste is not working. It appears to function almost like a pilot’s cockpit with an economy of space offering a maximum amount of facility.

At the other end of the space is a cozy compartment-sized sleeping quarter that faces out to the lake. “I like to awaken surrounded by light and in a space where I am living with my artwork,” she explains as we walk through the room.

“I paint what I feel which means that I do not have a system or a method. My early inspirations are the American painter, Nicolai Fechin and English painter, Edward Seago who used undercoats and textures in ways that I emulate now. “

When viewing Celeste’s artwork, you immediately recognize the subject but then are subtly seduced by the graceful impressionistic strokes, tones, and complex yet subtle mix of hues she uses. It is a style that has taken a lifetime to develop.

Celeste was born in northeastern Ohio but when she was nine years old the family moved to Southern California. The change had an enormous effect on her. “California in the 1960s was an entirely different life. Like a rock concert they never took down,” Celeste sa ys with a laugh. “The sense of freedom mixed with the salt air and warm breezes

" Morning Walk" 11x14 Oil on Canvas

"Derby Day" 24x36 Oil on Canvas

"To The Post" 30x40 Oil on Canvas

Celeste with “Wild Again”, Winner of First Breeders Cup 1984

stimulated every cre ative molecule of my being. I felt like I could do anything there.” She studied art in high school and then attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California to refine her natural talents and gain a BFA degree.

“My job during art school was to paint huge murals of record covers that were hung on the outside walls of Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard. You gain a lot of mileage in your hands when you paint as a job, and with all of the different styles and motifs on albums in those days it was quite an education in itself.”

There are moments in which the elements of life to gether, and for Ce that moment came when she was in art school and her parents took the family to the Santa Anita track on a l ark. “The second I stepped on the grounds, I was in love,” Celeste says enthusiastically. “I th ought it w as the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The grounds, the architecture, and m ost of all, the horses, were like magic to me My entire artistic focus shifted at that moment. It was all horses from then on.”

“I went to one of the trainers and got a job hot walking (walking a horse at a normal pace be fore and after exercise). At first, I was taking photos with my Minolta camera, and creating some sketches. It was not until 1983 that I had my first exhibition which was at Del Mar. The artwork I displayed was oil paintings of the horses and jockeys.”

“At the same time, I was also art directing for a company that owned several record and music outlets all over the country. They would send me to various locations and events where I met musical artists like Kenny Loggins and Mick Ronson who was a super sweet guy. What they didn’t know was that I was sneaking off to the track as often as possible.”

Despite my love for California, it did not seem like the best place for my artwork. I had always thought that Kentucky was a destination, and when I began selling prints through a gallery there, I ended up marrying the gallery owner and moving to Kentucky.”

“Then, in 1989 on a whim, ubmitted a sketch proposal to Churchill Downs a program cover, and to surprise and delight, they accepted it. The piece was used on the Derby gram that year. In those days it was possible to ap proach the executive level at the track with a creative idea, and they would take a look at it. That is simply not the case anymore.”

With that exposure, Celeste became a highly sought-after equine artist on a commission basis and started to make connections in Saratoga. “In the late 1980s, a gallery was selling my work in Saratoga Springs, and I was dis playing paintings at a small art show that

"Arrogate" 36x36 Oil on Canvas

Fasig Tipton held on their grounds during evening hours. My husband, two kids, and I needed a place to stay, so I bought a 32-foot camper trailer and wrangled a deal with the owner of Brown’s Beach to use their old camping area.” She soon purchased the lakeview home she lives in today.

Celeste explains that the track at Saratoga Springs stands alone in supporting the arts. “One of the big reasons I came to Saratoga is that it is the only racecourse that has facilities for art display and encourages artists to show their work during the season.”

Yet, displaying artwork at the track is an enormous challenge financially and physically, particularly for a single artist. “It is an intense experience for me when the track is open, but meeting the collectors one on one is well worth it,” Celeste goes on to explain what a collector can expect when they commission a painting.

“I always create a small study of the painting in oils for a col lector before ever starting on a full-sized piece. It is the only way they get a real idea of the artwork, and it allows me to master the te chnique for the piece before presenting it.”

As I am leaving her studio, I ask Celeste about her plans for the future. In response, she lists several motifs and sub jects, including domestic pets and figure study themes that she is expanding upon in the co mmission work she is ac cepting. She is also promoting her wonderful series of Christmas cards and limited edition prints through her website and selected galleries including the Laffer Gallery in Schuylerville.

Celeste goes on to list a multitude of further expressions, interests, and goals. Her creative mind is constantly sparking new thoughts. However, the true unifying factor for all of Celeste’s concepts and plans is the alchemy of her genuine excitement for each idea and her sublime ability to accomplish exactly

wh at she sets out to do. That mix keeps it exciting for us as well.

"Santa Kiss" (Christmas Card) 11x14 Oil on Canvas

"A Gift for You" (Christmas Card) 11x14 Oil on Canvas

"The Chihuahua" 12x12 Oil on Canvas

"Arlington Park Christmas" Christmas Card 11x14 Oil on Canvas

"Fana Ballerina" 12x12 Oil on Panel Canvas

American Art at the Arkell Museum

Through

John Sloan, Gloucester Trolley, 1917

“Hi, This is Jay Leno. I’d Like to Order” Fortuna’s: How the Sausage is Made

by Rona Mann

You don’t have to be famous to have good taste. You just have to appreciate how good food is made, grown, or processed. You just have to know Fortuna’s®

Fortuna’s® was started back in the 70’s in Fairfield, Connecticut by Patti Fortuna’s parents and imme diately became a popular deli among the locals. Patti and her husband, Paul moved to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1982 and opened their own little deli with big flavors. Before long, they had amassed a sizable following, then a bigger one, and then...they outgrew their space! A happy problem indeed, but it meant another move.

This time they moved their operation to a USDA plant in northern Rhode Island specifically to make dry cured meats and their wildly popular, soppressata, or “soupy”® as it’s known in Rhode Island. However, many of their most loyal foodies thought that because they couldn’t still see a brick and mortar deli that the very popular Fo rtuna’s® with its incomparable sausages and Italian im ports was gone. Not so! A quick aside.

This is what happens when the stars align, this is one of those not-to-be-believed good luck stories that makes you wonder if karma really exists. When Fortuna’s® first moved to Westerly in the early ‘80s there was no internet, no easy way to reach out to people. Customers came simply from word of mouth or from local advertising, and the Fortuna family, therefore, knew most of the people who frequented their deli. That is until the day

the phone rang with an order from Los Angeles. Then it rang again with another West Coast order and another and another followed until right in the middle of a very busy lunch hour Patti grabbed the phone, and the caller stopped her dead in her tracks when the voice on the other end said, “This is Jay Leno. I’d like to speak to Paul.”

Patti’s quick response was, “Yeah, right,” as she thought someone was fooling around, and she had no time to fool during the lunch rush. But it was indeed Leno, and he actually called to thank Patti and Paul for the order his wife, Mavis had previously placed and to also thank them for the “extras” they had added to the box. When Patti asked, “How do you know about us?” Leno said he read about Fortuna’s® in the LA Times. Seems the food critic for the newspaper had visited Westerly, eaten at Fortuna’s® without giving her name or occupation, and slipped out the door and straight back to her typewriter where she wrote that “Fortuna’s® in Westerly, Rhode Island has America’s best dry cured sausage, aged like a fine wine.”

Leno and his wife, Mavis continued to order after that day, and Patti’s husband, Paul who was into motorcycles like Leno, developed a friendship leading to subsequent invitations to come to

“The Tonight Show” and eventually to the hangar at Jay’s Garage. “I was a bit quiet at first meeting this celebrity, Patti says, “but Jay is so nice, just a regular guy.”

Jay decided to give Patti a marketing lesson by grabbing her and proclaiming, “This is how mar keting’s done!” Then he threw his arm around her, stuck a whole salami between them, and ordered, “Now, take some pictures!”

Their friendship remains strong, and the Lenos are regular Fortuna’s® mail-order customers as is Rachael Ray who orders often and frequently mentions Fortuna’s® products on her TV show. Patti says she’s even gotten calls from Ray’s viewers who begin by saying, “I want what Rachael was talking about today.”

Yes, Paul and Patti have redesigned their business into strictly a lucrative mail-order operation now about 30 miles from Saratoga in a tiny town near Manchester, Vt. The decision to do so “was made over a bottle of wine one night,” relates Patti. “We are workaholics, and we reasoned as long as we could get an internet connection, we could move anywhere.” And they did and have never looked back.

Following the familial DNA, Patti’s son, Chris, the 4th generation of this nowfa mous family, has opened The Italian Market o f Manchester in downtown Manchester Center, Vt. It’s right on Main Street and features all the For tuna family products as well as local Vermont products.

It is impossible to list all the fantastic and delicious products you will find when you visit Fortuna’s® online store; the business is so busy, it is now strictly an online business. No store to find, no trip to make beyond the buttons on your phone or computer, Take some time to scroll through, but you’d better have a napkin handy because your mouth is sure to water as you discover these specialties all imported from Italy because with every bite you are biting into authentic products filled with love, laughter, and years of tradition:

Artisan cheeses ~ Cured Meats ~ Italian pasta of every kind, shape, and color ~ Crostini, cookies, and hard-to-find sweet treats ~ 1 Pot Meals, easy to assemble, very easy on your palate! ~ A variety of Olive Oils and Vinegars ~ Olives from the trees of Italy to you ~ Prosciutto di Parma ~ and plenty more.

Fortuna’s® also has gift packages and bun dles. There are plenty of suggestions on line, but they will happily bundle a gift package to send as a wedding gift, birthday gift, anniversary or housewarming gift, or how about a gift assembled just for you and your family? There are gifts of fresh sausage

Page 19 photos by Stephanie Sittnick

photos by Stephanie Sittnick

and bacon, charcuterie board kits, a cured meat box, a pepperoni pizza kit, even a Sunday Family Dinner box that’s reminiscent of Sundays at Nonna’s house.

Popular bundles include a trio of pasta sauces, cheeses, a breakfast sausage and bacon bundle, and Fortuna’s® best seller: the Dry Sausage Sampler. If you need help, whomever answers the phone will make sug gestions of product, answer all questions, and always tailor the shipment to your budget. What a delicious gift to give! There’s even a Monthly Club Membership where you can choose to have products auto matically sent to you or someone you wish to gift ranging from three months to a year...and they ship nationwide daily!

Patti and Paul have come a long way from the days of the little deli in Rhode Island, but they’ve never taken what they do nor the customers for whom they do it for granted. They work hard and are constantly learning, perfecting, and adding to their fine selection of appetizing products.

So, wanna know how the sausage is made? It’s made naturally, it’s made in small batches, and it’s made with love and history and flavors be yond compare. Best of all, it’s made for YOU, and you don’t have to be a celebrity to order from Fortuna’s.® So wipe that drool from your mouth and call them today. Pretty soon you’ll have the real thing to drool over!

To see the entire product line, visit: www.FortunaSausage.com or call direct at (800) 427-6879 There’s always something new and delicious to order from Fortuna’s®

The Italian Market of Manchester

4964 Main Street

Manchester Center, VT (802) 362-4051

italianmarketmanchestervt.com

Patti and Chris

Being “Upset:” A Great Life Lesson!

by Rona Mann

Merriam-Webster Dictionary: up·set, ʌp ˈset

Definition: to make someone unhappy, disappointed, or worried. Horse Racing Terminology: to overturn or overthrow

Unhappy? Disappointed? Worried? Hah! Not this Upset. Sometimes Upset is a good thing, a very, very good thing, and history bears it out because as you’re about to learn, the dark horse is always the smart bet.

It’s not that they weren’t familiar with each other. Man o’ War and Upset had raced against each other multiple times, but always the result was the same. Man o’ War always came in first for the win and Upset always placed second. But August 13, 1919 was a very different day. “In those years,” explains Maddy Zanetti, co- owner of The Dark Horse Mercantile and Impressions of Saratoga gift shops in downtown Saratoga, “there was no starting gate. They lined the horses up with a rope draped across the track. They still do that today in Europe.”

about Man o’ War’s only defeat and the greatest upset in racing history; but for the last nine years everyone’s been talking about another Upset, this one an adorable black miniature horse whose only desire to race would be to meet you in downtown Saratoga.

Maddy Zanetti and her business partner, Marianne Barker (known as “Mare”) also own this charming little miniature horse named “Upset” acquired in 2014 at age six and named

Those who read sportswriter Fred Van Ness’s column in the New York Times woke up to a shocking story on August 13, 1919. Glen Riddle Farm’s previously undefeated two-year-old, Man o’ War had met with his first defeat at the running of the Sanford Memorial in Saratoga. The seemingly unbeatable thoroughbred had lost by a neck to Harry Payne Whitney’s threeyear-old chestnut colt, Upset, the only defeat Man o’ War had ever experienced in 21 starts. It is still to this day considered the greatest upset in thoroughbred racing history.

On this particular day, Man o’ War was not facing the correct way at the start and went off nearly last; however, being Man o’ War, he quickly started to pass the other horses all along the back stretch until he drew up on Upset who was running second to Golden Broom. A few strides down the stretch Golden Broom gave up, allowing Upset to run past him, but then came Man o’ War who dashed by his rival! By the time they were just one hundred feet from the wire, he was only three-fourths of a length away, but at the wire, it was Upset by a neck. Man o’ War never lost another race after that day, and the 20,000 stunned spectators in the stands never saw another race quite like that one. Upset became a legend in Saratoga!

Although that momentous race was more than 100 years ago, folks still talk

Marianne Barker, Upset, and Maddy Zanetti

in honor of the legend. In his many appearances throughout the region as well as frequently being in residence at The Dark Hose Mercantile, Upset attracts visitors as well as locals in every demographic group and absolutely loves his celebrity. “Upset was a show horse, so he’s used to being fawned over,” Zanetti elates. “He’s a real ham when he meets the public, loves dogs, loves kids, loves being in the spotlight. We re cently had his 15th birthday party in the store, and he soaked up all the attention and the peo ple who came to see him.”

One day, shortly before Maddy and Mare opened The Dark Horse Mercantile on Broadway, Maddy was walking her dogs, and suddenly words and phrases came to her. “There once was a race horse named Upset; though he tried his best, he never was a smart bet.” She raced

home where more words and phrases came tumbling out and flowed onto paper, and in 2018, Upset: The Original Dark Horse Book was pub lished. Illustrated beautifully by another Saratogian, professional artist, Gretchen Louise Tisch who operates her own shop, Feathered Antler, and has pop-ups and multiple farmers’ market presences, the book was originally targeted at a young people’s audience, but in the last five years and now in its third printing, it has garnered wide appeal because of the strong message it conveys, that of believing in yourself, going for a goal, and never counting out the dark horse.

Maddy and Mare never know who’s going to come into the shop on any given day or who’s picking up the book. “Last summer, Leverett Miller was in the shop, looked at a photograph of the original Upset on the wall, and told us

he was Whitney’s great grandson!” Miller is well known in the horse world as a thoroughbred consultant and among his family members, he’s known as the curator of family history.

Former Governor David Paterson also came in and asked about the book, then he told a fantastic story. The former New York State Governor is the grandson of the man who served as a blacksmith for the original Upset. When Upset beat Man o’ War, Payne Whitney in a gesture of great appreciation, purchased homes in Brooklyn for his hot-walkers (stable workers who hand walk hot, sweaty horses after a workout), which included Paterson’s grandfather. This gesture gave Gov. Paterson’s family their start, and he never forgot it. Upset changed their lives and many

Leverett Miller First books signing.

Maddy Zanetti and artist Gretchen Louise Tisch

others. Inspired by this and many other stories, charitable contributions made by The Dark Horse are called “Upset’s Leg Up,” giving those in need a “leg up” as is done at the track to help a jockey into the saddle.

To date, not only is the book a big hit with adults and children alike, but it has won the “Mom’s Choice Award in 2019, representing global recognition for family-friendly media. As they say on those late-night TV commercials, “But wait, there’s more!”

Upset is not the only famous dark horse in Saratoga, so during the pandemic, Maddy penned another book called Jim Dandy, A Dark Horse on a Dark Day. Also illustrated by Gretchen Louise Tisch, this book recounts the story of Jim Dandy, a 100-1 shot entered in

Saratoga’s 1930 Travers Stakes. Also running that day was Gallant Fox, a Triple Crown winner, so Jim Dandy had few betting on him, but... “It poured rain that afternoon,” Maddy says, “and Jim Dandy loved to run in the rain, unlike most horses. He came from behind in the mud that day and won!”

“We tell the story of the dark horse over and over again in the shop, especially to children, although the message is universal and spans the generations.”

Little Upset and his namesake’s story teaches everyone to believe in themselves even when they are the long

shot, when they think they have no chance whatsoever at success. It all comes down to this: in life, as in horse racing and so many other things, the Dark Horse is always the smart bet!

Come meet Upset at The Dark Horse, 445 Broadway in downtown Saratoga. (518) 587-0689

UPCOMING DATES:

Saturday, July 29th 5:30-7:30 PM

Friday, August 4th 5:30-7:30 PM

Thursday, August 10th 5:30-7:30 PM

Friday, August 18th 5-7 PM

*** Tuesday, August 22nd Saratoga Winery for Thoroughbred Retirement BBQ 5-7 PM

Friday, August 25th 5-7 PM

More Dates to be Added in the Fall, all dates weather-permitting

Former Governor David Paterson

Tom Durkin reading at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

A 31-year legacy is a tough act to follow, but Julee O’Callaghan, new owner of The Country Corner Cafe, is up to the challenge. The question is, how do you fix something that ain’t broke? The answer? You don’t. Instead, you look at what makes it so special and expand upon that very thing while adding your own personal touches to the mix..and that’s exactly what O’Callaghan is doing.

Upon graduation from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Communications, O’Callaghan joined Morton’s Steakhouse as a waitress and worked her way up to Assistant General Manager over a period of sixteen years. She also met her husband, Mark O’Callaghan who was an employee at Morton’s as well. When the chain was sold she took a General Manager position at Nordstroms where she managed a staff of 30 employees, oversaw

The Country Corner Cafe Where meals are served with a smile and a warm hello!

by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris photos by Stephanie Sittnick

the remodel and opening of a new restaurant, and managed restaurant operations including both front and back of the house.

Then totally out of the blue, Apple came knocking at O’Callaghan’s door, and after a five-month inter view process, they made her an offer to join their Retail Team in Huntington, New York. The position was in stark contrast to her many years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, but the move turned out to be an opportunity of a lifetime.

“They taught me how to be a great leader, how to motivate teams, and how to get the most out of people. Yes, was it about technology? Sure, but you know, it’s more about learning how to problem-solve. And about keeping your teams engaged.”

Apple also taught her how to connect with people which proved extremely valuable in her next career adventure. With the kids gone to college in Fall 2022, O’Callaghan started looking for a new opportunity,

Left to right: Arial Martinez, Mark O’Callaghan, Julee O’Callaghan, Christine Burt, Valerie Jordan, Amy Bowden, Amanda Allen and Kiley Allen

Red Raspberry Mimosa

Texas French Toast with fresh berry compote

preferably back to the hospitality industry where it all began. So, while she and her hus band were checking out potential air BnB opportunities in the Saratoga Springs area, they decided to stop into The Country Corner Café for a bite to eat and learned that it was for sale. In short order, she decided to buy it. And well, it was her birthday, so why not?

O’Callaghan became an official restaurateur and owner of The Country Corner Café on January 4, 2023, and on that day she closed the café to hold a meeting with the entire staff. They did some paperwork

and spent time getting to know each other better. She was thrilled to learn that they were absolutely dedicated to their customers and the café; and through some Apple-inspired team-building exercises, she discovered that the entire staff was in total agreement on most things.

One interesting exercise she asked them to par ticipate in is called Start. Stop. Continue. It requires each person to write on index cards what they want to start, stop, and continue, in

this case, at the cafe. Could be anything. Turns out someone wanted to start adding broccoli to the menu so O’Callaghan did. There were a few suggested stops too, which she has been working on, but the most telling re sponse was what the staff wanted to continue. Everyone, from waitress to dishwasher, stated

French Toast Special

Eggs Benedict

Yogurt Parfait

the y wanted to continue the same level of serv ice and care to which their customers were accustomed. It was incredibly eye-opening for O’Callaghan to learn that they all felt so

strongly about this, and needless to say she was thrilled. By the end of the exercise, both her mission statement and business plan were essentially written.

Today, as owner, leader, and member of the team, O’Callaghan can be found in the kitchen doing dishes, checking inventory, working out the specials, doing tons of paperwork, occasionally prepping, and definitely ordering eggs by the hundreds! And when not in the back of the house, she is out front making sure that customers are greeted, being seated, and enjoying their meals. O’Callaghan is very hands-on but she also stays out of the

way to let the team do what they do best - care for their customers.

It comes as no surprise that when restaurants change ownership, especially one that is a town institution, customers are either wary of the changes the new owner will make or actually expect that changes will be made. With that in mind, O’Callaghan has carefully and thoughtfully imbued the café with some of her own ideas and touches. For instance, the restaurant entry area was once filled with antiques along with retail items for sale which left little waiting room. To remedy that, she moved out some of the antiques and reduced the number of items that they sell.

That simple change allows more people to wait inside, especially during inclement weather, and check out the menu now posted on a large board that O’Callaghan had installed. By the time the customers sit down, they’re usually ready to order which means they get their meals sooner. When you multiply the minutes saved per person, numbers don’t lie. She has been able to in crease business by 15% because more ta bles can be flipped, and customers are happy to be served so quickly.

The café has always been known for its breakfasts which are served all day long so

French Toast Casserole

eggs are central to the menu. There are nearly two dozen different egg dishes including many prepared beyond the standard fried, scrambled, or over easy. A few examples of their creative egg fare include:

The Breakfast Bowl with scallions, crumbled bacon, tomato and cheddar cheese on a bed of grilled home fries served with a buttermilk biscuit;

The Eye-Opener made with corned beef hash topped with poached eggs and served up with a choice of fried tater tots or home fries and toast; The Country Corner Café Sampler features a stack of buttermilk pan cakes or French toast with two eggs any style and a choice of ham, bacon, or sausage.

And of course, there are omelets. The café’s Three Egg Omelet menu has six to choose from including their standard tasty Cheese Omelet plus several others with a little more panache like the Fiesta, Irish, and Veggie. Then there’s the popular Friends with Bennies. A couple of examples of these include:

The Southern Benedict features two grilled potato pancakes stacked with a poached egg, red peppers, scallions, and hollandaise sauce;

The Benny which is prepared with a toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, and two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce.

But if eggs aren’t calling your name the day you visit, there are Flapjacks, French Toast, and Belgian Waffles too. Topped with their maple syrup, which is fresh from a farm owned by the previous owner’s brother, it

Fruit Bowl

Banana Fosters French Toast

makes for a delicious breakfast feast. In addition, there are several Vegan Specialties, heartier meals from their Meat Lovers Corner, plus a variety of salads, sandwiches, and delicious sides. Choose any one of these and your tummy will thank you.

The little ones will not be disappointed or go hungry either. Besides eggs of all kinds for them as well, there are other goodies to choose from including:

A Kid’s Breakfast Sandwich featuring a fried egg on a hard roll, muffin, bagel, or toast;

A PBJ Cristo featuring homemade strawberry jam and peanut butter with sliced bananas on egg-battered Texas toast.

Of course, some days you might be tempted to have a little something sweet to satisfy those taste buds. Their menu has you covered. For example, there’s:

A Yogurt Parfait that features low-fat vanilla yogurt with sliced ba nanas, chocolate chips, and granola;

A refreshing Fruit Bowl filled with fresh fruit topped with a honey yogurt sauce and crunchy granola. Both sound like a little dessert for breakfast, for sure!

The café’s menu continues with a great selection of sandwiches and tasty sides topped off with a variety of beverages including coffee, milkshakes, wine, beer, and icy cold Mimosas.

O’Callaghan shares she is always looking for ways to improve on things, but what she is most proud of is how the original staff is still together.

“I think that one of the things that I’ve taken a lot of pride in is the retention of the team that was here and how they’ve made this a huge success, then adding fresh energy from me has made it a great place to be.”

No doubt the future looks bright for everyone at The Country Corner Café, and they’re all looking forward to making many more delicious meals for years to come and serving them up with a ready smile while greeting you with a friendly hello. So next time you’re in Saratoga Springs, be sure to stop by for a bite.

The café is open daily from 7:30AM to 1:30PM. 25 Church St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Or visit www.countrycornercafe.net and order online for takeout. Either way, you couldn’t ask for a better way to start your day.

Saratoga Chop

Pulled Pork BBQ Biscuit Benny

Mickey, Yogi, the Mosquitoes, and Me

by Karen Richman

I had no choice.

You really don’t when you’re a kid, do you? At least that’s how it was when I was growing up. Back then your parents made the rules for the household. They decided what the family would do on any given day, when we’d eat, what we’d eat, or if we were going somewhere and at what time. But on hot, humid, buggy New Jersey nights we always ate early and never went anywhere except about 55 steps from the kitchen to the screened-in porch. The secondary reason we retired there after dinner was to get whatever air was circulating outside (who had A/C?), but the main reason we were there nearly every night like a well-rehearsed ritual was to see Casey Stengel and his “boys” connect their bats with a hard, white ball and hopefully make a swift trip around three bases to home plate. Yes, my parents were Yankee fans, and therefore, there was never a choice. I swear it was emblazoned on my birth certificate along with date of birth, length, and weight. “Baseball Affiliation: American League, New York Yankees.”

Nighttime chatter always included names like Mantle, Maris, Skowron, Bauer, McDougal, Rizzuto, and of course, Yogi. It was as though they were relatives. And like most relatives, some days we loved them, while other days they were “no good bums!” These guys played their hearts out, night after night for just a few thousand dol lars; at retirement, Mantle was only making $100,000 (today it would be millions). When Yogi Berra had an idea and hired the very first agent, he started hawking Yoo-Hoo chocolate drink, and the first celebrity endorsements were born. Baseball was not money ball then. It was all about watching young men growing into the sport, playing for love and to win. It was fun.

At least once or twice a season we’d make the trip from suburban New Jersey to the old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. My Dad worked all the time so a chance to go out on a Sunday afternoon to that huge stadium was a rare treat. We’d drive in, my father would find a parking space in their lot, and I just stood there and stared at the giant walls that

surrounded the stadium. After getting our tickets, we’d walk into this magical place that smelled of stale beer and stale cigars and fresh hot dogs and climb up what seemed like a hundred stairs until suddenly we could see sunlight before us, and there it was! The field I saw the Yanks play on every night, but this was huge and green and seemed to go on forever, not like the small black and white version on our Sylvania TV.

An usher would take us to our row, whip out a cloth from his back pocket, and dust off the seats before we were instructed to sit. I felt very special and very grown up. Dad had bought a program and handed it to me along with the little stubby pencil that accompanied it showing me how to record balls, strikes, runs, and outs. I kept look ing down at the field near the home plate dugout, hoping to catch a glimpse of my favorite players, but it was hard, sitting high up in the stands. We had reserved seats for $2.50 each, a whole dollar and a quarter more than the fans in the rear of the grandstand. Then the players were announced, took to the field, and the roar in the stadium was deafening. It rarely mattered if they won or not, what mattered was we were there with them, and I wondered if they could see me?

I grew up watching the Yankees till I graduated high school and moved out of state to go to col lege. Less and less was I able to watch games because my life as a young adult interfered. I now lived nearly five hours away from Yankee Stadium in Syracuse but from 1967 to 1977 I could watch the Yanks’ AAA farm team, the Syracuse Chiefs and attended games regularly.

As an adult in the 1990s, I visited Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant on Central Park South in Manhattan. There were old photographs of Mantle and his teammates in their heyday but it was just an other bar and restaurant with a celebrity name Mantle died in 1995 of liver cancer, leaving a legacy of greatness.

Nothing stays the same forever, that’s one of the realities of life that is bittersweet, still great memories are best of all. Memories of the smell of citronella keeping the mosquitoes away on our porch as night after night we watched those Yankee games on the tiny black and white TV. Memories of Yankee Stadium and the smell of hot dogs and beer still linger for me. Those were the days and the years when a little girl fell in love with America’s game and the men who played it.

And we stood up proudly and sang the Star Spangled Banner. All the way through.

Mosquito Season

By Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE

The Adirondack Mountains are spectacular this time of year. There are peaks to hike, waterfalls to admire, lakes to kayak and streams to fish. My family always talks about being in the fresh air and camping under the stars. No phones or emails. No WiFi or video games either. Just Mother Nature at her finest.

And then we remember the mosquitos.

These flying, buzzing, disease carrying and blood sucking vampires that hover over our heads, buzz in our ears, making lots of noise and creating panic at the thought of having to scratch our way through summer.

You know the family member that attracts all the flying insects? The one that gets 20-30 bites within 10 minutes of the sun going down? That’s me. I am that person in my family. I am the one that gets bites the size of nickels and scratches throughout the night. I am the one

that gets bites on my face, neck and chest. My hands, legs, feet and arms. I am that poor itchy soul that gets bites through my shirts and somehow manages to get bites inside my shoes.

To top of all the itchy, scratchy discomfort, now we have to remember the diseases that come from the mosquitos. Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, and Lyme disease. Are we having fun yet?

Mosquitos can be found in many different environments and many people won’t notice when they have been bitten until their skin shows the tell tale welts. Mosquito activity can be from April to November in our area. They come out of their hiding places about the same time we venture out after the last snowfall.

Whether you stay home or travel abroad, preventing mosquito bites is the best way to reduce the risk of mosquito borne disease.

Here are a few easy steps that can be taken to help prevent mosquito bites.

DRAIN: Water from garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, and toys. Clean out flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler water or rain water has collected.

DISCARD: Old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.

EMPTY and CLEAN: Birdbaths and your pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.

PROTECT: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

MAINTAIN: The water balance or pool chemistry of your swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

RECIPE (makes about 8 oz).

4 oz organic catnip leaf extract or make your own tincture

4 oz organic witch hazel

20 drops organic Atlas cedar wood essential oil

20 drops organic lemon eucalyptus essential oil

20 drops organic lavender essential oil

20 drops rosemary essential oil

10 drops organic lemongrass essential oil

10 drops organic lemon essential oil

CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up and wear long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks. (I get bites on my scalp too!)

REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repel lent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, Pi caridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, para menthane diol are effective.

* Use facial netting to protect children younger than 3 months old.

I’m not a fan of dousing myself with toxic, DEET based repellents. If it is the only repellent I have on hand, fine. I’ll use it but I’ll take a shower immediately once I return home. The goal is to get it off your skin (and out of your bloodstream) as soon as you can.

As far as natural, non toxic repellents go…most of them don’t work. That is when I will turn to the DEET based product in a pinch. But, my go to recipe is for an all natural, herbal remedy that smells great, doesn’t make me nauseous, and actually works.

DIRECTIONS: Pour catnip extract and witch hazel extract into an 8 oz bottle. Slowly drip the essential oils into the bottle. Cap the bottle and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator with a tight fitting lid. Your mixture will be shelf stable for up to a year, when stored properly.

TO USE:

Replace the lid with an optional mister cap or shake bottle and pour some into a smaller spray bottle you can take with you. Return remainder to refrigerator.

Shake well before each use. Spritz over exposed skin, avoiding eyes and other mucus membranes. Reapply as often as needed and keep away from pets and children.

Caution: Essential oils are generally not indicated for use on infants or young children, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with serious medical conditions or pets - especially cats.

Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE Owner of FACES of Saratoga 55 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 518-396-7403

518 Culinary Destinations; Taconic Trail Part 2

By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

After leaving Golden Harvest Farm, I head south towards the town of Kinderhook - a typical Dutch named town prevalent in this region since most were discovered by Henry Hudson and the Dutch settlers.

A must-stop food destination is Samascotts Market-a mile before entering the town of Kinderhook. Their Apple Cider is famous in NY State, but there is more for the serious farmers market shopper. The store has extensive green houses selling good quality Herbs and Flowers. The food shop sells de licious Pies which are made with a Sour Cream crust in variations of Cherry, Apple, Strawberry Rhubarb and Blueberry. My personal favorite is the strawberry Rhubarb

What makes them great in my opinion is they are not overly sweet and well - packed with local fruit, which re minds me of European baked goods which are less sweet to emphasize the fresh filling. The ice-cream offerings sold from the outside windows always has lines of patient customers awaiting the silken treat. One can choose from soft serve to scooped variations. Great quality local produce from their farms adorns the shelf as well locally produced artisanal products such as Cheese/Dairy and Meats.

After loading up on pies I enter the town of Kinderhook and I am immediately attracted to a small bistro-like structure housing “Saisonnier”. This cozy local town favorite is known for its 125 craft Beers, Tapas, Charcuterie and unique Sandwiches.

The Duck Reuben stands out as featured Sandwich with Bella Duck Pastrami, Springbrook Racelette and Hawthorne Valley Kimchi to underscore local inge nuity and deliciousness. The beautiful Cheese board is served with only local cheese such as ‘Five Fat Fowl’ and Old Chatham Creamery. The outside seating patio reminds me of a European setting-folks enjoying a nice beer or wine with some snacks. Down the street in the center of town are some nice history memorabilia including a beautiful stature of President Maarten van Buren. The town is very proud of its Dutch heritage.

Samascotts Market

Saisonnier

I finally head down to Taconic Parkway via the town of Chatham ( check out Chatham brewery) to my destination – the Gage & Tollner restaurant on 372 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. As one of the oldest restaurants in Brooklyn (anno 1879), it re-opened in April 2021 after a temporary closure due to Covid.

Known as an Oyster/Chophouse, it truly upholds some of the timeless qualities of the past. The service team is dexterously clad in classic steakhouse garb with bow-ties and long white aprons while the interior still

As my trip continues, another exciting stop brightens my day. The Flagship store and production facility of Tierra Farms located on 2424 Route203 in Valatie, NY is the store to stock up on certified organic Nuts, Seeds, Tea, Chocolate, Honey, Nut Butters, and fan tastic Coffee with a complimentary tasting station. The prices here are about 30 percent lower than retail and the quality ex tremely high. The organic Maple Cashew Butter is now one of my fa vorites as a peanut butter substitute-delicious on crackers and toast drizzled with Honey.

Further down Route 203 is another amazing find called ‘The Chatham Berry Farm! By pure luck I run into the owner who proceeds to give me a tour of the extensive diversified property which was voted “best spe cialty food store & garden center in Columbia County”. In addition to no spray pesticide-free Greens and Berries from the greenhouse, the store specializes in organic Meats and Produce. The extensive herb-plant selection is the most unique I have come across with many variations of mint, Sage, Basil, and Oregano. Lemon Balm is a must purchase for its aromatic features and medicinal properties.

The Greenhouse Cidery within the compound specialize in unique hard- ciders, with a bar and live music on weekends to boot! Hungry visitors can enjoy Thai inspired food from ‘The Yummy Kitchen’ on premise.

reflects an untouched image of 1879 -high arched ceilings, chandeliers, and a prohibition era look.

My advance reservation seemed justified, since the place was packed on a Tuesday night. The choices to consider here are simple-order fresh Oysters, Steak, and the amazing baked Alaska as dessert. I did however try the crispy Hen of the Woods Mushrooms with Black Garlic Aioli because of its uniqueness-it did not disappoint. The Crab-Cakes were as any other and an appetizer to con sider but not anything unique.

Oysters are freshly shucked before your very own eyes from the station center of the dining room. The NY Strip Steak is well-marbled and served with a delicious baked Garlic Bulb to spread over the Steak. Do not forget to order the house-cut Frites and classic Creamed Spinach-they are very good. As finale there are many great desserts but the Baked Alaska lay ered with Amarone Cherry Ice-Cream, Chocolate Cookie Crunch and toasted Meringue is king here! Parking is plentiful close by and reservations are strongly recommended.

As I cross the famous old Brooklyn Bridge heading north towards Saratoga Springs, my thoughts wander, impressed about the beauteous culinary diversity our state has to offer. We have come a long way as they say, from 1879 until today!

Tierra Farms

The Greenhouse Cidery

Gage & Tollner Restaurant

August 1 - 6 Schenectady

Bear and Bird Gallery presents ALL IN: Local Artist Showcase. An inclusive salon style exhibi tion showcasing the artwork of over 40 Cap ital Region Artists of all k inds. Learn more at www.bearandbird.com Bear and Bird, 160 Jay St, Schenectady, NY

AUGUST EVENTS

Through August 20 Canajoharie

August 1-4, 7-11, 14-18 Ballston Spa

Summer Dance Intensive - Guest Instructors include: Carla Korbes, Andrea Long, Jes sica Batten, Vanessa Smith, Maya Krauss, Andre Robles, & Laurie Cawley

Faculty: Cristiane Santos, Joan Kilgore Anderson, Leanne Sweet, & Katie Dunkel.

July 31-August 4th, August 7-11th & August 14th- 18th 10am-4pm. Registration at: www.saratogaspringsyouthballet.org

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet Studios, 418 Geyser Rd suite 5, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

August 1 - September 2 Albany

Can't Stop, Won't Stop: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop: From Tuesday, August 1 to Satur day, September 2, 2023, this exhibition will be held at ACG in celebration of Hip Hop’s culture and overall multidisciplinary in fluence on people, especially creatives. Artists' Reception: Friday, August 4, 2023, from 5 - 9 p.m. Exhibit Curators are Robert Cooper, Truemaster, and the duo, BoogieREZ. Learn more at albanycentergallery.org

Thrown Together: Salt Glazed Stoneware from New York State and Vermont. This exhibition cel ebrates the art of salt glazed stoneware from New York and Vermont, and sheds light on where these utilitarian objects were produced and by whom. Each stoneware piece delights with fanciful patterns, objects, an imals, and even people! The pieces from this exhibition are from the Fenimore Art Museum and The Farmers' Museum collection, and comprise choice pieces from their ex tensive stoneware collection. The Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, New York

Aug 2 - Aug 26

TI Arts Gallery Show: Dreamscapes Artist Terry Teitlebaum

- Terry Teitlebaum is from Cambridge, NY.  She is former fashion designer who now cre ates abstract art work, sometimes with a touch of re alism, using oil or pastels. Opening Reception: Aug. 4 @ 5-7pm. Ti Arts Gallery, 119 Montcalm St., Ticonderoga, NY 7.

August 3 Glens Falls

August 1 Schuylerville

America’s Turning Point Presents: Revolu tion on the Hudson – Hudson Crossing Park, Tuesday, August 1: 6pm –8pm. Revolution on the Hudson is a summer speaker series aimed at inviting the public to enjoy our beautiful public parks located along the Hudson River while learning about our revolutionary past.  All three events will begin at 6pm and the public is invited to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the grounds. 18th century living historians will be ready to answer questions and provide demonstrations before the speaker program begins at 7pm. 18th Century toys and games along with replica colonial clothing will be available for children to try. Please bring your own chairs. Living Historian: Anne Clothier, Camp Followers of Burgoyne’s Army. Speaker: Bruce Venter, “The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America” Hudson Crossing Park, County Road 42 Schuylerville, NY 12871

August 2 Saratoga Springs

Poetry Open Mic Night: Marylou Kelly Streznewski. Marylou Kelly Streznewski’s career has included theater, journalism, and the teaching of writing on high school, college and community levels. She served as Poetry Director of the Writer’s Room, a local non- profit in Doylestown, Pennsylvania as well as Poetry Editor of the Bucks County Writer, a local journal. In 2018, Streznewski received the Bucks County Community College Muse Award for “Contributions to poetry in Bucks County.” She has recently relocated to the senior community, Beverwyck, in Slingerlands where she initiated a twice monthly poetry discussion group and in 2021 was named their Poet Laureate. . Wed August 2, 2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm $5.00. Caffe Lena 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Paint Your Own Watercolor Landscape @ LARAC Mountain Gallery. Three hour workshop limited to 8 participants; all abilities. Aug 3 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Watercolor artist Diane Swanson will lead workshop participants through creating their own landscape paintings in watercolor, inspired by photo refer ences. Students are invited to bring in photo references of a landscape they wish to paint or they can work from a choice of several photo references provided by the instructor. Students will work on laying out the composition with thumbnail sketches and creating a preliminary drawing, transferring the drawing to watercolor paper. Diane will then guide students through the painting process, demonstrating various techniques in watercolor which they can then apply to their own paintings, working towards a finished piece. Supply list for participants: your favorite brushes, 9”x12” block/pad of watercolor paper of your choice (instructor recommends Fabriano cold press), a set of watercolor paints either in tubes or cakes, plastic watercolor palette (instructor will have some plastic palettes on hand if necessary). Instructor will provide pencils and drawing paper, addi tional watercolor papers and extra brushes. Cost: $50 person. Pre-registration/payment is required. To register: Call 518-798-1144 x2 or stop by LARAC Lapham Gallery (Mon-Sat, 10am-3pm, Thurs until 6pm) or LARAC Mountain Gallery (Wed-Sat, 10am-3pm)

August 4 - 26 Delmar

Mini Masterpiece Art Show is a competition and exhibit open to artists of all ages, from preschoolers to professionals. Artists select their favorite piece of a famous artist, to reinterpret as a 3”x3” mini. Winners are selected in youth and adult categories. Winners chosen by pop ular vote, so Come Vote as you peruse these mini pieces of art. Show runs Aug 4 - Aug 26 at Merriman and Pfister’s Marketplace, 388 Kenwood Ave Delmar. 518-588-7268 for more info. www.merrimanpfister.com

August 8 Saratoga Springs

Jazz at Caffe Lena: Chuck Lamb Trio feat. Roxy Coss and Lucas Pino. This continuing series is hosted by resident composer, pi anist and jazz master, Chuck Lamb, with support from music producer Joel Moss. Lamb, who has been a member of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet since 2002, is not only an exciting and emotive pianist in his own right, but also a prolific composer of jazz, fusion, classical and world music. This month's guests are Award-Winning Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Recording Artist, Educator and Activist Roxy Coss, and Award-Winning Musician and Composer Lucas Pino. Tuesday, August 8 · 7 - 9pm EDT. Doors at 6:30pm. Caffe Lena 47 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, NY

August 18 - September 20 Glens Falls

Show VI: Running Towards a Place, featuring artists Gary Zack and Christopher Smith. Opening Reception: Friday, August 18th at 5pm. LARAC Lapham Gallery - 7 Lapham Place, Glens Falls.

August 17 Round Lake Village Historian Lance Spallholz and Scott Rigney will describe the community’s history which started in 1868 as a location for Methodist Camp meetings. The unique architecture of the village’s buildings will be on display. Registration must be made in advance at the History Center www.brooksidemuseum.org/events/. A suggested do nation of $10 per registration (indi viduals, couples or families) will support the programs of the History Center and a not-for-profit organization chosen by the tour leaders. Thursday, August 17, 1 pm – Round Lake. Specific directions and parking locations will be provided to registrants in advance of the tour dates.

August 18 - 20 Saratoga Springs

The Capital Region Jaguar Club of New York (CRJCNY) will be holding the 8th “Jaguars at Saratoga” event The lawn show portion of the event will be held in the grounds of the Saratoga Auto Museum in the Saratoga Spa state park, Past years have seen up to forty classic and modern Jaguars. Friday, Aug. 18 :  Dinner at the Gideon Putnam . Not included in Lawn Show regis tration fee. Attendance not required to participate in the Saturday Lawn Show. Saturday, Aug 19 Lawn Show at Saratoga Auto Museum (Lawn Show Rain date Sunday, August 20): Car-care Clinic, helpful tips on how to keep your Jaguar looking its best Sunday, Aug 20: JCNA-Sanctioned Road Rally -A morning event of casual compe tition at LEGAL speed: precision driving and way-finding for Jaguars with a Driver and Navigator.  Scenic and Fun!  Prizes awarded.

August 23 - October 27 Saratoga Springs

August 10 Rock City Falls

Morgan James: Memphis Magnetic. 6:00 PM  9:30 PM. Morgan James is a Juilliard trained singer, songwriter, actress and recording artist in New York City. Morgan is currently on tour supporting her fifth studio album, “Nobody’s Fool”. She independently released her studio albums of original soul music, entitled Mem phis Magnetic, and A Very Magnetic Christmas recorded to analog tape in Mem phis, Tennessee. With viral sensation Postmodern Jukebox and with her own YouTube channel, Morgan’s music videos have accumulated more than 285 million views. For more information, please visit www.morganjamesonline.com @morganajames The Mansion of Saratoga, 801 Route 29, Rock City Falls, NY. (518) 885-1607 www.TheMansionSaratoga.com

August 12 Whitehall

Cat Den Containers 2023: preserving history by traditional craft work. On Saturday August 12, 8 am to 4 pm at Skenesborough Museum on Skenesborough Drive in Whitehall, New York.Regional artisan/local environmental educator Thomas Mowatt, will demonstrate traditional crafts of birch bark container mak ing, coiled basketry and porcupine quill work: old-time woodland First Nations skills practiced by few, help to perpetuate and honor cultural traditions, connecting art and the community. Skenesborough Museum (518) 499-0716

August 15 - October 21 Clifton Park

The Blooming Artist Gallery pres ents our newest exhibition, Interpretation. This exhibit, featuring the works of all local artists, serves as a manifest realization of the art of interpretation. We invite you to witness this unique collection with us beginning Tuesday, August 15th. The Blooming Artist Gallery, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065. www.thebloomingartist.gallery (518) 280-4928.

Royal Brown "The Evidence of Things Unseen" Spring Street Gallery welcomes Royal Brown, an artist, shaman and mystic to our gallery August 23 - October 27. Brown shares intimate, spiritual creations born from meditation, artistic experience, and engineering skills. Join us in cele brating this spiritual and creative journey. Opening Reception: August 26, 5-7 pm. Spring Street Gallery, 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. springstreetgallerysaratoga.com, springstreetgallerylist@gmail.com

August 24 Rock City Falls

Adam Jacobs: Songs of Alan Menken. 6:00 PM  9:30 PM. The Original Broadway Star as “Aladdin” in Dis ney’s Aladdin, brings his recently released debut solo album entitled “Right Where I Belong” to The Mansion Stage. The evening will be a compilation of Alan Menken songs including well known tunes such as “Proud of Your Boy” (Aladdin), “Go The Distance” (Hercules), “Santa Fe” (Newsies), and “Suddenly Sey mour” (Little Shop of Horrors)…as well as other melodies from Menken’s earlier works. The Mansion of Saratoga, 801 Route 29, Rock City Falls, NY. (518) 885-1607 www.TheMansionSaratoga.com

August 29 - September 2 Albany

Being Human: Form and Frailty: a Pop-Up Exhibit curated b y Hu manities in Medicine at Albany Med from August 29 - September 2, 2023. Learn more at albanycentergallery.org

Aug 30- Sept 21 Ticonderoga

Tom Ryan & Drayton Jones. Drayton Jones and Tom Ryan are both watercolor artists.  Drayton often paints local sites with strong bold lines that feel spontaneous. Tom lives in Glens Falls, NY. He believes that watercolors can capture the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and all the moods that are created by light, fog, rain, mist or snow. Opening Reception, Friday Sept 1, 5-7. Ti Arts Gallery, 119 Montcalm St, Ticonderoga, NY