JUNE, 2024 - 518 PROFILES MAGAZINE

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

COVER

Jockeys - 26” x 30”, artist Tom Myott www.tmyottart.com

Tom Myott, Captivating with Paint pg. 6

A Simple French Lesson From Pearl Grant Richmans pg. 16

Welcome to the June issue! This month there is so many options to fill your days. A visit to a local festival? Enjoy amazing dining with family and friends? Spend an exciting day at the Race Track? There is so much to do throughout the Capital Region. I encourage you to soak up the sun and live your best life this month! Whether you’re taking off on a family vacation, chilling by a pool, or out and about town enjoying the sunny weather – I hope this month is amazing for you.

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 strive each month to deliver authentic and unique content about creative people and interesting destinations. Enjoy!

Stephanie Sittnick Founder / Publisher

Erik Laffer, Gallery Owner and Painter

An entrepreneur and artist with a recipe for success. pg. 26 518 PROFILES

587 Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

30 Magical Years: A Celestial Celebration

Saratoga’s Premier Metaphysical Destination: The Magic Moon pg. 34

ENCORE

The Laffer Gallery

Featuring: Erik Laffer & Ronn T. Mattia

Opening Reception: June 29, 5pm - 8pm

Address: 96 Broad Street Schuylerville, NY 12871

June 29 - August 4

Tom Myott, Captivating with Paint

by Carol St. Sauveur Ferris

It’s been said that we are all born with unique gifts and talents, but the responsibility is entirely ours to develop them, bring them into the world, and let them shine. Tom Myott has done just that.

A native of South Glens Falls, New York and lifelong resident, Myott’s obvious gift with pencil and brush was evident from childhood. He was the youngest of two brothers with a stay-at-home mom who was an extraordinary baker and a state trooper dad who could draw surprisingly well. His parents always supported their sons in whatever they wished to pursue and as it so happens, Myott was singleminded in his determination to become an

artist from as far back as he can remember. He attended local South Glens Falls schools, and with the encouragement of his high school art teacher, Bill McCarthy, he attended Buffalo State College after graduation to pursue his undergraduate degree in art. Plattsburgh State followed where he earned a Masters in education.

With degrees in hand Myott headed back to South Glens Falls but now as a high school art teacher, taking the place of his former painting teacher, Walt Ahearn. He spent his entire career there devoted to teaching stu dents basic technical skills needed to cre ate art while giving them the space, en couragement, and guidance to express

themselves in a way that res onated personally. Along the way, he met and married Trish Butto from Hudson Falls, New York, and they had two daughters. Trish was a stayat- home mom and managed their household, while Myott was a teacher by day and an independent artist in the evening.

Early in his career, he established himself as an equine painter and artist, painting scenes of thoroughbreds and their jockeys at the track and in the stables. As the years went by, Myott slowly gained recognition with art collectors in the Saratoga Springs area. That, plus with a strong seasonal following as a base, he was able to build a business showcasing his paintings of thoroughbred racing. Before long he developed a countrywide following as well.

and draws the viewer in, making it easy to imagine the sound of thundering hooves and the roar of the crowd.

Surprisingly, his paintings are done in acrylics, which he has used throughout his career but weren’t always his first choice. He explains that back in his early days as a teacher he really wanted to teach paint ing in all three mediums - acrylics, oils, and watercolors.

“I’ve had the privilege of painting on location and being a part of, and accepted into, the Saratoga community, primarily based on what I do as an artist. But I’m always looking for new and unique ways to interpret the thoroughbred racing scene using my Chuck Close and post-impressionist-inspired paintings and some newer things that I have been working on.”

It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to his work. His paintings are magnetic. Vibrant, colorful silks combined with the majesty of racing horses burst off the canvas and captivate. Myott usually paints on a large scale, which gives his compositions a nearly life-size presence

How ever, there was an ongoing debate and growing movement in the medical field at that time to reduce the amount of chemicals people were exposed to in cleaning supplies and other chemically-based products, and that included oil paints. As a result, Myott made the conscious decision to focus on acrylics.

He invested considerable time learning how to work with the medium and found he liked their immediate drying time. This is in contrast to so many artists who favor oils because they can work the paint over several days. He also explored and experimented with ways to create the depth normally achieved with oil paints. Myott soon discovered that by adding clear Liquitex medium in addition to water to any acrylic color, the pigment is suspended in

the glaze after drying. The effect is akin to the deep, luminous quality found in oils, and his paintings are evidence of that.

“I really truly do love the versatility and the immediate drying time of acrylics, and for me, it is definitely a benefit.”

In addition to his love of acrylics, Myott is a fan of the painting style practiced by renowned artist Chuck Close, who was initially known for his very large, photorealistic portraits. Due to learning disabilities and suffering from facial blindness, he painted large-scale portraits early on using a grid-like system on photographs to capture all the minute facial details, so he could then transfer them accurately to his canvas. Unfortunately, late in his career. he suffered a

rare illness that forced him into a wheelchair and restricted his ability to move about. Unde terred, Close developed a technique that involved the application of small squares of paint containing dots and dashes. These marks were done in different values to achieve the shading details of his portrait subjects. When viewed up close, an assemblage of dots, dashes, and squares scattered across the canvas meets the eye. But when viewed from a distance, the composition emerges in incredible detail.

Myott is not only a fan of Close’s work, he also employs the same techniques to challenge himself while exploring other ways to convey the image or portrait he has in mind. That ap proach to painting can be seen in a largescale portrait he painted of his daughter. At a distance, her luminous brown eyes, pug nose, and impish grin capture your attention, but when viewed up close, it’s the geometry and

48” x 72”

maze of paint gestures in the shape of dots, dashes, and squares applied to a grid that fas cinate. Facial shading and details give way to abstract pixels of color depending on how close you stand to the painting. On their own, the colorful marks are curious and energetic, but when combined, they make for a delightful composition of a child.

“With the grid, it’s fascinating because each grid section is its own little composition, and the values have to be accurate. It’s a different dimension. You’re seeing the face but you’re seeing the shadows and the shapes. You see all those things.”

More recently, Myott changed it up a bit yet again. First, he orchestrated a photoshoot of someone pouring various liquids on a friend’s head. Seems a bit strange but it actually

pro vided interesting options for a composition. After a very messy cleanup and with many great photos at hand, Myott then painted a large-scale, photorealistic portrait of her. Using the same grid system approach that he used in h is daughter’s portrait but with more traditional brush strokes, he successfully revealed all the minute details of her face. And because of the glazes he always adds to his acrylic color palettes, he captured the drippy, luminous viscosity of the liquid so well that it makes the viewer want to wipe it away from the friend’s eyes!

It’s clear that Myott is compelled to explore differ ent techniques to keep himself fresh. To that end, he is currently working on a series of paintings that feature a more monochromatic palette with gestures of charcoal covered in browns

35” x 23”

24” x 36”

and blacks that he throws on the canvas. After pausing for a bit, he then comes back to drizzle glaze and add words. It’s a huge change from his typically colorful pieces.

“I don’t ever want to get to the point where I say, ‘Alright, I’ve done this composition a gazillion times and am so uninspired.’”

Without a doubt, Myott is en gaging and exuberant when speaking of his art, but serious professionalism underscores the projects he’s working on, especially commissions. At the outset, he spends a great deal of time building a trusting rela tionship by getting to know his clients, their goals, and preferences. He even sends them pictures throughout the creative process, showing him stretching canvas, mixing the palettes, and actually painting.

“I will work tirelessly, and I will lose money before I have an unhappy client.”

U nfortunately, for many people, owning an original painting by Myott can be out of reach, but luckily he offers affordable reproductions with three different options. First, there’s a basic digital print on archival paper rated for a certain amount of time. Then there’s an upgrade where he will directly coat the print with an acrylic varnish, adding tex ture to enhance and protect it. And lastly, Myott will personally embellish the print with p aint and then coat it with varnish, which creates more of an original painting for collectors.

“It provides people with three different price points, and I love for people to own my work”.

No doubt that exploring and experimenting is what keeps Myott fresh as an artist but so does going to work every day. Since retiring from teaching, he now paints full-time in a studio space shared with Bill McCarthy, his former art teacher and mentor. Both have come full cir cle in their careers, with generations of stu dents blessed by their in fluence and sup port over the last four-plus decades, creat ing an incredible legacy. Now they get to enjoy each other's influence and support as fel low artists with a unique bond that they both deeply ap preciate and share.

So it would seem that whoever said, “to teach is to touch a life forever,” must have been speaking of the two of them.

Myott’s paintings can be viewed and purchased at Saratoga Olive Oil and at Silverwood Home and Gallery, both in Saratoga Springs. They can also be purchased at his studio in South Glens Falls or by visiting www.tmyottart.com.

36” x 28”

24” x 18”

A Simple French Lesson From Pearl Grant Richmans

by Rona Mann photos by Stephanie Sittnick

Raison d’etre

In the simplest of French to English trans lation, the phrase means “Reason for being,” or “Having a Purpose.” The following is a story we think you’ll like and identify with, that is, if you haven’t already. After all, you’ve had 65 years to make it your raison d’etre!

Before you turn the pages of our beautiful June issue, we’d like you to pause right here at this page and spend some quality time with this story because it’s about way more than the Capital District tradition it’s be come for so many. Way more than stores within a store. Way more than a typical

shopping trip. It’s about YOU. About living an enjoyable lifestyle. And it’s about a jour ney people like you love to take over and over again to Pearl Grant Richmans, a longstanding part of the history of our beautiful Capital Region.

Fact is, Pearl Grant Richmans has always been about you and this community for more than 65 years because their values are such that they form their mission statement. According to Barry Richman, not only the owner of Pearl Grant Richmans but a well-known cheerleader for the Greater Capital Region, “People are looking these days to do something special. After a miserable couple of years of Covid people

are wanting to get out and go and do something nice for themselves. Like a trip to Pearl Grant Richmans!”

Yes, Richman will always suggest you come see what’s new (and also come see what’s old, vintage old, that is) at the store, not just because he’s a good representative of his business, but be cause he and his wife, Nancy and their staff love to take customers both new and old on the journey through these “shops in a shop,” as Barry calls it.

Like the famous Russian nesting dolls, one inside another and yet another in varying sizes, such is the layout of Pearl Grant Richmans, some 10,000 square feet of fine china, crystal, linen, imports, gift items, tabletop, gourmet goods, pa pers, baby gifts, bath and body, and vintage. They originally began as departments within the store, but now they’ve grown in both inventory and popularity to where each serves as an individual shop within this emporium of wonder and good taste in every price point imaginable!

Pearl Grant Richmans was always known for their unique and whimsical greeting cards. Now, that’s exploded and the happy explosion is now known as The Papeterie Shop.

When a customer first enters Pearl Grant Richmans they will be entering this expansive and exquisite world of cards, fine papers, stationery, luscious gift wrap, and more. If you can even make your way out of such a special store within a store there are so many more to explore, touch, and taste. Yes, taste! “Covid is behind us,” Barry exults, “and now we’re back to giving customers tastes of all the wonderful gourmet goodies we have in store. Chocolates, sauces, jams, jellies, crackers, honey, cake mixes,

and our extremely popular teas and coffees. This is not a monetary thing, we want people to focus on the total experience.”

While Pearl Grant Richmans certainly has a presence on the internet, and some customers still prefer to shop from home, Barry urges the experience of making that journey in person. “The internet connects to everyone, but really to no one,” he says, so he hopes people will be motivated to come to Pearl Grant Richmans ei ther for the first time, or to come back, or

hopefully, to come back again and again for an experience that’s personal and warm.

“But we don’t push people,” he quickly adds. “That’s the first part of our sales training. ‘Don’t trail the customer!’” Still, the staff is well trained, and Barry points out with great pride that one salesperson has been at the shop 50 years, another 20 years, so not only do they know how to treat customers, but they know their inventory inside and out which must be difficult because there’s just so much!

They do not rest on their laurels, however. “We were the first in the area to recognize changing trends,” Richman adds, “in tabletop, in gourmet foods, and in the enormous increase in popu larity for all things vintage. Our vintage shop featuring clothing and jewelry is so hot that we just opened a second room. The demographic is all over the place. The young people embrace vintage style as something new, while the older demographic remembers and wants to bring some of the styles back.”

In tabletop, entertaining is king and it’s proven by sales that are off the charts. “Charcuterie boards are really popular, also carving blocks. It’s the most popular way to entertain these days with a charcuterie board of meats, cheese, fruit, and bread instead of heavy entrees.”

Bath and Body was always one of the busiest “shops” at Pearl Grant Richmans and now is no exception. Featuring well-known luxury products

like those of Beekman 1802 Body care, Lolia Aesthetics, and the ever-popular Inis Irish Energy of the Sea fra grance, oils, perfumes, and moisturizers, customers can sniff, sample, and revel all the while following the Pearl Grant mantra of being good to yourself.

Got a new baby in the family, or even a notso-new one? They’re gonna love getting a gift of Jellycat soft plush, and you’ll enjoy picking it out and giving it just as much`. Plush food, animals, and flowers, all of it guaranteed to make smiles that translate to hugs.

Speaking of being good to yourself, Pearl Grant Richmans has magnificent fashion jew elry as well as that much sought-after vin tage jewelry. There’s a wide selection of the hottest custom designs from Rain and necklaces, bracelets, and collections from & Livy. You won’t find these lines just anywhere, but Pearl Grant Richmans isn’t just anywhere either!

Need a hostess gift that’s not the usual? Ask to see the wonderfully warm and funny line of Nora Fleming Serveware, unique little ceramic pieces that attach to larger serving pieces to give that extra flare and whimsy to every dinner party or holiday. Mini flowers, animals, chickadees, beach balls, watermelon slices, and more ride into the party on the hostess’s fa vorite platter or serving piece, and just listen to the oohs and aahs!

Pearl Grant Richmans is also known for being a strong and consistent community partner in philanthropy and in time spent supporting the arts. It is important to note that Barry himself has been on the board for 35 years of the Grammy Award-Winning Albany Symphony Orchestra and is also the founder of the Empire State Youth Orchestra. Additionally, he is a strong supporter of all things involving music and art in the Capital District.

“Through this store and all the shops within it, through our community involvement, through the music and our support of the arts, we just want to make the Capital District a better place to live,” says Barry Richman, and he’s doing it every day.

Guess that’s his raison d’etre.

And that’s your French lesson for today.

Find your journey in the Stuyvesant Plaza at 1475 Western Avenue in Albany. (518) 438-8409 www.pearlgrant.com

American Art at the Arkell Museum

Through December 30, 2024

Exhibition made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Oce of the Governor and the New Yo rk State Legislature. Winslow Homer, On the Cli昀, ca. 1881

RACHEL

HAKIM

Erik Laffer, Gallery Owner and Painter An entrepreneur and artist with a recipe for success.

by Carol St.Sauveur Ferris

To be an artist requires skills, tal ent, vision, and commitment. To be an entrepreneur also requires skills, talent, vision, and commitment. Taken together, you have a recipe for a successful artist and gallery owner, and that basically describes Erik Laffer.

But long before becoming a success story in both the art and business worlds, Laffer was just a kid growing up in a busy beehive of a household surrounded by five brothers, two sisters, and a dozen or so foster children. They initially lived in Greenwich, New York and later moved to Delmar, New York. As an elementary and mid dle school kid, Laffer played football and loved it, but come high school, he was terribly self-conscious and reluctant to try out for the team. The arts appealed to him as an alternative, so he took advantage of the school’s extensive art program and took every class possible, laying the groundwork for his future career.

While the artist in him was growing and developing, the entrepreneur in him was always trying to come up with business ideas and inventions to earn money. Never shying away from hard work, he mowed lawns, raked leaves, shoveled snow, and even convinced an employer to pay him to do window displays. Laffer also worked in an art gallery in Saratoga Springs where the seeds for his future business were planted.

“I have always been motivated to earn money for myself and have dis covered unique and creative ways to do so. I never took any business classes, but I did work at a gallery in Saratoga where I was inspired to one day open my own. I absorbed every detail I could from them and constantly found myself thinking about how I could improve on their business model and what I would do if it were my own.”

Though he was accepted into the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with ad vanced standing, Laffer decided against it because he felt that an ex pen sive degree would not necessarily advance his career in the art world. He decided that he’d be better served by being part of the art scene itself. To that end, Laffer took a rather courageous path at the encouragement of a friend. He literally set up shop in New York City’s Soho district at the corner of West Broadway, selling his paintings every weekend by day and bunking in his ‘87 VW Golf by night. Amazingly, the very first weekend he sold a painting for $1000.00!

When the weekend was over, Laffer packed up his gear and headed back to Saratoga Springs to work at his weekday job as a framer at the Celeste Susany Gallery, then paint well into the night in preparation for the next

round of street corner sales. As the demand for his artwork grew and sales increased, he was able to quit his day job and paint full-time during the week. Always a disciplined person who thrived on routine, he painted and sold his work on the street corners of New York nearly 45 weekends a year from 2002 through 2008.

Packing car in Albany to drive to NYC Soho to sell painting on the street

“Serene Escape II” Oil on Canvas 48x80

“It turned into kind of a full-time gig for me after the first year when I realized that if I treated it more like a business, then I didn’t have to do the gallery job anymore.”

Unfortunately, the economy tanked in 2008, and so did his sales. He went from selling three to five paintings per weekend to maybe one or two every three to four weeks, so he shifted gears. Like his younger self who was always thinking of ways to earn money, Laffer decided to set up shop at outdoor festivals in Florida during the winter and do indoor art shows and fairs along the east coast, including the big one at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

In the early days, Laffer was more of a figurative painter, but over time he began to paint in the abstract. He also paid attention to what people were attracted to and would paint more pieces that would sell. “It’s very much of a business but I kind of struggled as an artist, wanting to be creative but also trying to create something you think somebody might

enjoy. The challenge was, do I paint another painting like that because I think I can sell it, or do I want to explore something else? A lot of it was comfort in knowing that I can sell what I create but it definitely was a bit of a struggle as an artist because some call it selling out. So, it’s a tricky kind of great.”

His Cartography Series, which he began in 2005, was selling very well and those who purchased them were collectors from all over the world. Each piece in the series, done in oil and mixed media on canvas, repre sents a chapter in Laffer’s life, beginning with his earliest memories through today. The overall compositions are based on maps which are metaphors for life’s journey, and in this case, his personal journey. It’s one we can all relate to because while we all travel different roads through life that are unique to us, there are places that we have all been.

“...the representational abstracts that make up my Cartography Series are not so much a study of emotion, as my earliest works were, but more of a logical and experimental exploration of where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I hope to be tomorrow.”

“Digitial Globe III” Oil on Canvas 60x60

“Transitions” Oil on Canvas 24x80

Many psychologists today speak of one’s ‘love language.’ For Laffer, the symbols in his Cartography Series are his ‘life language.’ Whether a sun, moon, star, or other symbol, each one represents someone in his life, and when placed along the twists, turns, and in tersections in his map-like backgrounds, they represent people and experiences that have shaped him and allow him to better understand his life in hindsight.

From a how-to standpoint, the series was done by applying thin layers of paste to a blank can vas attached to a wall. While the paste is still wet, Laffer applies pieces of mesh screening and other materials to the surface, waits a minute, then pulls them off. Distinct tex tures are left in the paste. He then adds meaningful symbols along with 20 to 30 lay ers of color creating natural shading in the textured recesses. A coat of varnish seals the piece.

While he relied solely on his art for income and led a rather nomadic life for years, the time came for Laffer to settle down and establish a stable lifestyle to support the family he hoped to have

one day. Combined with the dream of owning an art gallery and working as an artist, it just made perfect sense to him, because within the walls of an art gallery dwelled stability as well as creative opportunity. To that end, he opened The Laffer Gallery on Broad Street in Schuylerville, New York in 2012, where he exhibits the work of local artists and does custom framing.

Today Laffer represents both national and regional contemporary artists and is booked at least 14 months out with shows. The opening receptions are a family affair and great fun. His mother, brothers, sister, wife, kids, and friends help set up the receptions and make special dishes that at tendees have come to love and expect at every event. The shows last four to six weeks, then Laffer spends the following week planning and hanging the next one. He loves every aspect of the process and oversees every detail.

“As a perfectionist, I am thrilled at the opportunity to showcase art in a beautiful and meaningful way. This venture allows me to focus on curating and displaying artwork that resonates with both myself and others.”

More recently he has added a studio above the gallery to paint his own works but he injured his back in the process, so while not complete, it is still a great place in which he can create. He is currently working on a series that remains untitled at the moment. The pieces are done in layers of acrylic paint on large canvases, and while they appear heavily tex tured, they are quite smooth to the touch. To achieve this result, he first applies paint with a putty knife and level, then peels some off as it dries, and then recoats with more paint in the same fashion. His palette captures all the primaries but includes gradations of color and shadow that ultimately create distinctive and perfectly horizontal lines. As a last step, he may add a varnish to protect it.

Laffer admittedly spends an enormous number of hours at the gallery and in the studio. The work is never-ending, but when listening to him speak, you learn how much he appreciates every aspect of his life and the people in it. The artists, customers, his wife, kids, mom, and siblings - they are all part of this larger family with whom he is fortunate to share life every day.

“It’s just such a happy business. I’m very lucky.”

And as a result, so are we.

To view and purchase artwork, visit Laffer Gallery in Schuylerville, New York, or visit www.thelaffergallery.com.

“Wavelength” Mixed Media on Canvas 30x30

“Compression” Mixed Media on Canvas 30x30 “

30 Magical Years: A Celestial Celebration Saratoga’s Premier Metaphysical Destination: The Magic Moon

By Jeff Ayers Photos by Stephanie Sittnick

A milestone is what you make it, and anyone who makes it to 30 years in this life usually considers that to be a significant one. In a person’s blip of an existence on this earth, you go from a c hild to a young adult, to full adulthood in just 30 short years. The same can be said about a phys ical space or establis hment, metaphorically speaking, and The Magic Moon in downtown Saratoga Springs New York is a wonderful ex ample of a business that has grown and blossomed from a small idea into a must-see shopping experience.

The world was a little different back in 1994, and so was the city of Saratoga Springs. Mainstay businesses like Comptons and Pope’s Pizza were the places to eat downtown. The Saratoga

Performing Arts Center would welcome Phish and Dave Matthews Band to each headline for the first time that year. Also, friends Donna Cruger and Veronica Peschieri-Walczak opened the doors to Saratoga’s premier metaphysical store, The Magic Moon.

The celestial body itself has been in the news as of late, as Saratoga Springs was magically close to the path of totality for a stunning solar eclipse. The universe can work in mysterious ways, but it can also help you and guide you if you are listening. Veronica was definitely listening in ‘94, and she credits the opening of The Magic Moon coinciding with the summer solstice as a true testament to what the universe had to say.

The summer solstice, specifically June 20 or 21 depending upon the year in the Northern Hemisphere, has been culturally important since the

Stone Age. Celebrations across different cultures mark this point in time in the calendar year, often referred to as May Day or midsummer. In the truest spiritual sense, the Summer Solstice marks the next step into life’s unending rhythm. As the Spring Equinox invokes the sense of new be ginnings, the Summer Solstice informs us to take those beginnings

and nourish and grow them, evolving them into what they will become. Encapsulated in this time frame is the beginning of summer on May 1st called Beltane, and this was the day the keys to The Magic Moon were given to Veronica. The doors to the shop then magically opened on, June 21, 1994.

Veronica remembers the store’s humble beginnings. “Since day one, our mission statement has always been to provide a safe, beautiful, and energy-packed space for people to come in and experience, ask questions, and explore.” At its start, Magic Moon provided a haven to

those looking for resources surrounding the metaphysical and spiritual, as well as unique and sought-after goods. As the years went on, the store grew in both reputation and size, in cluding tarot offerings and appointments with intuitive readers. Now, The Magic Moon is ingrained in the Saratoga community and continues to deliver on its magical mission, including sponsoring the Mind, Body, and Soul Expo at the city center every year.

“So many have come in and have let us know that a kind word, a gesture, or an interaction has helped inspire them to do the “thing” – to take up that vocation, or point them in the right direction to put them on the trajectory they were supposed to be on.” Veronica thinks fondly of the decades that have passed. “There have been a lot of ‘ah-ha’ moments in this store over the years.”

The Magic Moon has consistently helped the community of Saratoga Springs to evolve and grow with the unique offerings found within its walls. Those seeking specific crystals, incense, or herbs can find it here and so much more. Magical tools, candles, jewelry, and even cloth ing can be found in the nooks and crannies of the shop. The library-quality literature sec tion has only grown as the store has throughout the years, expanding its footprint to almost double in size in 2013. If all the amazing and beautiful sundries and treasures that adorn the shelves of the store aren’t exactly what you are looking for, the knowledgeable and attentive staff can help guide you toward the thing you didn’t know you were looking for. Sometimes, that very thing is just the great conversation and interactions you have while visiting The Magic Moon.

Like many businesses, the pandemic became a hard time for everyone, and The Magic Moon strived to keep its doors and its heart open to the community it loved. “During the pandemic, I changed my home phone to that of the store so I could keep in touch with our customers –boy, did they need us!” recalled Veronica. She would drive to the store, sometimes multiple times a day, to give her customers curbside

sales for resources and supplies that only The Magic Moon could provide during those trying times.

Now, with those uncertain times in the rearview, we are faced with navigating a world that is new and different, but in many ways fa miliar. We all strive to find the joy and the magic in our lives and look for new and interesting things to keep us going. The Magic Moon was started by manifesting good inten tions to kick start a new chapter in the store owner Veronica’s life. The Magic Moon, through destiny, design, and a little bit of luck has become exactly what it set out to be. The greatest part of that is how it has become an in stitution in and of itself – helping people just like you to discover new journeys on the way to becoming something greater.

Another way to discover or rediscover yourself is to meet with a tarot reader. Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards, and readers will use these cards as tools for guidance and answers to questions one might ask. The Magic Moon has been providing a space for readers to help people seeking them out for over 15 years. The shop currently works with five skilled tarot readers who specialize in comforting, intuitive, and empowering read ings as well as focusing on numerology and spiritual counseling. While some of the tarot readers accept walk-ins, you can schedule appointments online or by calling the store.

30 years ago, a lot of what The Magic Moon has to offer today was looked on as taboo. Wiccan supplies, metaphysical literature, and incense and herbs were all once considered “New Age.” But today, many of the store’s offerings are widely accepted. Now, more than ever, peo ple of all generations are seeking out spiri tual fulfillment and self-exploration. All of

this allows The Magic Moon to continue doing what it does best – providing coveted resources and supplies in an inviting and magical space. “I cannot ever fathom this store not being here on Phila Street,” said Veronica. While a lot has changed in 30 years, some things do remain the same: you can still get breakfast at Compton’s, Dave Matthews Band will return to SPAC this summer, and the doors of The Magic Moon will beckon and invite you in.

The Magic Moon is located at 15-17 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs, New York. Open 7 days a week with seasonal hours. Contact the store directly at 518-583-2488 or email at themagicmoon518@gmail.com.

INSTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT>>

I Used to Love Food!

By Karen Richman

Remember food?

We don’t have it anymore. At least not the simple pleasure it used to be.

Not the food we had in the 50s and 60s. Matter of fact, now we have food historians who eschew the food of those decades, but to us, a chicken pot pie was heaven, even if it did come in a cardboard box from the freezer case.

There’s even a trend in America these days to make fun of this kind of food, but fact is, pot pies and other foods I’m about to recall were around in the 50s, and they’re still around. The pot pies and tater tots and grilled cheese sandwiches are still being embraced by the food-loving public and in many cases reinvented by today’s upscale restaurants. So they may have waned in popularity for a time, but like so many things, they’re back with a bang!

Chicken and turkey pot pies became two of the most popular pre-made meals during the heyday of frozen TV dinners lasting from the late 1940s

straight through the next decade. Names like Swanson, Morton, Marie Callender, and Stouffers were among the most popular brands, and many of them are still around. There was something wonderful about piercing your fork into that flaky crust blanketing chunks of turkey, chicken, peas, carrots, potatoes, and gravy and watching the steam arise from within. Surprisingly, the pot pie was not invented in the 40s and 50s but goes as far back as ancient Greek and Roman times around 500 BC when the Greeks had a meat pie called artocreas with a bottom crust but no top crust. The Romans later added the top crust, but it was Swanson in 1951 who created the first frozen pot pie here in America.

Frozen TV dinners were quick, easy, inexpensive, and appealed to families who could each choose what kind of meat, potato, vegetable, and dessert they wanted. As time went on, frozen dinners got larger in quantity because appetites were increasing and American waists were as well, hence Hungry Man Dinners.

Other popular dishes of those decades included meatloaf, popular then and still maybe the best way to stretch both a pound of hamburger and a budget for a large family. Meatballs have always been popular, but in the 50s it was Swedish meatballs that were all the rage at cocktail parties, as wedding hors d’oeuvres, and smothered in cream gravy and served over noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner. Tuna noodle casserole was something I wouldn’t touch, but millions of Americans had it on their dinner tables once a week, and it was the number

one item at church dinners and potlucks coast to coast. Dessert lovers clamored for pineapple upside-down cake, ambrosia, and Baked Alaska with its dramatic lighting of the meringue.

The post-World War II era signaled an increase in packaged ingredients and convenience foods and gave birth to tomato aspic, a gelatinbased side dish laced with tomato juice, onion, sugar, and spices, all set in a mold. When unmolded, it served as both a colorful centerpiece and a staple at ladies’ luncheons and other events. You cannot say “mold” without preceding it with the adjective “jello.” Was there ever a Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, family reunion, or cookout where that one rel ative always arrived with outstretched hands and a joyous, “I had to bring my special jello mold. Everyone always asks for it.” Not everyone, Aunt Harriett.

School lunch. Ah, that row of hairnets and white uniforms who doled out the hot lunches with an admonition to “Eat it all so you’ll grow big and strong.”That’s if you could eat it all! It was usually carb-heavy with powdered mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, some sort of mystery meat, and a green vegetable that had long ago faded into more of a gray vegetable.

Most of my friends and I brought lunch boxes, and almost to a person it was the same lunch: a sandwich of peanut butter and jelly or tuna fish or egg salad, chips, and a container of canned fruit cocktail swimming in sickening sweet syrup.

That was then. This is now. Now we hear about “pairing” foods, so one flavor will help to incorporate and elevate another. Vegetables are cooked al dente (I like that, a big step up from the mushy ones my Aunt Corinne served at holiday dinners because she was from Alabama and mushy veggies are a Southern thing). On menus you read about certain entrees with sauce that have a certain “reduction,” the thickening and intensifying of a flavor. We were always told as children to say, “perspire” not “sweat” because that was so “common,” yet now we “sweat” aromatic vegetables over low heat before adding other ingredients.

Menus have terms like “bespoke,” “artisanal,” “curated,” and “foraged” all designed to elevate your experience and usually the price as well. Spaghetti and macaroni long ago became “pasta,” and coffees are prepared by “baristas.”

Still, I long for those simple days and simple meals when families sat down together and enjoyed simple food “curated” with a side of love and warmth. Maybe there was too much sugar, sodium, and white flour, but you know what? We’re still here.

Delicious Ways to Stay Hydrated in Summer

Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being, yet many people struggle to consume an adequate amount of fluids throughout the day. While water is the best choice for hydration, it's understandable that sometimes plain water can be a bit boring. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and creative ways to increase your fluid intake while making your taste buds happy.

1. Infused Water: Infusing water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs adds flavor without any added sugars or calories. Try combinations like cucumber and mint, strawberry and basil, or lemon and ginger. Simply add your chosen ingredients to a pitcher of water and let it infuse in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

2. Smoothies: Smoothies are not only a convenient way to pack in nutri ents, but they're also an excellent source of hydration. Blend together your favorite fruits, vegetables, and a liquid base such as water, coconut water, or almond milk. For an extra hydrating boost, add some hydrating fruits like watermelon, strawberries, or oranges.

3. Cold Soups: Gazpacho, cucumber dill, and watermelon gazpacho are all refreshing options that provide hydration along with a burst of flavor. These chilled soups are perfect for hot summer days and can be made in advance for easy grab-and-go meals.

4. Coconut Water: Naturally sweet and packed with electrolytes, coconut water is an excellent hydrating beverage choice. Enjoy it on its own or use it as the base for smoothies and cocktails for an extra tropical twist.

5. Herbal Tea: While caffeinated beverages like coffee and black tea can contribute to dehydration, herbal teas are hydrating and offer a variety of flavors to suit your taste preferences. Try flavors like peppermint, chamomile, or hibiscus for a refreshing beverage option.

Watermelon = Summer. Barbecues, days at the lake and picnics in the park. Watermelon is thirst quenching and easy to transport on a day trip. Here’s one of my favorite recipes for summer:

Organic Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed organic watermelon

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh organic mint leaves, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced mint leaves.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to coat.

3. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Incorporating these tasty and hydrating options into your daily routine can help ensure that you're meeting your body's fluid needs while enjoying delicious and satisfying foods. Whether you prefer infused water, smooth ies, or cold soups, there's no shortage of creative ways to stay hydrated and healthy all year round.

FACES of Saratoga Organic Skin Studio, 55 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY triliftsaratoga.com

This refreshing watermelon salad is bursting with hydrating goodness and flavor. The juicy watermelon provides a hydrating base, while the tangy feta cheese adds a savory contrast. Fresh mint leaves and a zesty lime dressing tie everything together for a vibrant and delicious summer dish.

CULINARY DESTINATIONS: Hudson Valley part 1 - Rhinebeck

By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

The Hudson Valley region, south of Albany al lows us many exciting destinations within a 2-hour radius drive. A jewel of the Hudson Valley is the historic town of Rhinebeck. A mere hour drive south from Albany via the thruway, you can visit this quaint town with many historic ho tels, specialty shops and a wide variety of restaurants.

After taking the exit off the thruway, you will soon find yourself crossing the Rhinecliff Bridge over the wide majestic Hudson River. One can immediately imagine how the bridge and town featuring “Rhine” was named by European settlers who affectionately compared the beautiful

river to the original Rhine River which tran scends it waters throughout central Europe.

European settlement in the Rhinebeck area dates to 1686, when a group of Dutch crossed the river from Kingston and bought 2,200 acres from three members of the local Sepasco tribe. Henry Beekman attained a patent for the land and saw a need for development. In 1703, the New York colonial assembly approved money for the construction of the King's High way Highway.

A reminiscent of that period is the Wilderstein Mansion, a current historical site on the Hudson River. The expansive 40-acre grounds are open to the public to enjoy year-round.

Rhinebeck is home of the Dutchess County Fair and other special events; these fairgrounds began hosting the annual Dutchess County Fair back in 1919. Visiting the fair in August is one of the main reasons people visit this notable town and have discovered its charm. The fairground also hosts craft shows, antique shows, The Sheep & Wool Festival, and the popular Wine & Food fes tival. Being within the Hudson Valley Wine trail with wineries such as Rose Hill in Red hook and Milea Estates in Staatsburg, it

is no wonder that foodies flock to the Rhinebeck region to attend culinary festivals and wine events.

The idyllic tree-lined streets of Rhinebeck are plentiful with inimitable independent specialty shops offering attire, home furnishings, books, and gifts. The many diversified dining spots celebrate the Hudson Valley’s thriving farm-totable movement of inclusion of local farms and orchards products. Historic hotels such as Beek man Arms, spas and B&Bs offer relaxed lodgings for visitors engaging in a cultural hub of galleries, museums, performing arts, independent film, historic homes, and architecture.

Historic Wilderstein house

Recently I revisited Rhinebeck, after poignantly wit nessing and attending the prior day of the covid related shutdown of the newly opened Mirbeau Inn & Spa in the heart of downtown Rhinebeck a few years back. The experience back then was memorable in cluding the dining experience at Willow restaurant, which was overseen by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer at the time. A return visit was warranted, and soon I found myself on a quiet weekday entering the cobblestone parking lot of the Parisian style estate Mirbeauseeking a relaxing Spa experience and dinner once again at the adjoined Willow Restaurant.

Mirbeau is a perfect place to enjoy a more extended Spa experience. The locker rooms are equipped with Steam rooms and Sauna. The relaxation room is large, serene and boasts a fire place. Adjacent is a large outside deck with a pool with jacuzzi jets. After enjoying a couple hours here, including a signature massage, it was time to enjoy the culinary delights of Willow restaurant down the hall.

Willow at Mirbeau is open to the public seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Its menus draw inspiration from the cuisine found throughout bistros in France and is infused with the agricultural heritage of the Hudson Valley featuring produce from multi-generational farms, up-and-coming food artisans, and craft distillers. The kitchen according to

GM/owner Edward Kellogg, draws chefs, interns, and stu dents from the nearby prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park to preserve its high culinary standards.

The interior is inspired by the 1920s Paris scene, chic and re fined mixed with modern and contemporary styles, while the open-air back deck, features a forest of foreverwild Willow trees.

The menu is alike the interior-modern & contemporary encompassing local with French techniques. For appetizers we chose the Tuna Tartare with Squid Ink Tuille & Avocado which was very fresh and artfully plated. Upon recommendation we also ordered the Roasted Oysters with Pancetta Herb crust and Lemon cream - an excellent preparation in the roasted Oyster category, being flavorsome and not overcooked. Entrees proceeded with Herb brined Statler Chicken with petite organic Yams, Leek puree and jus naturel and a Miso Vegetable Risotto with Wild Mush rooms and Asparagus. I often make menu selections based on ac companying ingredients and these were well composed and executed with the proteins and base ingredient. From the fascinating beer list, we tried a St Bernardus Belgian Christmas Ale and Buffalo Brewing Com pany Hefeweizen - both unique and perfect pairings.

The Pastry Chef is hard at work here, judging from the delicious Short bread based Fruit Tart with whipped Cheesecake and the Chocolate Caramel Mousse Cake ingeniously layered with pretzel Shortbread and Peanut Butter Sauce.

Ensuing this sugar-high and a good Cappuccino, the drive home went smooth with restive thoughts on returning to Rhinebeck.

Berries & Cream French Toast

Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Willow outside dining

Statler Chicken Tuna tartare

Chocolate Peanut Cake

Roasted oysters

JUNE EVENTS

June 1 - July 28 Schenectady

June 1 Schenectady

2024 Schenectady Kids Arts Festival. The 30th annual Kids Arts Festival features 50 hands-on art activities and four hours of entertainment. There will be sculpting, singing, painting, performing, creating, and much more! Google Kids Arts Festival Schenectady to find out more about the activities and performers. Saturday, Jun 1, 2024 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Outside Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12305

Beary-Tale Forest: Sunae Artwork of Naoshi. Naoshi was born in Iwate, Japan, and currently lives and works in Los Angeles. She works with the medium of sand art known as Sunae in Japanese. Using brightly colored, shiny grains of sand, she visualizes a fantastical world of her own, imbued with a sense of nostalgia. Naoshi began her career as a Sunae artist in 2004 in Japan, and since 2007 she has exhibited her work in ternationally in the U.S.A, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, China, Korea, and Taiwan. For Naoshi, Sunae is a visual tool to express unique worldviews. In addition to creating her own artworks, Naoshi makes Sunae kits, which are available to the public, and runs workshops in the hope of sharing the joy of using this expressive art form. Take part in an In-person sunae workshop on Saturday, June 22! Original artwork is on exhibit, along with art prints and stickers and more through July 28. Bear an Bird Gallery, 160 Jay Street M • Schenectady, New York

June 1 - 16 Schuylerville

June 1 - 15 Glens Falls

Expressions 2024 Juried Art Exhibition. AWARDS Gold: $500, Silver: $350, Bronze: $250, Honorable Mention $100 - JUROR: SUSAN HOFFER. info: northcountryarts.org NCA Gallery #120 in the Shirt Factory 71 Lawrence St., Glens Falls, NY

The Laffer Gallery proudly presents “Beyond the Sur face,” a curated exploration of texture, depth, and narrative through the visionary works of Claire Sh erwood, Robert Gullie, and David Eddy. This exhibition is one that traverses the tactile, the surreal, and the emo tionally charged and focuses on what lies just be yond the surface of our daily lives. The Laffer Gallery, 96 Broad Street, Schuylerville, NY

June 13, 16, 21 - Saratoga Springs

Ky shona, American Roots. Thursday June 13, 7 p.m. Kyshona lends her voice and music to those who feel silenced, forgotten or alone. Her roots, rock, R&B, and folk originals have drawn praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, Billboard and CMT.

The Rachel Z Trio featuring Omar Hakim on drums & Jonathan Toscano on bass. Jazz. Sunday June 16, 7 p.m. Rachel Z is a keyboardist with a long his tory of award-winning performances in the worlds of jazz and rock.

The Black Feathers. American Roots. Friday June 21, 8 p.m. English husband -wife duo Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler weave the spirit of traditional UK folk with acoustic indie rock, reminding listeners of the era of Steeleye Span.

For the full June events schedule, please visit www.caffelena.org Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

June

18 -

August 3 Clifton Park

The Blooming Artist Gallery & Instruction presents Upstate Charm, the gallery's first juried art exhibition features the original works of all local artists. This exhibit is a visual representation of answers to “why:” why upstate NY is such a charming place, both to live & to visit. Discover for yourself a cornucopia of answers between June 18August 03. The Blooming Artist, 675 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065

June 20 - Saratoga Springs Pint 'N Print with Christian Wechgelaer. Come enjoy a fun evening where you can try out printmaking! This event is an informal activity where you will learn how to create a monotype. What is a monotype? Monotype creates unique one of a one-of-a-kind prints! Saratoga Arts will be supplying beverages, supported by Nine Pin and Walt Whitman Brewery, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Thursday, June 20th, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM. Must be 21+ to register. $32 member/$40 non-member. Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. 518.584.4132

June 6 - August 1 Albany

2024 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series. Don't miss the Alive at Five outdoor summer concert series this year at Jennings Landing in Albany! Showcasing a diverse lineup of big names, upand-coming acts and the region’s most talented original artists, Alive at Five offers eight weeks of free, critically-acclaimed performances catering to nearly every taste. Alive at Five will be held on Thursdays, 4:30pm-8:00pm, from June 6 - August 1 (excluding July 4). Jennings Landing, 1 Quay Street Albany, NY 12207

June 28 Glenville

Open Art Studio June! Open Art Studio is a dropin time that costs $28 per 1 hour session to paint one of our hundreds of designs on an 11” x 14” canvas. We will pre-sketch images on the canvas for you! You may choose other surfaces (wood, slate, tile, tote bags, door mats, or glass) or upgrade your canvas size for a small additional supply fee. We also welcome those with needs to attend any of our regular classes or Open Studio hours with an aid or family member. Friday, Jun 28, 2024, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio, 123 Saratoga Road, Socha Plaza Glenville, NY

June 29 Lake George

Sons of Mystro with Dj Venimis, Malcolm McNeish, & Umoja McNeish. Prepare to be electrified! The genrebending Sons of Mystro are bringing their high-octane live show to Lake George – you won’t want to miss it!

June 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The Lake George Arts Project, Old County Courthouse 1 Amherst Street, Lake George, New York (518) 668-2616