CAPITALCRL REGION LIVING
PEOPLE
BESTIE-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER MORGAN CAMPBELL MAKES FRIENDS—BOTH HUMAN AND CANINE—WHEREVER SHE GOES.
Thank you for voting us #1!
To everyone who voted us the best – thank you. The feeling is 100% mutual.
Egg-Stravaganza WONDERLAND BY
The Best Interactive Family Attraction in the Capital District
JOIN US BETWEEN MARCH 30 AND APRIL 8TH
The Wonderland team is excited to bring you New York’s only family-friendly, fully interactive Easter experience for the entire family to the Via Port Rotterdam. For just a short time you can join us and enjoy a wide variety of Easter and Spring themed activities including:
• Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Meet & Greet with Special Character Guests
• Balloon Artists
• Sand Art
• GIANT Easter Egg Hung
• Carnival Rides
• Face Painting
• Easter Treats & Concessions
• Special Easter Village Walkthrough
• Special Entertainment Nights Reserve tickets online today to visit the Easter-themed family-friendly attraction set at a magical Easter Bunny Village. You and your little ones will love to wander through the colorful light show as you visit the Easter Bunny’s home, hop on the various carnival rides spread throughout the attraction, enjoy some sweet treats, and make memories with a variety of special character guests at the Capital Region’s only indoor Easter event located in VIA Port Rotterdam at 93 West Campbell Road in Rotterdam, NY.
Tickets are $10 a person and children 2 and under are free. **Ride tickets, concessions, and other activities that are set up throughout the stroll are available for an additional fee. Ride tickets are available online for purchase. wonderlandtickets.com
From world-class heart surgery to specialized care for women and babies, St. Peter’s Hospital offers high-quality, compassionate care with a true commitment to treating the whole you … body, mind and spirit.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Senior Leadership and all of our colleagues, THANK YOU for selecting St. Peter’s Hospital as the Capital Region’s Best Hospital!
Schedule An Appointment Online www.sphp.com/booknow Find A Doctor www.sphp.com/find-a-doctor
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Abby Tegnelia CEO
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Will Levith
ART DIRECTOR Steve Teabout
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Natalie Moore CONTRIBUTORS
Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland
Francesco D’Amico, Samantha Decker
Jeff Dingler, Dori Fitzpatrick, Jim Gilbert
Christine Graf, John Gray, Audrey Knizek
Sandy Menzer, Chantal Mullens
Konrad Odhiambo, Nate Seitelman
Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER
Tara Buffa SALES MANAGER
PUBLISHER, SARATOGA LIVING Annette Q uarrier
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante
SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow
EVENTS/DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANT Anthony Jones
Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR
Abby Tegnelia PRESIDENT/CEO Tina Galante
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
VOLUME 20, NO.2
6 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
PHONE: 518.294.4390
FIND US ONLINE AT crlmag.com
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From The Editors
PEOPLE FIRST
Last year’s Bestie-winners at Bestiefest
Welcome to the first of our two 2023 Besties issues, in which we recognize the winners of a months-long, region-wide survey. This edition is dedicated to the local people and places that our most dedicated readers deemed the best of the best, whereas our summer issue will focus on the bars and restaurants Capital Regionites can’t stop talking about.
While we’ve been publishing the Besties for more than a decade, making them one of the longest-running regional awards, we thought this year was high time to give our people and places categories a facelift to better recognize the individuals that make this area such a wonderful place to live. Turn to page 22 to read about all the new categories we added this year and the winners of said categories.
Some other standout winners of the 2023 awards: photographer Morgan Campbell (page 16), Wintertime Wonderland (page 26), Choices Hair Studio and hairdresser Leeanne Shade (page 30), talk radio station WAMC (page 32), Cross Eyed Owl gift shop (page 34), Good Karma Studio (page 40) and Glampful, the area’s newest glamping destination (page 42). Congratulations to all of this year’s Bestie winners, and thank you to those who chose to support the Besties and CRL with the purchase of an ad in this issue. With your help, we can continue our mission to highlight the best of the best in the Capital Region for many years to come.
—The Editors
NEW NOW AND
Spring has sprung, and the Capital Region is in a frenzy of new beginnings, from our region’s first pickleball facility and a pair of new cafés—to the premiere of a an HBO show that was filmed right here in Albany.
BY ABBY TEGNELIA
SCANDAL AND INTRIGUE
Albany was abuzz with celeb-spotting during the summer of 2021, when A-listers Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux filmed HBO’s White House Plumbers near the State Capitol—turning back the town’s clock via vintage cars and extras wearing retro ‘70s attire. And now Capital Regionites can at last tune in to see the final product: The limited series premieres on HBO this March (strangely, at press time no specific date has been released). The heavily stylized five episodes (also featured: Kathleen Turner and Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey) cover our country’s most famous journalistic story of all time, Watergate. The catch? Forget Woodward and Bernstein; here, E. Howard Hunt (Harrelson) and G. Gordon Liddy (Theroux) take center stage as the political masterminds who take down the presidency they were supposed to protect.
NEW NOW AND
NOTHING BUNDT COOKIES
Nothing Bundt Cakes—which has locations in Albany and Clifton Park—has sweetened the deal when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth this spring. Available only until April 2, a new Cookies & Cream flavor features Oreo cookie pieces baked into a classic white cake and topped with the bakery’s signature cream cheese frosting. This limited edition flavor, available in all sizes of the coveted Bundt cakes, is available only while supplies last, so cookie monsters shouldn’t wait for the perfect occasion—“just because” just might have to do.
BOOKS AND BITES
COURT DATE
When pickleball fever first swept the country, there was no time to build new courts, leaving many players forced to play on tennis courts by lowering the net and taping off a smaller playing area. But now that indignity is no longer necessary—at least in the Capital Region. True Pickleball Club is set for an April opening, filling a 20,000-square-foot portion of what used to be the Latham K-Mart. The facility, which is the first one in the region dedicated to pickleball, features a pro shop and lounge in addition to the indoor courts, and is the brainchild of Jon Foshee of Concord Pools & Spas and Mike Bibbo of The Bibbo Group.
A new coffee bar and café, scheduled for an early March opening, is helping to make sure Schenectady stays caffeinated. And it’s throwing in curated floor-to-ceiling, cafélength shelving loaded with books to sweeten the deal—because who doesn’t love to read? From the owner of Puzzles Cafe, Novel Biblio Brew has re-imagined the space into a cafe serving a menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, flatbreads and baked goods. The newly-renovated spot now has a liquor license, too, in anticipation of adding local craft beer, cider, wine and specialty cocktail service. Novel will be open four days a week and even has a kids’ corner to keep the littles occupied while you wait for the caffeine to kick in and do its job.
THE SUITE LIFE
One of Upstate New York’s most luxe lakeside resorts just leveled up. Fans of The Cove at Sylvan Beach, an amenities-packed rental community that opened on Oneida Lake last year, can now stay in The Admiral’s Suite, a grand four-bedroom penthouse that boasts a restaurant-worthy kitchen, a 1,800-square-foot deck, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private gym and its own pontoon boat. From there, enjoy The Cove’s heated pool, playground with a zip line, and access to water bikes, kayaks, paddle boards and fishing gear. When it’s time to relax, head to the resort’s candy wall that’s made of 2,000 pounds of candy. After taking some snaps for the ’gram, dig into an enormous ice cream sundae or classic milkshake.
NEW NOW AND
JAZZED UP
March is Music in our Schools Month, and the Park Theater Foundation is launching a new Music & Technology Program this year in celebration. The initiative is the theater’s first education and community outreach program, focusing on middle and high school students in the Glens Falls Central School District. The music, band and orchestra students enrolled in the program will get to perform and attend workshops in collaboration with the guest jazz artists who are regularly featured in the Foundation’s “Third Thursday Jazz” series, as well as an audio-visual engineer and local artists. “This program,” says the foundation’s executive director, Chris Ristau, “is only the beginning.”
DONUT MIND IF WE DO
In a flash, the owner of the popular Birch Bark Eatery—which closed its doors in Glens Falls earlier this year—has opened a new vegan spot, this time on Lark Street in Albany. Named Bitchin’ Donuts, the bakery is first focusing on coffee and (yup) donuts, with plans to eventually expand the menu to include some of the breakfast items from the former Birch Bark. Owner Tania Sharlow moved fast, with her recent pre-spring opening promised just two weeks after her announcement. She knew her fans were hungry to try her newest vegan treats.
PICTURES WITH FRIENDS
BESTIE-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER MORGAN CAMPBELL—A RECENT CAPITAL REGION TRANSPLANT FROM ALABAMA— HAS USED HER PROFESSION TO BUILD A COMMUNITY HERE.
BY NATALIE MOORE
Morgan Campbell; (opposite) a collection of the photographer’s work
When it comes to photography, Morgan
Campbell’s favorite thing to shoot is the first thing she learned to shoot. “My mom was a professional photographer in Alabama,” she says. “So when I was in high school, she would have me assist her at weddings and I started doing every single wedding with her. I’ve been shooting since I was a sophomore in high school.”
Since those early high school days in the south, Campbell’s repertoire has expanded to include family and couple sessions (like the photobombed engagement session on the cover of this magazine), content branding photography for local businesses (such as Saratoga's Miss Scarlett Boutique and Kane’s Fine Wine & Spirits), and even editorial work (she shot Carson Kressley for the cover of saratoga living last summer). She moved to Saratoga in March 2020, and despite the poor timing pandemic-wise, emerged from Covid with a list of local clients, a job at Pure Barre and a social life. “My late husband worked for the Navy and they transferred us up here,” Campbell says.
“After he passed away I decided to stay because I had a ton of friends in the area and I loved my little job that I had.”
Campbell also loves Saratoga itself. “I always wanted to live in a walking town,” she says. “I was a huge Gilmore Girls fan growing up. This town is a mix of a city and a very walkable, Gilmore Girls-esque town. It’s so cute and, being a photographer, the whole town is just a wonderful backdrop to photograph.”
Campbell has certainly made a name for herself in Saratoga and the greater Capital Region for her photography skills—she describes her work as “not the most perfect, posed photo, but definitely one that’s interesting and makes you want to keep looking at it.” But it’s the connections she makes with her clients that earned her the coveted Bestie for Best Photographer; her effortless southern charm makes you feel like a longtime friend, even upon just meeting her. “People welcome me into their home and I get to see a different side of them,” she says. “I make all kinds of friends and get to meet all kinds of people.”
First, let me thank you for inviting us into your home.
My name is Julie Bonacio, Broker/Owner of Julie & Co Realty.
First, let me thank you for inviting us into your home.
Having been in the real estate world for over 20 years, as an agent, and a developer and builder of commercial and residential properties, it was only a natural progression to establish our own real estate brokerage arm of the company.
My name is Julie Bonacio, Broker/Owner of Julie & Co. Realty, LLC. Having been in the real estate industry for over 20 years, it was only a natural progression to establish my own real estate brokerage.
We are a small boutique office and we specialize in residential resale, new construction, commercial and residential leasing.
Julie & Co. Realty is a boutique office specializing in residential resale, new construction, commercial, and residential leasing.
When I look at our company, I see the best group of professionals in the business. I see individuals who are not content to rely on past accomplishments, but strive to find innovative ways to create value and provide the highest level of service to our clients, BY ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
When I look at my company, I see the best group of professionals in the business. I see individuals who are not content to rely on past accomplishments but aim to find innovative ways to create value and the highest level of service to our clients with careful attention to detail.
I am deeply grateful for all of our clients at Julie & Co. Realty that made 2022 such a successful year, and for being voted the #1 Real Estate Professional in the Capital Region!
We will constantly strive, not to be the biggest, but the premier boutique real estate company in the local area. We want to earn your trust and give you a great experience that you will pass on to family and friends.
We will constantly strive, not to be the biggest, but to be the premiere real estate company in our area. We want to earn your trust, and give you a great experience that you will pass on to family and friends.
Julie A. Bonacio
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
PEOPLE PLACES AND Besties
CULTURE
ART GALLERY
CLARK ART INSTITUTE (TIE)
225 South Street, Williamstown, MA (413) 458-2303 clarkart.edu
THE HYDE COLLECTION (TIE)
161 Warren Street, Glens Falls (518) 792-1761 hydecollection.org
Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478 albanyinstitute.org
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA
69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-5540 cmssny.org
miSci
15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady (518) 382-7890 misci.org
World Awareness Children’s Museum
89 Warren Street, Glens Falls (518) 793-2773 worldchildrensmuseum.org
CONCERT VENUE
SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9330 spac.org
The Egg Empire State Plaza, Albany (518) 473-1061 theegg.org
MVP Arena
51 South Pearl Street, Albany (518) 487-2000 mvparena.com
COUNTY FAIR
ALTAMONT FAIR
New York 146 & Arlington Street, Guilderland (518) 861-6671 altamontfair.com
Columbia County Fair
182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham (518) 392-2121
columbiafair.com
Schaghticoke Fair (tie)
69 Stillwater Bridge Road, Schaghticoke (518) 753-4411
schaghticokefair.org
Washington County Fair (tie)
392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich (518) 692-2464
washingtoncountyfair.com
MUSEUM
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
222 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 474-5877
nysm.nysed.gov
Albany Institute of History & Art
125 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4478
albanyinstitute.org
miSci
15 Museum Drive, Schenectady (518) 382-7890 misci.org
OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE
SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9330 spac.org
PS21: Performance Spaces for 21st Century 2980 Route 66, Chatham (518) 392-6121
ps21chatham.org
The Greens at Copake Country Club 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
SEASONAL EVENT
SARATOGA RACING SEASON
267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (718) 641-4700 nyra.com
Troy Victorian Stroll Downtown Troy (518) 274-7020 victorianstroll.com
Saratoga Chowder Fest (tie) Downtown Saratoga (518) 584-1531 discoversaratoga.org
Wintertime Wonderland (tie) 93 West Campbell Road, Rotterdam (518) 901-4321 wintertimewonderland.com
SERVICES
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands (518) 456-0852 theanimalhospital.com
Delmar Animal Hospital (tie) 910 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9361 delmaranimalhospital.com
Sand Creek Animal Hospital (tie) 130 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 446-9171 sandcreekanimalhospital.com
Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital 498 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer (518) 283-2700 bloomingrove.vetstreet.com
APPLIANCE STORE
MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 952-7700 560 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 381-1957 marcellasappliance.com
Earl B. Feiden Appliance Multiple Locations earlbfeiden.com
Cocca’s Appliance 158 Railroad Avenue, Albany (518) 453-6100 coccasappliancestv.com
ARCHITECTURE FIRM
BALZER AND TUCK ARCHITECTURE 468 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 580-8818
balzertuck.com
New Kids on the Block
CAPITAL REGION LIVING’s mission is to celebrate our region’s communities—Besties season, and beyond. Since the best way to do that is to shine a spotlight on the people making the magic happen, we added a bunch of new Besties categories this year, with a focus on “People” in this “People and Places” issue.
The Capital Region’s creative communities enjoyed the limelight a bit, with new Artist, Author and Band categories. Channel 10’s John Gray added our first-ever Author Bestie to his collection—the journalist also regularly wins awards for Evening Anchor and Print Journalist—for his popular novels that include Manchester Christmas and Chasing Manhattan, and children’s books such as God Needed a Puppy. The beautiful harmonies of Albany’s Triskele, an all-female Celtic group, nabbed our first-ever Band Bestie, and both the first and second place Artist celebrated the art of face painting: Premo Designs and iCandy. (The esteemed Dahl Taylor picked up third.)
Some other categories were inspired by the pandemic, which really shined a light on local heroes who work hard to help others. Saratoga’s Lisa Mitzen, who tirelessly gives back to organizations such as Shelters of Saratoga and started Business for Good to help local businesses and charities, took home the first-ever Community Advocate Bestie. And Educator went to Lauren Werking, the school psychologist for the CairoDurham Central School District.
Another way we honored the people who make our communities tick was to acknowledge the people behind some of the Bestie-winning businesses. Leeanne Shade picked up the first Beauty Professional win to add to her Bestie collection for her Delmar salon, Choices Hair Studio. And new kids on the block Bocage Champagne Bar picked up an impressive Bestie haul that includes Best Wine Selection, so it made sense that they also scooped up a win in the Bartenders category.
CSArch
40 Beaver Street, Albany (518) 463-8068
csarchpc.com
Conklin Architecture
3 Fyke Road, Catskill (518) 943-4220
conklinarchitecture.com
AUTO SERVICE
LIA AUTO GROUP
Multiple Locations (855) 212-7985 liacars.com
Bethlehem Auto Service
62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont (518) 426-8414 bethlehemautoservice.com
Goldstein Auto Group Multiple Locations goldsteinauto.com
BANK
TRUSTCO BANK
Multiple Locations trustcobank.com
Pioneer Bank Multiple Locations pioneerny.com
Bank of Greene County Multiple Locations thebankofgreenecounty.com
BARBERSHOP
GREGORY’S BARBERSHOP
316 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3525
5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 371-7400
gregorysbarbershop.com
Jordan’s Barbershop
49 Main Street, Ravena (518) 756-2480 jordansbarbershop.com
Joe’s Barber Shop
337 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 852-0714
Joe’s Barber Shop on Facebook
BARTENDERS
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR 10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115 bocagechampagnebar.com
The Greens at Copake Country Club 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL/ HAIRDRESSER
LEEANNE SHADE (CHOICES HAIR STUDIO)
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619 choiceshairstudio.com
Jennifer Karius (Classic Trends)
257 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 410-9739 @auggyrocks on Instagram
Shelley Hutchinson (Shelley’s Salon & Day Spa)
2 Greenbush Avenue, East Greenbush (518) 479-1500 shelleysalon.com
CATERER
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
West Avenue Pizzeria
99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-3788 westavenuepizzeria.com
Old Daley Custom Catering 2 Northern Drive, Troy (518) 235-2656 olddaley.com
CHEF
MARC YANNI (YANNI’S TOO) 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
Marty Gerrity (The Greens at Copake Country Club) 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
Kareem Najame (Tatu Tacos & Tequila) 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028 tatuny.com
Triskele
CHIROPRACTOR
DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7644
delmarchiropractic.com
Enlighten Chiropractic
2 Tower Place, Albany (518) 313-6470
enlightenalbany.com
Shannon Chiropractic Wellness LLC
397 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-1916
shannonchiropractic.com
CREDIT UNION
BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations broadviewfcu.com
Sunmark Credit Union
Multiple Locations (866) SUNMARK sunmark.org
First New York Credit Union
Multiple Locations firstnewyork.org
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CAPITAL REGION MEDICARE SPECIALISTS
728 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 929-1506
capitalregionmedicarespecialists.com
Bocage Champagne Bar
10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115 bocagechampagnebar.com
Choices Hair Studio
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619 choiceshairstudio.com
DAY SPA
COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 595-4845
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 309-7107 complexions.com
Tuscan Sun at Kimberley’s 982 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-5868
kimberleysadayspa.com
Spa Mirbeau
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (518) 647-2328
spamirbeau.com
DENTIST
ZAPPIA AND FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY
1 Pine West Plaza, Albany (518) 869-1138
zappiafryer.com
Albany Dental Team
822 New Scotland Avenue, Albany (518) 482-6936
264 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 434-3151
albanydentalteam.com
Maestro Dental Wellness
225 Great Oaks Boulevard, Albany (518) 218-0713
maestrodentalwellness.com
DRY CLEANERS
BEST CLEANERS
Multiple Locations bestcleanersny.com
Stena Dry Cleaning
451 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 459-5944
Handy Dandy Dry Cleaners (tie)
240 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4444
Rainbow Cleaners (tie) 10 Ford Avenue, Troy (518) 274-0981
troyrainbowcleaners.com
EVENT PLANNER
KYLEIGH ZENGEN
The Greens at Copake Country Club
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019
thegreensatcopake.com
Katie O’ Weddings and Events (518) 275-6813
katieoevents.com
Christine Wheat Special Events
480 Broadway Suite 336, Saratoga Springs (518) 928-3968
cweventsfirm.com
FACIAL
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619 choiceshairstudio.com
Breathe Massage Therapy
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar (518) 521-7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 595-4845
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 309-7107 complexions.com
FITNESS CENTER
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
Vent Fitness Multiple Locations ventfitness.com
Capital District YMCA
Multiple Locations cdymca.org
FLORIST
THE ENCHANTED FLORIST
54 Columbia Street, Albany (518) 813-4990 enchantedfloristalbany.net
Chatham Flowers and Gifts
2117 Route 203, Chatham (855) 299-0342 chathamflowersandgifts.com
Flowers by Pesha
501 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1980 flowersbypesha.net
FURNITURE STORE
OLD BRICK FURNITURE
33-37 Warehouse Row, Albany (518) 213-2686 2910 Campbell Road, Schenectady (518) 213-3194 oldbrickfurniture.com
Mooradians Furniture
800 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 489-2529
1758A Route 9 Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park (518) 694-8452 mooradians.com
Furniture Plus
329 Fairview Avenue, Hudson (518) 828-3683 furnitureplushudson.com
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
DR. LAURA PICA, MD
St. Peter’s Internal Medicine 1240 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 475-9235 sphp.com
Dr. Jill Braverman-Panza, MD Braverman-Panza Internal Medicine 1375 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 482-0007 sphp.com
Pamela J. Reamer, FNP-C St. Peter’s Internal Medicine 582 New Loudon Road, Newtonville (518) 783-0072 sphp.com
HAIR SALON
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4619 choiceshairstudio.com
Blush & Co. Hair and Beauty
211 Old Loudon Road, Latham (518) 608-1481
Blush & Co. on Facebook
The Shop 815 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 817-7195 theshopon7.com
HEALTH CARE/ HMO
CDPHP
500 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Albany (518) 641-3140 cdphp.com
MVP Health Care
625 State Street, Schenectady (518) 370-4793 mvphealthcare.com
Dog & Cat Grooming
Daycare Enrichment
Offering enhanced interactions and activities, such as games and agility exercises, to stimulate their mind and exercise their bodies.
A Change of Seasons
Wintertime Wonderland’s thirdplace Bestie finish is incredibly impressive, given the magnitude of the seasonal events it was up against—the immersive Christmastime experience, located at VIA Port Rotterdam, was beat out only by the 160-year-old Saratoga racing meet and Troy’s 40year-old Victorian Stroll. Wintertime Wonderland on the other hand? The festive favorite—which tied for third place with Saratoga Chowderfest— has been around for only two holiday seasons. And parents, perk up: Organizers are already gearing up to open something new this spring.
“Wintertime Wonderland is the largest indoor Christmas event in the Capital Region,” says Morgan Gatus of Luizzi Asphalt Services, which sponsors the event. “With more than 65,000 square feet of indoor space, families from all over find themselves gliding through a frosty ice maze, parading past Santa’s village, wandering down Candy Cane Alley and helping stop the Grinch from stealing Christmas.”
This year, organizers are looking to expand on the event’s early success by bringing the Wonderland concept to a new holiday: Easter. “We have Egg-stravaganza by Wonderland coming this March 30 to April 8,” Gatus says. What’s in store for the interactive springtime experience? New rides and games; pictures with the Easter Bunny, SpongeBob SquarePants, the Cat in the Hat, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and other characters; an Easter egg hunt with 50,000 eggs; and special events throughout the Easter season including a celebration of National Crayon Day, Pillow Fight Day and Peanut Butter & Jelly Day. wonderlandtickets.com
United Health Group
920 Albany Shaker Road, Latham (800) 328-5979
unitedhealthgroup.com
HEATING & COOLING
CRISAFULLI BROTHERS PLUMBING AND HEATING
25 Industrial Park Road, Albany (518) 302-2947 crisbro.com
Family Danz Heating & Cooling
404 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 203-5035 familydanz.com
Roland J. Down
13 Airport Road, Scotia (518) 417-2938 rolandjdown.com
HOME BUILDER
AMEDORE HOMES
1900 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-1010 amedorehomes.com
Hanifin Home Builders (tie) 420 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9033 hanifinbuilders.com
Bonacio Construction, Inc. (tie) 18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9007 bonacio.com
Marini Homes
624 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 869-1200 marinihomes.com
HOME HEALTHCARE
WESLEY SENIOR SOLUTIONS 396 Louden Road, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-1200 thewesleycommunity.org
Visiting Nurse Association of Albany 35 Colvin Avenue, Albany (518) 489-2681 vnaalbany.org
Marquis Certified Home Care
1762 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 216-0100 marquishc.com
HOSPITAL
ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL
315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany (518) 525-1550 sphp.com
Albany Medical Center
43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany (518) 262-3125 amc.edu
Saratoga Hospital
211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-3222 saratogahospital.org
INSURANCE AGENCY
SEFCU INSURANCE AGENCY
469 State Street, Schenectady (518) 786-9905 sefcuinsuranceagency.com
Kneller Insurance Multiple Locations knellerins.com
Capital Region Medicare Specialists
728 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 929-1506
capitalregionmedicarespecialists.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER
SENSORY SIX
8 Butler Place, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-1099 sensorysix.com
Debut Property Staging (518) 313-0975 debutpropertystaging.com
E. Tanny Design (518) 821-8708 etannydesign.com
LANDSCAPER
FADDEGON’S LANDSCAPING 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-6726 faddegonslandscape.com
Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping 1277 Route 9W, Selkirk (518) 635-4111 sevenzocks.com
Troy’s Landscape Supply 1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-1526 troyslandscapesupply.com
Egg-stravaganza by Wonderland
LAW FIRM
O’CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ
54 State Street, Albany (518) 462-5601 oalaw.com
Harding Mazzotti 1 Wall Street, Albany (800) 529-1010 1800law1010.com
The Granich Law Firm, PLLC 21 Colvin Avenue, Albany (518) 862-7181 granichlawfirm.com
MANI/PEDI
VENUS NAIL SPA
52 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 326-9594 Venus Nail Spa on Facebook
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 595-4845
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 309-7107 complexions.com
Lavender Nail & Spa
222 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 626-8718
MARINA
COEYMANS LANDING MARINA
20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-6111 coeymanslandingmarina.com
Boats by George 291 Cleverdale Road, Cleverdale (518) 793-5452 boatsbygeorge.com
Lakeside Tavern & Marina
306 Woods Hollow Road, Gloversville (518) 883-5253 lanzislakesidetavern.com
MASSAGE
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar (518) 521-7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness
221 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 595-4845
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 309-7107 complexions.com
Laberge Massage Therapy
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 577-5488 labergemassagetherapy.com
MEDICAL SPA
LUCIE CAPEK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA 1003 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 765-8405 capekplasticsurgery.com
Artistry of Face 475 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 603-4544 artistryofface.com
Hebe Medical Spa 601 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 608-5545 thehebespa.com
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
CAPITAL CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES Multiple Locations capitalcardiology.com
The Bone & Joint Center Multiple Locations theboneandjointcenter.com
Albany ENT & Allergy Services (tie) 123 Everett Road, Albany (518) 701-2085 1785 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 701-2075 albanyentandallergy.com
Saratoga Schenectady Gastroenterology Associates (tie) Multiple Locations ssgastro.com
PAVING/SEALCOATING
LUIZZI ASPHALT SERVICES 70 Tivoli Street, Albany (518) 459-7325 luizziasphalt.com
L. Browe Asphalt Services East Greenbush (518) 479-1400 broweasphalt.com
Smith’s Paving and Sealcoating 3485 River Road, Rensselaer (518) 266-9526 smithspaving.com
PEDIATRICIAN
SCHOOLHOUSE PEDIATRICS
Multiple Locations (518) 456-1211 schoolhousepeds.com
Giombetti & Brady Pediatrics
208 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5611 giombettiandbradypediatrics.com
Shaker Pediatrics 10 Century Hill Drive, Latham (518) 783-5563 shakerpediatrics.com
PERSONAL TRAINER
JESSICA LUBIN GOOD KARMA STUDIO 12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
Chris Wertman Legacy Fitness Club 3637 Carmen Road, Schenectady (518) 817-5182 legacyfitnessclub-ny.com
Donna Topolski Girl Fight Fitness 126 Saratoga Road, Glenville 959 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 321-3524 girlfightfit.com
PET SERVICES
PET SPAS & SUITES 1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Colonie (518) 783-5506 petspasandsuites.com
Scallywags Dog Salon 881 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-5117 Scallywags Dog Salon on Facebook
Shawna’s Dogs 64 Hannay Lane, Glenmont (518) 417-3930 shawnasdogs.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
MORGAN CAMPBELL PHOTO @morgancampbellphoto on Instagram
Elario Photography elariophotography.com
BEST DAY SPA BEST DAY SPA
First Choice
Not only has Choices Hair Studio won Best Hair Salon for six years running, but the charismatic owner, Leeanne Shade, also pulled in a win in one of our new categories, Best Beauty Professional. It’s no secret why customers love their regular trips into the Delmar salon for their cuts, color and hair styling. “We are very conscious of making everyone feel welcome to our salon and that it does not feel pretentious,” Shade says. “Our guests come from diverse backgrounds, so I make sure our staff does, too. This helps to find commonalities amongst them, which helps make those connections.” Shade opened Choices in June 1993, after the salon she was managing left its franchise, and hasn’t looked back.
“The expectation of owning a salon,” she says, “has more than exceeded what I thought it would be.”
Shade works hard to stay on top of beauty trends and latest techniques.
“We specialize in hair color, but we have a number of stylists who also are amazing at cutting, styling (including bridal/prom work), and texture/smoothing services. We also have a great aesthetician who offers a variety of skin services. I’ve always believed in offering quality products and services that the majority of guests will find affordable when comparing to similar salons.”
A certified Master Colorist since 2006, Shade has also been an educator who travels the country, always bringing home everything she learns along the way. “I love being able to connect with people and offer them looks that work for their expectations,” she says. “In the end, it boils down to learning about who they are, which is a pretty amazing perk to have in your workday.”
The Content Agency (tie) 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs thecontentagencyinc.com
Konrad Odhiambo Photography (tie) (518) 331-4771 konradodhiambo.com
PILATES STUDIO
FREE MOVEMENT PILATES
5 Becker Terrace, Delmar (518) 275-2644 freemovementpilates.com
Core Pilates
4 Palisades Drive, Albany (518) 727-0271 corepilatesalbany.com
Studio 4 Hot Yoga & Pilates 151 Lafayette Street, Schenectady studio4hotyoga.com
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
JULIE BONACIO
Julie & Co.
18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 350-SOLD juliecorealty.com
Cindy McMahon
Hunt Real Estate
263 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 496-1299 gotcindy.com
TREE SERVICE
MARK’S TREE SERVICE (518) 489-1196 (Albany) (518) 861-8566 (Voorheesville) markstrees.com
Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping 1277 Route 9W, Selkirk (518) 635-4111 sevenzocks.com
Davey Tree
1 Runway Avenue, Latham (866) 207-2031 davey.com
WAITSTAFF
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
Illusive Restaurant and Bar
3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602 illusives.com
Tatu Tacos and Tequila 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028 tatuny.com
YOGA STUDIO
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way, Albany (518) 512-9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
The Hot Yoga Spot Multiple Locations thehotyogaspot.com
Jai Yoga School 5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands (518) 496-8382 jaiyogaschool.com
SHOPPING
APPLE ORCHARD
INDIAN LADDER FARMS 342 Altamont Road, Altamont (518) 765-2956 indianladderfarms.com
Golden Harvest Farms 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683 goldenharvestfarms.com
Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook (518) 758-7224 samascott.com
BIKE SHOP
MAD DOG BICYCLES 561 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3669 maddogbicycles.com
Steiner’s Sports Multiple Locations steinersskibike.com
Downtube Bicycle Works 466 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 434-1711 downtubebicycleworks.com
Leeanne Shade
(from top) The WAMC team; WAMC president and CEO Alan Chartock
Somethin’ to Talk About
WAMC, this year’s Bestie winner for Best News Radio, is no stranger to awards. Over the last 65 years (yes— the station was first established by Albany Medical College all the way back in 1958, though it wouldn’t be chartered as a public radio station until 1970) the station has garnered honors for a feature story about an Auschwitz survivor, its coverage of fans returning to Saratoga Race Course after Covid, an oral history of the Capitol siege, and many more. A member of National Public Radio and an affiliate of Public Radio International, WAMC serves parts of seven states from its headquarters in Albany and 29 locations throughout the region. Perhaps its best known program is “The Roundtable,” an award-winning (we told you this wasn’t WAMC’s first moment in the spotlight!) talk program that has hosted many big names including Kurt Vonnegut, Maya Angelou, Jimmy Carter, Steve Martin, Stephen King and Lin-Manuel Miranda since its launch in 2001. But perhaps WAMC’s biggest claim to fame has been its ability to modernize in an era when people are simply listening to radio less. The brand presents an impressive array of podcasts, has been recognized for its digital media presence, and in 2002 opened the doors to The Linda, WAMC’s performing arts studio. For those reasons and more, CRL readers hailed WAMC this year’s Bestie winner—now that’s something to talk about.
BOOKSTORE
I LOVE BOOKS
380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 478-0715 ilovebooksdelmar.com
Market Block Books
290 River Street, Troy (518) 328-0045 bhny.com
Northshire Bookstore
424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-4200 northshire.com
BRIDAL SHOP
A LOVE STORY BY ANGELA’S BRIDAL
112 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 869-1848 alovestorybridal.com
Lily Saratoga
6 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-5017 lilysaratoga.com
DeAnna’s Boutique
3991 Route 43, West Sand Lake (518) 283-6252 deannasgiftsandclothing.com
CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP
HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2667 honestweight.coop
Niskayuna Co-op
2227 Nott Street, Niskayuna (518) 374-1362 niskayunaco-op.com
Chatham Co-op 15 Church Street, Chatham (518) 392-3353 chatham.coop
CAR DEALER
KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY
1111 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (888) 600-3013 keeler.com
Lia Auto Group
Multiple Locations (855) 212-7985 liacars.com
Mohawk Honda
175 Freemans Bridge Road, Schenectady (518) 243-1003 mohawkhonda.com
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
TRULY RHE
1 Broadway, Troy (518) 273-1540 trulyrhe.com
Caroline and Main
438 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-7350 carolineandmain.com
Violet’s of Saratoga
494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4838 violetsofsaratoga.com
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
WORTH REPEATING
123 Saratoga Road, Glenville (518) 384-0946 worthrepeating123.com
The Closet Shop
337 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5722 theclosetshopdelmar.com
Something Olde, Something New 1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 474-0663 somethingoldenew.com
FARMERS’ MARKET
TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET
Monument Square, Troy (April-October) 865 2nd Avenue, Troy (November-March) (518) 708-4216 troymarket.org
Delmar Farmers’ Market 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar delmarmarket.com
Schenectady Greenmarket 105 Jay Street - City Hall, Schenectady (May-October)
432 State Street - Proctors, Schenectady (November-April) schenectadygreenmarket.com
GARDEN NURSERY
FADDEGON’S NURSERY 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-6726 faddegons.com
Cross Eyed Owl’s Big Birthday
Patti Varga, owner of Cross Eyed Owl in Valatie, never set out to own a gift shop. “I was selling things I made in other craft co-op stores, and it just all fell into place,” the Kinderhook resident says. Now, three decades later, Varga isn’t just celebrating her shop’s 30th anniversary—she’s celebrating her 13th consecutive Bestie win in the Gift Shop category. Why do CRL readers keep naming Cross Eyed Owl the best of the best? Well, gift-givers can find pretty much anything in the store’s aisles that are chock-full of greeting cards, garden décor, mugs, picture frames, stuffed animals, tea towels, wreaths, jewelry, purses, candles and all sorts of other trinkets and tchotchkes. They also find Varga’s smiling face, both in-store and online, where during Covid she took to posting Facebook Live videos promoting new products and has never looked back.
“In the last 30 years, I’ve learned that time flies by way too fast, especially if you’re doing something you love,” says Varga, who describes her store as her happy place. “When it stops being fun, and I no longer feel like what I do makes a difference, it will be time to retire!”
Hewitt’s Garden Center Multiple Locations hewitts.com
Troy’s Landscape Supply
1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-1526 troyslandscapesupply.com
GIFT SHOP
CROSS EYED OWL
3143 US Highway 9 #8, Valatie (518) 758-6755 crosseyedowl.com
Tailgate and Party
33 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-9015 tailgateandparty.com
5th Corner Goods and Gifts
395 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 5thcornergoods.com
HARDWARE STORE
ROBINSON’S ACE HARDWARE
1874 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 456-7383
1900 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 475-9483 robinsonshardware.com
Hatchet Hardware
Multiple Locations hatchethardware.com
Phillip’s Hardware
6495 Route 158, Altamont (518) 861-5364
235 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9943 shopphillips.com
HEALTH FOOD STORE
HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany (518) 482-2667 honestweight.coop
Four Seasons Natural Foods
120 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4670 fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com
Kaaterskill Farm Natural Storehouse
3 Boulevard Avenue, Catskill (518) 943-1919
173 Healy Boulevard, Hudson (518) 822-0790
Kaaterskill Farm Natural Storehouse on Facebook
JEWELER
JOYELLES JEWELERS
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-9993 joyellesjewelers.com
Hannoush Jewelers
112 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 715-8759
1750 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 616-9806 hannoushny.com
Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers 1675 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 464-9636 druesanders.com
LIQUOR/WINE STORE
EMPIRE WINE
1440 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 694-8503 empirewine.com
Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse
9 Halfmoon Crossing, Clifton Park (518) 688-0153
exit9wineandliquor.com
All Star Wine & Spirits 579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 220-9463 allstarwine.com
MENSWEAR
MARK THOMAS MEN’S APPAREL
5 Metro Park Road, Albany (518) 438-7887
385 Broadway Suite 2, Saratoga Springs (518) 871-1293
markthomasmensapparel.com
Union Hall Supply Company 437 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-7025
unionhallsupplyco.com
Amore Clothing 595 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-4184 amoreclothing.com
MUSIC STORE
THE RIVER STREET BEAT SHOP
197 River Street, Troy (518) 272-0433
recordstoreday.com
John Keal Music 819 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 482-4405
Springtime gifts from Cross Eyed Owl
1758 Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park (518) 371-4455
johnkealmusic.com
Parkway Music
1777 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 383-0300
parkwaymusic.com
OPTICAL CENTER
BRASS EYE CENTER
1783 Route 9 #106, Clifton Park 713 Troy Schenectady Road # 135, Latham (518) 782-7827 brasseyecenter.com
Buenau’s Opticians
228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7012 buenaus.com
Hughes Opticians
411 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4971 hughesopticians.com
PET STORE
BENSON’S PET CENTER
Multiple Locations bensonspet.com
Healthy Pet Center Multiple Locations healthypetcenters.com
SHOPPING MALL/CENTER
COLONIE CENTER
131 Colonie Center, Albany (518) 252-0215 shopatcoloniecenter.com
Crossgates Mall
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (518) 869-3522 shopcrossgates.com
Stuyvesant Plaza
1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 482-8986 stuyvesantplaza.com
SPORTING GOODS STORE
STEINER’S SPORTS
Multiple Locations steinersskibike.com
Zero Tolerance Manufacturing
1131 New York 9H, Ghent (518) 938-1335
Zero Tolerance Mfg on Facebook
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company
490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-3500
mountainmanoutdoors.com
SUPERMARKET
HANNAFORD
Multiple Locations hannaford.com
Price Chopper/Market 32
Multiple Locations pricechopper.com
ShopRite
Multiple Locations shoprite.com
TIRE STORE
GRAND PREMIER TIRES & CUSTOM WHEELS
591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-4753
3361 South Thompson, Schenectady (518) 630-5055 grandpremieretire.com
Adirondack Tire
Multiple Locations adirondacktire.com
LaBarge’s Tire and Auto Service
52 Route 9W, Glenmont (518) 436-8473 labargestireautocenter.com
TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA TRAVEL
Multiple Locations hudsonvalley.aaa.com
Plaza Travel
623 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3338 plazatravel.net
All Aboard Travel
396 Route 23B, Hudson (518) 943-6500
All Aboard Travel, Inc on Facebook
PEOPLE & MEDIA
ARTIST
PREMO DESIGNS FACE PAINT (518) 952-1328 facepaint518.com
iCandy Face Painting icandydesignsfacepainting.com
Dahl Taylor 915 Broadway, Albany (518) 432-0645 dahltaylorart.com
AUTHOR JOHN GRAY johngraywriter.com
Marilyn A. Pittelli nogoandtell.com
Patricia Crandall patriciacrandall.com
AFTERNOON ANCHOR
CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC
Julia Dunn, CBS 6
Faith King, NewsChannel 13
BAND
TRISKELE triskelemusic.com
Glass Pony glassponyband.com
Mike and the Monsters (tie) mikeandthemonsters.com
The Lawn Sausages (tie) The Lawn Sausages on Facebook
COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM
SIENA BASKETBALL sienasaints.com
The University at Albany Basketball ualbanysports.com
RPI Hockey (tie) rpiathletics.com
Union Hockey (tie) unionathletics.com
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
LISA MITZEN (BUSINESS FOR GOOD)
Mark Emanation (Capital District Area Labor Federation et al.)
Brittany Tibbits (Elle Potential)
EDUCATOR
LAUREN WERKING
Cairo-Durham Schools
Tamara Thorpe-Odom Shenendehowa Schools
Ryan Carpenter Hudson Falls Schools
EVENING ANCHOR
JOHN GRAY, NEWS10 ABC
Lydia Kulbida, NEWS10 ABC
Subrina Dhammi, NewsChannel 13
EVENING TEAM
NEWSCHANNEL 13 TEAM
NEWS10 ABC Team
CBS 6 Team
MORNING ANCHOR
CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC
Stephanie Rivas, NEWS10 ABC
Julia Dunn, CBS 6
MORNING TEAM
NEWS10 ABC TEAM
NewsChannel 13 Team
Spectrum News Team
METEOROLOGIST
STEVE CAPORIZZO, NEWS10 ABC
Paul Caiano, NewsChannel 13
Steve LaPointe, CBS 6
MUSIC RADIO
WGNA 107.7 wgna.com
The CAT 100.9 1009thecat.com
K-Love 94.5
NEWS RADIO
WAMC wamc.org
WGY wgy.iheart.com
TALK 1300 talk1300.com
LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
SEAN AND ANDREA (THE CAT 100.9) 1009thecat.com
Brian and Chrissy (WGNA 107.7) wgna.com
Joe Donahue (WAMC 90.3/1400) (tie) wamc.org
Paul Vandenburgh (TALK 1300) (tie) talk1300.com
LOCAL PRINT JOURNALIST
JOHN GRAY Capital Region Living
Paul Grondahl Albany Times Union
Rob Smittix NYS Music
SPORTSCASTER
RODGER WYLAND, NEWSCHANNEL 13
Lexi Swatt, NewsChannel 13
PLACES
ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME
KINGSWAY COMMUNITY 323 Kings Road, Schenectady (518) 393-8800 kingswaycommunity.com
Teresian House
200 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany (518) 456-2000 teresianhouse.org
Eddy Senior Living Communities One Glen Eddy Drive, Niskayuna (518) 280-8385 eddyseniorliving.com
CAMPGROUND
GLAMPFUL
162 Hatzenbuhler Road, Broadalbin (646) 539-9438 glampful.com
Roger’s Rock Campground
9894 Lake Shore Drive, Hague (518) 585-6746 dec.ny.gov
Moreau Lake State Park 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort (518) 793-0511 parks.ny.gov
DAY TRIP (within 3 hours)
LAKE GEORGE, NY visitlakegeorge.com
Lake Placid, NY lakeplacid.com
Stockbridge, MA (tie) stockbridge-ma.gov
Woodstock, NY (tie) townofwoodstock.org
DOG-FRIENDLY SPOT
COLONIE CENTER
131 Colonie Center, Albany (518) 459-9020 shopatcoloniecenter.com
Higher Ground Distilling Company 2513 Highway 30, Mayfield (518) 527-5490
Higher Ground Distilling Company on Facebook
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237 parks.ny.gov
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)
NORMANSIDE COUNTRY CLUB (SEMI-PRIVATE)
150 Salisbury Road, Delmar (518) 439-4505 normanside.com
Wolferts Roost Country Club
120 Van Rensselaer Boulevard, Albany (518) 449-3223 wolfertsroost.com
Colonie Golf and Country Club
13 Country Club Lane, Voorheesville (518) 765-4100 coloniegcc.com
Hanging Around
Good Karma Studio owner Jessica Lubin fell in love with yoga all the way back in high school, but it wasn’t until after she discovered aerial yoga (think yoga poses and major core work done in Cirque du Soleil-worthy hammocks hanging from the ceiling), when things began to “fly” for the creative entrepreneur. “I gravitated to aerial because I love the feeling of being upside down,” she says. And so do Capital Regionites of all ages: Good Karma won a whopping five Besties this year, for Fitness Center, Personal Trainer, Yoga Studio, Kids Birthday Venue and Kids Camp.
The Colonie studio’s kids programs are mega-popular. “What’s not to love— flipping, flying and hanging upside down!” Lubin says. “But the best part is that they’re learning patience, trust and confidence.”
Adults, too, have a lot to gain from an aerial class—the workout improves strength, flexibility, motor skills and balance. (Yes, beginners are welcome.) But the main thing for most is the satisfaction of doing something completely outside of their comfort zone.
“My goal,” Lubin says, “is to make each person feel confident in their abilities, big or small, and to have fun along the way.”
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)
SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-4653 golfsaratoga.com
Colonie Town Golf Course
418 Consaul Road, Schenectady (518) 374-4181 colonie.org
Frear Park Municipal Golf Course 2701 Lavin Court, Troy (518) 270-4553 troyny.gov
HIKING TRAIL
JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237 parks.ny.gov
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar (518) 475-0291 dec.ny.gov
Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail albanycounty.com
INN (LOCAL)
THE INN AT SARATOGA 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-1890 theinnatsaratoga.com
Reluctant Panther
39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT (802) 362-2568 reluctantpanther.com
The Inn at Erlowest 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George (518) 668-5928 theinnaterlowest.com
HOTEL/RESORT
THE SAGAMORE RESORT 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing (518) 644-9400 opalcollection.com
The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 678-6000 theadelphihotel.com
Mohonk Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz (844) 207-8368 mohonk.com
Good Karma Owner Jessica Lubin
In Tent City
Not even a year into operation, Broadalbin’s Glampful is already winning awards. Part of the reason, co-owner Elina Leclaire says, is that the Bestie-winning campground, located just a mile from Great Sacandaga Lake, “is more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination in itself.”
For those who aren’t up on the newest trend in the camping world, “glamping”—or glam camping—is a type of accommodation that involves sleeping in a tent, but with many luxuries of a modern home. At each of Glampful’s eight secluded glamping sites (which sleep anywhere from 2-6 people), guests will find a canvas safari tent on a raised wooden platform with a bed or beds, linens, a dining table and chairs. Beyond their platforms, guests have access to bathrooms and hot showers, fire pits, barbecue grills, picnic areas, games like cornhole and bocce ball, and a camp store. Glampful officially started accepting reservations on August 1, 2022, and is gearing up for its first full season, which is set to open on May 1. “Glampful is the ideal destination for nature lovers who want an Adirondack adventure without having to haul their own gear or pitch their own tent,” Leclaire says. “We’ve got you covered. Literally.”
KIDS BIRTHDAY VENUE
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way 1A, Albany (518) 512-9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
KJ’s Gymnastics
3143 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-2554 kjsgymnasticsny.com
The Pottery Place 1475 Western Avenue, Albany Stuyvesant Plaza (518) 446-0870 thepotteryplace.com
KIDS CAMP
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way 1A, Albany (518) 512-9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
Camp Fowler
152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant (518) 548-6524 campfowler.org
YMCA Adventure Camp
1 Camp Nassau Lane, Guilderland (518) 640-1988 cdymca.org
PARK
JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville (518) 872-1237 parks.ny.gov
The Crossings of Colonie
580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 783-2760 colonie.org
Saratoga Spa State Park
19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-2535 parks.ny.gov
55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
THE SPINNEY AT VAN DYKE
6 Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar (518) 689-0162
THE SPINNEY AT POND VIEW
2490 Pond View, Castleton-On-Hudson (518) 479-0800 thespinneygroup.com
Coburg Village
One Coburg Village Way, Rexford (518) 952-9654
coburgvillageny.com
Beverwyck
40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands (518) 280-8385 eddyseniorliving.com
ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN
RED LION INN
30 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA (413) 298-5545 redlioninn.com
Mirror Lake Inn
77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid (518) 523-2544 mirrorlakeinn.com
The Sagamore Resort
110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing (518) 644-9400
thesagamore.com
SKI AREA
GORE MOUNTAIN
793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek (518) 251-2411 goremountain.com
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA (413) 738-5500
jiminypeak.com
West Mountain
59 West Mountain Road, Queensbury (518) 636-3699 westmountain.com
WEDDING VENUE
OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE 2339 NY-43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com
The Greens at Copake Country Club
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
Hall of Springs
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-3003 hallofsprings.com
FIRST SEED
We love to photograph the things we do, the foods we eat, the places we go, the people we’re with. If it’s a good photograph, it will tell a story and evoke emotion. Sometimes it might be only you who understands, but that’s OK. I told this “story” by bringing my seed packets and planter to a shady spot where their colors would be the most vibrant. I purposely blurred the seed packets (which you can do either with your camera or later on in your photo editing software) to draw the eye to the tiny seeds in the planter. While some people might just see a box of dirt, for me, this photo tells the story of new beginnings and hope. When spring rolls around, I usually need a strong dose of both!
—Francesco D’Amico | f-d-photography.com
Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club Grand Opening
JANUARY 19 141 WASHINGTON AVENUE, ALBANY
Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival’s Wine & Dine for the Arts
JANUARY 26-28 ALBANY CAPITAL CENTER
New York State Craft Brewers Festival JANUARY 28 CROWNE PLAZA ALBANY
Pajamas & Prosecco Drag Brunch
FEBRUARY 11 THE KENMORE BALLROOM
Pajamas
Life&Leisure
Up Next : 10 Capital Region Happenings
BY NATALIE MOORE
MARCH 18 & 19
ADIRONDACK SPORTS SUMMER EXPO
Saratoga City Center
The largest outdoor sports, health and fitness expo in the northeast returns to the Saratoga City Center, where 10,000 attendees will be able to visit 200 exhibitors in the industry. In addition to shopping, the two-day festival will feature training runs, disc golf, ergometer paddling machine demos, club signups and, oh yeah, Oboys from Saratoga’s Esperanto. adksports.com
MARCH 24-26
CAPITAL REGION FLOWER AND GARDEN EXPO
Hudson Valley Community College
Kick off the spring season at the Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo, where floral creations, garden exhibits, seminars and demonstrations meet New York wine, cider and spirit tastings. Ticket sales for the event, which has been going on since 1988, help support Wildwood, an organization dedicated to helping people living with autism and developmental disabilities. flowerandgardenexpo.com
MARCH 25
THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK’S MAC-N-CHEESE BOWL
Downtown Cohoes
Capital Region comfort food lovers will once again descend on Remsen Street for the one-day-only Mac-n-Cheese Bowl, an outdoor festival featuring more than two dozen restaurants, booths and food trucks serving up samples of the stuff. General admission tickets are $35 (proceeds go to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York) and get you tastings of at least 30 mac-n-cheeses. At the end of the day, vote for your favorite! regionalfoodbank.net Calendar
Adirondack Sports Summer Expo
MARCH 27
CAPITAL REGION THOMAS EDISON HALL OF FAME CEREMONY
Universal Preservation Hall
The biggest night in Capital Region music returns to UPH in Saratoga for an evening honoring eight legends of the local music scene. The “Eddies,” as the annual induction ceremony has come to be known, will feature live music, a brief video about each of this year’s inductees, acceptance speeches and more. theeddiesawards.com
APRIL 1
HOOPS AND HOPS
Putnam Place
While you can catch rounds one and two of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in person at the MVP Arena on March 17 and 19, CRL sister mag saratoga living is hosting a first-of-its-kind Final Four viewing party in Saratoga. Watch the big games on Putnam Place’s huge screen while enjoying
Flower and Garden Expo
game-day food and beer specials, plus bracket-esque games for prizes throughout the night. Putnam has a full bar for the adults, but basketball lovers of all ages are invited. putnamplace.com
APRIL 4 & 5
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY Proctors
Can your little ones not get enough of the show Bluey and its eponymous canine heroine? Take them to see the lovable puppy and all her friends on stage at Proctors. Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning TV series, with an original story by the show’s creator, Joe Brumm. Upgrade to the VIP package for a Bluey lanyard, gift and an opportunity to take a photo with a character from the show. proctors.org
APRIL 7 THE MOTH MAINSTAGE
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Since its launch in 1997, traveling storytelling series The Moth has celebrated the ability of stories to honor both the diversity and commonalities that come with being human. Now’s your chance to experience the magic: The Moth will bring the voices of recognized storytellers among established and emerging writers, performers and artists to the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall stage this April. troymusichall.org
APRIL 14
OLD DOMINION’S NO BAD VIBES TOUR MVP Arena
Eight years after the release of their debut album, Meat and Candy, Old Dominion, a group of songwriters and musicians who cut their teeth performing on small stages and writing songs for country’s big names, has skyrocketed to the top of the country charts, notching eight No. 1 singles to date. Catch hits like “One Man Band” and “Written in the Sand” at the band’s 2023 tour, which will swing through Albany this April. mvparena.com
APRIL 21
ARLO GUTHRIE: WHAT’S LEFT OF ME The Egg
After putting a stop to live concerts in 2020, Arlo Guthrie has confessed that “retirement was fun while it lasted” but is ready to return
to the stage with a spoken word show called “What’s Left of Me.” The show, which will stop at The Egg in Albany this spring, will be moderated by author and music historian Bob Santelli and feature rarely seen footage as well as an audience Q&A. theegg.org
APRIL 22
CAPITAL WINE FESTIVAL Albany Capital Center
Looking for your next favorite glass of vino? Head directly to the Capital Wine Festival, an afternoon of unlimited wine and spirit samples at the Capital Center. In addition to the sampling (every attendee will get a branded wine glass to carry around for the day), wine lovers can shop for full bottles, participate in a self-guided paint-and-sip activity, and take to the dance floor after a few of those samples have kicked in. empirestatewineevents.com
Capital Wine Festival
Bluey’s Big Play
Life&Leisure
Calendar » Horoscope » Tarotscope » Crossword » Recipe
Signs of the Times
BY CHANTAL MULLENS | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19
You are feeling good, looking good and living good, Aries. Your love of self, others and money is on the rise and it’s safe to feel into all of it. Potential contracts, agreements and life seem to be moving at a quick pace, but it’s OK because you can keep up even if you’re not always quite sure where exactly you’re going to end up. Embrace the mysteries and enjoy the ride. After all, adventure is your middle name.
TAURUS APRIL 20 - MAY 20
It’s time to take a closer look at your inner circles and assess who’s really down for you and who is (not-so) secretly hating. If people and opportunities seem to be moving away and out of your life, let them. Saturn, the planet of karma, is cleaning house in your area of friends and social networks. Even though we can’t always know the reasons behind everything, we must trust the process. You are being set up for the sun to shine on you once again, and we love that for you.
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20
Your social life takes center stage during this time, Gemini, but it could come at the cost of your (current) professional life. You are going through an upheaval; a soul’s quest and mission for purpose and substance. There could be a strong desire to escape reality in the name of a good time and that’s OK. Just remember that things don’t disappear simply because we aren’t acknowledging them. When you are ready to face the issues, you’ll find them right where you left them, ready and waiting for your expert solutions.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22
The time is fast approaching, dear Cancer, where your leadership skills and the big ideas that have been brewing within you will be called upon and highlighted. You have what it takes to steer the ship in the right direction not only for yourself, but for others as well—and you need to trust in that. Restrictions, blocks and obstacles are being
removed now; while your manifestations are finally becoming realized, the focus remains on what you do with this newfound flow of freedom. Don’t lose sight of the real motivation behind everything.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 22
You are the master of showing the rest of us the importance of self-love, but right now you are being asked to shift everything into self-reflection. As the world shifts toward appreciating raw, real and authentic stories, people and experiences over stylized, curated and filtered ones, it’s time to ask yourself if the real you is being represented. Take this time to dig deep and get intimate with yourself. Who are you really, and what is it that you truly need and desire to be in alignment and live in purpose? Then show us all how it’s done in true Leo fashion.
VIRGO AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
This time is all about organizing and prioritizing your relationships, whether it
be with others or simply yourself. Longterm commitments are forged during this time, so it’s a good idea to be absolutely sure and clear on what your expectations, boundaries and heart’s desires really are before agreeing to anything serious. Your own health will be a priority, and this is an excellent opportunity to create new routines that support you in the best possible ways— mentally, physically and spiritually.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22
We’re not in your season, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a main character moment, lovely Libra. Your power is found in the things that bring you joy, while the structure around your daily routines will feed into the ultimate storyboard fairytale life you’re building. Expect your close relationships to be a main centerpiece as they grow and expand right before your eyes in unexpected and wonderful ways.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21
Look who’s ready to break these generational curses in order to set up life for the better both now and for future generations to come. This could be revisiting and finally healing mother wounds or trauma related to nurturing relationships and your home life. Taking responsibility now and delaying gratification for later will pay off in the long run, darling Scorpio. Your
hard work and efforts to set things right once and for all will not go unnoticed, and your rewards will be plentiful. Stay strong and true.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 -DECEMBER 21
These next few months may be challenging for you, Sagittarius, but this is intended only to support your pre-destined growth as you navigate some difficult themes surrounding communication and home life, as well as the restrictions that both may be presenting to you at this time.
Take this opportunity to learn from what has worked, what didn’t work, and what new perspectives are needed in order to move forward. Reflect, adapt and overcome as only you know how to do.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19
Remember what was said about best-laid plans? They often go awry. That’s because even the most organized of us can still be surprised by the unexpected twists and turns of the universe.
If it seems like the doors that were once opened are all closing on you now, let them. And then, look for the open window that sheds new light and offers a new perspective on the entire situation. You’re not being blocked, just redirected. Go with it and discover something new.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
If you have been feeling the itch to change something about yourself, whether that be getting a new tattoo or some fresh piercings, changing your hairstyle or creating a whole new look all together, then go ahead and scratch it, baby. It’s time to welcome, embody and embrace the new version of yourself and step fully into the power that comes along with reinvention. While other areas of your life can feel a bit stuck right now, shifting your personal energy with a makeover is just the thing you need to feel like you again.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
How have your dreams been lately? Prophetic and too close to home? Dark and abstract? You know more than anyone that your dreams carry messages and meaning oftentimes beyond current comprehension. Write it all down and save it for later, sweet Pisces. When the fog lifts and the pressure cooker you’re currently in finally releases, you’ll find the understanding and clarity that seems to be evading you now. Perspective is the promised present waiting for you at the end of this cycle.
Chantal Mullens is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader and life coach living in Germany with her two young children and two cats. She has many Capital Region clients; find her full list of services on her website: akashiccystalhealing.com
Life&Leisure
Time for Tarot
BY SANDY MENZER
he Planets for March and April seem to be in a forgiving mood. With no retrogrades in sight for a few months, we have an opportunity to make significant changes in our lives, manifest anything we desire, and grow exponentially. The following are tarot messages for the collective Capital Region regarding how we will prosper and grow during this refreshing period of divine time.
T2 OF CUPS
Focus on friendships, partnerships and mutual understandings in your love life. Making decisions to go to the next level in your love life or in friendships. Healing of the hearts and emotions. Relationships developing that may mix work, business and love.
JUDGMENT
6 OF CUPS
Important focus: children. News from past connections. Ideas or people who reappear so we can decide whether or not there is unfinished business. Nostalgia for your childhood and happy memories from the past.
KNIGHT OF PENTACLES
Emphasis on finances and stability. Financial offers and contracts.
KNIGHT OF CUPS
Offers of love given or received, whether they be in work or friendships or relationships. Discussing emotions on a deeper level with others.
8 OF WANDS
Exciting news, rapid changes and communication. Speedy changes with decisions as well. Life moving in fastforward mode.
A sense of rising from the ashes. Healing after a time of despair. Legal contracts being signed, offered or reviewed.
HANGMAN
A time of reflection, sacrifice and feeling stuck. Decisions made to let go of what no longer serves us in all areas of our lives. Looking at life through a different lens.
HIGH PRIESTESS
Strong intuition and more interest in spiritual values and belief systems. Receiving or giving advice from/to a counselor, therapist or psychic.
ACE OF PENTACLES
Expect your ships to come in if asking Divine for additional prosperity in all areas of your life. Focus on making small investments, and stay excited about new possibilities in your financial status. Big purchases. Engagements, proposals and new beginnings in love.
7 OF WANDS
Much planning for areas of life needing improvements. Being guarded or defensive with making sound decisions in important areas of your life.
KNIGHT OF WANDS
Excitement, travel and residential moves. Charging ahead after feeling stuck. Exciting and surprising news being received! Planning trips or travel.
SIX OF SWORDS
Moving forward to smoother waters. Traveling to places to be around water. Better days ahead in areas of your life that have felt challenging.
his year will be one of abundance if we keep our dreams and thoughts positive. We all need to take part in making this world a better place to live in for ourselves and others by sharing our gifts. We all need to find our purpose here, so we can assist those who need our help. Wishing you peace and joy in life’s journey.
TSandy Menzer has professionally practiced her intuitive abilities for 25 years. She teaches and provides personal and group spiritual direction messages and readings by appointment. For further information, she can be reached at sanshaun@yahoo.com
Life&Leisure
Like Two Peas in a Pod
BY NATALIE MOORE
ACROSS
1. Toy Story astronaut
5. Possible alteration
8. Toy Story cowboy
13. Vegan cookie sandwich
14. Disney lioness
15. Trinket
16. Lead-in to gram or meter
17. Now and ___
18. Game of Thrones family name
19. Stop
20. Oft-disheveled Mystery Gang member
22. Run away
23. Toffee-centric candy bar
25. Nintendo dinosaur
27. Paper measurement
30. Mega Millions and Powerball, slangily
34. “Your ___ is a Wonderland”
37. Actual
40. Apart (from)
41. Prefix for -dural and -center
42. Theme of this issue, or what 1-Across and 8-Across, 20-Across and 63-Across, and 74-Across and 76-Across are
44. 34-Across part
45. 1970s music genre
47. Perceive a sound
48. Word usually used with “up”
49. Reciprocal of cosine
51. Enthralled
53. Spain’s Rafael
56. Droopy
60. Black, poetically
63. Canine Mystery Gang member, familiarly
66. Actress Issa ___
67. Fruit native to India
69. Grand Ole ___
70. Bean or world capital
71. Mattress brand
72. List of offerings
73. Home of Iowa State
74. Orange Sesame Street character
75. Much ___ About Nothing
76. Yellow Sesame Street character
DOWN
1. Blurred effect in photography
2. ___ trouble (bladder joke punchline)
3. “Legendary” video game princess
4. Where to find a tiger in New York
5. LOL
6. Poem of serious reflection
7. Fruit native to India
8. Loos, for short
9. Dresses
10. By word of mouth
11. ___ Straits
12. Frame fitted to a pair of oxen
14. Numbered with an unspecified or very large number
20 “___ Works Hard for the Money”
21. French fashion initials
24. Attempt
26. Condo orgs
28. Form of be
29. Net-like material
31. Common bathroom surface
32. Father of Thor
33. It comes after Aug.
34. Queens and twins
35. Andy’s son in The Andy Griffith Show
36. A flat, round object
38. Had breakfast
39. Fibber
42. ___ fide
43. Time period
46. Tube-shaped pastry
48. Bake sale beneficiary, for short
50. They’re worth 6 pts.
52. “Gangnam Style” singer
54. In ___ (unconscious)
55. Bounded
“If you’re sober, why wouldn’t you have a bidet?”
–BAILEY’S SARATOGA
57. Filth
58. Player of Esports, say
59 Fungus used in baking
60. “Or ___”
61. Porter or stout
62. Coastal country
64. Yes ___ answers
65. Sch. in Provo, UT
68. Last day of the year, for short
70. Experiment locale, for short
ANSWERS ON crlmag.com
SEARCH: CROSSWORD overheard
“You don’t ask who’s going to be at a frat party.”
–BALLSTON SPA
“She’s literally nocturnal because of Candy Crush.”
–GLENVILLE
“The last girl I dated was into witchcraft.”
–TRI-CITY TENNIS
Life&Leisure
Cassoulet, S’il Vous Plaît
Latham’s newest hotspot, Scarlet Knife, boasts an impressive program of live music and elegant wine dinners that lures new customers to its expansive dining room—but the main event is the food, including Executive Chef Paul Dimm’s duck cassoulet. Throwing a dinner party?
This savory show-stopper—the recipe serves 10—will make your evening one to remember.
Breaking Down the Ducks Ingredients:
5 Whole ducks, portioned
Directions:
• Trim the legs for confit.
• Keep the bones for brown duck stock.
• S et aside the breasts for searing.
• Pull off the chunky fat for rendering.
Toulouse Duck Sausage Ingredients:
1 lb Coarse ground duck
1 lb Coarse ground pork chuck
1/3 cup Dry white wine
5g Garlic, finely chopped
10g Kosher salt
1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
8g Ground black pepper
1/3 tsp Ground nutmeg Hog casing
Directions:
• Cut the meat into strips for grinding. Mix the salt, garlic and all the spices together and toss with the meat. Chill 4 hours or overnight. Along with the grinding press, everything needs to be cold; the meat can almost be frozen.
• S oak the hog casing and rinse with warm water.
• Grind through your meat grinder using the coarse die. Use an ice bath to keep the farce cold while grinding.
• Take out your big mixer’s medium bowl and add ground meat and wine with the paddle attachment. Mix for 90 seconds—
just enough for it to marinate a bit and bring out the seasoning. Let it rest in the fridge for an hour.
• Stuff the sausage into the casings all at once. Twist off links by pinching the sausage down and twisting and spinning it, first in one direction, and then with the next link, the other direction.
• Hang the sausages in a cool place for 4 to 12 hours to dry the casings and set the sausage. Sausages you plan to freeze need to dry longer.
Brown Duck Stock
Ingredients:
4 Duck carcasses, lightly trimmed of fat
1/2 gallon Rough chop mire poix, sautéed tender or roasted in some duck fat
Thyme to taste
1 Bay leaf
Garlic to taste
2 gallons Water
Directions:
• Roast the duck bones until brown with some tomato paste.
• Combine with other ingredients.
• Simmer 6 hours and strain.
Cassoulet
Ingredients:
2 lb White navy beans, soaked
1 gallon Medium diced mire poix
¼ cup Garlic, chopped fine
1/4 cup Fresh thyme, chopped
¼ cup Marjoram
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
2.5 gallons Roasted duck stock
1 lb Smoked ham or smoked pork belly
10 Toulouse duck sausages (See above)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
• Soak the beans for at least 8 hours.
• Sauté the mire poix lightly with some duck fat; sear the duck sausages.
• Add the marjoram, thyme, parsley, beans, smoked ham or pork belly and stock.
• Cook covered in oven for 1.5 hours at 325 degrees.
• After 1.5 hours, add in the sausages.
• Cool in the oven overnight and portion. CRL
Spring Sips
Russell Hallabrin of Iron & Grass (ironandgrass.com) chophouse in Hudson is jonesing for spring (who isn’t?). To toast the rising temps and impending blooms, let’s raise our glasses to his #Yuzusreadyforspring cocktail.
Ingredients:
2oz Stubbornly Different gin
1oz House-made blood orange shrub
.5oz Lemon
.5oz Simple syrup
Fever Tree Sparkling Lime & Yuzu soda
Directions:
• Shake gin, shrub, lemon and simple syrup with ice.
• Pour into a tall glass and top with sparkling soda.
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
Breathe Massage Therapy provides the space for you to put relaxation and regeneration at the top of your priority list. Their massage therapists are trained to cater each session to your specific needs. With offerings ranging from cupping and facials to hot stone, the staff promises to leave you feeling like your best self. Book your consultation today.
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar | 518.621.7979 | breathemassagedelmar.com
LUCIE CAPEK, MD PLASTIC SURGERY & MED SPA
Dr. Lucie Capek and her team of licensed professionals—this year’s Best Med Spa winner—will have you looking and feeling your best with their full range of cosmetic surgery and MedSpa services. They have you covered from head to toe, from Signature HydraFacial and LASER packages to injectable treatments and CoolSculpting. Gift cards are available.
1003 Loudon Road, Suite 101, Latham | 518.786.1700 | capekplasticsurgery.com
COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
People who frequent a spa to de-stress live a more balanced life. With that in mind, not only does Complexions—a multiple Bestie winner again this year—have a diverse array of delicious treatments for skin, body, mind and soul, but you can also join the spa to have access to its de-stressing amenities all year round, including the sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge.
221 Wolf Road, Albany | 518.489.5231 268 Broadway, Saratoga | 518.306.5502 | complexions.com
FAGAN ASSOCIATES
Fagan Associates is a family owned and operated wealth management company with more than 600 million dollars in assets under management. They believe that investing is about more than just money—it’s about the people behind the numbers. Their team understands that every client has different goals and, as partners, they work together to help them reach their future aspirations.
787 Hoosick Road, Troy | 518.279.1044 | faganasset.com
THE HEBE MEDICAL SPA
This two-location boutique spa garnered finalist honors for Med Spa in this year’s Besties, and it’s easy to see why. To ensure the utmost in individualized and personal care, a visit to Hebe Medical Spa starts with a one-on-one consultation. Then your journey begins, from lasers and injectables to hair restoration, wellness treatments and state-of-the-art skin treatments.
Loudon Road, #7, Latham |
1131 Main Street, Fishkill | 845.765.8181 | thehebespa.com
TUSCAN SUN AT KIMBERLEY’S
An esteemed finalist for Best Day Spa in this year’s Besties, the beautiful Tuscan Sun at Kimberly’s offers the very best in spa and salon services. This full-service Aveda salon includes customized cut and color services and hair extensions. Your day at the spa could include a luxurious massage, facial experiences, laser hair removal and more.
982 Loudon Road, Latham | 518.785.5868 | tuscanspaandsalon.com
ALBANY COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Each year, families pay thousands of dollars for unneeded heating and energy costs because their homes are not properly weatherized. The Weatherization Assistance Program, available through Albany Community Action Partnership (ACAP), allows households to become more energy efficient, resulting in cost savings averaging more than 20 percent. Visit ACAP online to see if you’re eligible.
ALL SEASONS EQUIPMENT
All Seasons Equipment, Inc. is family owned and operated, and provides the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. The staff in Scotia are happy to help you find the perfect outdoor power equipment, service or parts you’ve been looking for, from brands including Ariens, Honda Power Equipment, Scag, STIHL and Toro.
CALIFORNIA CLOSETS
California Closets Albany, which is locally owned and operated, creates custom storage solutions for any room in your house. In addition to closets of all shapes and sizes, its team designs home offices, mudrooms, pantries, garages, media centers and more. It all begins with a complimentary consultation done virtually, in the client’s home or at the Latham design studio.
CLAVERACK PUMP SERVICE
Clean, healthy water isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity and essential to your health. That’s why Claverack Pump Service has been providing quality water solutions (well drilling, water pumps, water filtration, hand pumps, geothermal drilling and more) to New York homes and businesses since 1946. Don’t trust just any business to handle your water needs—turn to Claverack Pump.
CR GAS LOGS & FIREPLACES
CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces has been a leader in the hearth and patio industry in the Capital Region for more than 30 years. Whatever you’re thinking for your indoor and outdoor fireplace needs, their staff will find you the right choice for your home. CR Gas Logs’ goal is to have all customers, whether they make a purchase or not, leave with a positive shopping experience.
FADDEGON’S NURSERY
Landscaping your yard can be one of the best investments you make in your home (it increases property value 15 percent!), and the Faddegon family has been doing it for four generations. Specializing in complete designs for your new home from start to finish, Faddegon’s installs plants, trees, walkways, patios, walls and outdoor kitchens, including makeovers and complete renovations.
GARDEN TIME
Whether you are in the market for a beautiful blooming plant for your porch, a screened-in gazebo for your backyard, fertilizer for your lawn, or a storage solution for a little extra space, head straight to the Garden Time location near you. Garden Time also offers a wide selection of outdoor furniture, as well as excellent customer service to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful lawn and garden.
Multiple Locations | 518.793.8555 | gardentimeinc.com
HEWITT’S GARDEN CENTERS, INC.
With 50 years in the business and seven stores located in the 518 area code, Hewitt’s Garden Centers is a local company specializing in lawn- and garden-related products, services and information. The fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country, Hewitt’s is known for its experienced staff, who are always ready to assist you with your project.
Multiple Locations | hewitts.com
J. HUNZIKER PAVING
When it comes to driveway paving, you need to work with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. J. Hunziker has 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the nearby areas, and is committed to providing customers with the best possible workmanship and service.
25 Correlis Drive, Rensselaer | 518.858.7917 | jhunzikerpavingllc.com
LUIZZI ASPHALT SERVICES
Luizzi Asphalt Services’ mission is to be the most trusted name in quality products and dependable service for homes and businesses across the Capital Region. Luizzi is a third-generation company that has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers over the years. Call Luizzi Asphalt Services for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs.
70 Tivoli Street, Albany | 518.459.7325 | luizziasphalt.com
MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER
Marcella’s Appliance Center is a family-owned appliance store with showrooms in Schenectady and Clifton Park that together boast more than 30,000 square feet of inventory and feature appliances for every budget. Since 1957 they have served Capital Region customers with the area’s best selection of appliances at the best prices, top-notch customer service, and a dedicated service and repair team.
Broadway, Schenectady |
15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park | 518.952.7700 | marcellasappliance.com
REDBUD DEVELOPMENT
Redbud Development is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with their interiors to reflect the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | 518.691.0428 | redbuddevelopment.com
SCHENECTADY FLOOR COVERING
In business for more than 50 years, Schenectady Floor Covering has built its business on its reputation for customer service and low prices backed by solid warranties. The company’s 9,000-square-foot showroom has all the brands you know and trust, plus all the latest styles, colors and designs. Schenectady Floor Covering specializes not only in carpet but also hardwood, ceramic tile, area rugs, laminate and vinyl flooring.
THE SPECKLED HEN
Sparkling after a spectacular refresh, The Speckled Hen reopened March 8 with an all-new look. The popular home décor store boasts a unique collection of new and old items from local artisans including reproductions, candles and a large selection of florals. Visit the store today—the array of home must-haves is ever-changing, so you will always find something new.
HOWE CAVERNS
This spring, visit the largest show cave in the Northeast and the second-most visited attraction in all of New York State. Located just off Interstate 88 (just 45 minutes from Albany!), Howe Caverns offers its traditional 90-minute cave tour all year round. The tour includes a mile-and-a-quarter walk and quarter-mile boat ride on the cave’s underground lake, and is perfect for explorers of all ages. Tickets for the tour must be purchased online in advance. If you are looking for something else to do during your visit, stop by the gift shop, sift for gems during the gemstone mining activity, or book the fully immersive Escape Room “Ultramax Lockdown.”
STEUBEN COUNTY
Nothing says spring like the beautiful, wildflower-blanketed, panoramic views of the Finger Lakes region. While you’re there, sip your favorite vino on a winery’s openair patio, dine at the area’s top restaurants, and visit a craft distillery, where mad scientists and culinary wizards create exceptional gin, vodka, whiskey and moonshine. Spending the night? From charming B&Bs tucked away in the surrounding towns and villages, to accommodations that allow you to stay within a stone’s throw of all the action—the Southern Finger Lakes region provides plenty of lodging options. For a stress-free trip, check out Steuben’s themed itineraries such as wine-tasting or glassblowing. It’s time to spring into a trip to Steuben!
before you go... SUDDENLY SIXTY
BY JOHN GRAY
omewhere between trips to Hoffman’s Playland, bus rides to school, college, love, loss, licorice snaps, marriage, divorce, marriage again, kids and colonoscopies; I turned 60. Yeah, I can’t believe it either.
SIt seems like only last week I was rummaging through the weeds in South Troy looking for discarded RC Cola bottles to wash in a nearby stream and bring into Kay’s candy store to redeem for nickels, which I’d trade for Atomic FireBall candy. If the goal is to live to be 80, then I’ve just started the fourth and last quarter of my life. I can’t know what’s lurking around the next corner, but I can look back at the mileage on the tires and glean some wisdom from what my grandpa would have called lessons hard learned
Since I don’t have a souped-up DeLorean with a flux capacitor that can take me back in time, and this is the Besties issue, I thought I’d mark this auspicious occasion by sharing a few of the best lessons that have been branded into me as permanently as the big Y in TV’s Yellowstone
Six decades equals six pieces of free advice, which I offer up in no order of importance. What worked
for me might not work for you, but I have a feeling this is a pretty solid blueprint for how to keep your soul and sanity in check.
Don’t do things you have to be talked into. You have a right to say “no,” and you owe no one an excuse other than, “’Cause I just don’t feel like it.” This served me well when it came to saying no to drugs, hanging with the wrong crowd or avoiding a party when I just wanted to stay in and relax on the couch. Remember: If you have to talk yourself into it, it’s probably a bad idea.
The world owes you nothing but a sunrise and a sunset; what happens in between those two remarkable events is
on you, amigo. Life is rarely fair or easy, and the sooner you realize persistence beats whining six days a week and twice on Sunday, the better off you’ll be. That said, if you’re doing the work and it’s not appreciated, move on.
If you’re feeling down on yourself or just awful in general, help someone else. I don’t know why, but taking that misery and redirecting it into kindness toward others is the Amoxicillin for the soul. The good you push out somehow heals within.
Call your mother. Or father. Or whomever you love. Life is busy, but not too busy to surprise your grandparents with a dish of their favorite ice cream or to sit and talk to your dad. Trust me, one day you’ll wake up and realize they’re gone and wish you had those moments back.
Don’t try to fix people. Frank Kafka said, “In man’s struggle against the world, bet on the world.” If someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. It’s our nature to always want to help and fix, but don’t trade your happiness in the bargain. And last but not least… Forgive. Carrying around anger like a bag of bile is corrosive to you, not them. That doesn’t mean someone who wronged you gets a free pass; it just means you recognize the mistake, forgive them and move on. A wise man once said, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Sounds like a smart way to go. Now, does anyone have an Atomic FireBall?
Spring GIFT GUIDE
SIDNEY BYRON’S MAHJONG BAG SET
sidneybyron.com
This travel set is the perfect gift for the mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day or to show your BFF you appreciate them. Get together with your gal pals to play this leisurely game of skill and luck while taking the time to truly appreciate one another, because women deserve the world! Calming shades of cotton velvet are lined with soft microfiber and feature interior pockets, zippered closures, and a touch of hand-beaded flash for good luck.
DIAMOND POINTELLE KNIT BLANKET
feltmanbrothers.com
This knit baby blanket from Feltman Brothers is oh so sweet! It is made out of soft knit material with a classy diamond pointelle design throughout the weave and seed knit edges. Available in white, blue, pink, and our popular sea coral to match any outfit your loved one is wearing. Perfect for a baby bassinet, carriage, or swaddling your precious bundle of joy.
JAZZ BAND LIVE dnavibe.com
Affordable Red Light Therapy Used By Olympic Athletes! With Jazz Band’s Intelligent Light Therapy and four modalities including red light therapy, near-infrared light therapy, magnetic signals and micro-vibrations, you can get back to more of what you love. Reduce inflammation and pain while accelerating recovery without drugs or invasive procedures.
DREO SOLARIS MAX SPACE HEATER dreo.com
Wrap the entire family in all-around warmth. 24-inch Oscillating Space Heater. Convenient Remote Control: Control various settings from up to 26ft. away Digital LED Screen: Titled LED screen design makes it easy to reach and operate. Easy to Move: Hidden carry handle in back helps you carry around wherever you want. Tip-Over Protection: When tilting 45 degrees off the ground or being knocked over.
ALICIA ADAMS ALPACA
aliciaadamsalpaca.com
High-end fashion and home decor meet sustainability. This family-run retail business utilizes sustainably farmed alpaca wool for the design and production of textiles and clothing. Alpaca wool is one of the rarest and most luxurious materials because of its natural and exclusive fibers that are undeniably warm, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and soft like silk.
MEDICAL SCRUBS COLLECTION
medicalscrubscollection.com
We strive to offer customers their favorite scrubs at the lowest prices on the web. Our sales reps are dedicated to guiding customers to find the perfect nursing uniform that suits their needs and taste, all while offering incredible savings. Medical Scrubs Collection offers a fantastic selection of plus size scrubs, maternity scrubs, and Dickies scrubs.
TRIXSENT
trixsent.ca
Founder Athena Klee has spent 10+ years creating her own custom skin care for her and her family. As a mother of 3, she wanted to ensure everything she consumed was natural and organic. After years of creating her own formulas, she finally decided to release them into the world as Trixsent!
GEMINI BEAUTY geminibeauty.com
Skincare line created after 17 year old founder Joann Zehenni couldn’t find gentle enough products to help her and her family’s Lupus condition. Most importantly, her mission is to give back which is why she donates a portion of all proceeds to Lupus LA.
CASHMERE MOON
shopcashmeremoon.com
Spring GIFT GUIDE
An indie beauty and body care brand that specializes in safe, vegan formulas using the minimum amount of plant-based ingredients in order to make the biggest impact. Coupled with their eco-conscious packaging, they’ve set out to change the way you moisturize starting with their Whipped Body Cream.
GEL BLASTER
gelblaster.com
It blasts an eco-friendly water based gel pellet called Gellets that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. Gellets are colorful absorbent beads that disintegrate on contact that dehydrate, leaving no stain, no mess and no clean up.
AIR FRYER XL DELUXE
uberappliance.com
Oil less air fryers are proven to reduce 80% of fat from fried foods. Make your favorite foods without all the fats. Large 5 quart cooking capacity chamber allows for enough food to easily accommodate a family of 4-5 members. Cook an entire with a push of a button.
MYMEDIC FIRST AID KIT
mymedic.com
Created after a tragic car accident that took the life of a loved one due to lack of equipment, proper training, and the long wait for emergency services. Because of this, MyMedic wanted to help others be prepared for unexpected emergencies.