CRL CAPITAL REGION LIVING
THE 2 25 BESTIE AWARDS PEOPLE PLACES &
“The only requirement for starting a new practice is the willingness to put yourself out there and say, ‘I’m just going to do it.’”
COLETTI
Chief Instructor, Aikido at Hawks Hill
To everyone who voted us the best – thank you. The feeling is 100% mutual.
broadviewfcu.com
Top 3 Insurance Agency
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!
Dream Big, Build Bigger – Your Perfect Deck Awaits with GNH Lumber & Home!
With spring on the horizon, now is the time to get your deck in tip-top shape for summer nights of entertaining. Whether you are building from scratch or revamping your existing deck, GNH Lumber & Home has everything you need to create a go-to gathering space and add value to your home. Stop by one of our locations to browse our selection of high-quality, low-maintenance TimberTech ® decking and speak to a decking expert today!
Greenville | Windham | Latham
Thank
VOTED BEST
Capital Region
At checkout, use discount code: Besties25 All classes must be booked online prior to arrival. Expires 10/31/25.
voting
THE 2025 BESTIE AWARDS PEOPLE PLACES &
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Natalie Moore EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates
DESIGNER Linda Gates
SENIOR WRITER Cierra Orlyk
EDITORIAL INTERN Morgan Maschewski CONTRIBUTORS
Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Francesco D’Amico
Samantha Decker, Jeff Dingler, Sara Foss John Gray, Hannah Kuznia, T.R. Laz Chantal Marie, Megan Mumford
Konrad Odhiambo, Fiona Stevens, Kathleen Willcox
Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER
Tara Buffa, Samantha Reilly SALES MANAGERS
DIRECTOR OF SALES, SARATOGA LIVING Annette Q uarrier
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante
SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow
Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIRMAN Tina Galante CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
VOLUME 22, NO.2 | SPRING 2025 Copyright ©2025 | Empire Media Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
8 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Many of the ads in this issue were created by Empire Media Network, Inc. and cannot be reproduced without permission from the publisher. ESTABLISHED 2003.
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We’re thrilled to be voted
We’re thrilled to be voted
We’re thrilled to be voted Best Supermarket in the Capital Region for 2 years in a row!
Supermarket in the Capital Region for 4 years in a row!
Supermarket in the Capital Region for 2 years in a row!
What’s all the fuss?
What’s all the fuss?
Stop by your neighborhood Hannaford to find out what Times Union readers already know!
Stop by your neighborhood Hannaford to find out what Times Union readers already know!
THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
CLASS IS IN SESSION
Spring into a new hobby at one of these Capital Region classes.
1. EMBROIDERY
ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION, TROY capartscenter.org
Stitch your way into spring with a three-part, beginner-friendly embroidery workshop on March 27, April 3, and April 10. good to know: If embroidery isn’t your thing, the Arts Center of the Capital Region hosts plenty of other classes, including drawing, digital arts, jewelry, and photography.
2. GLASSBLOWING
PRISM GLASSWORKS, TROY pgwgallery.com
After a safety instruction and short demo, try your hand at making a marble, pendant, paperweight, shot glass, or ornament.
good to know: On the last Friday of each month, stop by for Prism Glassworks Studio Night, which brings together artists of all skill levels.
3. POTTERY
THE BROKEN MOLD STUDIO, TROY thebrokenmoldstudio.com
Create your own bowl in an hourand-a-half “Learn Together” session, which includes a wheel demonstration and personal lesson, or go all in with a threeor six-week individual class.
good to know: The studio doubles as a retail shop, so you can find the perfect gift or new addition to your home while you’re there.
THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
4. WOODWORKING
SARATOGA JOINERY, SARATOGA SPRINGS saratogajoinery.org
From turning a candlestick to building a bench, Saratoga Joinery offers a variety of classes for woodworkers of all abilities. good to know: The nonprofit woodworking studio is committed to inclusivity, encouraging those who don’t look like the “typical” woodworker to get involved.
5. PAINTING
HUDSON RIVER VALLEY ART WORKSHOPS, GREENVILLE artworkshops.com
Multi-session workshops are hosted in the historic Greenville Arms 1889 Inn, with on-site
7. COOKING
CAPITAL COOKS, COLONIE capitalcooksny.com
Grab a date or treat yourself to a variety of classes and cuisines offered each month, from croissants to Pad Thai.
good to know: Solo chefs are more than welcome, as the cooking school places emphasis on fostering new connections.
meals and lodging available. good to know: Their all-inclusive package—including five full class days, six nights of dinner, lodging, and breakfast—makes a great gift.
6. IMPROV
THE MOPCO
IMPROV THEATRE, SCHENECTADY mopco.org
Make it up as you go along with four- and six-week improv workshops offered regularly at the firehouse-turned-theater.
good to know: Drop by for Mopco’s “Workout Nights” on Mondays from 7-9pm for a fun, casual way to brush up on your improv skills or to dip your toe in for the first time.
8. DANCE
ALBANY DANCE & FITNESS, ALBANY albanydancefitness.com
Step into ballet with beginner adult classes, offered most days of the week. Other dance classes (jazz, belly dance, etc.) are available as well.
good to know: This dance studio only offers classes for teens and adults, so you never have to worry about stepping on tiny toes (or showing them up with your new skills).
Creations and Libations
Paint & Sip is only the beginning.
PAINT & SIP
CANVAS, CORKS & FORKS, SCHENECTADY canvascorksandforks.com
Come for the painting, stick around for the specialty drink menu, mac and cheese bar, and Boozy Moo ice cream.
CRAFT & DRAFT
COLLAR CITY
CANDLE @ LUCAS CONFECTIONARY, TROY collarcitycandle.com
Create your own candle while enjoying cocktails, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.
PRINT N’ PINT
SARATOGA ARTS @ WHITMAN BREWERY, SARATOGA SPRINGS saratoga-arts.org
Explore printmaking techniques like intaglio and stamp-making with drafts, cocktails, wine, or nonalcoholic beverages.
PLANT & SIP
THE PLANTER LLC (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) theplanter.com.co
Build your own succulent terrarium at The Planter’s Cohoes locations or one of the local businesses that host plant & sip pop-ups.
12 UNDER 12 BANKING ON THE FUTURE
presented by
THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
RYHAN HOTALING
age: 12 hometown: DELMAR school: SAINT GREGORY’S SCHOOL community involvement: RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
This feature is part of a series in which we feature 12 young people from Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region who are making their communities a better place. Know a kid who fits the bill? Send their story to editorial@saratogaliving.com for a chance to be featured in a future issue!
Sure, you can donate to a charity at any time, but sometimes people need a reason to actually do it. Ryhan Hotaling is that reason.
Last August, in honor of the summer Olympics and her upcoming birthday, the then-11-year-old organized a “Going for Gold” fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. In previous years, her birthday fundraisers have also had themes—like Rainbows for Ronald. Typically, she raises between $1,000-$2,000 with each fundraising effort.
But Ryhan’s commitment to the RMHC mission doesn’t stop there—she’s also an avid volunteer for the organization, lending a hand at charity events including a Halloween trunk or treat, radiothon, and store room clean-up. In December, she participates in the Morning of Kindness, a local initiative meant to connect those who want to help with nonprofits in need.
“I enjoy volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House because it gives me the opportunity to help children and families feel cared for and supported during hard times,” Ryhan says. “It is amazing to know that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.”
A Different Kind of Farm
Troy’s historic Hawks Hill farm is now home to the Capital Region’s favorite martial arts studio.
BY NATALLI AMATO
MOJO DOJO CASA HOUSE Hawks Hill is much more than a historic farm—inside, you’ll find Justin Coletti’s Aikido dojo, acupuncture studio, and residence; (opposite) in addition to Aikido, Hawks Hill also offers training in the Japanese arts of weapons and Zazen.
WATCH AND LEARN For potential students curious about Aikido, Coletti recommends dropping in to observe a class before diving in. “You will definitely learn a lot about yourself through these practices,” he says. “It’s the type of practice that you could essentially grow with through many years.”
ucked away on Cooksboro Road, about 20 minutes outside of downtown Troy, stands Hawks Hill, a third-generation farm on a sprawling 90-acre property. From the outside, Hawks Hill looks like a traditional, historic upstate New York farm. But step inside the imposing barn, and you’ll find a haven dedicated to the Japanese martial art Aikido and the Chinese practice of acupuncture.
How did these Eastern arts find their way to Troy? “I didn’t mean to start practicing Aikido,” says Troy native Justin Coletti, who took over his family’s farm in 2017 and brought his passions with him. He recalls being in his 20s, feeling like he wanted to find a practice that would let him work on himself. He asked a friend who was doing the Chinese martial art Wing Chun if he thought his teacher would take him on, too. While the teacher wasn’t taking on new students, he did recommend an Aikido dojo located just down the street.
Created in the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that emphasizes building character, developing courtesy and respect, and training to
redirect an attacker’s force rather than opposing it directly. If you were to step into a class, you’d see joint locks, rolls, falls, and partners training together, taking turns giving and receiving force.
That simple recommendation to check out Aikido would ultimately alter Coletti’s life path. “I just kind of dove into it,” he says. When Coletti moved down to Brooklyn for acupuncture school, he continued the practice, finding an Aikido dojo housed in an industrial building in Gowanus. “I trained very, very seriously,” he says, making no understatement; in between going to acupuncture school and raising his son, Coletti made time to train between 25-30 hours a week. “I just made a decision that I’m not going to say no to anything,” he says.
And thus, Coletti received an education in Aikido that’s not easy to come by. He returned home to Troy with the chops he needed to teach what he’d learned to others. But when Coletti took over Hawks Hill, he didn’t just move his Aikido and acupuncture practices in—he himself moved in, too.
Coletti now resides at Hawks Hill with his partner, Lisa; their living quarters share a wall with the martial arts studio. In other
words, when you step into the dojo, you are stepping into someone’s home—a fact that creates a palpable air of reverence as soon as you cross the door’s threshold. It feels like a privilege to be there.
That feeling seems to have made a lasting impact on CAPITAL REGION LIVING readers, who this year voted Aikido at Hawks Hill Best Martial Arts Studio, a brand-new Besties category.
“Nobody here even knew about it,” Coletti says of the introduction of the new category. “I’ve had a lot of people come through here and train over the years, so I think it’s a testament to them—the fact that they would think of this place in that way. I feel honored to have left an impression like that.”
Currently, the dojo is open for new adult students. “It’s never too late to start a martial art,” says Coletti, referencing a student who didn’t get his start until he was 50. “The only requirement for starting the practice here is the willingness to put yourself out there and say, ‘I’m just going to do it.’”
Coletti acknowledges that, as with any new practice, the hardest part is walking through the door the very first time. “But if you decide to start that journey,” he says, “I don’t know too many people that regret it.”
THE 2025 BESTIE AWARDS PEOPLE PLACES &
The Besties are back, and for those of you who haven’t been following along with the Capital Region’s longest running “best of” survey for the last 20-plus years, let us fill you in on how it works. Bestie voting opens on crlmag.com every November, and runs through the end of the year. Thousands of Capital Regionites cast their votes in more than 200 categories spanning from coffee and cookies to law firm and landscaper. And voters aren’t just selecting from a drop-down menu of preselected options. They’re actually writing their votes in—with no input from the CRL team given. Then, our tireless sales assistant, Tracy, compiles the votes (no small feat!); we divide the categories into two sections (People & Places and Food & Drink); and, after some editing and graphic design magic, voila! The magazine you’re holding in your hands—or reading on a screen—comes together. Read on to find out which local businesses and personalities CRL readers deemed best of the best, and stay tuned for the second Besties installment, the Food & Drink issue, out mid-May. And to all of you who cast your votes to highlight everything that makes the Capital Region great: Thanks for being our Bestie.
—NATALIE MOORE
CULTURE
ART MUSEUM
ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY AND ART
125 Washington Avenue, Albany 518.463.4478 albanyinstitute.org
THE CLARK
225 South Street, Williamstown, MA 413.458.2303 clarkart.edu
MASS MOCA
1040 Mass MoCA Way North Adams, MA 413.662.2111 massmoca.org
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA
65 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.584.5540 cmssny.org
MISCI
15 Museum Drive, 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
TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL
30 2nd Street, Troy 518.273.0038 troymusichall.org
THE EGG
Empire State Plaza, Albany 518.473.1061 theegg.org
COUNTY FAIR
THE ALTAMONT FAIR
Route 146 at Arlington Street 518.861.6671 altamontfair.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR
392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich 518.692.2464 washingtoncountyfair.com
COLUMBIA COUNTY FAIR
182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham 518.392.2121 columbiafair.com
MUSEUM
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
222 Madison Avenue, Albany 518.474.5877 nysm.nysed.gov
Clearly, the New York State Museum’s old-school charm still speaks to Bestie voters, despite some reports that its exhibits have become outdated as planned renovations failed to materialize over the years. That could all change, thanks to a recent proposal made by Governor Kathy Hochul to invest $400 million into the revitalization of Albany, $150 million of which would be dedicated to the beloved museum.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME
191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.584.0400 racingmuseum.org
HART CLUETT MUSEUM
57 2nd Street, Troy 518.272.7232 hartcluett.org
OUTDOOR
SUMMER VENUE
SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines Saratoga Springs 518.584.9330 spac.org
THE GREENS AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
44 Golf Course Road Craryville 518.325.0019 thegreensatcopake.com
TANGLEWOOD
297 West Street Lenox, MA 617.266.1200 bso.org
SEASONAL EVENT
TROY VICTORIAN STROLL
Downtown Troy 518.274.7020 victorianstroll.com
SARATOGA RACING SEASON
267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.584.6200 nyra.com
SARATOGA CHOWDERFEST
Downtown Saratoga Springs 518.584.1531 discoversaratoga.com
THEATER
PROCTORS THEATRE
432 State Street, Schenectady 518.346.6204 atproctors.org
MAC-HAYDN THEATRE
1925 Route 203, Chatham 518.392.9292 machaydntheatre.org
CAPITAL REPERTORY THEATRE
251 North Pearl Street, Albany 518.346.6204 attherep.org
SERVICES
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands 518.456.0852 theanimalhospital.com
DELMAR ANIMAL HOSPITAL
910 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.9361 delmaranimalhospital.com
MILLER ANIMAL HOSPITAL
380 North Greenbush Road, Troy 518.283.1166 millerah.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
GREEN’S APPLIANCE & FURNITURE
1207 Central Avenue, Albany 518.458.7994 greenshasgonegreen.com
ARCHITECTURE FIRM
BALZER & TUCK ARCHITECTURE
468 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.580.8818 balzertuck.com
HARRIS A. SANDERS ARCHITECTS
252 Washington Avenue, Albany 518.426.3544 sandersarchitects.com
CONKLIN ARCHITECTURE
3 Fyke Road, Catskill 518.943.4220 conklinarchitecture.com
AUTO SERVICE
BETHLEHEM AUTO SERVICE
62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont 518.426.8414 Bethlehem Auto Service on Facebook
BAZARS AUTOBODY & MECHANICAL
160 Vliet Boulevard, Cohoes 518.237.9594 bazarsauto.com
LAWTON’S AUTOMOTIVE AND TIRE CENTER
90 Watervliet Avenue
Albany 518.269.3550
Lawtons Automotive and Tire Center on Facebook
BANK
TRUSTCO BANK
Multiple Locations trustcobank.com
PIONEER BANK
Multiple Locations pioneerny.com
ADIRONDACK TRUST COMPANY
Multiple Locations adirondacktrust.com
BARBERSHOP
LEGENDS BARBERSHOP
30 N Central Avenue Mechanicville 518.664.4864 2443 Route 9, Suite 202 Malta
518.400.1460 legendsny.com
GREGORY’S BARBERSHOP
316 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.3525 gregorysbarbershop.com
CHRISPYCUTS
2460 Western Avenue, Altamont 518.250.5316 chrispycuts.com
BARTENDERS
Could it really be that all of the Capital Region’s best bartenders are concentrated in the Spa City? Well, according to a 2024 County Health Rankings report, Saratoga is the “drunkest” city in New York, so that’d make sense! The report found that 24 percent of Saratoga’s adult population drinks excessively—that’s 5 percent above the national average and 6 percent above the state average. Thank you to the bartenders of Bocage, Putnam Place, and The Misfit for helping make such a concerning achievement possible.
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR
10 Phila Street Saratoga Springs 518.450.1115 bocagechampagnebar.com
PUTNAM PLACE
63A Putnam Street Saratoga Springs 518.886.9585 putnamplace.com
THE MISFIT
1 Caroline Street Saratoga Springs 518.285.0129 themisfitsaratoga.com
CATERER
YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
SAATI DELI AND CATERING 586 New Loudon Road Latham 518.783.1600 saatideliandcatering.com
DALEY HOSPITALITY GROUP
518.235.2656 olddaley.com
VOTED
#1
CHEF
MARC YANNI
CUSTOMER SERVICE
DENTIST
DENTAL WELLNESS OF ALBANY
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
WILSON CORKER
HEAT N SALT
518.982.8128 Heat N Salt on Facebook
MARTY GERRITY THE GREENS AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville 518.325.0019 thegreensatcopake.com
137 E State Street Ext. ♦ Gloversville, NY digitdogsmanager@gmail.com
518.921.4042 ♦ Digitdogs.net
in Large & Danger s Tree Rem al
CHIROPRACTOR
DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.7644 delmarchiropractic.com
CAPITAL DISTRICT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
40 Colvin Avenue, Albany 12 Mountain Ledge Drive, Suite 4 Wilton 518.599.0067 cdfchiro.com
UPSTATE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS
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
JOYELLES JEWELERS
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.9993 joyellesjewelers.com
DANCE STUDIO
TROY DANCE FACTORY
291 River Street, Troy troydancefactory.com
BARBARA’S SCHOOL OF THE DANCE
417 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.475.9580 barabarasschoolofthedance.com
THE ISABELLE SCHOOL OF DANCE
1 Springhurst Drive, East Greenbush 518.477.2441
43 Mall Way, Suite 15 West Sand Lake 518.674.2242 isabelledance.com
651 Delaware Avenue, Albany 518.427.2447 651dental.com
ZAPPIA AND FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY
1 Pine West Plaza, Albany 518.869.1138 zappiafryer.com
DOUGLAS J. TUCKER DMD
169 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer 518.414.3990 dtuckerdental.com
DOG GROOMING
THE DETAILED DOG
1820 Western Avenue, Albany 518.512.9626 upstatechiropractic.net
CREDIT UNION
BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations broadviewfcu.com
SUNMARK CREDIT UNION
Multiple Locations 866.786.6275 sunmark.org
FIRST NEW YORK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (TIE)
Multiple Locations 518.393.1326 firstnewyork.org
NEXT STEP CREDIT UNION (TIE)
325 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany
518.456.1611
150 Defreest Drive, Troy 519.286.1611 nextstepfcu.org
DAY SPA
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar 518.621.7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
SPA MIRBEAU
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany 518.647.2328 spamirbeau.com
COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
221 Wolf Road, Albany 518.489.5231
268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.306.5502 complexions.com
2093 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.213.7911 thedetaileddog.com
PET SPAS PAMPER & PLAY
1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Albany 518.783.5506 petspaspamperandplay.com
SHAMPOODLE
266 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.368.3260 shampoodledogwash.com
DOGGIE DAY CARE
DIG IT DOGS
137 East State Street Ext. Gloversville 518.921.4042 digitdogs.net
PET SPAS PAMPER & PLAY
1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Albany 518.783.5506 petspaspamperandplay.com
MUTTZ DOG LOUNGE
1814 Central Avenue, Albany 518.738.2124 muttzdoglounge.com
DOG TRAINER
DIG IT DOGS
137 East State Street Ext., Gloversville 518.921.4042 digitdogs.net
ADVENTURE TAILS DOG TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT
518.500.3174
Adventure Tails Dog Training and Enrichment on Facebook
PAWS UP
422 Smith Road, Amsterdam 518.930.8253
Paws Up Certified Dog Training on Facebook
DRY CLEANER
BEST CLEANERS
Multiple Locations bestcleanersny.com
CUDNEY’S CLEANERS
Multiple Locations cudneys.com
RAINBOW CLEANERS
10 Ford Avenue, Troy
518.274.0981 troyrainbowcleaners.com
ESTHETICIAN
KATIE KOWALSKI
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar 518.621.7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
KELLY PACIFICO
LUCIE CAPEK MD PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA
1003 Loudon Road, Latham 518.786.1700 capekplasticsurgery.com
COURTNEY WEED
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.4619 choiceshairstudio.com
EVENT PLANNER
UNVEILED BY LOUISA
518.312.5260 unveiledbylouisa.com
KATIE O’ WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
518.275.6813 katieoevents.com
A LIVELY EVENT (TIE)
518.406.6698 alivelyevent.com
MARY JACOBS EVENTS (TIE)
518.538.3066 maryjacobsevents.com
FACIAL
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar 518.521.7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.4619 choiceshairstudio.com
LUCIE CAPEK MD PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA
1003 Loudon Road, Latham 518.786.1700 capekplasticsurgery.com
FINANCIAL PLANNER
BONANNO FINANCIAL ADVISORS
250 Osborne Road, Colonie 518.438.1835 bonannofinancialadvisors.com
EMPIRE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
3 Lear Jet Lane, Latham 518.608.1100 empirefa.com
BOUCHEY FINANCIAL GROUP
340 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 1819 Fifth Avenue, Troy 518.720.3333 bouchey.com
FITNESS CENTER
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way, Albany 518.512.9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA Multiple Locations cdymca.com
METABOLIC FITNESS
Multiple Locations wearemetabolic.com
FLORIST
THE ENCHANTED FLORIST
54 Columbia Street, Albany 518.813.4990 enchantedfloristalbany.net
SAMANTHA NASS FLORAL DESIGN
61 Lawrence Street
Saratoga Springs 518.886.9461 snfloraldesign.com
Multiple
FUNERAL HOME
DEVITO-SALVADORE FUNERAL HOME
39 South Main Street, Mechanicville 518.664.4500 devito-salvadorefh.com
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
LISA BEVILAQUA, DO COMMUNITY CARE 1882 New Scotland Road Slingerlands 518.439.2460 communitycare.com
KHYBER KHAN, MD ELLIS PRIMARY CARE 115 Saratoga Road, Glenville 844.518.3627 ellismedicine.org
JOSEPH WAYNE, MD, MPH (TIE) ALBANY MED HEALTH SYSTEM 1019 Loudon Road, Cohoes 518.262.7500 albanymed.org
HAIRDRESSER
TAMMIE MARTIN
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.4619 choiceshairstudio.com
SOOJEE DUFRESNE
SOOJEE BEAUTY: SALON & HEAD SPA
210 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.915.1001 soojeebeauty.com
CASSONDRA SCHAUBLE CASSONDRA LUXURY HAIR 518.867.1375 cassondraluxuryhair.com
HEALTH
CARE/ HMO
MCVEIGH FUNERAL HOME
208 N Allen Street, Albany 518.489.0188 mcveighfuneralhome.com
APPLEBEE FUNERAL HOME
403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.439.2715 applebeefuneralhome.com
FURNITURE STORE
OLD BRICK FURNITURE
Multiple Locations oldbrickfurniture.com
MOORADIANS FURNITURE
800 Central Avenue, Albany
518.489.2529
1758A Route 9, Parkwood Plaza Clifton Park 518.694.8452 mooradians.com
TIP TOP FURNITURE
9477 Route 32, Freehold 518.634.2226 tiptopfurniture.com
GLORIA GUPTILL, MD (TIE) COMMUNITY CARE 250 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.8077 communitycare.com
HAIR SALON
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO 180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.4619 choiceshairstudio.com
SOOJEE BEAUTY: SALON & HEAD SPA 210 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.915.1001 soojeebeauty.com
BLUSH & CO. HAIR AND BEAUTY 579 Troy Schenectady Road Latham 518.608.1481 blushcohairandbeauty.com
CDPHP
500 Patroon Creek Boulevard Albany 518.641.3140 cdphp.com
MVP HEALTH CARE
625 State Street, Schenectady 518.370.4793 mvphealthcare.com
EMPIRE PLAN 877.769.7447 empireplanproviders.com
HEATING & COOLING
FAMILY DANZ HEATING & COOLING
404 North Pearl Street, Albany 518.427.8685 familydanz.com
B&B PLUMBING
25 Station Lane, Saratoga Springs 518.584.4440 bbphsaratoga.com
MAIN-CARE ENERGY
1 Booth Lane, Albany 800.542.5552 maincareenergy.com
HOME BUILDER
BONACIO CONSTRUCTION
18 Division Street
Saratoga Springs
518.584.9007 bonacio.com
MARINI HOMES
624 New Loudon Road Latham
518.869.1200 marinihomes.com
WITT CONSTRUCTION
563 North Broadway Saratoga Springs 518.587.4113 wittconstruction.com
HOME HEALTHCARE
ATTENTIVE CARE
5 Computer Drive, Albany 518.438.6271 attentivecareservices.com
EDDY VISITING NURSE & REHAB ASSOCIATION
47 Liberty Street, Catskill 518.943.5530 sphp.com
HOME MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION
518.346.1284 hmabny.org
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
THE CONNORS AGENCY 40 N Central Avenue Mechanicville 518.664.7307 connorsgroup.com
NORTHEASTERN INSURANCE 1214 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham 518.346.2886 northeasterninsurance.com
BROADVIEW INSURANCE AGENCY
469 State Street Schenectady 518.786.9905
297 Main Street, Schoharie 888.250.6689 broadviewinsurance agency.com
Zappia & Fryer is a womenowned and operated business by two sisters, Drs. Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer. For the past 15 years, Drs. Zappia and Fryer have provided comprehensive dental treatment for patients of all ages. They believe in customized care in a relaxed and friendly environment. Warm hand mitts, massaging chairs, and their relaxation room are comforts offered while you receive excellent treatment with the most up to date dental technology.
We’re happy to welcome new patients to our practice.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
SENSORY SIX
518.306.1099 sensorysix.com
INTERIOR DESIGNS ATELIER
3 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs 518.321.7440 interiordesignsatelier.com
PAULA MCCORMICK INTERIORS
3 Douglas Lane, Loudonville 10 Starbuck Drive, Troy 518.986.1196 paulamccormickinteriors.com
LANDSCAPER
TROY’S LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes 518.785.1526 troyslandscapesupply.com
GALLIVAN CORPORATION
2702 6th Avenue, Troy 518.271.6100 gallivancompanies.com
DELOSSANTOS LANDSCAPE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
518.257.0424
Delossantos Landscape and Property Management LLC on Facebook
LAW FIRM
O’CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ
54 State Street, Albany 518.462.5601 oalaw.com
CASEY LAW
4 Tower Place, Albany 518.738.1800 caseylawlatham.com
CONWAY, DONOVAN & MANLEY, PLLC
50 State Street, Albany 518.436.1661 lawcdm.com
LOCAL COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY
SIENA COLLEGE
515 Loudon Road, Loudonville 518.783.2300 siena.edu
CAPITAL REGION LIVING readers voted
Siena the best local college back in November and December of last year, but since then, the school has made a pretty staggering achievement. In January, it unveiled the brand-new, $35 million Nobel Hall—a 50,000-squarefoot science center complete with laboratories, classrooms, and active learning spaces—which was built without Siena needing to incur any debt. That’s thanks in large part to a donation made by the building’s namesake, 2007 Siena graduate Das Nobel, and his wife, Nipa, whose contribution will help ensure Siena doesn’t meet the same fate as Saint Rose and many other US colleges that have closed since the pandemic.
HUDSON VALLEY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy 518.629.4822 hvcc.com
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany 518.442.3300 albany.edu
MANI/PEDI
DAILY NAILS & SPA
1471 Route 9, Suite 108, Clifton Park
518.280.0178
Daily Nails & Spa on Facebook
VENUS NAIL SPA
52 North Greenbush Road, Troy 518.326.9594 venusnailspany.com
L PERFECT NAIL & SPA
400 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont 518.432.4037
L Perfect Nail & Spa on Facebook
MARINA
PLUCHINO’S MARINA
284 Houseman Street, Mayfield 518.863.3437 pluchinos.com
COEYMANS LANDING MARINA
20 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.6111 coeymanslandingmarina.com
BOATS BY GEORGE (TIE)
Sandy Bay Marina
291 Cleverdale Road, Cleverdale 518.793.5452
Warner Bay Marina 39 Rockhurst Road, Queensbury boatsbygeorge.com
DONOVAN’S SHADY HARBOR MARINA (TIE)
70 Shady Harbor Drive, New Baltimore 518.756.8001 shadyharbormarina.com
MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
AIKIDO AT HAWKS HILL
36 Cooksboro Road, Troy 518.892.9668 hawks-hill.com
MASTER YANG’S MEDICAL ARTS CENTER
849 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.362.7041 yangsmac.com
DEWEY’S MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
159 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 179 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer 518.475.9641 deweysmartialartsacademy.com
MASSAGE
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY 48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar 518.621.7979 breathemassagedelmar.com
MASSAGE BY MEG
251 New Karner Road, Albany 518.391.8648 mysite.vagaro.com/ massagebymeg518
LUNAR AESTHETICS AND MASSAGE
2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.649.2580 massagebykarla.com
MEDICAL SPA
LUCIE CAPEK MD
PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 1003 Loudon Road, Latham 518.786.1700 capekplasticsurgery.com
HEBE MEDICAL SPA
601 Loudon Road, Latham 518.605.5545
28 Division Street, Saratoga Springs 518.901.7150 thehebespa.com
FELICIA’S HOUSE OF INVIGORATION
945 Route 146, Clifton Park 518.698.9292 feliciashouseofinvigoration.com
MEDICAL SPECIALIST
LUCIE CAPEK, MD LUCIE CAPEK MD PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA 1003 Loudon Road, Latham 518.786.1700 capekplasticsurgery.com
ALBANY ENT & ALLERGY SERVICES
123 Everett Road, Albany 518.701.2085
1785 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.701.2075 albanyentandallergy.com
ROBERT BUSCH, MD ALBANY MED ENDOCRINOLOGY
220 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany 518.489.4704 albanymed.org
ORTHODONTIST
COONEY & TYNER ORTHODONTICS
500 Federal Street, Troy 518.274.4322
30 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake 518.400.1200 cooneyorthodontics.com
LOZMAN ORTHODONTICS
17 Johnson Road, Latham 518.785.9441 capitaldistrictortho.com
EFROS ORTHODONTICS
Multiple Locations
845.250.0517 efrosorthodontics.com
PAVING/ SEALCOATING
It makes sense that Saratoga would be home to the Capital Region’s best bartenders, given the abundance of bars in town. But what makes Rensselaer a haven for the area’s top pavers and seal coaters is beyond us. The good news: All three of these Bestie winners are willing to travel, so the rest of us can enjoy smooth driveways, too.
L. BROWE ASPHALT SERVICES
19 Sun Oil Road, Rensselaer 518.479.1400 broweasphalt.com
PRESTIGE PAVING & SEALCOATING
5 McDonald Lane, Rensselaer 518.477.6123 prestige-sealcoating.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
DELMAR PEDIATRICS
1220 New Scotland Road Slingerlands 518.439.2273 delmarpediatricspllc.com
GIOMBETTI & BRADY PEDIATRICS
208 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.5611 giombettiandbradypediatrics.com
PERSONAL TRAINER
TONI HOWARD
TOTAL FITNESS WITH TONI 518.339.3037 totalfitnesswithtoni.com
CHRIS WERTMAN
ASPIRE ATHLETIC CLUB
3637 Carman Road, Schenectady 518.817.5182 aspireathleticclub.com
KYLE COLETTI
FOCUSMASTER FITNESS 828 Hoosick Road, Troy 518.326.4758 focusmaster.com
PEST CONTROL
MEERKAT PEST CONTROL
Multiple Locations meerkatpestcontrol.com
SHERIDAN PEST CONTROL
518.935.7162 sheridanpest.com
THOMAS PEST SERVICES
518.861.4921 thomaspestservices.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
CHELSEA SYLVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY
251 New Karner Road, Colonie 518.657.1331 chelseasylvesterphotography.com
ELARIO PHOTOGRAPHY elariophotography.com
ALL OCCASIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
518.986.3440 alloccasionsphoto.net
PILATES STUDIO
FREE MOVEMENT PILATES
5 Becker Terrace, Delmar 518.275.2644 freemovementpilates.com
PILATES PRINCIPLE
578 Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.1678 lathampilates.com
THE PILATES METHOD
785 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.551.0002 thepilatesmethoddelmar.com
POOL COMPANY
CARIBBEAN POOLS
1223 Fort Hunter Road, Schenectady 518.356.4364 caribbeanpoolsny.com
CONCORD POOLS
156 Sparrowbush Road, Latham
518.783.8976
136 South Broadway Saratoga Springs 518.587.4949 concordpools.com
ISLANDER POOLS AND SPA (TIE)
1967 Central Avenue, Albany 518.456.0958
2133 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa 518.885.1131 islanderpools.com
A-FRAME POOLS & SPAS (TIE)
615 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.785.4171 aframepools.us
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
ROOHAN REALTY
519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.4500 roohanrealty.com
JULIE & CO.
18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs 518.350.7653 juliecorealty.com
MIUCCIO REAL ESTATE GROUP
1414 Western Avenue, Albany 498 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville 518.438.9302 miucciogroup.com
TAILOR
JACQUES TUXEDO AND TAILORING 1475 Western Avenue, Albany 518.435.9156
TONY THE TAILOR
632 Plank Road, Clifton Park 518.785.0378
COHOES CUSTOM TAILORS 1 Mohawk Street, Cohoes 518.235.7344 Cohoes Custom Tailors on Facebook
TREE SERVICE
SEVENZOCKS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPING 1277 Route 9W, Selkirk 518.635.4111 sevenzocks.com
SALVADORE TREE SERVICE
1260 Hudson Avenue, Stillwater 518.664.7921 salvadoretreeservice.com
NEW LEAF TREE SERVICES 652 Route 9H, Hudson 518.526.6675 newleaftreeservicesinc.com
WAITSTAFF
YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT 572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR 214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.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
ANTIQUE STORE
WAVERLY SQUARE ANTIQUES
19 Low Street, Ballston Spa 518.309.3566 waverlysquareantiques.com
STONE SOUP ANTIQUES GALLERY
2144 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa 518.885.5232 stonesoupantiquesgallery.com
COXSACKIE ANTIQUE CENTER (TIE)
12400 Route 9W, Coxsackie 518.731.8888
Coxsackie Antique Center on Facebook
ARTCENTRIC MARKETPLACE (TIE)
266 River Street, Troy 518.691.0007
Artcentric Marketplace on Facebook
ART GALLERY
MORNINGSIDE GALLERY
588 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.8763 morningsidegallery.com
PAINT COHOES ART STUDIO & GALLERY
144 Remsen Street, Cohoes 518.348.6828 paintcohoes.com
MICROPOLIS COOPERATIVE
30 Main Street, Gloversville @MicropolisGallery on Facebook
BEVERAGE CENTER
DELMAR BEVERAGE
242 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.7275 delmarbeverage.com
OLIVER’S BEVERAGE
105 Colvin Avenue, Albany 518.459.2767 brew-crew.com
EBI BEVERAGE
112 Excelsior Avenue Saratoga Springs 518.583.0434 ebisaratoga.com
BOOKSTORE
I LOVE BOOKS
380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.478.0715
I Love Books on Facebook
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
LILY SARATOGA
6 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs 518.587.5017 lilysaratoga.com
BRIDAL GALLERY BY YVONNE
895 Loudon Road, Latham 518.782.9333 bridalgallerybyyvonne.com
ELLE’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
211 Park Avenue, Mechanicville 518.664.1189 ellesbridalboutique.com
BUTCHER SHOP
FRED THE BUTCHER
1473 Route 9, Halfmoon 518.371.5333
386 Maple Road, Slingerlands 518.650.8849 fredthebutcher.com
MCCARROLL’S THE VILLAGE BUTCHER AND DELI
406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.478.9651 fix8media-delmar.squarespace.com
SANDERS MEAT MARKET
2100 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa 518.288.3405 sandersmeatmarket.com
CANNABIS DISPENSARY
The Capital Region’s cannabis scene has come a long way since last winter, when our cover story featured the budding (no pun intended) local industry. Four years after recreational marijuana was legalized in New York, this area is now home to more than a dozen dispensaries, including Bestie winner Stage One, the second one to open back in the summer of 2023.
STAGE ONE
810 Broadway, Rensselaer 518.451.9540 stageonedispensary.com
NORTHERN LIGHTS
100 Broadway, Menands 518.472.0278 nldispo.com
HOLD UP ROLL UP (TIE)
196 Washington Avenue, Albany 518.521.8324 holduprollup.com
ROYALE FLOWER (TIE)
332 Northern Boulevard, Albany 518.380.3738 royaleflower.com
CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP
HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany 518.482.2667 honest weight.coop
FOX CREEK FARM CSA
182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie 518.872.2375 foxcreekfarmcsa.com
LANSING’S FARM MARKET AND GREENHOUSES
204 Lisha Kill Road, Colonie 518.464.0889 lansingfarmmarket.com
CAR DEALER
KEELER MOTOR CAR GROUP
1111 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham 518.785.4197 keeler.com
TOYOTA OF CLIFTON PARK
202 Route 146, Mechanicville 518.664.4444 toyotaofcliftonpark.com
MOHAWK HONDA
175 Freemans Bridge Road Schenectady 518.370.4911 mohawkhonda.com
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
TRULY RHE
1 Broadway, Troy 518.273.1540 Truly Rhe on Facebook
LIFESTYLES OF SARATOGA
463 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.584.4665 lifestylesofsaratoga.com
YELLOW BOUTIQUE
491 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.581.1700 yellowbtq.com
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
WORTH REPEATING 123 Saratoga Road, Scotia 518.384.0946 worthrepeating123.com
COLLECTED BOUTIQUE
257 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.5722 collectedboutique.com
SOMETHING OLDE, SOMETHING NEW
1969 New Scotland Road Slingerlands 518.474.0663 somethingoldenew.com
FARMERS’ MARKET
TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET
Troy Atrium (November-April) Monument Square (May-October) 518.708.4216 troymarket.org
DELMAR FARMERS’ MARKET
Bethlehem High School 700 Delaware Avenue Delmar delmarmarket.com
SARATOGA FARMERS’ MARKET
Wilton Mall (November-April) High Rock Park (May-October) saratogafarmersmarket.org
GARDEN NURSERY
FADDEGON’S NURSERY
1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.785.6726 faddegons.com
TROY’S LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 1266 New Loudon Road Cohoes 518.785.1526 troyslandscapesupply.com
GADE FARM 2479 Western Avenue Altamont 518.869.8019 gadefarm.com
CROSS EYED OWL 3143 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.6755 crosseyedowl.com
PEARL GRANT RICHMANS 1475 Western Avenue Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany 518.438.8409 pearlgrant.com
5TH CORNER GOODS AND GIFTS
395 Kenwood Avenue Delmar 1475 Western Avenue Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany 5thcornergoods.com
HARDWARE STORE
ROBINSON’S ACE HARDWARE
Multiple Locations robinsonshardware.com
PHILLIP’S HARDWARE
6495 Route 158, Altamont 518.861.5364 235 Delaware Avenue Delmar 518.439.9943 shopphillips.com
CURTIS LUMBER
Multiple Locations curtislumber.com
TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET
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
HEALTHY LIVING
3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs
518.306.4900 healthylivingmarket.com
JEWELER
JOYELLES JEWELERS
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.9993 joyellesjewelers.com
JOHN FRITZE JR, JEWELER
4 Normanskill Boulevard, Delmar 518.439.7690 johnfritzejrjeweler.com
DRUE SANDERS CUSTOM JEWELERS 1675 Western Avenue, Albany 518.464.9636 druesanders.com
LIQUOR/WINE
EMPIRE WINE
1440 Central Avenue, Albany 518.694.8503 empirewine.com
PURDY’S DISCOUNT WINE & LIQUOR
70 Congress Street, Saratoga 518.584.5400 purdyswine.com
ALL STAR WINE AND SPIRITS
579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.220.9463 allstarwine.com
MENSWEAR
MR. FORMAL WEAR
22 Clifton Park Road, Clifton Park 518.383.7701 mrformalwear.com
MARK THOMAS MEN’S APPAREL
5 Metro Park Road, Albany
518.438.7887
385 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.871.1293 markthomasmensapparel.com
BRITCHES OF TROY (TIE)
216 River Street, Troy 518.279.2752 Britches of Troy on Facebook
UNION HALL SUPPLY CO. (TIE)
473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 1475 Western Avenue Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany 518.450.7025 unionhallsupplyco.com
MUSIC STORE
THE RIVER STREET BEAT SHOP
197 River Street, Troy 518.272.0433 recordstoreday.com
PARKWAY MUSIC
1777 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.383.0300 parkwaymusic.com
TRIADS MUSIC CENTER
219 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.793.2848
Triads Music Center on Facebook
OPTICAL CENTER
BRASS EYE CENTER 1783 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.782.7827 brasseyecenter.com
BUENAU’S OPTICIANS
228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.7012 buenaus.com
SARATOGA VISION
235 Washington Street Saratoga Springs 518.587.5900 saratogavision.com
PET STORE
BENSON’S PET CENTER
Multiple Locations bensonspet.com
HEALTHY PET CENTER
Multiple Locations healthypetcenters.com
SACANDAGA DOG SUPPLY AND FEED
212 South Main Street, Northville 518.863.8721 hounddoggear.com
SHOPPING MALL/ CENTER
COLONIE CENTER
131 Colonie Center, Albany 518.252.0215 shopatcoloniecenter.com
CLIFTON PARK CENTER
22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park 518.371.7467 cliftonparkcenter.com
STUYVESANT PLAZA
1475 Western Avenue, Albany 518.482.8986 stuyvesantplaza.com
SPORTING GOODS STORE
STEINER’S SPORTS
Multiple Locations steinersskibike.com
BIKE BARN CYCLING AND FITNESS
4360 Route 30, Amsterdam 518.238.2453 bikebarncycles.com
BERKSHIRE BIKE & BOARD
Multiple Locations berkshirebikeandboard.com
SUPERMARKET
HANNAFORD
Multiple Locations hannaford.com
PRICE CHOPPER/MARKET 32
Multiple Locations pricechopper.com
HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP
100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany 518.482.2667 honestweight.coop
TIRE STORE
GRAND PREMIER TIRES & CUSTOM WHEELS
591 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush 518.477.4753
3361 S Thompson Street Schenectady 518.630.5055 grandpremieretire.com
LABARGE’S TIRE AND AUTO SERVICE
Multiple Locations labargestireautocenter.com
SCHODACK TIRE
1920 Route 9
Castleton-On-Hudson 518.477.5333 Schodack Tire on Facebook
TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA TRAVEL
Multiple Locations hudsonvalley.aaa.com
Bestie voters have caught on to the fact that AAA doesn’t just offer legendary roadside assistance—it also serves as a full-service travel agency that offers hotel discounts, addedvalue benefits, low-cost rates for rental vehicles, the best prices on cruises, and discounted tickets for attractions like Walt Disney World. While you don’t have to be a AAA member to use its travel agency, members do get the best deals!
ENCHANTING ESCAPES
2261 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.608.4644 enchantingescapes.net
YANKEE TRAILS
569 3rd Avenue Ext., Rensselaer 518.286.2400 yankeetrails.com
Yanni’s by Car…Yanni’s by Bike…Yannis by Boat!
Whatever you envision for your next adventure, we’ll make it a reality.
Call us today and plan your next getaway 518.608.4644
www.enchantingescapes.net
2261 Western Ave, Guilderland, New York
FIND THE PERFECT DRESS
Quality Designers, a Variety of Styles & the Best Customer Service
LOCAL PEOPLE & MEDIA
ARTIST
To be fair, “artist” is a pretty broad category, that could cover anything from painting to pottery, sculpting to singing. That being said, what are the chances that two out of this year’s top three finalists are face painters? It appears we might have somewhat of a rivalry between Premo Designs and iCandy on our hands. Will face painter get a category of its own in future Bestie Awards? It just might.
PREMO DESIGNS FACE PAINT 518.952.1328 facepaint518.com
JULIA DURGEE juliadurgee.com
ICANDY FACE PAINTING icandydesignsfacepainting.com
AUTHOR
EVENING ANCHOR
LYDIA KULBIDA, NEWS10 ABC
JOHN GRAY, NEWS10 ABC
SUBRINA DHAMMI, NEWSCHANNEL 13
EVENING
TEAM
NEWS10 ABC TEAM
NEWSCHANNEL 13 TEAM
SPECTRUM NEWS TEAM
MORNING
ANCHOR
METEOROLOGIST
STEVE CAPORIZZO, NEWS10 ABC
This January, iconic Capital Region meteorologist Steve Caporizzo announced that the time had come: As of June 30 of this year, he’ll be retiring from weather after more than 35 years at NEWS10 ABC.
Elle’s is by appointment only so please call ahead. 518.664.1189
211 PARK AVENUE, MECHANICVILLE ellesbridalboutique.com
PATRICIA CRANDALL patriciacrandall.com
JOHN GRAY johngraywriter.com
DIANE CAMERON dianecameron.com
AFTERNOON ANCHOR
CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC
TRISHNA BEGAM, NEWS10 ABC
JODEE KENNEY, SPECTRUM NEWS
BAND/MUSICIAN/ ENTERTAINER
KELSEY DODD Instagram @kelseydoddmusic
EASTBOUND JESUS eastboundjesus.com
LUCID STREET BAND lucidstreetband.com
STEPHANIE RIVAS, NEWS10 ABC
In her short time at NEWS10 ABC, Stephanie Rivas shot to Capital Region news stardom, landing atop the Morning Anchor Besties standings after fewer than five years at the station. That fact made her February departure from the station all the more bittersweet; while the reporter said she felt embraced by the Capital Region community and at home here, she ultimately decided to take a different position closer to her family.
CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC
CASEY BORTNICK, SPECTRUM NEWS
MORNING TEAM
NEWS10 ABC TEAM
SPECTRUM NEWS TEAM
NEWSCHANNEL 13 TEAM
“It is difficult because I truly love my job and all the people I work with, but I know it is time,” he said. “[My wife] Lisa and I will have more time together, and more time with our fur kids which is the most important thing.” In addition to providing Capital Regionites with the weather forecast for threeand-a-half decades, Steve has also become known for Pet Connection, the segment that since 1990 has found homes for thousands of pets. Even after retiring from weather, Steve will continue to host Pet Connection. “I will do that until the day I physically can no longer do it,” he said. “It will become my priority.”
PAUL CAIANO, NEWSCHANNEL 13
STEVEN LAPOINTE, CBS 6 WRGB
PODCAST
THE BUTTONISTA SHOW
ONORATO & MILLER
MOMBOSS MAXIMIZER
PRINT JOURNALIST
JOHN GRAY, CAPITAL REGION LIVING
PAUL GRONDAHL, TIMES UNION
RADIO PERSONALITY
JAKE & LIBBY, FLY 92.3
ALLY REID, FLY 92.3
SEAN & ANDREA, THE CAT 100.9
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
SAUCY SURACI @saucysuraci on Instagram
TWO BUTTONS DEEP @twobuttonsdeep on Instagram
518 FOODIES @518foodies on Instagram
SPORTSCASTER
RODGER WYLAND, NEWSCHANNEL 13
GRIFFIN HAAS, NEWS10 ABC
CHRIS ONORATO, NEWSCHANNEL 13
PLACES
ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME
EDDY SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES
1 Glen Eddy Drive, Niskayuna 518.280.8385 eddyseniorliving.com
PEREGRINE SENIOR LIVING AT CROSSGATE
140 Washington Avenue Ext. Albany 518.869.0211 peregrinecrossgate.com
INGERSOLL PLACE (TIE)
3359 Consaul Road, Niskayuna 518.370.4419 ingersollplace.org
VAN RENSSELAER MANOR (TIE)
85 Bloominggrove Drive, Troy 518.283.2300 rensco.com
CAMPGROUND
GLAMPFUL
162 Hatzenbuhler Road, Broadalbin 646.539.9438 glampful.com
THOMPSON’S LAKE CAMPGROUND
68 Thompsons Lake Road East Berne 518.872.1674 parks.ny.gov
CHERRY PLAIN STATE PARK
10 State Park Road, Petersburg 518.733.5400 newyorkstateparks. reserveamerica.com
NORTH-SOUTH LAKE CAMPGROUND
County Route 18, Haines Falls 518.589.5058 newyorkstateparks. reserveamerica.com
DAY TRIP
(WITHIN 3 HRS)
LAKE GEORGE, NY visitlakegeorge.com
LAKE PLACID, NY lakeplacid.com
STOCKBRIDGE, MA stockbridgechamber.org
DOG-FRIENDLY SPOT
HIGHER GROUND DISTILLING COMPANY
2513 Highway 30, Mayfield 518.527.5490
Higher Ground Distilling Company on Facebook
JUNE FARMS
275 Parker Road, West Sand Lake 518.444.3276 junefarms.com
CAPITAL HILLS AT ALBANY GOLF COURSE (OFF-SEASON) (TIE)
65 O’Neil Road, Albany 518.438.2208 caphills.com
COLONIE CENTER (TIE)
131 Colonie Center, Albany 518.459.9020 shopatcoloniecenter.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARM
JUNE FARMS
275 Parker Road, West Sand Lake 518.444.3276 junefarms.com
The next time you go to June Farms, you can take a bit of the experience home with you. Last fall, owner Matt Baumgartner co-authored a children’s book, The Bear at June Farms, with his mom, Rosie MacPhail. The story follows Bear, a curious puppy that adventures through the farm, meeting the animals and learning lessons about friendship and teamwork. You can purchase a copy of the book at the June Farms General store, or online.
INDIAN LADDER FARMS
342 Altamont Road, Altamont 518.765.2956 indianladderfarms.com
ELLMS FAMILY FARM
468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa 518.884.8168 ellmsfarms.com
GETAWAY HOTEL/ RESORT/INN
THE LODGE AT SCHROON LAKE
210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake 518.987.0708 lodgeatschroonlake.com
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz 855.883.3798 mohonk.com
RELUCTANT PANTHER INN AND RESTAURANT
39 West Road Manchester Village, VT 800.822.2331 reluctantpanther.com
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)
ALBANY COUNTRY CLUB
300 Wormer Road, Voorheesville 518.765.2851 albanycc.cc
COUNTRY CLUB OF TROY
100 Troy Country Club Road, Troy 518.274.1000 countrycluboftroy.com
COLUMBIA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
295 Route 217, Claverack 518.851.9195 columbiagolf.com
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)
COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville 518.325.0019 copakecountryclub.com
SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.583.4653 golfsaratoga.com
NORMANSIDE COUNTRY CLUB
150 Salisbury Road, Delmar 518.439.4505 normanside.com
HIKING TRAIL
THACHER STATE PARK
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville 518.872.1237 parks.ny.gov
ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE
195 New Karner Road, Albany 518.456.0655 albanypinebush.org
FIVE RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
56 Game Farm Road, Delmar 518.475.0291 dec.ny.gov
KIDS BIRTHDAY VENUE
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
12 Walker Way 1A, Albany 518.512.9929 thegoodkarmastudio.com
BARBARA’S SCHOOL OF THE DANCE
417 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.475.9580 barbarasschoolofthedance.com
THE LITTLES PLAY & CAFE
515 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham 518.313.7099
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.275.0325 thelittlesplaycafe.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
BETHLEHEM YMCA
900 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.4394 cdymca.org
LOCAL HOTEL/ RESORT/INN
THE ADELPHI HOTEL
365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.678.6000 theadelphihotel.com
THE INN AT SARATOGA
231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.583.1890 theinnatsaratoga.com
THE MAKER HOTEL
302 Warren Street, Hudson 518.509.2620 themaker.com
PARK
SARATOGA SPA STATE PARK 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs 518.584.2535 parks.ny.gov
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
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
THE SPINNEY
6 Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar 518.689.0162 thespinneyatvandyke.com 2490 Pond View Castleton-On-Hudson 518.479.0800 thespinneyatpondview.com
AVILA RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
100 White Pine Drive, Albany 518.452.4250 avilaretirementcommunity.com
BEVERWYCK
40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands 518.280.8385 eddyseniorliving.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
WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN
5021 Route 86, Wilmington 518.946.2223 whiteface.com
WEDDING VENUE
THE ADELPHI HOTEL
365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.678.6000 theadelphihotel.com
FRANKLIN PLAZA
4 4th Street, Troy 518.270.9622 franklinplaza.com
THE LODGE AT SCHROON LAKE
210 Registration Way, Schroon Lake 518.987.0708 lodgeatschroonlake.com
Amber Bauhoff
200 Years on the ERIE CANAL
Once regarded as the Empire State’s largest and most influential public works project, the Erie Canal now provides New Yorkers with scenic recreational opportunities—and a touch of local history. | BY SARA FOSS
Nine years ago, my husband and I set off on a long bike ride across New York State.
We started in Buffalo and headed east to Albany, cycling for much of the way on the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, which parallels both active and historic sections of the waterway that helped build the United States we know today. We crossed flat, vast expanses of upstate New York and coasted down long, rolling hills. We made a side trip to Skaneateles Lake and explored the glacial rock formations in the city of Little Falls.
We arrived home in the Capital Region exhausted but satisfied. During our week on bikes, we immersed ourselves in our state’s beautiful landscape, and even learned a few things along the way—like how the Erie Canal transformed New York into an economic powerhouse and reshaped the US by opening up the North American interior to settlers.
Today, there’s even more to see and do along the Canal, especially given the fact that New York State has made significant investments in communities along the waterway to boost tourism and recreation ahead of 2025, the Erie Canal’s bicentennial year.
“If you want to go to the Erie Canal, this is the year to do it,” says Jean Mackay, deputy director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which is based at Peebles Island in Waterford. “There’s going to be a lot
ROOT OF THE CANAL “The bicentennial is an opportunity for people to really understand the importance of what the Canal did for our state economically—just what a transformational engineering marvel it was,” says Brian Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation; (right, from top) a lumber barge near Albany, which in the 1870s was one of the largest lumber districts in the US; Locks 2 and 3 in Waterford in 1909.
(top) FRANK A. JAGGER LUMBER BOAT AT ALBANY LUMBER DISTRICT, UNIDENTIFIED PHOTOGRAPHER, C. 1875, ALBUMEN PRINT, ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART LIBRARY, PA 19_13, DI 378 (bottom) NEW YORK STATE ARCHIVES. NEW YORK (STATE). STATE ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR. BARGE CANAL CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHS. 11833-97. CONTRACT 2, P. 12, NEGATIVE 1210
going on—good celebrations, a lot of events, and opportunities to get out on the water and just really see and understand this part of New York’s history.”
For those of you who need to brush up on your state history, a brief reminder: The Erie Canal was the brainchild of New York Governor DeWitt Clinton, who had the crazy—no, insane—idea to connect Lake Erie to the Hudson River (and therefore New York City) via a waterway that would cut through the virgin forests, fields, cliffs,
and swamps of central New York. Keep in mind, this was back in the 1810s, before the advent of modern machinery. Undeterred by the federal government’s lack of financial assistance and the general public’s lack of faith in the plan to dig a 360-mile-long ditch across the state by hand, Clinton raised the $7 million needed to build the Canal (or “Clinton’s Ditch,” as it was called at the time) himself. It was constructed on time and under budget. In 1825, the Erie Canal became the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, dramatically reducing the cost of shipping goods west. But its impact went far beyond economics.
“The Canal fostered commercial movement, but also the movement of people and their ideas,” says David Brooks, education director at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter. “It fueled a little bit of everything.” For instance: the growth of manufacturing cities including Rochester, and the spread of religious and political ideologies including Mormonism and women’s rights. (It also fueled the displacement of indigenous peoples from their native lands.) The Canal continued to
serve as a major pipeline for the spread of humans, cargo, and ideas until the rise of railroads in the mid-19th century.
These days, the Erie Canal is still used to move oversized manufactured items and bulk cargo, but most activity on the waterway is recreational. People bike, walk, run, and cross-country ski along the trail, and boating is also popular. Mackay says the number of people attending sanctioned events along the canal has increased significantly in recent years, a trend partly due to the rise in programs encouraging people to use the canal.
One such program, sponsored by the Canal Corporation and the New York Power Authority, is called On the Canals, and offers all sorts of free activities, from photography classes and stargazing to hikes. Another is the Canalway Challenge, in which participants pledge to complete personal mileage goals in the sport of their choice anywhere within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. In 2025, there will be a special 200-mile option; all finishers will receive an Erie Canal 200 commemorative patch. And then there’s Cycle the Erie Canal, an annual group bicycle ride from Buffalo to Albany which this year will take place from July 12-20. Included in the cost of the tour are camping accommodations, meals, and evening entertainment.
While there are plenty of places to access the Erie Canalway Trail locally, for those looking to learn what the Canal is all about, Mackay recommends checking out Peebles Island and nearby Cohoes Falls, as well as Waterford, one of many upstate communities that thrived during the Canal’s heyday. “You can understand why the canal was needed when you come to this area,” she says. “You can’t take a boat over Cohoes Falls. You have to find a way around it, and the Canal was the way around it.”
It’s been nearly a decade since I traversed the state on the Erie Canalway Trail, but I still get out to ride on it regularly. In recent years, I’ve enjoyed looking for bald eagles, many of which make their nests high in the trees above the Canal. It’s fitting, really, that America’s national bird would choose to make its home here—on a waterway that is in many ways the physical embodiment of the can-do American spirit. If only Clinton could see his ditch now.
TAKING FLIGHT Bikers on the Erie Canalway Trail; (top) the annual guided paddle through the Waterford Flight.
Cheers to 200 Years!
Events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal will kick off later this year. Among other things, New Yorkers can look forward to:
THE JOURNEY OF THE SENECA CHIEF
Volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center have built a full-sized replica of the Seneca Chief, the boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. The replica will recreate former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton’s inaugural journey from Buffalo to New York Harbor this fall, with celebratory stops at communities on the canal.
GUIDED PADDLE THROUGH THE WATERFORD FLIGHT
The Waterford Flight is a set of locks that lift vessels from the Hudson River to the Mohawk River, bypassing Cohoes Falls. It has the highest elevation gain relative to its length of any canal system in the US. If you can’t make this guided trip on June 22, you can paddle the flight on your own—the starting point is Alcathys Boat Launch at Lock 6. Kayaks can be rented from Upstate Kayak Rentals.
FLOTSAM RIVER CIRCUS
This summer, Flotsam, a troupe of puppeteers, musicians, and circus performers, will board a ramshackle raft, and travel from Buffalo to New York City for the Erie Canal bicentennial. The schedule had not been finalized as of press time, but the troupe says it will stop in dozens of towns, including Schenectady and Amsterdam, between mid-August and mid-September.
Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio
Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence
Veronica Swift
POUR MAN New York Governor DeWitt Clinton pouring water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean to mark the completion of the Erie Canal.
style Hudson’s Interior Design HQ
Part boutique, showroom, and interior design firm, the multifaceted Hudson Home celebrates 20 years in the Friendly City. | By Kathleen Willcox
by François Gagne
STYLE POINTS “My personal style tends towards classic, tailored, layered style,” says Greg Feller, the creative force behind Hudson Home, who is constantly scouring the world for new products. “It’s very much the same way I approach and design interiors.”
Photography
ccasionally, one particular store comes to embody the place in which it is set. Hudson Home, fittingly named for its home of Hudson, NY, does so with particular grace and aplomb.
At first glance, Hudson Home looks like a curated collection of beautiful home furnishings and décor. And it is. But scratch beneath the tastefully gilded surface, and there’s so much more. Hudson Home represents the culmination of a lifetime devoted to interior design, a deep appreciation for life upstate, an affinity for relationship-building, and a dedication to supporting the regional design community.
Hudson Home was founded by Richard Bodin and Greg Feller in 2005. Feller was (and still is) an interior designer with an affinity for architectural history; Bodin had spent most of his career managing complex marketing initiatives for financial services firms. The pair’s blend of talents and skills proved to be just the cocktail that Hudson— and its growing community of artists, designers, creatives, and discerning home buyers who have flocked to the region in the 20 years since the now-iconic store first opened—were thirsty for.
Not only is Hudson Home a store at which you can shop a carefully curated collection of home goods—it’s also an interior design trade showroom, meaning other designers who’ve made their home north of NYC can stop by to browse and order from a wide
UPSTATE OF MIND When they opened the doors of Hudson Home 20 years ago, Richard Bodin (at left) and Greg Feller, seen here with their dog, Snug, had no idea what was to come. They only knew they loved Hudson’s creative energy, beautiful landscape, and easy access to nature and culture.
selection of furniture, fabric, wallpaper, lighting, carpet, and more. And stop by they do: Hudson Home regularly welcomes designers from throughout the Northeast who don’t want to travel all the way to Manhattan to find high-quality products.
“We’ve been able to bring in design resources that previously couldn’t be found in the area,” Feller says. “We’re pleased to make those same resources available to other designers so they can enjoy what the area has to offer and still have access to a broad range of top design brands close to home. We feel uniquely qualified to serve other designers because we are designers, too. We know the challenges they face, and we work hard to make doing business easier for them.”
If it wasn’t abundantly clear, at Hudson Home, the “Hudson” half of the name is equally as important as the “Home” half.
“Hudson is an anomaly,” says Bodin. “It’s a city, but it’s in the country. It’s historic, but it’s current. The confluence of history, geography, and people make it a very unique place. There are still no chain or mass retailers on Warren Street. There is just such a creative force here with a substantial appreciation for history and uniqueness.”
Twenty years into owning Hudson Home, Feller and Bodin are stretching their wings creatively as well as geographically, working with clients and designers in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga. They’re also using their silver anniversary as an excuse to refresh their brand identity and website. If you haven’t been in a while—or ever— it may be time for a visit.
“Recently, we’ve been doing more full-scale renovations and more multi-generational projects,” says Feller, the creative force behind the brand’s interior design branch. “We’ve designed for young parents, their parents, and now the children themselves. We’ve come full circle. We love our clients and feel very much a part of their families.”
Clearly, for their devoted clients, the feeling’s mutual.
Home Improvement
THESE SEVEN LOCAL COMPANIES ARE READY TO HELP YOU TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME THIS SPRING.
Blue Spruce Landscape & Design
This spring, transform your outdoor space into something extraordinary. Blue Spruce Landscape & Design crafts breathtaking landscapes, stunning hardscapes, and custom outdoor retreats built for beauty and function. Through the company’s partnership with River Pools Capital Region, Blue Spruce is able to offer a seamless, all-inclusive pool installation experience. Call to schedule a consultation today.
780 NY-146A, Clifton Park | bluesprucedesign.com | 518.600.2252
Caribbean Pools and Spas
The Attanasio family, owners of Caribbean Pools and Spas, have been in the concrete and swimming pool game since the early 20th century, when Cosimo Attanasio learned the trade in Naples, Italy. He passed his expertise onto his descendants, who immigrated to the US and now operate a successful, Schenectady-based company specializing in in-ground and above-ground pools, renovations, and service. Whatever your vision, Caribbean Pools can make it a reality.
1223 Fort Hunter Road, Schenectady | caribbeanpoolsny.com | 518.356.4364
Classic Shed & Patio
Classic Shed & Patio is a family-owned, one-stop shop for the design and creation of the finest home storage sheds. Known for allowing customers to design their dream project themselves, Classic Sheds builds the most reliable custom sheds (think Quaker, A-frame, barns, and New England styles), as well as gazebos, playgrounds, and any outdoor special project—from chicken coops and dog houses to sunrooms and playhouses.
1997 Central Avenue, Colonie | classicshedandpatio.com | 518.869.7474
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 | jhunzikerpavingllc.com | 518.858.7917
L. Browe Asphalt Services
L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley, with installations that are built to last because of correct elevations and subtle detailing that ease the job into the land. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that complete and enhance the entire property setting.
Rensselaer | broweasphalt.com | 518.479.1400
Redbud Development
Redbud Development is a landscape contracting 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. The Redbud team prides itself on getting to know its clients and what they really want—be it an in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, or patio to host family get-togethers— before the design process begins. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton redbuddevelopment.com | 518.691.0428
Seasons Supply Co.
Led by lifelong Clifton Park resident Clifford Hughes, Seasons Supply Co. has been serving the Capital Region with professional landscaping, property maintenance, and conveniently located stores since 1997. With locations in Malta and Rexford, Seasons Supply Co. has all the tools you need to transform boring yards into enviable works of art. From shovels and wheelbarrows for your next DIY project to bulk supplies of mulch or sand for top-level contractors, Seasons has what you need to create the utmost in outdoor living.
2706 US Route 9, Malta | 518.581.2900 852 Grooms Road, Rexford | 518.371.5730 seasonssupply.com
on the road
The Ultimate American Road Trip Destination
How to spend a long weekend in the birthplace of American democracy. | By
Kathleen Willcox
ben there The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute; (opposite, from top) the Liberty Bell; Rittenhouse Square; Thai restaurant Kalaya; Reading Terminal Market.
Everyone always says they love living in the Capital Region because of its proximity to bigger metropolises—New York City, Boston… you know the spiel. But how often are we locals really capitalizing on the main thoroughfares that cross through Albany? In this series, we’ll explore what to do in the cities we claim to love to visit. Up now: Philly!
In a morning’s drive from Saratoga Springs, you can find yourself in the city where our nation was born. If that isn’t enough of a draw for you, Philadelphia also has some of the country’s best art and food.
Here’s how to dig into Philly’s history, culture, and cuisine in a weekend.
HISTORY
For history buffs, the UNESCO-sanctified Historic District is a one-stop shop. Get your bearings at the Independence Visitor Center then head to Independence Hall, where in 1776, 56 delegates gathered to pledge their “lives, their fortune and their sacred honor” for the country’s freedom from tyranny. Eleven years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, representatives from 12 states gathered to craft the US Constitution.
You’re not going to want to miss Congress Hall, which served as home to the US Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the country’s capital. Walk around the stately but humble two-story Georgian brick structure and marvel at the history made here, from the establishment of the First Bank of the United States to the creation of the Federal Mint and the Department of the Navy.
Then, of course, there’s the Liberty Bell, which once rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (what we today call Independence Hall). It may be mute, but its message, inscribed on the bronze exterior of the bell, is unmistakable: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Just next door to the Bell is The President’s House, which commemorates the lives of nine enslaved Africans who served George and Martha Washington.
CULTURE
Museums? Philly’s got ‘em! If you have a free afternoon, head straight to the Barnes Foundation, which boasts an extensive
collection of French Impressionist and PostImpressionist paintings, including works by Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, Rousseau, Degas, and Van Gogh. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, which surveys more than 300 years of world-class painting, sculpture, and decorative art, is also worth a visit, as is the Rodin Museum, considered the premier collection of work by Auguste Rodin, set within a stunning Beaux-Arts building.
Another culture hub is Logan Square, a traffic circle that encompasses the impressive Alexander Calder–designed Swann Memorial Fountain. Surrounding the circle are the Free Library of Philadelphia, Sister Cities Park, Moore College of Art & Design, the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and Franklin Institute, one of the oldest and most widely respected scientific and educational centers in the world. Founded in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the Institute’s mission is to engage visitors’ sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
If your ideal day of culture involves a purchase or two, head to Walnut Street for art galleries and high-end boutique shopping, or Rittenhouse Square, widely considered the city’s chicest ’hood, where luxury retail shopping surrounds a tree- and sculpturefilled park. And if you have an Instagram account, you’re pretty much morally obligated to take a selfie with the pop artist Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture.
CUISINE
There are more than 4,000 restaurants and bars in Philadelphia, but we’ll get to them in a minute.
Enthusiastic home cooks and party maestros will want to wander around Reading Terminal Market, the OG American food market that’s been in operation since 1893. Shop cooking gadgets, hosting must-haves, cookbooks, and specialty ingredients, plus killer scratch-made food from Butcher’s Pantry (get the chicken cutlet sandwich), Bao & Bun (nab the Asian nachos), Ma Lessie’s Chicken & Waffles (you know what to do), and Uncle Gus’ Steaks (the best cheesesteaks around… and yes, I realize them’s fightin’ words).
Another source of walk-around gustatory delight is the century-old 9th Street Italian Market, which boasts great craft beer at 12 Steps Down, an oil and vinegar taproom at Cardena’s, and phenomenal cheese and gourmet snacks at Di Bruno.
OK, back to the restaurants. Eat your way around the world at Kalaya, which offers fiery and complex Thai; Royal Izakaya, which serves up exquisite Japanese omakase; Illata, which offers seasonal nouveau American; Famous 4th Street, which serves the best authentic Jewish American pastrami and matzo ball; and J’aime French Café, home of to-die-for French pastries.
And the cherry on top? Philly has been dubbed the most walkable city in the country by USA Today readers for two years running. So grab your walking shoes: There’s so much to explore.
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calendar // horoscope // recipe // crossword
10 Ways to Ring in Spring in the Capital Region
BY MORGAN MASCHEWSKI
MARCH 28-30
The Great Upstate Boat Show
AFRIM’S SPORTS, QUEENSBURY
The largest boat sales show between New York City and Montreal is heading back to Queensbury for the 17th year in a row. The Great Upstate Boat Show is a boating enthusiast tradition that displays more than 175 boats from 60-plus boat brands and 20 of the top dealers. There’ll be something for everyone, from bowriders, deck boats, and pontoons to jet boats, cruisers, and classic wooden watercraft. thegreatupstateboatshow.com
APRIL 12
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
WALLACE PARK, SLINGERLANDS
Get your run on (or come out to support the athletes!) at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon coming to the Capital Region
in April. The fast-surface, point-to-point downhill course starts at Wallace Park in Slingerlands and ends at Jennings Landing in Albany. areeventproductions.com
APRIL 12
Capital Wine Festival
ALBANY
CAPITAL CENTER
This April, local wine, spirits, cider, and specialty food vendors will come together for the annual Capital Wine Festival, an afternoon/evening of sampling, dancing, board games and more. Choose from one of two sessions (1-4pm and 6-9pm) or go all in on a VIP ticket, which gets you into the second session an hour early. empirestatewineevents.com
the back/calendar
APRIL 18-19
Paw Patrol Live
MVP ARENA
Get ready to paw-ty with friends, family, and the mighty pups from the hit TV show PAW Patrol. Witness Chase, Marshall, and Skye’s super-charged powers as they try to save Adventure City. The live show will be filled with action, tunes, and doggone fun. mvparena.com
APRIL 26
Glens Falls Wing Fest
GLENS FALLS
Fancy yourself a chicken wing aficionado?
Get your taste buds ready and join the city of Glens Falls for its annual Wing Fest, at which local restaurants go head to head to compete for the title of best wing. glensfallscollaborative.com
APRIL 26
Pro Musica on Broadway
THE EGG
To close out its 2024-2025 season, Albany Pro Musica will perform a tribute to Broadway featuring some all-time favorite showtunes. The classical event will be held at the Hart Theatre at The Egg; supporters are invited to join Albany Pro Musica before the concert for the choral ensemble’s signature spring gala. theegg.org
MAY 10-11
Albany Tulip Festival
WASHINGTON PARK
Now in its 77th year, the Albany Tulip Festival will return to Washington Park for two days this Mother’s Day weekend. The signature spring event features 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, plus nearly 100 vendors selling handmade crafts and food, an art show, a kids zone, and multiple stages with live entertainment. albanyevents.org
MAY 15
Kane Brown
MVP ARENA
Award-winning entertainer and “One Thing Right” singer Kane Brown is sure to make you “Lose It” during his High Road Tour at MVP Arena. The concert, named for the country star’s brand-new album, will feature special guests Mitchell Tenpenny & Ashley Cooke. mvparena.com
MAY 16
The Great Gatsby
PALACE THEATRE
Witness a brand-new ballet from World Ballet Company at the Palace Theatre this spring. The world premiere of The Great
Gatsby, which follows the tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel, will feature 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, and lavish handcrafted costumes and sets—in other words, all the glitz, glam, and jazz of the Roaring Twenties. palacealbany.org
MAY 17
Sara Evans
UNIVERSAL PRESERVATION HALL
Speaking of country, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Sara Evans will take the stage at Universal Preservation Hall this May. Don’t know the name? You probably know her music: expect to hear No. 1 singles “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket,” and “A Little Bit Stronger” at the performance. atuph.org
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Signs of the Times
BY CHANTAL MARIE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
calendar // horoscope // recipe // crossword
ARIES
MARCH 21–APRIL 19
GEMINI
MAY 21–JUNE 20
Happy Birthday, Aries & Taurus!
GET BACK, JACK! In 1987, legendary actor Jack Nicholson spent time in the Capital Region while filming Ironweed, the movie he starred in with Meryl Streep based on Albany native William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name. While in town, he fell in love with Perecca’s bread, and has since had friends (including David Letterman) stop by the Schenectady bakery to pick up a loaf for him on their way back to LA. Nicholson is a Taurus who will turn 88 on April 22. Who knows? Maybe someone will gift him a loaf of his all-time favorite bread.
The new year is bringing so much depth to your world, sweet Aries. The start of the zodiacal year is finally here, and Aries season is giving us a list of things to do in order to make the next 365 days a success. Neptune moves into your house of self-identity, making things seem a bit murky and unclear. As a result, you may find yourself confused on matters that have never come into question before. This, paired with the upheaval you may have been feeling regarding everyday routines, will come to a head in order to redirect you towards a more refined version of your true self.
TAURUS
APRIL 20–MAY 20
Some reflection on past behaviors, beliefs, and actions may be helpful at this time, Taurus. The saying “everything in moderation” is a good place to start mentally when evaluating your lifestyle choices. The challenge lies in being able to clearly discern and understand what is actually serving you at this time and what is sabotaging you. This may call for some long and hard looks at your extracurricular activities as you weigh them against your ideal version of yourself and your life. Tighten up, seal the cracks, and plug the holes that are causing you to lose sight of what really matters.
This is not the time to commit to projects or agree to contracts, dear Gemini. Instead, take this opportunity to reflect on your current goals, relationships, and who you want the world to know you as. You might even feel it’s time to redirect your energy towards new and exciting endeavors. If this is the case, let the winds of change take you and usher you into the next evolution of your life. We are still under the influence of the great benefit, Jupiter, and the advantages and blessings that abound from that are just waiting to be claimed. Reach for stars and take what’s yours!
CANCER
JUNE 21-JULY 22
Things may likely get lost in translation at this time, Cancer loves, so tread carefully when making commitments. Also know that your words can be misinterpreted easily now, so watch what you say and to whom you say it. If you vacillate between feeling emboldened in your career choices and feeling utterly confused, don’t worry! That is also to be expected at the present time and will pass soon enough. In the meantime, connect to what brings you peace and a sense of security until you find your footing once again. Rediscovering simple pleasures is also encouraged now.
CHANTAL MARIE is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader, and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccrystalhealing.com
LEO
JULY 23–AUGUST 22
What do you actually believe in, apart from yourself, Leo? It’s time to dig deeper and really discover where you stand in the grand scheme of things. In this great big world, who are you, really? We’re not talking about surfacelevel or superficial things like work or image—this requires a more thoughtful approach and understanding of what makes you tick internally. In fact, we should really weigh the balance between our physical world and our spiritual selves in order to comprehend the gravity of it all. Remember the adage “as above, so below” to help bring things into focus.
VIRGO
AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22
If it felt like the last few months were preparing you for a crash out, it’s because in order to receive the blessings you’ve been asking for and working towards, space needed to be made. The unexpected shifts can be overwhelming, but I promise that it is all working in your favor. Money matters may also be an area of life that feels a bit out of control at the moment, but this is meant to build you up for more stability in the long term. When we focus in on things that require our attention, we can improve outdated practices and make changes that will bring about better results.
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22
When a Libra is out of balance, nothing in the world makes sense. It’s difficult to relate to others and be a fair and just representation of yourself when you are not in alignment. How have your dreams been lately? More often than not, the answers to elusive questions can be found in the subconscious brain. Making sense of the surreal helps to understand the real. Relationships you enter into at this time (romantic or platonic) might happen under odd circumstances and may even confuse you a bit on why these people are here now. Stay the course, focus on balance, and it will all come to light later.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21
We all know that Scorpio is stereotypically not the most social energy, but these current transits may have you playing into the brooding babe role more than usual. There may be projects or commitments to others that you simply do not want to continue at this time. There may be routines that you no longer find comfort in. There may even be hobbies that you have lost interest in now. This is all more than OK. You of all signs know of the benefits that come with transforming and shedding the old ways for new ones. Take your time, be with yourself, and enjoy your own magical medicine.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21
Being all work and no play is something most would never associate with you, lively Sagittarius. But sometimes, even the silliest of geese need to lock in and take care of business. When these moments happen for you, naturally they’ll come with a Sag twist and involve the search for meaning and purpose. If you’re feeling like a change of pace, address, or career is on the menu, take the time out to reflect and evaluate what it is you want out of life now at this juncture—not what the previous version of you wanted. Then, once inspiration strikes, leap into the great unknown with that naturally fearless nature of yours.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19
You’ve just recently ended a 15 year growth cycle. With that comes massive change, so don’t be surprised that some things and people in your life may no longer vibe with you. You’re rediscovering who you are in the aftermath of the storm; be gentle with yourself and don’t rush the process. Remember that things will fall apart so that others can fall into place and that the waiting period between the two occurrences can be unclear and confusing. During that time, allow yourself to slow down and focus on how far you’ve come. Understanding who you have been will help to define who you will be in this next chapter.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18
Grief strikes us in many ways for many reasons, most of which we don’t seem to understand at the time. If you are processing heavy emotions or experiencing intense shifts, remind yourself that nothing stays the same; this too shall pass. Once we are able to see past the emotional fog, our senses return and our ability to process what happened brings ultimate clarity. It is then that we can begin to understand and see the blessings in disguise that were there all along in this journey. They say nothing worth having comes easy, so what is coming your way is worth its weight in gold.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20
There may be certain doors to relationships that will shut now. On paper we know this to be a positive thing, but in practice it becomes more complicated because of the attachments we form. The ripple effect of these actions can affect our sense of self and cause us to question our own value and worth. While none of this sounds ideal, there are so many positive attributes to this process because each time we are forced to look within, we become more self-aware and self-assured. And any amount of progress is something to be proud of. Bottom line: Never stop turning lemons into lemonade, baby.
the back/
calendar // horoscope // recipe // crossword
Back to the Bog
Wolf Road bar and restaurant Cranberry Bog closed down in 2001 after 24 years in business. Now, all that’s left of the popular hangout are drunken memories— and this recipe, saved all these years by regular customer and CRL COO Tina Galante.
CRANBERRY BOG’S CHICKEN FRANGELICO SERVES 1
INGREDIENTS
8 oz chicken breast, pounded Flour, to dust
2 oz plus 1 tsp butter
3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
6 pecans
2 oz Frangelico liqueur
1 oz honey mustard sauce
1 oz brown sauce Salt Pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat 2oz butter in sauté pan.
2. D ust chicken with flour and add to pan.
3. Add mushrooms and pecans and cook until tender
4. D eglaze with wine, the rest of the butter, and the brown sauce.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste, as well as honey mustard.
6. Reduce until sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, and serve.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AM KNIZEK PHOTO
LIQUID COURAGE “I simply needed the recipe because it was so good,” recalls CRL ’s Tina Galante, who has kept a hand-written version of Cranberry Bog’s Chicken Frangelico recipe all these years. “I had to get to the chef, and cocktails were involved, so I was way bolder. I wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
the back/
On Stage
BY NATALIE MOORE
ACROSS
1. Foam shoe
5. Prohibits
9. CRL and sl, for two
13. Well ventilated
14. Hyphenated exclamation
15. Champagne vessel
17. Saratoga venue known for its lawn, for short*
18. Pearl Street theater, for short*
20. Change in demeaner, in poker
21. Goof
22. Saratoga venue housed in a converted church, for short*
23. Personalized special ed outline
26. “Look what I did!”
29. S chenectady theater that hosts Broadway shows*
34. Albany venue with Austrian Baroque design*
38. Cheerleader’s syllable
39. Short video segments
41. Furnishings
42. Frozen Frozen character
44. With 55-D own, historic immigration center
46. Coco Gauff ’s real name
47. Period of unrestrained activity
49. Jalen Hurts, for one
51. Abbreviated word before league or room
52. Albany venue known for its bizarre shape*
54. Albany venue operated by WAMC*
56. Fireplace remnant
58. Form of be
59. Org. supporting the 2nd amendment
62. What a towelette may be
64. Mythology
68. Award bestowed by the American Kennel Club, or an apt description of this puzzle’s starred clues
73. Operatic number
74. Relating to birds
75. Land (movie)
76. Team in the 59-Down
77. D idn’t float
78. Former tennis pro Murray
79. Sleep lightly
DOWN
1. Play members
2. Ready to eat
3. ___-B (toothbrush brand)
4. Regularly repeated
5. Tampa Bay team member, for short
6. ___ moment
7. Opposite of yep
8. Blouse
9. D eg. for a creative director
10. Ever y one of 11. Spiritual leader
12. Pedometer unit
16. Bovine Williams College mascot
19. Catch, as a wild animal
24. And so on (abbr.)
25. Piece of track and field equipment
27. Pops
28. Actor Baldwin
29. Cheers, at Oktoberfest
30. Wreck-It
31. Chicago airport
32. Provoke
33. Sound a bug may make on a windshield
35. Nut from an oak tree
36. Removed the center of, as an apple
37. Name hidden in America
40. Audible breath
43. Extra charges
45. S eattle ___ (1977 Triple Crown winner)
48. Self-esteem
50. Subj. for reading and writing
53. Pre-prom purchase
55. S ee 44-Across
57. Cybertruck maker
59. Good shooters’ org.?
60. Accelerates, as an engine
61. Home of Bahrain
63. Taylor Swift’s “Better _ Revenge”
65. Cookie aisle brand
66. Cracker aisle brand
67. Absence of difficulty
69. Like skin in the summertime, maybe
70. O ctopus defense mechanism
71. 90, say
72. Route
before you go...
THE BROKEN ROAD
BY JOHN GRAY
For more than 50 years, people have enjoyed The Price Is Right on television. One of the games the contestants play is called Plinko, where they drop a small, round disc into a kind of maze and, as it pinballs its way down, you have no clue where it will land. In fact, the more you try to will it to a certain destination, the more likely it’ll end up somewhere else.
I’ve always thought that simple game was a good metaphor for life: The tighter you grip destiny, the more likely it will slip out of your hands like a slimy, wet mackerel.
Since this issue of the magazine is shining a spotlight on “the best,” I wanted to take a closer look at the worst moments in life—and the hidden gifts they often turn out to be. Nothing drives home a point like a true story.
So why dump him? It turned out, the director of the play planned to give the juicy part to an established film actor who wasn’t available for the first three weeks of rehearsals. He told Winkler he had used him as a “placeholder” until the real star was available, and now that the star was on stage, Winkler could go.
As big a jerk as the director was, a less important person attached to the production apologized to Winkler and told him he would find a way to make it up to him someday.
One of the most beloved and successful actors in my lifetime is Henry Winkler.
A cursory glance at his career would appear as rosy as a local nursery in late spring. Truth is, its start was anything but.
One of the most beloved and successful actors in my lifetime is Henry Winkler. A cursory glance at his career would appear as rosy as a local nursery in late spring. Truth is, its start was anything but.
After struggling badly with dyslexia in school, Winkler worked extra hard and got into Yale, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in 1970. At 5’ 6”, he was nobody’s idea of a leading man, but set out to conquer Broadway anyway, only to find nearly every door closed.
A year later, in 1971, he couldn’t believe his luck when he was cast as the main character in a big play called Moonchildren, for a theater production in Washington, DC.
Three weeks into the rehearsals, Winkler was promptly fired, but was told he did nothing wrong. In truth, he was wonderful.
Jump ahead a couple of years, and as Winkler was shooting TV commercials and off-off-Broadway productions in New York City (anything to pay the rent), his phone rang. The person who promised to make things right was working on a small, independent movie with a tiny budget that was shooting in Brooklyn, and had a perfect role for Winkler. The movie was called The Lords of Flatbush He got the part, and starred alongside an unknown actor named Sylvester Stallone. “Sly,” as he was known, was always busy writing scripts, including one about a boxer. I wonder what became of that one. Hmm…
Anyway, because Winkler got the part in the movie with Stallone, he was able to audition for a new TV pilot that ABC was shooting about a regular family during the nostalgic 1950s.
At his audition, Winkler did an exact imitation of the role Sly Stallone played in Flatbush, and director Gary Marshall loved it. The character Winkler would play was called Fonzie. And the rest is history.
Winkler was devastated the day he got fired from that play, but it set him on a course that truly changed his life and fortune.
Whatever your dreams, don’t let the setbacks get you down. Often it’s the broken road that leads, not just to love, but to our true destination.
