332332 Broadway, Broadway, Saratoga Saratoga Springs, Springs, NY 12866 NY 12866 (866) (866) 687-7108 687-7108
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REJUVENATE & RADIATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
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starting gate
contents | holiday 2023
28
Meet Saratoga’s 5 Local Heroes
Humberto Chavez Isabelle Franco Michele Jennings Tom Politi Mary Beth McGarrahan photography by
KONRAD ODHIAMBO
34
Tim Pink: Pack Mentality BY NATALIE MOORE photography by
SHAWN L a CHAPELLE
38
The
saratoga living
2023 Holiday Gift Guide
top dogs “I want the dogs to be able to
come out, have fun, learn, play and live their best lives,” says Pink Pup owner Tim Pink.
photography by SHAWN L a CHAPELLE
454 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.7890 luciaboutique.com
starting gate
contents | holiday 2023
15
OFF TRACK
12 From the CEO
AFTER-TRACK TRANQUILITY
FIRST TURN
15 CHIC PEEK: Lucy’s Bar 17 TRACK STARS: Linda Rice & Jena Antonucci 18 MVP: Barbara D’Alessio 20 #TBT: The Saratoga Santa 22 PANEL: Home for the Holidays
SPONSORED ARTICLES 24 » SHOP LOCAL 45 » SAMANTHA NASS FLORAL DESIGN SHOPPE 46 » RISE HOUSING AND SUPPORT SERVICES 47 » PURDY'S DISCOUNT WINE & LIQUOR 62 » FOOD & DRINK GUIDE
(15) RACHEL MCNAIR/THE CONTENT AGENCY; (17) BOB MAYBERGER; (55) DORI FITZPATRICK
48 saratoga living’s 50 saratoga living’s
SINGLE IN SARATOGA: CUFFING SEASON EDITION
saratoga living’s
VIP LOUNGE: SARATOGA MOTORCAR AUCTION plus 4 more Saratoga events
17
HOME STRETCH
55 FASHION: Mark Thomas & Saratoga Trunk 56 FOOD & DRINK 55 56 on deck: THE BUNKER 57 change of command: BROADWAY GRIND
58 new groove: GENNARO’S PIZZA PARLOR
60 DESIGN: Betsy Olmsted
saratoga living AFTER HOURS
66 Level Up
56
27 CHURCH STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.587.2772 spokensaratoga.com
Abby Tegnelia CEO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT SENIOR DESIGNER SPORTS EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
ON THE COVER Pink Pup owner Tim Pink photographed with his pack by photographer Shawn LaChapelle. Shot on location at Adirondack Trust Company’s downtown Saratoga location.
EDITOR AT LARGE
Kathleen Gates Natalie Moore Linda Gates Brien Bouyea Francesco D’Amico Dori Fitzpatrick Susan Gates
WRITERS
Vanessa Geneva Ahern, Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland Claire Burnett, Chris Carola, Tony Case, Dan De Federicis, Jeff Dingler, Elissa Garay Benjamin Lerner, Daniel Nester, Tom Pedulla, Kathleen Willcox PHOTOGRAPHERS
Morgan Campbell, Samantha Decker, Elizabeth Haynes Hannah Kuznia, Dustin Lanterman, Shawn LaChapelle, Rachel Lanzi Konrad Odhiambo, Alyssa Salerno, Nate Seitelman, Alex Zhang
saratoga living is published six times a year by Empire Media Network, Inc. subscriptions: 1 year subscription: $39 2 year subscription: $59 (Nonrefundable)
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CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER PUBLISHER, CAPITAL REGION LIVING SALES DIRECTOR, CAPITAL REGION LIVING
To order a subscription or gift subscription, please email subscribe@saratogaliving.com. saratoga living 8 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.294.4390
ART DIRECTOR, MARKETING STRATEGIC SPONSORSHIPS CONTENT STRATEGIST SALES ASSISTANT SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER
Tina Galante Teresa Frazer Tara Buffa Steve Teabout Terese Russell Zach Skowronek Tracy Momrow Rachael Rieck
Volume 25, No. 6 Holiday 2023 Copyright © 2023 Empire Media Network, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Empire Media Network, Inc. All editorial queries should be directed to editorial@saratogaliving.com; or sent to 8 Butler Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. saratoga living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions.
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Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR
Abby Tegnelia PRESIDENT/CEO
Tina Galante
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
438 broadyway | saratoga springs | 518.450.7350 | @carolineandmain
FROM THE CEO
think pink (clockwise,
I
f there’s one thing that Saratoga’s great at, it’s getting festive for the holidays—and we love joining in on the fun with our holiday issue to highlight everything that makes our town so special during this very merry season. From local gift ideas and cheery decorations to all things joyful, we’ve got you covered. But behind the scenes, most important to our local holiday spirit is that so many of us use this time to give back to those who need it. So I assure you, we’ll dive right into that as well. But first, our cover. If you don’t already know him from Instagram or TikTok—or from running into him and his pack downtown—meet Tim Pink, who recently turned his dogwalking service into a full-on training program and social club (page 34). After all, everyone deserves to be happy during this time of year, and we couldn’t think of anything more smile-inducing than Tim’s pack of good boys and girls. Then turn the page for our annual Gift Guide (page 38). This year, we asked some of our local store owners to choose not only their favorite gift ideas from their own stores—but to expertly curate some items from their neighbors’ shops as well. From there, for max holiday fun, check out the Christmas-iest decorations in town (page 15), a post office heroine who takes on the holiday crush with ease (page 18), a look back Fred Clark’s first year as the Saratoga Santa (page 20), and ideas for what to wear to that superglam holiday party you’ve just been invited to (page 55). As promised, the holiday spirit of giving back is dear to our hearts. First, turn to page 28 to read about five Saratogians
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who carry that spirit all year long, and then flip the magazine over and turn to page 20 to read about five more dogooders from the greater Capital Region. And lastly, book your ticket to our annual Capital Region Gives Back party December 6 at Putnam Place (there are QR codes on the opening pages of both sets of profiles). We’ll be honoring all 10 generous souls, with Channel 13’s Mark Mulholland serving as our celebrity emcee. And speaking of toasts, Whitman Brewing will be releasing its first-ever saratoga living beer to celebrate the holiday season November 29. If you missed the voting on social media, “Wheat All About It” was chosen as its name. Thank you to all who voted! To be the first to try it, grab your ticket for the party—there’s a QR code on page 64, follow our social media, or find us on Eventbrite. A new beer, giving back and holiday festivity? I’ll cheers to that! Happy holidays, everyone.
ABBY TEGNELIA CEO @abbytegnelia
(Pink) SHAWN LACHAPELLE; (Thomson, Russel and Moore) ZACH SKOWRONEK
Holiday Cheer
from left) CEO Abby Tegnelia with cover subject Tim Pink and Director of Content Natalie Moore; Tegnelia with former Real Housewives of New York cast member and business owner Heather Thomson at the magazine’s After-Track Tranquility event; sl’s Terese Russell and Moore at Single in Saratoga: Cuffing Season Edition; Sales Assistant Tracy Momrow and Tegnelia at the Saratoga Motorcar Auction’s VIP Lounge.
Plan Ahead for a Safe Holiday Season.
TRUST IS MORE THAN OUR NAME. IT'S OUR PROMISE. Ever since we first opened our doors in 1902, we have been committed to helping local families and businesses grow and prosper. They are more than simply our customers. They are also our neighbors, our friends…our community. We strongly believe that when we support our community — through shopping for holiday gifts locally, giving to area nonprofits, or even choosing to feed our families with produce grown nearby — we all win. Thank you for being a part of this robust community. This holiday season, we hope you’ll consider reinvesting in the people and businesses that make our community your home.
We wish you and your loved ones joy and peace through all this winter's festivities. Your friends at The Adirondack Trust Company
518-584-5844 Visit any of our convenient office locations AdirondackTrust.com
© Adirondack Trust Company
Member FDIC
CHIC PEEK
All Wrapped Up LU CY’S B AR TAK ES HO L I DAY DEC O R ATI N G TO A WHOLE N EW L EVEL . n BY ABBY TEG N EL I A p h otog r ap h y by RAC HEL MC N AI R / THE C O N TEN T AG EN CY
L
ucy’s Bar is tiny, but it’s known for serving up decadent specialty cocktails that are huge on flavor. Come November, the watering hole is also known as the coziest, most Christmas-iest bar on Caroline Street. Inspired by their favorite bars with particularly inviting ambiances, owners Lucy Rivas, Zach VanEarden and Kelsey McPartland decided to go all in for the holidays. With VanEarden at the helm, decking the halls of their little-bar-that-could has now become a holiday tradition. And we’re not talking a corner Christmas tree and some fairy lights. Lucy’s means business: Every last inch of the ceiling is covered with strands and strands of lights that reflect off the bar’s mirrors, miles of garland, and more ornaments than you can count—a festive explosion of holiday cheer inside two bedecked doors wrapped liked presents in jolly red ribbon.
miracle on caroline street Decorating Lucy's
Bar—inside and out!—for the “We all truly love Christmas in holidays is a 24-hour project upstate New York and found that that involves Lucy’s staff what was missing was a cozy, and their friends and family. almost underground Whovilletype bar,” McPartland says. “There is no better feeling than seeing a freezing guest walk into our transformed space to warm up with delicious seasonal cocktails and mocktails.” So how do they do it? With festive panache, of course! “The ceiling has numerous eye hooks secured into the ceiling joists that we—staff, friends and family—use to create a grid out of nylon cord,” VanEarden says of the 24-hour project. “From there, we use the grid to hang our garland, decorations and lights. We play music, wear matching pajamas, have a few drinks, and end the day with a big community dinner.”
saratogaliving.com ⁄ 15
ORE THAN 20 YEARS AND CELEB ING M RATI C I T C TOWN SARATOGA NG PRA IN DOWN SPRIN S R A E G Y S ! 10
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TRACK STARS
Making Her-story at Saratoga
FE M A LE TRA INERS LINDA RI CE A N D JE N A A N TONUCCI H AD HISTORIC ACH I EVEMENTS I N 2 0 2 3 AT TH E SPA. BY BR IE N BO UYEA
(Antonucci) BOB MAYBERGER ; (Rice) BRIEN BOUYEA
F
orecasting which trainers will garner the majority of the headlines at Saratoga Race Course hasn’t been too difficult a task in recent years. The likes of Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher, Christophe Clement, Bill Mott, Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen have been perennially dominant at the Spa—and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. But the storylines shifted a bit during the summer of 2023 to make room for Jena Antonucci and Linda Rice to take center stage with the power player regulars at the historic track. Antonucci, who in June became the first woman to train a Triple Crown race winner when she sent out Arcangelo to win the Belmont Stakes, became only the second woman to win Saratoga’s signature event, the Travers. Arcangelo, a son of Hall of Famer and 2016 Travers record-setter Arrogate, won the 154th
who runs the world? Trainer Jena Antonucci with Arcangelo, winner of this year’s Belmont and Travers stakes; (above) 14 years since her first Saratoga training title, Linda Rice was back on top of the Saratoga leaderboard this past summer. edition of the Midsummer Derby to establish himself as the leader in the 3-year-old division. With that victory, Antonucci joined Mary Hirsch (in 1938, with Thanksgiving) as the only women to saddle a Travers winner. “The significance of accomplishing anything in any gender at the top of any sport or industry is a gift,” Antonucci
said after the Travers. “It doesn’t come without the team and without every single person on our team. The significance of this is hard to put into words right now. Anyone that wants something bad enough, you just have to work your tail off for it. It doesn’t matter—man, woman, boy, girl—that’s just white noise. If you want it, go fight for it and make it happen for yourself.” At press time, Antonucci was pointing Arcangelo toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which is contested November 4 at Santa Anita in California.
W
hile Antonucci is somewhat of a new name to most racing fans, Linda Rice has long been established as one of Saratoga’s most successful trainers with more than 2,300 wins in a career that began in 1987. In 2009, she became the first woman to win a Saratoga training title. Fourteen years later, Rice was once again atop the Spa leaderboard, sharing the meet title with Chad Brown with 35 wins during this year’s 40-day season. Rice rallied to earn her share of the crown, winning three races on September 3 to put herself in striking position. Then she scooped up two wins on the Labor Day card to forge the tie with Brown. “They were both really special in their own way,” Rice said of her two times being the leading trainer at Saratoga. “You never take the fun out of the first one. It’s been a great year… it’s been a lot of fun, a great meet.” Rice has dominated the NYRA circuit since the fall of 2022, earning titles at the past five NYRA meetings at Aqueduct fall, Aqueduct winter, Aqueduct spring, and Belmont spring/ summer prior to her 2023 Saratoga championship. She’ll look to make it six in a row this fall at the Belmont at the Big A meeting. With Antonucci and Rice leading the way, girl power was certainly in full force this summer at Saratoga. And it certainly will continue to be for years to come.
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MVP
Call to Post
BELOVED SARATOGA P O ST O F F I C E E M P LOYE E B A R B A R A D’A LE SSI O WAS BORN TO H ELP LO CA LS M A I L O U T T H E I R H O LI DAY PAC KAGE S. BY NATALL I AMATO
B
n
ph oto g r aph y by DO R I F I T ZPAT R I C K
arbara D’Alessio still remembers her first day on the job at the Washington Street post office in Saratoga Springs 10 years ago. “December 14 on a Saturday,” she says. “Now that is prime time, right? The line was out the door and in the other room.”
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Coming to Saratoga from the small village of Sea Cliff, Long Island, D’Alessio had never experienced anything quite like the Spa City’s bustling holiday rush. “Even at Christmas,” she says of her hometown, “you had five people [in line]. Nothing!”
washington monument D’Alessio, seen here in front of the Broadway post office, will have been working at the Washington Street location for 10 years come this December. While others certainly would have balked at the drastic change in pace, D’Alessio thrived. A natural-born people person with a sense of humor that disarms and softens even the most disgruntled among us, D’Alessio stepped up to the clerk’s window with a smile, a joke, and a kind word—the trifecta that has marked her approach to customer service for the past 29 years. While such acts of friendliness are second nature for D’Alessio, her warm, infectious way of engaging with people often startles others out of their habitual ways of being. She recalls a moment early on in her career when a co-worker took her aside and told her, “You know, people actually line up and wait for you!” “I have a following,” D’Alessio deadpans. She jokes but it’s true. Take a glance through online reviews and you’ll find folks singing her high praises more than once. When customers see her elsewhere around town, they go out of their way to say hello. Underneath her humor is a deep regard for connection and compassion. “Can’t you just be nice to people?” she asks. D’Alessio recognizes that with each encounter we have, we are given a choice as to how we’d like to show up for one another—and that when we choose kindness, we are cultivating our connection to our community. D’Alessio illustrates how simple this can be. “This lady came in today,” she says. “One letter—just to mail it out. Did she have to come and talk to me? No.” That she did made all the difference. D’Alessio is a firm believer that magic lies in these small choices and that as the holiday season draws near, we’re reminded of this even more. Sure, the holidays mean busier lines, but that doesn’t bother D’Alessio. She looks forward to the season. “People are happier,” she says. “Saratoga is a happy place to be.”
Happy Holidays F R O M O U R H O M E S TO YO U R S
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Becoming Santa
T
wenty-five years ago this year, Fred Clark’s wife, the visit he said he thought this was my calling. I realized he Carol, saw an ad in the newspaper announcing was right.” So Fred grew out his beard and has been bringing that Hewitt’s Garden Center was in need of holiday cheer to Saratoga Springs and beyond ever since. Now known throughout the region simply as The Saratoga someone to dress up as Santa for an event. She knew her husband would be perfect. The only Santa, Fred is starting to see children of the children he problem? Fred didn’t have a beard. first met 20-plus years ago. “The best He did have a fake beard though, and that part about that is that I see the same beard league In the first did the trick for his St. Nick debut. But after happiness and smile on the moms’ and year Fred Clark played Santa, that 1998 holiday season, Fred got serious dads’ faces, just like 25 years ago when he wore a fake beard; (inset) after that, he grew out about Santa-ing. “I just wanted to be a real they were kids themselves,” he says. his beard for a more authentic “It doesn’t matter the year or the century Santa,” he says. “I had the real belly and look that he’s maintained for that Christmas has been celebrated. the real white, curly beard to do so. I did a 24 holiday seasons. home visit for my family eye doctor, and after Santa is timeless.”
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(recent photo) MATT RAMOS
FRE D CLA R K H AS LONG BEEN TH E PHYSI CA L E M B O DI M E N T O F T H E C H R I ST M AS SP I R I T. IN H O NO R O F HIS 2 5TH SEASON AS TH E SARATO GA SA N TA , WE LO O K B AC K AT T H E C O SM E T I C C H ANG E T H AT M ADE A CAREER OF SPREAD I N G H O LI DAY J OY P O SSI B LE . n BY N ATA LI E M OO RE
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Home for the Holidays FIVE SAR ATO GI A N S O N WR A P P I N G U P 2 0 2 3
WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY?
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS OR HANUKKAH?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GIFT TO GIVE?
To try to get more sleep and make more time to work out
Watching Christmas movies with the family is my go-to!
I have everything I need. One more rest day would be nice.
Time is the greatest gift you can give someone. I love the memories I’ve spent with the people I care most about.
To be mindful, centered, patient and grateful. And to remember, no matter what, life goes on.
Christmas Eve dinner at Salt & Char
For Noel, the wine buyer at Purdy’s, to order my favorite French rosé, Peyrassol
Crumb top apple pie from Smith’s Bakery or pop tarts from Sweet Mimi’s
I resolve NOT to make a New Year’s resolution. Life’s challenges and surprises don’t pay attention to the calendar (except the IRS, on April 15!) so I find it’s best to be flexible in dealing with them.
For many years I ran the Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Later in the day, it was always a delight to feel guilt-free about second helpings and multiple desserts.
I prefer the gift of a unique or special experience—a trip to an exotic locale, a cultural weekend in New York City, or an indulgent spa experience.
The same answer as the previous question
After the craziness of the holidays, I try to make the first couple of months of the new year as simple and easy as possible for my family.
I love all the holiday décor in the restaurants: Hamlet & Ghost and Lucy’s were my favorites last year.
Time with friends and family, a trip or an upgrade of something around the house
Anything cozy: sweatpants, slippers or a bathrobe
To complete my Winter 46 (hiking all 46 4,000-foot Adirondack High Peaks during the winter season)
New Year’s Fest is always a good time.
Homemade ones, whether it be a mug from someone’s local pottery studio, a custommade Jenga game with messages on each block, or some soup.
I always keep Notes in my phone for close friends and family that include random, funny items they’ve mentioned throughout the year.
JR MICHAEL
JOYCE WHITE
RICHARD KING
CARRIE ZAPPONE
SAMUEL VANDENMARK
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CAMP-ON-A-POINT SAVOR THE UNPARALLELED BEAUTY OF THE REGION WITH THIS EXTRAORDINARY PROPERTY, THE SUMMER RESIDENCE OF MARYLOU WHITNEY, IN THE HEART OF THE ADIRONDACKS ON THE PRISTINE SHORES OF LITTLE TUPPER LAKE.
2469 MAIN STREET | LAKE PLACID, NY 12946 | 518.523.2519
S P ECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION
Illustration by
Shop Local
Betsy Olmsted
California Closets This holiday season, give yourself (or a loved one) the gift of organization. Whether it’s your closet, pantry or mudroom that needs a refresh, CALIFORNIA CLOSETS can help. “Although our name suggests what we create, any kind of custom designed storage for the home or commercial space is possible,” says Joy Rafferty, owner of California Closets’ Albany location. “We can build just about anything, but we’re often asked to create mudroom or entryway storage systems. Especially in the winter months, people are eager to have a space for all their boots, coats and hats.” While California Closets is a national business that was founded in Southern California in 1978, the Capital Region location has been locally owned by Rafferty and her husband, Sean, for 20 years. Custom storage solutions come from an all-local team that designs, manufactures and installs the products in homes and businesses from the upper Hudson Valley throughout upstate and central New York, as well as southern Vermont. While the products are manufactured in Albany, the Latham showroom is many customers’ first stop. “When a client comes to us, the first step is a complimentary design consultation,” says Rafferty. “Most of the time that’s in the client’s home where we can measure the space, but for those building or remodeling who don’t have a space, we meet in our design studio, or do a virtual consultation.” From initial consultation and the design process to the professional installation of the finished project, the Raffertys and their team of 40-plus employees are with their clients every step of the way. “Our manufacturing facility in Albany allows us full control of our quality, as well as the ability to make changes or additions quickly,” Rafferty says. Need to add an extra pole in your closet or another shelf in your pantry? Not a problem. Post-pandemic, Rafferty says she’s seen a shift in how people think about and interact with their homes. “Homes have become more than just a place to sleep,” she says. “It’s where we live, work, study and spend time with family. We’ve found that people are investing in the spaces of their home that mean something special to them.” Visit californiaclosets.com or stop by the Latham showroom to start investing in your home today. 952 TROY SCHENECTADY ROAD, LATHAM ● 518.785.5723 ● californiaclosets.com
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S P ECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION
Shop Local Impressions of Saratoga
The Dark Horse Mercantile
When it comes to holiday shopping in the Spa City, locals know their search starts and ends at IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA, which is celebrating 45 years of being “the everything Saratoga store.” Stop by the Broadway shop to find all sorts of Saratoga-themed goodies, from glassware and clothing to books and home décor, as well as knowledgeable salespeople who offer good, old-fashioned, friendly customer service. Can’t decide on just one gift? Go for a themed porch package packed with locally made products from Saratoga Chocolate Co, Maple Land Farms, and more. In-store pickup and shipping is also available online at ImpressionsSaratoga.com.
Just up Broadway from Impressions is the shop’s sister store, the DARK HORSE MERCANTILE, which honors Saratoga Race Course’s reputation as “the graveyard of favorites.” Celebrating five years in business this year, Dark Horse carries a carefully curated selection of garments, gifts, memorabilia and home décor. Looking for a holiday card? You can’t go wrong with one featuring this painting of Upset, the miniature Dark Horse of Saratoga, by local artist Karin Vollkommer. And for those who can’t make it to the store in person, online shopping is available 24/7 on DarkHorseSaratoga.com.
368 BROADWAY ● 518.587.0666 impressionssaratoga.com
445 BROADWAY ● 518.587.0689 darkhorsesaratoga.com
Saratoga Organizing Solutions
Do you keep buying the same thing because you can’t find one in the house—and then after you buy it, you find six of them? If your “stuff” is all over the place, or you don’t know what “stuff” you have, much less where to find it, SARATOGA ORGANIZING SOLUTIONS can help. No space is too big or small for organizational mastermind Tricia Billok, a proud member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. Give the gift of organization (to a loved one or yourself!) with a gift certificate to Saratoga Organizing Solutions.
25
YEARS!
Saratoga Candy Co. This year, SARATOGA CANDY CO., the Spa City’s longtime purveyor of all things sweet, is celebrating its 25th Christmas season. Stop by the store, located below Salt & Char on Broadway, to see the cutest nostalgic displays of candies you grew up with, and shop favorites like thin ribbon candy, gumdrops, chocolate Santas and, of course, the famous Peppermint Pig. Come be a kid again at Saratoga Candy Co. Online shipping and local delivery available. 353 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.580.0499 saratogasweets.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.796.4990 saratogaorganizingsolutions.com
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S P ECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION
Shop Local 30 Minute Hit Don’t let the stress of the holiday season drag you down! Created just for women, 30 MINUTE HIT is a fresh, bright and vibrant place where you can leave the stresses of your day behind while training like a champ. With specifically designed equipment, guided instruction and inspiring soundtracks, you'll never dread working out again. Each two-minute round based on boxing, kickboxing, general self-defense and core stability training will challenge you to improve your fitness and reward you with amazing results. All in just 30 minutes. Book your free trial, or give the gift of 30 Minute Hit to the fitness buff on your list with a gift card! 3 HAMPSTEAD PLACE, SUITE 104A, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.450.1154 ● 30minutehit.com/saratogasprings
Alpine Sport Shop
Surprise yourself at ALPINE SPORT SHOP, Saratoga’s go-to store for all things winter. Shop skis, ski boots, snowboards, cross-country gear, snowshoes, helmets, goggles, skiwear, hats, gloves and accessories, or get your ski gear tuned up by the experts at this full-service shop. There’s plenty for those who prefer to spend the cold-weather months strolling up and down Broadway, too—top-of-the-line winter clothing and accessories await in Alpine Sport Shop’s beautiful ski chalet–style building. Expect the unexpected! 321 CLINTON STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518.584.6290 ● alpinesportshop.com
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SARATOGA
GIVES BACK O U R A N N U A L F E AT U R E O N F I V E I N D I V I D U A L S W H O M A K E T H E S PA C I T Y A B E T T E R P L A C E R E T U R N S . R E A D T H E I R S T O R I E S , AND SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS T O O U R C A P I TA L R E G I O N G I V E S B A C K F U N D R A I S E R , C O M I N G T O P U T N A M P L A C E O N D E C E M B E R 6.
photography by
KONRAD ODHIAMBO
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HUMBERTO CHAVEZ Chaplain, New York Race Track Chaplaincy
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role reversal After supporting the backstretch family of two children who lost their lives in a car accident in front of Belmont Park in 2003, Humberto Chavez left his construction career to become Chaplain at the New York Race Track Chaplaincy.
he backstretch community—the stable workers who exercise, clean and care for the horses that race at Saratoga—are often called the backbone of the racing industry. But what happens when a member of that backbone needs support? That’s where the New York Race Track Chaplaincy comes in. “It’s a unique community, because it’s very transient,” says Reverend Humberto Chavez, who this year celebrates 20 years as the Chaplain of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. “You work for Todd Pletcher today, you might be working for George Weber tomorrow.” You might also need to follow the horses and move from Belmont to Saratoga Springs for part of the year or, if you’re based in Saratoga (as 30-40 backstretch families are), to find work at a breeding farm during the offseason months. And, most likely, English isn’t your first language. The Chaplaincy provides all sorts of support services for such workers and their families—everything from providing emergency transportation and help navigating US citizenship to distributing school supplies and performing nondenominational religious services. More than 100 people are served by the Chaplaincy’s food pantry on a weekly basis and come Thanksgiving, about 300 bags with turkeys and all the fixings for a proper holiday spread are distributed. “People don’t see that the workers are very proud to take on the responsibility of taking care of a horse that can’t speak,” Chavez says about the community he serves. “It doesn’t tell you where it hurts, but these folks are there. And they know.”
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CAPITAL REGION
GIVES BACK
ISABELLE FRANCO
2023
Volunteer Actor, Home Made Theater
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child’s play Franco worked with two sets of children for her role as Maria in The Sound of Music. “They reminded me what it’s like to have fun, and to be joyful and happy,” she says. “It’s a very exciting thing to look at myself in the mirror and be like, ‘this feels right.’”
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sabelle Franco has experienced the power of the performing arts firsthand. And she wants to make sure the next generation reaps the same benefits. Earlier this year, Franco was at a crucial time in her life—a few years into a bright career in sales but not feeling like herself, personally. Then she auditioned for a volunteer acting role in Home Made Theater’s production of The Sound of Music. “I was in a very dark place and feeling very lost,” she says. “I had recently discovered that I have really bad anxiety, sometimes waking up in the morning crying over whether or not I’m doing the right things with my life. I’ve always loved The Sound of Music and decided to audition. I was shocked to find out that I received the role of Maria. It felt like what I did was right for me, and everything just kind of fell into place. It gave me a sense of confidence that I hadn’t felt in such a long time.” Although Franco hadn’t acted in six years, The Sound of Music wasn’t the first time she hit the stage with the nonprofit theater company: Back in junior high, she was a pint-sized cast member of its production of A Chorus Line. In fact, children’s involvement in the plays is one of the reasons she is so passionate about supporting Home Made Theater. “Kids’ creativity needs to be expressed,” she says. “It’s what helps them figure out what they really want to do, whether it’s in theater or a corporate job or anything else. Through the use of their imaginations, they figure out who they are as a person.”
MICHELE JENNINGS Executive Director, H.O.P.E.
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ichele Jennings has always known she’s a cat lady. After volunteering for her local SPCA in high school, Jennings worked for an animal rescue and was the volunteer caretaker of the Oklahoma Training Track's feral felines for 10 years. When one thing led to another and she became the executive director of Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) this year, it seemed meant to be. Now devoted full time to saving the lives of orphaned fur babies (yes, dogs, too), she was in the midst of a 20-cat crisis when she took our call. Jennings—who has no fewer than 13 cats herself—has taken over H.O.P.E. during an unusually challenging year, when most rescue organizations are simply chock full. “We’ve seen a lot of owner surrenders,” she says. “With the horrible inflation and the cost of everything skyrocketing, many people have been hit hard and just can’t take care of their pets anymore. It’s so sad.” As an example, she points to the 15 kittens in the H.O.P.E. center, eight of which were born there. “That’s a first for us,” she says. “Usually we send all the moms to foster care, but our foster cares have been so full.” Luckily, in animal rescue, with the bad comes the good— the stories that steal a piece of your heart that you don’t want back. Just ask Gordon, a friendly but sometimes-difficult street cat, who had spent a length of time un-adopted. Then a single mother and her autistic daughter entered the chat. “Gordon just wound around the daughter—we’d never seen him take to a child like that,” Jennings says. “We were seriously worried we weren’t going to be able to adopt him out, but he found his people and it was perfect.”
animal instincts In these
polarizing and difficult times, a pet’s love is unconditional. “Human beings can be tough on each other, but your animal loves you for exactly who you are,” Jennings says. “And that goes for people with special needs, senior citizens, autistic children and kids on any spectrum. Animals are magic.”
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CAPITAL REGION
GIVES BACK
rise and thrive Amsterdam native Tom Politi standing on a plot of land formerly owned by his grandfather that is the future home of Veterans Time to Thrive, an 18-unit housing development he has designed for military families.
2023
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TOM POLITI Architect, Veterans Time to Thrive
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n 2019, a group of friends got together with the idea to develop an affordable housing project for veterans and active military personnel and their families in their hometown of Amsterdam. No one knew where to start, but someone had an idea: They should call Tom Politi. “I was sitting at Pete’s Tavern in New York City when I got the call,” says Politi, the founder of Politi Architecture and an Amsterdam High School graduate, who splits time between New York City and Saratoga. “I went up, listened to what they had to say, and started developing what’s now the Veterans Time to Thrive (VT3) housing project.” Four years later, Politi is one of VT3’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders. “This building will be the only one in the entire United States of its kind,” he says. “Everyone says, ‘Oh, no, there are other VA houses.’ No. Not like this one.” The difference between VT3 and other VA housing lies in the sense of community it will foster by way of a communal kitchen, computer lab, library and office space where veterans can meet with counselors to discuss the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. The idea is that the military families living in VT3’s 18 units will be able to support one another in a way the general population cannot, and in turn help disrupt the cycle of suicide, divorce, addiction and other post-service problems that plague America’s veterans. A state-of-the-art, green housing development created with military personnel in mind that will help revitalize an area devastated by urban decay? VT3 is one battle in which everyone wins.
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n a city where homes regularly sell for more than $1 million and luxury condos seem to be sprouting up like weeds, it’s easy to imagine that no one in Saratoga struggles to put food on the table...until you look at the numbers from the Franklin Community Center (FCC) food pantry. “Every town hides its disadvantaged to a certain extent,” says FCC Development Director Mary Beth McGarrahan. “But in Saratoga, the wealth is so showy. All of the amazing cultural attractions and tourism really highlight the affluence.” And yet, just a couple of blocks off Broadway sits FCC, a lifeline for Saratoga’s poorest individuals and families that is 40 years strong. FCC’s food pantry serves about 1,000 people monthly, its free store (which McGarrahan compares to a TJ Maxx of donated clothing and home goods) serves about 500 people annually, and Project Lift (a free after-school program for elementary-aged children) serves 130 students every school year. McGarrahan—who says she felt immediately “at home” at Franklin when she was hired during Covid after a stint as operations manager of Universal Preservation Hall—is especially proud of FCC’s adopt-a-family program, which provides some 650 children with gifts around the holiday season. And while she loves her job, she wishes she didn’t need to do it. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could figure out as a community how to support those who are going through difficult times?” she says. “The goal for Franklin was to be out of work by 2024. I believe we’re going to have to reassess that one.”
MARY BETH M cGARRAHAN Development Director, Franklin Community Center
small acts “It doesn’t take a lot
to help out in your community,” says Franklin Community Center’s Mary Beth McGarrahan. “You can go and buy an extra can of soup and drop it off at our food pantry. Maybe you’ve got an extra coat that you have lying around. You can donate it to the free store.”
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PACK MENTALITY T W E LV E Y E A R S A F T E R L A U N C H I N G S A R AT O G A D O G WA L K E R S , TIM PINK HAS REBRANDED HIS CANINE SOCIAL CLUB AS PINK PUP A N D E X PA N D E D I N T O A N E W F I V E-A C R E FA R M . H I S M I S S I O N ? T O H E L P S A R AT O G A’ S D O G S LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES.
BY NATALIE M O O R E photography by
SHAWN LAC HA P ELLE
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sitting pretty Pink Pup
owner Tim Pink says posing his pack of dogs like this is a training exercise: “They’re practicing sharing space with each other, which, for a lot of dogs can be a big issue.”
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n a recent Wednesday morning, a small crowd gathered around the steps of Adirondack Trust Company on Broadway to watch Saratogian Tim Pink work his magic. No, he wasn’t breaking in to rob the bank, or promising to lower our ever-climbing interest rates. He was merely standing on the steps—standing on the steps in the middle of 15 unmoving dogs, that is. For those familiar with Pink’s work, this was nothing new. Formerly known as the Saratoga Dog Walker, Pink has been walking packs of incredibly well-behaved dogs around downtown for some 12 years. His claim to fame? Posing them in notable Saratoga locales and getting them all to look at the camera for a photo. Like a still life, but with dozens of living, breathing, easily distractible canines. And 15 dogs is child’s play; Pink’s record is 46 four-legged friends in one photo. How does he do it? The answer reveals all the work Pink puts in behind the scenes. “We get that a lot: How are they so well behaved?” he says. “I wish I had a quick answer for you. It’s a lot of training, a lot of patience. I read the body language of the dog so that
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I’m always aware of how each dog is feeling.” While all the public sees is Pink and his pack walking around town or the pictures and videos his team posts on social media, the dog whisperer is actually constantly working with each pup on sitting, sharing space, duration and impulse control—all the skills necessary to, yes, get them to sit like that. And thanks to the recent purchase of a five-acre farm in Gansevoort, complete with 12 fields and 10,000 square feet of heated indoor space, Pink has expanded his midday pack program into an all-day social club. (Interested? Don’t wait— there’s a waiting list.) After picking up the dogs in vans—a service for which doggie daycares typically charge a pretty penny—Pink and his team meet up for a mid-morning pack walk before heading over to the farm for playtime and training. Dogs are separated into three groups by size, and always supervised by staff who are engaging with and training the dogs in as well-rounded a manner as possible. “We try to strike a balance while helping the dogs live their best life,” Pink says. “We make sure they’re getting mental stimulation and getting their physical energy out, but we’re also not sending the dogs home completely exhausted so that they just sleep until the
next morning. I really wanted to differentiate from calling it a daycare because what we do is so different and so extra. So that’s why we landed on calling it a social club.” That’s also why this year Pink decided to rebrand Saratoga Dog Walkers as Pink Pup. “It didn’t feel right to keep calling it Saratoga Dog Walkers when we’re doing so much more now,” he says. The name change also makes sense given the fact that Pink’s brand has expanded far beyond Saratoga; while he had social media followers from all over the country and world in the early days, his Instagram and TikTok accounts really took off following features on The Dodo and The Kelly Clarkson Show, Pink Pup now has 385,300 followers on TikTok and 76,700 on Instagram. A video of Pink petting each of the dogs in his pack from April racked up 15.5 million combined views after one pup’s head rub was stolen by the dog sitting next to him. “It was so funny to open up social media and see this hashtag #JusticeForBandit,” Pink says. “Comment after comment was #JusticeForBandit, so of course we had to do a follow-up video.” Spoiler: Bandit got the pet he deserved. While Pink’s mission is to help the dogs he works with live their best lives, he’s also using his vast social media following
home remedy “A large percentage of my clients now
work from home,” Pink says of post-pandemic life. “But they’re either like, ‘My day is so busy, I don’t have time for the dog’ or they’re smart enough to realize that their dog is a lot happier coming out and doing what we’re doing instead of sitting there and getting a little bit of attention through the day.”
to help dogs he’s never even met. “Our new merchandise initiative helps feed shelter dogs,” he says of his online shop that carries shirts, hats, leashes and other accessories for both humans and dogs. “If shelters don’t have food, they have to put dogs down. So for every item that’s purchased through the online shop, 20 shelter dogs get fed a meal. And if an order reaches 100 dogs, I’ll double it to 200. Hopefully we’ll have some sort of viral moment where people get on board with the mission, and we’ll really be able to feed a lot of shelter dogs.” Pink is also thinking about dressing up as Santa, like he did last year, for one of his pack walks this December. He may not have reindeer, but he has his dogs. And in the Pink Pup pack, everyone’s on the nice list.
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saratoga living’s
Holiday Gift Guide
SIX SARATOGA STORE OWNERS PUT THEIR MINDS TOGETHER TO C O M P I L E T H E U LT I M AT E H O L I D AY SHOPPING GUIDE OF LOCAL GIFTS FOR EVERYONE O N Y O U R L I S T.
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KERRY FAGAN
OWNER OF MARK THOMAS MEN'S APPAREL
1 Jack Victor Sport Coat from Mark Thomas $995
Every time a customer tries on this coat, they say it’s the most comfortable jacket they’ve ever worn. Made from luxurious Loro Piana jersey stretch wool, it pairs great with jeans or dress pants. Casual yet dressy or dressy yet casual is the name of the game.
☞ FOR HIM ☜ 2 Brax Trousers from Union Hall Supply Co. $198
These casual pants are super comfortable and a great dressier version of a jean for all occasions. They come in a variety of fits, and are made with wrinkleresistant and moisturewicking fabrics to keep up with the active man in your life.
3 Lucas Sheepskin Coat from Overland $1,595
This coat proves that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Supreme Merino sheepskin naturally retains body heat, making our frigid upstate winters more bearable.
4 Glenfarclas 17 Scotch from First Fill Spirits $129.99
This single malt scotch whiskey is a favorite of the owners of specialty whiskey shop First Fill Spirits. It’s matured in sherry casks, which add flavors of baking spice and dried fruit. It’s the perfect coldweather whiskey.
5 Staycation at The Adelphi Hotel Starting at $250
Who wouldn’t enjoy a night (or two!) at The Adelphi? The good news is that during the winter months, the crown jewel of downtown Saratoga’s prices drop, especially if you’re looking at weeknights.
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3 HEIDI OWEN WEST,
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OWNER OF LIFESTYLES OF SARATOGA, CAROLINE + MAIN and UNION HALL SUPPLY CO.
2 Dylan Thermal Knit from Spoken Boutique $120
Don’t get caught without a hostess gift this season! Stock up on these hot toddy kits—complete with three spice bags, cinnamon sticks and more—and pair them with a bottle of whiskey, rum or brandy.
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The Dylan thermal knit is the perfect holiday gift that combines style and comfort. It’s perfect for layering, and is so cozy that the lady in your life will never want to take it off.
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3 Mer-sea XO Slipper Socks from Lifestyles of Saratoga $36
Gifts with a hidden message that remind the recipient how much you care—like these cozy slipper socks—are my personal fave. Want to go bigger? Add in the matching sweater, hat and mittens for a complete set.
4 Wooden Ships Knit from Caroline + Main $125
The combo of comfy, cozy and festive makes these Wooden Ships Knits perfect for holiday gifting. With eye-catching designs and an easy fit, this sweater will bring joy to your loved one’s winter wardrobe.
5 FYB Personalized Pearls from Lucia $38 Who doesn’t love a personalized gift? These delicate pearl bracelets with initial charms are easy to layer into an existing jewelry collection. Bonus: They’re not mass produced, and you’ll be supporting a second small business (in addition to Lucia) when you buy.
(Owen West) KATIE DOBIES
1 Oliver Pluff & Co Hot Toddy Kit from Savory Pantry $20 each
☞ FOR HER ☜
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LUCY MORAN,
OWNER OF LEX & CLEO
☞ FOR THE KIDS ☜ 1 Maileg Princess & The Pea Set from Lex & Cleo $55
The Maileg collection is a best-seller at Lex & Cleo for a good reason! Children love collecting the mice along with their accessories, and this Princess and the Pea set is a personal favorite.
2 Brio Pinball Game from G. Willikers $71.99
This set is definitely on my Christmas list for my nephews! A miniature pinball machine made for children ages 6 and up, it’s the perfect addition to any game closet or cabinet.
3 Roald Dahl Books from Northshire Bookstore Starting at $7.99
My daughter has been reading through the Roald Dahl books for the past few months, and we are loving these ones from Northshire Bookstore. The scratchand-sniff covers make them extra fun!
4 Breyer Unicorn Magic Wood Carry Stable from Impressions of Saratoga $30
These are the perfect gift for any unicornloving kid. The stable makes the perfect little home for the adorable mini unicorns—six come in every kit!
5 Gift Certificate to Saratoga Strike Zone Any amount
Christmas break is a great opportunity to spend quality family time together, and an afternoon of bowling is always a great time for the whole family!
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5 DAWN OESCH,
OWNER OF SARATOGA CANDY CO.
☞ FOR THE FOODIE ☜ 1 Peppermint Pig from Saratoga Candy Co. $21.99
The Peppermint Pig is our Christmastime best-seller. It’s a wonderful little Saratoga tradition that doubles as a yummy way to finish a holiday meal…and bring you luck for the new year.
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2 Saratoga Mug from Impressions of Saratoga $14.99 I bought this mug for a friend who moved away to remind her of her hometown. Pair it with a pound of coffee from a local shop for the perfect Spa City– themed gift.
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3 Tuscan Herb Olive Oil from Saratoga Olive Oil $39.90
This olive oil is my go-to for cooking. Paired with Saratoga Olive Oil’s traditional balsamic vinegar, it makes the perfect hostess gift for any foodie.
4 The Hot Box from Savory Pantry $73
One of the best things about shopping at Savory Pantry is that they put together curated gift baskets for you! This one is perfect for the spice-lover in your life.
5 Honey from Saratoga Tea & Honey $14
Shopping local never tasted so sweet! Honey from Saratoga Tea & Honey makes the perfect stocking stuffer for your sweetie—there are so many types to choose from.
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MADDY ZANETTI,
OWNER OF IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA AND DARK HORSE MERCANTILE
1 Rugged Earth Leather Goods from Dark Horse Mercantile Starting at $25 It can be hard to find something for dad, teenage boys…really just men in general. These wallets are high quality, handmade and super durable. They’ll last forever and the leather only improves with age.
☞ FOR STOCKING-STUFFING ☜ 2 2024 Saratoga Springs Calendar from Impressions of Saratoga $19.99
If you live in Saratoga, you love Saratoga. (And what’s not to love?) Support the Saratoga Springs Historical Society and the Friends of Saratoga Springs Library when you give this calendar full of frame-able photos from the Bolster Collection.
3 Clixo Magnetic Building Shapes from G. Willikers Starting at $19.99
These were given to my son as a gift and we take them everywhere. Clixos are small flexible shapes with strong magnets that click together to build just about anything. They are super easy to pack for on-the-go play.
4 Jenny Krause Embroidered Woven Belt from Spoken Boutique $70
5 Lump of Coal from Saratoga Candy Co. $4.99
Every time I wear one of these belts I get compliments. They come in so many colors and patterns, can be dressed up or down, and really make an outfit pop. Plus, they’re handmade and fair trade!
Everyone wants a little yummy treat in their stocking, but some may not have been on their best behavior this past year. This lump of coal is a fun gift for those on the “naughty” list.
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CHELSEA SILVER,
OWNER OF SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY
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☞ FOR THE HOME ☜ 1 Wooden Ducks from Samantha Nass Floral Design Shoppe $35-65
2 Pillows from Silverwood Home & Gallery Prices vary
When it comes to floral, no one does it like Sam Nass. But her Lawrence Street shop is also a treasure trove of other goodies, including these adorable wooden ducks that come in two different sizes.
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Silverwood specializes in the Upstate vernacular, always showcasing equestrian and Adirondackinspired home goods. For the cozier seasons, a great pillow and blanket are the perfect way to transform your living room into a warm place to nest and rest.
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3 Owl Ornaments from Vischer Ferry General Store $13.50
At Vischer Ferry General Store, you can pick up a delicious latte and peruse their newly expanded home décor and gift room. These adorable owl ornaments are the perfect addition to any upstate Christmas tree.
4 Albany Pennant from Fort Orange General Store $29
Fort Orange General Store is a carefully curated shop in our capital featuring a cool variety of goods celebrating the area and its history. Stop in for some vintage-inspired upstate swag like this Albany pennant.
5 Japanese Bowls from Into Mischief Boutique $32 Into Mischief in the Saratoga Marketplace showcases some beautiful home décor accents and fun personal accessories including trays and bowls that would go with so many home styles.
Samantha Nass Floral Design Shoppe Gears up for its Second Holiday Season
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Shop European-style florals and unique gifts just steps from Broadway.
n Saratoga and the surrounding communities, Samantha Nass has made a name for herself for her elegant, European-style floral studio. Her designs span the spectrum from light and delicate to moody and edgy. From thoughtful sympathy arrangements to floral arches, centerpieces and bouquets for the most exquisite weddings. But the designer wears yet another hat—one that, come December, can be quite helpful for holiday shoppers. “We are not your ordinary flower shop, as we offer well curated and thoughtfully presented objects for the home,” Nass says about her SAMANTHA NASS FLORAL DESIGN SHOPPE, a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts located a short walk from Broadway on Lawrence Street. “We offer excellent customer service and a welcoming environment. The Shoppe has a great vibe and personality with knowledgeable staff who are excited about customizing and tailoring designs and concepts to meet each client’s taste.” What can you expect to find in Nass’ Shoppe? Well, flowers, of course, plus artisanal and small-batch goods made locally in New York and imported from Europe, such as tablescape necessities, ceramics, candles, potted plants, succulents and custom gift
boxes. “We have beautiful heirloom terracotta planters from Europe that we are pairing with Amaryllis,” Nass says. “Our luxury LAFCO candle range is an excellent host gift, and for the person that has everything, our plant and floral subscriptions have been a hit.” That’s right—floral subscriptions. Treat a friend, a loved one or yourself to a monthly subscription of stunning arrangements using the freshest seasonal flowers for four, six or 12 months. Planter, Sugarfina candy and LAFCO Candle subscriptions are also available. And there’s more. Nass also offers “Flower Socials”—private or group experiences that allow those interested in the art of floral design to create their own arrangement, terrarium, or styled orchid. (Yes, light fare and refreshments are served during the socials!) This holiday season, Nass will be hosting extended-hours shopping evenings and festive wreath-making classes that are expected to sell out quickly; be sure to follow @SNFD_Shoppe on Instagram so you don’t miss a second of the holly, jolly action. ■ 61 LAWRENCE STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.886.9461 snfloraldesign.com
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ADVERTISEMENT
RISE Up RISE Housing and Support Services’ new short-term crisis residence offers immediate help to in-recovery locals in urgent distress.
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he holiday season can be an especially difficult time for anyone suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues—two struggles that are often entwined. RISE Housing and Support Services, which has been helping such individuals in Saratoga County for 45 years, recently opened a shortterm crisis residence to help those in immediate distress. The SunRISE Retreat provides a supportive environment to enable a person in acute mental health crisis to stabilize. Opened in September, it is the first of its kind in the Capital Region, and also offers treatment and discharge planning. “Everyone going through mental health or addiction challenges needs something different to start and maintain their journey to recovery,” says Lindsey Connors, RISE’s associate executive director. “The one thing they all need is support. And RISE provides that through the various services we offer.” ■ For more information, visit riseservices.org. This ad was donated to RISE by Julie & Co. Realty.
SunRISE Retreat provides short-term housing and support to those experiencing an acute mental health crisis. RISE also operates a low-barrier homeless shelter—to send your neighbors experiencing homelessness some holiday cheer, search for RISE’s “Holiday Wish List” on amazon.com.
5th Annual Capital Region Gives Back ➷
Wednesday, December 6, 6pm Putnam Place, downtown Saratoga with celebrity emcee Mark Mulholland! Scan the QR code to purchase tickets! Come Party for your favorite local Cause! At checkout, choose which of the 10 causes you’d like to support with 50 percent of your ticket price.
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Purdy’s Does More Than Discount Saratoga’s favorite liquor store boasts a new specialty wine and liquor cabinet for all your holiday needs.
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hen it comes time to start planning your holiday party, Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor should be your first stop. A family-owned business that’s been a staple in the Spa City for more than half a century, Purdy’s has grown exponentially in recent years, taking over adjacent storefronts to make room for its impressive selection of whiskey, tequila, wine and more. And don’t let the “discount” in the name fool you. While you can certainly stock up on all sorts of affordable wines and liquors, Purdy’s is also home to a large selection of highly sought-after allocated items such as bourbon, single malt scotch, Japanese whiskey, tequila and New York State products. Those selections and more can be found in the store’s new specialty liquor cabinet, which is stocked with rare bourbons that alone are worth $100,000 in retail (think Pappy Van Winkle and a bottle of 25-year Michter’s Bourbon), as well as fine wines and Champagne. ■ To see a full selection of Purdy’s offerings, visit them online at purdyswine.com.
SARATOGA’S LARGEST AND BEST SELECTION OF FINE WINES & SPIRITS. BROWSE OVER 8,000 PRODUCTS ONLINE OR IN STORE! 70 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs 518-584-5400 www.purdyswine.com
off track SA R ATO GA’S H OT T E ST T I C KE TS
Annie Berdar of BARE Blends Denise Dubois of Complexions Spa and Dubois Beauty
Guests posing in Golden Garden Parties’ chariot photo op
Heather Thomson giving an inspirational wellness talk.
saratoga living’s
After-Track Tranquility
Joyce and Garry White
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Green Glow smoothies by BARE Blends
Nicole McClaren and Terese Russell
f you Saratoga summered as hard as we did, chances are you needed a bit of a post–racing season reset. This past September, saratoga living teamed up with Dubois Beauty, BARE Blends and Golden Garden Parties to offer Saratogians just that. Upon arriving, guests snacked on small bites by Gideon Putnam and BARE Blends’ newest smoothie promoting healthy skin, before taking pics in Golden Garden Parties’ two photo ops and mixing their own custom mineral facial mist with Denise Dubois. At around 7pm, guest of honor Heather Thomson, a former Real Housewives of New York cast member who now owns her own supplement company, took the stage to give an inspirational talk about taking control of your wellness. “If you don’t take care of your health,” she said, “you’re going to be spending a lot of time taking care of your illness.”
Andrea Gorgen, Natalie Moore and Kate VanHerp
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SEPT E M B E R 2 6 • GI DE O N P U T N A M p h otog r aph y by ZAC H SKOWR O N E K
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Dubois Beauty products
Joel DiPersio and Jonathan Harris
Hors d’oeuvres by Gideon Putnam
One table of guests headed by Bright Sighted Media’s Christine O’Donnell and Olympic rower Kristi Wagner
Golden Garden Parties’ Laiken Herrlett and Ashlee McDonald addressing the crowd
518.587.7120 phinneydesign.com
ARCHITECTURE, INTERIOR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Serving Commercial, Hospitality & Custom Residential clients throughout the Northeastern United States
NY | MA | PA | VT
Celebrating Saratoga Backstretch Clinic The 2023 holiday ornament, the twenty-eighth in a collectible series, honors Mrs. Marylou Whitney and Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. The signature ornament costs $25, shipping will be available starting Nov. 1. Pre-order yours today! All proceeds support the Saratoga Hospital Cancer Patient Fund. Throughout the holiday season, the 2023 holiday ornament will be available at the following locations: ❯ Saratoga Hospital Gift Shoppe ❯ Adirondack Trust Company branches ❯ Crafters Gallery ❯ Impressions of Saratoga ❯ Treasures Boutique
For more information, call Saratoga Hospital Foundation office at 518-583-8663.
off track SA R ATO GA’S H OT T E ST T I C KE TS
saratoga living’s
Single in Saratoga: Cuffing Season Edition O C TO B E R 11 • B A I LE Y’S p h otog r aph y by ZAC H SKOWR O N E K
saratoga living’s
VIP Lounge at the Saratoga Motorcar Auction SEPTEMBER 2 2 -2 3 • SA R ATO GA CASI N O H OT E L p h otograph y by ZAC H SKOWR O N E K
Complexions makeup touchups
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Golden Garden Parties décor
Remodeling your home adds many years of enjoyment. Stop in or call for a free consultation.
Greenville | Windham | Latham
Mionetto prosecco
Food by West Avenue Pizza and Chicken
Morning treats by Tierra Farms coffee, Lakeside Farms and Harney & Sons tea
Michael L. Bird Architect P.C.
Serving the Adirondack Park and the Hudson Valley
www.adkgreatcamps.com Info@adkgreatcamps.com
518.891.5224 51 518.637.2524
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off track SA RATOGA’S HOT T EST T ICKETS
The Hyde’s Annual Gala
SEPTEMBER 16 • THE HYDE COLLECTION photography by McLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Community Foundation for the Capital Region’s Raise the Region SEPTEMBER 21 • SARATOGA NATIONAL photography by JAYANA LAFOUNTAINE
Saratoga High Class of 1961 Reunion OCTOBER 7
GIDEON PUTNAM • photography by ANDY IORIO
Wellspring’s Girlfriends Helping Girlfriends SEPTEMBER 13 • WELLSPRING
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ESS and ACC work together to offer you a complete line of services to meet the needs of horses, people, and facilities.
Upstate New York’s only equestrian owned and focused sitework company
We are an established construction company specializing in Home Construction, Renovations, Additions
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Steven Bouchey has been advising clients since 1990. As an independent, SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Bouchey Financial Group acts as a fiduciary for our clients in order to limit any conflicts of interest. Come work with our team that consists of 19 professionals, 7 CFP®s and 4 CPAs. Offices in: Historic Downtown Troy and Saratoga Springs, NY Boston, MA and Jupiter, FL
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FINANCIAL PLANNING
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home stretch: fashion || food & drink
Warm Wishes
M A R K THOM AS MEN’ S APPAREL A N D SA RATO GA TRUNK TEAM UP F OR HOLIDAY LOOKS SO GL AM, YOU R N E X T FESTIVE SOI RÉE WO N ’T KN OW WH AT H IT IT. p hoto g r aphy by D ORI FITZ PATRI CK
|| design
CLAIRE’S LOOK SARATOGA TRUNK THEA COUTURE IVORY LACE/FOX FUR JUMPSUIT | $620
it’s that time of year when we’re getting all dressed up to celebrate the holidays at work parties, winter galas (December 6’s Capital Region Gives Back event, anyone?) and glam New Year’s Eve celebrations. With the frigid upstate temperatures, though, it can be hard to feel stylish and warm at the same time. Until now. Of course, guys have it easy. Here, Taylor Blue Clarke (find him on Instagram at @blueizthecolor) is rocking a custom suit jacket and sleek white dress shirt from Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel. The jacket fits his masculine frame like a glove, and the white pocket square exudes sophistication and attention to detail. The only thing left to add? A girl on his arm. For a classic yet chic look, I chose this timeless ivory lace jumpsuit by Don O’Neill paired with ruby crystal earrings from Saratoga Trunk. It features intricate lace detailing and a flattering silhouette, with plush, white fur around the neck and down the sides of the ribs. While elegant, it sports a thick lining, which will keep you nice and toasty on the coldest of December nights. This year, I really am dreaming of a white Christmas.
RUBY CRYSTAL EARRINGS | $98
—CLAIRE BURNETT @clairewburnett TAYLOR’S LOOK MARK THOMAS MEN’S APPAREL JACK VICTOR JACKET | $750 STENSTROMS SHIRT | $225
saratogaliving.com ⁄ 55
home stretch: fashion || food & drink || design
Chip, Putt, Eat ON DECK
THE BU N KE R SWINGS INTO TH E SPA CI T Y WI T H W I N TE R-FRIE NDLY I NDOOR TEE TI MES, GO O D E ATS, T WO B A R S— A N D SA R ATOGA FLAI R. n BY NATAL LI A M ATO winter nights out in the Spa City will take on a whole new meaning after The Bunker opens the doors to its new location in downtown Saratoga Springs at the turn of the year. Overlooking Congress Park, the 10,000-plus-squarefoot golf simulator and restaurant will be the Capital Region franchise’s largest location to date. Bunker fans who have come to know the casinoinspired Schenectady branch or Clifton Park locale should get ready to tee up in ‘Toga: The new spot promises the quintessential Bunker experience, but with classic Saratoga panache. “We’ve always wanted to get into Saratoga,” says Gabe August, The Bunker’s director of development. “With the history of Saratoga
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and the track, we’re going to blend some of that into our design.” Turning this vision into a reality came down to finding the perfect location. “We looked at a handful of places,” August says. “We wanted to make sure that when we did go into Saratoga, we did it in a place that would set us up for success. We think we found that spot.” That spot turned out to be 307 Broadway, the sweeping former home of Vent Fitness on the corner of Congress Street. With two floors of action, dramatic glass doors and views to match, the location brings a sense of luxury to indoor golf. Unlike many simulators, The Bunker combines the feeling of enjoying a round of golf—and a meal and a
bunker down Golf simulator and
bar/restaurant The Bunker already has Capital Region locations in Clifton Park, Guilderland and Schenectady. Its Saratoga location is planned to open this winter.
drink—at your favorite country club with the vibe of a high-end sports bar. Those who want to take a swing at the fun will be able to book a tee time online, just as one would for a traditional golf course. On the other hand, foodies and cocktail connoisseurs need not worry about making reservations—with two floors and a bar on each, The Bunker boasts ample seating. Thrilled about no longer having to make it through the winter without golf? August echoes the feeling: “We’re extremely excited.”
broadway hit The Broadway Grind now specializes in drinks and graband-go options; (inset) bubblegum and cotton candy kids “lattes.”
Rise and CHANGE Grind OF COMMAND
N EW OW N E RS H I P AT TH E B ROA DWAY G RIND MARKS THE BE G IN N ING OF COMMUNITY A N D CO LLA BORATI ON. BY N ATA LIE M OORE
while christine hernandez has been enjoying the success of Allo Saratoga, the community play space she opened on Lawrence Street in November 2021, she felt there was something missing. “I have always regretted not having a café attached to Allo,” the businesswoman says. “When I saw that Broadway Grind was available, I jumped on it.” Hernandez has now been the purveyor of the downtown coffee shop since September, and has switched up a few things since taking over. “We don’t have a full food menu like the previous iteration did,” she says. “We focus more on coffee and drinks”—like a drool-worthy strawberry matcha bubble tea—“and grab-and-go items like overnight oats and yogurt parfaits.” Beyond the food and drink offerings, Hernandez plans to host open-mic nights and book clubs, as well as partner with other local businesses on events in the space. “We want to be a spot where people come and feel like they are part of a community,” she says. “Like the Cheers of coffee shops.”
BEST Wishes to You and Yours
this Holiday Season! Celebrate with the
in North America!
1st Place at the World Dairy Expo
home stretch: slices of Italy Gennaro’s
Pizza Parlor’s new sandwich menu features prosciutto, mortadella and salami, plus specialty cheeses and homemade spreads.
Good in Bread
NEW GROOVE
G EN N A RO’S PIZZA PARLOR UNVEILS A N E W M E N U H I GH LI GH T E D BY S PE CIA LTY I TAL I AN SANDWI CH ES SE RV E D O N H O U SE -M A DE FO CACCIA . n BY NATAL I E MOORE
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when you can’t grab a slice of New York City pizza, go for the next best thing: Saratoga pizza made by a former Manhattanite. In 2018, after 20 some years working in restaurants in the City, Alex Rodriguez (no, not that Alex Rodriguez) was visiting a friend in Saratoga. “He looked at me and was like, ‘The best pizzeria in town is for sale, and you need to buy it,’” Rodriguez says. The next morning, the friends just so happened to be having coffee at Kru, and swung by the neighboring pizza shop to check it out. Rodriguez talked to the owner for two hours, then to his accountant for an hour, then called his wife, Carina. Six short weeks later, the Rodriguez family were Saratogians—and the proud owners of Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor. “Once I took over, I didn’t want to make any crazy changes, because I didn’t want to mess with our already steady clientele,” Rodriguez says. “So over time, I just tweaked all the ingredients and kind of elevated things. But now I want to add a different aspect to the business.” Thanks to interior renovations that made the restaurant’s dining area smaller and its kitchen larger (like at most pizzerias, much of the business is takeout anyway), Rodriguez is ready to roll out a brand-new menu that at press time was set to drop around mid-November. The highlight? Highend Italian specialty sandwiches—think prosciutto, mortadella, salami Toscano, burrata and homemade spreads— served on fresh-baked focaccia. “I’ve always been a sandwich guy, and, not to take away from any of the places here in Saratoga, but personally I find it hard to find a really good sandwich,” Rodriguez says. “So I’m trying to fill my own void. I want to add another little dimension to Saratoga’s food options.”
CARINA RODRIGUEZ
fashion || food & drink || design
Health Care For Everyone. At Hudson Headwaters, our Primary Care providers are dedicated to meeting your specific health care needs, and keeping you in good health. We’re here for you—at every stage and every age.
HHHN.org
❖ Holiday Parties ❖ Fundraisers ❖ Seminars ❖ Bridal Showers ❖ Birthday Parties ❖ Largest Dance Floor & LED screen in the Area
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION PUTNAMPLACE.COM | 63A PUTNAM STREET | SARATOGA SPRINGS | 518.886.9585
home stretch: fashion || food & drink || design
Pattern Perfect
K EE P YOU R HOUSE COZY AND WARM W I T H B E TSY O LM ST E D’S N EW U PSTATE -I NSPIRED TEXTI LES AND WA LLPA P E R . BY N ATA LIE M OORE n p h otograp h y by E LI ZA B E T H H AYN E S
outside in “If your home’s palette just because the view out your window is colorless this time of year doesn’t mean the inside of your home has to be. “I keep a colorful home all year long,” says Saratoga-based artist Betsy Olmsted. “Displaying a spectrum of hues indoors through the cold, winter months is key for my upstate New York mental survival.” As it happens, Olmsted’s own whimsical watercolors—which she prints on blankets, pillows, tea towels
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is on the neutral side, adding a few colorful throws, cushions or other accessories can help liven up your space during winter hibernation,” says Betsy Olmsted, whose new Upstate Camp collection brings the spirit of the outdoors into your home.
and wallpaper and sells at Silverwood Home & Gallery on Broadway and on betsyolmsted.com—offer just the pop of color our dreary upstate winters call for. And a new collection celebrating everything there is to do outside in said upstate winters just dropped.
“Upstate Camp was inspired by the activities and nature in the Adirondacks,” says Olmsted of her new pattern. “The print depicts objects and animals associated with upstate leisure, camping, sports and foraging, from the lake to the slope.” At press time, the Upstate Camp print was available on most textiles, with the wallpaper— perfect for an accent wall in a cozy cabin—set to go on sale in December. Follow @bestyolmsted on Instagram to be the first to know when it’s available. All that’s left? Snuggling up in your Upstate Camp quilt, grabbing some s’mores fixings, and gathering ’round the fireplace—upstate style.
NO BAKE RICOTTA CHEESECAKE Crust Ingredients 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup sugar 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted Filling Ingredients 15 oz. POLLY-O RICOTTA CHEESE 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla Zest from 1 lemon 8 oz. heavy whipping cream Directions For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter in a bowl. Press into a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before filling. For the filling: Beat the Ricotta, powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and lemon zest in a bowl until light and fluffy. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and beat until thickened and increased in volume, about 4-5 minutes. Pour filling into prepared crust and smooth out with an offset spatula. Refrigerate tart for at least 4 hours, overnight for best results. Top with fresh berries. Remove tart from pan and place on serving plate. Cut and serve cold.
Polly-o ricotta cheese yes, please!
Our Original Ricotta is a smooth, slightly sweet cheese that’s crafted with simple ingredients. Add a touch of creamy flavor to any new or traditional family recipe. Polly-O Cheese, Made in New York since 1899 Find your favorite Polly-O cheeses
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
13 North
Hills & Hollows
ome for the diverse menu of scratch-made food, but save room for one of Patti's amazing desserts! What originally started as owner Patti Weaver’s dream to open a bakery has turned into the familyoperated 13 North, a casual dining experience located a short drive from downtown Saratoga off Exit 13N. You certainly won’t leave hungry thanks to the portion sizes 13 North serves, and selections from the bar— think craft cocktails, fine wines and bourbons—are sure to please as well. Be sure to check online for daily specials! Open 4-10pm Wednesday–Saturday.
ou don’t have to be a member of McGregor Links Country Club to enjoy year-round dining at Hills & Hollows, the Wilton golf course’s onsite restaurant. Operated by the owners of The Hideaway, Hills & Hollows boasts elevated comfort food and a full bar, perfect for grabbing a bite after work or Sunday brunch—even when the course is closed. Call today for information on hosting private events, and don’t miss Monday night wing night, when you can get a dozen wings slathered in your choice of sauce for just $10. Open 4-9pm Monday; 11am-9pm Tuesday–Saturday; 9am-9pm Sunday.
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2955 ROUTE 9, MALTA 13northrestaurant.com • 518.400.1746
Hamlet & Ghost
F
ormerly a hidden gambling spot during Prohibition, Hamlet and Ghost is now a neighborhood bar nestled on the corner of Caroline and Putnam streets. Modern cuisine made with farm-fresh ingredients from local purveyors (try the house-favorite double cheeseburger made with grass-fed beef!) is prepared in an open kitchen and served in a hip atmosphere with lots of natural light, original brick accents and copper tones. To wash it down, take your pick from rotating lists of seasonal cocktails mixed with housemade syrups and fresh-squeezed juices, craft beer and biodynamic wine. Or stop by just for the libations—happy hour is every Monday through Thursday from 5-6:30pm and features $6 Old Fashioned and margaritas.
24 CAROLINE STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS hamletandghost.com • 518.450.7287
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359 NORTHERN PINES ROAD, WILTON mcgregorlinks.com • 518.584-6270
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Dunning Street Station
Kindred
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rom the creators of Henry Street Taproom, Kindred is a new wine bar focused on organic wine, good food and fun. The owners’ goal is a simple one: Make wine fun again. On the food side, Kindred’s menu focuses on small plates cooked in wood-fired ovens, as well as select entrées. Comfortable and chic, Kindred is the perfect place to make memories with friends and family this fall. Open 5pm–midnight Thursday–Monday.
84 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS @kindred_saratoga • 518.886.1198
Henry Street Taproom
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ood food, lots of beer and an atmosphere that’s the perfect mix of relaxed, cozy and chic? That’s what you can expect at Henry Street Taproom, which has been serving local craft beers and ciders, classic cocktails and locally sourced, made-from-scratch food since 2012. Eleven years in, Henry Street is still a go-to spot for locals who never tire of cozying up to the fire during these cold winter months. Open 4-10pm Tuesday-Friday; 2-10pm Saturday; 2-9pm Sunday. 86 HENRY STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS henrystreettaproom.com • 518.886.8938
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ocated less than 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs just off Exit 13S, Dunning Street Station is known for its laid-back environment and front-of-mind customer service. Chef Bruce Jacobsen, formerly of sister restaurant Lake Ridge, has curated an impressive menu that features many Italian-inspired classics with a twist, which are available for dine-in or takeout. Add in plenty of parking and ample space at the bar, and Dunning Street Station, which this year was voted best restaurant for family dining, is a winning option for a night out. Open 3–9pm Tuesday–Saturday. 2853 STATE ROUTE 9, MALTA dunningstreetstation.com 518.587.2000
Cantina
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roadway dining hotspot Cantina has been serving up fresh Mexican dishes and signature margaritas in the heart of downtown Saratoga for the last 16 years. Guests flock to the restaurant for its festive vibe, creative fare, and craft cocktails—happy hour, anyone?! When the weather gets cold, belly up to the bar or find a table for all your south-of-the-border favorites. Need a venue for your holiday party? Look no further than The 408 Event & Occasion, a private event space located on the restaurant’s second floor. See website for seasonal hours. 408 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS cantinasaratoga.com • 518.587.5577
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery
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he holiday season just got a little bit sweeter. Sweet Mimi’s, a cozy cafe located on Phila Street in downtown Saratoga, is serving up a healthy dose of holiday cheer by way of a seasonal menu sure to satisfy foodies of all stripes. Bring your out-of-town relatives to the restaurant voted “best cafe” for 10 consecutive years to test out the new seasonal menu, and while you’re there, pick up some bakery treats and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Holiday catering is also available. Open 8am-2pm Thursday–Monday. 47 PHILA STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS sweetmimiscafe.com • 518.871.1780
Bourbon Room
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tay up all night to get ducky— yes, ducky—at Bourbon Room, home of Caroline Street’s largest whiskey selection. Whiskey isn’t the only thing on the bar’s innovative cocktail menu, though. Stop by this holiday season to try the new Duckin’ Good Time cocktail, a tantalizing blend of Stoli Blueberry Vodka and zesty lemonade. For garnish? Well, rubber ducks, of course! Trust us—this drink really is all it’s quacked up to be. Open 4pm-close daily. 8 CAROLINE STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS bourbonroomsaratoga.com • 518.791.6199
SARATOGA LIVING X WHITMAN BREWING
BEER RELEASE PARTY Wednesday, November 29 6-9pm Whitman Brewing
Get tickets!
Includes: Signature pint glass Free pint of Wheat All About It, the first-ever Saratoga Living beer Pizza by Whitman Live Entertainment
MEXICAN
AMERICAN
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30lake.com 518.539.3474 30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
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30 Lake
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13northrestaurant.com 518.400.1746 2955 State Route 9, Malta
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13 North
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The Brook Tavern
thebrooktavern.com 518.871.1473 139 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Dunning Street Station dunningstreetstation.com 518.587.2000 2853 State Route 9, Malta
Hamlet & Ghost hamletandghost.com 518.450.7287 24 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
Henry Street Taproom
henrystreettaproom.com 518.886.8938 86 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
McGregor Links Hills & Hollows
mcgregorlinks.com 518.584.6270 359 Northern Pines Road, Wilton
Park & Elm
parkandelm.com 518.480.3220 19 Park Street, Glens Falls
Prime at Sartoga National
primeatsaratoganational.com 518.583.4653 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
The Wishing Well
wishingwellrestaurant.com 518.584.7640 745 Saratoga Road, Wilton ITALIAN
Panza’s
panzasrestaurant.com 518.584.6882 129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Cantina
cantinasaratoga.com 518.587.5577 408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery
sweetmimiscafe.com 518.871.1780 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs GRAB & GO
West Ave Pizzeria
westavenuepizzeria.com 518.886.3788 99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs BREWERIES
Artisanal Brew Works
abw.beer 518.306.4344 617 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs COCKTAIL BARS
Bourbon Room
bourbonroomsaratoga.com 518.791.6199 8 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
Kindred
@kindred_saratoga 518.886.1198 84 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
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two years ago, saratoga living CEO and Silicon Valley transplant Abby Tegnelia had an idea for a Substack newsletter that would give our most dedicated readers more—more reporting on the day-to-day happenings in the wild world of Saratoga Springs. Substack, she told me, was the latest and greatest publishing platform that all the top writers in New York City and California were using to get their content to their readers directly, by email. I, having lived the entirety of my life in Saratoga County, had never heard of it. Most of the magazine’s readers were in the same boat as me, but since then, thousands of them have joined us on our journey to learn the new-to-us technology and to provide our quirky little city with the on-the-ground, off-kilter reporting it WH Y YO U N E E D TO deserves. Our first few experiential posts were free to everyone. Subscribers got U P GR A DE YO U R the stories sent directly to their email, SA R ATO GA LI V I N G and anyone with the saratogaliving. AFTER HOURS substack.com link could read them. SU B SC R I P T I O N N OW. Eventually, we implemented the next phase of our master plan: making one post per week available exclusively to paying subscribers. Subscriptions are cheap—just $5 a month—and go a long way toward making sure saratoga living survives the digital revolution. (Unlike most publications in the area, our website and magazine remain completely free.) Two years into our Substack experiment, we’re asking that you consider upgrading your subscription (if you don’t even have a free subscription, what are you doing?). With your help, we can ensure that Saratoga’s premier media company endures for many years to come. That’s why you should upgrade your subscription. Here’s why you want to. We reserve much of our best, most insider-y content for our mid-week paid posts. Want to see exclusive party pictures from the past weekend’s hottest galas? Upgrade to paid. Want the latest news on restaurant openings (Hamlet & Ghost’s new venture, for one) and closings? Upgrade to paid. Want a behind-the-scenes look at what went into the creation of this very issue? Well, you know what to do. The best part? If you pay to subscribe now, you’ll have automatic access to all past SARATOGA LIVING AFTER HOURS stories—paid and unpaid. So what are you waiting for? Level in the know Recent paid SARATOGA LIVING AFTER HOURS posts include (from top) the tea on what legendary NFL coach Bill Parcells up your subscription, and, while you’re at it, scan the code does on the sidelines of his grandson’s flag football games; below to give the gift of SLAH this holiday season. a preview of a mysterious fundraising event put on by “The Foundation”; an exclusive promo code for discounted tickets to our After-Track Tranquility party; insider info on what Saratoga restaurant is opening a second location on Phila Street; and party pictures from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s Raise the Region event.
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–NATALIE MOORE Shameless Self-promoter editorial@saratogaliving.com
(Tablescape) ALLYSON MARIE FERRI; (Hamlet & Ghost interior) SHAWN LACHAPELLE; (party) JAYANA LAFOUNTAINE
Level Up
Belmonte Ad SaraLiving_Layout 1 10/6/23 1:52 PM Page 1
DISCOVER JUNIPER RIDGE A New Home Community in the historic Town of Halfmoon
Ask about our BUY MORE SAVE MORE Promotion
New Homes Starting in the mid $500s If you’re looking for the perfect balance between small-town living and modern convenience, discover Juniper Ridge. This new family-friendly community is happily situated among the beautiful rolling hills in the historic Town of Halfmoon. When completed, Juniper Ridge will include over 220 single-family homes and community walking trails. Situated between Albany and Saratoga Springs, Juniper Ridge offers the accessibility of big-city living, without the stress. Being part of the Shenendehowa Central Schools and its close proximity to great shopping, dining and the Northway make it the perfect spot for families of all sizes. Plus the Halfmoon Town Park and all its amenities (walking trails, baseball fields, picnic areas, and more) are just a short walk away.
• Close to shopping, dining & the Northway • 20 minutes from Albany & Saratoga Springs • Shenendehowa Central Schools
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Spencer Lewis: 518-512-9646 spencer@belmontebuilders.com
• Variety of floor plans (ranch, primary down, primary up) • Pricing from the mid-$500s
www.belmontebuilders.com
Ask About Our Quick Delivery Homes Ready March 2024
13 Silver Oak Drive, Halfmoon 4 BR, 2.5 BA + Study, Primary Up, 2,397 sq. ft. $678,900
Ready April 2024
15 Silver Oak Drive, Halfmoon 3 BR, 2 BA + Study, Primary Down, 2,200 sq. ft. $689,900
Learn more about Belmonte Builders, our communities & floor plans at www.BelmonteBuilders.com In neighborhoods with a Homeowner's Association, Homeowners will be subject to all HOA covenants and design guidelines and will be required to pay HOA dues. For complete details see your sales representative.