Saratoga Family Spring/Summer 2023

S A R AT O G A

Family

Complimentary

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

2 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

contents

SARATOGA Family

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty CREATIVE DIRECTOR / MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Harrigan AD DESIGNER Kelly Schoonbeck

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ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marissa Broadley Rick Cobello Deb Czech Jodie Fitz Himanee Gupta Ann Hauprich Wendy Hobday Haugh Megin Potter Ginny Smith Theresa St. John Diane Whitten PHOTOGRAPHERS Pattie Garrett Wendy Hobday Haugh Harry Metz Theresa St. John PUBLISHED BY Saratoga TODAY Newspaper 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Saratoga Family is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2023, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

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10

AROUND THE TABLE

HEALTHY SARATOGA

4

Let’s Get Cooking… Recipes by Jodie Fitz

24

Meet… Dr. Dan

5

Planted Platter makes EATING HEALTHY so easy!

25

Tick Safety

6

Gardening 101

26

Sponsor a Scholar… Build a Life

7

A tribute from the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

27

To Life! …The Survivors Lifeline

HOME + FAMILY

VERY ENTERPRISING! 28

Isla's Divine Desserts + Baileys Biscuits and Barks

Meet… Harry Metz

29

Meet Our Cover Crew!

12

The Waldorf School + Jordan Becker

30

Saratoga with Kids

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All in the Family

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

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Books, Books, Books

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The Little Norwegian Candle Company

Something for everybody!

Starts on page 31 – enjoy!

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Scouting for All

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A WANDERful life!

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FAMILY FUN 18

Saratoga Antique Bottle Show & Sale

20

Wildlife Sports & Educational Museum in Vails Mills… Yes!

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A LOCAL Road Trip… to Area Museums

SEE STORY PG 29 SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 3

Let's Get

cooking!

Recipes by

Light Mexican Street Corn

What you Need:

Blueberry Freezer Jam with Honey

• 3 ears of fresh sweet corn • 1/2 of a lime

What you Need:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 4 cups fresh blueberries

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 2/3 cup honey

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 lemon, fresh

• 4 oz. Cotija cheese

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Fresh Cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Wash the blueberries and remove any stems. Place the blueberries in a skillet that IS NOT a nonstick coated pan.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Remove any loose pieces from the husk and then place the corn, in the remaining husk, directly in the oven on the rack. Bake the corn for 40 minutes.

3. While the corn is cooking, squeeze the juice from the lime into a bowl. Add in the canola oil, onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder and chili powder into the lime-juice and stir the ingredients together.

4. Finely shred the Cotija cheese and set it aside.

• 1 pound ground turkey • 2 cups fresh spinach • 1 pint grape tomatoes • ½ cup onions, finely chopped • 1 clove garlic • 1 tablespoon cumin • 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon onion powder • ¾ teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

5. Stir the honey and lemon mixture, the cinnamon and the blueberries together. Bring the mixture to a boil stirring frequently.

8. Pour the mixture into the jars leaving room at the top for expansion. Let them set without a cover for several hours.

7. Baste all sides of the corn with the spiced lime mixture. Sprinkle one side with cheese and a little fresh cilantro.

• Canola oil

4. Stir the honey and lemon juice together until the honey dissolves.

7. Let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes.

6. Once the corn has finished cooking take it out of the oven with an oven mitt and let it cool until the corn is warm, but no longer hot. Peel the husk back.

• 1 large zucchini

3. Extract the juice from the half of lemon and remove any seeds.

6. Reduce the heat and cook the jam until it has reduced and thickened; stir frequently.

5. Finely chop the fresh cilantro using clean herb scissors. If you don’t have herb scissors, use a knife and a cutting board.

Taco Zucchini Boats

2. Mash the blueberries with a potato masher.

9. Loosely cap them and let them set overnight.

10. Keep one jar in the refrigerator to use and place the extras in the freezer.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

and a clove of fresh garlic to the meat and cook until tender, stirring frequently.

2. Cut the ends of the zucchini off. Then Cut the long zucchini in half and then cut each half in halves length wise to create four zucchini boats.

6. Finely chop the spinach in food processor.

3. Scoop out the centers of each zucchini to create a boat in each one.

9. Stir and cook until the spices and other ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is hot. (Add in the corn if desired)

4. Baste the top of the zucchinis with a light canola oil and lightly salt the top.

Place them on a baking sheet and put them into the oven. Let them bake while preparing the meat.

5. Cook the ground turkey in a frying pan; draining off any excess juices. Add the onions

7. Puree the tomatoes in food processor.

8. Add the spinach, pureed tomatoes and spices to the meat mixture.

10. Fill each boat with the hot meat and top it with the shredded cheese.

11. Place the zucchini boats back into the oven and let the cheese melt.

12. Serve hot!

• ½ teaspoon white pepper • 1 pound frozen sweet corn (optional) 4 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

WRITTEN BY DEB CZECH Culinary instructor Deb Czech teaches a variety of plant-based cooking and nutrition classes, in person and online. More information is at plantedplatter.com.

easy

Ways to “Eat Healthy” When people talk about wanting to eat healthier meals, sometimes they don’t know how to get started. For example, you may have heard you should reduce saturated fat and cholesterol, or cut back on red meat and deli meats, or eat more fiber, but how exactly do those good intentions show up at your dinner table? One way to make meals healthier is to add more plants to our meals.

EATING MORE PLANTS IS A HEALTHY CHOICE Plant foods increase your daily fiber intake. Only plant foods have fiber; there is no fiber in animal-based foods. Fiber helps us feel full sooner, so we naturally stop eating, and it helps to hold off hunger for longer. People who eat a lower-fat, high-fiber diet may not need to count calories or restrict portions! Fiber also benefits gut health, relieves constipation, and helps to remove toxins, excess hormones, and unwanted cholesterol from our bodies.

Unprocessed plant foods tend to have fewer calories than animal foods for the equivalent weight. This can be helpful for anyone trying to shed a few pounds. For a visual representation of the calories in different foods of the same weight, search online for “calorie density chart.”

For optimal weight loss, it’s also helpful to limit plant foods that are higher in calories—including nuts/nut butter and seeds, avocados, coconut, and dried fruit. Instead, eat more plants that are high in water content, including melons, apples, tomatoes, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers.

Plant foods contain powerful antioxidants, which help to fight various diseases. Eating many different colors of plants boosts the immune system, as individual antioxidants are often concentrated in fruits and vegetables sharing the same or similar colors. “Eat the rainbow” is a fun way to communicate to kids the importance of eating different colored fruits and vegetables. Let kids choose their favorite colorful produce and pack it for a school lunch or make a “rainbow plate” to share with friends or family.

Tips to Incorporate More Plants in Your Meals Make simple changes to favorite meals you already make.

Instead of trying to overhaul your cooking repertoire, take some dishes you already enjoy and reduce animal-based ingredients and add in plants.

• In pasta dishes with a tomato sauce, reduce or replace meat and add mushrooms, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, zucchini, or white beans.

• For burritos or tacos, use lentils or black beans, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and onions.

• In a Chinese-style stir fry, try tofu marinated in soy sauce and garlic as a substitute for meat.

• On the grill, put a small amount of vinaigrette over cut peppers, onions, mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini. Toss to coat and put veggies on skewers or in a grill basket.

Keep ready-to-eat cut fruit and vegetables in the fridge, along with hummus or another bean dip.

(See the recipe for black bean dip below.) If you involve your children in selecting, washing, and cutting the veggies, and let them make the dip, they may be more interested in eating it.

Look for ways to add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans to your meals. Add small amounts of beans to salads and soups, for example, to get people used to eating them. Combine some warmed leftover quinoa or rice with a green salad to make it more filling. Put apple slices on your morning oatmeal or in a peanut butter sandwich. SF

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

After-School Black Bean Dip Here’s a convenient, on-the-go snack to keep everyone happy until dinnertime.

• 1 15 oz. can black beans (approx. 1 ½ cups) • 1 cup of salsa (any variety) • ½ t. mild chili powder (optional) Rinse beans and drain, to remove excess liquid and salt. Place beans and salsa in food processor and blend until smooth. Or mash the beans with a fork, then stir in salsa. Taste the dip to assess flavor. Add chili powder, if desired.

Serve as a dip with cut veggies or spread the dip inside a corn tortilla or whole wheat wrap, adding strips of bell pepper, grated carrot, or sliced cucumber for crunch and color. Roll it up and serve.

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 5

Gardening

Grows a Healthy

Family WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, NUTRITION EDUCATOR,

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

GARDENING CAN BE A GREAT FAMILY ACTIVITY where different family

members can be involved at different levels, but all will reap the health benefits. Plus, it’s good for the family budget when a $2-$5 investment in seeds can provide you with baskets of healthy produce.

First, adults need to decide where to put a garden, hopefully you have a sunny space with well-drained soil. If you don’t have good garden soil or enough space, vegetables can be grown in containers very successfully. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners can give you details about container gardening, including what types and varieties of vegetables grow best in containers.

Children like to have their own container to plant, water, and watch as their beans, greens or cucumbers grow. Gardening, even on a small scale can teach children so much about where their food comes from.

Next, everyone can help decide what to grow. An older adult might have experience with gardening and know what grows best, or what variety tastes best. Let your children be part of the process to get them invested in the family effort of producing your own food. Children like to see quick results, so plant something that will produce early in the season, such as snow peas. The pea seed is quite large, so even small children can help plant them directly in the soil, as early as April. Shoots can survive a light frost plus they don’t like hot weather, so plant early and harvest in June.

Gardening can be good physical activity for the whole family while you till the soil, plant the seeds, and weed the garden. These activities involve pulling, reaching, stretching, bending, twisting, digging...gardening is not a sedentary activity! Being out in the sun while gardening can also increase vitamin D levels in your blood. Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and boosts your immune system; but don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses for protection from UV rays!

If your garden yields an abundance of produce, more than you can eat before it spoils, try your hand at home food preservation. Freezing is the easiest way to preserve food, but you might try pickling, canning, or drying to enjoy your home-grown vegetables year-round! Cornell Cooperative Extension is an excellent resource for all your food preservation questions and has food preservation classes coming up this season.

The best part of gardening is harvesting the “fruits” of your labor. Some types of produce can be harvested all at once like potatoes, but usually it’s an ongoing process, like picking the peas when each pod is mature. Children may enjoy this part most of all, and they’re much more likely to try new vegetables when they’re involved in growing and picking them. Eating your home-grown fresh and vibrant vegetables will increase your family’s intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Regardless of how you grow your produce, always wash fruits and vegetables in clean, running water before eating.

Cooperative Extension is also a wonderful source of information on gardening, including what varieties of vegetables thrive in upstate NY, what plants grow well together, and what might be bugging your produce.

Gardens grow best when the soil pH is within a certain range. To determine your soil pH, bring a soil sample to the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Ballston Spa to have the pH tested for just $1. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at www.ccesaratoga.org or 518-885-8995 to learn more about food preservation and gardening. SF

6 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Life

DEATH &

IN THE

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA

FARM WORLD

“Lucy’s belly started dropping yesterday,”

Jim told me in a text. “She might start kidding soon.”

My heart skipped a beat. This was the coldest morning of winter. Temperatures were around -15. Wind chill warnings had been in effect since noon the previous day. Not the best conditions for a goat to give birth in a barn, nor for a man, however strong, to hustle a soon-to-be mama into a birthing space where it was warmer but isolated from the rest of the herd.

Still, the sun was shining, and the winds were supposed to die down by noon. And even though the day was expected to remain frigid, the next day was forecast to be much warmer.

“I hope she waits a day or two when it’s a little warmer,” I texted back.

I knew such hopes were futile because in life as well as death, when it’s time, it’s time.

Last fall, the Saratoga Farmers Market experienced a bout of profound grief. Three longtime farmers who were dear faces within the loosely knit community of vendors, shoppers, and the general public passed away. Nate Darrow, owner of Saratoga Apple, suffered a heart attack on September 20, 2022, and died that evening. Bob Pratt of Elihu Farm died about a month later, on October 27, from leukemia. One day later, John Otrembiak of Otrembiak Farm lost his fight against cancer and passed away peacefully. As news of these losses traveled via obituaries, condolence cards, and word of mouth, it was hard not to feel the heaviness.

John Otrembiak. Photo by Pattie Garrett

As many regular market customers remarked, it seemed as if an era had ended.

Indeed, one had. But life and death are parts of a shared cycle, as those who live close to Nature know. Losses of some, yield space for new beginnings for others. And, as spring approaches, we invite you to embrace the beginning of a new season – if not a new era – for the market.

Nathan Darrow.

Photo provided by Saratoga Apple

The time of year when goats, lambs, cows, and other farm animals birth babies reminds me all too well of a statement that characterizes farm life: “Where there’s livestock, there’s death stock.”

Every year of raising goats produces both.

A week before Lucy’s belly began to drop, Lily gave birth to healthy twins. But just before that, two others were born prematurely.

Jim got them in blankets and with the help of a vet, they were able to suckle and take in milk. Jim kept them warm and bottle-fed them.

They gained weight. It seemed that they might make it until their third day of life when their bodies gave out.

I like to think less about their early deaths and more about their full lives of love, care, attentiveness, and warmth. For three days, their entire lives, they had it all. Their spirit lives on in all the other kids born this year, robust and strong.

Bob Pratt with Lily and Hudson 11/10/20.

Photo provided by Mary Pratt. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

That was the message Nate’s family wanted us to take away from his Celebration of Life at the end of apple harvest season late last fall.

That was part of John Otrembiak’s visitation, and a way to remember Bob Pratt’s kind eyes and soft voice. They lived full lives of love, care, attentiveness, and warmth – due at least partly to all who help make the farmers market community what it is. That spirit remains strong in the market’s new season. SF SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 7

Raising Kids

on the Road

The wanderful life of a digital nomad family.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When Doug and Marcy Duval took an extended two-month family trip to Mexico nearly a decade ago, they were just looking to get away from the grayness of winter in New York’s Finger Lakes.

When they returned, they decided to travel full-time. After loading up their newly acquired Sportsmobile 4x4 Adventure Van, the couple and their two children, Morgan, 4, and Derek, 2, headed out on what was to become the adventure of a lifetime.

“We just thought, let’s go and do this,” said Doug. Migrating with the weather, they spent the winter in Mexico and the summer in the north, travelling through the country’s national parks and into Canada. Then the Duvals thought, let’s just keep going.

“We never set out to be full-time travelers,” continued Doug.

“Modern technology makes it possible to simultaneously work, school, and travel. It wasn’t an option in previous generations but since we had the ability to do it, if we didn’t, it would be our own fault.”

“We have the flexibility to jump when we want to jump.”

THE LOCATION-INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLE Boondocking in their van gave the Duvals the ability to go where most people cannot.

The family enjoyed the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed camping journeying away from campgrounds and other campers into those beautiful remote places where there are often no services or facilities.

Everything they needed was in the van, which Doug says is like a “Volkswagen Vanogon on steroids.”

Even when journeying off-road, its pop-up roof (which gives it the ability to sleep four) and kitchenette provide the camping essentials, while rooftop solar panels and an inverter let them live off the grid.

Being off the grid doesn’t mean they are unplugged. With Marcy’s travelfriendly medical education career, finding online connectivity is often their biggest challenge.

8 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

LEARNING ON THE GO Since 2014, Morgan and Derek have been world-schooling and have never had a formal education at a public school. Experiencing, and interacting with, the world around them is their education.

“Their education is built around where we go and what we do when we’re there,” said Doug, who augments the learning style with a homeschool curriculum, videos, visits to local museums, and other attractions.

In addition to touring North America, they have been to Australia, Iceland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

“It’s not like forcing a square peg in a round hole. Their learning is driven by their curiosity about the animals, nature, and cultures they are exposed to through travel,” he said.

Much of where and when the Duvals travel is determined by the people they meet.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE As self-reliant as they are, the Duvals also enjoy traveling with others.

Although they do not meet many families living a similar nomadic lifestyle, when they do, there is an instant bond, and they keep in touch.

In August 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the Duvals and several travel families, took a different approach: they set up camp outside of Yellowstone National Park and eventually the group grew into a gathering of 20 to 30 families. As the pandemic surged, they were able to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on the planet AND spend quality time with friends.

“We stayed ahead of Covid and stayed where it was beautiful,” said Doug.

“The kids were in heaven.”

Because they were essentially isolated in the woods, the children were able to interact within a large group of all different ages, and continue to see their friends every day. The adults all took part in mentoring the children. For Doug, that meant teaching the boys to fly fish while Marcy led a few yoga classes.

After eight months of traveling with ‘the village,’ in March 2021, they drove back east to be closer to family.

OFFSETTING THE SLOMAD LIFESTYLE The logistics of traveling were sometimes fun and easy, said Doug, other times, a slog.

When they found themselves in situations that were new and fresh, it offset the tedium of planning.

What most people don’t understand about the Duvals’ lifestyle, said Doug, is that being mobile doesn’t mean they are living lavishly on vacation all the time.

“Our typical day to day routine looks pretty normal: there’s work, school, and daily chores.”

During peak medical conference season, Marcy works 60 to 80 hours a week.

She’s also a contributor to Sara Tyler’s recent book, Digital Nomad Moms: Women who carved out successful remote careers to travel the world with their children.

The Duvals manage costs by living within their means. They typically spend more on their experiences (snorkeling, skiing, fishing, etc.) than their lodging.

Many of the countries they visit have an exchange rate that makes the American dollar go a lot further, and while they do take advantage of fun food opportunities, they don’t eat out every day.

FAMILY WEALTH After experiencing an endless array of people with completely different world views, what’s most striking for Doug when returning to the States is the abundance people here enjoy.

“Whenever we come back to America, I’m so proud to be an American. We have so much. It’s just amazing.”

The Duvals found their way to Saratoga because it is situated at an ideal spot near the wilderness of the Adirondacks and between the extended family they have in all directions. Doug and Marcy joke that until now, they’ve just been interviewing towns to live in.

“We will continue to travel but it’s good to have a home base,” said Doug.

“There are not many places in the world like Saratoga, that have the economic ecosystem to thrive.”

“There’s a thriving downtown. Malls that are succeeding. Restaurants with food of all different flavors that are busy. In other places, it tends to be very seasonal. Saratoga seems to be above that. The calendars are filled with long lists of what’s going on. It’s endless.” SF saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 9

Meet Harry Metz Creating a More

Compassionate World for All Animals "If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched.

Share my wildlife with me. Because people want to save things that they love."

- Steve Irwin

WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS BY THERESA ST JOHN & HARRY METZ

W

hen I ask Harry how long he's been interested in learning about wildlife, he smiles. "Forever," he tells me. "I guess you could say I've been interested since I first discovered what an animal was."

We're sitting in Harry's Saratoga home, chatting over coffee while he's settled in for the holiday break from college.

"You know," he says," animals are an awful lot like us – just in a different form. Unlike us, they don't try to destroy the world; they affect the earth in a natural, organic way."

In the 7th or 8th grade, Harry began to think about working with injured animals. He knew it would involve volunteering at a hospital or wildlife refuge where he could gain the most experience. At the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington, NY, he was often called an 'animal whisperer.' There, he worked with baby birds, teaching them to fly, and helped feed fawns being cared for on the property.

10 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

A few years earlier, I'd gone there. I share my fascinating adventure on a 'Walk With Wolves.' Harry laughs. "Ah," he says, shaking his head up and down. "You met Cree!" We speak about this beautiful animal and how visitors can walk a little more than a mile with him through a portion of the Adirondack Wetlands to a pond where he goes swimming. I recall Cree howling alongside the man who held his leash. Cree has recently passed away, and Harry talks about how much he misses him.

When Harry was 17, he earned his Class 1 Rehabilitation License.

This license enables him to rehab and release certain birds, such as starlings, sparrows, and pigeons. He can also work with small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The license allows injured foxes, possums, and weasels to be under his care. "I didn't want to work with domestic animals," Harry tells me. "I was interested in wild creatures; they seemed to have so much personality."

Harry spent hours in the woods as a child, sometimes sitting still and watching everything come to life around him. He'd turn over rocks to see what was under them, gaze up at birds' nests and then walk around the base of the tree to be sure no little ones had fallen out. I ask if he still goes to the woods to sit and ponder.

"Every chance I get!" is his reply.

"Come with me," he opens the kitchen slider, and we walk up the hill, where a large cage sits. I learned that Harry built it for his senior project, and it's impressive. The expansive wooden structure is where Harry keeps the animals while working on their rehab. Even though it is December, this young man shows me a butterfly he discovered wandering through the forest recently.

"I kicked a log to see what was under it." I watch Harry cup the butterfly in his hands, blowing on it, lending some warmth before tucking the creature back into the corner and covering it with a cloth. His touch is gentle.

During COVID, Harry became involved with the NY State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council via ZOOM. Members became like mentors to him. The association provides educational services to help care for animals in distress and works with government agencies to formulate the highest regulations concerning wildlife. During meetings throughout the year, the group discusses current and pressing issues. They also promote ways licensed rehabilitators and volunteers can become involved with conserving wildlife and their natural habitats.

"I count on my alarm clock – a lot," he tells me. At one time, before completing the enclosure outside, Harry cared for small wildlife in a spare bedroom in his home. "I can't sleep through a feeding of the starlings, sparrows, and squirrels I take care of." I smile when he tells me how their eyes open between 5-6 weeks old, that the animals he works with have sometimes fallen out of a nest, and that he finds them both intelligent and funny. "I'm always going to be a student, learning more about wildlife as I go."

At the moment, Harry is in his freshman year, attending the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. A private school on Mount Desert Island, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of human ecology. "I'm able to design my own course of study here," Harry explains, "exploring the relationships between humans and nature. I feel like I've found my place."

Harry pauses when I ask where he sees himself in, say, 3-5 years.

"I will always work in the animal field, though I'm not entirely sure where, or in what capacity yet. Who knows, maybe I'll become the owner of a wildlife refuge, making a real impact in the animal/human relationship world. I want to think that dream can come true."

I love to ask people I interview about their why? Right? Why do they choose the field they go into? What motivates them to travel left or right at life's intersections? I always find their answers enlightening. I wait while Harry ponders his own truth. When it comes, it seems perfect.

"I do this because I am grateful to have a glimpse into their life.

For a short time, I feel I can see the world from their point of view.

When I work with an injured animal and then release it, I'm lucky to watch it return to the wild. So lucky. There's truly nothing better." SF saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 11

Local Ceramic Artist Waldorf Kids!

Wows

WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JORDAN BECKER The door opens wide, and I find myself welcomed into a beautiful space drenched with natural light streaming in through the barn windows. I feel as if the room is smiling, inviting me to step inside. So I do.

Jordan Becker, the owner of Firelight Gallery and a talented ceramic artist with nearly two decades of experience, offers me a cup of tea and chats while it steeps. He’s chosen a loose leaf from Saratoga Tea and Honey that I haven’t tried yet. He pours it from a delightful clay-fashioned teapot into one of his mugs and hands it to me. My hands cradle the roundness of it, and I settle into a comfy rocking chair next to him. The interview about opening his ceramic shop and his journey to this moment begins.

Jordan has recently renovated this ceramic studio and gallery on Lake Avenue in Saratoga. His eyes twinkle when I ask what he envisions the space might offer others. “I’m interested in bringing more art into the community. I picture people dropping by the clay studio to view my most recent works, perhaps watch me fashion clay on the potter’s wheel and enjoy a leisurely visit over a nice cup of tea.”

Jordan tells me he hosted a weekend workshop in early February for 40 parents, teachers, and students from the Waldorf School of Saratoga, where his kids attend classes. “It’s interesting to watch how parents approach working with clay for the first time vs. how children do,” he elaborates. “During this particular weekend, participants could work on a sculptural project with clay or watch a live demo on the potter’s wheel while the younger ones happily created an imaginary clay land on a low table I’d set up the night before. Each group of children that worked their way through the shop kept adding to the village throughout the event. It was magical.”

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This soft-spoken man explains how kids instinctively know what to do with clay. “They squeeze, carve and shape without thought.” On the other hand, most parents take time to sit and stare at a block of clay, contemplating what they should make before handling it. “They hesitate, which allows their thoughts to get in the way.” Jordan wonders if this is an instance when children should guide the adults. I listen to his laughter. “I know, I know, the reverse of what we want to happen most days, right?” Jordan shares how much he enjoyed observing that role reversal happen over and over again during the weekend of workshops.

Jordan and his wife Tara bought the property on Lake Avenue in Saratoga two years ago this past October. They had driven by the house several times and dreamt of converting its two-story barn into an art space for themselves. The couple talked about renovating the downstairs area of the barn into a clay studio. The plans were to incorporate a cozy gallery/storefront where Jordan could display his work in a professional manner.

We set our tea down and wander through the gallery, where he’s set fantastic pieces on white pillars varying in height. Some of the artwork is highly artistic, intricately designed sculptures I can picture in my home or someone’s office, while others are both beautiful and functional at the same time – cups, bowls, teapots, and plates, to name a few. My favorite is a trio of small flower vases, the color of rich soil. They call out to me instantly. It’s easy to envision them filled with flowers and set on the windowsills of my apartment. Each piece makes a dramatic statement with the help of the day’s natural light and the placement of track lighting overhead.

Jordan has been busy reacquainting himself with the soft clay work inside his studio. “At the beginning of November,” he shares, “I threw the first piece in this space, and I’ve also been cutting and carving into leather-hard clay.” He takes a sip of tea, contemplating his following words. “It feels terrific, watching ideas I’ve been filing away over the last two years bubble to the surface in the wet clay.”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The barn door flings open, and his daughter Anina dances into the room. She is surprised to see me but happy to show off the works of clay she helped make during the workshop a few weeks ago. “In the springtime, when the weather is warmer, and he has enough pieces, dad will fire them all, and then everyone can come to pick them up!” she tells me with the level of enthusiasm only a child can harness. Jordan smiles, agreeing with her. He explains that the community wood kiln he built in 2009 is enormous, so he only fires it up a few times a year.

The feedback I get from Waldorf students and the parents I talk to is all positive. Many who attended the workshop found items in the gallery they ‘couldn’t live without’ – which meant they went home with a few. And, because Jordan was the school’s Hand-in-Hand Partner for February, he gave a portion of his sales back to Waldorf. “He was gracious, patient, and took his time walking us through what we were supposed to be doing,” One attendee told me. It was a win-win for everyone.

Jordan says he appreciates all the help and support from friends and family during the last few years preparing the barn for work and company. “It has been such a rewarding journey. I’m excited to see how the space continues to grow and evolve – from the art made in the barn to the people visiting.”

“My heartfelt wish for the barn is to have a studio where folks can drop by, enjoy a cup of tea, browse the gallery, and have a conversation – share the creative things that might be on our minds.” I think Jordan feels the way most of us do since the pandemic. Missing people – not being able to interact with others, has created a void we all feel deeply. “Two comfy chairs, a wood stove, and an inspirational space – that’s what’s important to me.” I laugh and tell him he’s got the comfy chair part down-pat. He tells me the wood stove is on the goal list for next winter. We both chuckle and finish what’s left of our tea.

“I smiled a lot during that February weekend,” Jordan states as we say our goodbyes. “I hope to provide more opportunities like this for the neighborhood.” Somehow, I believe he will. I’ll be first in line.

You can reach Jordan here: www.instagram.com/jordanbeckerceramics Or here: www.jordanbecker.com SF

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 13

LIKE WRITTEN BY

DAUGHTER

RICK COBELLO Rick Cobello, a professor of Supply Chains and Cyber Security programs at Albany Law has over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology and security solutions. His career has spanned from local and state government to Fortune 5 companies, including General Electric. He has global experience in health care, a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma and Security certifications in CEH, CISSP, and CHFI. He currently is President of Global Cybersecurity Solutions.

Like Father

I

t all started on the steps of the living room when Lauren Cobello was an early teen. She announced that “she was never going to work for anyone.” Her dad, Rick Cobello, was a technology director for General Electric and traveled around the world to GE sites. This was a grueling part of his career and Lauren did not want to have anything to do with it!

That was the start of great things!

Lauren went on to attend College at the University at Oswego, just as her dad did! Lauren was an accomplished field hockey and ice hockey athlete in high school and college. Her dad was her ice hockey coach. Lauren was committed to excellence in all her endeavors.

Fast forward to marriage and four kids…

The view of life for Lauren changed significantly!

As a mom trying to survive the rigors of four kids and finances, she began the change that would result in a 13-year entrepreneurial business on the internet.

She was so consumed with keeping up appearances that before she knew it her mortgage was underwater, a car was towed away, she was in $40K of debt, running a deficit every month, and finding it hard to buy diapers and groceries without using credit cards. She remembers sitting on her bed one night, surrounded by a mountain of bills. It was such a dark and desperate time; she saw no hope. Chasing the American Dream had led her down the wrong path and she needed to find a way to control her finances before they controlled her.

In her first endeavor, she started a website in 2008 at LaurenCobello.com. This website helped busy moms learn how to budget and get out of debt, like she had. She operated the eCommerce site as her main business until 2022 and has made a great living through this while being a single mom of four. She has provided quick, easy, well proven ideas and information, without a lot of fluff and filler.

This was only the beginning…

Her dad Rick, has many years of technology experience and managed one of the first external connections to the internet for GE while he was a Technology Director at the GE Research Center. This was the beginning of his cybersecurity adventure. Rick went on to have a successful career in business and government and was a Chief Information Security Officer for a large NY State agency.

After retiring from the state, Rick, didn’t waste any time in starting a local cyber security business, Global Cybersecurity Solutions.

The common thread for him is protecting the private and personal information in all his endeavors. Rick has presented at numerous conferences and has appeared on news outlets speaking about technology and security.

His cybersecurity business concentrates on small to medium businesses. If a large corporation gets “hacked,” they have a corporation to back them up. If a small business has a cybersecurity event it could ruin their livelihood and destroy all the work they had created. Rick is also a professor at Albany Law, teaching in their master’s lever cybersecurity program.

In 2022 Lauren was preparing her next move in expanding her reach. She appeared on the Today Show, Fox News, Dr Oz, Rachael Ray, CNN, Nightline, Good Morning America, and many other national outlets. She has published two books on gaining financial freedom.

She believes she can help people expand their reach using media and went on to start “leverage with media.” Leverage with Media is a publicity and book publishing firm helping entrepreneurs and business owners move their message out to the world. Her unique process helps clients leverage media relations into the hands of thousands. Her mission is to help ambitious professionals share their story with the world through media placements and books!

Thirteen years of making a living on the internet has taught her many good …and bad lessons! She wants to use her experience to help budding entrepreneurs move their business to the next level of excellence and growth.

So how do the trails that meandered from Oswego lead to a father daughter combination, or should I say daughter / father combo. Lauren reviews many apps dealing with money and finances. Our goal is to provide cybersecurity services to her suppliers and customers. In a fast-paced media world, protecting personal and private information is paramount for a successful business.

From the shores of Lake Ontario, and as our lives as father and daughter diverged, they ultimately lead to common interests and goals.

Like Daughter, like Father. Sometimes the paradigm shifts! SF

14 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Books Books Books WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Words Left Unspoken

Striving Toward a More Perfect Union

When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive: A Story Told by the American Flag (2020)

by Elizabeth Tesoriero

If Grandma Were Here: A Book of Memories (2020) by Amber Bradbury

In the lyrical book, If Grandma Were Here (2020), Amber Bradbury shares her mother’s enduring legacy.

As a child, Amber Bradbury was surrounded by strength and compassion. In the 1970s, her grandmother fought to raise the minimum wage. Her mother, Yvonne Hogan, 49, was training as a medical assistant when, in 2013, Yvonne was fatally stabbed by Ebony Harris, 23, in the second-floor hallway of their New Jersey apartment building. Shortly after his conviction, Harris died of heart failure.

“I thought, this is it. There’s nothing I can do to bring my mom back, but I also can’t live with this anger, it’s not doing anyone any good,” said Amber.

Despite all they had shared, Amber’s family had never spoken about grief. An only child growing up (who was now a mother with two young children of her own) Amber struggled with the horrific reality of her mother’s sudden death.

“I did not have a lot of time to grieve and had to continue on like everything was fine when it wasn’t,” she said.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION Resolved to share her mother’s wonderful spirit, and their loving bond, with others, Amber wrote If Grandma Were Here, for children ages 3 to 7, as a way for families to approach the difficulties around conversations about death.

Picked up by more than 50 libraries, this gentle, relatable book has also been read by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, on her YouTube show, Storytime with Fergie & Friends.

Because it helps children with feelings of loss, this book’s therapeutic nature has turned Amber into an informal expert on the topic of grief.

Further influenced by her father, John’s, dedication to helping children (and recognized for his decade of volunteer service as a Child Advocate), Amber also participates in the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region’s community-based reading program.

AN ENDURING LEGACY OF COMPASSION Amber’s journey has also inspired her to share the importance of appreciation, and living in the now, with her three children; Jayden, Giselle, and Savannah.

It is a philosophy she hopes they will carry with them, and remember, throughout all of life’s unexpected twists and turns.

“I try to teach them to act in compassion every day. That they should, can, and are capable of, helping others. When you help each other, you help yourself,” said Amber.

For more information and to buy the book online, go to www.ifgrandmawerehere.com. For updates on author Amber Bradbury’s newest title, If Grandpa Were Here, due out later this year, follow her on Facebook. SF saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Children today are experiencing so much patriotism marred by division and political pandering, it is easy to forget the flag is red, white, and blue.

“The flag is more than a piece of fabric, there’s something behind it,” said Elizabeth Tesoriero, author of When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive (2020).

By chronicling the evolution of America’s flag, from its perspective, children ages 3 to 10, are introduced to the idea that it is a living entity in need of care, empathy, and respect.

SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY Inspired by her hero - her grandfather, John J. Marcil, who died at 96, the oldest World War II veteran in Albany County - Elizabeth grew up seeing the flag displayed proudly. She also saw how upsetting it was for him, and other veterans, when the flag was disrespected.

As a local elementary teacher, Elizabeth wants to spread the bi-partisan message that despite America’s other failings, we do have the freedom to disagree. And, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Elizabeth has a dream of uniting all Americans as one.

Eternally grateful for those who have died serving their fellow countrymen, Elizabeth has met many other WWII veterans like her grandfather on her journey.

“That generation was really amazing. They put their lives on the line when they were 18-years-old. Their bravery was unbelievable. They just really loved this country,” said Elizabeth.

ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE Educational and easy-to-read, When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive gets kids thinking about the country’s complex history.

“It’s a light-hearted, fun, nice story and kids absolutely love it! It gives them the opportunity to ask questions,” said Elizabeth.

This is a book that can be enjoyed over and over on holidays like Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Flag Day. Elizabeth also uses When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive to introduce her students to the reasons behind why they recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily.

“When you look at something and give it life, you appreciate it more, and for the rest of your life,” she said.

THAT STAR-SPANGLED BANNER To honor those who lost their lives in the perilous fight, a portion of the proceeds from book sales is donated to Wreaths Across America.

Their ceremonious distribution of wreaths is a beautiful, yet chilling, reminder of the legacy left in the hands of those who remain.

Buy the newest edition of When You Stand for Me, I’m Alive on Amazon or www.whenyoustandforme.com. For updates and information on author visits, check the website or look for Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero on Instagram. SF SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 15

Light

The WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

of

Our Lives

Hand-poured soy candles with a MISSION. In July 2018, Danielle and Frank McCann were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Rian Mary Ann. When she was four months old, Rian started experiencing uncontrollable seizures. By late Spring, she was diagnosed with a very rare epileptic genetic condition - CDKL5 deficiency disorder. The Albany Medical team referred the McCanns to Boston Children’s Hospital’s Center of Excellence for treatment.

By early Fall 2019, Danielle left her job as an art teacher to take care of Rian full time. Today, four-year-old Rian returns to Boston monthly, and is on multiple medications to limit her seizures and pain. She is nonverbal and cannot walk, but can sit up on her own using an adaptive highchair and (when she’s having a great day) she crawls! Nourished through a feeding tube, Rian is visually impaired, has cognitive and global developmental delay, as well as cardiac concerns.

“Unfortunately, with her disorder, we have to take it day by day.

Things can turn within a number of hours,” said Danielle. “I don’t know what the next day is going to bring. It’s really rough.”

A RAY OF HOPE As unexpected as Rian’s condition has made life for the McCanns, what’s most surprising is their extraordinary resilience.

“I never imagined myself in this situation,” said Danielle, “but I know who was created, was the person we were meant to be with. It was as if, suddenly, nothing else mattered more than the child in front of us.”

“For someone who can’t talk, Rian sure can let us know what she wants,” continued Danielle. “Her smile and laugh are infectious.

She shows so much love through her expressions, it makes you melt and light up inside. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

SHEDDING A LITTLE LIGHT ON THE ISSUE In January 2021, the McCanns started the Little Norwegian Candle Co. with the goal of sharing Rian’s story.

“It’s all about Rian; advocating for her and raising awareness about her condition,” said Danielle. Through their candle sales at local shops; the Willow Marsh Farm Store and the Amazing Finds Boutique in Ballston Spa, and Mocha Lisa’s Caffe in Clifton Park, as well as appearances at regional craft fairs, Danielle hopes to shed light on this unique corner of the special needs world.

“Once you educate people, you never know what it might lead to,” she said. Because it is so rare, a lot more research is needed to understand, treat, and hopefully, one day, find a cure for the disorder. This is why a portion of their proceeds is donated to the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research.

SMALL WONDERS At the core of these candles is a profound appreciation for the connection that resides at the heart of their creation.

Everyone in the family pitches in to help. While Danielle’s mother, Michelle, watches Rian, Danielle is joined by her father at their fair booth (he also makes deliveries throughout the Capital Region and into the North Country). Frank, a disabled veteran who serves full-time in the military, handles packaging and shipping.

Based on Frank’s nickname for Rian – his “Little Norwegian”- the company has introduced the McCanns to others of Norwegian descent.

“Before we had this company, the only Norwegian people we knew were our extended family,” said Danielle. “Since then, Norwegians have been coming out of the woodwork.

We’ve been able to meet them and learn about the culture. It’s been really nice. We never had that before.”

SHARING SPECIAL MEMORIES Of the more than 64 scents of hand-poured soy candles that the Little Norwegian Candle Co. sells, Danielle’s favorite is the one that reminds her of home. At Christmastime, her mother made mounds of delicate Nordic Krumkake cookies. The aroma of cardamon and vanilla danced through the air as the family packed around the table, laughing, and enjoying the delicious treats.

“It was awesome and I wish I could pass that onto my daughter. Those were really special moments. When I smell the Krumkake Holiday Candle, it brings so many memories back,” said Danielle.

This Spring, 10 new scents have been added to their line, joining beauties like White Sage and Lavender, and the top-selling Lemon Pound Cake. Made without additives, these super clean-burning, vegan, and cruelty-free candles are sold in reusable mason jars with plant-able wildflower seed tags and shipped in biodegradable packaging.

Buy them online at thelittlenorwegiancandleco.com. Follow The Little Norwegian Candle Co. on Facebook and Instagram and check out Rally 4 Rian-CDKL5 on Facebook for updates on Rian’s journey. SF

16 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Scouting for All WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TWIN RIVERS COUNCIL

“Before they were offered the opportunity to register, girls were there the whole time, participating in the background all along,” said Mark Switzer, Executive Director of the local Scouts BSA district, the Twin Rivers Council. The decision to allow girls to register as members was not a result of top-down politics, but an initiative driven by the families up the chain of command so that sisters and brothers could participate in activities simultaneously.

“In hindsight, it has been an extremely smooth transition. Leading up to it, however, there was a lot of concern about how it was going to be reacted to,” he said.

One concern was that because girls mature a lot quicker than boys, the boys would feel left behind, but that just hasn’t been the case, he added.

Today, more than 31,000 girls across the nation have registered for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Locally, during the last year, the Twin Rivers Council has increased their female membership more than 33% to 400 girls - a number that continues to grow.

Scouting is an extracurricular activity that has traditionally been thought of as being divided based on gender. This is a widespread misconception.

Venturing crews, Sea Scout units, and Exploring programs (for ages 14-20) have been coed for more than 50 years. Cub Scouts (for children in grades K-5) has been a family activity since its inception. The “traditional” scouting experience (for youth ages 11-17) in contrast, characterized by its outdoor adventures and community service projects, didn’t graduate their first class of female Eagle Scouts until 2021.

TAKING THEIR PLACE IN HISTORY Through the years, as societal structure shifts, the increasing number of single-parent and dual-earning households has resulted in less free time.

Parents today are looking for activities all their children can enjoy at the same time and place, regardless of gender.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

One reason for this is the BSA’s organizational structure. Within Cub Scout packs are dens and dens remain single gender, said John Koch, Cub Scouts Unit Commissioner and Saratoga Cub Scout Pack 4016 Committee Chair. If desired, dens may meet at the same time and place. A female den must have a female 21 years of age or older as one of their registered adult leaders. It is also not mandated that packs must be a co-ed unit. The decision is voluntary.

In Saratoga County, there are four co-ed packs and two girls’ troops.

VOICE OF THE YOUTH Boy Scouts of America was built on the pillars of character development and community service. What the children are saying about why they’re interested in the program centers around the experiences they have as a part of the club, said Twin Rivers Council Membership Director Tory Carman.

“They want to learn what they may not be getting in school or may not have the opportunity to participate in elsewhere - things like survival skills, building a fire, cooking, and personal finance,” she said. These activities allow them to build relationships and their self-confidence, while also learning leadership skills.

Since its founding in 1910, Boy Scouts of America has been exclusively for boys. In the five years since girls were first permitted, a great leap for equality has been struck, allowing the organization to continue to be a meaningful educational organization. Scouting USA continues to grow - locally, nationally, and internationally. SF

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 17

family fun WRITTEN BY

ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY

THE NATIONAL BOTTLE MUSEUM

and learning on tap at the Saratoga Antique Bottle Show & Sale IN BALLSTON SPA ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4

T

he discovery of a message in a bottle that has washed ashore may not be easy to cross off your family’s list of spring and summer adventures. Nor can one realistically expect to “save time in a bottle” as singer-songwriter Jim Croce yearned to do half a century ago.

But thankfully, there’s another bottle-themed enrichment option that combines fun and learning for the young and young-at-heart alike. To uncork the multi-generational experience, one need travel no further than the village of Ballston Spa on Sunday, June 4 when the 43rd annual Saratoga Antique Bottle Show & Sale takes place at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds and Expo Center.

Sponsored by the National Bottle Museum, the event, inside two spacious buildings high atop Prospect Street will offer abundant opportunities for attendees to interact with collectors and dealers from across the USA and parts of Canada. Adults who pay the $5 admission fee to the 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. show and sale (there is no charge for youngsters 12 and under) will additionally be invited to take advantage of free admittance that day to the museum on nearby Milton Avenue/Route 50. The destination, which boasts a collection of 3,000 bottles as well as showcasing exquisite exhibits devoted to bottle history, art, and technology, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 4.

18 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

This photograph shows children working at Central Glass Co. in 1908.

Many children had earlier toiled at the glassworks atop Mount Pleasant in the 1800s.

According to 2023 SABSS Chair Roy Topka, who has been an NBM volunteer for 35 years, both settings promise to shine light on why bottle collecting ranks as one of the most popular hobbies in the USA. “Kids love discovering new things. Learning how to dig for and collect bottles is among the most fascinating things they can do,” says Topka, who hopes the day’s takeaways will include that an old bottle needn’t be worth a fortune for it to be valuable to the collector. Some of the most prized vintage bottles, flasks and stoneware are treasured because the owner is captivated by such things as the artifact’s color, shape, or size. That said, exceptionally rare antique bottles can fetch prices in the thousands – which helps to explain why representatives from some major auction houses are expected to be among those manning the 70 to 80 tables at the fairgrounds. And while no auctions will take place at the event, attendees are welcome to bring along bottles for free appraisals by dealers.

Museum Director Kayla Whitehouse emphasizes the NBM’s primary focus is on preserving the history of America’s First Industry: glass and bottle making.

An exciting new exhibit tells the story of Glass Factory Mountain – a high production glassworks that employed hundreds of workers and glassblowers on Mount Pleasant in the mid-1800s when all bottles were manufactured with hand tools and lung power. It was fortunate, notes Whitehouse, that upstate New York had an abundance of the raw materials required to make the glass that was needed to bottle the waters from its world-famous natural mineral springs. Among the museum’s artifacts are some of the earliest tools used to skillfully craft individual bottles. And while many bottles in the museum’s vast collection are considered works of art on their own, the NBM’s second floor features The Jan Rutland Memorial Artists’ Space where an Art of the Bottle show is now on display.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

An exquisite new exhibit at the National Bottle Museum on Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa is titled Glass Factory Mountain: Making Bottles and Making History. The portrait on the left was commissioned to depict Oscar Granger who in the 1840s transformed part of the wilderness atop Mount Pleasant in northern Saratoga County into a flourishing glass-working community.

During its heyday, which lasted until about 1870, well over a million mouth-blown bottles were produced there annually. The settlement of about 200 people also boasted a sawmill, gristmill, blacksmith shop, church, schoolhouse, store, barns, stables, and a hotel. Photo courtesy of Kayla Whitehouse, National Bottle Museum.

Although the museum hasn’t yet finalized its summer vacation enrichment activities, Whitehouse says the NBM is working on a few ideas -- including the possibility of pop-up bottle identification days when people may bring in bottles they have found to learn more about them. There could, she adds, be collaborating to set up a “paint-and-sip” type event to showcase the beauty of the museum’s bottles. “Of course, we always recommend a visit to the museum (which is open Wednesdays through Saturdays year-round). We are also happy to arrange or tailor tours to accommodate groups if desired. For instance, we will be hosting a group of archaeology students, so their tour will focus on dating bottles that they might find on a dig, and what characteristics you would look for to learn how to approximate the age of a bottle. We are also working on developing a program for Scouts to earn a Collecting Merit Badge here at the museum, and that tour will focus more on the collection itself as well as how best to care for, preserve, and showcase items. For visitors who aren’t joining a group, we also have a self-guided tour packet that we provide to guests with information about the exhibits and displays, so that our guests can have a bit more information about the exhibits as they walk through,” says Whitehouse.

For more information about the antique bottle show and sale, contact Roy Topka at rmt556@yahoo.com or 518.779.1243. To learn more about the NBM, visit www.nationalbottlemuseum.org or contact Kayla Whitehouse at info@nationalbottlemuseum.org or 518.885.7589.  PARTING NOTE: The summer edition of Simply Saratoga will include a richly illustrated feature about the National Bottle Museum, which is also home to the Ballston Spa Visitor’s Center and a splendid gift shop. Readers will additionally be treated to an exclusive Q&A with Kayla Whitehouse, who was named NBM director in January 2023. Topics tapped will include recent NBM renovations and innovations. SF

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 19

Local Wildlife Museum WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED

BY WENDY

HOBDAY HAUGH

has Lions and Tigers and Bears

...and More!

Animals from North America and around the world await you at this gem of a museum.

I

was intrigued when my 11-year-old granddaughter, who was spending the day with my husband and me, suggested that we visit The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum in Vail Mills. “I’ve never been there before,” Lilli said, “but everyone tells me it’s really cool.” With an endorsement like that, we had to go.

Located at 3747 State Highway 30, just off Route 29, I had no idea what to expect. But as we pulled into the large parking lot and spied the beautiful wildlife murals painted on the former Grand Union’s front wall, I sensed we were in for an adventure.

Entering the building, we found ourselves in a huge gift shop containing everything from T-shirts and outdoorsy tin signs to locally-made leather gloves and deer head mounts. Eager to see the wildlife displays, we paid our entry fees (cash only, $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-17, free to children 6 and under), pushed through a door, and promptly found ourselves face to face with what is purported to be the largest Whitetail Deer trophy head exhibit in North America, comprised of more than 160 mounts.

An Alaskan Brown Bear towers above the writer’s two grandchildren.

All of the animals displayed in this amazing museum are true works of art, created by well over 60 talented taxidermists who have spent years learning to skillfully prepare, preserve, and mount animals in the most lifelike way possible. Anatomical knowledge is essential to taxidermy. Not for the faint of heart, it’s a messy, time-consuming, and meticulous art.

20 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING/SUMMER 2023 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Wildlife Museum strives for realism in all exhibits.

Stop by with the family for an unforgettable adventure!

You’ll find historic fishing gear galore at Bob Kazmierski’s Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum.

The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum is “dedicated to the preservation of the art, artifacts and memorabilia of the centuries’ old sporting traditions of hunting, fishing and all sports afield, and to fostering interest in these traditions for future generations.” In addition to countless animal mounts, the museum houses extensive displays of historic hunting, trapping, and fishing gear. The place is huge: 14,000 square feet and growing. By the summer of 2023, a recently-built addition, currently being completed by a handful of volunteers, will double the size of the museum to 28,000 square feet. The new section will be largely devoted to African animals. One display will show seven lions, two of them feasting on a downed Cape buffalo. Another will spotlight a delightful group of giraffes in their natural habitat.

The original building houses the largest collection of mounted trophies in New York State, including large and small animals, fish, birds, and snakes.

It also holds an astonishing variety of large animals from around the world.

Often staged in gripping battle scenes, where only the fittest or luckiest will survive, these lifelike images can appear frightening. But the museum strives for realism, and within the animal kingdom, danger is ever-present.

The Wildlife Museum is the brainchild of Bob Kazmierski of Johnstown, a lifelong taxidermist who, over the past 20+ years, has invested his life’s savings and retirement into transforming his dream for a wildlife museum into a reality. Without any State or local funding, despite repeated requests, Kazmierski has forged ahead with his plan, purchasing and renovating a rundown supermarket, acquiring and displaying hundreds of individual mounts and collections and, then, constructing a brand new addition—and purchasing even more animals to fill it!

Kazmierski’s interest in taxidermy began in childhood. “When I was eight years old, I used to watch through the window as a taxidermist neighbor across the street worked. Sometimes he’d invite me in,” Kazmierski recalls, “and I’d study how he put things together and made the animals look lifelike.”

Intrigued, the boy went to the library and took out a book on taxidermy, which his grandmother read to him. “By the time I graduated high school, I’d done a lot of mounting but I wanted to learn more, so I offered to work free of charge for a couple of local taxidermists.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Taxidermist Bob Kazmierski is bringing his dream of an even bigger and better Wildlife Museum to life.

When nothing materialized locally, Kazmierski cast a wider net, applying to two nationally renowned taxidermy studios: The Jonas Brothers in Denver, CO, and D.M. Wooster Taxidermy Studios in Whitney Point, NY. He was thrilled when the latter company, located near Binghamton, offered him a position.

“I went down and studied Wooster’s mounts, worked with excellent taxidermists in a professional studio, and learned a lot. When their work slowed down, I returned to Johnstown and continued working on my own. I also got a job one summer at the NYS Museum in Albany. That really piqued my interest in museum work.”

Currently, the Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum is open just Saturdays, 10:30-4. But when school lets out in June, it will open seven days a week, staffed by Kazmierski and a small band of dedicated volunteers.

“We might have a partial opening of the new building this spring,” Kazmierski muses, “or we might wait and just have one Grand Opening when the entire building is complete. It all depends on how the work progresses. We’re all volunteers, so things take time. The Benjamin Moore Company in Johnstown helped by donating paint, and we’re very grateful to them for that.”

Well into his golden years, this creative, industrious man could be kicking back and taking it easy. But that’s not how Bob Kazmierski is wired. In addition to working tirelessly to bring his dream of an even bigger and better Wildlife Museum to life, this extraordinary octogenarian still runs his own taxidermy shop in Johnstown, makes all the leather gloves sold in the museum gift shop, and travels regularly to trade shows and fairs to promote taxidermy and outdoor sports.

The guest book at Kazmierski’s Wildlife Museum is filled with glowing comments from visitors of all ages. Before my family left that day, we added our own enthusiastic thumbs-up. We returned a few weeks later with Lilli’s younger brother, and now we’re all eagerly awaiting the Grand Opening of the new addition! If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, check out The Wildlife Sports and Educational Museum in Vail Mills. Without a doubt, it’s worth a trip from anywhere.

To learn more or to schedule a group tour, visit wildlifesportsmuseum.com; phone 518-883-4933 or 518-762-7925. SF SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 21

Local

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED

BY THERESA ST. JOHN

DAY TRIPPIN' WITH JUST2FEETANDACAMERA.COM

I

love to travel, and road trips are one of my favorite ways to get from point A to point B. Whether driving with kids, as a couple or alone, choosing local travel can be filled with exciting stops and new adventures that make memories without venturing far from home.

Road Trip

Filled With History, Culture, and Visual Arts

Recently, I decided to spend a long weekend with a friend visiting a few museums in the area. It was a weekend that we'd remember for a long time – and one I want to share with you! I tried to concentrate on history, culture, and art. And I wanted to visit places that were familiar to us and others that were brand new.

We chose the Holiday Inn for an overnight stay in Saratoga, as it's located on Broadway. This hotel is an excellent place for families – with a pool to relax in at the end of the day. It has always interested me – how a group of like-minded people wanted to involve the community in an "investment opportunity" rather than ask for donations to build the historic inn back in the 60s. A cool concept in the heart of town – pretty impressive.

The Tang Museum

We lucked out visiting the Saratoga Automobile Museum – as there happened to be a new exhibit featuring 25 original vehicles from James Bond movies. They even had screens where you could watch portions of the film each car appeared in. This show runs through November this year – so you still have time to see it! It was a Sunday, and a docent tour-guide walked around with a group of visitors, filling us in on 100-plus years of the industry's evolution. I've been to the museum several times and always love learning more about the automobiles on display there.

Saratoga Automobile Museum

The Tang Museum on North Broadway is free, with beautiful exhibits throughout the year.

There was a fantastic one titled 'Parallax – Framing the Cosmos' when my friend and I visited. It referenced objects appearing to change position when viewed from different angles and how your perspective of our universe can be – and frequently will be – separate from mine. Hundreds of NASA press photographs and several artists' points of view were on display, and each made an impression on us. There was also a study of Art and Mathematics, a cabinet filled with crosses on loan from The Hyde Collection, and more.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, located on Union Avenue, is one I'd never been to before – which is a shame as I've lived here for more than 20 years! The museum boasts several galleries – Pre and post-civil war, Anatomy, Triple Crown, Horseplay interactive, and Steeplechase, to name a few. The most impressive thing we learned during this visit was that you don't need to be a horse race lover – the art alone is outstanding, and there are several kidfriendly places inside this museum as well.

The National Museum of Racing

In 'Call the Race,' we could choose from four iconic races, study the original race video and then make our call – which was super fun! They even email the digitally recorded call afterward so you can share it with your friends. The museum's new Race Day Gallery is exciting to experience. This brand-new gallery leads visitors through different parts of a typical day at the races. It features a fantastic mural by local artist, Greg Montgomery. And we loved the 360-movie experience in the theatre.

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❝ Travel

IS LIKE AN ENDLESS UNIVERSITY. YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING." - Harvey Lloyd

Queensbury Hotel We decided to stay at the Queensbury Hotel after venturing only a few exits north of Saratoga. I adore old historic places, and this hotel is part of Historic Hotels of America, managed by Spruce Hospitality, making it even more alluring. I've photographed weddings here, and the building's architecture is fantastic, but I've never had the pleasure of staying overnight. Many famous people have enjoyed the hotel over the years - Bob Dylan, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, and even Robert F Kennedy, to name a few. It was fun to wonder if we were standing in some of the same common areas they had!

I'd also heard that the property had recently remodeled the 123 guest rooms, and we were anxious to experience an overnight stay there. The hotel features a hot tub and pool on the 2nd floor. Oh my gosh, can I tell you how nice it was to end our day with a long swim and then soak for a while longer? A few young people were swimming, and we were happy to chat with two couples from Vermont that night. We had dinner at Fenimore's Pub, one of their onsite restaurants. It was the last night of restaurant week, and the meal was excellent! I chose a steak dish, and my friend settled on a chicken dish. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive, and they even had live music. It felt like the Queensbury Hotel was the centerpiece of Glens Falls, and it was close to everywhere we wanted to visit. Our beds were comfortable, the room's decor was fresh and uplifting, and check-in/out went smoothly.

The Hyde Collection Chapman Museum

Sometimes, when we travel closer to home, we can discover places that have never been on our radar. In Glens Falls, we visited two such locations during that weekend. I have spotted signs on 87 North for years, always scolding myself with the words 'I need to get there!' but I keep driving. The Hyde Collection was such a delightful surprise!

This is an exceptional museum - with several rooms displaying current art exhibits. The Hyde House and Permanent Collection boast gorgeous furnishings and world-class art from all over the globe. Think Rembrandt, Rubens, Homer, Whistler, Picasso, and Renoir, to name just a few. It was interesting to sit and watch a short film about the couple - Charlotte Pruyn Hyde and Louis Fiske Hyde - their history in Glens Falls and the collection they built over their lifetime. There's an education center, an art center, and one of their current exhibits - The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art - moved me to tears as I wandered around the room and studied each piece. This exhibit runs through April 23rd; try not to miss it!

The 2nd museum we visited was also in Glens Falls - an easy drive - or walk - from the hotel. The World Awareness Children's Museum is a hands-on, interactive space where children can learn about different parts of the world through play. Mexico features a farm-to-table experience where children can pick corn, tomatoes, and peppers from a 'farm wall' and then prepare a meal in the play kitchen for their family. A Thailand experience invites youngsters to learn about Thailand's culture and traditions while they become explorers in Southeast Asia. There's a selection of clothing kids can try on - but not clothes you'd buy off the rack at a nearby store - they are items purchased in other countries and brought to the museum. We had fun learning how to play the balaphone and thumb pianos in the museum's music room. We watched as young kids donned kimonos, took off their shoes, and went into an adorable tea house to learn about Japanese tea ceremonies, how to use chopsticks, and play with 'sushi.' It's a delightful place families should visit when in the area.

The Chapman Museum is another wonderful experience - for children and adults.

They have a map room that highlights over 150 years. The oldest map is from 1810! It's an exciting way to learn a little bit about the history of Glens Falls, from its early rural landscape and sparse population to the hustle and bustle of present-day life. If you love the Adirondacks and photography, an extraordinary exhibit covers Seneca Ray Stoddard's work. He was one of the first to capture the Adirondacks through this medium, and his saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The World Awareness Children's Museum work and attention to stunning detail prove it. The DeLong Home boasts furnishings and artifacts from when the family lived there. Once a modest wooden house built in the early 19th century, they constructed the two-story addition using brick after a devastating fire. The multi-purpose classroom is an exciting exhibit, and there are places throughout the home where people are encouraged to touch items and learn about the past. Wander the themed rooms - school days, family time, music memories, and the weird and curious lend fun insight into yesteryear.

I wish I'd had another day or two to fit in more wonderful museum visits – we have so many in this area! It was a great weekend filled with culture, and we plan to cross more off our list once summer hits. I hope you do, too! SF SPRING/SUMMER 2023 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 23

We are Getting Sicker Quicker: How one Direct Primary Care Doctor aims to slow down the pace of chronic disease by

Rehumanizing Healthcare

One patient at a time.

THE MOM & POP DOC What Dr. Dan wanted was to build a relationship with each patient.

“I want patients to feel welcome. That this is a warm, welcoming environment.

I’m available to talk 24/7 and am accessible if anything arises,” he said.

His new office, Sooriabalan Medical in Malta, offers direct primary care in what he says is a practice akin to the mom-and-pop medicine that was once commonplace.

Personalized, convenient, customer-centric care like this has been shown to result in improved patient outcomes.

ITS INGENUITY IS ITS SIMPLICITY

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED An increasing number of Americans are coping with chronic conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, six out of every ten adults has been diagnosed with a chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc. Four in ten adults have two or more.

These numbers have been rapidly increasing during the last twenty years and are significantly higher than just a decade ago.

While the largest cause of chronic conditions is an individual’s lifestyle choices, some doctors are saying that rather than enabling them to help guide their patients on a productive path toward improved health, traditional fee-based care is trapping the most vulnerable of the population in an impersonal, ineffective, fractured, and reactionary system.

“I needed more time with my patients to earn their trust, discuss pros and cons of treatment regimens, and give proper informed consent, but instead I was charting and completing algorithms,” said Dr. Danushan (Dan) Sooriabalan.

After completing his Internal Medicine residency in 2010 at Albany Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Dan worked locally providing both inpatient and outpatient care. Board certified in Internal Medicine; he said the typical fee-for-service structure left him feeling frustrated. In a world where everything had become a transaction, he felt like healthcare should not be one of those.

“There were pros and cons but what I needed was more time with my patients. A lot of these conditions are cyclical and there are no simple fixes. It takes time and trust which can’t exist when there are multiple layers between the patient and their doctor. Fragmented care is poor care.”

Even before its ribbon cutting in April, Dr. Dan’s new membership-based practice had approximately 50 people signed up. Although they vary widely in age and care concerns, the majority are looking for in-depth care that goes beyond seeing a doctor every three to six months.

“They are focused on preventative care and feel intimidated by our current system,” said Dr. Dan. There’s a whole market of folks looking to spend more than the standard seven to ten minutes with their physician (who may likely have to see 1,000 patients that year). In contrast, to provide the kind of time and attention he feels is necessary, Dr. Dan will be capping his patient load to just 400.

NO HIDDEN COSTS In addition to longer visits, multiple ways to connect, and health counseling, as a direct primary care physician, Dr. Dan can offer patients an unlimited number of visits, same or next-day appointments, and in-house diagnostic testing for one monthly membership fee (rates are $80-$120/mo. based on age).

“Unlike concierge medicine, with direct primary care we have very affordable rates because we keep overhead costs low by not also billing your insurance.

Concierge medicine is like double-dipping, they have very high premiums and bill your insurance. I like to say all my patients receive concierge level care at direct primary care’s affordable rates.”

This kind of cost transparency comes with Dr. Dan’s recommendation that patients still hold on to health insurance to cover things like specialty care, imaging and lab work, emergency care, surgery, inpatient care, catastrophic illnesses, etc.

When outside care is required, Dr. Dan has a network of doctors that he feels confident about referring his patients to and no one becomes just a name on a screen.

“My care” Dr. Dan added, “doesn’t end when you step out of this office.”

For more information, call Sooriabalan Medical, PLLC, 2452 Route 9, Suite 201, Malta, at 518-886-3338. Visit them online at drdanmed.com SF

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Tick Prevention and Removal WRITTEN BY MARISSA BROADLEY, MPH, MSED, RN, CIC, CPHQ, CPPS, LSSGB Marissa Broadley is the director of infection prevention at Saratoga Hospital. Learn more at SaratogaHospital.org

Each spring, we’re inundated with information on tick safety—and for good reason. They’re most active in the warmer months and can transmit diseases to animals and people. That’s not to say you should cancel any plans, though.

It’s possible to enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather while also protecting your family from ticks.

• Create a tick-free zone in your yard. Mow your lawn frequently to keep the grass short. Place your patio furniture and playground equipment away from the edge of the yard and in sunny locations, if possible. Keep your yard free of garbage so ticks don’t have extra places to hide.

• Dress appropriately. Long sleeves and long pants are best when you’re outdoors or in backyards with tall grass. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pant legs into your socks. Wear light colors because you’ll be able to see any bugs crawling on you. At the end of the day, throw your clothes into the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes to kill any unseen hitchhikers.

• Perform thorough checks at the end of the day. You can do cursory inspections by running your fingers through your hair and checking cuffs or folds in your clothing. Ticks like warm areas on the body, so once you’re finished outside, check behind your knees, in your elbows and belly button, and under your armpits. Don’t forget your groin and your scalp, too.

• Prevent ticks on your pets. Tick bites are often pretty hard to detect on your pets, especially because it can be days or weeks before symptoms appear. In the meantime, ticks could be in your home or lingering outside in heavily-trafficked areas, which is why it’s very important to use a preventative product on your pet. Talk to your veterinarian about what might be best, and always include your pet in any end-of-day tick checks. Look specifically in and around the ears and eyelids, under the collar and the front legs, between the back legs and toes, and around the tail.

If you do find a tick, don’t panic. Your risk of tick-borne illness is greatly reduced if you remove it within 36 hours, and not all bites require antibiotics.

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To safely remove a tick, you’ll need a pair of pointed tweezers, or a tool specific to tick removal.

1. Grasp the tick by the head right where it enters the skin.

2. Pull firmly, steadily upwards.

3. Place the tick in a small container of rubbing alcohol to kill it.

4. Clean the wound with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and monitor it for 30 days.

If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, if you find a tick or a suspected bite while your primary care office is closed, you can visit one of Saratoga Hospital’s urgent care centers in Queensbury or Wilton, or Malta Med Emergent Care in Malta, which is open 24/7. SF

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Compelled to Go to College WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

W

hen her teacher invited Saratoga Springs High School student Adrianna Matatt to join Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar, all Adrianna knew was that they were offering free pizza and homework help after school, so she thought, why not?

Although she was academically motivated (with grades in the 90s) Adrianna hadn’t seriously considered going to college after graduating from high school.

“If I didn’t have this program, it wouldn’t have been stressed to me how far college can get you,” she said.

Luckily, as a sophomore, Adrianna was introduced to her Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar mentor, Denise Polit.

A WOMAN OF LETTERS Denise Polit appreciated how advantageous her early academic success proved to be throughout her life.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree at Wellesley College, she went on to Boston College, where she received her Master’s degree and a PhD. She then wrote two popular nursing research textbooks and taught all over the world. Denise served on the boards of many area non-profit organizations and was committed to helping those, like her, who could benefit from a college education.

THE GREATEST GIFT It was Denise who prepared the list of colleges Adrianna applied to. Because Sponsor a Scholar pays application fees, the costs weren’t prohibitive. Denise accompanied Adrianna to 10 school visits, including to her alma mater, Wellesley.

“I definitely wouldn’t have visited that many colleges without her. My parents were too busy to drive all around New England,” said Adrianna.

When she settled on SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, Adrianna was surrounded by people who helped walk her through applying for financial aid. She also applied for, and was awarded, a scholarship from The Holly Foundation to help with out-of-pocket college expenses.

“It was like being given a gift that never ended,” she said.

With Denise’s (and the school counselors’ guidance) Adrianna, who was interested in civil and structural engineering, enrolled in Project Lead the Way courses while still in high school. To further Adrianna’s interest in music (she played the piano and violin) Denise and her husband took her to concerts.

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

Going above and beyond, Denise even gave Adrianna birthday and Christmas gifts. When Adrianna’s car needed repairs, Denise leant her a car for the week.

After witnessing the positive experience Adrianna had with Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar, three of her siblings joined. Denise died in 2021 of leukemia at the age of 74.

These gestures, and the extra attention Denise gave, helped to boost Adrianna’s confidence when it came time to apply to colleges.

“She had to work very hard, push very hard, and was very competitive. She taught me that hard work and staying on the path can get you so far,” said Adrianna.

“It helped me feel like I had a chance because I had people supporting me,” she said.

“I didn’t have a lot of money, but I learned it was possible to succeed.”

Adrianna, now 24, has graduated from college and is employed at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna as an engineer. She enjoys gardening, playing soccer, hiking and being outdoors. Her first child is due in June.

For more information, go online to saratogasponsorascholar.org

SF

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The Survivors’

LIFELINE WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Even after treatment, breast cancer leaves permanent physical and emotional scars on its survivors. For 25 years, To Life! has been throwing them a lifeline.

“When I was diagnosed, as with most people, it took me completely by surprise. I was young, 43, and didn’t think that it was something that would happen to me,” said Rita Cox. “I still remember that day,” she continued. “I was literally paralyzed.”

As was her nature, Rita dug in, working hard to do everything she was supposed to do to heal – except it wasn’t working. There were complications, and within the year, Rita had undergone five surgeries.

“I kept getting more and more depressed. It was not going away. I was not getting better.

There were all kinds of issues and I really started feeling like I needed more help,” she said.

Then, a referral from Saratoga Hospital brought Rita to To Life!

“It was completely life-changing. It saved my life.”

WE’VE GOT YOU Founded in 1998 by Mara Ginsberg, To Life! is a non-profit organization that responds to those aching for a sympathetic source of information, guidance, and non-medical services.

Affiliated with To Life! since 2011, Rita has served on their Board of Directors since 2014, and became Board President in 2021.

“A lot of organizations are working to find a cure

or stop breast cancer. We are the one for Capital Region people still dealing with it. We are there for them now – as they are going through it.”

Rita’s dedication to To Life! dates back to her days when, as a recipient of their services, she was able to find what she had needed all along.

“I’d started to hear, over and over, how rare what I was going through was, and I just thought, I’ve heard enough!”

“Then I came here. It’s hard to describe the comfort, safety, and understanding I felt. No words were needed. I just felt like; they’ve got me.”

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Since 1998, To Life! has provided 15,792 residents with educational programs, 10,393 with support programs, and 7,942 with boutique services.

Originally founded in Delmar, their first satellite office opened at Saratoga Hospital in 2006. This was followed by the opening of their charming Spring Street boutique.

Working to revive and refresh their image and events, Rita, the owner of Cox Marketing Solutions, helped rebuild the To Life! website. She also increased their online presence by pushing social media and digital newsletter distribution.

Rita, and event co-chair Barbara McDowell, also reimagined and reinvigorated their annual fundraising event, “The Pink Ball.” Additional fundraising and education events, such as “A Toast to Life,” the “Pink Mile Challenge,” “Beat the Odds” and the “Women’s Health Conference Series” are continuing this year.

Rita Cox, Eileen Bird, and Marjorie Maniccia participating in a To Life! fundraiser at a CrossFit SPUR

ADJUSTING THE SAILS Any captain will tell you, when you can’t avoid the storm, adjusting your sails will increase your chances of getting through it.

This is the same strategy that helped To Life! navigate its way through the pandemic. They overcame the barriers by converting support and education programs to virtual platforms and reopening the boutiques under strict safety protocols.

“I’m proud that we’ve always shifted in response to what our clients need,” said Rita.

Having recently released a five-year strategic plan focused on expanding into new communities, To Life! strives to support more young survivors and metastatic patients. They will also be adding more wellness programs on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.

For more information on To Life! visit them online at tolife.org and at ToLifeCares on Facebook.

FREE educational videos are available on YouTube.

The To Life! Boutique, 110 Spring St., provides wigs, mastectomy products, and accessories. Insurance is accepted. SF

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WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Goodness Baked In

Pets are both calming and stimulating, a source of comfort and love. It is a duality that helps humans both grow and develop. When we embrace these creatures with empathy and kindness, they offer us a very special kind of confidence-instilling companionship. Pets are an important part of the family.

Like most children, 13-year-old Leahna Long, from Malta, loves her pets. To show them, one day she made horse treats. Next, she baked up a batch of dog biscuits for her 6-year-old hound, Bailey.

Bailey knew right away he’d tasted something good.

“He kept wanting them and would paw at the pantry door to get them,” said Leahna.

That’s when Leahna knew she could do something else that was good.

MAKING MUTT MUNCHIES In February, Leahna launched Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks offering small and medium-sized dog biscuits with yummy ingredients including pumpkin, cinnamon, and peanut butter.

Leahna said that, compared to store-bought, she’s found dogs like the fresher, homemade goodies more.

An active student who, in addition to horseback riding, runs track and plays soccer, Leahna is using her time afterschool and on weekends to cook for a cause close to her heart.

CARING FOR CANINES From the start, the endeavor has been a way for Leahna to generate funds for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.

“I’m just really proud of her for taking what she enjoys – baking and animals – and helping the community,” said Leahna’s mom, Lisa.

Helping her daughter with the shopping and delivery, Lisa has also spread the word about Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks to her co-workers in the Amsterdam school district.

LEARNING ALONG THE WAY Like all entrepreneurs, Leahna is learning how to build the business as she goes.

“I’m learning how to keep track of orders, improve my baking skills, and how to talk to the community,” she said.

Leahna’s responsibility and self-discipline produces many rewards, central to which is the opportunity to slow down the pace of life long enough for the important act of appreciation - there every time you hold out your hand with a treat in it.

Buy Bailey’s Biscuits & Barks by direct messaging Leahna on Facebook.

16/count bags are $8. Of every bag sold, $1 benefits the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. For updates, add them on Instagram. SF

One Smart Cookie

People say they are the best brownies they’ve ever had!

When 11-year-old Isla Davis won second place at the 8th Annual Ballston Spa’s Chocolate Festival in February, she was disappointed.

Competing against more than 20 area chefs, restaurants, and bakeries, Isla, a fifth-grader at Gordon Creek Elementary School, had launched her budding business, Isla’s Divine Desserts, in September.

In just six months, demand grew so much that to keep up, lsla’s mom, Alyson, quit her job as a home health aide to don an apron.

They distributed 750 Mocha Choco Latte brownie samples at the event.

“It was a lot of work and Mom did a lot,” said Isla, adding, “I was sad I got second place, especially because we lost by only two votes, but it was a really good first experience.”

WHIPPING UP EXCITEMENT Isla was inspired to start the business after a trip to Proctor’s where she saw Waitress, the story of a small-town baker following her dreams.

Beginning by selling her baked goods from a table on their Ballston Spa front lawn, Isla’s Divine Desserts has now expanded into a self-serve shed out of which they sell cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, cupcakes, and energy bites.

“It’s completely off the beaten path on a very country road. It’s not convenient at all. That this is working, and so many people are coming, is amazing,” said Alyson.

MOUNDS OF SUPPORT After selling products to her neighbors, at the school’s homecoming game, and drumming up support on social media, a spark ignited the surge of public interest to follow: Helen Christopher, the owner of Galway’s Brookledge nature retreat, wanted to serve Isla’s Divine Desserts to her guests.

Local media picked up the story, followed by national coverage of the young entrepreneur on Fox Business News “Mornings with Maria.” Customers began dropping off donations of cake pans, cooking supplies, and cookbooks.

Isla’s Divine Desserts obtained their NYS Home Processor permit and started shipping products within the state.

THE ICING ON THE CAKE In addition to baking, Isla enjoys cheer and drama club. She is still learning about things like spreadsheets and margins.

After saving the majority of what she earns, Isla recently splurged and bought a hoverboard. It is a reward that keeps her motivated, said Alyson, as she happily keeps the home ovens burning.

Isla’s Divine Desserts, 301 Hop City Road, is open Monday–Friday, 8 am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm. Order online at islasdivinedesserts.godaddysites.com. For updates, follow them on Facebook. SF

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The ADK-9

Challenge

BY MOOSE MURPHY PHOTOS PROVIDED

O

ne day I heard Papa talking on the phone with Uncle Ray about the ADK-9 Challenge. Canine is a fancy word for dog, so I knew they were talking about me. Bartonville, Baxter, Buck, Castle Rock, Floodwood, Jay, Moxham, Silver Lake and Van Hoevenberg are the ADK-9 mountains. I must climb all of them to complete the challenge and get a cool patch. When he got off the phone Papa grabbed his backpack, led me outside and I hopped into the car.

I’m going to climb my first mountain!

After picking Uncle Ray up at his house, we drove to Baxter Mountain. It was a long ride, but except for our time on the Northway, Papa rolled my window down so I could stick my head out to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I was so excited to start the hike that right after I hopped out of the car at the trailhead, I pooped. Papa seemed happy about it and must have thought what I made was valuable because he scooped it up in a plastic bag and put it in the car to take home. I thought that was weird because when I was a puppy and did that in the house, he got very upset and threw it in the garbage. I heard him and Uncle Ray talk about leaving no trace.

Papa had me on my leash so I would stay on the trail and not get lost or hurt. It’s important to be polite to other hikers, especially little kids, who might be afraid of dogs. There are dogs that don’t like other dogs too, so keeping me on a leash keeps all of us safer. As we climbed higher, Papa and Uncle Ray walked slower and slower. They were huffing and puffing, but I wanted to go faster!

When we reached the summit we could see the surrounding mountains, a bluebird sky, and puffy clouds. I heard Uncle Ray say, “Wow!” over and over again. No wonder Papa and Uncle Ray go to the mountains so often. It’s awesome!

I was so excited that I knew I wanted to climb the other eight mountains. Well, guess what? I did it! I finished the ADK-9 Challenge on Mount Van Hoevenberg with Papa, Uncle Ray and our good friend, Alison. I don’t know what adventure Papa has planned next, but I know it will be awesome! SF

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Saratoga

WITH KIDS 10

DAY TRIPS TO TAKE THIS SPRING & SUMMER

WRITTEN BY GINNY SMITH OF EXPLORE SARATOGA SPRINGS | PHOTO PROVIDED Summer getaways are some of the most memorable experiences with our families, but you don’t have to go away for a week to create lasting memories. Day trips can be just as memorable and have the advantage of less planning and packing. We live in an area with many great places to visit within a 2–3-hour drive. If you need some ideas for day trips this spring and summer, here are a few of our favorites:

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NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME Cooperstown, NY • baseballhall.org The Baseball Hall of Fame is a bucket list destination for any baseball-loving kid or adult. The museum preserves the history of baseball and celebrates the current-day game.

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BRONX ZOO Bronx, NY • bronxzoo.com The 265 acre Bronx Zoo is one of the most notable zoos in the country. Visit the animals, ride the monorail, take a spin on the Bug Carousel, then explore the Children’s Zoo and Nature Trek.

THE WILD CENTER Tupper Lake, NY • wildcenter.org The Wild Center highlights the beauty of the Adirondacks while incorporating activities throughout its vast outdoor activity area. A highlight is the Wild Walk, which allows you to walk along the treetops.

USS SLATER Albany, NY • ussslater.org The USS Slater is the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in the U.S. and is now a museum. The Slater will bring history to life for your family on a tour.

LEGOLAND New York, Goshen, NY • legoland.com/new-york This LEGO-themed amusement park is an immersive experience for any LEGO-obsessed kid. There are rides, attractions, meet and greets with LEGO characters, and building opportunities.

JUNE FARMS West Sand Lake, NY • junefarms.com June Farms is a beautiful farm that is home to Scottish Highland cows, horses, and many other animals. The farm is open for daily walks and hosts events, including family nights and dog park nights.

ERIC CARLE MUSEUM Amherst, MA • carlemuseum.org Children’s literature legend, Eric Carle, made western Massachusetts his home and founded the Eric Carle Museum, which is devoted to showcasing children’s picture books and illustrations. The museum hosts special events where you can meet the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself!

HOWE CAVERNS Howes Cave, NY • howecaverns.com The underground cave tour at Howe Caverns is a must-do for kids growing up in the Capital Region. During the walking tour of the cave, you can see rock formations that are millions of years old and take a boat ride.

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FORT TICONDEROGA Ticonderoga, NY • fortticonderoga.org Fort Ticonderoga gained significance during the Revolutionary War and preserves the history of the fort well. In addition to touring the fort, there is a scavenger hunt for kids, a beautiful formal garden, and trails to walk.

SCHUYLER MANSION Albany, NY • parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schuylermansion If you have kids who love Hamilton, take them to the Schuyler Mansion for some Hamilton history. This mansion was home to the Schuyler sisters and where Alexander Hamilton married Eliza Schuyler. SF

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Summer Camp at Saratoga Arts extends our mission of cultivating a vibrant art community. Students learn from professional teaching artists who bring art history, technique, and appreciation to all ages while having fun.

Visual Arts programs are geared to our youngest “mighty mites” (ages 5-9) and our slightly older students (ages 10 -14) who will work with the teaching artist on a theme during the week.

The week’s theme may take them through the historical evolution of a technique, may offer them a deeper dive into a particular genre, or may introduce them to less familiar worldwide art.

Our Teen Studios for ages 13 – 18 are geared toward young artists who are interested in pushing their art to a new level. Each week-long studio session focuses on a genre from painting or drawing to comics and collage.

Young artists have access to Congress Park and to our Galleries for added inspiration and enjoyment during their sessions.

Our staff is dedicated to supporting each budding artist, nurturing their learning, respecting their approaches, and helping them experience the joy of art. Physical and emotional safety is a priority for each team member.

Summer 2023 week-long camps run from June 26 – September 1.

Registration available at www.saratoga-arts.org/education SARATOGA ARTS 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-4132

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UNPLUG & GET DIRTY Kids&Clay Summer Fun

SCHOOL’S OUT, SUMMER’S HERE! IT’S TIME TO RAMP UP THE FUN AT SARATOGA CLAY ARTS CENTER! Summer 2023 brings an exciting series of clay programs for ages 6-16, taught by professional local artists/teachers and ranging in themes and techniques. Camps are open to all skill levels, beginning and up. Pinch pots, slab projects, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing techniques come together to provide each student with exciting new experiences, new skills and their clay creations to take home to use and share with friends and family. What could be better than playing with clay all summer?! Come unplug, make art, and make friends. Choose from several themed half-day weeklong summer camps, with the option to put morning and afternoon camps together for a full-day experience! Classes run July 3 – August 25. Come for one week or all eight.

Visit Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s website at www.saratogaclayarts.org for more details on programs, registration dates, fee details, and while you are there, take some time to check out the rest of their site see all that is happening at the center.

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 10!

Get ready for some messy, exhilarating, creative fun this summer!

SARATOGA CL AY ARTS CENTER 167 Hayes Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 518-581-CLAY (2529) • info@saratogaclayarts.org

www.saratogaclayarts.org

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GREENFIELD

Summer Camp

Greenfield Summer Day Camp Simply Focuses on Kids Just Being Kids in the Great Outdoors In today’s over-structured world where kids spend a big part of their days looking at electronics, the one thing most grade school parents agree on is when school is out, they want their kids out… in the great outdoors. When summer comes, the pressure is on for parents to adequately entertain them without overscheduling or breaking the bank. The Town of Greenfield’s summer day camp is a perfect solution, with its morning-only format and a full array of traditional activities that promise to leave children exhausted and happy.

Campers spend 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at the Maple Avenue Middle School, at 515 Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Activities include rotating stations of fun, featuring such things as obstacle courses, hiking, Taekwondo, arts and crafts, as well as many organized games and sports like soccer, flag football, kickball and more. Campers participate in themed days like “Super Hero” and “Hat” Day and painting, tie-dying and rock climbing. They receive weekly visits from Uncharted Wild LLC to encounter live wild animals, regularly scheduled “Water Days” for splashing around and even the chance to pal around with some local llamas. Rainy day activities bring the children inside to the school’s gymnasium

and cafeteria. Fridays end each week on a sweet note with treats from ice cream trucks and Stewart’s Shops.

“Our ever-changing schedule will send kids home exhausted and dirty from an action-packed morning at camp with friends,” said Town of Greenfield Recreation Director Rebecca Sewell.

Students ages 5 to 14 are welcome and will be supervised with a 2:10 counselor/camper ratio. The camp features 25 trained camp counselors, most of whom once attended this camp themselves. Parents can choose early drop off for an additional cost and all students are eligible for the town’s Free Lunch Program, daily on-site and during camp. Signups open in March to Town of Greenfield residents, and in April open to the public. More information can be found by calling Rebecca Sewell at 518-428-2267 or visiting www.greenfieldny.org. Scholarships are available.

JUNE 26-JULY 28 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (early drop off and transportation available) LOCATION: Maple Avenue Middle School 515 Maple Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY

The Town of Greenfield is home to 8,200 residents in Greenfield, Porter Corners and Middle Grove. It spans more than 41,000 acres of land bordering the Adirondacks. Other summer activities sponsored by the Town of Greenfield include golf and tennis camps and a PGA Junior golf league at the town’s Brookhaven Park and Golf Course in Porter Corners.

www.greenfieldny.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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TRAIN LIKE A NINJA!

WHERE FITNESS IS ALWAY FUN!

S W I N G ,CLIMB, C L I M B , LEAP L E A P &&S SOAR OAR SWING, your way into summer while building self-confidence and learning skills that will last a lifetime.

As one of our Ninjas, your child can expect our skilled coaches to guide them through increasingly challenging obstacles, resulting in increased strength and stamina.

Ninja Lab Summer Camps run Monday through Friday in one-week, half day or full day sessions. Ninja Campers can choose between the morning session: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or afternoon session: 1- 4 p.m, or full day session: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Campers will be put into groups of similar ability.

Age-appropriate drills will always be used, with a heightened emphasis on skill and longterm athlete development. Every child will be engaged and having fun, while building strength and self-confidence and finding their inner-ninja! All our coaches at The Ninja Lab are CPR certified and background screened. Age requirements: Incoming 1st-10th graders.

Sample Camp Day Schedule: 8:45-9 a.m. • Arrival and Registration 9-9:10 a.m. • Welcome and Warm-up 9:10-10:20 a.m. • Station-based Ninja Training 10:20-10:40 a.m. • Break 10:40-12 p.m. • Course Runs and Challenges 12 p.m. • Pick up

Summer Camp Pricing

Register online at SaratogaNinjaLab.com or call the Lab with questions: 518-289-5942.

$50 for single half day and $220 for half day full week

And don’t forget, we are home to the region’s

$80 for single full day and $340 for full day full week

BEST Birthday Parties!

9 Stonebreak Road, Malta • 518-289-5942

SARATOGANINJALAB.COM

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SARATOGA ROWING ASSOCIATION! Get out on the lake and Learn to Row this summer with SARATOGA ROWING ASSOCIATION! We have introductory camp options for ages 12-17.

Our Middle School Learn to Row Camp for rising 7th & 8th graders features two weeks of gaining water skills and fitness while enjoying the outdoors and making friends! The camp concludes with a team-wide race on Fish Creek which parents and fans can spectate from a charter boat. Middle School sessions run Monday-Friday from 9 AM-12 Noon. Each session is limited to 30.

You may attend more than one session and each session will build on the next. Start with LTR#1 and then continue with LTR #2/3. Rowers can take one, two or three sessions to build on the skills learned in previous sessions. You must take LTR #1 2023 before signing up for LTR #2/3.

The High School Learn to Row Camp (or Varsity Try-Out Camp) is for competitive minded athletes entering grades 9-12. Come out on the water and discover this exciting racing sport! You will learn the rowing stroke, gain fitness and conditioning, and taste the thrill of side by side competition in boats with up to 8 teammates.

Rowing is also an excellent crossover sport, so if you’re looking for a change, a new sport for your off season, or just a new activity and community, this could be a great fit for you!

High School sessions run Monday-Friday 9 -11:30 AM, and you may sign up for multiple sessions (highly encouraged if you plan to join the competitive varsity squad in the fall).

SARATOGA ROWING ASSOCIATION 543 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-6697

For more information, email programs@saratogarowing.com

Saratoga Rowing Association is home to multiple decades of national and international success, regularly qualifying for national championship races and making podium appearances.

Come join our community of welcoming, hard working, and teamoriented athletes who continue to build on this legacy!

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Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs Summer Camp

FOREST CAMP SCHEDULE Week 1 - June 12-16 Wonder with Bubbles & Water Week 2 - June 19-23 The Dynamics of Air Week 3 - June 26-30 Discover the Earth Week 4 - July 3-7 The Wonderful World of Bugs The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is the only Preschool through Grade 12 independent school in Saratoga County, serving the community for over 40 years. We provide an age-appropriate curriculum and create multiple experiential, immersive learning opportunities that support artistic, academic, physical, and social growth. Our school values and promotes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to cultivate social responsibility, personal integrity, intellectual curiosity, and practical capacities.

We’re Expanding! Our Early Childhood Programs are now at two distinct locations - a beautiful In-Town Campus and our beloved Forest Campus. Now offering full-day and half-day options for children ages 3 - 6. Enrollment for 2023-2024 opens March 1. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour today.

And Introducing- Waldorf Explorations: Highschool beyond the classroom.

We’re launching a new program to allow high school students to follow their passions by creating their own path which leads to a NYS high school diploma. The “Waldorf Explorations” program is an individualized plan alongside traditional in-person classes.

This program can incorporate outside experiences, independent study, alternative forms of education, international exchange, and college level courses. We’re partnering with local colleges, international Waldorf schools, art studios, professionals, and experienced-based organizations to create alternative education pathways to meet a wide array of interests and possibilities.

Week 5 - July 10-14 Trees & Flowers Week 6 - July 17-21 Cooking at the Forest

LOWER SCHOOL SCHEDULE Week 1 - June 19-23 Wet Felting Week 2 - June 26-30 Needle Crafting Week 3 - July 3-7 Create and Construct

FOREST SUMMER CAMP | 45 Kaydeross Avenue West | Ages 3-6 June 12 - July 21 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Week 4 - July 10-14 Yoga & Nature Crafts

Located on Spa State Park land, our one-of-a-kind Forest campus features numerous forested hiking trails and ample yard space for climbing, gardening, digging, playing, and working. The farmhouse provides a nurturing indoor space and respite from extreme weather.

Week 5 - July 17-21 Cooking Class

LOWER SCHOOL CAMP | 62 York Avenue | Grades 1-5 June 19 - July 28 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Come walk to the many local parks with us for water play, games, and a picnic lunch. Then head back to school for crafts, free play, stories, and snacks in the shady yard of our beloved Lower School campus.

ENROLLING FOR FALL 2023-2024 | Preschool - Grade 12

Contact: admissions@waldorfsaratoga.org

Week 6 - July 24-28 Design & Daydream For any questions, email admissions@waldorfsaratoga.org

REGISTER TODAY!

waldorfsaratoga.org/summer-camp

www.waldorfsaratoga.org

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