Simply Saratoga Winter 2021

Simply...

SARATOGA THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Winter 2021 Complimentary

The Winter Issue

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brought to you by

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Owner/Publisher

CHAD BEATTY General Manager

ROBIN MITCHELL Creative Director/ Managing Editor

CHRIS VALLONE BUSHEE Magazine Designer / Advertising Designer

MARISA SCIROCCO Advertising Sales

JIM DALEY CINDY DURFEY Contributing Writers

Samantha Bosshart Peter Bowden Colleen Coleman Thomas Dimopoulos Carol Godette John R. Greenwood Wendy Hobday Haugh Ann Hauprich Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery Fritz Megin Potter Ray O'Conor John Reardon Theresa St. John Ralph Vincent Maureen Werther Photographers

Susan Blackburn Photography Peter Bowden Jon Dragonette Wendy Haugh Terri-Lynn Pellegri Randall Perry Photography Megin Potter SuperSourceMedia.com Theresa St. John Wendy Hobday Haugh

Published by

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Simply Saratoga 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 © 2021, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Photo by SuperSourceMedia.com 4 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

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From The Editor

Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director/ Managing Editor • cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201• saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Happy New Year Everybody!

Normally, I close with a Thank You, but today, I need to OPEN with a big grateful THANK YOU! I’m not sure who I’m thanking, but somebody found my wallet on Sunday at Market 32 and brought it to the customer service desk. I can’t believe I left it in the cart, or that it didn’t hit me till 10pm that evening, but what a stressful night waiting till the next morning when the Customer Service desk opened for the day to discover that someone found it - and naturally - “did the right thing!”

I’m so glad there are people like this in the world – and Thank You! Speaking of good people doing the right thing, our opening story for the WINTER issue, (which includes stories of people achieving insurmountable goals, recreating themselves for an amazing “phase 2” and inspiring stories of how people are dealing with the pandemic) is about Mike and Stacie Arpey. They not only just donated A MILLION DOLLARS to the Franklin Community Center, but they have created a buzz for future donors to support the community center (see page 14). As Stacie said, it is not every day that all the forces come together for such a great cause and they are so happy to be a part of it. She also went on to tell me that her and Mike were both born on Jan 1, 1963 in Saratoga Hospital and their mothers were roommates! …Serendipity!

I must close with a big Thank You to our advertisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read them. Please mention us by name when visiting these businesses… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine!

Stay in touch Saratoga, I love hearing from you… cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com.

I wish everyone a blessed year filled with good health, great times and purpose!

PS… Don’t miss the story on Alpine Sport Shop’s 80th Anniversary!! What an accomplishment - and the greatest group of people! (page 18)

Love, Chris

Cover photo by SuperSourceMedia.com. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Please join me in saying GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK (and Thank You for these beautiful mags!) to my magazine designer Marisa Scirocco, who will be leaving us after this issue : ( WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 5

CONTRIBU TOR S T

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A S T. J Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school,

John Reardon purchased Compliments to the Chef in July of 2004 and has enjoyed selling over 6,000 high quality cookware and cutlery items to his Foodie Friends ever since. His wife Paula - as well as being a college professor - helps out along with their son John and daughter Aubrey … and they fit right in to his Foodie Team! If you ask John or Aubrey to cook up a special dish, you’ll see a gleam in their eyes! John reminds us... “Life Happens in the Kitchen” and yes… “Anyone can cook!”

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she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states " was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good, she says.

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Ralph Vincent is a lifestyle writer enamored with the Spa City. As an enthusiastic contributor to Simply Saratoga Magazine, he enjoys writing about a variety of topics including home entertaining, cooking, and cocktail crafting. His body of work also includes articles on subjects of special significance to him such as his experiences as a pet parent, gardening, and Yaddo. He resides locally with his partner Steven and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

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Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.

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Meghan is a native of the Glens Falls Saratoga region. Her passion is to provide her clients and readers with the tools necessary to live a life grounded in peace and emotional well-being. She is an author and writer for various publications in Upstate NY and State College, PA. She is also the co-host for a monthly radio segment focused on how to improve relationships. She currently resides in State College, PA where she enjoys spending time with her husband and son.

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John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga Springs milkman who loves capturing stories about the people and places that surround him. John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. The couple recently retired and are looking forward to having more time to enjoy the nooks and crannies of the surrounding area. You can explore more of John’s writing at rainingiguanas.com, where you will find the glass half full and the weather mostly sunny.

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When not writing magazine articles that warm hearts, lift spirits and tickle funny bones, Ann Hauprich keeps busy preserving the past and present for future generations at LegaciesUnlimited.com. The historic Saratoga County village where the author’s family settled half a century ago will be celebrated in the Ballston Spa 2020 Community Yearbook. To learn more, visit www.BallstonSpaLiving.com.

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Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, Carol Godette’s fascination with neighborhood stores began at age 11 when she frequented Rowland’s.

A passionate educator, Godette taught elementary school in the Saratoga School District for 31 years. Carol is a co-owner of the local Ben & Jerry’s franchise. Godette and her husband live in her childhood home where they raised their two children. She welcomes your comments and stories/photos on neighborhood stores via email: saratoganeighborhoodstores@gmail.com

Northville freelancer Wendy Hobday Haugh’s short stories, articles, and poetry have appeared in dozens of national and regional publications, including Woman’s World Weekly, Highlights for Children, and WritersWeekly.com. Her stories have appeared in 15 different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. To learn more, visit www.wendyhobdayhaugh.com.

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Charlie Kuenzel is a native Saratogian who spent 36 years as a Science educator in the Saratoga School District before retiring 6 years ago.

Charlie, along with Dave Patterson are the co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC who for the past 16 years have educated and entertained thousands of visitors to the city with stories to tell the exciting history of our great city.

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Colleen Coleman is the owner of CMC Design Studio LLC and is well noted by her clients for bringing high energy, attention to detail, organization and more to each project. Her collaborative efforts with clients, as well as others in the industry, translates to a comprehensive design to completion for her clients. Her unique approach to defining each space matured into what she has coined as “Creating Environments for Life” reach her at colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net.

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=Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. His knack for practical and concise explanations has served him well during his 20-year tenure as WRGB’s garden guy. He is an artist and avid photographer whose images have appeared in textbooks, magazines and travel guides. Peter lives with his wife, Sharon and their pets in an old house in the country.

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Samantha Bosshart joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2008. As Executive Director, she advocates for the preservation of the unique architecture and rich heritage of Saratoga Springs. Samantha previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation. Samantha completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University.

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SARATOGA

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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Winter

CONTENTS 2021

Simply...

Simply ...

A GOOD READ

HOME & GARDEN

14 Michael & Stacie Arpey Are

Doing Good Things

41 Architecturally Speaking

18 Alpine Sport Shop turns 80!

54 Colleen’s Picks 58 In the Kitchen with John Reardon

24 Ray O’Conor shares

The American Dream Hike

60 Entertaining with Ralph Vincent

30 Frank Manning’s Second Act

62 Gardening with Peter Bowden

32 Meghan Lemery Fritz Gives

Good Adive

64 Homesteading 101

33 Cole Broderick &

Sean Flynn are all Jazzed Up

HISTORY 65 Charlie Kuenzel

36 Meet… Jon Dragonette on the

70 Preserving Saratoga

74 Bill Orzell

Corner of COVID and Main

77 Carol Godette 80 John Greenwood See the story behind the photo - page 62.

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Are You Normal?

We polled THOUSANDS (okay, maybe not that many!) but…

This is how REAL WOMEN feel about Valentine’s Day Gift Giving…

Flowers and/or Chocolates were a close tie, but “Something Personal” seemed to be the front runner here, with suggestions such as… clean the house, make dinner, buy me jewelry, donate to my favorite cause, buy that piece of exercise equipment I’ve been drooling over!

You get the idea… something that says, “I know you!”

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100% loved giving a little something special to their kids and/or grandchildren.

Only 15% gave (extra!) treats to their pets, most likely because they gave them plenty of love on a regular basis

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Looking for Sweets for Valentine’ Valentine’s Day? In Saratoga, The Choices are Plentiful!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

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“May all the mountains you climb in life be made of chocolate” -Lisa Swerling & Ralph Lazar

here’s something special about shopping for Valentine sweets and walking into a neighborhood candy store that brings back feelings of childhood nostalgia and those little hearts that say, “Be Mine!” And it’s not only me who feels this way; it seems that everyone who’s drawn to penny candy, fudge and truffles, gets wrapped up in a cozy blanket of delightful memories.

Lucky for us, we have several chocolate shops in Saratoga, and I took some time to visit four of them.

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Saratoga Candy Company 5 washington street, saratoga Springs

his shop seemed to call my name as soon as its doors opened in 1998. At that time, I was just a visitor to Saratoga, coming up on weekends in the summer to celebrate the track season.

The old-fashioned feel of this candy store made me travel back in time – to so many other neighborhood shops just like it.

Of course, ‘penny candy’ costs more now, but the everyday joy in choosing the most for my money is still there.

They offer 18 varieties of delicious fudge, truffles, chocolates, seasonal products, fruit slices, licorice, giant gumballs, even sugar-free candies and chocolates… I could go on and on, but I trust you get the idea.

For the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday, owner Dawn Oesch will most likely make about 5,000 Chocolate Covered Strawberries (yes, you read that correctly!). They are available by the full or half dozen and can be picked up curbside or delivered to your (local) home or business.

This will be her 23rd Valentine’s Day! Dawn is so personable, and is the epitome of the owner / operator charm that people appreciate in a small, locally owned business.

She puts a smile on my face every time I get to visit. We chat about life, how business is going – despite COVID-19 challenges, and how much she loves her "job"! A shopping trip downtown (or any holiday!) is not complete without a visit to Dawn and the Saratoga Candy Company!

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Kilwins

420 Broadway, saratoga Springs

If you are a fan of sweets, Kilwins on Broadway is a great place to get your fix.

The shop offers every kind of chocolate, fudge, candy apples, ice cream, taffy, and so much more.

The name comes from Don and Katy Kilwin, a couple who opened the first shop in Petoskey, Michigan, in 1947.

The specialty chocolate shop in Saratoga opened on Broadway in 2013 and is a destination stop for locals and visitors of the Spa City.

One sunny afternoon, I wandered in as they were drizzling milk, white, and dark chocolate on apples they’d just dipped in caramel. I watched, fascinated. In my mind, I was trying to calculate how many calories one of them might be; in the end, I said, ‘I don’t care,’ and bought two.

Kilwins’ success has a lot to do with their products, for sure. They use the finest ingredients, offering high-quality confections to their customers. But, much of their neighborhood fame comes from their core values; ‘Treat others as you want to be treated. Do your best and have fun!’

Even though Kilwins comprises 140-plus franchise store owners, with shops in over 25 states, each has that home-town feel.

Photo provided saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Jo-Ann's Candy House 3076 Route 50, saratoga springs

I cannot believe it took me 21 years to visit this adorable, family-owned business on Route 50, across from the Wilton Mall.

Man, what I’ve been missing!

I was instantly transported to Franklin, Mass, where I grew up so many years ago.

Back then, Grampa would give each of his grandkids a bag of pennies on his Saturday morning visit. We’d spend a good chunk of time inside Jimmy’s Penny Candy Store, spending every last cent.

I stood in line, practicing social distancing, and wearing my mask, waiting for my turn at Jo-Ann’s.

The staff working the counters were smiling and helpful.

With so much to choose from, I was impressed and had a tough time deciding. Chocolates, jellybeans, dipped strawberries, white and dark chocolate barks, fudge, pixie stix, the shop had everything!

Photo provided

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Established in 1978 and open seven days a week, Gene Bruno and his daughter Justina know how to play with our senses. One credit-card charge and three bags later, I can attest to that.

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Saratoga Chocolate Co Saratoga Marketplace, lower level 454 Braodway, Saratoga Springs

The biggest surprise ever was walking into Saratoga Marketplace, making my way to the bottom floor to visit a chocolate shop that had signed a lease for their flagship store in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit.

Oh my gosh, who could have known what was coming? I could only imagine the panic of ‘What’s going to happen now?’ they must have felt at the time – and for months afterward.

Saratoga Chocolate Co has been a successful business – selling at local farmers’ markets, an online customer base, and to over 80 regional specialty stores for the past several years.

Allison and Henry Rose pride themselves on producing finely crafted truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars – all made by hand and using the highest quality ingredients. The couple pairs the perfect chocolate – single-origin or blended – with flavors that are out-ofthis-world delicious.

I chose truffles with names like Adirondack Old-Fashioned, Caramel Brulee, Grand Marnier, Palet D’or, Hazelnut, Lemon, Orange, and Raspberry – but they offered even more.

Their shop was able to open on July 31st, and from the looks of it, they’ll do very well in the Marketplace. They were busy, and the staff – a young woman and man, were amiable and helpful.

Allison says they’re grateful for the support of customers during this trying year. She happily reports that foot traffic is increasing, and she’s having fun meeting folks who are delighted and surprised to find them. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Photo by David R. Ford 14 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

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Good People Doing Good Things Michael & Stacie Arpey donate $1 Million to Franklin Community Center WRITTEN BY THOMAS DIMOPOULOS PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

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cutting-edge center of 21st century global technology and a venue honoring the traditional offerings of helping those in need met at the intersection of Franklin and Washington streets this week in a collaborative effort for the betterment of the local community, and all points beyond.

Elliott and Cathy Masie built the Masie Center on the east side of Saratoga Springs 20 years ago. In December, Franklin Community Center – which serves thousands of people every year locally - purchased the Masie building and will be expanding their services.

The new building, to be renamed the Michael & Stacie Arpey Family Community Center, will allow the Franklin the space it has needed to grow their programs.

Franklin Community Center has served as a social service hub for the less fortunate in and around Saratoga since 1983.

The Center's programs include a food pantry, a free after-school prevention program for local students and affordable housing for low-income individuals, as well as assisting with furniture, clothing and household needs, among others.

“At the beginning of 2019, our board really committed to obtaining more space,” explains FCC Executive Director Kari Cushing. “We were at a point where the space didn’t provide confidentiality for the people we serve.” A fundraising campaign was initiated with the idea of building an addition to an existing building to create more space.

“We were in the middle of it and had raised about $1 million toward our $2.5 million goal when the world stopped and COVID happened,” Cushing says. “We were no longer able to use our volunteers, so we repurposed all of our staff and since March we’ve been filling grocery bags, unloading trucks, delivering supplies and just doing what needs to get done.”

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At the same time, she says, the need for services increased exponentially.

“The numbers have just gone through the roof.

The need usually ebbs and flows and goes with the economy, but right now people are in dire need of just basic services. Since the start of the pandemic, just the food pantry has served 2,300 families – and of those 588 of them were brand new, they’d never been to a food pantry before.

Those numbers are staggering,” she said.

“In September. I looked across the street and saw a For Sale out in front of the Masie building.

It seemed way too good to be true, but we had to at least explore our options.” The building was listed at $2.6 million, and members of the board visited the location.

“When I tell you it’s perfect, that’s an understatement. It’s wide open and we could do whatever we need to do with the interior space, but we were still too far from our fundraising goal. We only had $1 million raised and being a non-profit we’re not comfortable taking out a loan for more than a million dollars.

Our Steering Committee met to go over our options and that’s when Stacie Arpey, who’s on our board stepped up to increase her pledge from $100,0000 to $1 million and make it a reality for us. The Masies lowered their original asking price, and a deal was struck. “Between the two of them, it became possible.”

The Masie Center has served for a generation as an international Learning LAB working with global organizations.

“We’ve probably had tens of thousands of executives come from around the world. We helped launch E-Learning there. When the pandemic hit, I looked at my staff and said, ‘OK, go home.’ I gave them computers and lights and screens and after a couple of months predicted, well, we’re not going to go back to regular work soon. We looked at each other and said: maybe this is the time to sell the building.

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FCC Executive Director Kari Cushing

The former Masie Center, will now be renamed the Michael & Stacie Arpey Family Community Center.

“After we put the building up for sale, Franklin Community Center was intrigued and one of their board members, Stacie Arpey, and her husband Michael decided they really wanted them to have it and gave them a million dollar donation to get to the price, and Cathy and I lowered (the asking price) by many hundreds of thousands of dollars because we couldn’t think of a better buyer for it than Franklin,” Masie says.

“What I like about Franklin is that they service people who have deep and continuing needs as well as people who have newly arrived at the point of need,” Masie says. “I think we need to be quick to respond to people when they enter that and help put them on a pathway to becoming more self-sustaining.

And Franklin does that. The other thing is they work a lot with kids.”

For Masie, the present world continues via video, having conducted keynotes for tens of thousands of people during the pandemic, right from his piano room at home in Saratoga Springs.

“They do so much in that cramped building they’re in now – to have that 10,000 square feet of space, it’s going to be exciting to see what they can do,” said Masie, who conducted a walk-through with FCC staff this week.

“This new home for FCC will help ensure that families in Saratoga Springs having an inviting place to receive the resources of FCC for years to come,” Stacie Arpey said in a statement.

The transition will happen gradually allowing FCC to ensure there are no disruptions to the services provided. The plan is to maintain the current venues and begin adapting some of the organization’s programs into the new venue. “In the beginning of 2021 our goal as 16 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

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a Board will be to really delve into that and see how we can be more efficient and make things easier to access for the folks who use our services. We want to make sure that we make things better for Franklin and for the entire community,” says Cushing, who has been with FCC for 18 years.

“COVID has obviously turned everything upside down and has disrupted all of our lives, but we have a unique perspective: we get to see the other side of it, and I have to tell you how heart-warming it has been to see our community come together to make sure that nobody has to go without,” Cushing says. “We were scared to death when it started and we saw our numbers going through the roof. We didn’t even know if we would be able to serve everyone that came to us.

“Every day we would post our biggest needs on social media and we have a contactless drop-off in the front of our building and every day when we would come in, it would be overflowing with the things we had asked for.

We never had to turn anybody away because people were so generous. This community is absolutely amazing. I think Stacie and Mike embody everything that our community is -and Cathy and Elliott- everybody made it possible, it’s such a group effort and it’s wonderful to see.”

The Michael and Stacie Arpey Family Community Center /Franklin Community Center is in fundraising mode and needs just under $1 million to complete their expansion campaign which would include costs for moving and potential renovations to the space.

For more information or to contribute to the campaign go to: FranklinCommunityCenter.org. SS

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Saratoga’s Ski Shop Since 1941

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Live the Difference at

“It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it.” ~ John Burroughs WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

I type the address, 399 Clinton Street, into my GPS. I’ve never been to Saratoga’s Alpine Sport Shop before but have heard plenty from folks who’ve shopped there.

This adorable building reminds me of a Swiss Ski Chalet, and sits off to the left, welcoming me to step inside for a look-see.

I’m met at the door by Terri-Lynn, a longtime employee who tells me she loves working for the owners, Jack and Cathy Hay. She walks me around the sales floor, where I find all sorts of jazzy clothes, jackets, hats, and gloves to help me face the colder weather in style.

We wander through a side room, where I feast my eyes on the latest in downhill and cross-country skiing equipment, snowboards, and a variety of snowshoes – one of my favorite winter sports.

“Dealing with generations of customers is probably my favorite part of working here – over time, they all become like an extended family.” Terri-Lynn has been on the floor of Alpine Sport Shop for 25 years, and her smile of welcome is an easy, contagious one. She grins as I touch the warm fabrics, ask her about gift cards, and lament that I’m not a skier myself.

Cathy and Jack lead me to a couch and comfy chairs arranged around the fireplace. Explaining how ski pioneer Ed Taylor and his wife Jo started the Alpine Sport Shop in 1941, located on Spring Street back in the day, gives me a delightful glimpse into the past. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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In 1966

, Cathy’s parents, Thurlow and Dorothy Woodcock, purchased the business from Taylor and envisioned the building as it is today.

I ask the couple how they met. The two chuckle and hold hands before they answer. “My family started skiing in 1956 at Darrows Ski Tow on Locust Grove Road in Greenfield. We all loved the winter sport.” Cathy tells me. “Jack and I met in 1969 when we were both competing on the Saratoga Springs High School ski team.”

“Within two years, we were married,” Jack chimes in, face beaming. “Best decision of my life.”

When I ask Jessica, one of Jack and Cathy’s daughters, how she felt growing up in the world of skiing, snowshoeing, and the love of snow in general – she has a lot to say.

“Honestly, I didn’t know anything different than growing up surrounded by snow sports.” She tells me with a smile. “I know, times have changed, but I was one of the only kids I knew who downhill-skied. Eventually, I realized how lucky I was to be exposed to skiing in so many different places with my family. By the time I’d reached high school, I had met other kids who were skiers, and I’d begun teaching friends who were not skiers. It’s always been the absolute best thing about winter!”

Her eyes twinkle when she talks about her early memories of the shop.

“Some of my favorite memories began with getting off the school bus each day. I’d walk into the shop-which was next to our house. I loved seeing my grandparents and other family members who worked there. It was our home away from home, I guess. My clearest recollection is of my grandfather, always smoking his pipe and whistling a tune.”

Jack giving ski lessons.

Jessica shares that she worked in the family business during high school, and anytime she was home from college. She had fun helping customers and was excited to see new gear and clothing come out for the new season.

I’m impressed when I learn about the ski trips her parents hosted over the years. I picture the local community – all these snow-lovers, traveling worldwide, enjoying nature and the outdoor sport. They must have been thrilled about the opportunity.

Cathy and Jack explain how they got a phone call out of the blue one day from someone asking if they’d be interested in becoming hosts for international ski trips.

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The man that started it all... Cathy's father, Thurlow.

Ed & Jo Taylor

The first adventure

would be taking 85 skiers to Austria – a trip that would snowball into more – changing their lives for the better.

“Alpine has been running ski trips since 1994 – except for 2001, due to the 911 tragedy. Ski trips are a fantastic way to take our customers around North America, South America, and Europe. We’ve hosted as many as 100 travelers and as few as 24.

Cortina, Italy is one of the most popular; however, Colorado and New Mexico are also a great draw. At this time, we don’t have a trip planned for this season because of the pandemic. Hmmm... perhaps Chamonix, France is in our future. Who knows!” The couple laughs.

“I was a sophomore in high school when my mom and dad started to organize these trips,” Jessica tells me. “So, from my Junior year, I began to travel with them – right up till the time I was a mom with three kids of my own. I’m lucky and so grateful – I’ve been to some stunning mountains in Europe, as well as skiing trips out west and in British Columbia.”

Julia Lee, another daughter, grins when she talks about how the winter sport has always been a big part of her life. “The beauty of snow and skiing have always felt magical to me. I learned to ski when I was around three, so I can’t imagine not being on the mountain,” she shares with me.

“I cross-country skied as a kid, but my husband and I got into snowshoeing about ten years ago. It’s an excellent way for us to get outside, regardless if we’re working a lot. We even bought headlamps so we could go out after a busy day. Sometimes, those were the only hours we had – we didn’t want to lose them.”

Julia’s daughter just turned four, and she has her first pair of snowshoes. “We can’t wait to get out as a family this season!”

Julia has worked in the family business for 17 years and loves to watch generations of shoppers come into Alpine. “People who shopped with us when they were kids themselves – starting with their 1st pair of skis, now come to have us outfit their children in the same way. Honestly, it’s all about supplying local families with everything they need to get them out in the fresh air – out on the mountains to enjoy the winter weather.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Her first airplane jaunt was to Innsbruck,

Austria, on one of her parents’ ski trips. Julia shares how grateful she is to have enjoyed several ski-cations when she was a teenager. Later, she hosted a few with her sister and brother-in-law. Most recently, Julia and her husband guided a few groups to Europe for the shop.

Pretty cool.

And speaking a little more about generations of family skiers brings me to Charles V. Wait – a longtime friend and loyal customer of Alpine Sport Shop. His memories go way back, and I’m excited to hear them.

“My grandfather was a close friend of Ed Taylor, the man who’d started the ski area in Greenfield Center – known as Alpine Meadows back then. Ed began work clearing the land after returning from World War II,” Charles shares.

“Sometime in the late 1980s, I was part of a community effort to reopen Alpine Meadows. I was busy clearing a trail on the mountain. Uphill from me, I spotted Ed Taylor

“And can we talk about their womens' bus trips? We refer to them as ‘Chicks on Sticks trips,’ goodness, they’re so much fun!” and caught up with him. When he saw me, he looked down and said, “Charles – the last time I worked on clearing this trail, it was alongside your grandfather!”

Charles tells me his grandfather gave Ed his first loan to open the Alpine Sport Shop, then located on Spring Street, near the old Skidmore College campus. He also remembers the first item purchased by his family – a pair of aluminum skis just after the end of WWII.

right combination of clothing brands for quality and style are unequaled in any shop I have visited – whether in the United States or Europe.”

He continues with this last – most telling statement. “I’m happy to say that five generations of my family have purchased their ski equipment at the Alpine Sport Shop, my grandchildren the most recent.”

I don’t wonder why.

Another valued customer and friend of Alpine Sport Shop, Sue Barg, took a few minutes out of her busy day to talk with me.

She began shopping here in the early 90s when she started spending more time on the slopes.

Skiing has always been her favorite winter sport, and now that she’s retired, Sue spends even more time skiing.

“The Alpine Sport Shop is a great place to purchase quality equipment and clothing,” she tells me. “I appreciate the knowledge everyone is so willing to share with me about the products they sell.”

She’s also been on several ski trips over the years, starting in 1994, when she traveled to Austria. So far, Sue has taken part in over 20 exciting adventures headed by Alpine Sport Shop and looks forward to more.

“And can we talk about their women’s bus trips? We refer to them as ‘Chicks on Sticks trips,’ goodness, they’re so much fun!” Bromley Mountain in Vermont hosts a day that they call “Moms Day Off” and Alpine has taken as many as 110 women to join in the fun. All the proceeds of lift ticket sales purchased for that day are always donated to a woman's cancer organization.

Lee Burns, another longtime customer and friend of the shop shares many stories about her experience there over the years. “I came to Saratoga in the early ‘80s as a college student and discovered Alpine Sport Shop at the bottom of Clinton St. At that time, I had a pair of skis that required tuning, and Alpine was in walking distance of the campus,” she tells me with a smile.

Charles laughs at the memory. “They were solid aluminum and had the old bear trap bindings,” he recounts with a grin. “My father gave them to me, and I used them during one of my Saratoga Springs High School ski meets.”

Charles looks away for a moment before continuing with his story. “It was toward the end of the season, the course was a wide-open giant slalom, and it was early spring – very warm, with soft, wet snow. I put liquid detergent on the aluminum skis, and, man, they flew down the mountain. I placed the highest I’d ever ranked in a ski race that day.”

When we talk about the shop’s success, Charles quickly points out that Jack and Cathy are the ideal business team. Jack is one of the best skiers he’s ever known – unequaled in his knowledge of the equipment, local ski areas, and people throughout the industry.

“But, Cathy? Well, she is an accomplished skier in her own right, of course. Besides that, she has the best knowledge of ski fashion trends out there. Her ability to buy just the

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“After graduation,

I remained in the area and bought a new pair of skis from them…. Since that time, I can’t begin to count the pairs of skis and boots I’ve purchased from Alpine. Suffice it to say, LOTS!” Lee also states she has been part of 25 delightful skiing excursions and looks forward to more.

I find it fascinating – I have not heard one bad thing about the owners, the community ski trips, or the shop itself. I think it speaks volumes.

Everyone I speak with talks about the pandemic. None were surprised that folks spent 2020 getting outside more. Nature is wide-open, great for both mental and physical well-being. The Alpine Sport Shop saw quite an uptick in business during this trying time.

And everyone I interviewed said the same thing about the shop; There was not one single customer that stood out in their minds. “It’s more the way people light up when we talk about the shop, owners, or family of employees. Their kind words about how we greet and treat them during a visit say it all.”

Both Jack and Cathy agree, “Something in the forefront of our minds is the gratefulness we have for our employees. Each one brings a personal perspective, talent, and enthusiasm needed to operate a small “brick and mortar” business. We depend on each other for being a unique, strong team.

They’ve never let us down.”

To learn more about the Alpine Sport Shop, visit their website here; AlpineSportShop.com SS Cathy & Jack Circa, 2007 . Photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

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WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 23

The American

Dream

“Every new day is a chance to change your life.”

-Anonymous

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Hike

WRITTEN BY RAY O'CONOR PHOTOS PROVIDED

M

y grandparents left Ireland and stepped off a boat at Ellis Island on April 23, 1923. They and their eight children struggled through The Great Depression, living in the miseries of New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. My grandfather worked as a janitor, doorman and laborer before he was confined to a state institution for the mentally ill. Four of his sons joined the Army and served during World War II. The younger children found odd jobs, picked up deposit bottles off the street and sold shopping bags on Fifth Avenue to support the family. They survived the hard times and as the economy improved and the war ended, they became moms and dads and succeeded in the fields of education, business and other endeavors.

The dreamers of the past have given way to a new generation. Whether native born or from a far off land, millions of people, young and young at heart, want to share in the American Dream. Author Studs Terkel chronicled the stories of such dreamers in his best-selling book, American Dreams Lost and Found. I first read it when published in 1980 and thumbed through it again recently. I wondered, forty years after first opening its pages, what if anything has changed since he first recounted the stories of struggle and success of those who were blessed to have been born here and those who arrived to the United States from afar.

I invited four intrepid adventurers, Joe, Deanna, Rob and Tinashe, to set off with me to the Adirondack High Peaks on what I dubbed, The American Dream Hike. The roots of their journeys are dramatically different.

They or their parents, grandparents or great grandparents departed from four different continents (Europe, Asia, South America and Africa). Their common destination was as much an ideal as a place, The American Dream.

More than four decades in age separated the youngest from the oldest on this adventure.

Some of them met for the first time as they donned their hiking packs at the trailhead before setting off into the Adirondack High Peaks. Despite their disparate backgrounds, they share a common bond.

Joe’s ancestors arrived in America first. His great-great grandfather on his mother’s side of the family, traveled from Germany to the shores of the United States in 1882. He and a partner founded the New York Piano-forte Key Company, manufacturing keyboards and upright pianos. At its peak the company employed fifty workers. Joe’s great grandfather on his father’s side left Ireland for America about 1900. He worked in an automobile factory to save enough money to bring his wife, Mary, from County Cork to join him. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 25

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

-Nelson Mandela

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“When we seek to discover the best in others, we bring out the best in ourselves.”

-William Arthur Ward

“As a third generation (father’s side) & fourth generation (mother’s side) American, and being of European descent, my perspective of the American Dream is different than those who have arrived more recently. For those less fortunate than me, it may be an escape from persecution, oppression, poverty or fear, with the hope of safety and a chance to grow and flourish. The American dream is different for every person, and everyone’s vision of success is unique based on their goals and dreams.”

Joe has ascended more than three hundred mountains, but this hike was like no other. “The American Dream Hike brought me together with people of different nationalities and cultures. I’m very grateful to have shared the trails and learned more about others who came to the United States more recently and to hear their stories.”

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”- Goethe

Deanna is a first generation American. Her parents came to the United States from Peru in 1985. As is the case with so many immigrants, they struggled, but were determined to create a better life for themselves and their son and daughter. It wasn’t until she was in her twenties that Deanna fully understood the depth of the sacrifices that her parents made and how those sacrifices contributed to the prospects of a brighter future for her and her brother.

“My parents had an opportunity to come to this country in their mid-twenties. They started from scratch, doing whatever they had to do to take care of my brother and me. My mom and dad wanted to go to college to fulfill their own goals and dreams, but their limited knowledge of English and financial hardships made that impossible.”

Being a first generation American, Deanna wanted to pursue her dream, and in a way, fulfill her parent’s dreams as well by going to college. She owed it to her parents and herself to build on the foundation they created for her. She was grateful for the priceless gift of unlimited opportunity made possible by the courage of her parents and their decision to come to the ultimate land of opportunity.

“I will always cherish my mom and dad. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a chance to fulfill my aspirations. Some day when I have children, I’ll share my parent’s story with them. I want them to know the modest roots of our family and that they too can be anything they want to be.”

Deanna is the first member of her family to graduate from college and is now a gifted interior designer.

Rob was born in Seoul, South Korea and adopted by his parents when he was very young. He has a sister who was also adopted from South Korea. “I have to give a lot of credit to my parents for the way they raised my sister and I. They worked hard and provided us with a stable, middle class life. We were raised with a strong work ethic and to have empathy and respect for all people.”

WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 27

Growing up Asian American with Caucasian parents had its challenges, which for some adoptees include an identity crisis of sorts when their physical appearance doesn’t match the culture of their adopted family.

“One’s experiences in the world and their character should define a person,” Rob believes, “but an individual may be perceived by others more by what they look like.”

Rob’s parents helped him navigate these challenges growing up, while providing an excellent support system that allowed him and his sister to thrive.

“From cooking Korean meals, to letting us experience Korean culture at summer camps, they helped us understand our roots and celebrate our culture. We even hosted exchange students from Korea when I was a kid.”

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

-Harriett Beecher Stowe

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Left to Right: Joe, Tinashe, Deanna, Rob, Ray

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Although there were challenges, Rob is grateful for opportunities that are uncommon for other first generation immigrants. “Many looking to make the journey to our country don’t arrive to a life of stability. They come with nothing. But, the American Dream is ingrained in them. They’re inspired by earlier generations of immigrants who are part of the backbone of America, to work toward a life of meaning and prosperity for themselves and their families.”

Perhaps only in America can a first generation immigrant from South Korea and a first generation American meet and fall in love.

Deanna and Rob married recently and will pursue their dreams for the future together.

“My mom always wanted me to better myself,” Tinashe mused. “I wasn’t going to let her or myself down.”

The climb this day was the first venture to the high peaks for Tinashe, Rob and Deanna. They would ascend to the summit of Gothics at a height of 4,736 feet.

Their journey would take them over eleven miles of steep, challenging terrain to accomplish the mission.

I must admit that as we approached the trailhead at the start, I was concerned about their ability to reach the summit given their lack of

experience. However, with each step along the trail, I could see they were brimming with the kind of confidence and the conviction to succeed that had gotten them this far in their young lives. Given all that they had overcome, all that they had achieved and their zeal for life, I should have never had a doubt.

The American Dream is still alive. It belongs to all of us. Everyone has a calling and we must set forth to not only fulfill our own dreams, but to embrace and lift others to realize their dreams as well. SS

The youngest member of The American Dream Team is Tinashe, born in Zimbabwe, Africa. He is the son of a single mother, raised in one of the world’s poorest countries. The future looked bleak for Tinashe growing up, but thanks to a scholarship grant from the Davis United World Scholars Program, he was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the trajectory of his life.

Tinashe went from herding his grandmother’s goats and cattle in one of the forgotten rural corners of Africa, to finishing his remaining two years of high school in New Mexico. His education went beyond the classroom though, and included leading expeditions in the wilderness of America’s southwest.

“My mother was a teacher and often taught me by way of adages. It does not matter whether the cat is black or white, she would often say, as long as it catches mice.”

Her lessons inspired Tinashe to not limit his vision of what is possible. He could overcome his impoverished upbringing and differences in language, culture or race to achieve his goals and build a successful career. Tinashe recently graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Business. During his final semester he was offered an internship at GlobalFoundries, a global leader in technology manufacturing spanning three continents. Tinashe has come a long way against all odds. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 29

And the BEAT goes on...

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

Frank Manning, a man of many talents.

Performing has been a lifelong passion.

Frank works with the writer’s husband, Chuck, to side a shed.

hat does a retired cop from New Rochelle, NY, do after moving north to Saratoga County to start a new chapter of his life? Frank Manning of Edinburg had no shortage of ideas. A talented musician, this piano-playing, guitar-strumming singer immediately sought out opportunities to perform at weddings, parties, and assisted living facilities.

W

“I studied organ and piano growing up,” the 53-year-old says, “and I attended the Westchester Conservatory of Music prior to entering the police force. During my 20 years as a policeman, I played in different bands and did some solo work. I tend to gravitate toward soft rock and ballads like Billy Joel, Elton John, and James Taylor.”

Although Manning primarily accompanies himself on the piano, the spirited singer enjoys slipping five or six guitar pieces into every gig. “I’m basically a strummer,” he says with a megawatt smile, “but I’m always working on getting

30 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

On lunch break, Frank heads to the piano.

better at it. Switching between the two instruments offers variety, which people seem to enjoy.”

After putting in his time as a patrolman in New Rochelle’s business district, Manning was more than ready for a change. Having always enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing, he eagerly headed north to find acreage in a more rural setting. His wife, Nicole, was very much onboard with this plan. Originally from Wisconsin, she, too, enjoyed the beauty, peace, and open space of country living.

Initially, the couple checked out property in the Catskills.

Then, on a whim, they headed north to the Adirondacks.

After living briefly in Lake Luzerne, they found their forever home on a 32-acre parcel of land in Edinburg, surrounded by the very best Mother Nature has to offer.

Since retiring in 2009, Manning has held a number of diverse jobs. “I enjoy the challenge of learning new things,” he says. “I’m naturally curious, and I’m not afraid to fail.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

A few years back, he signed on as a deck hand for the tugboat ‘Urger.’ Built around 1901 as part of the Erie Canal Corporation’s fleet, Manning enjoyed traversing the canal from the Hudson River to Buffalo, offering tugboat tours and history lessons to school children.

Manning has worked as a UPS warehouse stockman, gourmet food employee, laborer, and carpenter. No matter what his day job, however, he continues to nurture his artistic side. In addition to sharing his musical talents at private gatherings, community events, and senior facilities, Manning enjoys woodworking and freelance writing.

To date, he has written seven e-books for children.

Available on Amazon, six of them comprise a nature series covering reptiles, fish and ocean creatures, mammals, birds, bugs, and baby animals. His seventh book, CALM, is a pictorial creation designed to help kids find peace and serenity in their lives. As a naturalist, at home in the wilds, the author was eager to share his appreciation for nature with the younger set.

An avid fan of crossword puzzles, Manning has recently begun creating his own. “I look forward to the New York Times weekend crossword puzzles all week. I’m not quite to the point of submitting yet, but I’m getting closer. I figure I’ll start at the top with the Times and work my way down.”

A few years back, at Nicole’s suggestion, the couple decided to give up carbs and starches for a week and

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

see what happened. When the challenge ended, Nicole had dropped 10 pounds and Frank, nine. Ever since then, they’ve committed themselves to a Keto style of eating, with remarkable results.

“I’m down 80 pounds,” Manning says. “My wife and I both lost a lot of weight and feel great.”

Like countless other performing artists, Manning suffered a sharp drop in bookings over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he has put his down time to good use, practicing piano and guitar and working up new material, he looks forward to getting back out there again when the health crisis eases.

“I miss playing out,” he says. “Nothing beats performing to a live audience.”

So, what does a retired cop from New Rochelle do after moving north to Saratoga County? When it comes to Frank Manning, a more accurate question might be: “What doesn’t he do?” Hardly ‘done’ with his working career, this dynamic and talented man spends his time rekindling old interests, picking up new skills, taking long walks in the woods with his wife and their canine companion, Titan, and, of course, tickling the ivories and making music—all the while waiting and watching for his next great adventure to come along.

Frank Manning can be reached at saratogasounds@hotmail.com

SS

WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 31

What’s Your Word?

Setting Solid Intentions in the New Year

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlfritz@gmail.com

A

s we settle into a New Year full of renewed hope, resolutions, and goals it’s easy to lose steam and energy in honoring your new intentions. Whether you want better health, peace in your relationships or greater abundance in every area of your life, the gray days and cold temperatures can hinder our outlook and the energy we have in everyday life.

One of the best ways to be consistent and to approach each day with clarity and purpose is to pick a word that reflects what you want more of in 2021.

Some examples would be peace, acceptance, mindfulness, present, energy, health and/or self-worth.

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Take some time to reflect on these words, the meaning and how they make you feel.

Write them down on an index card that you can carry with you and look at the list of For example, if the word is WORTHY, and words throughout the day. the intention is that for the new year you want to have a greater sense of worth in If you struggle with believing you are every-day life you would then look up the worthy of good things, then it’s important to take the time to reprogram your brain to synonyms to that word. recognize what it means to have a deeper sense of self-worth.

• admirable Think of this exercise as a way to treat a

• decent computer virus. When you consistently download these words into your

• deserving consciousness you are treating the virus

• desirable of unworthiness.

• excellent This simple exercise can help you set the

• honest stage for success in the New Year and help you to let go of old patterns and

• laudable words that no longer serve you such as,

• noble disappointment, regret, exhaustion and hopelessness.

• reliable Once you decide what this word is for you, take some time and look up all the synonyms to the word you chose.

• satisfying

• true

• trustworthy

• valuable

• worthwhile

Take some time today to think about what you want your word to be and then explore the meaning and synonyms of your word in a deeper way.

Side effects are greater peace, renewed energy and mindfulness.

You are worth it.

SS

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Seasons of Saratoga’s

COLE BRODERICK

Jazzed Up and Reimagined to roll into 2021 with rock drummer

SEAN FLYNN WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED

E

nding 2020 on a sour note was an option composer-pianist Cole Broderick simply refused to entertain.

“Improvisation is at the heart of every jazz artist,” notes the regional music treasure whose performance calendar for the first year of the new decade was filling up fast when he celebrated his 75th birthday in February.

“What option did I have after scores of gigs had to be canceled in a quest to prevent the spread of the coronavirus other than to begin improvising variations on themes involving ways my future career might play out against the uncertain backdrop of a pandemic?”

Serendipitously, similar thoughts were drumming around in the head of Broderick’s late wife Suzanne’s multi-talented son Sean Flynn, after the two popular rock bands with which he was booked to perform were also mandated to cancel gigs commencing with the State of Emergency declared by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo in March 2020.

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All Jazzed up to rock in 2021 Drummer Sean Flynn and composer-pianist Cole Broderick

WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 33

Before long, the classically trained pianist and the self-taught drummer and bona fide Renaissance man found themselves brainstorming about the possibility of pooling their talents as an innovative duo with an exciting twist, gravitating to high energy instrumental sounds with a modern take on jazz classics.

“Although the pandemic has shut down live music in unprecedented ways, there is still a demand for performances that are conducive to smaller, more intimate events like private parties and weddings. Our new duo is ideal for such events -- focusing on ambiance and mood setting,” says Flynn, whose diverse skill set additionally includes those of computer whiz, home renovator, furniture reupholster, recording studio engineer-producer, and, most recently, wooden boat restorer. But that’s another story!

One thing is for sure. It was a long and winding road that led Flynn and Broderick to the door of their new entertainment venture. “Because we specialize in different musical genres, Sean and I had performed together only once before, when he filled in for my drummer and also gave a stirring solo vocal rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine that deeply moved the audience during a special holiday concert in Saratoga Springs,” recalls Broderick. But that was two decades ago, shortly after the Seasons of Saratoga 4-CD box set featuring the sounds of The Cole Broderick Quartet garnered a Critic’s Choice from Billboard. The quartet and I were performing on stages in settings ranging from festivals to concert halls. I couldn’t imagine getting up in front of an audience other than as part of a high energy jazz ensemble.”

Broderick had been mega motivated to complete the Seasons of Saratoga after receiving a personal hand-written note early on in the multi-faceted musical project from FRASIER co-star David Hyde Pierce who wrote: "The jazz is as cool as it is hot ... obviously Saratoga has a good influence on all aspects of the arts, from dance to theater, from Balanchine to Broderick."

The flurry of publicity that followed the Billboard citation ultimately led to the playing of Broderick’s original compositions on radio stations across the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe. In addition, the maestro and his sizzling jazz ensemble were featured nationally on Bobby Flay’s Food Network. He and the quartet subsequently dazzled fans in settings ranging from Albany’s Tulip Festival to the Freihofer Jazz Festival at SPAC to Glen Sanders Mansion in Schenectady to the Troy Music Hall.

Sixteen-year-old Aiden Irish, who receives private piano lessons in his uncle Cole Broderick's studio, donated his vocal talents to an outdoor birthday celebration at which the 75-year-old entertainer performed on an electric keyboard in Ballston Spa. Photo by Ann Hauprich

Since going solo around the time of his 60th birthday, Broderick has entertained at private parties and corporate events, 34 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Composer-pianist Cole Broderick.

Portrait by Donna MartinVillage Photo

“We played in Albany and Lake George as well as at Bailey’s, Saratoga City Tavern, Harvey’s and The Tap and Barrel in Saratoga Springs and, of course, I’m looking forward to performing with them again as soon as it is safe to do so”

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including fundraisers for regional and national not-for-profits. A highlight of his sixth decade came when Broderick was tapped on the 50th anniversary of The Beatles arrival in the USA to open and close a series of NY Living Legacy lectures with his arrangements of some of The Fab Four’s most popular songs -- which he also performed as part of a landmark 2014 concert at The Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany.

When not tickling the ivories beneath a spotlight prior to the pandemic, Broderick was also regularly keeping musical memories alive for those residing in assisted living centers throughout upstate New York. Although such performances have been rare since March, taking place in open air settings where mask-wearing and social distancing are strictly enforced, Broderick has given weekly private indoor piano concerts throughout 2020 to his elderly and infirm homebound in-laws. He also gave of his time and treasure as a masked outdoor entertainer, performing on an electric keyboard in a driveway as part of a Ballston Spa neighbor’s 80th birthday celebration.

But let’s get back to the future. Back to the time when Broderick and Flynn performed together for what both believed would be the first and only time. Then in his early 30s, Flynn began designing CD covers (including the one for Seasons of Saratoga) as well as producing CDs for a multitude of performing artists in his Spirit 11 recording studio on Saratoga Lake.

“For 10 years I recorded and produced many jazz bands. I fell in love with jazz -- especially the big band sound. Being a drummer, I especially enjoyed Buddy Rich. Jazz eventually became a part of my own practice regimen giving it a driving edge with rock sensibility.”

After Flynn recorded and produced Broderick’s eighth CD titled A Solo Piano Tribute to The Beatles in 2014 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the arrival of The Fab Four in the USA, the pianist was tapped to perform in the spotlight at The Egg in Albany. He would also devote countless hours to creating fresh arrangements of compositions from The Great American Songbook. Broderick was soon in demand in a multitude of settings throughout the greater Capital Region where audiences yearned to hear music from the 1920s to the 1960s.

Until the pandemic struck,Flynn’s schedule was packed with performances as a drummer and back-up singer with a pair of rock bands: Deadbeat Valentine (a quartet that also features lead guitarist and vocalist Tom Verini, bassist Josh Bruno and rhythm guitarist Mike Bushy) and The Dude Abides (a quintet that additionally showcases the talents of band founder and rhythm guitarist Mike Cassia, lead vocalist Gabe Leifer, bassist Glen Gravina and lead rhythm guitarist Pat Ginnely.)

“We played in Albany and Lake George as well as at Bailey’s, Saratoga City Tavern, Harvey’s and The Tap and Barrel in Saratoga Springs and, of course, I’m looking forward to performing with them again as soon as it is safe to do so,” muses Flynn, who is saddened by the multitudes in the music industry who have been hurt by the pandemic. “So many have had live performances canceled, putting both artists and their crews out of work.

But I can envision a dedicated site, a platform including pay-for-view and other exciting future possibilities.”

“In some ways, what’s unfolding now with Cole feels like a Circle of Life moment in time because my mom Suzanne (who passed away in 1995) was instrumental in encouraging him to create the Seasons of Saratoga.

Her favorite compositions were "Springtime in Saratoga" followed by "Potato Pancakes" and the beautiful ballad Cole wrote paying tribute to her titled "Soul Mate." We intend to put a new twist on some of these originals in our duo. We’d also like to create something special in her memory.”

A PERSONAL PARTING NOTE: Having witnessed Sean’s soulful rendition of "Imagine" on a snowy winter’s night two decades ago, I find myself wishing on a Christmas star that he, along with his amazing sons Ryan and Marshall, would consider jamming with Cole this holiday season to an as-yet unwritten song titled "Reimagine." In addition to having a superb singing voice, 29-yearold Ryan has mastered the guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, tuba, and trombone while 15-year-old Marshall plays a mean guitar, bass, and viola. As the sun prepares to set on 2020, it’s not hard to imagine "Reimagine" becoming the signature song-of today’s younger generation who will one day be telling their grandchildren about what life was like at the dawn of The COVID Era. SS WINTER 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 35

The Corner of COVID and Main Street

a Project in Humanity

STORY AND COLOR PHOTOS BY THERESA ST. JOHN BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS BY JON DRAGONETTE

It's a warm Sunday morning in December - a welcome surprise

amid everything else 2020 has thrown at us.

I'll take it; winter has never been my favorite, and the fresh air and sunshine are a balm to my weary soul.

Nursing a steaming cup of coffee from Mrs. London's, I sit across the table from a young man I've only just met.

Jon Dragonette is a native of Saratoga. He grew up alongside a twin brother and a loving mom and dad. After graduating, Jon moved to San Francisco, where he lived for six years, then on to Los Angeles, where he's been for the last 11.

As a freelance photographer, he had to pivot - rethinking his work life, just like the rest of us when the pandemic hit.

"Jobs weren't coming in like before," he tells me, taking a sip from his to-go cup. "Lockdown was hard on all of us. I decided to self-assign a project to keep me from going crazy."

Jon began walking around the city, taking in the eerie silences, the empty streets, the tall buildings with closed 36 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

doors and darkened windows. He took photographs and developed them during those first several months, noting the deadness - realizing more each day that it was people, not beautiful architecture, who breathed life, energy, and hope into LA's neighborhoods.

Deciding to camp along the Kern River in central California for a little while, Jon found himself slowly shifting gears when contemplating his photography project. "I thought about how every single person is affected by COVID-19," His piercing eyes turn away for a moment, and he grows quiet, watching people walk by us on Broadway. "People are surviving, and people are dying. There are too many folks losing their jobs, a roof over their head, and food on their tables."

I take a deep breath and share how my oldest sister just passed away - how none of us could be there with her during the last horrid months because of the pandemic.

It's hard to breathe; the pain is overwhelming. Tears leak out of my eyes. I take a moment to compose myself, and Jon lets me. I tell him how grateful I am for the hospice nurses who could sit beside her at the end - but lament it should have been loved ones instead. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

"That's what I mean," he emphatically states. "We're all suffering this year. And the disease should be banding us together, right? Instead, we're more divided than ever. There's social unrest, mask debates, political discord, and so much more."

Jon decided he wanted to make a difference - no matter how big or small it turned out to be. The Corner of Covid and Main Street became his focus.

He began photographing people instead of buildings, human beings instead of empty streets. His images were black & white, capturing a bit of the anguish and uncertainty, both tears and smiles behind his subjects' masks.

"About a month into the project, I opened an email from the Los Angeles Natural History Museum. They'd caught wind of the project and wanted to know if I'd submit my work as part of their permanent archives."

WOW -talk about a huge honor.

"By then, I was thinking about branching out - traveling across the country to document everyday people from all walks of life, taking photos and listening to how they were dealing with this catastrophic illness and its fall out."

When I ask him where his travels led, he rattles off a list of cities in quick succession.

In early November, he left for Phoenix; then Austin, New Orleans, Birmingham, Nashville, Ashville, Washington DC, Philly, NYC, and Saratoga, where he's been able to check in with his family these last few days. He tells me it's been great to see loved ones, even though it's under crappy circumstances.

Jon grins and nods his head when I ask if they'll be part of the project too. Like, umm, of course.

"Look, the message of my project is simple; Every single person is important.

Every single one of us counts. I feel good being able to record so many faces across the USA. In the end? I hope to show unity - in our country and across the world as a whole. We've never needed it more than today."

I couldn't agree more.

You can contribute to Jon's GoFundMe page here: gf.me/u/y3ui5g

Or find and follow him on Instagram: @jondragonette saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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sponsored content

Abilities Preschool:

Move to Learn!

I

n a sun-filled classroom, children covered their hands in sparkly slime, made designs, shapes and letters in trays of salt, and scooped puzzle pieces from bins of rice. The teacher guided students to line up on the colored floor stickers and push chairs together for circle time.

This was just another day at Abilities Preschool, which expanded its innovative play-based teaching approach through a 2,500 square foot addition in their Wilton location.

Co-owners and directors, Stacey Frasier and Val Keen, share a similar vision for creatively addressing the developmental and educational needs of children in a fun, play-based, nurturing, and stimulating environment. With more than 25 years of experience each, Frasier, an Occupational Therapist and Keen, a Speech Language Pathologist, combined their talents, and created a comprehensive learning rich environment for all children.

Their team consists of nurturing, supportive, and experienced teachers, therapists, and administrative staff. Frasier and Keen are grateful for the happy and caring culture. “Our positive workplace operates on a set of values based on interpersonal kindness” explained Frasier. “We have an amazing team and all love what we do” Keen reported.

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A proud member of their team is 23 year old Taylor Brooks who met Frasier and Keen at just 6 weeks old when they became an integral part of her therapy team. 23 years later, Brooks now works along side of Frasier and Keen, as a preschool teacher’s aide, sharing in the excitement of the additional programs. “Working there inspires me. I always wanted to work with kids” Taylor commented. Witnessing Taylor, a child with Down Syndrome, overcome many challenges and grow into a caring, kind young lady, has been a rewarding experience for Frasier and Keen. They express how proud they are of Taylor and how grateful they are to have her as part of the team.

Keen reports that Abilities offers regular education preschool classrooms as well as classrooms for students with educational special needs from 18 months. Frasier ads that the new addition houses more classrooms, offices, therapy spaces, and new students.

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Within the now 5,000 square foot center, children can explore the sensory motor gym which includes climbing structures, swings, a ball pit, zip track, monkey bars, a slide and more… year round! The gym is surrounded by creatively designed and inviting classrooms and therapeutic spaces. Not only does the gym look like fun, but there is a great deal of strategy behind each detail. Frasier emphasized, “There’s a method to our madness. We feel that it’s important to go back to the basics and provide the experiences that are an integral part of development to build strength and coordination for play, self-care, and academic skills (ie: cutting and handwriting).

The Handwriting Without Tears program is incorporated into all age curriculums whether learning their colors, learning to draw shapes, a person, or to write their name. The newly added Yoga sessions help our children to calm, focus and build strength. A favorite quote of Frasier’s is in the book, “A Moving Child is a Learning Child, ” which states “Climbing, hanging, swinging, and any other high-energy activities that build strength in his upper body and core muscles are vital precursors to fine motor skills”. (McCarthy, C. Connell). YES!!!

MONKEY BARS!!!

Frasier and Keen opened the Center in Wilton in August of 2018 when they saw a need for early childhood special education in the northern region of Saratoga County.

With regular education classrooms and integrated classrooms, the addition will now allow the preschool to expand its continuum of services that allow children to stay in one setting throughout their preschool experience, as opposed to moving schools halfway through their education as their needs change!

Abilities currently has two integrated classrooms where children with identified educational special needs are taught in the same classroom as children who do not have the same needs. Their integrated program, referred to as High Peaks, is a language based developmental program where 3 and 4 year old children with and without educational special needs learn together in a play oriented setting. Keen ads that it is a program in which two teachers, one with a special education focus, work collaboratively to teach an integrated classroom. This program follows the same Pre-School Curriculum as all other Abilities classes, while also providing additional advantages. Keen further explains that the integration of children stimulates the progress of all of the children in many areas of development including language, social emotional, motor and self help skills. The children without identified needs learn quickly in a developmentally appropriate environment and are more likely to develop positive attitudes, empathy, the understanding that others have different experiences and perspectives, and gain an appreciation for diversity. Frasier summarizes that being an equal member of a classroom community provides many important benefits including increase of self esteem and the formation of friendships.

“We really wanted to be able to provide all children with a language immersed preschool program,” said Keen.

It was a vision that they ran with. Having professionals on site is beneficial, as they are available to screen development, evaluate, and support all of the students at Abilities.

Abilities is an approved Early Intervention program and an approved preschool special education provider of the New York State Education Department. SS

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H&G Randall Perry Photography

Flip the page for the rest of the house... saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Archite Randall Perry Photography 42 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

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cturally SPEAKING FOLLOW US AS WE EXPLORE SOME OF THE AREA'S UNIQUE SPACES

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Having a Blast

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER,PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

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An ideal spot for entertaining that’s set in stone.

N

estled among the trees at the end of a long, winding driveway, is a home that is not only inspired by the surrounding landscape but built into it.

UNEARTHING A HIDDEN GEM

When Dave and Jane Bangert decided to build their dream home in 2010, the first thing they fell in love with was the property - a gorgeous, eight and a half-acre wooded lot in Greenfield Center with the Snook Kill creek running through it.

This hamlet is the perfect place to host guests. The vibrancy of Saratoga Springs is conveniently located just minutes away from the relaxed atmosphere of this secluded spot.

The hidden gem of this 6,502 sq. ft.

5-bedroom, 3.5 bath home is its expansive entertaining area – a space that almost never was.

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Randall Perry Photography

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ROCK OF AGES

Designed by Timberpeg, a New Hampshire-based builder specializing in post and beam construction, one of the most appealing features of this custom home – the fully-finished basement - a lounging paradise complete with 9-foot ceilings - was originally planned to be a crawl space.

By blasting into the Corinthian granite however, the builders were able to create enough extra space for the gaming area where the couple’s pool table now resides. Just beyond the large windows is a view of the elegant granite, now reformed into a block surround.

The basement also features a complete bar, a built-in dartboard and indoor shuffleboard. There’s a den with a double-sided gas fireplace (fully visible whether you’re playing a game or watching one on the big screen). There is also a bedroom, a full bath, and additional access to the three-car garage.

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SUN PEAKS

The fun found downstairs is paired with a show-stopping main level.

The great room is a marvel of ingenious choices. Here nature and sophistication blend together harmoniously.

Dave took the reins, onsite daily to lead this home’s 10-month build, including the great room’s massive windows, that leave it drenched in natural light and lead the eye up to its grand cathedral ceilings. As the president of Window Tech Systems in Malta, Dave knows how to build a better view.

Both the windows and its exterior gables have a secret – they’re not what they seem.

While they both look like wood, the windows actually have sturdy aluminum frames, and the exterior gables are made from Nichiha cement board that looks like cedar but is practically maintenance free.

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Randall Perry Photography

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HIDDEN CHARMS

A RUSTIC SAISON’S RAISON D’ÊTRA

Below the reddish hues of the beautiful Douglas Fir beams, a modern kitchen is tucked into the open floor plan – stocked with top-end appliances like a wine fridge but built discreetly into the center island.

In the Spring, the snow melts and flows into the Snook Kill creek. Its beautiful babbling sounds become a serene background symphony to the birds’ delightful songs.

With so much to brag about in this home, its these hidden charms that make it really special.

This home, called the Rustic Saison, is constructed with woods the rich color of fine brews, and is also a place where every season has become Jane’s favorite season.

The long summer days are filled with lawn games like ladder ball and cornhole. They are followed by even longer summer nights in the garden landscaped with native plantings provided by Brookside Nursery.

Whether you’re toasting marshmallows around the sunken fire pit, or sitting on the screened-in porch, the quiet is pierced only by the occasional hoot of a barred owl or a coyote’s howl.

Even the water coming from the taps is as ancient as the stone this home is set in.

Bursting up from a well drilled 740 feet down, this is pure, glistening refreshment. You’re not just given a glass of this water in this house; you’re given one affectionately named the “Bangert 740.”

The mahogany and slate floors underfoot mimic the great room’s grand fireplace, which has been finished with rock from Adirondack Natural Stone in Whitehall.

As impressive as it is to gather around, however, what really heats this place up, is what you can’t see.

Behind its structurally insulated panels is an amazingly elaborate piping system that pumps hot water heat through the home’s seven zones and the radiant flooring throughout the basement and first story floors. This makes it warm and inviting in the winter and keeps it cool in the summer. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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In the fall, a hike through the forest reveals the pine, birch, oak, and maple trees with their leaves’ brilliant colors on full display.

Randall Perry Photography

The sizable mud room boasts plenty of room to store outdoor gear, making it super easy to get outside for snowshoeing during those long winter months.

There’s so much to do at this Rustic Saison, you and your guests may never want to leave.

Listed for $1,399,900. For more information, contact Orson Klender, Principal Broker, Saratoga Real Estate Associates at 518-588-2319 or www.orsonklender.com. SS

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Colleen's Picks

Susan Blackburn Photography

A carefully curated selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

Warm Thoughts, New Beginnings and a Bright Future

Colleen Coleman is the Principal of CMC Design Studio LLC located in Saratoga Springs. With certifications in Kitchen & Bath Design, Aging in Place and True Color Expert, her curated design extends into all areas of her field including new construction, historical and major renovations. Her passion is in designing & customizing hand-crafted cabinets for all areas of the residential market.

Oh, it was so marvelous to see the ball drop into 2021! I think just for a moment, we all felt a sense of relief and sincere joy! We most definitely have better days ahead. In retrospect, there were many lessons learned, resilience in patience and humility, and countless acts of neighbor helping neighbor that will keep our memories of the past year guarded from many other experiences we would rather forget. I want to thank each and every reader for all your local shopping, confidence in ordering out or dining in with our community restaurants and being the Saratoga Community to each other that we all cherished throughout 2020! Each and everyone of you, yes YOU, have made Saratoga Springs a better place to live!

As we move into 2021, I thought keeping our eyes on the things that brings warmth, offer new beginnings and center on a bright future would be a great way to start off the new year! So, let’s get to it!

At GRANITE AND MARBLE WORKS, you will find an absolutely spectacular Agate Gemstone slab. Made of large agate pieces arranged together, these individual stones form a joint new beginning! Look carefully, the color magnifies the narrative around trending colors of balance and natural harmony, the stability of the agate pieces secured in one another…just as we have done for each other. I love that this stone is so reflective of who we are as a community.

What a magnificent statement for your kitchen island or a bar backsplash…I can even see it as a focal point behind a freestanding tub! Talk about drawing you into nature, soothing away all your worries of the day! Another great offering is the Leathered Blue Mare or sometimes called “Blue Sea” Quartzite with dramatic veining and coloring! The leathered finish is more of a matte finish with a slight sense of texture as you run your hand across the face of the slab. It allows you to feel, really feel, the stone and all its veining. This adds a sense of warmth to what we normally would think of as a cold stone. For a kitchen, I pair a leathered top on the island or in the Butler’s pantry with a more polished option on the main countertop surfaces. The subtle variances add so much character along with the different tactile experiences in the same space!

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GRANITE & MARBLE WORKS, INC 8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton GraniteAndMarbleWorks.com 518-584-2800

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Let’s get cozy! Warm thoughts about the fireplace needs a cozy chair to snuggle in! At THE FURNITURE HOUSE, you’ll find this Wesley Hall Vance Chair with it’s soft, curving lines cascading down to beautifully outstretched rear legs. Wood accents just under the arm rests, quietly parallel the front and side rails below.

Available in hundreds of fabrics and leather, this chair measures a generous 29” wide by 36” deep. So, snuggle up with a book and let the evening take you away!

THE FURNITURE HOUSE 11254 Route 9P Saratoga Springs TheFurnitureHouseNY.com (518) 587-9865

For accessories, I love the items I find at ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE. Take for instance the 18” square Cotton Embroidered Pouf. One of my favs to add to a casual sitting space for a spare seat, side table or even a foot rest. The applique and fringe play into the same colors I spoke about before…natural and soothing…something we could all use to start our new year off right! Pair this with one of their 60” L x 50” W Cotton Embroidered Throws. The tassels add a playful nod to the stitching while the colors evoke every element of the earth from sea, sand, and stars! Both are a great way to bring a bright beginning into any space!

ACCENTS GIFTS, DECOR & MORE Inside Allerdice Ace Hardware 2570 Route 9 Malta facebook.com/AccentsAtAllerdice 518.899.6222

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Colleen's Picks

And what would I do without EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCES? I personally rely on their expertise to ensure my clients get the best service and appliances for all their needs. Take for instance the Bosch Pocket Handle Dishwasher. It’s a perfect match (no handle) to any kitchen regardless of brand. To ensure a smooth flow visually of appliances, you want to match the handles as much as possible.

Some appliance will boast a professional handle, while others may have a graceful curve. Keeping these lines all the same allow the eye to move about the kitchen without constant distraction from the overall beauty of the space. And who knew the dishwasher could make that so much easier! And if you are looking to brighten your future with a new kitchen this year, you are in for a treat. Take time to look over the true cooking of a French engineered La Cornue Range. One of the first gas ranges that has ignited culinary experiences since 1908. You see, most ovens are flat topped on the interior, but Albert Dupuy, the genius behind cooking rather than just heating food, developed the vaulted ceiling to usher heat around the food, avoiding the heat from being trapped from beneath! Now La Cornue has many, I mean, many different configurations, styles, colors and accents to choose from. Its precision in cooking is legendary. If you are in the market for a luxury range, take a moment to look over this culinary phenomenon, it just might be the new beginning of a beautiful relationship with cooking!

EARL B. FEIDEN 1771 Route 9, Clifton Park EarlBFeiden.com 518.383.2215

I’m excited about 2021, how about you? I know we will have a brighter year, full of friends, gatherings, and just spending time with the ones we love. In reflection, I am so honored to be invited to write to you in each issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine and bring the best of our local shops to your doorsteps!

I thank all my readers who look forward to hearing about the finds I seek, the interior design articles I love writing and reporting on the trends as they change and mold the world we call home. May all of you have a blessed year…filled with warm laughter, S a fresh start and a bright future! S Until next time my friends,

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net “Creating Environments for Life” TM

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WITH

JOHN REARDON

HELLO MY FOODIE FRIENDS! One of my chores growing up was putting the leftovers away after a meal. Before the age of zip lock and plastic there was wax paper. My brothers and sisters loved inventing different ways to wrap food.

We also loved the feel and texture of the paper.

It was smooth and easily folded. If we were wrapping PB&J sandwiches for school, it was also very lickable.

Mom always tried to get us to re-use it, but it hardly made two uses. We could tear it out of the roll to all different sizes. My brother Dan (middle child) was the inventor in the family, so he took two entire rolls of my mother’s wax paper, Elmer’s glue and a cardboard box to make the coolest looking wax paper airplane you’ve ever seen. He called it the waxed “Spruce Goose” (we liked reading about the real one in school). My brother grabbed my father’s step ladder and exclaimed to my younger brother Bill and me “Let’s fly her off the roof!” Our house was one story, and the roof was easy to get to in the back, off the porch. In the history of the Reardon family this moment in time stood out to my parents. My father was coming home from the store and observed lots of children from around the neighborhood gathering around the outside of his house. The children were all looking up and Dad followed their gaze. He often said that this was the day his hair turned gray. His three boys were on his roof with a very large cardboard and wax paper contraption. The children below were shouting “Spruce Goose, Spruce Goose”!

We saw his car coming into the driveway as Dan let his masterpiece go. The plane seemed like it was programmed to fly right at my dad’s beloved Ford pickup truck. Dad frantically veered left and the “Spruce Goose” followed. One moment mom’s beautiful rose bushes were there, and the next moment they were not. Three young boys scrambled to the ladder and descended faster than experienced firemen. The punishment was many weekends cleaning the cement floor in the basement. John, Danny and Billy Reardon had become legends in our neighborhood because of the wax paper “Spruce Goose.”

During this time, you may find that you are staying home and taking care of your loved ones. Americans have rediscovered the value of the family meal during the coronavirus crisis and plan to eat together more postpandemic. During the past year we have been converting 58 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | WINTER 2021

our kitchen table tops into makeshift office space and a temporary classroom. This new reality means slowing down and staying healthy. That includes fewer trips to the grocery store and getting more mileage out of meals.

Properly storing fruits, vegetables, herbs, bread, and leftovers can help keep your refrigerator and pantry well-stocked during this challenging time. You may be tired of your own cooking but eating at home is an easy way to avoid waste. Here are some easy ways to store fruit, vegetables, herbs, and bread with Bee's Wrap that will keep your food tasting fresh. Made in Vermont, Bee’s Wrap is made with organic cotton muslin, beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. This combination of ingredients creates a malleable food wrap that can be used over and over.

Washable, reusable, and compostable, Bee’s Wrap allows food to breathe and keeps food fresher for longer.

How do Bee’s wraps work?

Using the heat of your hands shape your Bee’s wrap around bowls and food to create a breathable seal. Play around and feel how they are malleable when warm and hold their shape when cold. Avoid using your wrap with raw meat and fish, dishwashers, or microwaves. The Bee’s Wrap is a great alternative to other methods of wrapping foods.

Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store, to help you wrap it up in your kitchen. We also have a great assortment of cool tools for cooks to assist you with your culinary needs. Try making your own Spruce Goose but stay off the roof!

Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen” …with your family!

TAKE CARE, JOHN AND PAULA saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Here is a delicious spin on Lasagna to serve during these cold winter evenings.

PESTO BOLOGNESE LASAGNA

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 3/4-pound ground spicy Italian sausage 1/2-pound lean ground beef salt and black pepper 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes 1/4 cup tomato paste 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 bay leaf 1 cup whole milk 2 cups shredded provolone cheese 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles grated parmesan and fresh basil, for serving INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the onion is fragrant and beginning to caramelize.

Add the bell pepper, garlic, sausage, and beef, brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes.

2. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaves, milk, and 1 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Stir to combine. Cook over medium for 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Or cook, covered, for up to 3 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally.

The longer you can cook, the more flavorful. Remove the bay leaves and discard. If your sauce seems thick, add 1/2 cup additional water to thin.

4. In a medium bowl combine the ricotta and pesto.

5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Spread 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce onto the bottom of the dish. Top with 3-4 lasagna sheets.

Spread with 1/2 the ricotta cheese mixture, another 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce, and half of the provolone.

Place another 3-4 lasagna noodles on top. Then top with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, another 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce, and the remaining provolone.

Add the remaining lasagna noodles and pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over top. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top has bubbled up and browned a bit. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. SS

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Relaxed gatherings your guest will love...

and you will too!

A HYGGE INSPIRED CELEBRATION

Winter is full upon us with the usual snow and frigid temperatures we experience each year. While the weather may be the same as in years past, many other aspects of our lives have changed as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. For safety, we have had to rethink and reimagine many of our social activities such as home entertaining. At-home gatherings are smaller in size and limited to household members only. However there is an upside to this dilemma which can be found in the concept of Hygge.

Hygge, (pronounced “hoo-guh”) is a Danish term that expresses a sense of coziness and contentment at home with our household members. So, as we move through this challenging time lets embrace this concept and celebrate our homes and those we share them with. I have put together a Hygge inspired celebration with easy to prepare comforting dishes perfect for a winter evening.

THE CLASSIC WHISKEY SOUR

Many folks only know Whisky Sours made from packaged sour mix, but making this cocktail “from scratch” is simple and produces a much more enjoyable drink.

Ingredients per cocktail: 2 ounces of whiskey 1 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 ounce water 1 ounce simple syrup (found in most local supermarkets where cocktail mixers are located Lemon slices and Maraschino cherries to garnish Directions: • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, pour in the ingredients and shake well for 20 to 30 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients. Strain into an ice-filled “rocks” glass, garnish with a lemon slice and a Maraschino cherry or two. Enjoy!

• To accompany your drinks, assemble a platter with a wedge of pungent blue cheese or sharp cheddar, crackers and seedless red grapes. Add a bowl of salted roasted almonds and you are ready to party!

SEASONED ROASTED RED POTATOES

The festivities begin with a cocktail hour that features a time tested libation that is making a comeback – the classic Whiskey Sour. This sweet and sour drink is delicious and easy to mix. Add some well paired nibbles and your cocktail hour is complete!

For many folks, meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food which makes it a great choice for a cozy celebration at home. My meatloaf recipe has an interesting twist in that it is made with a plant based meat substitute. Over the past few years plant based meat substitutes have come a long way, and products like “Beyond Beef Plant Based Ground” provide taste and texture very close to that of beef.

So please give this a try, I do not think you will not be disappointed.

Simple side dishes round out the main course.

Seasoned Red Potatoes are roasted along with the “meatloaf” in the same pan. Sesame Roasted Asparagus is a delicious quick to prepare side that cooks in the oven with the other dishes.

Dessert can be anything you want it to be. Keep it simple for yourself and let someone else do the preparation. Maybe some biscotti from Healthy Living Market served with hazelnut flavored Frangelico Liqueur. Or maybe something special from Mrs. London’s, Putnam Market or another of our excellent local food shops.

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Ingredients: About 3 pounds of red potatoes scrubbed under cold running water and dried well.

1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Directions: • Cut the potatoes into bite sized pieces and place in a microwave safe dish with a tablespoon or two of water.

• Cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Remove the dish from the microwave, carefully remove the lid and gently stir the potatoes.

• Microwave for an additional 3 minutes or until they are barely fork tender.

• Let the potatoes cool uncovered for about 15 minutes then carefully drain any remaining water.

• Add the olive oil and seasonings, gently stir to combine and set aside while you prepare the Meat less Meat Loaf saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

MEATLESS MEAT LOAF Ingredients:

One 16 ounce package of “Beyond Beef Plant Based Ground” ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 egg 2 tablespoons of ketchup 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions: • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.

• In a large mixing bowl lightly beat the egg. Add the breadcrumbs, ketchup, thyme, salt, pepper and stir to combine.

• Add the “Beyond Beef Plant Based Ground” to the bowl and with very clean hands work the ingredients together until evenly combined.

• Form the mixture into a large ball, place in the baking dish and pat into a loaf shape. Surround the loaf with the red potatoes and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the loaf is cooked through and the potatoes are lightly browned.

• Cover with foil and allow to rest for about 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer the loaf and potatoes to a serving platter.

ROASTED SESAME ASPARAGUS

Ingredients: 1 and ½ to 2 pounds of fresh asparagus 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Directions: • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees • Wash and dry the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Place on a large baking sheet and combine with the olive oil, salt and pepper and spread as close as possible into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

• Return to the oven and roast-3- 5 minutes more depending on thickness or until tender but slightly crisp. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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WITH

Gardening PETER BOWDEN

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER BOWDEN

It Could be Worse…

We all find ways to get through winter but can you imagine if winter continued right on through summer? That is exactly what happened in 1816; a year that produced snow and frost in June, frost in July and another killing frost in August. 1816 was known as “The Year There Was No Summer” and “Eighteen Hundred and Froze to Death”.

The freak winter was caused by a volcano called Tambora that explosively erupted in Indonesia in April of 1815. The size and violence of this eruption forced an estimated 100 CUBIC MILES of dust, ash and sulfuric acid into the stratosphere.

Let’s take a look at what they endured. The winter of 1815-1816 was a cold one that started early and lingered late. This was not uncommon and these northern farmers had endured many long winters and late spring cold. April and May were cold but farmers managed to get their crops planted. By early June, the leaves were out on the trees, the corn was up and vegetable gardens were in and growing.

Then things began to go terribly wrong.

On June 5th in Williamstown, Mass., the temperature was a balmy 83 degrees, warm for that early in the season. By the next morning, the temperature was 45 degrees and still falling. From Canada to Virginia cold arctic air caused killing frosts to occur June 6th, through the 9th. Thousands of birds that had recently migrated into the area from the south froze to death. Sheep, recently shorn, froze to death even though they were brought inside. Farmers built bonfires around their fields to save the crops but all to no avail. The leaves on all the trees froze, blackened and fell to the ground. There was snow in New York and New England on June 6th, 7th and 8th as far south as the Catskills.

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In Danville, Vermont the newspaper reports: “On the night of the 7th and morning of the 8th a kind of sleet or exceedingly cold snow fell, attended by high wind, and measured in places where it drifted, 18 to 20 inches in depth. Saturday morning (8th of June) the weather was more severe than it generally is in the winter.” Standing water froze as far south as Philadelphia and in northern Vermont the ice was an inch thick. Even the ground started to freeze!

By the 12th of June, the outbreak of cold ended. The hard work of planting was repeated. Farmers knew that, in spite of the late start, they still had enough time to get a decent crop of corn and beans and such….if the weather cooperated for the rest of the season. For four weeks the weather held. Their second planting was growing well.

Folks felt a bit foolish about their earlier fears and chalked it up to their renowned New England weather. Their good cheer was not to last. At the end of the first week in July another, although less severe, outbreak of arctic air spilled over New England and eastern New York. All the crops in the valleys (where most of the farms were) were again killed or badly damaged. Most felt that a widespread famine was inevitable. Those who could procure seed again replanted and everyone prayed. It seemed that God himself had turned against them.

After the first week of July, things returned to normal for a few more weeks. In addition to the cold in 1816, it was a dry year as well. Farmers were optimistic that, if they got a break in September, things would be all right.

Alas, another killing frost on August 20th visited much of New England and New York as far south as East Windsor, Conn. From Albany to Boston the crops succumbed.

What little survived was finished off by an even colder spell during the last week of the month. As if that weren’t enough, temperatures dipped below freezing again September 11th and 12th. A more widespread frost at the end of September dashed any hope for crops that had managed to escape until then.

The winter of 1816-1817 was indeed a winter of despair.

Many tried to survive on milk and bread but bread was in short supply. It was a blessing that the ocean off New England’s coast was so bountiful. The task of feeding New England fell to the fishermen. Many landlubbers who had never eaten fish became very familiar with the taste of mackerel during 1817.

When the snow and the cold get you down remember, it could be a lot worse. We may be sick and tired of winter weather but it’s nothing when compared to the trials the weather of 1816 put our ancestors through.

Thanks for the read.

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SS

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Choosing the Right Livestock

B

for Your Homestead!

WRITTEN BY NICOLINA FOTI, AGRICULTURE EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

efore I get into things I want to give the “do your homework” disclosure. Before you buy any livestock, put up fencing or buildings, check your local town codes, and or livestock restrictions. Depending on where you live there can be regulations of the type, number, or size of livestock you can have. There can also be restriction on dumping animal manure in close proximity to property lines. So, make sure you do some fact checking. The best place to start is by looking to your town code or calling your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office to get help navigating the system.

Whether or not you are starting the homesteader process with some specifics in mind, you want to realistically look at what you could “support” regarding livestock. What animals do I have room for? The larger the animal the more room you will require.

This chart from the University of New Hampshire Extension is an excellent resource to give a general idea of the space you will need depending on your livestock choice. You will need to consider housing, fencing, and general care needs. Also, be realistic with your expectations on the services or products that animal will provide. For example, you cannot expect to sufficiently feed a family of four with six meat birds.

I mean not for more then a few meals.

When you are looking at keeping different types of livestock you need to consider fencing type and building materials. The saying, “Good fences make good neighbors,” can also be said for livestock. A good fence makes the difference between a good night’s sleep and waking up at 4 am because your animals are loose in the road! Depending on the animal you’re fencing, material height, and style will change. There is an old saying, “Fences need to be horse high, pig tight and bull strong.”

As for shelters some livestock require more than others. A horse shelter can be as simple as a three-sided run-in shed to keep them out of the elements, but allows them to come and go as they please.

While chickens need to be kept in a coop that can be locked at night while being predator proof.

Each type of animal will require different housing needs and those needs will very from season to season.

Here is a great check list to organize your planning: • What restrictions, if any, does your municipality have on farming and or livestock?

• What livestock do you have room for?

• What number of livestock can your property house sustainably?

• What specific needs will the livestock choice require?

o Housing

o Fencing

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Remember there are resources like the Cornell Cooperative Extension offices to help with any of your questions along the way. In Saratoga County contact Nicolina Foti at 518-885-8995 or nvf5@cornell.edu.

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HISTORY

Our

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

FRANKLIN SQUARE This part of the city was the first upscale neighborhood in the early days of the village. The Marvin brothers, who were very instrumental in the early development of the village, lived here. When a name for the area was discussed many citizens suggested Marvin Square because of their influence. The Marvin brothers insisted that Benjamin Franklin was a more appropriate name, thus Franklin Square.

For more Rarely Seen Photos of old Saratoga Springs, turn to page 68...

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Nearly Forgotten Stories of OLD SARATOGA (PART 1) WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

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A

s a young man growing up in Saratoga Springs there were many fascinating stories of the “old days” in the city. I’m sure many stories were embellished and exaggerated as they were told generation after generation, but many are true. Here are a few.

Most people are able to tell the story of how the potato chip, originally called the Saratoga Chip, was invented in 1853 at Moon’s Lake House and that the Club Sandwich was invented at the Canfield Casino, originally called the Clubhouse.

Along the same line I hope many people know that Edison’s invention of the incandescent light bulb was displayed in the courtyard of the Grand Union Hotel, in Saratoga for just the second time in history. The wired electric bulb was stretched about 9 feet above the dance floor in the courtyard and was lowered for inspection and amazement of the crowd during the orchestra’s breaks. In the same hotel, Otis installed one of his first elevators for use in this very popular hotel and to show America’s wealthy how wonderful this new invention really was at changing lives. The display of both inventions was calculated to increase interest as well as investments in two fledgling young companies during the fashionable summer season in Saratoga.

Thoroughbred horse racing has been a big part of Saratoga history since 1863. A big impact on future sporting events came after a race in 1919.

The great horse Man O’ War lost his only career race to a long shot named Upset in the 1919 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. In the United States that year, the word upset meant a person was “angry.” After the famed Man O’ War lost to Upset, sports writers began to use the word upset to describe anytime an underdog beat a favored team. The writers even capitalized the word Upset in their reporting until about 1923. Today it is a widely used term and nearly forgotten how the term came from a horse race at Saratoga over 100 years ago.

Madame Eliza Jumel is a name nearly forgotten from the history of the city. She was born in Providence Rhode Island to an unwed prostitute and a sailor. Coming from this embarrassing social beginning she strived her entire life to be

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accepted by the upper crust of society. After marrying a well-respected and highly successful wine merchant Stephan Jumel, she was on her way to respectability. Unfortunately, her husband died from an accidental fall and left her wealthy but without the total respectability she sought.

Later in life she married Aaron Burr who had the fame of being a former Vice-President but lacked fiscal responsibility and was always in debt. After a few months of marriage, the older Burr had spent large amounts of her money and she filed for divorce. In order to ensure success in the divorce proceedings, she hired a lawyer who was the son of Alexander Hamilton. Since Alexander Hamilton had been killed in a duel with Burr the younger Hamilton was motivated to ensure a favorable decision in the case, and he did. Eliza continued to live seasonally on Circular Street and continued her success in business and became the largest female land owner in the city in the mid 1800s.

Sometimes we almost forget that General George Washington visited the High Rock Spring in the summer of 1783. In 1783 the Revolutionary War was winding down and Washington was in Newburgh, New York awaiting word from the peace talks in Europe to formally end the war.

As he sat in Newburgh, he remarked that he had never seen the northern battlefields of the war.

Washington soon traveled to Schuylerville to visit the battlefields with General Phillip Schuyler.

Upon arrival to the area Schuyler insisted that Washington and his delegation visit the famed High Rock Spring. When the delegation arrived at the spring and drank from it, Washington fell in love with the waters and the area. He quickly decided that he liked it enough to put in an offer to purchase the property and the spring.

Unfortunately, the offer was refused by the land owner and Washington did not become a citizen of the early village of Saratoga Springs. An opportunity missed.

These are but a few of the many quick stories that tell the wonderful history of Saratoga Springs.

There are more being made every day in this great city. Someday in the future a writer or historian might be telling stories that you may have been part of today. SS

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Rarely Seen Photos of

EASTSIDE OF BROADWAY 1895 This image of Broadway shows a village that is without automobiles and paved streets. Notice the police officer in the foreground.

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OLD SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

BROADWAY LOOKING NORTH/ SUMMER 1888

This view of Broadway in 1888 shows a very busy Broadway during the summer months. In that time period, Saratoga Springs was a top destination for summer visitors in the United States.

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preserving

SARATOGA

Kira, Adam and their dog Sam participating in the Foundation’s “Heart Bomb” campaign which is held every February.

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Building Appreciation for Preservation

THE FAVROS:

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION PHOTOS PROVIDED

T

hroughout the year I receive many inquiries from people who are interested in purchasing historic homes in Saratoga Springs. In October 2015, I received an email from Kira Karbocus. She explained that she and her boyfriend, Adam Favro, were seriously interested in purchasing 32 Park Place, a neglected vacant historic house listed on the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s “Ten to Save” list.

After a short exchange of emails, we met. I provided them with a history of the house and discussed how the Foundation could offer assistance. After meeting, I recall being excited not only about the possibility that 32 Park Place would be preserved, but that two enthusiastic, young professionals would preserve it made it all the more exciting. “We had our hearts set on 32 Park Place,” shared Kira. Unfortunately, the owners were unwilling to sell at a reasonable price.

“It went on the market at noon and by 8:00 p.m. there were more than 10 showings and multiple offers on the house.

We chose to increase our personal best and final offer by an additional $500 in hopes that it would ensure that we got the house,” shared Adam. Kira found out that they got the house while she was at the Newport Folk Festival. “I laughed, cried and fell in love all at the same time,” said a smiling Kira. “The amount of work needed was a bit daunting,” Adam added. “It is crazy. I am now COO of the organization that produces that festival, Newport Festivals Foundation - it is as if the stars aligned,” mused Kira.

The Queen Anne was built in 1900.

However, this was not the original house on the property. Kira and Adam learned that and more through the Foundation’s House History and Plaque Program. In 1854, Wilks S. Alger and Joseph Wood, real estate speculators, sold the property to Martin Casey who built the first house.

Casey operated a saloon and hotel, Town Hall Hotel, at 18 Front Street (now Maple Avenue), where he also resided with his family. He rented the house at 230 Nelson Avenue to others, including Henry Kratz, a paperhanger and musician who lead the Kratz Orchestra, and David H. Noonan, who operated a Sweeney & Noonan, a saloon on Railroad Place.

Kira and Adam continued their search for a historic house located within walking distance of downtown since both were commuting, Kira from a house she renovated in Charlton and Adam from a house that he renovated in Schuylerville. At the time, Kira was CFO for Fingerpaint, a marketing agency located on Broadway, and Adam had recently moved his practice, Turning Point Chiropractic, to the historic Van Raalte Mill on High Rock Casey passed away on May 18, 1884.

Avenue. In addition, they both were Photo Credit: Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography He conveyed the property to actively involved with the community – David Noonan, Jr., an infant.

Kira serving on the board of directors The appointed special guardian was David H. Noonan, of Caffé Lena and Adam serving on the board of direcwho no longer resided at the house. David moved to tors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

12 Lake Avenue, where he operated the Eagle Hotel. On There was not much on the market at the time. A patient of Adam’s arranged for Adam to tour his neighbor’s house, 230 Nelson Avenue, before it went on the market. “Adam put an offer on the house despite that I could not leave work to see it. He texted me pictures and I knew when I saw the staircase and the woodwork that it could be our home,” Kira shared. Unfortunately, the owner, Selma Harwood, did not accept their offer and listed the house. Once it went on the market, Kira viewed the house. “Stepping through the beautiful, solid wood front door and seeing it in person, I knew the house was a gem. I just saw so muchpotential,” said Kira.

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October 9, 1899, David, acting as special guardian, sold the property to Mary A. Meehan.

Mary and her husband Michael, owner of a plumbing shop, lived at 196 Grand Avenue with their six children. In 1900, the Meehans demolished the existing house and constructed a new house. While the Meehans owned the house for 30 years, they never lived there. John King rented 230 Nelson Avenue in 1926 and three years later, he purchased it from Mary’s heirs. The King family resided there until 1946. The house had a series of owners until 1966 when Gilbert and Selma Harwood acquired the house.

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Gilbert and Selma raised their three children in the home. He and his wife joined a small group of Jewish families to help build what is now Temple Sinai. Gilbert was appointed to the Saratoga Urban Renewal Commission where he served to “ensure that every person had a voice in the redevelopment of the community, especially those directly were affected by urban renewal.” He also served as legal counsel to Mario Cuomo when he was Secretary of State and Lt. Governor. Gilbert died on February 29, 2016. In October, Selma sold the house to Kira and Adam.

Despite the house not being located in a local historic district, Kira and Adam have embraced preserving the original features of the house – the floors, radiators, doors, and windows. “We spoke to several contractors who told us to replace the radiators with a forced air system,” said Adam. “I loved the radiators! I did not want to see them go so Adam read the 300-page book The Lost Art of Steam Heating and began tackling the radiator system,” shared Kira. “I’m so glad that we chose to keep them. They provide the best heat!” added Adam.

Many of the windows were painted shut, had broken sash cords, or cracked window panes. Over time, Adam has been restoring each window. Where panes were broken, he purchased salvaged glass from Historic Albany Foundation’s Architectural Parts Warehouse. “The windows bring me such joy! They are so big and provide lots of light – I love looking through the wavy glass,” said Kira.

Working with architect Brett Balzer of Balzer & Tuck, Kira and Adam built an addition to enlarge the kitchen and added a mud room and a full-width rear porch as well as made a master suite out of two small bedrooms. “We wanted to make the house suitable for the next 100 years,” said Kira. “We had Northern Hardwoods create 1000’ of moulding based on the original woodwork and mill heart pine salvaged from a historic barn to match the original flooring in the house. Working with Harbrook Fine Windows, we matched the new windows in the addition with the original windows. “We did everything so that the new would seamlessly blend with the old,” added Adam.

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When Kira and Adam bought the house, they naively thought they would be able to host their wedding reception there. They soon learned that would not be possible.

“We had no sink. We were washing dishes in our only bathtub. We had a mini refrigerator and a single burner for cooking,” said Kira. Rather than postpone, they got married in the midst of the work on Kentucky Derby Day, 2018. The date they chose was because they both enjoy horse racing so much. Their work on the house was such a big piece of their lives that in between their wedding in Congress Park and their reception at Caffé Lena they had photographs taken at the house.

The last project, the front porch restoration, is currently underway by Adam. It is his favorite part of the house because they have met neighbors and interesting people walking by. “It is a smile on a house and I wanted to make sure it was done well, so we saved it for last!” laughed Adam. Local craftsman, Chris Bennett, replicated the porch columns and the project will be completed this spring.

“While we both already understood that Saratoga Springs would not be what it is today if it had not been preserved, our appreciation of preservation and the efforts of the Foundation grew so much more as we worked on our house,” said Kira. “We found the Foundation to be a great resource for us not only for our house, but we learned so much more about the history and architecture of Saratoga through their walking tours,” continued Adam. “It wasn’t until we became members of the Foundation that we learned of the important role the Foundation has in preserving the historic character of the Saratoga Race Course, a particularly special place for me since growing up and competing at the St. Clement’s Horse Show,” shared Kira.

Their increased awareness and appreciation of the work of the Foundation inspired them to become more involved. Adam joined the board of directors and now serves as president. Kira volunteered this past fall for the Foundation to help maintain the landscape of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress and plans to do so again in the spring.

While Kira and Adam’s appreciation of preservation has grown so has the Foundation’s appreciation of their dedication to preserving our community.

To learn more about the Foundation visit www.SaratogaPreservation.org SS

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The T

Saratoga Baths

on

Phila Street WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

A semi-detached portion of the bathhouse was the covered walkway along the building’s west side which was labeled ARCADE TO BROADWAY.

Phila Street originally did not intersect Broadway and terminated on Putnam Street, which was the reason the Arcade and Arcade-walkway was necessary to connect the Putnam Spring to Broadway. Map; Library of Congress.

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he architecture of Saratoga Springs is remarkable, and the tangible link to our past. However some gems have been lost through the ages, due to fire and folly. One such wonder was the Saratoga Bath House, at 25 Phila Street.

The Putnam Spring was originally tubed in 1835 by Lewis Putnam, the son of Gideon Putnam. Lewis Putnam passed away in 1873, and in 1879 his heirs sold the property to Harry M. Levengston, locally described as “a well-known capitalist.” This entrepreneur, along with his son Harry Marcus Levengston, Jr. (whose first name frequently appears as Harrie), in 1889, began construction of a colossal Romanesque Revival edifice of masonry and tile to offer mineral baths, which were in high demand at the end of the nineteenth century. The ‘Saratoga Baths,’ using the tonic Putnam Spring, provided immersion therapy in naturally carbonated mineral water, a delight for mind and body. It was considered a treatment for heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, neuritis and even obesity.

Harry M. Levengston, Jr. was one of Saratoga’s leading Gilded Age sportsmen, an impressive marksman and winner of many shooting tournaments. Mr. Levengston and his son moved their families to the Spa after their important purchase on Phila Street, and they originally domiciled on Circular Street.

The first step in the bathhouse creation was to retube the Putnam Spring, which resulted in the water rising to three feet of the surface, providing a well rather than a flowing spring. Without artesian flow, the mineral water was pumped through the bathhouse.

Period accounts described the building as being the most complete structure of its kind in the country. It was two stories with a basement. The front elevation combined Oxford bluestone and Perth Amboy brick.

The interior was finished in marble and fine woods in harmony, and provided separate facilities for men and women. The main entrance to the building was through an impressive round arch, flanked by Ionic columns, and supported an attractive architrave, incised with the words SARATOGA BATHS. A semicircular awning could be deployed from the archway on bright days. Just inside the front door was a reception room where the staff would greet a visitor as the effervescing mineral water of the Putnam Spring bubbled up in a large display bowl. Another distinctive feature of the first story was the oriel window supported by a hemispherical corbel below, with four Ionic colonnettes supporting the falcate hood. The other windows on the first story used the ledge that separated the bluestone from the brick as their sill, and a lintel formed by a stringcourse of vertical brick and projecting keystones.

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Saratoga Baths fenestration of second story windows where surrounds were highly decorated pilasters, separated by rosettes, and surmounted by a façade of elaborate ornamental detail of repeating divisions of garland and angelic female faces.

Saratoga Baths oriel window supported by a hemispherical corbel below and incorporating four iconic colonettes to support the falcate hood.

The Saratoga Baths roof line featuring two pyramidal tile corner hip roofs, joined by a center gable. The center roof portion contained two imposing dormers. All roof ridge portions were capped in terra cotta tile, with the end points decorated with a cresting pointed ornament or finial. Two enormous chimneys soared up through each corner roof, where the masonry was laid-up with pleasing tuck-pointed arched reliefs and decorated with the same garland festoons as the cornice.

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The organization and design of the windows, or fenestration, on the second story was much more complex. These window surrounds were highly decorated pilasters, separated by rosettes, and surmounted by a cornice of elaborate ornamentation, repeating swags of garland and ovals containing angelic female faces. The roof line of the bathhouse was reminiscent of a chateau in style, featuring two pyramidal corner hip roofs, joined by a center gable. The center roof portion contained two imposing dormers projecting from the sloping gable roof and covered by its own separate roof, each housing a leaded stained glass window. All roof ridges were capped in terra cotta tile, with the end points decorated with a cresting ornament or finial. Two enormous chimneys soared up through each corner roof, where the masonry was laid-up with pleasing tuck-pointed arched reliefs, and decorated with the same garland festoons as the cornice.

The front elevation quoins were set back and neatly dressed into the secondary façade of the sidewalls. A semidetached covered walkway along the building’s west side, labeled ARCADE TO BROADWAY, protected visitors from the weather and preserved the original connection from Broadway, through the Arcade Building to the Putnam Spring.

The senior Mr. Levengston passed away in 1906 at his son’s home on North Broadway at the age of 85. He was fondly remembered for his generosity to charity.

An important development in Saratoga Springs during the early years of the twentieth century was the conservation of the springs and mineral waters, which were being depleted by commercial exploitation. The Saratoga Springs Reservation was begun by Spencer Trask, and continued by George Foster Peabody, after the former’s untimely death.

The Reservation concept had New York State acquire the land that held the natural fountains. A source of great contention for the Reservation was the preservation of the underground connectivity of the various wells and springs of the mineral water basin. The Commissioners of the State Reservation outlawed pumping of the mineral waters, which impacted the operation of the Saratoga Baths. In 1911 Mr. Levengston and ten other operations sought compensation from the Reservation through the legal process. The State offered to supply the Saratoga Baths with the overflow water of the nearby artesian Hathorn Spring, instead of the old Putnam Spring, with its widely accepted curative powers, which required mechanical lift.

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The wrangling between Mr. Levengston, and his beliefs about the old Putnam Spring which he had learned in his many years of operating the Saratoga Baths, and George Foster Peabody, armed with the new science of the State Reservation, played out on the pages of the local newspaper.

New York State Archives image of the Saratoga Baths 25 Phila Street Saratoga Springs, New York.

Main entrance from Phila Street of Saratoga Baths.

In 1915, the Commission acquired the Saratoga Baths, renaming them the Kayaderosseras Baths. They found it important to provide year-round availability of the mineral waters from a central location in the community.

New York State made a shift in the administration of the Saratoga Reservation in 1916, placing the organization under the Conservation Commission.

With the First World War behind the nation, the Spa City prepared itself for increased visitor traffic, and the Conservation Commission added a laundry in the bathhouse basement. The dynamic stress created by the rotational heavy duty laundry equipment in the bathhouse, as well as the enormous water weight of the second story pools and attic storage tank, combined with the corrosive effect of the mineral water, all had a negative impact on the structure.

Saratogian 02/22/1928

The 1920 Annual Report of the Conservation Commission detailed the replacement of the storage tanks and the entire plumbing system at the bathhouse. The Report also contained an official disturbing revelation: the foundation was failing.

Extensive stabilization repairs carried out made clear the importance of the downtown bathhouse.

The always welcome annual advent of spring had arrived in 1925 when the disquieting news broke of further stability issues detailed by the State Architect. The decision on what to do with the building was not easily made, as so much had been spent, yet so much could be lost. New York State’s construction of the Lincoln and Washington Baths, just outside of town on South Broadway, and the success of those facilities aided the Commission’s decision to close the Phila Street bathhouse.

Coley’s Restaurant and Oyster House at 19 Phila Street with the entrance (under the deployed awning) to the Putnam Spring, before the Levengstons’ constructed the Saratoga Baths. Photo circa 1881, courtesy SSPL.

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After the bathhouse was razed in 1928, the property saw other uses. A grocery and liquor store operated on the site, and New York Telephone, which long had a presence on Putnam Street, expanded their space. In 1961 they erected the structure at 25 Phila Street, which is the Verizon building we see today. SS

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On This SPOT. 173 Lake Avenue

PEPPER’S MARKET The well- stocked store carried everything from ice, to lottery tickets, cigarettes and beer.

“Our store is gone. It’s just a story now,” states Marcia Hellwig, co-owner of Pepper’s Market from 1978-2001. November 23, 2020 signaled the end of the neighborhood landmark – Pepper’s Market ( a.k.a. Moby Rick’s Seafood). The white clapboard structure was demolished, leaving many old-time Saratogians heartbroken. A pile of rubble, all that was left of the 100-plus-year old store, saddened passersby as they stood on the corner of Lake Avenue and Warren Street. Many gathered to reflect on their fond memories of the once-beloved store.

Most recently the 50 by 70 foot lot housed Moby Rick’s Seafood. But for the better part of 100 years, the city directory categorized the business under “Meat and Provisions.” Pepper’s was the oldest continually operated meat market in Saratoga County.

WRIT T E N BY CA R OL GODETTE P H OT OS P ROVI DED

nearby Lake Avenue School; an extended family; a pizza parlor; and a place where you were always treated with warmth and respect.

For me, the name Pepper’s was synonymous with Spencer and Marcia Hellwig, who owned the store for 22 years.

In September of 1978, unbeknownst to his wife Marcia, Spencer Hellwig purchased Pepper’s in a foreclosure sale. Spencer must have foreseen the long hours of work ahead of the couple. He sent friend, the late Carol Tarantino, to break the news to Marcia.

Each owner adapted their wares over the years to fit the times.

When competition from larger markets became a challenge, the deli aspect of the store became featured. The most recent owners to operate under the Pepper’s name- Damien Haas and Christopher Pringle- featured takeout meals, such as chicken parm.

The property was originally owned by Judge William Lafayette Warren,for whom Warren Street was named. Warren sold the land in 1866. The Saratoga Springs City Directory’s initial entry for a grocery store at this location,run by John Gillespie, appears in 1872. After his death in 1886, the Gillespie family continued to run the store until 1889. A series of stores, including Haights Market and Lake Avenue Market followed. In January 1937, butcher Victor Pepper and his wife, Blanche, purchased the market. Victor died only 7 years later. Blanche remarried, yet the name “Pepper’s” lived on. “You don’t change the name of a successful business,” notes former store owner Spencer Hellwig.

For much of my adult life, Pepper’s Market defined the neighborhood. It was more than a place to get the best potato salad or baked beans in town, it was an early morning coffee club; a well stocked newsstand; an unofficial historical center; an unofficial breakfast spot for kids as they waited to walk to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Spencer and Marcia Hellwig, owners of Pepper’s Market for 22 years. Customers and neighbors became extended family such as nearby neighbors John and Sharon Kirkpatrick.

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Spencer and Marcia soon found out they had to wear many hats.

Spencer excelled in hand stuffing sausage and pounding veal into scallopini. Monday through Sunday, he worked 10-hour days. When the Hellwigs first took over the store, opening time was 7 AM. Retired postman John Armstrong, nicknamed “Army”, entered one morning and declared,” What’s wrong with you people? You open too late.”

Spencer tossed over the keys to the store to Army and said, “If you wanna open early, here you go.”

Army opened the store every morning at 6 a.m for 22 years. He organized the Saratogian, New York Times, Daily News, Gazette, Times Union and the Racing Form. He made coffee for Judge Michael Sweeney and Nate Goldsmith, regular morning visitors.

Army became an integral fixture at the store even though he never was on the payroll. “We didn’t make much money on the newspapers, but you could lose a lot of money if you didn’t keep track of inventory.

John was very good at this,” remembers Marcia.

Spencer hard at work, as usual. Father of 3 boys, he sometimes joked, “ The kid I don’t like the most, I’m gonna leave this to when it’s all over.”

There were no pretenses at Pepper’s. Splintered wooden floors and simple wooden shelves lined the walls of the one-roomed space.

And that was part of its charm. It didn’t matter if you were Alfred Vanderbilt, a famous jockey, or a neighborhood child with five cents to spend on Swedish Fish -everyone was treated with the same warmth and kindness.

Customers were the number one priority and the Hellwigs quickly became known for their specialized service.” If a customer came in for an item we didn’t have, Spencer would say, ‘Come back in an hour and I’ll have it for you’.” recalls long-time employee Mary Beth Moran. Instacart could have taken lessons from Spencer. This store mastered home delivery.

“I was always impressed with the way that Spencer and Marcia rolled with the times, adding things like a pizza oven,” states daughter-inlaw and long-time employee Debbie Hellwig. When Spencer could no longer get bread from Vita Rich Bakery, he took classes at Schenectady Community College and learned how to bake it himself. Pepper’s soon became known for their bread, a key feature of their mouth-watering sandwiches. Neighbor Deb Reed would often go to the store just to buy Spencer’s bread.

Although Spencer Hellwig had previously worked as a branch manager for AVCO Securities, he grew up around the meat business.

Shown is his grandfather’s market on the corner of Lake Avenue and High Rock. The store is on what now serves as parking area for City Hall. Note the ironic slogan in this 1941 photo- “Meeting place of all friends and neighbors.” Photo courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection.

“ I loved it when they added pizza to the menu. They used quality ingredients for everything.

Nothing since has ever matched that pizza,” remembers a wistful Debbie Hellwig. The Zanetti family were frequent pizza customers and Marcia was fond of their children. She knew Shane didn’t like red sauce on his pizza so when Marcia boxed it, she made sure there was always one slice with no sauce.

As life long Saratogians and parents of three sons, the Hellwigs were heavily invested in the community and local economy. Marcia made sure to stock local corn from area farmers, meat from Double A in Glens Falls as well as Al Polacsek, and milk from Price Dairy.

John Greenwood, owner of Price’s Dairy, reports, “ I delivered 18-20 half gallons of milk to their stand up cooler every Mon-Sat. morning for 10 years. It was always one of my favorite places on my route because I never left there without a Saratoga history lesson.

They knew everyone. It was the quintessential family-run store.”

Employee Debbie Moran who later married son Spencer Hellwig.

John Armstrong “on duty” as he tries to pick a winner on August 12, 1984. Photo provided by Jack Armstrong.

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Pepper’s was also “the August place to be.”

After morning workouts, horse trainers, jockeys, and stable boys headed straight down Ludlow Street for an early lunch or groceries. At 10 a.m., the lines would be five deep at the counter. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“Our first year we never imagined what August would be like. We never would have imagined over 50 percent of our year’s gross was done in just one month- August,” reports Marcia. In the late 70’s grocery stores did not accept credit cards. Instead, racing households set up their own local charge accounts.

“We would sell to the big houses on North Broadway and around town. The cooks would call and I would sit down with a legal pad and write up their lengthy orders for delivery. They would often request specialty products like Major Grey’s Chutney and we would find a way to supply them with it,” says Marcia.

August required extra help and college-bound neighbors were hired. Mary Beth Moran, Jen Ross, Debbie Moran and Adam Britten became an extension of the Hellwig family.

Moby Rick’s Seafood in its final hours. This popular seafood market was at 173 Lake Ave. from 2012-2020. It has since relocated to Congress Plaza.

“It did not feel like a job, I loved every minute of working there. The lessons I learned from Spencer and Marcia stayed with me my whole life,” says Mary Beth.

The long hours began to take a toll on the Hellwigs.

In 2001 chef Damien Haas expressed interest in buying the store. Spencer, tired from a long August of nonstop work, said, “ I’m going on vacation. Call my lawyer.”

Damien and partner Chris Pringle soon took over the operation. They were able to preserve the same family feel of the store for the next 11 years. In 2012, Moby Rick’s Seafood arrived, bringing daily fresh fish. They were an instant success.

In 2017, Gordon and Mary Sacks, of Schuylervillebased 9 Miles East Farm, eyed Pepper’s corner for a neighborhood market featuring homemade pizza and carefully selected local farm products. Sacks loved the location for its history and character. Then property owner at that time, Tom West, envisioned a neighborhood market featuring Moby Rick’s Seafood and the produce of 9 Miles East. But the original structure, towed from Lake Avenue Fire Station, was in disrepair. There was no foundation and no way to make all the necessary improvements to the building. “It had no bones,” reports Tom, an environmental attorney.

Many memories lie in the pile of rubble left behind at 173 Lake Avenue. The building was reportedly was an auxiliary structure of the fire house on Lake Avenue.

Samantha Bosshart of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation comments, “Pepper’s fate is a good reminder. If the building is not in a historic district, you have the potential to lose it and with that you lose an aspect of a community’s social history.”

However, a little bit of Pepper’s will still live on. Anthony Caruso, owner of Caruso Home Builders, hopes to incorporate salvaged shiplap from the original structure in an accent wall of the new townhouse on this site. His building plans call for a 2200 sq. ft. unit facing Lake Avenue and a 2000 sq. foot unit facing Warren St., which was designed to look like a single family home.Caruso also pulled up the original sidewalk bricks to be laid back down.

Oh, if those bricks could talk, what a story they would have to tell!

Author’s note: Thanks to Marcia and Spencer Hellwig, Debbie Hellwig, Mary Beth Moran,John Greenwood, Jack Armstrong, Mitch Cohen, Samantha Bosshart, The Saratoga Room, Gordon Sacks, Tom West and Anthony Caruso for their contributions to this article. SS

Through the lengthy variance process Tom believed, “ We need to support neighborhood markets. They are an important part of the fabric of our community.”

However, after a few long years of waiting for approval, Tom decided to sell the property.

“Although we had lots of support, we met a small amount of opposition. It took a longtime to get clearance,” Sacks says. Meanwhile, 9 Miles East was able to acquire Sid Stark’s garage on Excelsior Avenue, a short distance from Pepper’s. “We’re very happy to still serve the neighborhood from a slightly different location,” stated Sacks. Moby Rick’s has relocated to Congress Plaza.

Caruso Home Builders. 173 Lake Ave Rendering saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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The Spa Road Runners WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD

Spa Road Runners Plaque

National Hot Rod Association patch that graced the front of the jackets. Notice motto, “Dedicated To Safety”

Ed Stevens holding up his cousin Cliff Steven’s original Spa Road Runner jacket.

N

Photo taken at the Saratoga Springs Police Station March 1955 Saratoga Springs Police Sergent Jack Stevens is the man on the far right in the cardigan, white shirt and tie. I believe this was the day they received their official NHRA Charter. It required a police officials signature. (From left to right, top to bottom) Fourth Row- Jerry Ellsworth, Ed Stevens, Ken Shrader, Earl Clark, Ron Strader, unknown, Chuck Hodgson. Third Row -Bill Braim, Cliff Stevens, Roy Carr, Bill Rohling, Jim Coleman, Jim Davis, John Potter, Burt Bryant.

Second Row- Royal Dyer, Irving Weiss, Jim Carr, Bill Dubee, Sergeant Jack Stevens. Bottom Row— Barbara Pace, Veronica Stevens, Helen Bryant

othing excites a history sleuth more than uncovering an old story that's been buried under layers of forgotten memories. This is one of those stories.

My instincts tell me that once word gets around, its branches will continue to bear fruit deep into 2021.

In the early 1950s, a group of employees was gathered around the garage of the old Quevic Vichy Plant on Excelsior Spring Avenue when they decided to form a hot rod club.

According to one of the club’s founding members, Ed Stevens, this is when the "Spa Road Runners" hot rod club was born. The club would continue to meet in that Quevic garage for a decade.

This story found the light of day thanks to Ed Stevens. I've known Ed since 1974 when I worked for him at the old Saratoga Dairy on Excelsior Ave. I visited him at his Maple Avenue home in August 2020 to discuss an unrelated history project. We were sitting at his kitchen table when he handed me a group photo of the Spa Road Runners. He asked if I'd ever heard of them? My eyes widened as I told him that I had not. I then assured him I wouldn't be leaving his house until I did.

Ed went on to name all but one of the men and women in that car club photo. Along with Ed and his wife Veronica, there were familiar names like Jerry Ellsworth, Jim Coleman, Helen Bryant, Ron Strader, and Bill Rohling. These were

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the young faces of people I would come to know or do business with later in my own life. There was a lot of Saratoga history here. Names like Bill Braim, John Potter, Chuck Hodgson, Royal Dyer, and Jim Davis. There were other members Ed mentioned who weren't in the photo. Many of those names were familiar too; Art Wadsworth, Fred Bunnell, and Roy Carr. I even found that former Saratoga County Sheriff Jim Bowen had been a Spa Road Runner. I knew right then I'd struck a vein of story-gold.

Ed said they started the club because hot rodding was thriving in California and had begun to take hold on the East Coast. It seemed like the perfect time to add Saratoga Springs to the list. Many local hot rodders worked at the Quevic Plant, so it's not surprising the club's roots took hold there. Ed stressed that Plant Manager John Weber's support was instrumental in the club's success.

Although Ed couldn't confirm the group photo's date, Saratogian articles led me to believe it was March of 1955.

That's the month the club received their National Hot Rod Association Charter. For a club to be registered, they needed the local police department's support and a police sergeant's signature or higher. Saratoga Springs Police Sergeant Jack Stevens is the man on the far right with the white shirt and tie. Ed and I believe the photo was taken at the police station on Lake Avenue. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

As I peeled back the layers of hot rod clubs of the period, I was surprised to learn how much of their time was spent teaching safe driving and maintaining a safe vehicle. Their mission was to educate the general public and promote a more positive image of the clubs. My research found that many local businesses supported the club. One of them was Bigsbee Motors (current Wendy's location). They once donated a film projector so the Road Runners could show safety films. The films had names like Screw-Driver, ScrewJoys, and A Day in Court. Other business sponsors of the club gave credibility to their mission. Names like Manle Auto Supply, Walton's Sport Shop, Globe Supply, and Western Auto came up time after time.

This is an excerpt from a 1955 Saratogian editorial page.

It was written by club president Burt Bryant. It explains the Spa Road Runners’ mission best: I am writing in reference to your editorial of Monday, March 31 entitled "Rehearsal for Death." We, the Spa Road Runners, a true hot rod club, disagree with your East Side resident who claims those drag racers on Lake Avenue and Washington Street are hot rodders. As a matter of fact, we believe most of this trouble on the streets is being caused by guys or girls who were not able to keep up a hot rodder's high standards of safety and therefore removed from the club by the club court.

A true hot rodder is a member of the National Hot Rod Association and their motto is "Dedicated to Safety." We hot rodders call these crazy drivers "shot rodders, squirrels or yoyo drivers.” Call these crazy drivers anything but a hot rodder.

If people would only stop and realize that a hot rodder is enjoying a sport much the same as any other except he applies it to cars and their usage.

Hot rod clubs were beginning to take root in surrounding communities too. I found ads for several club sponsored Road Rallies, Car Shows, and Reliability Runs. All these events required participants to pass a stringent safety inspection.

I smiled every time I encountered another hot rod club name. There were about two dozen clubs in Eastern NY in 1955. Here are a few of them: Spa Road Runners Amsterdam Mis-Fires Cohoes Go-Devils Schenectady Gear Snappers Round Lake Piston Snappers

Tri-County Rodders Night Prowlers (Hudson Falls) Adirondack Drifters Tri-City Flywheelers (Albany) Dragon Wheels (Menands)

Ron Strader’s 1941 Lincoln Continental saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Ron Strader’s First Place Son-Zet Trophy

I was fortunate to speak with other members of the Spa Road Runners. I called my old friend Jim Coleman in Florida. I contacted Ron Strader, who lives just around the corner. He graciously invited me to his home to talk about the club and his 1941 Lincoln Continental. The Lincoln's lineage included Bob Lee (Wishing Well) and Thurlow Woodcock (Alpine Sport Shop). He also had the second original Road Runner's jacket and plaque I would uncover in my journey. Along with photos of his 1941 Lincoln and Thurlow Woodcock's rare1936 Cord, there was another unexpected surprise; a two-foot-tall hot rod trophy.

Although the faceplate was worn and barely legible, this is what was engraved on it:

Spa Road Runners Son-Zet October 1956 First Place I asked Ron what Son-Zet stood for? He told me if a member was involved in setting up a rally course or reliability run, they weren't allowed to compete in that event. He said Road Runners, Roy Carr and Bob Zetterstrom were responsible for organizing this particular event. The club combined Roy's nickname "Sonny," the "Zet," from Zetterstrom, and named the rally after both of them.

Ron's eyes gleamed as he told me story after story about the Road Runners and their cars. His love for that era came through in his voice. It was a common thread with each member I spoke with. I wish I could share them all here.

Did I mention that Ron Strader taught me how to ski at the now extinct Darrow's Rope Tow on Locust Grove Road in Greenfield over 55 years ago?

Did I mention why I love local history?!

I want to thank the members of the Spa Road Runners I spoke with. Some of their recollections may not be 100% accurate. It was, in fact, over 60 years ago. If you have "Spa Road Runner" history to share, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me at jgreenwood3@nycap.rr.com SS

Saratogian Ad

Ron Strader’s Spa Road Runner Collection.

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