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.
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“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
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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
