Simply Saratoga Holiday 2023 by Saratoga TODAY

Simply...

SARATOGA ®

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Complimentary

Holiday 2023

RECIPES FASHION

Decor &

GIFT IDEAS

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Simply ...

SARATOGA

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Harrigan ADVERTISING DESIGN Kelly Schoonbeck ADVERTISING Jim Daley Cindy Durfey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Bosshart Colleen Coleman Cindy Conaway John R. Greenwood Carol Godette George Hanstein Wendy Hobday Haugh Charlie Kuenzel Robert C. Lawrence Bill Orzell Megin Potter John Reardon Theresa St. John Nicolina Venti Ralph Vincent PHOTOGRAPHERS Susan Blackburn Photography George S. Bolster Collection Kim M. Koza Barb Perry Randall Perry Photography Super Source Media Studios PUBLISHED BY SARATOGA TODAY 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SimplySaratoga.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2023. Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

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from the editor Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director/ Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • 518-581-2480 ext. 201 SimplySaratoga.com • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Happy Holidays, Saratoga!

This Holiday issue of Simply Saratoga is… My gift to you Saratoga! We have gift ideas, recipes, clothes, AND the most beautiful homes all decked out in their holiday finest! And it’s the best magazine to read by the fire - Did I mention it’s free :) I feel like I see something new and different each time I look at these pages… From the wreaths on the back of the chairs, the festive garlands, the ornament on Charlie’s collar! This issue is (FESTIVE, FUN, BEAUTIFUL) simply… perfect! Having lost another dear relative this year, I'm going to slow down and appreciate the season with my friends and family, I hope you’ll join me. I know I mention this in every issue, but I absolutely love having SimplySaratoga.com where we can show you ALL the photos that accompany each story – please check it out if you haven’t yet and don’t forget to sign up for free email delivery of our publications at www.SaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com (upper left). You’re not going to want to miss these photos!

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE

I must close with a big THANK YOU! to all our advertisers. Without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read each issue. Please mention us by name when visiting these businesses… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine! I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year!

Publishers of... Simply Saratoga Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Saratoga Bride Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Welcome Home Equicurean Saratoga Christmas

PS… Special thanks to these two… You know what you did!

Photo credit: Susan Blackburn Photography See this Feature on Page 80!

Cover Photo by SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY See the story on page 88

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contributors Search for them on SimplySaratoga.com!

CHARLIE KUENZEL 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.

SAMANTHA BOSSHART 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.

ROBERT LAWRENCE Robert Lawrence, a retired elementary, middle, and college educator, authored What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? (The Troy Book Makers), which describes over one hundred mountain place name origins. Bob, a Saratoga County resident, enjoys many outdoor activities with his wife, Carol Ann, and their wire-haired Dachshund, Adi (Adirondack). Contact: adkmountainnames@gmail.com

COLLEEN COLEMAN 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.

BILL ORZELL Bill Orzell is a retired Geographic Field Analyst and Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. A fervent sportsman, who resides in DeRuyter, New York, he has a lifelong appreciation of the economic, political, social, and sports history of the Empire State, with a special appreciation of the unique equine, human and geographic narrative which defines the Spa as the place to be.

JOHN GREENWOOD 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.

MEGIN POTTER 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.

CAROL GODETTE 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 GEORGE HANSTEIN George Hanstein was a photographer in New York City and New Jersey for 20 years. He decided that he had enough of city life and built a small house in the Adirondacks near The Great Sacandaga Lake, in pursuit of a quieter life. He worked in a local school district there, teaching photography to High School Seniors. Since retiring, he has filled his days spending time with his Golden Retrievers, doing photography, taking road trips and writing about things that spark his interest. WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH 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 wendyhobdayhaugh.com.

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JOHN REARDON 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!” THERESA ST. JOHN Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, 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. 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. NICOLINA VENTI Nicolina Venti is the Farm to School grant coordinator and agriculture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County. She has a B.S. in Agriculture and Sustainability from SUNY Empire. She lives with her husband in Galway, NY where she grew up on the family farm. There she developed a love of horses and other farm animals. She says it’s extremely fulfilling to work in agriculture, helping farmers in this important Saratoga County industry. RALPH VINCENT 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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contents 14

Let the Shopping Begin!

A GOOD READ 18

Preserving Saratoga

Restaurant Feature… 30 Park BISTRO | BAR | EVENTS

FASHION Ten Fabulous Shops Starting on Page 43! Alpine Sport Shop, Lifestyles, Pink Paddock, Saratoga Outdoors, Saratoga Saddlery, Saratoga Trunk, Spoken, Union Hall Supply Co. and Violet's of Saratoga!

Artist Spotlights

H&G

Lorraine Mara

Takeyce Walter

Architecturally Speaking

Michael Whitney

Colleen’s Picks

They Live On, in the works of Pat Nugent and Michael Jerling

Meet Darien Rozell, the Influencer behind Pantry Hill

Choosing a Home

Michele Boiani is Carrying on the Holiday Traditions of Her Grandmother Elsie Panza – With Style!

In the Kitchen with John

Entertaining with Ralph

Gifts FROM the Homesteader!

Name That Mountain

My Father’s Footsteps

Will YOU Be Remembered?

HISTORY

Simply... Simply ...

SARATOGA Holiday 2023

Charlie Kuenzel

Carol Godette

Bill Orzell

John Greenwood

Photo credit: Susan Blackburn Photography See this Feature on Page 80!

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'Tis the Season... Let the shopping begin!

FOODIES COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF 33 Railroad Place, #104, Saratoga Springs 518-226-4477 • SaratogaChef.com

NANOBOND TITANIUM This Hestan NanoBond 5-Piece Titanium Essential Cookware Set will help you achieve your best results with exceptional performance and precision for every sauce, stew, fricassee, and filet.

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GOURMET SPOTLIGHT Crafted in Japan, the premium Kaji line by Shun are indispensable for chopping, dicing, mincing and slicing fruits and vegetables. The razor-sharp blades merge new technology and centuries-old handcrafting traditions.

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JEWELRY N. FOX JEWELERS 404 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-7777 • NFoxJewelers.com

HOME MENGES & CURTIS APOTHECARY 472 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-306-5343 MengesAndCurtis.com

BAREFOOT DREAMS: Classic halo settings are perfect for every day or that special occasion. A variety of designs and gemstones are available in this beautiful collection.

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Blankets, Hats, Robes, Socks are: · comfy · cozy · chic · warm

CRAFTERS GALLERY 427 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-583-2435 CraftersGallerySaratoga.com

Saratoga Springs Est. 1819 Horse Head Custom Ocean Scent 7.5 OZ Candle $24.00

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Gift Guide

HOME IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-0666 • ImpressionsSaratoga.com MEGA MAT ACTIVITY BLANKET

Saratoga Mega Mats are padded, packable and 100% waterproof. Bring it to football games, ski lodges and sledding hills in the winter, then use it for the beach, track, SPAC, boats, and park picnics in the summer. Rolls back up for travel and easy to clean...Perfect for that tote bag in your car! $69.99

THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE 445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-0689 • DarkHorseSaratoga.com DARK HORSE BREAKNECK DERBY An heirloom piece for sure. A fast-paced carddriven horse racing game for 1 to 10 players. Thoroughbreds race around the track based on cards played into a five-card Bonus Hand. Poker and cribbage inspired card play and hand building are easily learned, but guarantee wild, competitive action where no two races are alike. Wooden board and metal horse pieces make this game last forever. Made in the USA and comes in a canvas travel case so you can even play between races at the track! $269.99

SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-583-3600 • SilverwoodGalleries.com

THE MAGIC MOON 15 -17 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518-583-2488 • Facebook.com/magicmoon518 THREE CRYSTALS CANDLES

Silverwood's best selling line of candles makes the best holiday scents as well! Cozy and beautiful.

These hand-painted ornaments are the perfect keepsake from Saratoga. They also come in a velvet storage box for easy gifting!

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Locally made with zero parabens and toxins. Made with crystals, charms and crackling wooden wicks inside of a cauldron. Can be used for focusing intentions or to create a cozy atmosphere. A great gift for those who want a little magic in their lives!

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preserving

SARATOGA 581 NORTH BROADWAY WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION PHOTOS PROVIDED (UNLESS NOTED)

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A historic photograph showing the Gothic Revival style porch that was added after the house was built. The Gothic Revival style was popular from 1840 to 1880.

A 1976 photo showing the porch removed. In 1999 the front porch was restored based on the historic photograph.

s you drive north on Broadway on a snowy day, you most likely will be stopped at the long light where Broadway intersects with Route 50, Van Dam Street, and North Broadway. Take a moment to go back in time, nearly 200 years ago. Imagine trains slowly passing through that intersection, not cars. Imagine rolling hills as you look north, not grand mansions. One of the first houses built north of that intersection is 581 North Broadway. Today, it is considered the oldest house that remains on North Broadway. The two-story Greek Revival style residence was built on the land that had been previously owned by Judge Henry Walton. Walton, who was born in New York City and studied law under Aaron Burr, came to Saratoga Springs in 1816 to take possession of real estate that "descended to him from his father and uncle," who had received this land as part of the Kayaderosseras Patent in the Partition of 1792. Within a few years he became one of the largest landholders in Saratoga Springs, and his real estate "included all of the present village, except that portion lying south of Congress Street and the mineral fountains." Walton was the first Surrogate Judge of Saratoga County, and he built “Wood Lawn,” a "beautiful country-seat," today the site of Skidmore College. According to Reminiscences of Saratoga, Isaac Taylor purchased several lots, including what today is 581 North Broadway, from Henry Walton in November 1828. Taylor

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A photo looking north at the railroad crossing at Van Dam Street and North Broadway, date unknown. George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum.

enlarged an existing farmhouse and established a boarding house named Washington Hall. In 1836, Taylor sold Washington Hall and the property at 581 North Broadway to Joel Root. Unfortunately, early tax assessments do not provide specific addresses for taxes paid. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact date of construction and who built the house. Most likely, Joel Root built the house at the time he purchased 581 North Broadway. The house was built in the Greek Revival style, the dominant style of American domestic architecture between 1830 – 1850. The front gable with a wide band of trim forms a pediment that gives it the appearance of a small Greek temple. Typical of the style, it has a symmetrical design, engaged pilasters at the corners, and a front door surrounded by narrow sidelights and transom above. HOLIDAY 2023 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 19

Front Hall

The marble fireplace mantels in the living and dining rooms were added after the home was constructed.

Joel Root was born in 1790 in Connecticut. In 1815, he married his wife Piera, also from Connecticut. He owned Washington Hall that was located north of 581 North Broadway. Reminiscences of Saratoga described Root as someone who “retained his vigor of mind and body to the close of a long life, studded with many charitable acts. He was strictly temperate in every sense of the word, and to this is owing the hardiness of his later years.” According to the deed records, Joel and Piera Root and Chauncey Ives and his wife Amanda sold 581 North Broadway in 1850. The property then had a series of owners between 1850 and 1858, including DeWitt C. Hay, a bank-note engraver and landscape artist who in 1850 was one of the founding members of the New York Watercolor Society; John A. Dake, a produce and commission merchant; Chauncey Kilmer, owner of a large paper mill in Rock City Falls; Stella and Gideon Putnam and Henry and Sarah Munsell, residents of New York City. John H. White acquired the property in 1858 and owned it for 20 years until he defaulted on his mortgage in 1878. That year, Samuel Freeburn acquired the property. Samuel Freeburn was 20 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

born in Ireland in 1819. He moved to Saratoga Springs in or around 1850. He was a mason who is known for discovering the Hathorn Spring in 1868 while he was employed to excavate and build the foundation for the new ballroom for the Congress Hall, a grand hotel that was located across Spring Street. The spring was named in honor of Henry H. Hathorn, the owner of Congress Hall who developed the spring. According to 1878 Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester’s History of Saratoga County, New York, the Hathorn Spring became “one of the most valuable springs in Saratoga” and large quantities of water were bottled and sold in the “leading towns and cities of the United States and Canada.” Freeburn was married to Jane, who was also from Ireland, and together they raised their two daughters, Eliza and Margaret, at 581 North Broadway. On April 29, 1890, Eliza married Lewis H. Hays of A.S. Hays & Son, a confectionery shop at 425 Broadway, at the residence. Two years later, Samuel passed away at the house. His death notice in The Argus, an Albany newspaper, dated December 27, 1892, said he had “accumulated a modest competence and did much practically to build Saratoga.”

Dining Room

Following Samuel’s death in 1892, Jane continued to reside in the house. According to the City Directories, Eliza and her husband Lewis moved into the house in 1895 with their two young daughters, Margaret and Katherine. After several illnesses, Jane died in the home at age 85. Her death notice in the Daily Saratogian on December 4, 1909, noted that she was one of the oldest members of the First Presbyterian Church, where in her younger years she took active interest in the societies of the church. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Eliza and Lewis, who continued to operate the confectionary store at 425 Broadway, remained at 581 North Broadway. Margaret, a high school teacher, appears to have always lived with her parents. A year after Eliza and Lewis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, Eliza passed away on April 15, 1941, at the house where she was raised and married. Lewis passed away in 1948. Margaret continued to live in the house until 1952 when the property was acquired by Murray and Eta Teig, ending the 74-year history of the Freeburn family owning the home. Murray and Eta lived and operated Teig's Guest House, a boarding house, at 581 North Broadway. In addition, Murray sold paint and wallpaper at this address as indicated by classifieds listed in the Saratogian. In 1969, the Teigs sold the house. There were a series of subsequent owners: Edward and Mildred Hellmich, Martin and Nancy Rosenkranz, David Ash, and Lance and Shannon Bell. For periods of time the house was vacant or rented out to others.

In 2022, Jessica received a Preservation Recognition Award from the Foundation for her efforts restoring the historic wood windows, significant character-defining features of the house. “I love the wavy glass and how the natural light comes into the house. Given the condition of the windows, restoring them was an immediate priority. I had custom wood storm windows made, which has substantially reduced noise and my energy bills,” she shared. Jessica plans to do more work to the house, but for now she is looking forward to cozying up with her dogs by the fireplace during the holiday season in her beautiful historic home. Thank you, Jessica, for being a wonderful steward of this home that has such a rich history. SS

Jessica Niles, who was raised in the area, purchased the house in 2020 and lives there with her two dogs – Beau and Murphy. “I love the architecture and history of Saratoga Springs. Our city would not be what it is without preservation, which was why I was attracted to this house. It is one of the earliest houses in Saratoga and has great historic character – the fireplaces, the trim, wood floors, and the windows,” shared Jessica. The house needed extensive work. “With the knowledge I had gained from my time serving on the board of directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and the guidance I knew the Foundation could provide during the work, I had the confidence to take on the challenge of a historic house,” said Jessica. It was through the Foundation that she learned about the New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Credit program, which provides a tax credit equal to 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenses. “I have saved thousands of dollars through this program,” continued Jessica.

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PARK

BAR | BISTRO | EVENTS WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

Such a Lucky Find! I’ve eaten my share of yummy food from hotel restaurants, but I’ll be the first to admit they’ve never been on a Top 10 list for me. Until now. From the moment Chris, Susan, and I walk into 30 Park, located inside Clifton Park’s Hilton Garden Inn, we feel welcome. The décor invites us in with open arms, and the space is all dolled up for the holidays ahead. We chat over our first drink – an apple cider mule, ice cold in a hammered copper mug, brimming with the seasonal blend of cider, lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer – perfect!

We begin with a few appetizers (they’re sampling some new items on us!) My favorite is their flatbread; fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, tomatoes, and a tasty garlic parmesan sauce with a savory balsamic glaze drizzled over the top. The flavors have melded together, and the bread is crispy, just how it should be. Chris chooses an OMG! dish as her ‘must have this again!’ appetizer: the clams casino is delicious, topped with bacon, tomato, garlic, and scallions, and served in a buttery garlic and wine sauce with thick slices of grilled ciabatta bread for dipping. (She tells me it’s even better the next day!) Susan comments that she’s never thought of loaded tater tots, but they’re much better and not as heavy as loaded potato skins. These crispy treats are smothered in bacon, cheddar jack cheese, scallions, and ranch dressing, and we all agree – much better than any of us were expecting! The last appetizer brought out was a Mediterranean platter brimming with olives, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, house-made hummus, feta cheese and bread, and to top it off… Dalmas, those little perfectly rolled grape leaves!

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Opulent Wintery Scenes Welcome You… WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

Visitors are captivated by a winter wonderland of soft blues, icy whites, and shimmery silvers that stay radiant until New Years. COOL COLORS, WARM WELCOME When you first walk into the hotel entrance, a stout 12’ tree sets the tone, dressed head-to-toe in mirrored baubles and diamond dusted snowflakes, a burnished silver garland winding up its base.

“Food is art, and food is love. And we should show love and appreciation for those who cook it by eating it with relish.” -Mark Bittman

Beside the blazing fireplace, a large, bedazzled nutcracker stands guard while fun fringe pillows and plush embellished textures add layers of coziness. An elegant faux fur trimmed tabletop sleigh, puffy white snowman, pillar candles, and silver jingle bells accent the display.

Janine Fusco

“I just love how pretty it looks,” said Janine Fusco, a stylist with more than 20 years of experience, who was at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs for seven years before coming to the Hilton Garden Inn two years ago. Situated in Clifton Park Center, 10 miles south of Saratoga Springs, the hotel, which is close to retail and corporate offices, has more than 100 guest rooms, multiple meeting and events spaces, and amenities including an indoor pool, business, and fitness centers.

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We found the restaurant to be just perfect; plenty of parking, convenient location and appropriate for a quick bite after a long day (of work or shopping!) or a special event, say a family dinner or first date even. The mellow volume (we love to catch up!!) and easy welcoming pace were a pleasant surprise. I haven’t had lamb for a long time and am thrilled to try it again. The three chops that make it to our table are medium-rare, and we can tell - just by looking at them - they’ll melt in our mouths when we take our first bite. They’re tender and juicy, and I joke that if I were home, I’d be gnawing on the bone to get every last morsel. They come atop Dutchess potatoes and are paired with perfectly roasted carrots – a wonderfully delicious meal for this holiday season! The seasoned Rib-Eye steak is cooked medium, presented with mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus spears. The marbling enhances the flavor and makes the meat so tender – we don’t even use the steak knife provided. The Don Rueben sandwich is next – and who doesn’t love a good Rueben?! This one is delightful! It’s piled high with beer-braised corned beef, thick slices of Swiss cheese, a heaping portion of sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled marbled rye bread. The French fries are piping hot and crisp, sprinkled liberally with seasonings for even more flavor. In the middle of everything, we’re treated to a tableside visit by the team of chefs who work at the DC restaurant owned by Don Green. It’s interesting to ask all (eight!) of them how long they’ve been a chef and what their favorite thing to cook is. One had planned to be a teacher but chose a different path. One worked his way up from dishwasher to chef and has been in the business for 25 years. When I ask another, ‘What kind of chef are you?’ referring to his specialty, his grin is infectious. “I’m a ‘thankful to be here’ chef,” he says with a smile. One loved working with seafood, another loved creating scrumptious desserts, another said he strives to create unique Italian dishes, and another brought his love for Puerto Rico to the table. All of them talked about teamwork – and how they each have a voice in what makes it on the menu and in front of their guests – a very impressive group! Janine Fusco, the bartender, and Jack-of-all-Trades, works where needed, filling in for management and decorating the various spaces throughout the restaurant. She is the consummate bartender, smiling brightly while bringing us the seasonal Fall Sangria and creamy martinis made with Rumchata. Janine is bubbly and outgoing and wants to be sure everyone who comes in a stranger, leaves a friend. (Don’t forget to read the sidebar!) Jackie’s our waitress – and what a pro she is! What I love most about her is how she reads our table – coming over to chat when appropriate and leaving us to catch up otherwise. She is super friendly and attentive, shares honest recommendations on the menu, and asks each of us about our lives and interests throughout the meal. When I call to make my next reservation at 30 Park, I will schedule a night she’s there! For dessert, we sampled lemon blueberry cheesecake, jumbo chocolate chip cookie a la mode, and the chef-inspired ice cream pie – which happens to be chocolate peanut butter that day. Yowza! It’s evident that the staff enjoys being there, and all are grateful for the chance to interact and connect with folks who love food and drink as much as they do. Kudos! SS

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Janine makes all the swags, wreaths, and greenery boughs draped atop the mantels herself, playing with shapes, sizes, and groupings, and all seem to say, “Let it snow!” An enchanting Santa nestles a sack of gifts on his hip with his two elegant reindeer donning matching coats (which Fusco also made!) on top of a glass display dripping with crystals beside an illuminated twig tree. This is just one of the many glowing displays throughout that add a frosted luster to the glistening icicles and sparkling snowflakes surrounding you as you sip from a collection of festive libations like “Naughty Nog,” “Jack Frost Martini,” and “All the Gingle Ladies.” ADORNMENTS GALORE Guests are greeted with a jolly pop of color In the Whitney Room, where over-the-top reds, golds, and Grinch green baubles dangle from the nine-foot tree where lollipops and sweet candy sprigs cluster among the branches as two cheeky elves climb a candy cane ladder to the bright white star topper. Flocked trees make the large space feel cozy, even once the divider is opened, combining the Whitney with the adjoining Travers Room for one large event. Here, a themed photo backdrop sparks the Christmas spirit from just after Thanksgiving until the second week of January. In the Adirondack Room, creamy neutrals and stunning glittery golds highlight the 60” wreath. Dreamy owls survey the scene from their perches tucked into the branches of a woodland forest-themed tree crowned with ostrich feathers and complementary metallic bows. With a touch of glamour, and a glint in her eye, Fusco hung furry white stockings by the fire with care …at the Hilton Garden Inn Clifton Park, in hopes that all would be there! SS

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Meet

Artist Spotlight

lorraine

MARA

LOCAL ARTIST DAZZLES WITH DOTS! WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS PROVIDED | ARTWORK BY LORRAINE MARA

Dot artist Lorraine Mara at work in her home studio.

Gorgeous badge reels and glass cases.

If you’ve ever seen a piece of dot-studded art and been blown away by its intricate beauty, artist Lorraine Mara wants you to know that dot art—the repeated imprinting of dots of different sizes and colors on a surface—is a lot easier than it looks. “Anyone can learn to do it,” insists the Town of Day resident. “All it takes is patience, practice, paints of the right consistency, and the right tools.” As a child, Lorraine Mara enjoyed doing all kinds of arts and crafts. But over time, creative hobbies were swept aside as she focused on college, employment, and marriage. “Occasionally, I might make a few Christmas gifts,” she muses, “but I was busy with work and other activities, so creative interests fell to the wayside. In the back of my mind, though, I always planned to take an art course or do something artistic ‘one of these days.’” For the past 17 years, Mara has been a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway. But a few years 26 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

ago, when her husband, Joe, retired, she suddenly found herself with a little more free time. And shortly thereafter, when COVID hit and the world ground to a halt, Mara found herself with even more time to rekindle the artistic endeavors she’d enjoyed in her youth. “First, I signed up for a ZOOM Intro to Drawing art course through SUNY Adirondack,” she explains. “It was great! I just sat at my kitchen table with my charcoal and drawing pad and interacted with my teacher and fellow students. Then, in the fall of 2020, I read that a wood-burning course, Intro to Pyrography, was being offered at The Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne. I’d always been interested in the school’s many courses, and since I lived nearby and other things in my life were temporarily on hold, I decided to sign up.” Mara not only enjoyed wood-burning but excelled at it—so much so that she is currently scheduled to teach Intro to Pyrography classes in The Adirondack Folk School’s spring, summer, and fall 2024 line-up! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Around the same time she discovered wood-burning, Mara became intrigued when a Florida friend posted an eyecatching rock painting of a seahorse, comprised of dozens of colorful dots. After researching the art form, called dot art or dotting, and watching a number of YouTube videos, Mara decided to give it a try. “I went to the Dollar Store and bought a set of five colors of the worst quality paints ever,” she laughs. “Then, I grabbed a plastic-coated paper plate, scoured my house for anything that could be used to produce a small dot, like the eraser on a pencil or a nail head, and got to work.” Quickly hooked on dotting, Mara joined several Facebook groups, watched even more videos, visited Michaels Craft Stores, and invested in some dowel-like tools and higherend paints. “When doing dot art, you have to sit very still and be willing to do precise, repetitive work,” Mara says. “Personally, I don’t find it tedious at all, but it has been quite a change for me. I used to be more active with my dog, hiking, and kayaking, but now I sit very still for long periods. As you’re doing it, you must keep focused on your canvas or the dots will be misplaced or misshaped. Although I can listen to music or an audio book, I can’t engage in conversation or watch TV. In that respect, it’s nothing like needlepoint or knitting.” When working on a piece, the artist enjoys “the freedom of flow. I really don’t know where I’m going when I start out. I just sit down and begin at the center, add row after row of dots and swooshes, and gradually, as I add top dots—smaller dots set on top of larger ones—each layer becomes prettier and more complex.”

But doing dotting or wood-burning is very different in that each project is 100% under my control. Creating something of my own, from start to finish, is very satisfying.” Historically, today’s dot art is inspired by Australian Aboriginal body art, the symmetrical geometric designs seen in mandalas (circular spiritual and ritual symbols commonly found in Asian cultures), and Pointillism, the late 19th century art movement begun by George Seurat and his student, Paul Signac. When asked if there’s a steep learning curve, Mara replies, “Dotting is very easy to start, but it’s harder to get to that level of precision where every dot is perfectly shaped and perfectly spaced on the canvas. The spacing can be tricky. But the more you do it, the better you become.” She encourages anyone interested in dot art to check out YouTube’s many tutorial videos. From beginner to advanced, there’s a wealth of information out there to help you get started. Lorraine Mara finds inspiration and joy in dot art and wood-burning. They’re not big money-makers, she admits, but that’s not what drives her to create, anyway. “The way I look at it, if my hobby were downhill skiing or golfing, I’d be spending a lot of money to do something I enjoy. But with my art, I’m doing something I love while covering my expenses and making a little extra pocket money. It’s a very rewarding combination.” To see the artist’s stunning dot art and wood-burning creations, visit The Flower Barn & Gift Shop in Northville, The Adirondack Folk School Gift Shop in Lake Luzerne, or The Adirondack Buffalo Company in North Hudson. To learn more, email lorrainemara123@gmail.com or phone 518-273-4216. SS

Today, Lorraine Mara creates dot art on a variety of canvases, including pendants, keychains, wine stoppers, bookmarks, badge reels, journal covers, CDs, vintage 78 records, sawblades, and wooden chests. Some items incorporate nature or holiday-inspired subjects into the design to reflect the artist’s surroundings and interests. “Most of what I do is small, to keep things affordable,” she says. “My largest item to date is a 14” circle I created for my dog’s toy box.” The artist enjoys upcycling, making something of higher value from a discarded item. When Mara put the word out that she needed old sawblades, she quickly found herself inundated. “The Adirondacks are full of trees and loggers and carpenters,” she grins, “and I have more sawblades now than I could ever use.” Dotting is a solitary endeavor, which Mara doesn’t mind at all. But she’d love to hear from other local people doing the art form. “I enjoy the stimulation and interaction with people in my job as a Realtor. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Meet

Artist Spotlight

takeyce

WALTER

Award Winning Contemporary Landscape Artist WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN | PHOTOS PROVIDED | ARTWORK BY TAKEYCE WALTER Takeyce Walter

'Shadows and Snow'

“Art, in general – well, I feel like it’s innate to a certain point. And it can flourish in wonderful ways if nourished. I was fortunate to have people that helped encourage me to develop and grow. Art is part of who I am; I feel incomplete when I cannot paint.” — Takeyce Walter We meet at Uncommon Grounds on a sunny day. It’s taken a few tries over the last month or so to get our busy schedules to match, but today we will talk about art. Artists & Inspiration in the Wild is a new permanent, revolving exhibit at The Adirondack Experience - The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. I visited this famed attraction for the first time a few weeks ago and was overwhelmed by the magnitude of effort put into every part of the venue. But, here in particular, four main galleries illustrate the Adirondacks' power and how these natural landscapes have inspired the many painters, sculptors, and expert artisans who interpret them: light, forests, water, and mountains. I'm impressed to learn Takeyce is one of the artists featured here – with a painting titled ‘Shadows and Snow.’ I mean, it’s such a huge honor! To have work in a museum! 28 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

She laughs when I say that out loud. "I've been painting for as long as I can remember," she tells me. "I've been interested in making art since I was a child in Jamaica. And I’ve always been drawn to water. When we moved to the area, the Adirondacks’ beauty was both inspirational and overwhelming.” When I ask if she was encouraged as a child in school, Takeyce recalls a fifth-grade report card. It meant the world to her. "My teacher wrote that I would someday be an accomplished artist. Imagine how I felt when I read that!" She momentarily holds her hand up to her heart and smiles at the memory. I do know how she felt - an English teacher told me the same thing when she read my creative writing and poetry in seventh grade. Words like that can change a child's life. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

For her Senior project, Takeyce wrote and illustrated a children’s book. “Maybe, in the future, it can be published.” I tell her I’ll be first in line to buy it, which makes her smile. Takeyce was eight and remained in Jamacia with an older sibling after her mom immigrated to the States. The intention was for her to graduate High School in her native country and then move to the US, where she’d attend college. “Things didn’t work out that way,” Takeyce tells me, looking away for a moment. “1993 brought a family tragedy, and my mother moved me here sooner than expected. I did attend college for a short time and then entered the workforce due to family obligations. I was able to take one drawing class and a design course – after that, my learning curve was all trial and error, mixed with a whole lot of curiosity and passion.”

Brookside Museum are just a few places people have been able to view her ever-evolving collection over the years. Her art is also part of many private collections nationwide and internationally. When we finish our coffee and stand to say goodbye, we hug instead of shaking hands. I feel we’ve known each other longer than an hour or two, and I’m excited to see where she goes next in this artistic journey. I suspect she’s invited me along, and feel lucky we have her voice here in our beloved Adirondacks. “As a human being, an artist, I feel so connected to nature. I’m connected to memories that are important to who I am. I feel peaceful at times, challenged at other times, and content at other times.” — Takeyce Walter SS

Creative February came about as a birthday gift to herself in 2014, Takeyce shares. "I found that I wasn't painting as much as I wanted to, and it bothered the creative in me. I talked with my husband, sharing my idea: I wanted to spend time in my studio painting every day during the month of February. He told me to go for it.” “Believe me,” she continues, “He’s a wonderful dad, but he really stepped up his game to support my project." Takeyce has a good friend and invited her to join the fun. She began a Facebook page where she'd consistently share her work. The page quickly grew, and today, Takeyce has nearly 1K followers, has been written about in several publications, has interviewed on Podcasts, has a YouTube channel, runs several workshops, and watches her Creative February page grow in leaps and bounds in a place where creatives can be, well, creative. In 2022, Takeyce began a youth art program with TNC (The Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, where she's a Board Member). It's titled Art & Environment. The mission is to bring kids outdoors - where they can create art while learning about the environment around them. "I want to teach and mentor today's young artists, paying forward my teacher's kindness all those years ago." Today, her work is shown in regional galleries around the Northeast. Prestigious places like The Adirondack Experience, Hudson Headquarters, Keene Arts, The Saratoga Hospital, The Bennington Art Center, and The saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

HOLIDAY 2023 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 29

Meet

Artist Spotlight

michael

WHITNEY BRINGING A BIT OF NOSTALGIA BACK INTO TODAY’S ART AND DESIGN WORLD WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN | PHOTOS PROVIDED | ARTWORK BY MICHAEL WHITNEY

Michael Whitney

“Not everything is trash. I want people to understand that. We’ve got this incredible resource – in everything we decide to throw away. That’s where my head is right now.” — Michael Whitney I love interviewing people who are passionate about what they do. Michael Whitney is one of them. We’re sitting inside Mrs. London’s on a beautiful autumn afternoon, drinking coffee and enjoying a fresh almond pastry while we chat. “I’ve always wondered if I’m a designer or an artist – I think there’s a fine line between the two.” Michael talks about finding obsolete objects that might be broken but can still be recycled or reinvented to make something beautiful and functional in a new way. “Like what? Can you give me some examples?” I ask him. “I’ve made stools out of old metal buckets, lamps from trashed TV antennas, beautiful tables using discarded wooden ladders, clocks from old fan blades, mirrors from tossed space heaters – I could go on and on,” Michael shares. I take a sip of coffee and notice a woman in the corner listening to him talk - it’s hard not to; he is so 30 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

enthused when he speaks. “Look, someone took the time and spent the energy to create the things we bring to the dump. If we could slow down and stop for a second, pay attention, and think about that, we’d see how things we don’t want or need anymore might be the perfect find for someone else.” Michael shares a story with me about his dad. I wonder if he knows how his eyes light up or how his grin stretches ear to ear with this memory of the man. “My dad was frugal, and fixing broken things was like a second job. For instance, when our lawnmower didn’t work anymore, I watched him dismantle one he’d found on the side of the road. He used its good parts to repair ours, making it as good as new again.” “So, you’re like your dad?” I ask. “I like to think so,” he smiles back at me. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

When Michael graduated from High School, he became an apprentice in Connecticut for four years, working two years for a contractor and another two with a cabinet maker. He also attended night school, studying graphic design. His deep interest in these things led him to Pratt Institute, where he learned more about graphic design, furniture design, industrial design, and product development. He was 24 when he graduated from the prestigious school. “I wanted to design and build things that were simultaneously functional, attractive, useful, and economical,” he tells me. “I wanted to compete with mass production; I hoped my pieces would be unique. We lived in Brooklyn for a time, and I had a successful career. Eventually, there was a divorce. I moved to Saratoga 10 years ago to be closer to my children, who’d relocated here with their mom.”

“It was a fantastic time! We were all very excited; The founder of SAW was there to teach us welding – and the entire presentation was inspired by David Smith – a man who’s considered one of the most influential American artists and the first to create sculptures by welding steel. It was an honor to learn so much in this environment – I hope to grow more, practicing things shared with the class over that weekend.” Michael and I say goodbye, and I walk to my car, thinking, “I, for one, have no doubt you will.” Follow Michael Whitney’s work at instagram.com/ michaelwhitneymaker For commissions and conversation, contact him at mpwhitney33@gmail.com. SS

When Michael learned that The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs was looking for a Practical Arts Teacher, he jumped at the chance to teach grades 8-12 some of what he’d learned himself over the years. “We worked with materials such as fiber, glass, metal, wood, bookbinding, and carving, to name a few,” Michael states. “Seeing their excitement as they labored through each project was great.” He tells me he was on the Earth Day Panel during his time at Pratt. “It was all about sustainability – and the creative collaborations of students, staff, and faculty responding to challenges and opportunities to become more of a creative driver in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. I truly want to bring that train of thought to the students I teach today.” Now that his children are older, Michael feels ready to concentrate more on the creative side he’s been drawn to since childhood. Recently, he attended a three-day welding workshop at Salem Art Works – a sculpture park and arts center on the grounds of a former dairy farm in Salem, New York. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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They Live On...

Patricia A. Nugent and Michael Jerling

in Word & Song WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD | PHOTO BY KIM M. KOZA

“They Live On… In Word and Song” is a parfait of author Patricia A. Nugent's prose and poetry layered with the musical talents of singer/songwriter Michael Jerling. The two local artists fused their respective disciplines into a 90-minute performance about the end-of-life journey and the belief that those we love will live on. The program is based on Patricia's memoir, “They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad.” The goal of this project is the same as it is for all of Patricia's work: to give voice to those who would otherwise be silenced and to pay tribute to life, loss, and love. In her book, she writes, "Most of us will bear witness to our parents' final days—a task for which I was painfully unprepared…So much time to prepare for this. So little time to prepare for this. There is no preparation for this." I knew what she was saying because I'd been through it with my own parents. When I received a call asking if I'd like to write about Patricia and Michael's project, I had her book, "They Live On," on the table next to me. To say I'm honored to play a role in promoting her and Michael's vision would be an understatement. When I asked Patricia what planted the seed for this project, she explained that ever since "They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad” was published more than a dozen years ago, she's always felt it needed a soundtrack- a way to bring others more deeply into the story, to make it more of a celebration of love and loss. Although she was familiar with Michael's catalog, it wasn't until she heard him perform at Caffe Lena last year that she realized he'd already written the soundtrack to her book, quite inadvertently. After reading her book, Michael agreed to collaborate, and months were spent culling her book down to a 40-minute read and inserting nine songs, which fit so organically, that it was hard for her to separate the two. The fusion of art forms also inspired Michael to write a new song for the performance and to bring another out of mothballs. The result is a ninety-minute mix of original readings and music. The ability of both artists to connect with audiences using their gift of storytelling is the centerpiece of their performance. The vignettes that were included represent the various caregiving themes in Patricia’s book. One of the themes is the strain placed on family members when there's a disagreement regarding the care of an elderly parent. It sometimes creates wounds that never fully heal. 32 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

In many cases, the child becomes the parent, a role reversal we never see coming. I experienced this phenomenon when my mother was admitted to a long-term care facility, and I became my father's primary lifeline. I was unprepared for this task but accepted it without hesitation. I'd watched my father's difficulties while caring for his father, who'd gone blind due to the advanced stages of glaucoma. It was my turn to step up. A key theme the program addresses is the grieving process itself. There is no right or wrong; we all handle it differently. Judging others and how they react during these difficult times is unfair. Recovery after loss takes longer for some than it does for others. Caregiver burnout is at a critical level and a theme whose daily consequences play out within families and the medical field. It can affect our health, jobs, and those around us. Guilt and self-doubt are heavy burdens to carry. Sometimes, we may need professional help or look to a higher power.

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The performance has been pre-recorded on a CD, which will enable them to reach a wider audience. The pair chose a labyrinth for the cover as a symbol of hope. Like a labyrinth, people working their way through the challenges of caring for or losing a loved one find themselves traveling down a twisted path into the unknown, but that very same path leads back to the light. As Michael sings in one of his songs, "Starting tomorrow, it'll be alright," somehow, we emerge stronger and better prepared for life's next chapter. Although parts of the show may have you reaching for a tissue, it's also brimming with hope and joy. The duo hopes that the Caffe Lena performance and CD launch held in November will lead to future performances throughout the state. Plans are underway to partner with end-of-life caregiving organizations to raise funds for their mission since both artists' families benefited from hospice care. Their next performance will be on Saturday February 3, 2024, at 1pm in Ballston Spa as a benefit for Gateway House of Peace. For more information about that performance, visit www.GatewayHouseofPeace.org. Hope to see you there! Saratoga Arts helped make this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor's office and the NYS Legislature. • To order a CD or digital download of the entire program: FoolsHillMusic.com • To order Patricia A. Nugent's books, They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad and Healing with Dolly Lama: Finding God in Dog: yesterdaysmuse.com • To browse Michael Jerling's song Catalog: FoolsHillMusic.com • For live performance dates: MichaelJerling.com or journalartspress.com • To schedule a performance, email: journalartspress.com SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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NAME THAT

Mountain

What 's With Those Adirondack Women Mountain Names? WRITTEN BY ROBERT C. LAWRENCE Part of the "WHAT'S WITH THOSE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN NAMES?" Series

Mount Jo

While kayaking on beautiful Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, New York, one June day, my wife Carol Ann asked, "Where does Blue Mountain get its name?" So we visited the nearby Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake to buy a place names book. But there was no such publication. So… I wrote What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? The book alphabetically lists over a hundred Adirondack Mountain place names or oronyms, but I only found four mountains with women's names in my research. Mount Jo is fourth in the Simply Saratoga series; What's With Those Adirondack Women Mountain Names?

Looking Across Heart Lake in 1949 by Kay Flickinger Dockstader Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College, and Protect the Adirondacks! Inc.

The term "vacation" was born in the Adirondacks. In April 1869, a Connecticut preacher, William Henry Harrison Murray, published Adventures in the Wilderness or Camp Life in the Adirondacks. As a result of this enlightening book, people vacated cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, where they lived, worked, and spent their leisure time for an Adirondack vacation.

Lansingburgh. Henry, a self-taught electrical engineer, was responsible for several inventions and patents in the field of telegraphy, which was in its infancy at the time. In 1877, overworked and with a severe case of Hay Fever in New York City, young Henry felt the need to vacate New York City and camp in the Adirondack wilderness with some of his friends.

Many wealthy built summer getaways called Great Camps, and the not-so-wealthy went camping in the Adirondack wilderness.

As the story told for decades, Henry met Miss Josephine Scholfield while camping near Upper Ausable Lake. Under the lure of the Adirondacks, they hit it off, fell in love, and became engaged. They decided they wanted to build a home in the Adirondacks for themselves and where they could entertain their friends.

Henry Van Hoevenberg was born in Oswego, New York, but grew up and received his education in Troy and

34 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

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After summiting Mount Marcy, the highest New York State Mountain, they searched extensively for a site for their new abode. They found a lake that looked like "a heart-shaped sapphire deeply cushioned in the velvety green of primeval treetops," according to Alfred L. Donaldson in his book, A History of the Adirondacks. Henry named the lake Heart Lake and the mountain that rises above the lake Mount Jo in honor of his bride-to-be. He referred to the area as "The Finest Square Mile." However, their love story turned tragic after Josephine was called home to Brooklyn and met with a mysterious death. Henry's love for Josephine never wavered, and he chose never to take a bride. Henry shared his loss of Josephine in a poem, "In the Star-Light" in Stoddard's Northern Monthly published by Wilton, New York, native Seneca Ray Stoddard. Despite losing his beloved Josephine, Henry, "Van" or "The Man in Leather" still built a magnificent Adirondack Lodge. He constructed it on the site the two lovers had picked for their home. At the time, it was one of the most significant log structures in the world and one of the first hotels with private baths. He operated the hotel until he faced financial difficulties due to litigation with his patents. Today, Josephine Schofield is remembered not only by her mountain namesake but also through Josie's Cabin, located at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Complex outside Lake Placid, New York. The cabin offers a warm atmosphere of entertainment, food, and educational programs inspired by Josephine and Henry's love story.

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"In the Star-Light" poem by Henry Van Hoevenberg, from the Collections of The Folklife Center at Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls, NY.

What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? (The Troy Book Makers) is available at the following retail locations: Market Block Books (Troy), The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza (Albany), Open Door Bookstore (Schenectady), Northshire Bookstore, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company (Saratoga), Adirondack Country Store (Northville), St. Andrews Ace Hardware (Queensbury) in many retail establishments in the Adirondack Park and on Amazon.com. SS

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ETCHED in My Mind

Local Man Travels Over 1,600 miles Retracing His Father’s Footsteps During World War II WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Memories of World War II, its sights and sounds, terrors and triumphs, aren’t something Frank “Murph” Lesniak ever talked about. It wasn’t until Murph fell ill in his eighties and needed treatment at the Veteran’s Hospital, that his son, Dr. Robert “Bob” Lesniak, finally began to learn of his father’s history in battle. Medical documents discovered at the time indicated evidence of multiple gunshot wounds, which had fractured Murph’s right tibia and thigh bones; and injured his left elbow, left jaw, and neck; causing residual arthritis. It wasn’t until after Murph passed in 1999, that the full extent of his experiences in Europe during World War II slowly came to light. Uncovering his father’s wartime odyssey was a journey that would take Bob, a retired Saratoga Springs dentist, and his family, across the Atlantic Ocean and more than 1,600 miles on land. It was a path that led them to the grounds where his father’s fate had become forever intertwined with that of the man who rescued him from the atrocities of war. “I hope we never have anything like this war again, but if we do, I hope we have patriots like this to fight,” said Bob. 36 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

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ANSWERING THE CALL Born in 1916, by age 15, Murph Lesniak left school to help earn money for the family during the throws of the Great Depression, collecting firewood in a wagon for furnaces. In 1941, Murph married Wanda, and in their marriage of 58 years, had two children; Lorraine, born in 1942, and Bob, who wouldn’t come along until 1946, after Murph returned from fighting on the Eastern Front. In November 1943, when the nation was at war with three formidable adversaries, Murph was inducted into the military, joining his two brothers; Walter and Bernard, and his brother-in-law, Walter. After training at Fort Eustis, VA, in September 1944, Murph was sent abroad with Company F, 28th Infantry, 8th Division, entering the European Theater via Normandy, Fance. His unit successfully made the horrific frontal push before advancing into Germany, where Murph was eventually wounded two years later. Sergeant Frank “Murph” Lesniak was officially discharged in May 1946, and was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and several campaign medals. CONNECING THE DOTS When Murph returned home to Utica, he became a Route Salesman for the Coca-Cola Company, a job he held until retirement. Friendly, frugal, and responsible, Murph was the type of man who took care of everybody and never complained, said Bob. If Murph didn’t know your name, or if he liked you, he called you “Jake.” Through countless hours of extensive research, an ad in the paper, and after many false leads, Bob finally connected with Elaine Mannino Leet in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Staff Sergeant Jacob “Jake” Martiyniw, the man who had saved his father’s life. Tracing Murph and Jake’s perilous journey through After-Action Reports (a daily record of their unit’s route and activities on the field) received from Golden Arrow Research specialists, Bob and his family mapped out a plan and embarked on a trip they had never imagined taking – and one they will never forget.

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TRAVELING TO THE LAND OF MEMORY In May 2023, five members of the Lesniak family; Bob, his wife Michele, their daughters Dana and Keri, and sonin-law Miquel Yanez, began their pilgrimage to the land where Murph and Jake served as brothers in arms. Arriving in the port city of Caen, in northern France’s Normandy region, they retraced the steps of the Allied forces as they pushed through the European theater. Reminders of the war were evident all around them as they walked the spectacular shoreline, Murph’s footsteps had tread 78 years earlier. “Standing amidst the serene landscape, it was difficult to reconcile the tranquility of the present with the tumultuous past. The scars of war may have faded, but the indomitable spirit of those who endured it, lingers on,” said Miquel. “It was an emotionally charged experience to walk on the same soil where these courageous soldiers fought valiantly for the cause of freedom. The monuments, cemeteries, and preserved battlefields served as poignant reminders of the tremendous sacrifices made during that pivotal period in our history.” AN EXPLORATION OF SACRIFICE Making their way across France to Luxembourg and the incredible Bastogne War Museum in Belgium, the Lesniaks stopped to say the Veterans Prayer at the pristine Luxemburg American Cemetery (burial place of General George S. Patton). It was a profound experience that reinforced the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices of

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those who gave their all for the sake of future generations. These men, like Murph had, served their country with distinction, playing an integral role in the monumental events that unfolded during the Second World War. “As a prior service US Navy SEAL, myself (knowing combat firsthand and understanding strategic and tactical unit movement through enemy terrain) I must say that reading the daily After-Action Reports (AAR’s), that my father-inlaw and I discovered, painted pictures of horrific and hard-fought battles, daily struggles to stay alive, and the countless faces of devastating warfare,” said Miquel. A VOYAGE INTO HISTORY At the leading edge of the Allied forces’ southern flank, Murph’s unit had pushed north easternly to the strategically important River Rhine, which the company likely crossed slightly south of Bonn, Germany. On their journey, the unit was tasked with capturing several towns including Weissen (Wissen), nestled in the valley east of Cologne, Germany, at the following coordinates: 50* 46’ 51.61” N / 7* 44’ 28.19” E. Today, these exact coordinates remain the location of the “GERMANIA Wissen,” the hotel where the Lesniak family stayed. Their research indicates that, within 1,000 meters of this spot, is where Murph was critically wounded. Describing the area as a beautiful, picturesque place with wonderful charm, character, and warm, hospitable locals, Miquel said that an inspection of the old structures here uncovered evidence of projectile and shrapnel impact points (created by small to medium-sized weapons) a visual record of the tumultuous, no-so-distant past.

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A JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE Paying their respects and placing a plaque, flowers, and Murph’s original dog tags at Wissen’s quiet riverside park (LAT: 50* 46’ 44.85” N / LON: 7* 44’ 46.95” E, where Murph’s unit likely would have crossed), Michele said she felt a connection to both him and Jake as she reflected on their lives there and understood more about the ordeal they’d survived. “I couldn't help but think of the countless other brave souls who had stood in the same place, some never to return home,” said Miquel. “This once-in-a-lifetime trip was a huge learning opportunity for me. I discovered so much more about World War II in general, my grandfather's role while he was in the Army, and what his life was like after he returned home,” said Murph’s granddaughter, Dana Lesniak. “I don't remember my grandfather ever speaking about his Army experience, which was certainly not uncommon with that generation,” she continued. “I knew my grandfather had been wounded in battle, but I had no clue how extensive his injuries actually were until my dad was planning this trip. I also had never given much thought to the reality of what he must have gone through after being wounded - from just surviving long enough to get to a field hospital, to what I'm sure was a lengthy and painful recovery.” “I'm truly impressed by his strength of character - that he was able to return home, build a new career for himself, and rejoin his family as a husband and father despite what he experienced during his war-time service.” “He passed away almost 25 years ago, and after this trip, I wish I could go back in time to try and talk to him about his experience in the war and afterwards.” “My grandfather passed away when I was in my early 20s,” added granddaughter Keri Yanez. “My memories are filled with images of a happy, singing man whenever I was around him. I wish I could have comprehended his inner turmoil back then, as I do now. The hardships that he and my grandmother faced during and after the war must have been incredibly difficult and undoubtably impacted their home life in ways beyond my imagination. Yet, in my experiences, they never let on for a moment.” “It's evident now that they, and so many others during that time in history, never had an opportunity to live and enjoy life as we do today. Reflecting on their lives has given me a deeper appreciation for family, our comforts, and freedoms (as they can all be threatened unexpectedly). My grandparents’ resilience serves as a reminder to treasure every moment and be grateful for the things that surround me each day.” “I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the immense challenges and tragedies my grandfather endured as I have learned about his past. It's a somber realization that has left a lasting impact on me.” SS

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Be Memorable WRITTEN BY GEORGE HANSTEIN | PHOTO PROVIDED

I find it interesting that there are certain people that, although I don't know them well, still manage to make a lasting impression on me.

One afternoon, several years ago, I stopped in for a beer and to hear what was going on in the area, as Nick saw it. It was the first time that I saw Nick when he didn't seem happy. He was quiet and seemed a little tense. About halfway through my beer, Nick told me he was having health problems. They were doing lots of tests and he was hoping that they would find out why his heart rate would suddenly go up. He told me he was on medication to control it, but that he was hoping that they would find the underlying cause.

Nick was one of those people. Nick owned the Rustic Inn. The Rustic Inn was located on RT 9N between Lake Luzerne and Lake George. It would have been one of those easily forgotten places if it hadn't been for Nick. The Rustic was a large bar that oftenhad live bands and could get quite rowdy at times. None of that is what made it memorable for me. What made it memorable for me was the owner, Nick. Often when I was coming back from Lake George, I would stop at The Rustic for a beer or two. Nick was always behind the bar. He always made me feel welcome and always seemed to like what he was doing. We would talk about the things that guys often talk about. Things like the weather, sports, hunting, fishing, women, hot cars and trucks, etc. Nick was, in my opinion, the perfect bar owner. He was never at a loss for words and those words were always interesting. Nick and I were not friends. It's not like Nick and I hung around together. As a matter of fact, I think that the only place that I ever saw him was in his bar. No, we weren't friends, we were acquaintances, but I enjoyed talking to Nick and I think he enjoyed talking to me. Nick was originally from Long Island, and I am originally from NJ. We both spent quite a lot of time in Manhattan and would often talk about restaurants, places, and things down there. We had both come to the Adirondacks for a different life and that also gave us something in common. 40 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

That was the last time I saw Nick. Shortly after that day, he closed his bar. He converted the bar into a house for himself and his French-Canadian wife. He did a great job with the conversion. If you didn't know it had been a bar, you would think it had always been a house. He planted grass and shrubbery where the parking lot had been, got rid of all the signs, and decorated the outside very nicely. It was very pretty. I always smiled when I drove past thinking that Nick had done okay for himself. Although I missed our conversations, I was glad for him. I assumed he had overcome his health issues and was living a quiet happy life in his now-converted bar. I can't remember when this was, but it seems like it was a long time ago. Then in March of 2020, I saw an obituary that told of the passing of... “Nicholas Brian Picioccio, 79.”

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He died on March 24, 2020. There was a photo in the obituary of a smiling Nick. I realized that I hadn't known Nick's last name until I read his obituary. I read every word, and I learned about Nick's family and many other things that I had not known about him. As I said, we were not really friends, just acquaintances or bar owner and patron. I felt a bit sad, but I was glad to know that Nick had a good life and seemed to do pretty much what he wanted to do in life. Well, a while ago, I drove past what used to be "The Rustic Inn" and for some, unknown reason, stopped to take a photograph of the place. I have driven by it many times since Nick's passing, but yesterday, I had to stop. It made me very sad. The place that Nick had put so much of himself into now stands empty. It is starting to look like it could use some care. The kind of care that Nick always had given it. I didn't know Nick that well, but I miss him and Nicholas Brian Picioccio, made an impression on me. I bet he made an impression on a lot of other "acquaintances and patrons" also. I don't know what it is that makes certain people so memorable. Perhaps it's charisma, or a personal connection or soul. Whatever it is, Nick had it. I guess all we can hope for, in the long run, is to be memorable to someone. Rest well, Nick. I wish we could sit across the bar from each other again and tell each other lies about the fish we caught. Now that I think about it, maybe Nick and I were friends even though we didn't know each other's last names ... As Billy Pilgrim always said in Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five" ..."So it goes." SS

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Buy Local

Shop

Small (Town!)

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WINTER 2023

FASHION PGS. 44-62

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Julia is wearing:

Photo by Super Source Media Studios

Obermeyer Devon Down Jacket Sugarbush Stetch Pant Hot Chillys MEC Chamois Zip Top Smith Liberty MIPS Helmet Astis Couzy Mitten Giro Millie Goggles Rossignol Chalet Slippers Beso Sima Bag

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Cozy Hats & Mittens

Marmot Gloves

Mitchie’s Fur-trimmed Poncho & Mittens

Obermeyer Ski Jackets

Youth Skiwear

Obermeyer Down Parkas

Smith Ski Helmets & Goggles

Boots from Ammann

321 CLINTON STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.6290 • ALPINESPORTSHOP.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Santa Please!

Feeling Festive

Cozy Season

All the warm things

Sweater Weather

Nuts about these candles!

Scent-sational

Gifts Galore

Merry & Bright

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lifestyles {clothing.accessories.shoes}

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lifestylesofsaratoga.com

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lifestyles {clothing.accessories.shoes}

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XOXO

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

That's a Wrap!

G.O.A.T.

Favorite Things!

Sweater Weather

The Hero Gift

Buckle Up

Burn Bright

436 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.4665 • LIFESTYLESOFSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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490 Broadway | 518-584-3500 From puffy parkas to wooly beanies and insulated footwear, we offer all the essential gear you need to keep warm and fire up your winter wardrobe in the process. Shop, or gift, our outdoor inspired, earth conscious clothing and gear.

Formally Known as:

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Photo: Mary McIntyre

490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • 518.584.3500 • SaratogaOutdoors.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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358 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.587.4344 • PINKPADDOCK.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Pendleton Coast for Him & Her

Australian Country Outfitters for Him & Her

Double D Ranch Designs Exclusive

Parajumpers Winter Jackets for Him & Her

Bergen Of Norway Cashmere/Wool Coats

Bergen of Norway Men’s Leather Jackets

Brighton Women's Accessories

Home Goods & Gifts @Saratoga Saddlery

Boots for Him & Her

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27 CHURCH STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.587.2772 • SPOKENSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Rails Lore Coat, $458

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Bella Dahl Houndstooth Blazer, $275

Susana Monaco Underwire Crop Top, $148

French Connection Sonya One Shoulder Dress, $128

Soia & Kyo Liv Puffer Coat, $675

Linda Richards Wool/Fur Pom Hat & Gloves, $138 & $99

Billini Tabi Bag, $110

Free People Hilarie Plaid Crew Socks, $14

Commando Faux Leather Legging, $118

Billini Brandi Slingback Heel, $85

494 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.4838 • VIOLETSOFSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Color of the Season

MANdles

Beanie Vibes

Layer Up!

Pattern Play

Channel the Flannel

Stepping Out

Corduroy? Yes, please

UPSTATE of Mind

437 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.450.7025 • UNIONHALLSUPPLYCO.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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PLUMES by Teri Jon, Exclusively at Saratoga Trunk 493 Broadway,Saratoga Springs 518.584.3543 • SaratogaTrunk.com

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H&G Step Inside... Randall Perry Photography

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Archite Randall Perry Photography

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

unique spaces...

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Lasting WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Warmth HOLIDAY STYLING BY ANGELA PACHAL OF DECK YOUR HALLS NY

“The Saratoga” is a single-level beauty boasting a generous connection to nature in a

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Randall Perry Photography

A crispness cuts through the air as deer and turkeys traverse the ridge. Coyotes and fisher cats emerge from their forest dwellings for a drink by the stream. A blue heron stands stoically on the pond’s edge watching to see what Dean Wasniewski will catch today. Will it be a largemouth bass? A blue gill? A catfish? “The base of the Adirondacks is a hunting and fishing paradise,” said Dean. He grew up in a family of avid outdoorsmen and is honoring that tradition in the 2,550 sq. ft. ranch style timber home he shares with his wife, Annemarie, in the town of Saratoga. Working with Timberhaven Log and Timber Homes, in Pennsylvania, on the design, Annemarie helped inspire what has now become one of their more popular models - “the Saratoga” which features single-story living, open floor plans, and a great room adjacent to a galley-style kitchen. Featured in Log and Timber Home Living magazine in 2021, the house was also a 2023 Timber Home of the Year finalist.

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Randall Perry Photography

Rustic Elegance Paying homage to the pastural history of this 31.5-acre parcel, the Chestertown-based builder, Mike Lewis of High Peaks Log Homes, constructed the exterior of the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with timbers of eastern white pine, highlighting the barn-red stained siding with jet black trim. A radiant red poinsettia wreath accents lush topiaries by the bright red front door while vibrant evergreens strewn across the timber trusses mounted above the 20’x 24’ front porch pump up its curb appeal and offer visual clues to the symphony of wood inside. Retired for five years, the Wasniewskis have furnished the interior of their home with elements of their life in Franklin, Massachusetts and the beaches of Cape Cod, as well as with forestry and hunting trophies.

Making an Entrance As visitors step in from the timbered porch they are greeted by a sizable great room, kitchen, and dining area with a spacious, yet cozy, feel. A complex network of kiln-dried beams draws the eyes upward. Demonstrating the ample versatility of wood, three colors and five different blends of stain were used on the 1-by-12 circle-sawn shiplap walls for an appealing visual effect. Guests are awed by the contrasting colors and nail-free mortise-and-tenon joinery, and the Wasniewskis are fond of the accessibility that single-level living affords their elderly visitors. “We like to entertain and have people come visit. When it’s one level, everyone can traverse the area and socialize together,” said Dean.

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Randall Perry Photography

A Taste of Tradition In the kitchen, the wood’s warm tones are balanced by cool matte black appliances and a generous 15’ leather granite island, imbuing the space with a lodge-like vibe. Converted milk can pendant lights carry over the property’s farmhouse heritage, while the one-of-a-kind cabinetry, made of distressed cherry and curly maple hand-crafted by son-in-law Jared Phillips, owner of Saratoga Custom Cabinets, exposes the unique beauty of natural wood. On the back of each of the six branch-legged stools, holiday decorator Angela Pachal, owner of Deck Your Halls NY, has hung individual mini wreaths, making each an equally special spot to sit as a traditional Italian meal is prepared on Christmas Eve. “With our Italian ancestry, we celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes and while we might not do all seven, we do as many as we can,” laughs Dean.

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Randall Perry Photography

Toasty Snuggle Sessions Structurally sound and as tight as can be, the Wasniewski’s home keeps them pleasantly protected from whipping wintery winds and plummeting temperatures. Snuggling up by the floor-to-ceiling “Ticonderoga” stone fireplace, sipping champagne and opening presents feels even more inviting with two live potted blue spruce trees decorated with classic Christmas metallics. Strings of beads adorn the locallysourced black walnut mantel in an asymmetrical arrangement balanced by a close grouping of stockings, candles, and LED-illuminated birch trees. To achieve that quintessential Upstate rustic glamour, plaids and rich reds add to the fire’s cheery golden glow.

Soak Up the Sun in theTrophy Room A large bank of windows in the trophy room says, sit down, settle in, and connect with nature while soaking up some scenic views. Patterns and plush furs inject life into the space, which is dedicated to Dean’s dad, Richard “Dick” Wasniewski, a prolific Great Northern American hunter who netted big game in Alaska and British Columbia, and was recognized by the renowned Boone and Crockett Club. Annemarie enjoys this room because, in the early morning, the sun bathes it in light. Out back, beech logs are perched around the 16-foot circular fire pit and atop the stone patio where family and friends gather to take in the spectacular views of the surrounding pasture and wooded landscape. Yes, this home does indeed have lasting warmth. SS

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Susan Blackburn Photography

Colleen's Picks

A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

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.

All I want for Christmas is my Reno Complete

As the days draw shorter, and the temperature drops; I hear the neighbors whisper, “When is it going to stop?”

EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE 1771 U.S. 9, Clifton Park | 518-383-2215 785 U.S. 9, Latham | 518-785-8555 EarlBFeiden.com

They muse about the workmen, in and out they go; Hammering, running wires and sanders aglow. We are so fortunate, to renovate our home you see; We just wish it to finish, for Christmas and the tree. So, I wrote a short letter, to Saint Nick for a request; Possibly he could grant, with a twinkle and some zest. Off to bed I did go, my head resting as I lie; When I heard a jolly bellow, “If you’re serious, let’s fly!” Up and away we did go, it seemed in a flash; Through star speckled skies, rooftops and sash. Our very first stop, was EARL B. FEIDEN’S you see; We desperately needed a fridge, a 36” Designer Subzero if you please. The Split Climate™ intelligent cooling, revolutionizes the interior; Preserving veggies, meats and cheeses, there’s nothing more superior! The inner cavity is illuminated, with ClearSight™ LED lighting; While sleek stainless walls, add sophistication…so inviting!

THE FURNITURE HOUSE 1060 Route 9, Queensbury TheFurnitureHouseNY.com | 518-798-0133

With a flick of his wrist, the reindeer knew just what to do; Without a bump or hitch, we arrived right on cue. THE FURNITURE HOUSE QUEENSBURY, ahead we did see; Oh, my excitement, it got the best of me! A Taylor Made Sectional, the Plush Collection for sure; It’s one of my favorites, I knew we’d adore! Forty-one inches of depth, it sat like a charm; Available in leather, nail head trim and boxed arm. Now Santa did say, “I have a special seat!” Let’s head to FINISHING TOUCHES, for a chair to complete. His eyes began to glow, “The June Accent Chair is what you need!”; I nodded in agreement, the transaction I agreed. Its solid wood frame in smooth honey, mid-century and neat; Is finished with leather seating, cinnamon brown and brass feet. Now under foot we have need, an area rug that is unique; But where to head next, only Santa could speak. 78 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

InsideOut Fabric

FINISHING TOUCHES HOME DECOR 450 E High Street, Malta

FinishingTouchesStore.com 518-584-1490

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We gently set down, CURTAIN & CARPET CONCEPTS was prepared… A Shadow of Trees Rug, “That’s it!” I declared. An 8x10 area it covered, with cream and copper fibers it fit; The high and low pile, oh how easy to commit!

CURTAIN & CARPET CONCEPTS 46 Marion Avenue #7, Saratoga Springs CurtainToCarpet.com | 518-886-1389

Handcrafted in New Zealand, I loved the fade of its bark; Perfectly grounding the room, a statement and hallmark! We had one last need, a light for over the table; Something with character, bold we could finagle. The reindeer did zoom, through the night skies we did glean; ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE, the perfect shop to convene. A Metal Teardrop Lantern, of loosely woven strands; Pressed and seamlessly welded, it fit all our plans. Its soft light would stream through, with tiny openings you see; A show-stopping feature, “We are finished” I decreed! Back home we did fly, everything now in its place; We did it all in one night, but alas Santa is ace!

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE 2570 U.S. 9, Malta Allerdice.com | 518-899-6222

With a chuckle and smile, he flew out of sight; “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Merry Christmas my friends and a very Happy New Year! Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer Certified Aging in Place True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM SS

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THE RISE OF A Rural CURATOR

Pantry Hill: Romanticizing the heart of a country home WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

Seasonal rhythms are to be celebrated suggests Darien Rozell, a local media talent popularizing country life through her wistful Instagram account @pantry.hill, where home-making is elevated to an art form. Her carefully curated image of rural living harkens back to the time of her great-great-grandmother, a Swedish immigrant who, more than 100 years ago, managed her working farm in Cambridge, NY while watching over a household of 10 children. “Telling the Pantry Hill story is very much sharing that legacy,” said Darien. In 2020, after just six months of launching Pantry Hill on social media, the lifestyle brand attracted 10,000 followers and found a captive audience of people seeking respite in the simple life during the pandemic. Today, interest in this “farm-fluencer” has continued to grow, with the number of Pantry Hill followers swelling to more than 45,000.

NOSTALGIA BAKED-IN In every curated “Pantry Hill moment” taken with her Sony A7C mirrorless 35mm camera, Darien romanticizes the beauty and hard work of homemaking while raising three boys; Beau, 6, Hap Wilder, 4, and Finn Hawkins, 1. Paired with these images of bucolic bliss are well-crafted captions illustrating the rhythms of life in the kitchen and garden during the changing seasons. “It feels like writing a letter to an old friend,” said Darien about these nostalgic depictions. Her goal? Connection - and creating an engaging story with substance. 80 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

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HUMBLE HOMEMADE HAPPINESS Throughout their 17 years together, Darien, and her South Glens Falls High School sweetheart, Eric, have bonded through their love of food and food culture. Exploring their interest while living in Seattle and Boston, they returned to the Saratoga area in 2016. After falling in love with a farmhouse just minutes from Darien’s parents’ home, they recruited Eric’s dad to “demodernize” the home by adding classic custom detailing and woodwork. More than just a pretty picture, this utilitarian space is where vegetables, herbs, and flowers are prepared and preserved from the French kitchen garden just footsteps away.

NOT TRADING ON TRADITION Darien’s skill at building a home for her family while growing the Pantry Hill social media account comes from both her background in education as well as her career in magazine publishing, as the managing digital editor of several bridal, lifestyle, and business titles. By trading city living for a cozy “Cottagecore” aesthetic resplendent with dreamy florals and a dash of controlled chaos, Darien has garnered an active audience but hasn’t yet monetized her account (foregoing brand partnerships, affiliate links, and sponsored content) and works hard to ensure her following is not only legitimate, but highly invested in her story.

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SHARING A SLICE For a connection that is less fleeting, during the past year, Darien has also invited her followers to a handful of seasonal piemaking workshops held at her home. Together with her mother and sisters, Darien teaches small groups (of less than 12) her great-grandmother’s recipes. “Making pies is not necessarily an exact science, which makes it fun to teach,” said Darien, adding, “It’s not as difficult as people think.” Joined by pairings recommended by local chef, Hamlet & Ghost’s Alex Lampa, and wines suggested by expert Ann-Marie Guglielmo, the table is set for a memorable day.

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS As Christmas approaches, the Pantry Hill home is decked in garlands of evergreen sprigs, pinecones, and fruit slices. The whole year has been preparation for this joyous season, where the smell of chocolate chip cookies baked on stones mingles with the lingering cinnamon hazelnut scent of Hungarian butter horns dusted in powdered sugar. Carefully prepared handmade gifts of vanilla, honey, salted caramels, preserves, candles, and other pantry delights await as a fourth generation gathers for a full day of making handmade pasta from scratch. Like most other days, the holidays at Pantry Hill revolve around the kitchen. SS

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Choosing a

HOME PART II

WRITTEN BY CINDY CONAWAY | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Follow along as Cindy Conaway and Chris Whann take us along on their quest to buy their first home. When we left off, (in Simply Saratoga FALL), they had decided that living in their ideal in-town location was not an option in their price range, and seeing cows through their car windows was too rural – let’s see how they’re doing! “What we wanted was a mid-century ranch house within walking distance from downtown (or at least a place to get coffee) and a local pool, either in Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls or Ballston Spa. What we are buying is . . . not that.” We were getting discouraged. Luckily our Realtor, Lisa Capone, suggested a builder she thought was a good fit for us. Cerrone Builders was putting together a 55+ community of about 30 houses around a cul-de-sac in South Glens Falls. In The basic model, The Bayberry, we found a one story with 2 bedrooms and den, a great room, mud/laundry room and full basement we could finish later if we wanted to, totaling 1,500 square feet with a two-car attached garage on about 1/3 of an acre, which gave us space for a hot tub or swim spa. The Homeowner’s Association (HOA) would, for a reasonable extra fee, do yard care and snow removal. There were four or five lots remaining. It was only a little more than we had initially planned to spend, but was within range of the other houses we were seeing, or would’ve been, when you added in all the repairs and updates they needed. Should we get the type of home we wanted in a location further out? –away from things important to me – like a coffee house within walking distance – or hold out for a house that would be much smaller, harder to navigate, or require living in a construction zone? Our good friends pointed out that when we weren’t traveling, we were homebodies. Much of my scholarly work is in television studies, and as I always say, “All that TV doesn’t watch itself.” We both read and write a lot. The ability for me to do the interior design to our liking, and Chris’ inclination to have our house be “green,” tipped the scales. Unlike other builders, Cerrone welcomes modifications. They routinely work with clients to adapt the standard plans, and then each buyer is given an allowance to work with local vendors to pick what they want for the appliances, surfaces, 86 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

lighting, and electrical system. We had adopted two rambunctious kittens by then, so I suggested expanding the mud/laundry room to hold their litter boxes. We decided to turn the tiny den into a fullsized office/guest room so that if anyone in our family (many of whom live in Florida or California) needed space, we would have two guest rooms. The galley kitchen layout didn’t give us enough cupboard or counter space, so we planned to expand the counter and cupboards into the “breakfast area” we knew we would never eat in. And we wanted an optional threeseason room. For an add-on of 50 square feet, we could have all that. PRELIMINARY DESIGN Even before we put down a deposit, we were given a list of vendors and a list of features of the houses. We wanted a “mid-century modern meets world traveler” design scheme, which meant upgrading from builder basics in some cases, which included Delta faucets, KraftMaid cabinets, granite kitchen countertops, Formica bathroom countertops, and a one-piece tub/ shower combo in each bathroom. We had a budget set aside for this purpose but wanted to be judicious about it all. We wanted a nice kitchen in the great room—something dark and dramatic, with a colorful backsplash. I knew I wanted a “spa” bathroom with a nice deep tub in the guest bath, which I thought would go nicely with white subway tiles with countertop and mosaic tile in colors of the ocean, and a more dark and exotic primary bathroom with a walk-in shower, to which, along with the same white subway tile, I planned to add to bold colored mosaic and counter that matched some vintage travel stickers I had framed. We paid extra to have hardwood floors in the bedroom as well as the great room and thought that we might do wood-look laminate in the bathrooms, since tile seemed like it would be cold. We were entitled to vinyl floors for the mud room, which were all so ugly we thought we might do laminate there as well. We took initial trips to see Roberta at Security Supply, Rick at Best Kitchens, Tina at Adirondack Precision Stone, Mark at Queensbury Tile, Larissa at Floormaster and Mary and Angela at Askco Lighting. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Each vendor really knew a lot about their field, and we learned things each time we visited. Although each suggested waiting until we were closer to the actual build, we made a few preliminary choices. We couldn’t visit the “remnant area” to look for affordable bathroom vanity countertops until the ice and snow were gone. I couldn’t find the bold tile mosaic I wanted for the primary bathroom at the tile place, so had to get samples from elsewhere. No one gave us much of an idea of how much anything might cost over our allowance, which was in some cases given in a lump sum, sometimes in square footage, sometimes per piece. During the winter, I set myself to learning the principles of interior design as I would any of my academic interests. I read several books and a lot of “shelter” magazines, did tutorials on a website called Spoak, and watched design shows every night (mostly older ones like Sarah Richardson’s various series). I mocked up my preliminary ideas in Spoak (perspective is not easy) and placed pictures of my “surfaces” and materials together to make a palette. Ultimately, I learned a lot about design. There are often differences of opinion, even among professional designers. We listened to a lot of advice, we changed our mind a couple of times (Mark convinced us that tile made sense for the bathroom floors), and we eventually picked what we liked. We decided our house needed a name and landed on Miaouhaus (a play on Bauhaus, a design style with, of course, a nod to our kittens and my fondness for talking to them in French). I may have never wanted a house but am excited to see the vision come to life. The build has started, and all is on track. Stay tuned to see what we ultimately chose! SS

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Enchanting

Christmas

As winter nears, a Saratoga Lake home beckons the holiday spirit. WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

Give Santa something to rave about this year with inspiration from a home with wildly realistic greenery, pinecones gathered on garlands, and sentimental homemade antique ornaments scattered among heirloom furniture pieces. Michele Boiani inherited her holiday decorating traditions from her grandmother, Elsie Panza, who displayed as many as 45 themed trees – inside and out, at home and at Panza’s Restaurant - some even hung upside down from the ceiling! The gingerbread and doll houses were also dressed in their holiday best as carolers sung by the piano, and the entire family gathered for traditional Italian fare including briny stuffed artichokes, capellini with a vibrant puttanesca sauce, sweet baklava, and roasted chestnuts.

Beginning in October, Elsie collected beads, sequins, plus other bits and bobs, and crafted them into ornaments that she used to decorate her own home but also gave away as gifts. In the late 1980s, the Panzas’ 1939 house was featured on PBS and recognized by former Governor Mario Cuomo. Elsie’s handmade ornaments also graced Queen Elizabeth’s residence and hung in the White House for their Bicentennial celebrations. In addition to being an inviting ambiance for the Panza family and friends, the property hosted numerous holiday home tours, with the proceeds used to benefit the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at the Albany Medical Center, and other charities. Since Elsie’s passing, Christmas has again become a production in the house, albeit a smaller one, as every room - even the bathroom, hallways, and in-between spaces, are decked out for the holiday. “I have to pay homage to what was her legacy,” said Michele, who has renovated and reignited the holiday fanfare since moving back to the family home as an adult. “The whole experience of Christmas has changed for me.”

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Memory-making cuisine guides you home to Panza’s Restaurant WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

The recipe for a Saratoga restaurant that lasts 85 years and transcends locations starts and ends with home-cooked Italian cuisine. Known as the Starlight Room when Joseph and Teresa “Ma” Panza opened it on Saratoga Lake in 1938, politicians, movie and music celebrities, Thoroughbred families, and society’s most influential movers and shakers flocked to Panza’s Restaurant. When Panza’s moved to Broadway in 2019, many of their most loyal local customers followed. “If we had to go somewhere else, I’m glad it was here,” said Tony Panza, who began working in the kitchen with his grandparents before becoming head chef in 1973. 65 YEARS OF JOY Every week since Tony Panza was a kid, Harry W. Seibert Jr. has returned to Panza’s Restaurant. Nervous during his first visit in 1958 for Senior Prom, Harry has since returned for innumerable family dinners, celebratory drinks with work buddies, birthdays, and special events with Liz, his beloved wife of 40 years. Today, the Panzas are close friends. When Harry comes into the restaurant, Tony prepares his favorite; lobster tails (despite them not being on the menu).

Winter is Charlie’s favorite season too… She transforms into a snow enthusiast, leaving paw prints and snow angels throughout the back yard!

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“I’m happy to say to everyone that I’ve never had a bad experience with Tony, Panza’s, or the Starlight Room,” said Harry. “They have good food in nice surroundings with wonderful service (and I don’t say that much about anybody or anything).”

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TIMELESS SPARKLE Mixing up metallics adds sophistication without losing the whimsy when embellished pillows and opulent trees are coated with gold. Statuesque lamps and Roman-inspired décor paired with pops of lime green allow each piece to shine. Atop the flocked tree, snow-dusted ornaments, gold, and silver adorn the frosted branches where furry owls in various sizes, carved oversized acorns, wooden dowels, and glittery balls made from corrugated cardboard and twine, flatter the wintery scene. PLAYFUL PINKS In the hall, a fun pink tree sings, “C’mon let’s go party!” with a cohesive blend of animal prints, pearly sprigs, and the glamour of gold. For a captivating, full-bodied entrance, iridescent whites and the weightlessness of wispy feathers fanning out from the tree are anchored by a lush fur skirt.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Horsemanship takes on a Saratoga-themed twist in another bedroom where a riding cap and dried grasses are joined by a woodsy mantle and a rustic tree. Festive on their own in their home by the fire, knitted stockings and a comfy throw create a cozy spot for a long winter’s nap. LET IT SNOW! Keeping the home fires burning in the den, the crackling cast iron stove warms a worn leather chair draped in plaid flannel. Softly glowing white lights and layers of blues, greens, and coppery golds create a welcoming home for décor depicting the quintessential family road trip. DOWN-HOME HOLIDAY Wrangling Western charm in our neck of the woods with touches of turquoise, burnished golds, and black baubles, this cowboy Christmas scene is highlighted with native American symbolism in heartwarming vignettes and with a tree topped in a wrought iron bull’s head decorated with dramatic arrows. Woolen buffalo, patterned antelope, and oxen roam among the tree’s branches, while woven snowflakes and natural wood accents merry up the mantle into a beautifully repurposed headboard. 90 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

Swapping out the standard fare for unexpected ornaments, a braided garland, and bunches of blankets, this room has a classic look that will continue to delight year after year. UTILITARIAN SPACE SPRUCE UPS Pared-down and almost minimalist by comparison, the most-used rooms in Michele’s home feel festive thanks to a limited color palette of whites and browns, tabletop evergreens, and a collection of natural finds. In the bathroom, an ultra-slim illuminated tree is squeezed-in amid a selection of pinecones and seashells, creating a clean, but jolly look. In the kitchen, velveteen fawns, natural fibers, and sweet floral scents cook up a deliciously cheery mood without taking up too much space. …Oh, what an Enchanting Christmas indeed! SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

STARRY-EYED TRADITIONS Still serving traditional favorites like Ma’s famous pork chops and seafood that liberates your tastebuds, Panza’s Restaurant is an extra-special experience during the holidays thanks to the talents of Tony’s brother; singer, and designer Michael Panza. From the day after Thanksgiving until the New Year, Panza’s Restaurant is decked out with glitz and glamour from the wine cellar to the main dining room, the cozy Grotto Bar & Tavern’s massive stone fireplace, to the upper-level music lounge. “It makes people happy when they come in the restaurant,” said Tony’s niece, Michelle Boiani, co-owner of Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern and The Nest on Saratoga Lake. “It makes people very excited and puts them in the spirit.” Like his mother Elsie used to, Michael goes over-the-top with holiday decorating. As many as 45 holiday trees are set-up to create an elegant winter wonderland… glittering with metallics and animal prints for that classy 70’s retro lounge vibe. “Christmas here is an event,” said Tony, who describes himself as a “Scrooge.” He prefers to stay in the kitchen during the festivities, missing out on the holiday music, singing, and shows to do what he loves most – working seven days a week making memorable Italian cuisine …I think we’re okay with that! SS

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

Holiday Traditions Hello my Foodie Friends! For our holiday article, we want to make a tribute to our moms, both mine and Paula’s, and to honor both the traditions and the spectacular foods that were part of our lives -and remain with us, to this day. This has been a challenging year. I lost my mother in 1999, and Paula lost her mother this year. The holiday season becomes a reminder of the deep family and holiday traditions that our Italian mothers instilled in us with over the years. Holiday food and family stories go together. Most of us think of holiday food and smile, as it takes us back to a time with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and parents. When we are asked about our favorite holiday memories, most answers that pop out of our mouths are food related. Why? Because food elicits memories! Both mine and Paula’s mothers were the masters of their kitchens. The planning of the holidays included making the traditions. In many of my past stories, I have written about the cooking prowess of my Italian mother, reflecting on her near magical ability to conjure up enough food to feed 15 people at our regular Sunday supper. This was certainly the case with planning holiday meals. Starting the holiday season was the grandeur of the Thanksgiving feast. Paula and I were not raised with the “traditional” Thanksgiving. In the Italian household, the visions of roasted turkeys, stuffing and mashed potatoes dancing in our heads as we prepare for the carb overload of a dinner served at 3 p.m. was not the tradition we grew up with. What we considered a normal holiday offering turned out to be rather strange to some but is beloved to us.

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Growing up in an Italian American household, it was not uncommon to think that pasta had to be part of all Thanksgiving meals. The Thanksgiving Lasagna was part of the multiple course meal that would come BEFORE the turkey. Of course, we needed to begin our Thanksgiving feast with the antipasti that included a few types of salami, cheese, olives, spreads, and crackers and you are good to go. This encouraged everyone to try something new while also working as a great conversation starter surrounding what everything is. Many Italian families also include soups during this Thanksgiving antipasti course—like Italian wedding soup or tortellini en brodo. Christmas was always the premier of holiday cooking. The best part of the holiday tradition was the Christmas Eve feast called “the feast of La Vigilia” or the Feast of the Seven Fishes. There are various types of seafood prepared for this feast that can include combinations of anchovies, sardines, dried salt cod, eels, squid, octopus, shrimp, oysters, clams, or lobster. Let’s not forget the desserts. Though it might seem impossible that anyone is still hungry after all the amazing foods for the holidays, dessert is just as important as the meal itself. And while Italian Americans bring plenty of pies to both holiday affairs, it’s the traditional Italian desserts that provided a sweet end to the eating festivities. It would not be an eating event without some strong espresso amped up with sambuca. And when you’re finally ready to call it a night, finish off with a touch of Frangelico or Asti. As I tell these stories, there are so many memories of my big Italian family making food and carrying the traditions that I hold dear in my heart. Take time to enjoy the holidays. I do miss the days celebrating with a large family but grateful for the many good times and traditions that our mothers brought to our lives. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

ITALIAN LASAGNA INSTRUCTIONS MEAT SAUCE: • Preheat the oven to 375˚ and heat a skillet or pot over medium heat. • Add olive oil, ground beef, ground pork, salt, and pepper. Cook the meat, stirring occasionally until browned and cook through. • Add in the Italian sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes while the ricotta cheese filling is made.

INGREDIENTS MEAT SAUCE: • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound ground beef

• 1 pound ground pork

RICOTTA CHEESE FILLING: • Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the oil and diced onions and cook while stirring occasionally for 3 minutes until softened. • Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and continue to cook, while stirring for an additional minute.

• 2 teaspoons salt

• Remove the pan off of the heat and place into a mixing bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir together the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.

• 5 cups Italian sauce or marinara

LASAGNA LAYERING:

RICOTTA CHEESE FILLING:

• In a 9x13 baking pan, spread approximately 1 cup of the meat sauce over the entire bottom of the pan.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

(Recipe online at SimplySaratoga.com)

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

• ½ medium white onion diced

• 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic

• 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

• 32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese • ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese • 2 large eggs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• In a small bowl, mix together the parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

• Place three of the lasagna noodles over the sauce and top with one third of the ricotta mixture. Spread the mixture around to cover most of the noodles. Top the ricotta mixture with one third of the shredded cheese mixture and then top that with half of the remaining meat sauce. • Repeat the process for the next layer with 3 more noodles, the second third of the ricotta mixture, the second third of the shredded cheese, and the remaining meat sauce. • To complete the third layer, add the last three noodles, the final third of the ricotta mixture, and the final third of the shredded cheese.

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Cover the pan tightly with foil and place in the oven on the middle rack to bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking time to allow the cheese to brown.

• 9-12 cooked lasagna noodle

• Remove lasagna from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

LASAGNA LAYERS: • ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Recipe courtesy of Amanda at scarlatifamilykitchen.com

This holiday season, stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, NY. What can be better than family and friends coming together to eat something delicious that you’ve eaten together for years? Sometimes unitedness comes in the preparations, sometimes it comes in the eating of the holiday food and sometimes it proves to be a catalyst to bring new friends and family into the fold. It is important for families to carry on the traditions. That is really what keeps us together. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Happy Holidays. We wish all our foodie friends many blessings for 2024.

Take Care, John & Paula saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Entertaining WITH

RALPH VINCENT

Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will love …and you will too!

TINSEL & TINIS!!! Here in Toga we love to make merry during

this “tinselly” season, so it’s likely you are planning your own holiday get-together. If you are like me, (probably are if you’re reading this article!) you’ll want to amaze your guests with some dazzling seasonal cocktails. Well I have four incredible recipes to share so get ready for some holiday cocktail fun! First up is the Pink Tinsel Martini, an elegant ginbased peppermint cocktail that starts off silver in color but ends up pink. For vodka lovers my version of the classic Blue Christmas Martini will festively fit the bill. And you can impress your tequila loving friends with a frosty Holiday Blizzard Tequini. To stay with tradition my friend Heather Hamilton – hairstylist extraordinaire and fellow cocktail enthusiast, is making her annual holiday appearance with another delish libation creation. This year it’s her Pecan Pie Martini. This sweet creamy drink tastes like its namesake, but has a kick like a Saratoga pony! And rimming the glass with maple syrup and pecans makes this cocktail look as fabulous as it tastes. I hope you enjoy these holiday drink recipes. Whatever the occasion, have fun in your kitchen cooking and crafting cocktails for the people you love and remember…

it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good! Happy Holidays! SS Each recipe makes one drink but you can mix these in batches in a pitcher and keep them chilled in the fridge. 94 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

The Pink Tinsel Martini • 2 ounces of premium gin (my fave for this drink is Beefeater London Dry Gin) • 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps • 1 Starlight peppermint candy

DIRECTIONS: Pour the gin and peppermint schnapps into an ice filled shaker, pop the lid on and shake like crazy until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and drop the starlight mint into the drink. The color will gradually change from silver to pink as the mint dissolves. This is a sweet cocktail but it does pack a punch so sip slowly.

The Blue Christmas Martini • 1 ounce of premium vodka • 1 ounce of white cranberry juice • 1 ounce of blue Curacao • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice DIRECTIONS: Pour all ingredients into an ice filled shaker, pop on the lid and shake like crazy until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and sip away. This one is so pretty it doesn’t need a garnish! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Holiday Blizzard Tequini • 1.5 ounces of silver tequila

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 ounce of white cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients into an ice filled shaker, pop on the lid and shake like crazy until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass and garnish with a few frozen cranberries.

• ½ ounce of lime juice • Frozen cranberries for garnish

Heather’s Pecan Pie Martini

Photo by Barb Perry

• 2 ounces of RumChata Cream Liquor • 2 ounces of crème de cocoa • 1 ounce of bourbon • ½ cup of pecans ground in a food processor for rimming the cocktail glass • ¼ cup of pure maple syrup DIRECTIONS: To prepare the cocktail glasses pour some of the maple syrup onto a small plate. Cover the surface of another small plate with some of the ground pecans. Tip the glass upside down and swirl the rim in the maple syrup, then gently swirl the rim in the ground pecans. You can rim the glassed ahead of time and chill them in the fridge. Pour the first three ingredients into an ice filled shaker, pop on the lid and shake like crazy until chilled. Strain into a rimmed martini or coupe glass. Cheers from Heather! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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GIFTS From the

Homesteader and their Livestock Friends WRITTEN BY NICOLINA VENTI, AGRICULTURE EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

The season of giving and the holidays are approaching quickly, and as we do every year around this time, we wonder… what do we have to give? As a society, material items and the process of giving and receiving has become the norm. As a homesteader, you have the opportunity to give a gift that has deeper roots. The beauty of a homesteader's lifestyle is that there always seems to be a “harvest” in one form or another, and from that harvest, you can create some great gifts for others! When it comes to these homegrown gifts, the sky is the limit. Whether it's preserves for your breakfast table, dried/fresh flowers for a wreath on your door, or food or fiber from livestock, these gifts have a story, and that is what makes them so special.

FIBER GIFTS If you are a homesteader who has Fiber Goats or Sheep, fiberrelated gifts are a great option. Now, these gifts could include Wool or Cashmere yarn for the crafter on your list or if you are a crafty homesteader yourself, a homemade set of Wool mittens. MEAT GIFTS When you have livestock on a homestead or any farm, usually they are there for an intended harvest purpose. One of those needs usually falls under meat, and this can be a great gift around the holidays. This can be as simple as giving someone a set of steaks, but I love to make it a little more of a whole-meal idea. Take a cut of meat from an animal you raised and pair it with a cold storage crop or jelly or preserves from your garden. I like to provide a recipe card with my favorite way to prepare the meat and how to incorporate that other item in the recipe. My favorite pairing is homegrown pork along with local Maple syrup with a recipe using them together! FORAGING GIFTS When you are a homesteader, there are so many things around us that we take for granted and tend to toss to the side. These ideas are for a more creative homesteader. Whether we were riding the horses, going for a walk, hiking, or foraging, I always seemed to pick up something unique, shiny, or just something beautiful in the woods. These finds are usually unique and can make for a great gift with a story. Adding turkey feathers and bittersweet to a wreath you made from pine branches or vines is not only a pretty front-door decoration, but you now get to share the beauty of your land and its fruits with a friend. In today's society, we forget that some of the best or most meaningful things we can do is to give something some thought. And for a homesteader, there is nothing we spend more of our mind’s energy on than the fruits of our labor. Giving someone a gift from your homestead is like giving someone not only your thoughts but time, two things that, in this fast-paced world, are becoming more and more precious to all of us. SS

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CONGRESS PARK, 1930

HISTORY PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

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Dr. John Clarke

A Saratoga Visionary: 200 Years Later

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

aratoga Springs grew as a community rather quickly in the early 1800s because of a few people with vision and determination. John Clarke was one of those visionaries that helped to refine and define the village for decades to come.

John Clarke was born in Yorkshire, England on May 12, 1773. He emigrated to the United States and went into business with Thomas Lynch in 1808 and opened a soda fountain in New York City. The company: “Lynch and Clarke Soda Water” was located at 254 Broadway near Wall Street. Clarke’s endeavors in this business proved to be

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very rewarding and at age 50 he retired from that business and moved to Saratoga Springs. When Clarke arrived in Saratoga Springs in 1823, the mineral springs had been drawing summer visitors to the village for years and upon his arrival he buys the Congress Spring in Congress Park. Gideon Putnam only a few years earlier had set forth the idea that the mineral water would always be free at the spring. The concept of a “free drink” of water at the spring would need a way for the spring owners to find another way to make their waters pay the cost of daily operation. Bottling became a big solution to that question of a path to profit.

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It seemed very simple to embrace the idea that the waters should be bottled and then could be sold without violation of the “Gideon Rule.” John Clarke knew soda fountain operations, and this was a simple cross over to marketing pure mineral water. In 1825 Clarke and his business partner Thomas Lynch began to bottle the famed Congress Spring from a location in today’s Congress Park. The business move was brilliant. Marketing and bottling the waters provided a revenue stream for the mineral spring owners as well as advertising the waters and the city as a destination around the world.

In 1832 he built a very large house on present day Circular Street that would help to make that neighborhood a new upscale section of the village. Clarke also wanted to be creative and designed the idea of laying out a new street not in the typical grid pattern of the day but in a circular shape. Although the circular shape was never completed as he bought land and constructed sections of the street, the name Circular Street is still in use today. The concept was so unique to have a circular street that in the mid1800s a local business man named Menges had a letter delivered to his Circular Street address and the letter had his name, the address as Circular Street but no city or state listed. After some time in the postal system the letter found its way to our city and his house. When asking the postal department how it got to the correct destination they said, “in the entire country this was the only circular street that they knew existed.”

Clarke is responsible for determining that Saratoga waters would be sold as pints and quarts. He needed to provide a supply of those size glass bottles to fill for market, so he approached Oscar Granger, who owned a glass factory in Vernon, New York. Eventually Granger moved his glass factory to the Saratoga area along with 100 glass blowers and the needed John Clarke also divided manufacturing equipment. the land he owned on Union Granger built his factory Avenue into large frontage near Lake Desolation building lots and left the because of a needed back streets as smaller more supply of sand and hemlock affordable lot sizes for what as a fuel for the furnaces. we might call “affordable Filtering the sand to housing.” Although a new produce clear glass seemed concept of the day, it proved too expensive so the to be very important to bottles were produced in providing opportunities for shades of green and brown. the working class to afford Colored glass was a cost their own homes. He further saving move but also the supported the working class colored glass played into by establishing a warehouse the belief that the medicinal in the village where he CIRCULAR STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS properties of the water collected used furniture would be protected from that could be shared with degradation by sunlight. families in the event of The operations began to produce millions of glass bottles their home being destroyed by fire. He donated land for per year. In 1830 Congress Spring water was bottled at a construction of an Episcopal Church on the corner of East rate of one gallon a minute, with 1200 bottles shipped a Congress and Union Avenue. Later that construction was day. The Congress Spring was not the only spring that was moved to Washington Street and became the Bethesda bottled and eventually millions of bottles left the city yearly Episcopal Church of today. As the village grew and a water and were shipped across the United States, Europe and as supply was needed, he paid to build the first reservoir far away as China. The embossed lettered bottles provided system in the village that supplied water to the Broadway a further reminder after the water had been consumed and Congress Street areas. that it was from the village of Saratoga Springs, the source The story of John Clarke is not unique to the history of our of these great waters. Once again, great marketing for great city. It’s interesting that John Clarke came to the village Saratoga as a destination. in 1823 and started these wonderful practices 200 years In 1833 Thomas Lynch passed away and Clarke bottled alone. In 1846 Clarke married the widow of competing bottler Charles White and bottled under the name Clarke and White until Clarke’s death at age 73 in 1846. Upon John Clarke’s passing, his mineral water bottling venture had proved so successful that he owned 1000 acres of land in the village. Like many early Saratogians, John Clarke not only made money at his business but made a difference in the community.

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ago this year. There were others, like Gideon and Doanda Putnam that came earlier and were also great benefactors to the early village. This is a repeated story of successful people that donate and build to make the community an even better place for its many residents. I have always loved that aspect of GIVING to our city’s history but also in today’s environment. These accounts of self-less acts and efforts make Saratoga Springs a unique community that I’m so very proud to be a lifelong resident. Remember, it was not one person or family that made us great, but many. SS

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Rarely Seen Photos of

Old Saratoga Springs

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

CONGRESS SPRING 1880 In the 1800s Congress Spring was a long structure with the spring located near Broadway but had covered shops and sitting areas that went to the east down East Congress Street. This image shows the interior with many visitors enjoying the famed waters of the Congress Spring.

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CONGRESS HALL COURTYARD

The Congress Hall was located on the east side of Broadway between Spring Street and East Congress Street. This is a view of the courtyard of the third largest hotel in the city at that time. The courtyard was located down Spring Street behind the hotel. Congress Hall was razed in 1911-12 and becomes the site in Congress Park of the Spirit of Life that is seen there today.

CONGRESS THEATER 1946

The Congress Theater was one of a few movie theaters in the city and was located near the northeast corner of Broadway and Spring Street. The theater closed years later and became a Chinese restaurant, and then evolved into retail space as it is today. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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On SPOT. SPOT . This

69 CAROLINE STREET

WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE | PHOTOS PROVIDED (UNLESS NOTED)

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This 1938 photo from the George S. Bolster at The Saratoga History Museum shows the mirror-like structure at 69-71 Caroline Street as Sylmaire, a rooming house.

Just a short stroll from lively upper Caroline Street, adorned with its vibrant bars and the late-night revelry of intoxicated patrons spilling into the street, lies a well-maintained 1880s brick duplex steeped in a rich historical narrative. Once a multi-unit apartment building housing both residents and business offices and later transformed into a boarding house, the duplex metamorphosed into an elegant French restaurant. Subsequently, it found purpose as a cardiology office, only to transition into the cherished third home of the Saratoga Children's Museum. And now, it eagerly awaits its forthcoming role as a cooperative woodworking shop, aptly named The Joinery. In its diverse history, 69 Caroline Street has always been a place of discovery. Within the weathered basement brick and stone walls, this venerable structure conceals an array of tales from yesteryears. The wooden basement beams bear witness to generations that have come and gone. During a recent tour, I wove through the curved brick-lined pathways of the basement, feeling transported to a bygone era where every nook and cranny held secrets waiting to be discovered. If it were possible to gather the first early residents or building owners who conducted their affairs from the iconic 69 Caroline residence, one would find a constellation of talent. I was surprised to discover the number of owners and residents who were in alternative fields of health care - Mrs. E. A. Cates, magnetic healer and rubbist (1878); Dr. Mary Dewey treated patients there in 1890; Dr. Emma Ayres ran a homeopathic sanitarium (1891) and, in 1904, well-known medium and clairvoyant, Laura Smith Ellsworth saw clients at 69 Caroline.

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In the 1930s, Polish immigrant Abraham Weiss discovered he could capitalize on Saratoga’s demand for affordable lodging by converting the building into a rooming house, naming it the Sylmarie, after his daughters Sylvia and Marilyn. (A 1930s directory of Rooming houses lists 44 such establishments, all within blocks of each other.) In the 1980s, the walls of these furnished bedrooms were knocked down when Joseph and Sophie Parker renovated the downstairs to open their French Restaurant, Chez Sophie, where locals discovered the pleasures of simple, yet elegant, French food made with the freshest of ingredients. The Parkers lived in Hadley, where they began their restaurant, but moved their iconic bistro to Saratoga at 69 Caroline for a brief time. One of the most ardent admirers of their simple yet elegant cuisine was the summer visitor, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, who cherished the restaurant's in-town location, conveniently close to the Saratoga Racetrack. Joseph completed the magical experience by serving as a welcoming, gracious host.

A 1999 phone book ad for the cardiologist office at 69 Caroline St.

The basement of 69 Caroline Street consists of many curved brick pathways, holding secrets of the buildings past.

It may seem ironic that a location renowned for its French cuisine later became the home of Saratoga’s premier cardiologists. Yet, in 1986, when Dr. Andrij Baran and Dr. Roland Phillips founded Saratoga Cardiology, they chose 69 Caroline Street as the home of their newly established practice. In their 14 years there, thousands of patients discovered how to best care for their cardiovascular health, as well as discovering a deep admiration for these award-winning doctors. By 1999 the ever-expanding practice had outgrown the relatively small space. The next chapter of the building, which lasted 20 years and is the most well-known to date - is the Saratoga Children’s Museum, a unique place of discovery for area children. Diane Denny often walked by 69 Caroline Street on her way to the library. She knew the popular Children’s Museum, then housed over Palmettos on Phila Street, was searching for a new home, so she proposed the idea to her friend and board member Peggy Brown. Soon a capital campaign began to raise $500,000 for renovations and an addition, expanding the space to 8,000 square feet. The Herculean task kicked off with a "demolition party" on June 21, 2000, to create a "New Children's Museum for the New Century."

Alice Martin, Linda Hofmann, Deb Reed, Mary Lou Hall, Reenie Wade, Jan Perotta, Susan Brome and Donna Tomb responded to Margie Shepard’s March 1989 handdrawn flyer to begin a hands-on museum for children. Their families faced the daunting task of creating a small exhibit in the Downstreet Marketplace. Twenty years later, the overwhelming success led to the museum’s home at 69 Caroline Street.

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The grand opening on November 10, 2001, delighted hundreds of children and their parents with Saratogathemed exhibits ready for discovery. Kids danced in the interactive bandstand at Congress Park, operated a working antique cash register in the general store, immersed themselves in a life-sized bubble, and dressed as firemen to respond to the next pretend emergency. The expanded museum thrived for 20 years at this location, drawing over 40,000 visitors a year. On December 31, 2021, the museum closed its doors at 69 Caroline in preparation for moving to a larger location at the Lincoln Bathhouse. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Today 69 Caroline Street awaits its next transformation as the Saratoga Joinery

John Haller, owner of 69 Caroline Street, in the future classroom of the Saratoga Joinery.

This planer is one of many professional tools a woodworking hobbyist can use at the Joinery

This opened the door for innovator and software start-up developer John Haller, who was ready for his next endeavor. Haller, a pioneer in the desktop mapping industry, co-founded the software company MapInfo (now known as Precisely MapInfo); NearMe, a location-based application for wireless devices; and SportsSignup. During the pandemic, Haller discovered his passion for woodworking as he watched craftsmen work on a multi-year renovation of his Queen Anne Victorian home at 73 Union Avenue. He discovered both woodworking and software development used the same parts of one’s brain, both requiring extensive problem-solving.

Today 69 Caroline Street awaits its next transformation as the Saratoga Joinery

“In 2021, I lived and fully immersed myself in a 3-month furniture intensive at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine, where I officially became hooked,” said Haller. His intrigue with Troy’s “Maker Lab,” a space where hands-on wood crafters can use equipment and share ideas, led him to search for a building to house a similar type of business. He created a building wish list: a place with parking, a ramp, large doors to move in new equipment, and multiple rooms in a walkable in-town location. The former Children’s Museum checked all the boxes. In March 2022, Haller took possession of 69 Caroline Street, naming it The Saratoga Joinery, a not-forprofit woodworking co-operative. He had hoped to open this fall, but unexpected discoveries one would find in an 1880s building have delayed the opening until this January. Full-time employee James Varkala faces daily challenges, such as remnants of an old chimney or an air handling system that needed changes. Impressed with his efforts, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presented Haller with an Adaptive Reuse Award this past September for his work on the building. In the meantime, over 700 people have had membership inquiries. Both monthly memberships and a variety of woodworking classes will be offered. Discoveries await many as 69 Caroline Street continues to craft its story.

Author’s note: Thanks to the Saratoga Room and Michelle Isopo, Mitch Cohen and John Haller for their research help. SS HOLIDAY 2023 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 107

Saratobogganing

The Spa’s Steepest Slopes WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

The Gilded Age witnessed Saratoga Springs’ development into a key resort destination. The healing mineral waters and the rousing contests between the best Thoroughbred horses, along with the lure of fortune at faro and roulette tables, established the idyllic village as the summer place to be. Yet when the days shortened to autumn, and shortened still into a white winter, alternate recreation was required. Several of the village’s young adults, men and women who enjoyed socializing as a group, ventured north to Montreal for winter carnivals. Along the slopes of Mount Royal they experienced the thrill and awesome speed of a toboggan slide. Returning back to the Spa in winter, they decided as a group to build and operate their own frigid season diversion, and collectively reformed snow and ice into exciting days and nights coasting at high speed.

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Tobogganing at Saratoga, illustration by Willard Poinsette Snyder and published in Harper’s Weekly magazine February 7, 1885. Any guesses as to the identity of the couple on the toboggan

The toboggan, or sled without runners, were created from local beech and birch trees, with the wood steamed until a leading edge dash curl could be formed and the strips joined in the manner of barrel staves. The geography of Saratoga Springs provided many downhill runs, and the force of gravity was amplified by a summit structure, also of wood construction. A framework tower of about fifty feet formed the point of departure, with chutes which had been paved with ice blocks extended downslope on a trestle-work incline of twenty-three degrees, otherwise a grade of four-to-one where the slide which provided the toboggan the initial impetus meeting the natural declivity for a whizzing flight of fun. The first toboggan slide was erected at Woodlawn Park, near the present location of Skidmore College, perhaps in the early 1880s. This initial structure had two chutes, divided by a center stairway, and equipped with lantern stanchions for nighttime tobogganing. After a schuss down the first chute and hill, returning coasters would drag their toboggans up the second chute as they climbed the stairs, providing healthful outdoor exercise. The slides were groomed by the assiduous application of water for the highest attainable degree of lubricity, yielding a reduction in friction to nearly null and allowing toboggans to travel at the rate of fifty feet per second. These speeds were saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Moonlight on the toboggan slide at Woodlawn Park, described as “a mile-a-minute pace” from Saratoga: Winter and Summer by Prentiss Ingraham 1885. Famous novelist Prentiss Ingraham is listed on the charter member roster of the Woodlawn Park Toboggan Club.

perhaps the fastest people of this era ever traveled. The frigid air was full of merry laughter combined with shouts of joyous glee from those upon upholstered seats who scooted along with a clutching grip on their toboggan’s grab-rails until they reached the haystack barrier at the end. If the coasters were not yet satisfied by speed and the rushing wind it created, they could return to the slide for another run; otherwise it was pleasant to warm up around the assembly parlor’s hot stove in the Clubhouse and partake of refreshments while gazing through frosted window panes at others enjoying the slide. The 1884 incorporation of the Woodlawn Park Toboggan Club is an indication of the swift increase in the popularity of this wintry recreation, which soon found a need to expand their facility. Harper’s Weekly magazine in their February 7, 1885 issue wrote, “A local club has projected and completed one of the toboggan slides which elevate the simple pastime of sliding down hill into a sport.” In March of 1885 the Saratogian announced the Club, who they credited with “organizing the initial slide in the United States,” had leased from Lemuel B. Pike and John McBain Davidson the 47 acre Glen Mitchell driving park and gun club property, and planned to erect a larger three-chute toboggan slide there in time for the next winter. The following month the HOLIDAY 2023 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 109

Saratobogganing the three chute slide at Glen Mitchell and nearby Clubhouse of the Saratoga Toboggan Club from Saratoga Chips and Carlsbad Wafers by Nathan Sheppard 1887.

Toboggan slide thought to be at Riley’s Lake House from Saratoga Springs: Camera Slivers From the Famous Spa by Chas. H. Possons 1887.

Club would revise its corporate identity to the Saratoga Toboggan Club and begin construction of their new facilities a short distance north of their original slide, which would include a bridge or grade separated crossing, over the three chutes for safety and observation purposes and direct access to the improved Clubhouse. The Club roster was published, listing many prominent local citizens such as Edgar T. Brackett, Louis H. Cramer, Harry Levengston, the Lester Brothers, Spencer Trask, and many others. Another development allowed by the increased space at Glen Mitchell was that the snowbanks flanking both sides of the track beyond the slide were built up higher, groomed and iced for added speed, while also preventing the toboggans from straying into the shadowed pines and leafless trees. The 2,650 feet of the frost-filled fun run at Glen Mitchell was generally accomplished in 19 seconds.

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Glen Mitchell three chute toboggan slide and grade separated crossing from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper January 29, 1887.

The Worden House was long known as a year-around hostelry in Saratoga, and Mr. Worden extended his café business to the Clubhouse at Glen Mitchell where the buffet tables reputedly groaned from the weight of the spread. When snow did not arrive as expected, a water wagon would sprinkle the route from the Worden House to Glen Mitchell in the evening, paving the path with ice to allow well robed horse drawn sleighs to transport tobogganers back and forth. The long cold winter nights were made cheerful by the glittering lights at the Toboggan Club, provided by torches and lanterns and reflected on the snow and ice, and further enhanced by the moon in its various phases and cloud filters and the boundless display of stars.

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Toboggan Club members enjoying the slide from Saratoga: Winter and Summer by Prentiss Ingraham 1885.

Advertisement in the 1886 Saratogian, catering to the toboggan trade.

In 1886 Jim Riley, one time champion oarsman on Saratoga Lake, built Riley’s Lake House, a famous operation for generations that included all-season waterfront amusements which incorporated a toboggan slide. The thrill of “shooting the chute” through the years was perpetuated at the other famous Saratoga Lake Houses; Newman’s and the Arrowhead. As with many other social activities at the Spa, fashion played a role, and handsome merino and fleece toggery were worn by both men and women over long flannel underwear. Toques, a close-fitting knit hat, and stocking caps which extended into a tassel or pom-pom were very popular, as were satin hoods. Insulated boots, with protective toe caps, shielded the wearer from the hard slippery surface and cold. Toboggans were decorated with distinctive paint and padded cushions, identifying a family or group, often with the blankets, clothing and hats in matching hues.

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Young tobogganers depicted at Saratoga in Frank Leslie’s Budget magazine February 1893.

Winter Carnivals were staged in Congress Park following the end of the First World War, and Saratogians harkened back to their Victorian predecessors and erected a toboggan slide which ran from the high-ground near Circular Street, past the Casino, toward Spring Street. On July 3, 1885 the New York Times reported on the preparations for Independence Day at Saratoga Springs, which included visits by two of the nineteenth century’s most famous authors, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain, who came to the Spa to visit former President Grant at Mount McGregor. In this same article the Times reporter, reminiscing about the previous winter wrote, “one effect of the Winter gayeties last January is seen in the coining of a new word, “Saratobogganing.”’ In our time, the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the marvelous Canfield Casino has a fine display with an actual nineteenth century toboggan and a period sculpture which conveys the joie de vivre of those halcyon winter days. SS

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Resolution 2024 WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD | PHOTO PROVIDED

How many New Year's resolutions have you made in your lifetime? At the higher end of my 60s, I've logged quite a few and broken most within days. If you were expecting another weight-loss resolution story, you'd be semi-correct. Every New Year's, I promise myself that by my birthday in June, I'll need to punch extra holes in my belt. The thing about New Year's Resolutions is unless you carve them in stone and add an expiration date, you can use the same one year after year. Technically, I haven't broken last year's resolution or even the one I made twenty years ago; I'm still working on it. In fact, I've been documenting my weight-loss journey in writing since 2003, and therein lies the point of this piece. My wife and I purchased a treadmill from Sears in 2003. I was closing in on my 50s, and my weight had peaked at 270 pounds. It was time to get serious about my health and my longevity. My first documented date on the treadmill was 11/8/03. I did 3.32 miles in 52 minutes. On 12/28/03, three days after Christmas, I logged 5 miles in 72 minutes and had lost 10 pounds. Twenty years later, we're on our second treadmill. I'm about twenty-five pounds lighter and feel good when I do a couple miles in 45 minutes. I mix in a stretching and free-weight routine to keep my back from seizing up like a rusty gate. I've learned it's more about consistency than speed or volume. The photo above is a collection of notebooks I've used to document my weight and exercise regimen for the past twenty years. The entries vary in format and content depending on my mental state. They run from glass half-full to pathetic and everything in between. I thought I would share some of those entries as a look into the eyes of the average man or woman trying to maintain their health and sanity in a world that seems to spin faster by the day. 3/2/04- Motivation: After I commented to someone that I ran at least 3 miles, 2-3 times a week, they responded, "Yeah, right—after a hotdog?" Ouch. 10/27/04 - Mom passed away 10/17/04. It was a tough three years. The weather on the day of the funeral was beautiful. A lot of people from work came, Todd, Dick, 112 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | HOLIDAY 2023

Chris and Maggie. Most of mom's side. Less than two weeks later, I'm up over 240 again. My goal is to get into the 230s by year's end. We have reservations in Cape May for Dec 29-Jan 2. 10/31/07- 3 miles- 42 minutes. Dad's moving to Wesley today. Work is insane. My yard's a mess. Dad's apartment is full of stuff I must deal with. Everyone's busy. "Life is Good." 12/26/08- 5 miles - 76 minutes. Day after Christmas. Bad Dog! Cookies, cookies, ham, Chex-Mix, fudge, cookies, pie, date bars, chips, nuts, cookies, Bad, Bad Dog!!! 12/22/12- Saturday 8am- I'm breathing heavy. The stress and pace of my job continue to strangle my ability to focus on my weight and overall health. I know what needs to be done. I begin each day with optimism but weaken with every additional have-to, every unattainable job requirement. I fold into a Cookie Monster, a garbage disposal with legs. I lose my willpower, my joy. I push in the clutch, downshift, and press down the pedal, looking forward to the day after, the morning beyond, another beginning. I will start again tomorrow. I promise, I really do… 12/22/20- 5am 248lbs. Amazing how much better you feel after only three weeks of 1+ hours of morning exercise. Back, feet, neck, complexion, sleep, breathing all improve tenfold. Pretty simple formula that simply requires implementation and commitment—That's the kicker. 1 mile. 9/22/23- 4:15am -Friday- Weight? Stretch, bench press, curls, squats. 1 mile. Not a good week exercise-wise—I did replace the radiator in my Tundra- "So I got that goin' for me, which is nice" - Carl Spackler. Why have I kept twenty years of notes, notebooks, and journals documenting my roller coaster of progress and regress? I've used the collection to prove to myself that the word resolution doesn't have to have an ending. Although I've resolved myself to the fact that I may never get back to those 34/34 Levis, at least I've kept the dream and the fight alive. It's all about balance. I've learned that life's too short, and sometimes it's healthier to kick back and enjoy that bowl of Stewart's Philly Vanilla. Philly herself would have agreed. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Earl B Feiden