Simply saratoga holiday 2013

Holiday Edition 2013

Compliments of

4 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 5

CONTENT Winter/Holliday Issue ~ November 2013

82

HOLIDAY 11

Buy Local

24

Gifts From The Kitchen

30

Peter Bowden

32

Gift Guide

44

Save The Date

FASHION

30 11

64

47

Pages 47-54

HOME & FAMILY 56

Hollis Palmer

64

Carriage House Chronicles

68

Family Adventure

A GOOD READ 75

Restaurant Review

78

Book Review

94

24

80 Advice 82

DA James Murphy

94

The Murphy Sisters

EDITOR’S CHOICE 98 Espressohuis

6 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013

Holiday Edition 2013

All about our cover…

Thank you to all of our readers who submitted photos for the HOLIDAY issue of Simply Saratoga!

We all LOVED this one submitted by Gail Carmichael Stein, one of our readers and obviously an excellent amateur photographer! Saratoga Springs is known as the “City in the Country” and this photo epitomizes what beautiful countryside lies just outside our bustling downtown.

Stay tuned to see which reader we picked to grace the cover of A Saratoga Christmas, due on November 27th

Compliments of

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

CONTRIBUTORS Winter/Holliday Issue ~ November 2013

Peter Bowden

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

Brian Cremo

Brian is a writer from Scotia, who graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in newspaper journalism. He is currently the sports editor for Saratoga TODAY. Brian has enjoyed travels across the United States but has always been at home with the places and people of upstate New York, who all have a story to tell.

Helen Edelman

Helen writes about other writers, which can be a daunting task. She also writes about education, health care, the arts, and profiles of important and intriguing people she has met along the way. Edelman has been living in Saratoga Springs since 1970, when she arrived as a Skidmore freshman. Since then, she has had incarnations as a writer, journalist, marketer and anthropologist.

She is the mother of four children and grandmother to one goat named Ruby!

Arthur Gonick

Like the swallows at San Juan Capistrano, or perhaps a bad penny, Arthur has returned again to our offices after 18 months in Nashville, TN. Though a great admirer of author Thomas Wolfe, Arthur is glad to prove that you can “go home again.”

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Meghan Lemery

Meghan began her career in Boston where she spent five years counseling cancer patients at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She returned to the Saratoga area and started in private psychotherapy practice. She currently has an office in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls. She is also the author of her first published book, titled “Please Pass the Barbie Shoes” which was published in Spring of 2011.

Kate Towne Sherwin

Kate Towne Sherwin grew up in Saratoga Springs and is so grateful to be able to raise her children here. She and her husband have five boys (ages 1 to 8), and when they’re playing/reading/sleeping she writes, so she’ll always remember these precious days.

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.

Chelsea Hoopes Silver

Chelsea Silver owns Silverwood Home & Gallery in downtown Saratoga Springs with her mother, Charlene. She is also a real estate agent for Town & Country Properties and does interior design consulting. She began writing her blog, The Carriage House Chronicles, in 2012, loving the new opportunity to virtually connect with other design-oriented folks amateur and professional, local and afar.

With degrees in English and American Fine and Decorative Arts, she is very happy to be combining these two passions in her new endeavor writing for Simply Saratoga.

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 7

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty

General Manager Robin Mitchell

Managing Editor Chris Bushee

Creative Director Jessica Kane

Advertising

Jim Daley, Cindy Durfey Graphic Designers

Frank Garguilo, Colleen Sweeney Writers

Chad Beatty

Peter Bowden Brian Cremo

Helen Susan Edelman Arthur Gonick

Meghan Lemery Hollis Palmer Megin Potter

Kate Towne-Sherwin Photographers MarkBolles.com

StockStudiosphotography.com

Published by

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street,

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480

fax: (518) 581-2487 SaratogaTODAYNewspaper.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2013, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

8 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013

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Letter From The Editor I know I just said in the last issue that autumn was my favorite time of year, and visually it is…but this time of year when we get ready for “the holidays”

Staying with the “family” theme… we bring you an exceptional local family that is a true inspiration to us all… We all know that Jim Murphy has done a phenomenal job in his role as “Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III” but I think his role as husband and father is as equally important – as witnessed by the accomplishments of “the …THIS is my favorite time.

Murphy Sisters.” These girls may have had a great foundation, but they have accomplished so much on their own – as a mother to a I’m already making plans for young girl myself, I’m so glad that we have role models like Caroline Thanksgiving dinner, starting to tuck and Claire Murphy. away Christmas presents here and there and I feel it’s never too early to start thinking We haven’t forgotten any of your favorites… restaurant and book about decorating (wait till you see Carriage House Chronicles!) reviews, fashion pages to drool over and a holiday gift guide to and speaking of “decorating” if you’ve ever wondered WHY we’re make you swoon! compelled to kiss under the mistletoe or put popcorn garland on our We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed trees – Peter Bowden has all the answers. putting it together, and please keep those comments coming - we For the recipes in this issue, we wanted to do things that people love hearing about how much you enjoy our publications. You can would be able to “gift” and what a great selection we have… contact me at cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com or (518) 581everything from bark to homemade bread. Usually our recipes come 2480. in through our Facebook promotions, but in this issue I wanted to personally invite a few special people to share their recipes with you, As always, I have to close with a big THANK YOU to all of our readers and advertisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t I hope you enjoy them as much as I do :- ) continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the With the thought of “the holidays” we always think of family… good, thousands that read them each month – please mention us when visiting these businesses. bad or indifferent (I’m still laughing over Meghan Lemery’s column!!) but we’re taking it a step further in this issue and spotlighting some I wish you “Happy Holidays” and God ‘s Blessing. local family run businesses that we just love… some old, some new…

Happy reading, Chris but the concept of “family” keeps them strong and dedicated and we salute that. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about these six PS… Look for this publication businesses that bring us such wonderful products and services… due out November 27th and then support their efforts! for all your Holiday activities!

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 9

10 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Buys LOCAL

by Juergen Klingenberg

Have you ever really given thought to the impact of what happens when you make a conscious effort to “think and buy local”?

I’m not just talking about patronizing your local farmer or browsing the community farmers market on a weekend. I’m talking about the hundreds of locally owned small retailers which populate almost every mini-strip mall around our towns and communities.

Some of them may see a blip of business during the summer tourism season, but most depend year round on the traffic of local patrons like you.

Each day, without thought we commute to work and probably pass any number locally-owned businesses, coffee shops, gift shops, auto repair centers or that corner bakery.

Just look around as you drive to work today or on your next trip to the super giant box store, you’ll see what I’m talking about. These are your neighbors, friends and community activists; they need and appreciate your support.

I know that within minutes of my house in Ballston saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Spa, there is an independent toy store that has bailed me out with a last-minute birthday gift more than a few times. The knowledgeable proprietors peddle dolls to German-engineered wind-up trains, bug-collection kits to theatrical costumes. Perhaps more important than their inventory, they’ve kept alive that elusive remnant of the retail experienceservice. They gift wrap for free year-round.

“Local shopping” is a conscientious effort to patronize independents, or locally owned businesses, over chain stores when it’s possible to do so.

We believe that the true comparison between independent businesses and chains is about “overall value”, not just price. There are other factors, such as service, selection, durability. You have to look at the lifespan of products before determining whether they are more expensive than at chain stores where higher sales volume tends to lower price tags.

Your decision to buy locally should be a lifestyle choice that reflects a commitment to the community.

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 11

Buy

LOCAL

The Bread Basket Bakery: “Like your grandmother” isn’t just a slogan

Æ

Whatever you picture when you hear the terms “cottage industry” and “family business,” I bet it looks a lot like The Bread Basket Bakery—from its founding to the way it’s run to even its location in an English cottage-style building on Spring Street.

Joan Tallman began the business more than 30 years ago, working out of her home kitchen, doing something she’s always loved to do—taking care of people by feeding them. Joan’s Swedish grandmother was a cook by trade, and between what Joan learned from her and what she taught herself, she became an expert baker, at first feeding just her family and friends, then selling her wares at farmers’ markets and eventually purchasing a second oven to keep up with the increasing demand.

Finally in 1990, Joan moved out of her home kitchen and opened The Bread Basket Bakery, where the public has been enjoying baked goods literally “like your grandmother used to make” for over 23 years.

In 2011, the business transitioned over to Joan’s sons Matthew and Chad—Matt is the operations manager and Chad is the head chef. They added a breakfast and lunch menu, which includes breakfast sandwiches and French toast, and hot and cold sandwiches for lunch, as well as salads, soups, smoothies and shakes. And of course, there’s still the baked goods: more than a dozen different varieties each of cookies, pies and breads, as well as any kind of scone and pastry you can hope for.

That doesn’t even include the separate menu for cakes, which lists a mix of standard and specialty cakes and cupcakes; they even do wedding cakes. Clearly the Tallman family business has continued to thrive and grow under the care of Joan’s sons.

Branching out of the Bread Basket cottage is their long-term plan to continue supporting their whole family. They already offer catering and delivery, which really ramps up in November and December for the holidays, offering not only baked goods but real comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, quiche, chicken pot pies, soups, as well as hot and cold sandwiches.

They’re currently operating the cafe at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, offering a smaller version of their menu, with a focus on their signature pot pies and quiches as well as baked goods and coffee.

They hope to continue so after the library renovations are complete and the cafe moves into the space currently occupied by the Book Bag Shop, and they’d really like to consider the possibility of catering for business lunch meetings at the library.

The Tallmans love to help out the community in charitable ways as well.

Every day the Bread Basket donates food to local organizations like the Food Pantry, The Wesley Community, and Shelters of Saratoga.

“We want to be as much a part of the community as possible,” Matt says.

Simply...

SWEET

Then &

Now!

As for the Bread Basket mama, Joan?

When she’s not spending time with her grandchildren, she still helps out at the Bakery, especially during busy times. Surely she’s pleased at how her business, started all those years ago out of her home, is still taking care of others with comfort food, baked goods, and donations to the needy—the finest of family traditions.

12 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Check out The Bread Basket Bakery web site www.saratogabreadbasket. com for their hours or to find more information about their products, to view their catering options, or download a menu.

Bread Basket’s HOTEL

CHEESECAKE

1/2 c Butter

1

2/3

c Sugar

2 lbs. (4 blocks) Cream Cheese 1/4 c Honey

10 Eggs, room temperature 1 c. Vanilla

Joan and her sons, Matt and Chad Photo by Heather Bohm-Tallman

Story by Kate Towne Sherwin who lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband and sons.

She can be reached at sksherwin@hotmail.com.

Photos Provided

1/2 c Flour

1 c Ground Almonds

1 tsp Almond Extract 1

1/3

c Heavy Cream

Cream together (but do not

overbeat) butter, sugar and

cream cheese. Add honey and

mix at medium speed until blended.

Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, on medium speed. Mix in

flour, ground almonds and extract. Beat cream to Chantilly and fold into other mixture.

Pour into prepared pans. Bake in Water bath at 320 degrees, low fan, 1 hour or until set.

Remove from water and cool in pans for 1 hour.

2

1/2

Crust

c Ground Almonds

5 tbs Brown Sugar 1/4 c Melted Butter

Mix together and pat into

parchment lined and greased spring form pans. Cover the outside with foil. Par bake at

325 degrees, low fan, 10 minutes. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 13

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LOCAL

Sundaes Best

Hot Fudge Sauce

Æ

by Megin Potter, Photos Provided

As a young woman eager to make a good impression on what would one day become her husband, Katie Camarro laid in bed awake all night wondering how to sneak downstairs and eat the entire jar of a delectable hot fudge sauce she had gotten a taste of for the first time earlier that evening.

“If it’s not chocolate, why bother?”

is Camarro’s philosophy when it comes to dessert, so joining the family of a man quoted as saying, “Ice cream without hot fudge is like a kiss without a hug,” seems only natural.

That man is Jeff Shinaman, formerly of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, and that chocolate fudge sauce was his mother, Marilyn Shinaman’s, special recipe. A recipe that was shared with Camarro one Christmas 18 years ago because Camarro thought it was important to give homemade gifts from the heart.

In 2001, after numerous requests for more, she left her job as a gift and paper consultant to manufacture chocolate hugs full time. Since then she has grown her business, sharing Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce through approximately 500 venues nationwide and in Canada.

She could open up a jar and eat it every day, loving it today as much as she did that first day, she says about the line of 11 hot fudge sauces manufactured in her small, unassuming Gansevoort kitchen. An extraordinarily sweet and simple treat; stirred into the fair-trade chocolate, is high quality local milk, real sugar and flavor extracts, adding essence to the taste while maintaining its smooth texture.

It’s her love of the product that feeds Camarro’s ambitions, she says and keeps her lovingly screwing on the jar lids herself, which can number 1,400 a day, even with carpal tunnel in both wrists.

Where to Find it..

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge is also available at many retail locations near you: Saratoga County: Accents at Allerdice Compliments to the Chef Crafters Gallery Fo ‘Castle Farms Front Street Home Impressions Lakeside Farms Lindsey’s Mail & More Putnam Market Roma Foods Saratoga Salsa & Spice Saratoga Winery Schuyler Pond Home & Garden Washington County: Argyle Cheese Farmer Ice Cream Man Gardenworks

It’s a remarkable gift, she says, being able to give something to the world that creates such happiness; and with any bitterness always comes the sweet.

It’s a lesson that is expressed through Sundae’s Best Bippa’s Bittersweet flavor hot fudge. Made with a third less sugar than the original, it was created as a celebration of business, marriage and good health. Stomach growling, it was the flavor I was eager to share with my own family.

Warren County: Barkeater Chocolates Cooper’s Cave LARAC Gallery Shop Sutton’s Marketplace Sterling & Company

Balancing the jar and the car’s steering wheel in one hand, I dipped my finger into the silky dark substance, licking off its gooey goodness, lips smacking.

Maybe just a little taste more, I thought.

Order any of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge products with free shipping by visiting their website at http: www.sundaesbest.com.

Katie Camarro in the small office of her Gansevoort kitchen as she does the day-today work of having Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce top off desserts across the country.

14 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply...

HEAVENLY

Bumpa’s Crepes Cream cheese filled crepes- 3 ways Recipe 1: Mixed Berry Ingredients:

8 oz. sof tened cream cheese 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. lemon zest

Crepes (make your own or premade) Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce Assorted berries

(strawberries, raspberries, etc.)

In a mixing bowl combine cream

cheese, sugar, vanilla & lemon zest.

Sundaes Best PERFECT GIFT!!

Sundaes Best Joy in a Jar & Sundaes Best Holiday Jar Food is a universal instrument of love to be shared, says hot fudge chocolatier Katie Camarro.

Sundaes Best Hot Chocolate

Camarro’s goal is to come up with 100 different uses for her hot fudge sauce and to feature them in her Keep It Sweet & Simple cookbook, due out in 2014.

Mix well. Let stand. Spoon a dollop of

cream cheese mixture on crepe & roll

up. Fasten w/ a fancy tooth pick. (Opt.) Drizzle w/ Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce (Russell’s Landing Raspberry flavor) and garnish with berries.

Recipe 2: Nutmeg Raisin

Continue w/ recipe #1 ingredients, adding 1/4 tsp. nutmeg & 1/2 cup

raisins. Sundaes Best Addy Campbell’s Caramel is great w/ this recipe.

Recipe 3: Peanut Butter

Continue w/ recipe #1 omitting the

lemon zest & adding 1/2 cup peanut

butter. Sundaes Best Patty’s Peanut Butter works well w/ this recipe.

Garnish w/ chopped peanuts.

Experiment w/ any combination of added ingredients & any of the

eleven flavors of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauces.

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 15

Buy

LOCAL

King Brothers Dairy: Reaping what they’ve sown

Æ

by Kate Towne-Sherwin, Photos Provided

The King brothers of King Brothers Dairy know a thing or two about milk. And beef, for that matter. And family businesses.

And the landscape of local food producers.

Their family dairy farm, King’s Ransom Farm, is over a hundred years old. The King brothers, Jan and Jeff, Cornell graduates like their

dad, are the fourth generation of Kings involved in their business and when they established King Brothers Dairy home delivery and wholesale business in 2010, they partnered their dairy expertise with other purveyors of fresh local products and resurrected their grandfather’s homedelivery dairy business (he was the milkman!) to produce what Jan calls “a farmers market on wheels.”

The Kings deliver their milk in glass bottles to retain its fresh flavor and keep it colder (their chocolate milk has an especially good reputation, even called “addicting” on their web site.) Their beef is all natural and hormone free with no preservatives, artificial color, or additives—“just pure goodness compliments of Mother Nature.”

They also offer Greek-style yogurt from Willow Marsh Farm; bacon and sausage from Oscar’s Smokehouse; seasonal fruits and vegetables from Hand Melon Farm and Winney’s Farm; pies from Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop; eggs from Thomas Poultry Farm; fresh salsa from Amigos Cantina; bread by Rock Hill Bakehouse; cheesecakes by the Nuns of New Skete; gourmet nut butters by The Peanut Principle; ice cream by The Ice Cream Man and that’s just a portion of the products they carry (see their web site for a full listing).

Not only is all this available by delivery—right to your door—but the King Brothers Dairy Farm Stand is open all year, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in a sweet little red house with the beautiful farm as its backdrop. The drive there takes you through some of the prettiest parts of our area and the feel of the place is distinctly wholesome and healthy, with its fresh air and lowing cows and bustle of farm activity.

King’s Ransom Farm

That bustle is created as much by the family as it is by the milk trucks and animals. Each member brings something to the table in the running of the farm: Jan’s wife, Pandora, is the farm veterinarian; Jeff’s wife, Becky, is the financial officer and does the marketing as well; their five combined children also help out. Their family work ethic has resulted in excellence time and again with Kings Ransom Farm being nationally and internationally recognized for their work and receiving the Century Farm Award in 2008, which honors New York farms in continuous operation on the same land by the same family for a hundred years or more.

Despite being only three-years-old, King Brothers Dairy was one of the finalists by popular vote in the “Best Home Delivery Services” category of the Saratoga TODAY 2013 Best of the Saratoga Region. And perhaps most telling, when one of their barns collapsed due to ice and snow in 2011, killing nearly a hundred of their cows, hundreds of friends and neighbors worked through the night and in the days and weeks that followed to help the Kings rebuild.

Surely the Kings would do the same if others needed their help, because that seems to be their business model—they serve their family and their community, even to literally driving to your house and leaving their healthy, fresh, local products right on your front steps.

For more information about their products, or to set up home delivery, visit the King Brothers Dairy web site www.kingbrothersdairy.com, or visit their farm stand: 311 King Road in Schuylerville.

16 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply...

natural

Orange Cream

Milk Punch Perfect for kids parties or as a twist on traditional punch for any occasion!

1 quart vanilla ice cream 2 pints orange sherbet (or use your favorite flavor!)

1 can lemon lime soda 1 quart cold milk Place the ice cream and

sherbet in a punch bowl. Pour in the milk and lemon-lime soda. Stir gently and serve immediately!

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 17

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LOCAL

The Saratoga Winery and Tasting Room

Æ

by Megin Potter, Photos Provided

It begins with a warm atmosphere. Substantial beams chopped out of solid trees support the wooden structure housing The Saratoga Winery and Tasting Room just miles from downtown Saratoga Springs.

Classic wooden wine barrels fill the space.

They serve as tables on the main floor and line the walls of the wine aging and event room. They continue out onto the rugged yet sophisticated back deck, which is flanked on either side by bonfires ringed with Adirondack chairs that hug your back and comfortable picnic tables.

“It has such a great vibe, it’s really accessible to everyone”, says Tara Nimmo. She and her husband, Rich, opened The Saratoga Winery just four years ago and quickly found themselves expanding to accommodate to demand.

People were really drawn to The Saratoga Winery as an event venue and that end of the business really took off, she says. With food catered by Grill 64, The Winery has become a destination for numerous fundraisers, bridal showers and wedding rehearsal dinners, in addition to many other special events, including live music that patrons enjoy every Friday evening year-round.

Simply...

DELIGHTFUL

The Nimmos’ swiftly growing business has been complemented by their budding family. As renovations to The Saratoga Winery began, Tara received the news that she was pregnant. Now, they have two small children and a puppy running around The Winery, which may seem like a contradiction at first, but for the Nimmos, building room for a happy family is what it’s all about.

Both parents bring the skills they’ve acquired from being exposed to family run businesses to the table. Tara’s mother ran a restaurant and her father was a contractor. It was Rich’s uncle, Leigh Sheilds, who took a 15-year-old Rich under his wing to teach him the winery business.

Maybe it’s that experience that has taught the Nimmos how to create such a welcoming winery. Maybe it’s the “happy grapes” in their wine, which the Nimmos source from the Finger Lakes region, an area that is insulated from frost. Or maybe it’s just the twinkle in Rich’s eye that makes patrons feel instantly welcome.

“It’s just a really cool atmosphere and so many people say we really nailed it”, says Tara. “It’s family run and family friendly.”

18 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Winery

Event Room: The holidays bring a full calendar of events at The Saratoga Winery and Tasting Room including a hearty four-course wine and food feast, as well as crafting workshops where participants can create their own gift baskets featuring local fair from the cozy gift shop, paint a wine glass or build a cork keychain. Christmas carolers are welcomed and warm clothing is gathered under The Saratoga Winery’s Christmas tree during their 12 Days ‘Til Santa event, culminating in a visit from the Saratoga Santa, an event that brings in crowds wrapped around the building, says owner Rich Nimmo.

For more information on upcoming events, get directions or order wines visit The Saratoga Winery website at www.thesaratogawinery.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 19

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LOCAL

Oscar’s Adirondack

Smokehouse

Æ

by Megin Potter, Photos Provided

Walking through the doors, everyone seems to do the same thing; they pause to inhale the distinctive aroma of wood smoke. It’s then that the word “phenomenal” will likely slip from their lips.

“It’s like walking by a campfire and asking, ‘Man, what ARE you cooking?’ Well, that’s bacon and that’s what it’s

supposed to smell like; smoked meat, not grease,” says Joq Quintal, third generation manager of Oscar’s Adirondack Smokehouse.

And the “phenomenal” part? Well, there are several reasons for that.

It comes from good beginnings. In 1946, when they first opened, Oscar’s began the tradition of carrying the best quality meats because, it’s about what you start with, says Quintal, and you can’t fake good meat.

Then it takes time. That’s when the amazing transformations occur. Their products are immersed in 100 percent hickory or apple wood smoke for eight to 18 hours. Oscar’s is a family business that takes the time to educate customers, joke and share memories while hand grinding their hamburger; or custom cutting their steak and then vacuum sealing their meat, preserving in the freshness for almost inconceivable lengths of time.

Look...

Rachael Ray Shop s HERE!!

Then there’s what you do when you are tested. The enormous weight of a good butcher shop on people’s lives was fully felt when in 2009, an accidental fire ignited the wood chips and newspapers insulating one of the original buildings on the property, destroying the smokehouse and causing panic to set in. Faced with the prospect of having to shop at chain grocery stores, people were almost desperate to rebuild Oscar’s. One customer even went to a local retailer and bought up the last 20 lbs. of Oscar’s apple wood smoked bacon in stock to hold her over, says Quintal.

Oscar’s management continued to pay their employee’s full salaries during the six months it took to rebuild, highlighting the empathy that makes them unique. The revamped building opened in February 2010 with new, more consistently heating stainless steel smokers and five times the retail floor space, but with the same commitment to quality and an even more appreciative clientele.

Rachel Ray, television host and cook is one famous Oscar’s customer who’s not shy about admitting it. Quoted on The Rachel Ray show as saying that Oscar’s has her favorite bacon on the planet, the attention has led to nearly one million hits in a single day on their website, says Quintal.

And he’s not blowing smoke when he says; we really put the best stuff out there we can.

Oscar’s More than Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Ingredients: 1 Oscar’s Smoked Ham 4 tbs Oscar’s More than Mustard 1 tbs Brown Sugar 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 c. Valley Rd Maple Farm Syrup Cloves (optional) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 325 degrees... (remember, the ham is already cooked, so heating it at a lower temperature will prevent it from drying out).

Place ham in a roasting pan, skin-side up.

Using a sharp knife, score a crisscross pattern in the skin—about 1/4” deep, with parallel lines about 1”-2” apart.

2. Prepare the glaze: whisk together Oscar’s More than Mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper and Worcestershire Sauce.

3. Brush about 1/2 of the glaze over the ham. If using cloves, space them out in the lines of the crisscross pattern.

4. Place the ham in the oven and cook (about 10-15 minutes per pound).

Baste the ham several times during cooking. If it starts to get too brown, cover with foil.

5. When finished, remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Baste with pan juices.

Enjoy !

20 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply...

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

YUMMY

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 21

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LOCAL

Saratoga Olive Oil Co.:

Ultra premium familyby business Kate Towne-Sherwin, Photos Provided

Æ

Pharmaceutical research and development was a family business for brothers Clint and Chad Braidwood, as they both went into that industry upon graduating from college.

The brothers built their respective careers in different parts of the country, even working together in Boston for a time in the field of medical research. Clint met Barbara while working in Boston at Massachusetts General Hospital—Barbara herself had spent her career deeply involved in pharmaceutical research and development—and they eventually married.

And it was for family reasons that this trio of medical researchers switched out of the pharmaceutical industry and into the olive oil industry. Clint and Barbara wanted to start a family, but their research careers had them working across the country from each other—less than ideal, to say the least. They happened upon a shop in Maine that sold olive oil—something they had always loved—and “we knew what we wanted to do with the rest of our lives,” Clint says. He turned to his brother for, among other things, his extensive chemistry background and carpentry skills, and Chad came aboard as a business partner.

Since opening the Saratoga Olive Oil Co. in April 2011, the Braidwoods have been doing just fine in their new family business.

“It wasn’t as big a leap as you might think,” Clint says. “EVOO [extra virgin olive oil] is an acting cancer fighter that builds healthy cells and fights off free radicals. [It has] anti-inflammatory properties that help with cardiovascular diseases and arthritic diseases. The full health benefits of EVOO are just beginning to be recognized and I believe more will come to light in the years ahead.”

Pretty amazing from a man whose previous areas of expertise included brain and lung cancer.

Additionally the laboratory testing each olive oil goes through, in order to measure their polyphenol, oleic acid and free fatty acid counts, is yet another point of familiarity to the former scientists and further evidence of the high standards their olive oil is known for. In fact, they stock ultra premium EVOOs—a new category of olive oil that exceeds world standards for olive oil. And with their motto being, “The best olive oil is the freshest olive oil!” Saratoga Olive Oil Co. takes pains to stock only the freshest olive oil available, following the olive crush in the northern and southern hemispheres for the most recently produced oils.

Simply...

FRESH

As if it wasn’t enough that they provide the best olive oil you can buy, they also stock many different balsamic vinegars (which are themselves known for their health benefits), exotic sea salts and olive oil-based beauty products.

And in true family flavor, they look out for their local communities, making it a point to showcase locally produced pottery, wood products, art and bread.

All that said, however, nothing I can write can compare to actually visiting the store. Being able to sample the olive oils and vinegars was more enjoyable than I expected—I’ve never really cared for olive oil, but I loved each of the 10 or so that I tried (I was blown away by how flavorful they are). I’d say the same about the balsamic vinegars—I tried maybe a half dozen, all of them head-andshoulders above the grocery-store varieties I’m used to (I even tried one that tasted like chocolate!) It’s no wonder that business has been so good that, a year after it opened here on Broadway, Saratoga Olive Oil Co. opened another store in Burlington, Vermont.

For more information about their products, as well as their Olive Oil Club, wedding favor and gift options, recipes, event information, and blog, visit the Saratoga Olive Oil Co. web site www.saratogaoliveoil. com and find them on Facebook.

22 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Escarole, Radicchio and Endive

Salad Honey

with Serrano

Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Directions:

1/2 head of escaraole 1 small radicchio di Chioggia 1 endive 1 tbs mustard 3 tbs Serrano Honey Vinegar 2 small garlic cloves, crushed (mortar and pestle or made into a paste with a pinch of salt and knife) 2 small anchovies pinch of salt 4 tbs FS-17 ChileanExtra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Tear the escarole leaves.

Slice thinly the radicchio.

Cut the endive in half and then into half moons.

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2. Make the Vinaigrette: Mix the mustard, vinegar, garlic, anchovy and salt in a small bowl with a whisk. Gently stream in the FS-17.

Taste and adjust for salt.

Dress the leaves with the vinaigrette and serve.

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 23

 HOLIDAY FAVORITES Breads ple bread with Brown su gar & ap n butter honey and cinnamo Ingredients: (depending on size) - 7 apples, about 2 cup s tened - 1/2 cup of butter, sof oil ble eta veg of - 1/4 cup ar - 1 cup of granulated sug wn sugar bro t ligh ked pac of - 1/4 cup - 2 eggs - 1/2 tsp of cinnamon t - 2 tsp of vanilla extrac r flou e pos pur allof - 2 cup a sod ing bak of - 1 tsp - 1/2 tsp salt for top of the batter - Additional brown sugar

: To make 1 pound of butter ter - 1 lb of sof tened but - 12 tbs of good honey - 2 tsp of cinnamon

paddle attachment, add all In a mixer fitted with a ning fluffy. Place in a small can apples: ingredients and mix until Direct ions - Preparing the the in l perature or chil es. jar and serve at room tem and chop into 1—inch piec 1.) Peel and core apples add the ref rigerator. lespoons of butter and 2.) In a skillet, add 2 tab about sof t. apples and sauté unt il just ** Chef’s notes**

s. bottom of the mini loaf pan

line the bowl and - I use parchment paper to batter the skillet and place in a sugar on the top of the wn bro 3.) Remove apples from h muc - Do not put too nks of apple chu all sm ing leav r ter taste af she an ma be n or there will mash with a hand mine to a cookie before putting these into the ove er nsf tra I ng shi ma then let cool. Af ter because of the molasses. sheet to cool faster. i loaves.

For the bread:

sugar ter, oil, white sugar, brown 1.) Whisk together the but and eggs m into mashed apples and fold the 2.) Add the two cup s of the batter

on and 2 tsp of vanilla 3.) Add 1/2 tsp of cinnam r, baking soda and salt, and 4.) Mix the 2 cup s of flou . whisk in until incorporated with h loaf pans and sprinkle inc 1/2 3 x 6 into r 5.) Pou or minutes at 325 degrees brown sugar. Bake for 45 clean. until toothpick comes out For the butter: ed butter - 1/4 of a pound of sof ten - 3 tsp of good honey - 1/2 tsp cinnamon

5 min - This recipe makes 4 to on what ice can be used depending cho r you - Baking apples of your taste is. ad. iceable throughout the bre - Pieces of apple will be not

r th Bill Weisenfo utor for

trib As a second time con se to make I cho “Simply Saratoga”, t everyone can a simple recipe tha brown sugar and bake. I decided on ney and cinnamon ho apple bread with g says holidays butter because nothin n and apples namo cin of ell sm the like . throughout the house e made a head of tim This recipe can be at food gift gre a kes ma d an and frozen have thought for the holidays. If you it’s not only ipe rec a about submitting this can be for tips g kin mend it as well. Ba ill fun but I would recom my recipe. Follow me @ Facebook/B of ! me found at the bottom lco we ays alw nds are Weisenforth, new frie

24 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Snack s

Cracker Bark an d White Chocolate Angel Mix Cracker Bark

- Salt ine crackers - 2 sticks of butter - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 package (12 ozs.) chocola te chip s

Line a cookie sheet with side s with foil.

Line the cookie sheet with crackers.

Place butter and brown sug ar in a sauce pan and brin g to a boil.

Boil for 3 minutes unt il fro thy.

Pour the butter- brown sug ar mixture over crackers.

Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes - it will be bubbly.

Remove from oven and spr inkle with chocolate chip s (the chip s will melt from the hea t.)

Spread gently to smooth mel ted chip s.

Ref rigerate for at least an hour, then break into pieces.

Wrap in pretty bags or gif t boxes for gif ts and atta ch the recipe card with ribbon and a note to ENJOY! * You can also sprinkle the chocolate with toffee pieces like Heath bars or mini marshm allows or chopped peppermin t candies. The toppings are endless.

White Chocolate Angel Mix 1 10 oz. pkg mini pretzels 5 cup s Corn Chex 1 lb bag plain m & m s 5 cup s Cheerios 2 cup s salted peanuts 2- 12 oz bags of whi te cho colate chip s 3 tbsp. vegetable oil Combine all ingredients exc ept chocolate chip s and oil.

Heat chip s and oil unt il mel ted.

Pour melted chip s over cer eal mixture.

Spread out onto waxed pap er or parchment paper line d trays. Ref rigerate to cool then break into pieces.

I like to pack these up into holiday “Chinese take-out” box es.

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You might remember Shari Novak from our fall issue, she contributed that DECADENT Chocolate Cake recipe :- )

Shari Novak

When she saw our Facebook request looking for goodies that people could GIFT, she wanted to contribute these two, very easy to prepare HOLIDAY FAVORITES… T HANK YOU Shari!

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 25

 HOLIDAY FAVORITES of my This is the f irst ipes. “hand-picked” rec

to ght these cookies Amelia Stack brou e Our Lady of Grac a get-together at where in Ballston Lake, Catholic Church dI bers. One bite an we are both mem cipe! had to get the re

More importantly, to I love any excuse her and spend time wi th d… what a time we ha ht ug ta She patient ly

Cookies Viennese Crescents Cream thoroughly: - 1 cup butter or oleo Add: 1/4 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon vanilla Bake 300 degrees 25 - 35 min.

Cool slight ly, roll in 10X sugar

my daughter e every step of th ing recipe, includ to the perfect way gent ly shape the t crescents and ge ht just the rig on each one. amount of su gar ies of holiday In between stor years I heard baking over the ter that about her Mixmas a wedding she received as o—that just ag gif t… 65 years ced three needed to be repla to look at years ago! I got book from her original cook notes next e 1948 and see th ue recipes to her tried & tr It was a over the years. oon, that I’m wonderful af tern and I will sure my daughter alway s cherish…

Amelia & St. Nicholas a t Our Lady of G race

-love you Amelia!

26 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Pumpkin Butter S p re a d

Spreads

- 3/4 cup su gar - 1/4 cup apple ci de

r or strained orange juice - 1/2 tsp cinnam on - 1/4 tsp allspice - 1/4 tsp nutmeg

- 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Combine all the ingredients in a heavy sauc epan. Bring to a boil, then re duce heat to low and simmer slowly for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is thickened to your liking. Let the butter cool; it may thicken fur ther upon co oling so you might want to st ir in a few more tablespoon s of cider or juice before pack ing it into containers. Free zes well and tastes especially nice on muffins.

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This is the second of my “hand-picked” recipes.

This recipe is from Lisa Delano, an old friend of mine… old as in, we met af ter college, while we were both single and living in downtown Saratoga Springs.

We married within a couple of years of each other and moved into houses in the country, but practically around the enou gh to be corner from each other and we were lucky days! stay-at-home moms together…those were the time jobs full with s mom ing Now we’re both crazy work . Taking busy very us and kids that feel compelled to keep kin pump of the time out to visit while she made a batch d some much butter was a wonderful opportunity to spen needed time together!

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 27

 HOLIDAY FAVORITES Desserts ritt le Dawn’s Peanut B

- 3 cups su gar sy rup - 1 & 3/4 cups light corn - 1 cup water w peanuts - 5 cups (1 & 1/2 lbs) ra - 2 tbs butter - 3/4 tbs baking soda - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp vanilla Ingredients:

Candy thermometer and water until Cook su gar, corn sy rup ailable at most candy thermometer (av icates mixture kitchen supply stores) ind s. has reached 240 degree 295 degrees, Add peanuts and cook to stirring constantly. add butter and Remove from heat and d. Add baking soda vanilla. St ir until dissolve . and salt; stir vigorously ading sed cookie sheets, spre Pour mixture onto grea as thinly as possible. n break into pieces.

Cool in refrigerator, the

d” recipe for this issue and Dawn Oesch is my third and final “hand-picke at her shop… The Candy Co. she perfectly wrap s it all up, just like she does in downtown Saratoga Springs. to take a dingy old pizza I first met Dawn when she bravely attempted we all know and love today. joint and turn it into the charming candy shop thought it was only fitting that I’ve been a fan of hers ever since and I Peanut Britt le—I’ve had it in I ask her to contribute her Grandmother’s my own cookbook for almost 13 years now elf, I’m sure she’d be happy to Of course if you don’t want to make it yours sell you some :- )

¨

28 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 29

&

L ed g end s lo re

Holiday Plants

of

Peter Bowden

Photos and Article By Peter Bowden

Christmas is a time of traditions. Many times these traditions revolve around plants. The origins of why these plants are central to our holiday celebrations are varied and often so ancient that they are all but forgotten.

Why is there a tree in my house?

Romans and Celts decorated oak trees during the solstice The symbolism and use of trees as decorations at this time of year are far older than many of us suspect. It is known, for instance, that pre-Christian Romans displayed decorated evergreens (oak trees which are evergreen in that part of the world) during their solstice celebration, Saturnalia. They lit the tree with candles and often topped the tree with a sun symbol. The ancient Celts of the British Isles also ornamented oak trees with apples and candles to offer thanks to the sun during the solstice period.

The Yule Log tradition in England

Many of us can still remember when the Christmas tree wasn’t put up until Christmas Eve. This tradition likely had its roots (no pun intended; well, maybe) in the English tradition of bringing home the Yule log on Christmas Eve. The Yule log was generally a large stump, often including the roots, decorated with mistletoe, holly and other greenery. The log was lighted with a bit of the previous year’s log (thus protecting the house from fire for the upcoming year) and needed to be kept burning for at least 12 hours to insure continued good fortune. With the advent of central heating, the appeal of the Yule log has been all but forgotten.

evergreen trees at Christmas became common. It wasn’t until 1841 when King Albert displayed a decorated evergreen tree in his palace that the tradition took hold in English speaking countries. Like the American people, American holiday celebrations have become a melting pot of customs and traditions brought to our shores from the older cultures of our forefathers. The evergreen, ancient symbol of life everlasting is still included as the bright focal point of a celebration of rebirth, light and life.

Kissing Balls

In recent years many people have a tradition of hanging a ‘kissing ball’ in their home. Thirty years ago, kissing balls weren’t really seen much if at all. If they were seen, they were homemade. You can now get kissing balls made from the same material as an artificial Christmas tree. These also come with lights on them. By now kissing balls are well-entrenched holiday decorations. So, how did kissing balls get their start? To find their origin we need to look to the original kissing ball—mistletoe.

Evergreen Tree tradition from Eastern Europe

The evergreen tree as the tree of choice for solstice celebrating appears to have its origins in the Christianizing of the Germanic tribes of Eastern Europe. Some of the earliest accounts tell of St. Boniface dedicating the fir tree to the Christ child with the oath, “You are the light of the world, a tree ever green” to counter the sacred oak of Odin in the eighth century. Other accounts credit Martin Luther as the first to bring home a cut evergreen tree and decorate it with candles that symbolize the stars in the sky over Bethlehem the night Christ was born.

Tree Decorating goes mainstream

Hundreds of years passed until the tradition of decorating 30 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Parasitic balls

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant. Rather than growing roots into the soil to get nutrients, mistletoe forces its roots into the bark of a host tree and sucks the nutrients it needs from it like a vampire. There are several trees that can fall victim to mistletoe including oak trees. A mature clump of mistletoe takes on the familiar spherical shape of the modern kissing ball.

Pagan origins

Mistletoe is interesting for other reasons. It was never adopted by Christianity into Christmas celebrations. Not only did the church never sanction the use of mistletoe, its use was actually banned at one time. This is, no doubt, due to the fact that it was highly revered by the ‘pagan’ Druid priests. During the Druid’s solstice celebration, a Druid priest would cut the parasitic mistletoe from the branch of an oak tree and distribute pieces of it to the gathered populace. Part of the mystery of mistletoe to the Druids was that it grew, not from soil, but from the bark of the oak tree. To receive a sprig of mistletoe from the priest was a blessing Druids looked forward to as part of their solstice rituals.

The kissing tradition

Today, all we know about mistletoe is that we are entitled to kiss anyone who stands beneath it. That tradition has its roots in Scandinavian myth. Loki, a troublesome little god, tricked one of the simpler gods into shooting Balder, another young god, with an arrow made of mistletoe. It was the only thing that could harm this favorite son of Freyja. The tears of sorrow Freyja shed became the white berries of the mistletoe. All the Norse gods worked together to restore Balder to life and, in gratitude, Freyja is said to bestow a kiss on anyone who passes beneath mistletoe. Now we are all entitled to kiss anyone we find standing below the mistletoe.

You have to love mistletoe for that!

carol that tells of holly and ivy vying for the place of honor as a holiday trim. Holly is eventually chosen because of its red berries. There is also a legend that says that the crown of thorns worn by Christ was made of holly. Until then, the berries of holly were white, but turned red like the drops of Christ’s blood.

Christmas has always been about food

Even the most common Christmas tree ornament, the glass ball, has a surprising depth of tradition. Solstice celebrations have always been about feasting and eating. In the days before glass blowing had been perfected, folks decorated their tree with fruits, nuts and berries. You’d find apples, pears, cranberries…any fruit that was ripe. They’d need to be eaten soon anyway before they spoiled. Nuts and berries placed on strings to dry would be used as garland. This was a tradition that lasted many centuries and still does.

I remember stringing popcorn into garland. Finally glass blowing developed to the point where Christmas ornaments were possible. The most popular ones were blown glass fruits and nuts. Eventually cheaper glass balls were introduced that only suggests fruit in an abstract way. Some people like red balls and some gold but it is like comparing apples and oranges if you know what I mean. Baked goods and candy are right at home on the tree—what child isn’t thrilled by that! Most of us have been involved in a batch of gingerbread people. The invention of striped candy canes was a sweet addition that comes with its own hanger.

A greater appreciation

These are just a few holiday plant traditions. We are lucky in the United States since every immigrant that has ever arrived has brought along traditions. Many of those are holiday traditions that revolve around the solstice period like Christmas does. These traditions enrich and add depth to the season. Enjoy them, share them and pass them along, that’s what they’re for! Thanks for the read! ❄

Mistletoe was popular in Victorian England

Although hanging an entire ball of mistletoe was fairly common in Victorian England, it would be rare these days.

This is partially due to a small supply but mostly out of safety concerns. Mistletoe is poisonous and can cause harm or even death if eaten. These days the only real mistletoe you can find is a heavily painted sprig with the warning on the package not to eat it. If you want your modern kissing ball to have the same magical quality that requires strangers to kiss if they meet below it, you’ll need to attach a sprig of real mistletoe at the bottom.

The holly and the ivy

The origin of the use of Holly as a holiday decoration is a bit more obscure. It was long believed that “witches” and “evil spirits” had an aversion to holly, so it is likely that its use began as a protector of the home during important times of the year like the solstice. There is an ancient Christmas saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 31

Guide

Your Holiday

Gift

Lilly Pulitzer Kate Puffer Vest Available at Pink Paddock 358 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 587-4344

Scentsible Scents

cleaner, eco-friendly candles, $27.99 Available at: Kugler’s Red Barn 425 Consaul Rd Schenectady www.KuglersRedBarn.com

Ted Baker Travel Jewelry Roll

Is sweet as can be and practical too! 28$ Available at: Silverwood Galleries 24 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs www.silverwoodgalleries.com

Chic, lacquered, “Modern Candelabra”

available in custom colors.

Made in the USA. $600 Available at: 23rd (and Fourth) One Franklin Square, #2 Saratoga Springs (518) 584-3700 www.23rdAndFourth.com

32 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Guide

Your Holiday

Gift

Saratoga 150 Collection

Available at: Impressions of Saratoga 368 Broadway Saratoga Springs www.impressionssaratoga.com

64” Opera Length Freshwater Pearls

$125.

Available at: N Fox Jewelers 404 Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.nfoxjewelers.com

Sample bottles of Olive Oil

Six sample-sized (60 ml) $36.95 bottles of their most popular olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Available at: Saratoga Olive Oil Company 484 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1308 www.saratogaoliveoil.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 33

Your Holiday

Gift

Guide

Unique Accent Pieces, Vintage Antiques and Holiday Collectables Galore

“Saratoga style at Greenwich Prices” Available at: Furniture Palace Mega Mattress Discount Outlet 1156 Route 29 Greenwich (Across from Hannaford) (518) 225-2405

Hand crafted unique gifts—fun, chic& edgy Hand-forged recycled steel belt buckles, seatbelt bags, up-cycled bike chain bowl, wood watches, organic makeup and skincare.

Available at: For Earth’s Sake Eco-Friendly Boutique & Health Store 120 West Avenue, S. 102, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-6605, www.forearthssake.com

Saratoga Salsa Spice up your holiday gift giving this season with locally made products from Saratoga Salsa and Spice.

Available at: Saratoga Salsa & Spice Company 398 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 580-0792 www.saratogasalsaandspice.com

Boxwood Trees

Good things come with small packages! Each one is unique - available all season - long lasting, perfect for small places - stop in to view all our designs - each one is hand made.

Available at: Dehn’s Flowers and Gifts 178 Beekman St. Saratoga Springs. (518) 584-1880 www.dehnsflowers.com

34 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Get YOUR hands on OUR Holiday Shine!

Let us at Saratoga Debut Salon & Boutique be your one stop shop.

Relax and let us indulge your hair, nails and makeup needs, while you browse our fabulous selection of gifts. We wrap too!

Available at: Saratoga Debut Salon & Boutique 58 Church Street Saratoga Springs, (518) 587-5200 www.saratogadebut.com

Votive Candles on a Rope

Nine different aromas and an assortment of colors.

Available at: Crafters Gallery 427 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 583-2435 www.craftersgallerysaratoga.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 35

Your Holiday

Gift

Guide Squigz

Playful curiosity.

It’s a whole new gig— thanks to Squigz. $24.99-$49.99 Available at: G Willikers 461 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 587-2143 www.gwllikerstoys.com

Plat du Jour Paper Placemats Four festive designs make up this holiday gift box of 48 placematsMade in the USA $45 Available at: 23rd (and Fourth) One Franklin Square, #2 Saratoga Springs (518) 584-3700 www.23rdAndFourth.com

Astis Mittens

Beautifully handmade creations with hand beadwork, inspired by the Cree Indians.

Unique & warm with waterproof suede and real fur.

Available at: Alpine Sport Shop, 399 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-6290 www.alpinesportshop.com

Embroidered Saratoga Souveneirs

This holiday season give friends and family a little piece of Saratoga with custom made hand stitched needlepoint items. Needlepoint belt with icons of Saratoga Springs; Needlepoint coasters specific to Saratoga Springs & Needlepoint key fobs with racing thoroughbreds or the Saratoga Springs zip code. Available at Next Summer: 516 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-8212 www.thelakehouselife.com 36 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

12” Portable Induction Cooktop

6 Levels of Heating Power, Automatic Pan Sensor, Touch Sensor Controls and Induction Pan Included The perfect gift for the cooking enthusiast or an always needed accessory for your holiday entertaining.

Retail price $199.99 Available at: Earl B Feiden Inc, 785 New Loudon Rd, Latham (518) 785-8555 www.earlbfeiden.com

Hand Polished Stainless Steel Metal Chillers

Available in whiskey cube or wine pearls Made in the USA $29.95 Available at: 23rd (and Fourth) One Franklin Square, #2 Saratoga Springs (518) 584-3700 www.23rdAndFourth.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 37

Guide

Your Holiday

Gift

Lux Fragrance Gift Box Collection of Holiday Candles

Available at: Pink Paddock 484 Broadway Ave Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1308

Super Image HD Action Camera

Includes waterproof case and mounting kit for helmet or bike. $49.99 Available at: Allerdice ACE Hardware & Building Supply Downtown Saratoga, Malta, and Milton www.Allerdice.com

38 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Guide

Your Holiday

Gift

Hand Painted Raised Ceramic Ornaments

From the line of The Art of Him by Carla Grogan. Her work expresses God’s love and truth from His Word.

Available at: Giver of Life Gift Shoppe 658 RT 9, Gansevoort (518) 583-3323

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Laura Hutchcroft handmade contemporary silver choker $124 Alice Roche handmade linked sterling silver necklace $145 Available at: Tang Museum Store Skidmore College (518) 580-5534 www.tangmuseumstore.wazala.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 39

Guide

Your Holiday

Gift

Craftsman Kids’ 66 Pc. Heavy-Duty Workbench Set

66 piece. Play tools include: battery powered drill with lights and sounds, battery powered nailer with lights and sounds, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, hammers, pliers,Cclamp, wrenches, saws, spinning lathe, soft buffer, adjustable vise, spinning grinders, screws, nuts and bolts, bits and goggles *Ideal for ages 3 and up $49.99 Avalable at: Allerdice ACE Hardware & Building Supply Locations Downtown Saratoga, Malta, and Milton www.Allerdice.com

The earrings: Handmade white gold earrings accented with a 0.03ct diamond. Style# DJER0193W | $395 Pendant: Handmade white gold pendant featuring a 0.05ct diamond. Style# DJNP0173W | $225

Available at: deJonghe Original Jewelry 470 Broadway Saratoga Springs (518) 587-6422 www.djoriginals.com

40 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 41

“The Holiday Season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” ~Terri marshall

© 2013 stockstudiosphotography.com 42 | Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 43

Save

Date2013 the

For full coverage of the Festival of Trees, the Victorian Streetwalk, the Tree Lighting and Santa’s arrival, please pick up a copy of A SARATOGA CHRISTMAS, due out on November 27th

Saturday, November 16 7th Annual Lake George Polar Plunge For Special Olympics

Shephard Park Beach, Lake George, 9 a.m.

Hundreds of people take the plunge each year in Lake George and at different locations around the state to raise funds for the Special Olympics New York. These daring participants help by showing their support for the Special Olympics and raising money for the organization. For more information call (518) 388-0790 x 109.

Armed Forces Day

Parade Ground Village, Malta, 1 – 4 p.m.

The Armed Forces Day is free and open to the military and community. It is being used to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. Their mission is to help soldiers assimilate back into civilian life; helping to find ways to cope with their injuries or limitations. We will be offering for kids: a real H3, fitness training, a football throw, magic shows, face painting, balloon twisters, pony rides, bounce houses etc.

WGNA will be broadcasting live from 2-4pm and giving away tickets to the Secret Stars at Proctor’s Theatre. Other crafts and fun things will be available for children. For more information call (518) 944-9094.

Sunday, November 17 The Nutcracker Tea

Saratoga Performing Art Center, 11 a.m.

The Nutcracker Tea is a lovely holiday tea party perfect for children as young as 4 years old. Excerpts of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker will be performed by Northeast Ballet. Santa’s Workshop PopUp Shopping Experience, Tea Sandwiches, Holiday Cookies, Hot Chocolate with Mini Marshmallows. This event sells out every year so get your tickets early. www.spac.org.

The Firebird

National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Puppet People will be performing The Firebird in the School of the Arts. Following the performance, the Puppet People will be offering puppet making workshops for grades K-2 and grades 3-5 at 12:30 pm. $10 fee for the workshop, space is limited. Call to make a reservation (518) 584-2225 ext 3009. Bring a brown bag lunch to eat during the break from 12:0012:30, beverages will be provided. For more information or to read the story of the Firebird, please visit the museum’s website www.dancemuseum.org or call (518) 584-2225.

Sunday, November 24 South Glens Falls Holiday Parade

Rte. 9, South Glens Falls, 1 p.m.

The Annual South Glens Falls Holiday Parade will take place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland”! There will be community groups, bands, floats, costumed characters, and of course, a very special guest, Santa Claus! For more information call (518) 761-1220.

Thursday, November 28 Turkey Trot

Saratoga Springs City Hall, Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m.

Each year, on Thanksgiving morning, thousands of runners and walkers congregate in Saratoga Springs NY to race in the annual 5K Turkey Trot race, which benefits the Christopher Dailey Foundation.

For more information call (518) 581-1328.

Saturday, November 30 38th Annual Craft Marketplace

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saratoga Center for the Family’s 38th annual Holiday Craft Marketplace will host over 100 crafters offering unique creations including pottery, stained glass, quilts, dolls and much more. For more information call (518) 587-8008.

Thursday, December 5 The 27th Annual Victorian Streetwalk, Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival!

Downtown Saratoga Springs, 6 – 10 p.m.

Music, magic, gingerbread house displays, the Festival of Trees, choral groups, Victorian Costumes, Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, lots of venues with entertainment, all free and open to the public. For more information call (518) 587-8635.

Friday, December 6 Christmas in the Country

Various locations in Washington County, Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fifteen artists open their studios for the 23rd annual Christmas in the Country tour.

Join us for a very special weekend in the country with your favorite artists. Follow the Christmas tree signs to find handcrafted specialties. Enjoy the ambiance of fireplaces, music and the smells of Christmas while you shop in the peaceful settings of the artist’s studios. For a map and information call (518) 7932-7925.

The Ninth Annual Saratoga Restaurant Week

Participating Restaurants in Saratoga Springs, Friday, December 6 – Thursday, December 12 3 course meals for just $10, $20, or $30 and lunch for $5 or $10. For more information visit www.discoversaratoga.org/ restaurantweek.

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Candle Light House Tour

Union Gables Bed and Breakfast, 55 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 5 – 10:30 p.m.

Tour festively decorated homes celebrating our city’s unique architecture and historic East Side. Party and silent auction held at the historic Union Gables Bed & Breakfast.

For more information call (518) 587-5080.

2013 Saratoga Festival of Trees

Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m.

For more information call (518) 587-5000.

Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting/First Friday

Downtown Ballston Spa, 6 – 9 p.m.

Join us for one of the area’s favorite hometown traditions. The Ballston Spa Holiday Parade steps off at 6:30 pm with the village Christmas Tree lighting to follow in Wiswall Park. Shops, restaurants and museums will be open for a holiday-themed First Friday. For more information visit www. ballston.org.

Saturday, December 7 Gingerbread House Workshop

Winter Dance Concert

Dance Center Dance Theater, Skidmore College, 8 p.m. Skidmore Dance Department presents works choreographed by the faculty and guest artists. Students & Senior Citizens $5; Adults $10; Box Office opens 45 minutes prior to the performance. cash/check only. Arrive early for best seating. For more information call (518) 580-5392 or visit: www.skidmore.edu/ dance/.

Thursday, December 12 2013 Melodies of Christmas

Proctors Theater, 432 State St., Schenectady, 7 p.m.

Each year The Melodies of Christmas offers residents of the Capital Region the musical delight of the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. Thanks to the generosity of our partners Freihofers, Price Chopper and CBS 6 News, the funds raised from these performances go directly to support the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. For event information please contact Kaitlin Ross at (518) 262-8892

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Various Times through December 14 Learn to make a gingerbread house. For children in grades K-6. Register for one session only. Saratoga School District residents only. Pre-registration required. For Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Home Made Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., more information visit www.sspl.org.

Saratoga Springs, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Mr. Willy Wonka, the eccentric owner 9th Annual Center Crafts Show of the greatest chocolate factory in the Saratoga Arts Council Center, 320 world, has decided to open the doors of Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Saturday and his factory to five lucky children and their Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. parents. In order to choose who will enter Come get inspired for the Holidays and the factory, he devises a plan to hide five Celebrate the Arts in Saratoga. Handmade golden tickets beneath the wrappers of his jewelry, fine woven garments, hand famous chocolate bars. Come discover the crafted leather belts and sculpted buckles, true meaning of teamwork, self-confidence sculpture, functional stoneware and raku and self-esteem. The delicious fun of Willy pottery, handmade bow ties, quilts, mixed Wonka’s Chocolate Factory awaits you. For media paintings and much more will be more information and other show times visit available for sale. Admission is FREE www.homemadetheater.org. and refreshments are served. For more information visit gordonfinearts.org or call (518) 852-6478.

Friday, December 13

First Night Saratoga

Downtown Saratoga Springs, 5:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

First Night is a New Year’s celebration of the arts and community. Saratoga’s First Night is the largest New Year’s event outisde of New York City. Each year, thousands of revelers come to Saratoga Springs to experience a wide-ranging variety of arts and music. It is a true showcase of the diverse and immense talent in the CapitalSaratoga region. For more information visit www.saratoga-arts.org/firstnight.

Saturday, January 11 We Build People Annual Scholarship Campaign and Kickoff Party Saratoga Springs YMCA, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 9 p.m.

Join Saratoga Springs YMCA for an evening of fun, with live music, a silent auction, raffle give-aways, and food and beverages from local vendors. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Y scholarship fund, We Build People. For more information please contact Susan Rhoades, Saratoga Springs Branch/Annual Giving Director at (518) 583-9622, ext.104 or susan@ saratogaregionalymca.org.

Hattie’s 13th Annual Mardi Gras Soiree

Canfield Casino, Congress St., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 10 p.m.

The event will offer complimentary cocktails from 6:00pm-7:00pm, Mardi Gras-inspired cuisine by Chef Jasper Alexander, cash bar and a silent auction. Valet parking available.

All of the funds raised will be designated to Community Healthcare Centers.

Wednesday, January 29 Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music

Glens Falls Civic Center, One Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other, monsters making music.

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the A Saratoga Christmas 16th Annual First Night Saratoga 5K stage to share their love of music in Sesame with The McKrells Skidmore College Athletic Complex, Street Live “Elmo Makes Music.” For more Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs, 5:30 p.m. information visit www.glensfallscc.com.

Saratoga Springs, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Start and finish on the beautiful Skidmore Home Made Theater continues their campus. The first ¾ mile is a gradual uphill tradition of hosting Christmas shows with on the perimeter road. The course exits the Kevin McKrell and his merry musicians. campus at Clinton Avenue and continues Join Home Made Theater for an evening to Greenfield Avenue, continuing up North of Christmas favorites, Kevin’s trademark Broadway and back to campus. This is a sound, and their popular rendition of A moderately challenging course, including Visit from St. Nick (‘Twas the Night Before both hills and downgrades. For more Christmas). For more information visit www. information visit www.saratoga-arts.org/ homemadetheater.org. firstnight/5krun.

Tuesday, December 31

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SS

Fashion: aratoga tyle

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Ride the “Wave of Style” in THEIA Couture,

by Don O’Neill Exclusively at Saratoga Trunk

SARATOGA TRUNK 493 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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Lindamarie Caftan in Bright Navy Escape Artist from the Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2013 Collection.

Available at Pink Paddock 358 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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“Simple yet stunning organic cotton apparel” “Find it now at Yellow” Please make sure our website is on there somewhere www. shopyellowboutique.com

YELLOW BOUTIQUE 491 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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It is inevitable...this time of year is cozy!! Do it the right way with lots of snuggly layers and embrace what you can’t change...the cold!!

Stop in at Spoken to “cozy up”!!

Spoken Boutique 27 Church Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518 587-2772 www.spokensaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Shop at Lucia Boutique this Holiday season for fashion forward, fun and affordable pieces.

LU CI A ’ S 454 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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The Louise Et Cie “Jenniy” pump is destined for the dance floor!

The stunning gold heel and beautifully pointed toe stem from a classic design but maintain a modern feel. This shoe is also super comfortable with it’s thick heel, giving you the support you need to romp around town!

VIOLETS & STELLAS OF SARATOGA 494 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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After a trip to the Alpine Sport Shop Holly Kolakowski Lee is ready for the ski slopes. She is wearing the Brynn jacket and Delia pant by Obermeyer, and Hestra c-zone powder gloves.

Her choice of ski equipment includes Salomon Origins “Bamboo” skis, Tecnica TEN.285W ski boots and Rossignol Snowflake poles. Giro Sheer Helmet and Smith Vice Goggles.

AL P INE SP O RT SH O P 399 Clinton Street Saratoga Springs

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Sunny

Union Gables’

Side

By Hollis Palmer

Photos by StockStudiosPhotography.com

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Originally named Sunny Side, 55 Union Avenue was built as a testament to the success of its owner, George M. Crippen. Completed in 1901, when natural night was essential, two of the rooms on the main floor (one on the east side and one on the west) were flooded with either morning or evening sunlight, thus the name. Typical of those who made their own fortunes, Crippen’s mansion used light woods for moldings, leaving the darker, heavier woods for those staid families who were raised with money.

of one of the dry goods departments. In 1875, George opened his own dry goods store on Broadway in Saratoga.

His store would eventually be the largest in the county; it was four stories with 10 year-round employees and over 20 employees in the summer season.

Crippen’s and his wife, Kate’s, courtship was a classic example of the Victorian love story or a modern day romance novel. Born Katherine Baker, the future Mrs. Crippen was the daughter of Benjamin Baker, a wealthy businessman living near Chicago. Unlike most women of her day, Kate was well educated, attending private secondary schools in Glens Falls and New York City. When she was 18 (1879) Kate came to visit her aunt in Glens Falls. There she met 25-yearold George Crippen. He was immediately smitten and a whirlwind romance ensued.

After her visit, Kate returned home to Illinois where George would visit several times in just a few months. Our local newspapers carried stories about his mysterious absences, while the Chicago newspapers reported on a stranger suddenly appearing seeking his future bride. They married in October of the same year. The Crippens would have six children; the first two died when young.

A Caricature of R. G. Reid. Courtesy of Saratoga History Museum

Besides his store, Crippen invested heavily in real estate, in Saratoga and Minnesota. In the late 1890s, Crippen left the merchandising business and with a partner, R. G. Reid, opened a factory manufacturing women’s wraps (the simple dresses worn at home by women of that period) and men’s vests.

Although having a limited opportunity for an education himself, Crippen believed in the importance of education. He was on the Board of Education for the Saratoga Springs public schools, serving as chair of the finance committee. His oldest surviving son, Lawrence, attended Hudson Military Academy before graduating from Albany Business College. The eldest daughter, Mildred, graduated from Saratoga Springs High School. She was part of the first wave of women graduating from high school.

© 2013 stockstudiosphotography.com The youngest of eight children, George was 11 when his mother died. He went to live with his aunt. At the age of 13 he went to work as an errand boy in a local dry goods store while attending secondary school in Glens Falls. By the time he left the store, at 20, he was the chief clerk (manager)

The Crippen family was active in the local Baptist church. Kate was a Sunday school teacher; George was superintendent of the Sunday school. He also served as a trustee and treasurer of the church. Crippen donated one of the church’s stained glass windows in honor of the aunt who had taken him in.

In 1908, 53-year-old Crippen went to New York City for surgery. It was unsuccessful and he died in the city. His son, Lawrence, attempted to take over the manufacturing concern but within a few years his partner, Reid, moved the manufacturing business to Baltimore.

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© 2013 stockstudiosphotography.com In 1911 Kate Crippen died. It was maintained that she never recovered from the loss of her husband. The next year Mildred married into the Huletts of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. Margaret would move to Pennsylvania taking her younger sister, Gertrude, with her. The two sons, Lawrence and Harley, would remain in Saratoga, living a less gracious life.

The second family that owned the house was the Pettees.

Harry Pettee was one of the owners of the Carbonic Gas Company based in what is now the State Park and second mayor of the city of Saratoga Springs. (Saratoga was a village; headed by the president of the village trustees until 1915.)

Calling Pettee colorful is an understatement. After he sold the house, he and his wife moved to New York City. He had the house at 595 Broadway built in the early 1920s.

He rarely stayed in the new house as in May 1923 the headlines in the New York City and Saratoga newspapers told of Pettee disappearing with $320,000 of his company’s money. Pettee’s story is chronicled in more detail in the winter, 2012 issue of Simply Saratoga, along with the house built backward on North Broadway.

The third family was Charles and Margaret Furness. Charles, who was 15 years older than Margaret, was the publisher of the Glens Falls Times. The bulk of the Furness fortune came from his marriage to Margaret, who was a daughter of the Mabee/West family. George West, Margaret’s maternal grandfather, made his

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A Caricature of Daniel Mabee Courtesy of Saratoga History Museum

fortune manufacturing paper bags. West owned several paper factories in the area and was a two-term Congressman. After he sold the business and retired, his daughter, Florence Mabee moved to Saratoga Springs. Florence

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and her husband purchased the mansion that stood behind the stone wall on the corner of Union Avenue and Circular Street.

Florence’s grand house would become a dorm of Skidmore College renamed South Hall. It burned in the 1930s in a fire that was so spectacular that they made postcards of the inferno. With the loss of South Hall, Skidmore needed housing for the students and obtained Sunny Side, renaming it Furness House. Margret and Charles moved to Glens Falls. Furness House served as a Skidmore dorm into the 1970s. After Skidmore moved to the new campus, what was originally Sunny Side would become a home for disabled adults. It would be the 1990s before the tedious process of restoring the house to its current grandeur began and Union Gables would be born.

Based on information shared by one of the descendants, we are assured the Furnesses, and several other wealthy families in Saratoga, did not feel that prohibition pertained to them. This group hosted grand parties especially when the 13th happened on a Friday.

The stories of the families that built the grand houses on Broadway can be found in Saratoga’s Great Ladies by Hollis Palmer. His book See and be Seen: Saratoga in the Victorian Era won the Ruth Emery Award for the best regional history book. All of Hollis’ books are available at Crafters’ Gallery. ❆

Interesting side notes on the Crippen and Furness families: In 1881, as a promotion, Crippen gave every customer numbered tickets with the promise that on January 1st, 1882, there would be a drawing and 10 sewing machines would be given away free of charge. As soon as he started to draw the numbers, Crippen was arrested for holding an illegal lottery and the sewing machines were confiscated.

There was open gambling in the casinos in the summer but the locals could not get a chance at a free sewing machine in the winter.

While Margaret Furness owned Sunny Side, her mother owned the grand house on Union and Circular, her brother, Douglas, owned the Batcheller Mansion.

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Carriage House Chronicles A Saratoga Christmas: When Less is The

Story by Chelsea Hoopes Silver, Photos provided

Hi, I’m Chelsea Hoopes Silver...

And as some of you may know, I have a blog called The Carriage House Chronicles, where I feature various design, architecture, lifestyle, and art inspirations I find while living in the beautiful and historically rich city of Saratoga Springs. I come by my love of collecting and house obsession honestly—my parents have been flipping and building houses since I was five-years-old and my grandfather traveled the world collecting art and antiques.

I also love a nice, “raw canvas” and I would probably never buy a “turn-key” home. My first and current homes were both big renovations and even my store (Silverwood, Home & Gallery; which I own with my mother), was a total renovation. Although I can certainly see the appeal of buying something that is done, I just love a good project!

Now I’ve got a new “project”— adapting my blog into a series for the award-winning Simply Saratoga!

more

Leona Beck and her husband Tom bought 28 Fifth Avenue eight years ago. Since then, they’ve transformed their formal 1905 manse into a custom-tailored, family-friendly abode perfect for the couple and their two active boys.

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Leona and Tom re-designed the back of the home to have a new, spacious kitchen with a sunny, open sitting area and a large screened-in porch. They also transformed the smaller, old kitchen into a roomy, mudroom, with plenty of shoe and gear storage and a conveniently located laundry area for those messy days on the field (or in the garden).

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With such busy schedules, Leona seems to strike a calm balance with her interior design.

Her decor is warm, with a sophisticated, home-spun feel. The home has plenty of practical elements, but is dappled with carefully chosen antiques and flea-market finds that add character to the home without cluttering it. For instance, the built-in desk and shelves inside their cozy TV room hold both school-made treasures from the boys and personal, collected items that avoid looking kitschy, thanks to Leona’s good eye for curation.

As in her “everyday” design, Leona’s Christmas decor is equally sentimental and edited. She prefers virtually bare, “live” decorations to the more common green, red and gold explosion of Yuletide bedazzlement (although there is certainly nothing wrong with that!) For instance, her tree is well lit but adorned with just a tree topper and one simple ornament—a small metal sign that said “Wish”, hung perfectly off- center on the tree’s full branches.

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A few of her children’s holiday crafts, old and new, hang in the family room and in the mudroom, authentic evidence of the “heart” and family within this home. There are many winter blooms and lightly adorned sprigs, wreaths, and garlands of beautiful evergreen throughout the home, lending a festive ambiance and a real sense of winter, serenity, and thoughtful reflection to the home... a feeling that I certainly hope to feel during the holidays, but which often gets bombarded by the craziness of it all. Maybe less is more? I think Leona may be on to something.

Leona at her home in Saratoga on 5th Ave.

The Beck Family’s Tradition:

The last few years we’ve gone as a family to get our tree right after Thanksgiving. I used to think that was way too early but it’s so nice to have the tree up and it leaves time for other holiday traditions like visiting family and baking special treats for friends and neighbors. One of our traditions is that Santa leaves the stockings at the end of the children’s beds. Kids are allowed to open them before parents are awake—and parents get a little extra sleep!

Leona’s Tips for Buying Fresh Evergreens: For our tree we like to go to Ellms Farm—either cut your own or choose one already cut. Hands down, the best wreaths are at Sunnyside Gardens- they are very full and last a long time. I often pick up the garland there or I go to Hewitt’s—it just depends on how they look! I order my bulbs from Van Engelen. But I have picked up Amaryllis and Paperwhites at Hewitt’s [too] and they are very nice. ❆

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Climbing to ts h g i e New H

By Chad Beatty, Photos by MarkBolles.com

There I was, just feet from reaching the top.

A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead as my fingers dug into the holds. As I searched for the next rock, my forearms burned and parts of my mind pleaded with me to let go; but quitting wasn’t an option. From below I could hear my belay man (Instructor Adam Catalano) shout “switch your grip and face your body to the left.” I followed his instructions and breathed a sigh of relief as my brain quickly figured out the sequence of moves to get me the last few feet. I dug my toe into the inch wide foot hold and used the leverage to push my body upward. I stretched my left arm and wrapped my hand around a good-sized stone protruding from wall. One more foot hold for a quick push and I had reached the top, conquering the wall as well as my fear of heights. Now, as I grabbed the rope, it was time to relax and enjoy the descent as Adam delivered me smoothly back to the ground.

Welcome to the sport of indoor rock climbing! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Fun for The

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Whole Family!

With the rise in extreme sports throughout the country, one category that continues to grow in popularity is indoor rock climbing. Similar to outdoor rock climbing, indoor climbing requires agility, strength, endurance and mental dexterity.

Although I mention extreme sports, indoor rock climbing can range from beginner to expert and is for all ages and all physical levels. My first experience with the sport was at a birthday party that my 9-year-old son attended. I walked into the gym a skeptic and I walked out a fan. The kids had a blast; and so did the parents!

One of the things I found most surprising is that rock climbing is just as much about technique as it is physical attributes. Strength in a variety of positions is crucial, but like most sports,

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technique is king. And the best way to hone your technique is grab the family and hit the wall on a regular basis.

It has been four months since that first party and my son and I are still learning the many nuances of body positioning, foot holds, different grips and overall movement. The growth I have seen in him as a climber, and young man, is wonderful.

He is building confidence, body control and strength, all while having fun with Dad. Mom isn’t much of a climber so she usually watches from the observation deck (while snapping some pictures) or lets us hit the gym for ‘guys’ day out.

And don’t worry; safety is a top priority at our local rock gyms. We will take a look at the equipment used on the following page.

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Gear & EQUIPMENT

u

v

x

w

Basic Gear and Equipment

– A sewn nylon webbing device worn around the waist and thighs that is designed to u Harness allow a person to safely hang suspended in the air.

– Metal rings with spring-loaded gates, used as connectors. Usually oval or roughly v Carabiner D shaped. Also known as a biner (pronounced kar-uh-bee-ner).

Shoes - Footwear designed specifically for climbing. Climbing shoes should almost w Climbing be uncomfortably tight, but not painful. The shoes typically have a rubber sole for better grip.

Bag – A hand-sized holder for a climber’s chalk that is usually carried on a chalkbelt for x Chalk easy access during a climb. Chalk is used to improve grip by absorbing sweat.

Common Climbing Terms

Top Rope – To belay from a fixed anchor point above the climb. The majority of indoor sport climbing is Top Rope climbing.

Belay - To protect a roped climber from falling by passing the rope through, or around, any type of friction enhancing belay device. There are verbal commands associated with this to assure both parties are prepared. The climber will say “on belay”, if the belayer is ready, he/she responds “belay on.” The climber then says “climbing” and, as a final safety check, the belayer says “climb on.”

Bouldering – The practice of climbing on large boulders. Typically this is close to the ground, as opposed to ‘Top Rope Climbing.’ For protection, crash pads are used under the climber instead of belay ropes.

Lead Climbing - A form of climbing in which the climber places anchors and attaches the belay rope as they climb (traditional) or clips the belay rope into preplaced equipment attached to bolts. This method would be used by experienced climbers.

Rappel - The process by which a climber may descend on a fixed rope using a friction device.

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Tyler Kempney demonstrates a sequence of moves used while bouldering. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Check out your local climbing Gyms!

The Edge Halfmoon Climbing Center 982-5545 1544 Route 9 Halfmoon, New York 1206 Theedgehalfmoon.com

Rocksport

Indoor Rock Climbing Facility 793-4626 138 Quaker Road Queensbury NY 12804 Rocksportny.com

AIR

Albany’s Indoor Rock Gym 459-0860 4C Vatrano Road Albany, NY 12205 Airrockgym.com

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BOCA BISTRO: ON BROADWAY

ONE YES AFTER ANOTHER

By Helen Susan Edelman, photos by Stockstudiophotography.com

Have you tried Boca Bistro on Broadway? Yes. Is it good? Yes. Yes. Do you want to go there today? Yes. Yes. Yes. Either lunch or dinner. Both work.

When a place like Boca Bistro opens, there’s always a buzz. Something new–Spanish tapas, a menu of diverse, small-portion delectables that make deciding what to order a challenge for diners. Introducing a unique concept is a smart strategy in a downtown brimming with restaurants. The “little plates,” as some people call tapas, is not a brand new idea, but building a menu around them is.

Of course, this is its charm as well as its magical, retentive draw. Everything–and I mean everything–is better than you imagine it’s going to be. There are some menu items you come back for, and some you didn’t get to try–but you’re yearning to. One more thing about ordering a round or two of tapas–it’s not quite saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

the same as ordering several appetizers instead of a main entrée, as many of us do in restaurants. Real appetizers are just that–palate-teasers to get you ready for the big meal (the French call them “amuse bouche”–entertain your mouth, essentially)–but tapas are satisfying in themselves. Bowl of soup, two tapas (or even one), or a salad or vegetable dish, and you’ve already made an excellent choice. Lest I misrepresent, however, let me be clear that Boca (“mouth” in Spanish) does offer numerous “platos grandes” (“big plates”), paella for two being widely popular among my friends who claim to get cravings for it (variants–all of which include rice–include all-vegetable, vegetables and fish and vegetables and sausage). Soups and awesome salads with unusual (but not overdone and confusing) combinations are also featured–I have had both in my many visits to this restaurant. In a word, “excellent.” There’s another word for the experience: subtle.

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A little education. Tapas fall into three main categories: cosas de picar (food eaten with the hands, such as olives), pinchos (eaten with a utensil) and cazuelas (in a sauce, like meatballs). At Boca, care is given to ensuring that tapas are made with fresh, easy ingredients and are simple in preparation and presentation. Some examples of tapas: Pan con Tomate: Grilled farm bread rubbed with tomato and garlic, olive oil; Anchoas: White anchovy marinated in vinegar and oil, guindilla and piquillo pepper, lemon, aioli; Datiles Rellenos: Dates stuffed with valdeon and marcona almonds, wrapped in bacon, cider mustard glaze; Fideo con Chorizo y Almejas: Fideo pasta, chorizo, clams, green pepper, cauliflower, saffron cream, aioli; Huevos Fritos con Chorizo y Patatas: Chorizo, fried potato, fried egg, aioli.

Intriguing, right?

It wouldn’t be fair to leave out the freestanding vegetable dishes such as eggplant fries, sautéed

butter beans, grilled corn on the cob, sautéed wild mushrooms and grilled asparagus. This restaurant is an excellent bet for vegetarians or people on a restricted diet for any reason, because the items can be combined to support individual preferences so easily without losing the quality of being a serious meal, not cobbled together.

That’s all from the dinner menu. There are innovative specials for lunch, including bocatos (sandwiches) may have common names, but all are prepared to be extraordinary–like ham and cheese. This beloved traditional favorite is actually prepared with imported Serrano ham, manchego cheese, quince and garlic aioli served on grilled ciabatta bread or as a lettuce wrap. Perfect with a side salad, soup or fried potatoes. The modest little BLT has been dressed up to include bacon, romaine, tomato, Manchego cheese and garlic aioli served on ciabatta bread or as a lettuce wrap. Again, add a side salad, soup or fried

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creamy custard, notes of citrus and cinnamon; and Torta de Chocolate: Flourless chocolate cake, saffron cream, spiced almond brittle. When it comes to sweet things, Spain has a very rich dessert tradition. On one hand it was also influenced by the Moors and on the other many of them are centuries-old creations from nun convents. If you have a sweet tooth, Boca Bistro is paradise.

potatoes. Similarly spectacular is a Boca version of PB&J, a burger, pulled pork and fried fish. The lunch menu also includes a full selection of Boca Bistro’s signature ensaladas (salads) including the Ensalada Manzana (apple salad) and the Ensalada Queso de Cabra (bruléed goat cheese salad) and an assortment of Boca Bistro’s traditional Tapas including ham croquettes, fried calamari and eggs and potatoes.

Great food is great food, but Boca is not just about the food. It’s also the atmosphere, which is low-lit at night (perky by daylight), and, though the restaurant has three distinctive dining areas and a bar, the feeling is of intimacy across the table. The wait staff is attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about both ingredients and what goes with what–including wine–and willing to make suggestions. (“If you’re going to have that one with sausage, why don’t you try this one with fish in a marinade?” “Oh, if you order those two, that will be plenty and you’ll have a real variety of flavors.”) Last time I was there, the server brought out a list of very fine wines that were being sold at a discount as a bottle (not as a glass). My companion (who is paradoxically powerful and shy and doesn’t like to have her name used in public) and I shared most of a beautiful bottle of Malbec at about half its original value–with almost two glasses left over, which the server corked and sent home with me.

I admit I did skip postres (dessert) last time, but have in the past indulged myself. Consider the delight of Churros y Chocolate: Traditional fried dough, tossed with cinnamon and sugar, served with hot chocolate; Flan: Vanilla bean flan; Crema Catalana: Caramelized

Happy Hour is Monday-Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and noon to close on Sundays, and features half price draft beers, house wines by the glass and all specialty and Spanish cocktails, as well as a selection of tapas at $5 and carafes of sangria (red and white) for $20. The DZ mission (DZ, for those very few who don’t know, is the company that has brought us Forno, Boca and Chianti in Saratoga Springs and Pasta Pane in Clifton Park), is to provide guests with a superior level of service and a memorable experience through unparalleled attention to detail. I’d say what’s unparalleled is DZ’s accomplishment in having lived up to their promise. DZ is, of course, David Zecchini, a kind of foodie visionary who really raised the bar, not once, but three times (well four, if you count Chianti’s original location and five if you count Mare). All of his restaurants are both elegant and fastidious, but this is not to say they’re not accessible to anyone who wants to eat fabulous food. DZ restaurants are known for their specials, prix fixe and take-out dinners.

Zecchini is also deeply connected to the Saratoga community and participates in fundraisers for local nonprofits at all four of his locations. Since 1998 DZ Restaurants has raised nearly $100,000 through Raising Dough, fundraising initiatives to support the Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park communities. When you’re very lucky, Zecchini is in the restaurant you’ve chosen for the night and has been known to approach diners personally to make sure they’re happy. I’ve never seen anyone say, “No.” There are lots of special events and if you like to eat out, it’s worth signing up for the DZ newsletter at www.bocabistro.com/dznewsletter. A person who has been an inspiration for his giving activities is Zechinni’s beautiful wife, Roslyn, executive chef at Boca and a Culinary Institute of America graduate I don’t have to go out on a limb here to recommend Boca Bistro–but only if you love amazing food and remarkable service in a first-class setting.

I’ll close with, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.” See you there. ❆

Boca Bistro 384 Broadway | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.682.2800 (reservations accepted) www.bocabistro.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 77

S a r ato g a

S t r e ss R e d u c t i o n P r o g r a m : “You don’t have to be perfect.”

By Helen Susan Edelman, photos provided

When is a Craisin more than a Craisin? When the sweettart dried cranberry is the centerpiece of an object lesson in the first minutes of the Saratoga Stress Reduction Program (SSRP).

“Notice the color. Smell the aroma. Feel the texture on your tongue. Taste that strong, unusual flavor, experience it slowly as you chew and swallow. Observe your responses to it.”

These are the words of Selma Nemer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and founder of One Roof Saratoga, the downtown holistic health center that offers SSRP. Her voice is low, steady and gentle as she shepherds about 25 people through the exercise. Some are cross-legged on pillows, others lean into a low-to-the-ground chair. Almost all follow her lead with their eyes closed and with rapt attention.

For a few minutes, there is no other sound but Nemer’s voice in the third-floor Broadway studio where the group has gathered to explore their own fears, discomforts, worries, self-consciousness, exhaustion, tension, confusion, physical pain, anxiety and alienation, as well as the sources of their joy, indeed, to seek ways to recapture and enhance the moments and techniques that bring them comfort, peace, energy, creativity and self-confidence through a deepened connection to their own experiences of the world.

Consistently practiced meditation and yoga are fundamental to this process and the workshop leaders guide participants in these experiences, as well as explain the biological basis of why they work. When there’s an opening, some people choose to share why they’re there and what they want to get out of the program–no one is required to speak, of course, but the intimacy is established. SSRP is a safe zone, narratives begin, slowly, shyly, from the heart. The experience is by necessity confidential. What happens at SSRP stays in the room– what leaves with the individuals who attend is a personal growth experience that is hard to articulate, but profoundly impactful.

Nemer, along with psychotherapist Caroline Russell Smith and Pierre Zimmerman, an ordained Buddhist

chaplain who has been working in behavioral health care for more than 30 years, brought the nine-week program to Saratoga to promulgate the philosophy of the muchrevered University of Massachusetts Medical School Professor Emeritus Jon Kabat-Zinn, who integrated practices of yoga and meditation with Western science to help people understand and cope with life’s vicissitudes.

The SSRP offered at One Roof is also offered at medical centers, hospitals and health maintenance organizations and is recognized by numerous health insurers; Saratoga participants are encouraged to inquire about whether their health benefits will cover the program.

“What could be more stressful than putting pressure on yourself to be perfect? Imagine giving yourself permission to focus on yourself, the natural beauty of awareness, the intimacy of your breath, your heartbeat and to forgive yourself and be open to loving yourself,” said Zimmerman.

“This isn’t navel-gazing, it’s a way of anchoring in this adventure we call life.”

“The more we practice, the more we are at ease with our body and mind,” explained Russell Smith, who explains that during meditation, it’s natural and normal for mundane thoughts to drift in and out of mind and that the goal is to notice them, not to push them out.

“It’s like waves in an ocean,” Zimmerman said. “A flow, sensation, calm on the surface, but maybe not underneath– some of those thoughts are going to be upsetting, but you become aware that that stress is only a moment in time, it will recede. You can free associate, you can become lost in thoughts, you can go back as far as 15 years or as recently as your last breath, you can lose control, but you always come back to focus.”

These self-soothing techniques are especially salient now, during the holiday season, which “are rich with tradition and spirit, but, for many, they are also an intensely busy and stressful time of year. The never-ending to-do list, financial considerations, travel hassles and the mixed blessing of more time with friends and family–it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed and

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racing inside,” said Smith. “Like an anchor, a solid mindfulness practice allows us to fully participate in all that the holidays have to offer while remaining connected to ourselves.

The world may speed up around us, be we can drop into a quiet peace and a deep sense of love. Suddenly, the holidays are even more alive and we can experience this time of year in a different way.”

Nemer pointed out that people who attend SSRP report significant reduction in stress-related symptoms such as sleep disturbances, racing thoughts, high blood pressure, cravings, chronic pain, appetite-control issues, irritability, sadness, inner unrest and impaired relationships.

“This is not therapy,” emphasized Nemer. “It’s a way of finding what’s meaningful, becoming more spontaneous. It’s not meant to be mind-shattering; on the contrary, it’s meant to improve focus.”

Zimmerman added, “You stop wanting results and you find you make progress.”

“You have to be willing to enter a field of honesty with yourself and carve out time to experience it,” said Smith.

The three underscore the need to be faithful to the practice in order for it to be maximally effective.

“We become better teachers as we practice independently, and we become better practitioners as we teach,” Smith continued.

join the class, all mats and seating are provided and water is available. Only first names—and no other identifying information—are shared.

“It’s not good, it’s not bad, sometimes you’re calm, sometimes you’re upset, sometimes you’re distracted, sometimes you’re just aware of the awareness,” Nemer concluded. “You don’t have to be perfect. It’s a judgmentfree space—and that means not judging others, and not judging yourself.” ❆

For more information or to sign up for the Saratoga Stress Reduction Program, call (518) 581-3180 or go to sites.google.com/site/saratogastressreduction

Participants in the sessions are given a home practice manual to keep them on track, with information, reaffirming readings and space to record their ongoing experiences and practice. There are suggested readings and homework between classes, and some is discussed at the next session, though there is no “test” or “right answer.”

Sessions include meditation and yoga, but not always as these practices are typically depicted–lotus position, shut-eyed, still. There are also walking meditations and standing yoga exercises, most done individually, but several performed with a partner or within the larger group.

“It’s different for everybody,” Nemer noted. “The process and the outcome are unique for each person who goes through the nine-week program.”

She recommends that participants attend all the sessions to get the most out of the program.

A highlight of SSRP is scheduled for a date just before the end of the series, when the group gathers for five hours for yoga and meditation, mostly in silence, for a day built around a vegetarian potluck provided by attendees.

But, Smith points out, the main attraction is the camaraderie that has developed among the classmates, the good will, the trusting self-disclosure and the level of comfort. After a person has attended the SSRP, he or she is invited to attend the retreat day in subsequent series without charge.

No experience meditating or doing yoga is necessary to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Happy Holidays Managing Your Expectations This Season and Always Ms. Lemery is a psychotherapist practicing in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs,Visit meghanlemery.com or email meghanlemery@yahoo.com for more information

The

holidays can be a time of warmth; love, peace and celebration as we honor each other with gifts, share meals and spend time with those most precious to us. It is a time of heightened awareness and sensitivity for most people and managing our expectations of ourselves and others is the key to getting through the season with peace instead of chaos, stress and dread.

Perhaps you grew up in a home filled with warmth and love. Your parents decorated the house with lights and gifts were overflowing under the tree.

You may look forward to this time of year with excitement and joy. Your expectation as an adult is to have a wonderful celebration filled with love and gift giving. Your spouse on the other hand may have grown up in a family where holidays were a reminder of stress, chaos and family dysfunction. Getting together with family members as an adult can be a trigger for panic, stress and anxiety. You would rather hide under the covers than celebrate a season that reminds you of a traumatic upbringing.

As an adult with your own family and friends you have the opportunity to create the kind of holiday that works for you. Take the time to be honest with yourself and your loved ones about what the holidays

mean to you. Have an open dialogue with your partner about what kind of holiday you want to create together to break any cycles of dysfunction that you grew up with. Be sensitive to your partner’s need and resist the urge to pressure your spouse into spending time with a family he or she may feel no connection to.

Create a holiday that meets both of your expectations and be honest about what works for you.

During the holiday season I receive many calls from clients who dip into depression and anxiety. They feel riddled with guilt that they cannot enjoy the season with their loved ones. There is no shame in working through your issues from the past. Get the help you need to resolve any deep rooted pain you may have experienced in your upbringing.

Most of us enter into the season stressed out about money and the hectic schedule. Don’t fall into the trap of buying gifts you can’t afford. Have a plan of what you can realistically afford and honor that budget to avoid the holiday hangover.

Holidays can also be a source of major stress for many couples. If one partner has an expectation that they will be lavished with gifts from their spouse and they receive a book of coupons for date night and a foot massage this can cause a major breakdown

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in communication. Be clear about what you want and what you expect. No one is a mind reader and expecting your partner to know what you want and expect is not realistic or healthy for your relationship.

When my sister started dating her now-husband, she was beyond ecstatic at the thought of her new love buying her romantic gifts at Christmas. She did some snooping and came across two beautiful boxes with elaborate wrapping.

She was certain she was getting a bracelet and necklace based on the shapes of the boxes.

She immediately went out and bought him a classic precious moments I.D. bracelet with her initials engraved on the back.

She was certain this would seal their love and that this would be the most romantic Christmas of her life.

Imagine her surprise when her sweetie pie handed her the gifts and she received a compass and buck knife with her initials engraved on it. She panicked realizing she had out-gifted him big time. Luckily she had access to Xanax and resisted the urge to hurl the compass at his head.

The difference between a mediocre versus wonderful holiday season depends on you. Make a plan, ask for what you want and get the help you need if you slip into a dark place.

Recognize that living a life that works for you is about honoring your feelings and owning your truth. Don’t fall into the trap of burying your own feelings to please other people. This will only lead to resentment and bitterness.

Do not expect other people to know what you want or how to please you.

Take the drama out of the holidays by honoring your needs and wants.

Wishing you a fantastic holiday season and blessed New Year. If you find a compass and buck knife in your stocking call 911 or email me. ❆

When he saw her reaction he innocently said, “We love to hike I thought you would love these gifts! They have such meaning!”

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like your own monogrammed buck knife.

Needless to say that began a series of discussions about expectations. From that Christmas forward my brotherin-law was banned from giving camping equipment as a gift.

If you want roses and diamonds ask for them. Make your list, check it twice and don’t worry about whose naughty or nice. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | Holiday 2013 | 81

District Attorney

James Murphy:

“I’m not bluffing”

By Helen Susan Edelman, photos provided

“Saratoga Springs Man Gets 10 Years for First Degree Rape” “Man Indicted by Grand Jury for Menacing a NYS Police Officer” “Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering Mother” “Operation Results in 5 Arrests for Prostitution” “Man Pleads to Felony and Misdemeanor Tax Fraud” “No Plea Bargain for Threats Against Young Women”

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lot hinges on the way Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III interprets the law, and he is unequivocal in his mission to use it to keep the community safe. That includes anybody and everybody -- from schoolchildren who have the right to have fun without fear on public playgrounds to jail inmates, who should not have to tolerate being assaulted by other prisoners. He protects them all from his Ballston Spa office, where he oversees 20 assistant D.A.s instructed to act with integrity on behalf of all victims.

Murphy, a Republican, is so highly regarded and trusted by Republicans and Democrats alike that he runs unopposed for his office, which he has held for 16 years, following a nine-

year stint as an assistant D.A. in the same office. He oversees the prosecution of more than 8,600 crimes, 9,000 violations and nearly 100,000 traffic infractions each year within the county in 44 justice courts, County Court and before the grand jury, and has one of the highest conviction rates in New York state.

The Saratoga Springs native and East Side resident, 51, is the son of a former mayor and the grandson of a former district attorney who went on to become a congressman.

He is also the proud father of student athletes and

scholars Caroline, at Duke University, and Claire, at Saratoga High School; and the husband of his beloved Laurie (whom he fell in love with at first sight, from behind a pane of glass), who enjoys tennis, skiing, being a fulltime mom and serving the Saratoga Rowing Association’s adaptive rowing program, Flower and Fruit Mission of Saratoga Hospital and The Giving Circle, volunteering for Hospice and SPAC; and coordinating donations for the AIDS Orphan Education Trust, distributing dollars to Ugandan colleges and universities so children orphaned by the ravages of HIV/AIDS can continue their post high school education.

As a family, the Murphys attend Bethesda Episcopal Church.

A graduate of Bates College, the Faculty of Laws in London, Pace University School of Law and the FBI Citizens Academy, Jim Murphy also has a

Certificate in Executive Education in Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He serves on the state-level Domestic Violence Task Force and the NYS Commission on Forensic Science, many local nonprofit boards, and teaches criminal trial practice as an adjunct professor at Albany

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Law School. He also frequently speaks to area students in their schools about topics related to their safety and wellbeing, such as cyber-bullying.

sheriffs, prosecutors, other law enforcement leaders and violence survivors.

Murphy has appeared on NBC’s “The Today Show” to speak about the prosecution of a controversial and complicated manslaughter case, on “Dateline NBC” in a special about his prosecution of a notorious kidnapper who attempted to abduct a high school track star, and on the award-winning “Cold Case Files.”

Before joining the D.A.’s office in 1988, Murphy spent three years in New York City as an anti-trust attorney defending multinational corporations. He quit the job when, representing a greeting card company, he was forced to interrupt a judge presiding over a gruesome murder trial to get his signature on a document for a copy infringement case regarding a piece of poetry.

He is known for establishing drug treatment courts to divert addicts from jail to rehab, while ensuring that those who deal drugs to young people go to prison and has created domestic violence prosecution courts to provide efficient prosecution of batterers and extra services for victims of domestic violence. He is the NYS co-chair of Fight Crime-Invest in Kids, a national, bipartisan, nonprofit anti-crime organization of more than 300 police chiefs,

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“That was it,” he said. “I returned to Saratoga to take a job for one-fourth of my salary.

I needed my life to have more meaning. Lives were at stake and I was representing a greeting card company?

It stopped making sense.”

This radical and selfless move has benefited Saratoga County in countless ways. Recently, the indefatigable Murphy took time out of his demanding schedule to

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Q: A:

And what informs your decisions about how to approach these issues?

discuss them...

Q:

You made a conscious choice to be what

amounts to a crusader for justice for the people instead of a high-powered corporate attorney. What vision did you have for the D.A.’s role that fueled this choice?

A:

What drives me is protecting the community, preventing crime and supporting victims. Simply put, engaging in making Saratoga County better for families, lifting the community as a place with less crime, where people can take care of and educate their kids in a safe environment. That is not always part of the D.A.’s role, but I believe in a broad purview for the office that affects quality of life issues. If your kids are happy, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Doing what is right, based on the law, and, of course, my conscience and my experience, is where I begin. And, I am a news junkie – political news, current events, MSNBC, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, The Saratogian, the Post Star, and, of course, Saratoga Today. I pay attention to them all. I want to know what other communities face, how Saratoga County compares and how issues are being handled in other locations. For example, what is happening in Portland, where my brother-in-law is a state representative, regarding bars’ closing times? Should it be 2 a.m. or 4 a.m.? As it gets later in the night, more alcohol is involved, and we know that increases in crime are related to alcohol abuse. The decision on when to close also has to take into consideration what is good for restaurant and bar owners, but I must see it from the perspective of the person who gets a phone call after 2 a.m. when there’s been an incident involving a victim.

Q: A:

On that subject—what is the D.A.’s office doing in relation to late-night, downtown drinking?

We offer training on how to decline service without starting trouble, how to identify fake IDs and how to stop people from buying drinks for someone who shouldn’t

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have them. But, it costs bar and restaurant owners money to send employees to these trainings and not everybody wants to pay for it. They are already dealing with liability insurance, liquor licenses and other paperwork and fees.

There’s also a phone tree in place—one bar calls another to say, ‘Hey we’ve got this man going bar to bar and he’s out of control.’ By and large, drinking establishments do want to partner with us. (Note: A similar phone tree exists for sharing information about shoplifters.)

Q: A:

What about marijuana? Should it be legalized?

Right now, in New York State, if you have a small amount of marijuana on you for personal use, you are entitled to have a charge against you for possession dropped. Most people don’t realize this. However, if you have enough for resale, that’s a crime. Also, you can possess it, but you can’t smoke it in public legally, no matter how little you possess. I’m very concerned about the way these laws are going in other states. The marijuana of today is not the marijuana of the ‘60s and ‘70s. It is often mixed with drugs like Ecstasy, or with nicotine, which is addictive, and other dangerous and illegal drugs, so that marijuana becomes a gateway for other substances. It’s not like it’s regulated. We had a naked woman on Ecstasy climb a flag pole at SPAC, jump off and break both legs. She thought she was diving into a swimming pool.

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I’m a lawyer, not a doctor, but based on what I hear from addiction clinics, kids have trouble stopping smoking marijuana; and it’s a slippery slope. I am against legalizing it beyond what New York State has already done. I know that’s not a popular position, but I simply do not think kids’ brains are developed to the point that they can make good choices about whether or not to smoke marijuana, how much, where and when.

Q: A:

Does this kind of thing keep you up at night?

I’ll tell you what keeps me up at night: the sexual abuse of children. I will never compromise on a sentence for this crime. There will never be leniency for the sexual abuse of children on my watch.

Q: A:

Do you go for the explanation that some of these criminals are mentally ill, not evil?

I have certainly prosecuted cases where there is documented mental illness and those people belong in a secure psychiatric center, not prison. But, people have personal responsibility for their actions.

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Q:

It drives me crazy when I hear on the news that someone has been convicted for his or her ‘third DWI’. Why does it even get up to three? Why is that person with a history of DWI’s even driving around?

A:

The judge decides how long to take someone’s license away and we make a recommendation.

We can say five years, but believe it or not, a person with a DWI can apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles to have a license restored before that time is up and DMV can grant it, and they do. What we can do, on the first conviction, is require the person to have an ignition control device they have to blow in to, which can detect if he or she is sober enough to drive. The next time you get caught, it’s a felony. If you are driving drunk and you injure or kill someone, it’s vehicular assault or manslaughter.

Q: A:

What about the driving-and-texting laws?

It’s a huge problem and one that probably everyone has been guilty of at least once. We forget that we are driving a 4,000-pound car at 55 mph and by looking at a text for even a split second we can cause death or serious physical injury to a pedestrian, another driver, or to ourselves. That’s why I supported Gov. Cuomo and law enforcement’s increasing the ticket for this offense to 5 points—11 and you lose your license. In Saratoga County, where a young driver texts or talks on a cellphone we require they take the Alive at 25 course (aliveat25. us) for which we collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The course covers the dangers of texting/ talking while driving along with defensive driving and being a responsible driver. The feedback we receive is positive and we think it makes a difference. Hopefully, technology will advance so that cellphones will be disabled when they move at a speed faster than 5 mph.

Q: A:

You’re tough, aren’t you?

Here’s our little town of Saratoga Springs, one of the safest cities in the state, but crime happens everywhere. We’re not immune here. We must be vigilant. We must keep our eyes out for our kids, our families and our friends. My staff is not afraid to try a case and get a big sentence, like the one in late September when Dennis Drue pled guilty to 58 counts in Saratoga County Court for causing the car crash that killed two students and injured two others. He was speeding and high on marijuana. I am not bluffing. There have been threats against me in the 25 years I have been working in the D.A.’s office, but I brush them off.

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Q:

I sense that being the father of two daughters has been highly influential in your approach to life and your attitudes.

A:

Absolutely. I think it’s very important for young women to develop self-confidence and skills. I love to see young woman going after success and making good choices. Title IX is one of the best things that ever happened in America. [Title IX is the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education, which opened doors for females in academic and extracurricular athletics programs.]

Q: A:

Do you believe in the death penalty?

There is no death penalty in New York State and I don’t think we should have one. Criminal justice is not an exact science. Evidence can be sufficient, but we are not infallible and the death sentence is irreversible. Life without parole is the perfect option for certain criminals.

Q: A:

You are well-known for your unrelenting battle against domestic violence.

There is no mediation possible in domestic violence cases. There is no middle ground. This is not a dispute between neighbors. It cannot be tolerated.

Q:

Some of the trials coming out of your office have been pretty high-profile and you even have held press conferences. What do you think is the impact of that kind of pre-trial publicity?

A:

There’s a fine balance of what to say and what not to say before a trial. A D.A. really can only say what the charge is and what the proof will show. We can’t comment or expound. There are tight ethical guidelines around what we can say. But, a person’s personal attorney can make all kinds of comments and vouch for witnesses. Being a D.A. is not as glamorous as being on “Law and Order.” Also, let me say that juries are made up of intelligent people, they can make up their own minds about what is true based on what they in the court room and not on media reports. We have to give people more credit for their ability to put aside their personal feelings and listen to the judge. I think people genuinely agonize over their decisions —I’ve seen jurors cry.

Q: A:

Is “Law and Order” pretty accurate?

The crimes and sentencing and facts of the crime and evidence are actually pretty factually correct. But these cases don’t get wrapped up in an hour like they do on TV. My daughters hate watching those shows with me, because I can always guess what’s coming. I can tell you this: neither of them wants to be a lawyer.

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Q:

You’ve seen a lot of ugly things, encountered some awful people. Does this discourage you about the inherent goodness of human beings?

A:

Nothing surprises me. I have heard so many confessions, so many dark secrets. But, I never waver in the belief that people choose to act a certain way and that most are fundamentally kind and compassionate.

Everybody has burdens in life, but we have to have order to maintain a safe community.

Q:

Do technology and social media have roles in criminal justice?

A:

One night, I got a call that a guy drove drunk over the shoulder of a road. The police went to his Facebook page and there he was—he had posted photographs of himself that night chugging beer at a party, which was used as evidence in the trial against him. I can get a subpoena for anything on the Internet. Texts, call logs, emails, Facebook posts.

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We use these in stalking and harassment cases. We can read both sides of a conversation. Technology can help convict and it can help exonerate. It can stop a crime from happening. This generation has a very different sense of privacy from what adults have. I talk to students all the time about what they should think about when they make information public, the dangers of it. It’s hard to hide information, good or bad.

Q:

What do you make of the fact that you run unopposed for your office?

A:

The D.A. is not political. What I do is hire really smart people, smarter than I am, men and women, and I tell them, ‘I don’t measure the success of an A.D.A. by his or her conviction rate. I care about how you analyze the facts.’ Once the incentive to convict as a way to win is gone, the A.D.A.s know they should do the right thing, whatever that means. It’s not political. I think I run unopposed because I represent everybody,

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because I’m fair and because I listen to people and hear what they want to focus on. I serve on a lot of boards – Child Advocacy Center, Center for the Family, Prevention Council, CAPTAIN. I believe in sharing resources and collaboration. We come to understandings and we work things out. We provide more services to victims.

of Commerce), Gary Dake (Stewart’), Todd Shimkus (Chamber of Commerce), Mark Baker (City Center), Barbara Glaser (civic leader), Marie Glotzbach (Skidmore College), Julia Stokes (former NYS Department of Parks director) and John Hendrickson (philanthropist married to Mary Lou Whitney). I reach out to them and we look for solutions.

Q:

Q:

A:

A:

Are there people in the community you feel especially support your initiatives?

Yes, absolutely. There are people I can count on to help solve community problems such as what we can do to help the homeless. People who will sit with me and discuss the future of this city, which we all love, and the future of the county. Those people include Ray O’Conor (Saratoga National Bank), Charles Wait (Adirondack Trust Company), Sonny Bonacio (builder), Mike Piccirillo (Saratoga Springs City School District superintendant) Tom Roohan (realtor), Linda Toohey (civic leader, formerly with the Chamber

Is there any new program you are working on that excites you?

Yes. We are looking at restorative justice. For example, if someone takes a bat and destroys a line of mailboxes, he or she doesn’t just pay to have new ones put in.

That’s too easy. He or she digs the holes for the posts. It’s harder, but there’s a better pay-off. It’s a deterrent, but there’s also learning involved and, hopefully, the person won’t do something like that again that might lead to a bigger crime.

Having the harmed party be made whole by the offending party is what restorative justice is all about and I’m eager to collaborate with Skidmore to get this off the ground.

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Q: A:

You really like to bring people into solutions, don’t you?

Yes, and I love having student interns in my office—outstanding high school students, college students and law students.

They bring so much energy and intelligence and new perspectives—and they learn so much to bring into the profession. But, it’s very, very competitive to get an internship in my office. The applicant must be excellent, even exceptional. One thing I think is important to do with my interns is bring them to victim impact hearings – it’s a lifechanging experience.

Q: A:

How can one person get all of this done? Do you work all of the time?

I work a lot of the time, I’m a bit obsessive about my job. I give 110 percent and I want the taxpayers to get their money’s worth—I try to go over and above what is expected. For example, if someone calls my office and complains,

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I either talk to that person or write a letter explaining our position. But, my family and community activities are very important to me. I run, I row, I ski, I am very involved with my children. I volunteer to pick up garbage at the regattas. I cheer for them, they cheer for me. I ran in the Palio half marathon. I like to wear old clothes and go places where nobody asks me any questions. I maintain my own Facebook pages and Twitter account. I care about the arts and about the growth of the downtown.

Q: A:

What’s next for Jim Murphy?

I would love to be a judge someday.

People have asked me if I want to run for a high public office, but I’m a homebody.

I don’t want to be in Washington, D.C. I want to be in Saratoga Springs with my kids and my wife. I wouldn’t want to miss ArtsFest, my kids’ regattas or my running group. ❆

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The Murphy Sisters:

2 Competitors in 1 ‘Rock-Solid’ Familiy

By Brian Cremo

Supportive. Driven.

Motivated. Respectful.

Humble. Fierce

These are all words used to describe Caroline and Claire Murphy—the two sisters who helped lead last season’s U19 world champion Saratoga Rowing Association women’s varsity eight to a New York State Scholastic Rowing Association championship and gold medals at both the Sydney International Rowing Regatta and the Head of the Charles.

But one characteristic that might truly set Caroline, 18, and Claire, 16, apart from other young athletes is their competitiveness.

It’s a trait that both used against one another in practice and continue to utilize against the opposition on the open water today.

Flash back to 2011, when Caroline was a junior at Saratoga Springs High School and Claire was a freshman.

The siblings were both using the indoor practice rowing

machine. By practice’s end, Claire pulled the better time.

After practice, when Caroline got home, it was pouring rain.

But that didn’t stop her from going on a 45-minute run.

When she arrived back at the house, her father, Saratoga County District Attorney James “Jim” Murphy, III asked what was going on.

“Claire will never beat me again,” Caroline said.

That attitude propelled the two to push one another throughout last year’s memorable season. When one of them picked up the pace, the other was always right there ready to go.

“I put them both up in the front of the boat (seat seven and eight) and I thought they just worked so well together and were in tune with each other,” recalled renowned SRA coach Eric Catalano. “How well they worked together was the basis of the decision to put them in the boat together.

They’re extremely supportive of one another, but they’re so competitive that they drove each other harder and harder.”

This past fall, Caroline continued her rowing career at Duke University, where she received a partial scholarship, while Claire is a high school junior competing with a young

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SRA team looking to get back to where they were last year—a year filled with many highlights.

In the fall of 2012, on the third weekend of October, the two shared a moment with teammates Shannon Merboth (University of Connecticut), Lexi Georgia (Clemson), Meghan Hampton, Makenzie Battle, Kerri Wegner (Boston University), Kelli Wegner (Boston University) and Makenzie Hart that they will never forget—the day of the largest regatta in the world: the Head of the Charles in Boston.

In the midst of 10,000 coaches, rowers and coxswains from all over the world and more than 300,000 onlookers on the Charles River, the SRA girls embarked on a race that would eventually lead to them competing 10,000 miles away just months later.

It went far from smooth.

Coming around a turn while crossing under a bridge, another varsity eight collided with the SRA team.

Caroline and Makenzie, the coxswain, were both hit hard by oars in the chaos, forcing the boat to a complete stop in the middle of the race.

After getting untangled, the Murphys and the rest of the team kicked it up a notch and “went into a completely different mindset,” said Claire. “We went all out.”

The girls unleashed for the final 500 meters and excelled to a point of performance they had never reached before.

“Before the race, my coach (Catalano) used the phrase, ‘You have to take away the safety net,’ as in there’s no excuse for not going as fast you can,” Caroline said. “It’s going to be hard and it’s going to be scary to go all out, but if you don’t make it, you did all that you could do. We just came out in our last turn and I was thinking about that and something clicked in our boat. It was such a great feeling. Everyone was like, ‘This is it. This is our last chance.’”

Except for Hart, the girls didn’t say anything. They just rowed—one uniform entity that didn’t just finish strong, but won.

“After the race everyone was like, ‘I don’t know how we did, but that was the best race ever,’” said Caroline.

“When they came off the water, everyone said that as they came around the last turn, they really went to a level they had never been to,” added Catalano.

Later on, in Saratoga Springs, Catalano called the team to the boathouse for an emergency meeting, where he played the promotional video for the Sydney International Rowing Regatta.

“We were like, ‘Are we going to watch it on TV?’” recalled Caroline. “And he said, ‘Guys we can go.’”

What followed the March trip to Australia was yet another gold medal.

Caroline was also able to celebrate her birthday in downtown Sydney and the girls met the U.S. rowing team. It was a fitting trip for what would be part of Caroline’s final year in Saratoga Springs before going off to college. Before going her separate way from a team she “absolutely loved” and the SRA family.

“The whole team was so friendly and so saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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well-connected, especially regattas for weekends with all of our families there volunteering and everyone’s cheering for each other and working hard,” Caroline said. “[SRA] is just such a great atmosphere. Even when I was little, that whole atmosphere just got me.”

The first time Caroline got in a boat was in the third grade, back when she was struggling to find the sport that was for her. According to Caroline, her dad, who also rowed, recognized her trying to find her athletic niche and it was he who told her she should try it.

“He’s definitely the one who got me into it,” remembered Caroline.

It only took about 500 meters of rowing out on the water for her to say, “This is it.”

Jim, who has been the Saratoga County D.A. for 16 years, didn’t just get Caroline into the sport. He and his wife, Laurie, have been a constant presence and can always be found at the shores, whether it’s volunteering at SRA or rooting for their girls at competition.

“He always makes time to make sure he does stuff with us,” Claire said.

“He’s definitely not one of those dads who is just always working. When he doesn’t have to be at his office, he’ll do his work at home instead. It’s kind of funny because if he’s on the news or something, or he’s in the office, he’s really serious. He’s actually really funny and he just has good witty comments about everything. He’s always in a good mood. All my friends love him. He’s just a fun person to have around.”

“Knowing their dad, I can understand why they are the way they are,” said Catalano. “The family is just a rocksolid family.”

When it came down to choosing where she was going row in college, Caroline had two choices—Duke or Harvard.

While her mom is a 1989 graduate of Duke (economics major), her dad received a certificate in Executive Education in Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. But neither tried

forcing her toward one way or the other.

“They were both really good about it because they both knew I was under a lot of stress with the college decision,” said Caroline. “They were really good about not picking a side and just helping me work through it, while also taking a back seat sometimes.”

Reflecting back on the time she first started rowing to seeing where she is now (being part of the crew team at Duke, which includes members of the past U.S. Olympic team), the view is that of a long road.

“A ‘journey’ is definitely a good word for it,” said Caroline, who says a big part of who she is today is the result of her SRA coaches’ hard work.

“Even though there’s times when it’s tough, especially in rowing, you always have such as strong group of people supporting you and you always have a reason to get faster.”

was seemingly with all the time.

It was just a couple of years ago when Caroline was unsure of what that journey had in store, including what it would be like to team up with her sister. She didn’t know what it would be like to train right next to her in the winter, or what it would be like to spend even more time with someone she already

Claire didn’t know either.

“I thought it would be weird at first being around her all the time, but when we were on the water training with each other all the time it didn’t really feel like that,” Claire said. “We didn’t get into arguments and stuff because we were focused on crew. I thought of her more as my friend.

I became closer with her because of it.”

“It ended up being really cool because we were both able to motivate each other to go faster,” added Caroline.

“Just feeding off of one another. Sometimes we definitely got frustrated with each other. But thinking back, it was definitely worth it because we definitely have so many great memories from everything. It was so much fun.”

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Claire says she has learned self-motivation through the years from her older sister. Always encouraging her to push through her training, Caroline set the tone by example.

That motivation did not go unnoticed.

“Caroline is one of the most driven people that I know,” said Catalano. “Whether it’s academics, music or sports, she’s extremely intentional with everything she does. Never once needed any motivation. It’s a great trait to have in an athlete, but it serves her in academics as well. She’s a pretty outstanding character. Every stroke, Caroline gets the most out of it. She doesn’t let a stroke go by where she’s not learning something or giving everything she can. Caroline is a self-made amazing athlete because of how much she can pay attention to what she’s doing.”

Catalano has seen some of Caroline’s traits get passed down to Claire, while also noting that the two are very different.

That includes Claire being physically taller and longer than Caroline.

But one thing the two definitely share is their passion and love for the sport.

“It’s insane that two kids can be that nice and that happy all the time and at the same time be that competitive,” said SRA regatta director Chris Chase, who also coached both siblings in their freshman year. “Competitive people always seem to always have an edge to them. There has to be a reason that sets them off. Some people play angry. Not those two. They’re so darn competitive. When it comes down to competing, something happens. They have a switch that’s just insane. They’re also tall, long and have the

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endurance of racehorses. They have a go time like not many people have.”

Whether it’s on the mouth of Fish Creek in Saratoga Springs, the Charles River, the Duke rowing team’s location on Lake Michie, or in Sydney, Australia, the feeling of rowing with eight others who want to win just as badly on the open water is unmatched.

“It’s one of the best feelings ever,” explained Caroline.

“The feeling that you get when you’re out on the water racing is totally worth all of the tough stuff that you go through every day. You can make it whatever you want it to be. Some races are longer than others and finding the mental power to attack every single stroke is really hard, but once you finally get there it’s a rewarding feeling. It’s all worth it.”

For Claire, even the adrenaline rush before competition is enough to keep her wanting more.

At this point, Claire plans on rowing in college as well, but although she was very intrigued

by Duke’s campus, she plans on going in her own direction to make a name for herself.

Traveling to Uganda, as Caroline did as well, has inspired her to possibly get into more humanitarian work. She’s also thinking of entering either the field of therapy or psychology.

As Caroline continues to fight for her spot on the Duke roster, she is thinking of majoring in a science-related field.

“As amazing of athletes as they are, and academically as well, as good as they are, they’re some of the most respectful, well-raised, nicest kids,” said Catalano.

“Their family is the nicest family. Sometimes the star athletes in sports get a bad rap because they’re full of themselves or whatever. These guys are just humble and sweet and nice and fierce at the same time. It’s a pretty impressive character combination.” ❆

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