Simply SARATOGA - Showcase of Homes Fall Edition 2019

Simply...

SARATOGA ™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Fall 2019

Complimentary

brought to you by FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE, SEE PAGES 1-75

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C O N T R I BU T O R S

SAMANTHA BOSSHART

GERALDINE FREEDMAN

ANN HAUPRICH

MEGIN POTTER

Samantha Bosshart joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2008. As Executive Director, she advocates for the preservation of the unique architecture and rich heritage of Saratoga Springs. Samantha previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation.

Samantha completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University.

Geraldine Freedman is a freelance writer and a former freelance flutist, who worked for several years in New York City. She's been in the area for almost twenty years first moving to Saratoga Springs, which reminded her of NYC's West Village.

These days she lives in Ballston Spa with her two cats.

When not writing magazine articles that warm hearts, lift spirits and tickle funny bones, Ann Hauprich keeps busy preserving the past and present for future generations at Legacies Unlimited in Ballston Spa. The historic upstate village where the author’s family settled half a century ago will be commemorated in her sixth book in 2020. To learn more, visit AnnHauprich.

US and LegaciesUnlimited.com.

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.

COLLEEN COLEMAN

JOHN GREENWOOD

THERESA ST. JOHN

JOHN REARDON

Colleen Coleman is the owner of CMC Design Studio LLC and is well noted by her clients for bringing high energy, attention to detail, organization and more to each project. Her collaborative efforts with clients, as well as others in the industry, translates to a comprehensive design to completion for her clients.

Her unique approach to defining each space matured into what she has coined as “Creating Environments for Life” - reach her at colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net.

John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga milkman who loves to write, laugh and share stories. John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. By day he’s a Transportation Manager for Stewart’s Shops. On his off hours he’s an observer/ writer/blogger who is quite content taking a walk or painting the side of his garage. Learn more at rainingiguanas.com

Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states " was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good, she says.

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

JODIE FITZ

HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON

CHARLIE KUENZEL

KRISTIN SCHULTZ

Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club. She released two cookbooks in 2015; The Chaotic Kitchen; a collection of recipes to help make the lives of busy families just a little bit easier when it comes to mealtime & Cooking Up Fun; designed to get kids taste testing & experimenting with foods.

Empire State College professor Himanee Gupta-Carlson grows vegetables and raises chickens, ducks and goats with her husband Jim at Squashville Farm in Greenfield Center. She writes and edits articles on the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for Saratoga Today, and coordinates a community garden and farm-to-pantry food donation program for the Franklin Community Center. Her book Muncie, India(na), on growing up as the child of immigrant Indians will be released next year.

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

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

Kristin Schultz has been writing about food, beverages and restaurants since 2014. She moved to the Capital Region in 2016 and enjoys scouring the area looking for delicious and interesting eats and drinks. She also loves spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking and has recently made it her mission to perfect the art of waffle making. Kristin will never turn down a glass of bourbon or a bowl of noodles. When she's not eating, Kristin likes to pile into the car with her family and explore new places.

DAN FORBUSH

CAROL GODETTE

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ

STEWART WHITE

Publisher of the SMARTACUS Creative Group, Dan Forbush is exploring the use of interactive media in new forms of community-based story-telling.

An Adirondack Winter 46er, he’s committed to open-space preservation, sustainable farming, and the hiking of Upstate New York trails. You’ll find his site at SMARTACUS.com.

Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, Carol Godette’s fascination with neighborhood stores began at age 11 when she frequented Rowland’s. A passionate educator, Godette taught elementary school in the Saratoga School District for 31 years. Carol is a co-owner of the local Ben & Jerry’s franchise. Godette and her husband live in her childhood home where they raised their two children. She welcomes your comments and stories/photos on neighborhood stores via email: saratoganeighborhoodstores@gmail.com

Meghan is a native of the Glens Falls Saratoga region.

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

Stewart White, an avid weightlifter and a sports enthusiast is a Saratoga native and a graduate of the class of 1972. He’s worked with 13-18 year old troubled boys & girls for the last 24 years. Stewart is an all-around great guy with a knack for storytelling and he’s thrilled to have this opportunity with Simply Saratoga Magazine to tell his story and make his mom & brother smile from the heavens above.

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contents Fall 2019 SHOWCASE OF HOMES Pages 1-75 80 Farewell Marylou

O MANY REASONS TO S FALL IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN! 84 88 90 92 98

Farm Dinners …and so much more!

Feast of the Fields Day Trip Festivals Calendar of Events Road Trip… to Schuylerville!

A GOOD READ

100 The Mercantile Kitchen & Bar 105 Road Trip… to Northville’s Five and Dime 108 Artist Spotlight: Elisa Sheehan 110 Meet… Peter Rifenburg 112 Saratoga Chamber Players 114 Home Made Theater 116 Meet… Lewis Taub 117 Mark Lawson Antiques 118 Imaging Grant Cottage 119 Community Hospice Fundraiser 120 Meet… Gail Welter FASHION

122 Meghan Lemery gives good advice!

123 Fall Fashions

HOME & GARDEN

7 Cocktails in the Sunshine 8 131 Preserving Saratoga 144 Glass – in a new light!

148 Aqua – INCREDIBLE! 150 This House is a Time Bandit 156 In the Kitchen with John 158 Entertaining with Jodie Fitz 159 TAKE OUT… From the Saratoga Farmers’ Market 164 Homesteading 101 166 Coleen’s Picks HISTORY Gone, but not forgotten …

We love our history!

172 Saratoga Heritage Hunters 173 Rarely Seen Photos from the George S. Bolster Collection 178 Charlie Kuenzel 180 Carol Godette 182 John Greenwood 184 Dr. Hollis Palmer 190 Stewart White 193 BEHIND THE SCENES of the Cover Shoot

Photo by Gail Welter, see story on page 120 .

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2019 SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES The area's premiere new home tour celebrating 24 years of exceptional houses!

TABLE OF CONTENTS 22 Welcome and Showcase Committee Members 26 Schedule of Events and Ticket Information 28 Map 30 Driving Directions 35-22 Showcase Builders and Homes 74-77 Subcontractors and Suppliers 79 Showcase Sponsors

SHOWCASE BUILDERS AND HOMES PAGE

BUILDER

34

1

BDC GROUP Cornerstone Condominiums

38

2

HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS Timber Creek Preserve

42

3

DEGRAFF BLOOM CUSTOM BUILDERS Park Place at Malta

46

4

BELLA HOME BUILDERS Park Grove

50

5

BELMONTE BUILDERS Spencer’s Landing

52

6

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION Burnham Hollow

56

7

MCPADDEN BUILDERS Craw Farm

60

8

WITT CONSTRUCTION Excelsior Park

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9

KODIAK CONSTRUCTION

68

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION

10 (Renovation)

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Welcome...

Welcome to the 2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, now celebrating 24 years of exceptional homes! This spectacular annual event is the area’s premiere new home tour, one of the most wonderful traditions in the fabric of our fall season.

On behalf of the Saratoga Builders Association and the Showcase Committee, I’d like to thank all the corporate and media sponsors for their generous support.

Special thanks to all our amazing and talented builders for their commitment to this popular, long running show. Applause to the countless volunteers who staff the homes to help provide for a truly memorable experience. Lastly, we are so very grateful for the tremendous public support through ticket sales - each and every year.

We are especially excited and proud to present 10 homes in Saratoga County from our area’s award-winning builders over three weekends. As always, you’ll see the most innovative products, beautiful décor, creative interior design, professional craftsmanship and impeccable construction of each of these magnificent homes, inviting you through their doors.

Best of all, the proceeds from this event go back into our community. The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities from this community event, and this year will be no different. Proceeds from this year’s Showcase of Homes will benefit two local worthwhile organizations: Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Both these groups help give back to the community through improving the homes and lives of those in need. Many families in our area would never realize their dreams of home ownership or improvement of their living conditions without the efforts of these two incredible organizations.

Don’t miss the brand new “Tiny House,” premiering this year at various showcase home locations.

Please take a moment to explore the pages of this official guide for lots of useful information on each builder and their homes, details about the event and to see what’s waiting for you this year at the 2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.

And tickets are still only $20! Keep a lookout for our classic orange signs guiding you along the tour route.

SHOWCASE JUDGES Jordan Beach Linda Fake

UYInteriors.com

Kevin Maschewski

ADKdesignBuild.com

Bruce Mowery

MOWERY CONSTRUCTION

David Sadowsky

SadowskyArchitect.com

Grace Tallini

cazenovia.edu

Bill Warwick

BartonPartners.com

ENJOY……

BARRY POTOKER Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association saratogabuilders.org • saratogashowcaseofhomes.com

Get Social with us! #SARATOGASOH TICKET INFORMATION ON PAGE 27.

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2019 SHOWCASE OF HOMES COMMITTEE Drew Aiello HOMESTEAD FUNDING Fran Dingeman NETWORK SARATOGA Adam Feldman HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF NORTHERN SARATOGA, WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES Mark Hogan SARATOGA NATIONAL BANK & TRUST Michelle Larkin EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REBUILDING TOGETHER SARATOGA COUNTY Lisa Licata CO-CHAIR, STERLING HOMES Yvonne Manso PALLETTE STONE Shannon McCarthy KELLER WILLIAMS Barry Potoker CO-CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SARATOGA BUILDERS ASSOCIATION Einars Tupuritis TRUSTCO BANK Beth Smith BETH SMITH REALTY Pam Stott CURTIS LUMBER Dave Trojanski BONACIO CONSTRUCTION saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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2019 Showcase of Homes DATES FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Judges Tour TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Realtors Tour SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14-15 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21-22 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28-29 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm

PRIZE AWARDS PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

All ticket holders are eligible to vote for the People’s Choice Award with the ballot on the ticket. You will be automatically entered into our drawing for these prizes:

SECOND PRIZE

$1000 in Kohler Products from WIN SUPPLY.

GRAND PRIZE

Your Package Awaits!

Enjoy an overnight stay for four in a luxurious, two-floor two-bedroom Penthouse Loft Suite at the PAVILION GRAND HOTEL IN SARATOGA SPRINGS. Welcome platter upon arrival and a $200 dinner gift certificate from FISH AT 30 LAKE, breakfast for four at the BLUE PEACOCK BISTRO and a Make-Up lesson and application from MAKE ME FABULOUS SALON & SPA. A $1500 Value!

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THIRD PRIZE

Every ticket holder receives a complimentary shoe tote bag at the first home visited.

$250 Visa Card.

PLUS GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM...

15 Church Chic Underneath Cudney's Cleaners Curtis Lumber Dunham's Bay Resort Embrace the Race Habitat for Humanity Halfmoon Sandwich Shop Impressions of Saratoga Kru Coffee

Longfellows Palette Café PJ's Barbecue Rebuilding Together Saratoga Residence Inn by Marriott Robert James Salon Saratoga Auto Museum Saratoga Saddlery

Silverado Smashburger Spoken Boutique Spring Street Deli The Dark Horse The Hyde Collection The Olde Bryan Inn The Publik House AND MORE!

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TICKET INFORMATION

2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes ...still only $20.00 each!

• Tickets available at Adirondack Trust, Saratoga National Bank, Catskill Hudson Bank & Trustco Bank locations; Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury; Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs; Rebuilding Together Saratoga County - The Store in Ballston Spa; Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Moreau and online at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/purchase-tickets or at the individual Showcase Homes.

• Showcase tour hours are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM / Tickets are valid for all 6 days / Children under 12 are admitted free.

• Please keep your ticket until you have seen all the houses.

Enjoy the show and Thank You for your support of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes!

Over the past 23 years, this community event has contributed over one million dollars to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County RebuildingTogetherSaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. GlensFallsHabitat.org.

For more details on the 2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com.

Follow us on FACEBOOK and our BLOG for all the updates!

SHOWCASE OF HOMES PROCEEDS BENEFIT:

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2019 Showcase of Homes Map BONACIO CONSTRUCTION - BURNHAM MCPADDEN BUILDERS

KODIAK CONSTRUCTION

WITT CONSTRUCTION

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION - SPRING BELLA HOME BUILDERS BELMONTE BUILDERS

BDC GROUP DEGRAFF BLOOM CUSTOM BUILDERS

HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS

Visit our mobile-friendly website to view the interactive map and scenic house-to-house directions;SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com, or scan this code to view map; www.bit.ly/sohmap19

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132 Sunrise Dr, Town of Mayfield - Exciting 278 Steers Rd, Broadalbin - Wow! Huge listing with a Beach Association on the Great 2 level home in the Broadalbin - Perth Sacandaga Lake (and a possibility to buy into the school district! This home features a dock system)! Kitchen has a working island, s/s massive kitchen, dining room and living appliances, pantry and breakfast nook. Formal room with pellet stove/fireplace. First dining room, cozy living room, laundry room floor full bath and big mudroom. Second with 1/2 bath and spacious coat closet on the floor has an open loft, 3 very large first floor. Upper level has a master suite w/ walk bedrooms and additional full bath. Lots in closet, private bathroom. 2 additional bdrms plus full bath on the 2nd floor. Full of closets, lots of storage. New 2 car garage with 3 overhead doors and basement has potential for extra living space. 2 car garage and deck. $285,900. private yard. Front circular driveway. $225,000.

108 Woodlawn Dr, Town of Johnstown 515 St Hwy 29A, Town of Mayfield Custom 3 bdrm, 2 bath ranch in a beautiful Spacious 3 bdrm, 2 bath ranch sitting on setting close to city amenities, Great Sacandaga 20.40 acres in a prime location! You must Lake, Thruway exit & the breath-taking see this to appreciate all the comforts. New Adirondack Mountains! Recent major upgrades flooring and paint throughout. Roof is 3 yrs including whole house maple hardwood & old. Family room has separate entrances stone floors. New kitchen appliances, back plus direct access from kitchen and incl. splash, counter tops, sink & faucet. New carpet fireplace. Kitchen has breakfast bar, solid in the lower level, fresh paint throughout. Lovely master suite includes walk in wood cabinets. Sunny dining area, comfortable living room. Lots of hall closet, private bathroom. Grand family room in lower level incl. pool & fooz ball closets. Full basement and attached 2 car garage with attic hatch. Storage, tables. 2000 sq ft of living space. $275,000. living space and land! What more could you ask for $209,900.

116 Union Mills Rd, Broadalbin - Best New 8 Grandoe Lane, Gloversville - SO much Price for this 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath Dutch Colonial roomier than it looks from the outside, this on a beautiful 5-acre parcel just outside the adorable newly renovated, 3 bdrm ranch has quaint village of Broadalbin, close proximity all the spaciousness you need, with plenty of to the Great Sacandaga Lake & Adirondack closet and basement storage. Come see for Mtns. and just minutes to Saratoga Springs, NYS yourself all the new - roof, siding, windows, Thruway & the Capital region. Very spacious appliances, doors, floors, plumbing, electric. eat in kitchen with island, granite countertops, Interior completely painted & tastefully loads of cupboards and pantry. Lovely living room with fireplace & a cozy family decorated. With all the new comes some original details including hardwood room leading out to the 2-tiered deck. Tons of entertaining space and family floors. An abundance of living space, with large living/dining rm combo plus living areas. Beautifully landscaped, lovingly cared for. $259,900. lower level family room. Lovely outdoor space. $102,900.

Lana Ruggiero Licensed Real Estate Broker

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11 Forest Street (P.O. Box 1285), Gloversville NY 12078 Office: (518) 470-4738 | Fax: (518) 773-3805 www.ruggierorealtyllc.com | lanaruggierorealty@gmail.com

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2019 Showcase of Homes

DIRECTIONS 1. THE BDC GROUP CORNERSTONE CONDOMINIUMS 53 Cornerstone Drive, Ballston Spa I-87 to Exit 12 to Route 67 W towards Ballston Spa, follow NY-67 to NY-50, at roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto NY-67W, pass through 2 more roundabouts staying on Route 67-W, sharp left onto Route 50 S. Destination on your right across from Mangino GMC. 2. HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS TIMBER CREEK PRESERVE 2 Tamarack Drive, Ballston Lake Drive time 10 minutes

Right onto Route 50, at light take a left onto Brookline Road, at stop sign take a right onto Route 67, right onto Eastline Road. At light cross over Round Lake Road to continue Eastline Road, right onto Tamarac Drive.

3. DEGRAFF BLOOM CUSTOM BUILDERS PARK PLACE AT MALTA 31 Vettura Ct, Malta

Drive time 10 minutes

Left onto Eastline Road, at light take a right onto Round Lake Road, go through 2 roundabouts staying on Round Lake Road, at 3rd roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Round Lake Bypass. Next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto US-9N, at next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Phaeton LN, at stop sign take a right and a quick left onto Vettura Ct.

4. BELLA HOME BUILDERS PARK GROVE 18 Shaw Drive, Saratoga Springs Drive time 12 minutes

Continue Vettura Ct, left onto Chaise Street, left onto Calash Way to right onto Phaeton Lane. Enter roundabout and take the 3rd exit onto US-9N, stay on US-9N into Saratoga Springs, right onto Crescent Street (across from The National Museum of Dance), right onto Joshua Road, bear right at the end of Joshua Road which becomes Shaw Drive.

5. BELMONTE BUILDERS SPENCER’S LANDING 43 Julians Way, Saratoga Springs Drive time 8 minutes

Continue Shaw Drive, left onto East Broadway, right onto Jefferson Street, at stop sign take a left onto Crescent Ave, right onto Kaydeross Park Road to right onto Julians Way. 6. BONACIO CONSTRUCTION BURNHAM HOLLOW 12 Burnham Road, Wilton

Drive time 15 minutes

Left onto Kaydeross Park Road, right onto Crescent Ave, at light take a left onto Union Ave/NY-9P, left onto I-87 North to Exit 16 toward Corinth/ Wilton, left onto Ballard Road, left onto Northern Pines Road, right onto Burnhan Road.

7. MCPADDEN BUILDERS CRAW FARM 14 Craw Lane, Gansevoort Drive time 5 minutes

Left onto Northern Pines Road, right onto Ballard Road, right onto Traver Road to a right onto Craw Lane.

8. WITT CONSTRUCTION EXCELSIOR PARK 19 Gibson Court, Saratoga Springs Drive time 11 minutes

Burnham Road to a left onto Northern Pines Rd, right onto Ballard Road, right onto I-87 S to Exit 15, right off the Exit to Route 50 S, at traffic light take a left onto Veterans Way, at stop sign take a left onto Excelsior Ave, right onto Ormandy Lane, at stop sign take a left than left onto Gibson Court.

9. KODIAK CONSTRUCTION 50 Warren Street, Saratoga Springs Drive time 4 minutes

Whistler Court to a left onto Excelsior Ave, bear left at fork to an immediate left onto Warren Street. Showcase house will be on the left.

10. BONACIO CONSTRUCTION (RENOVATION) 184 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs Drive time 3 minutes

Continue Warren Street, right onto Lake Ave, left onto Nelson Ave, right onto Spring Street, showcase house on the left.

The TINY HOUSE will be on display at the following locations: Degraff Bloom Showcase location on September 14 – 15 Bella Home Builders Showcase location on September 21- 22 Belmonte Builders Showcase location on September 28-29

Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. P.O. Box 1063, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 28 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

Tel. (518) 366-0946 • SaratogaBuilders.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ON TREND:

Glass Ceilings Sara Bovee-Hines, Owner, Kitchen & Bath World

Throughout history, most of the home building and design industry professionals have been men. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 10% of the construction industry is made up of women. But while women may not be gaining ground in trades like carpentry and plumbing, many of the traditional glass ceilings are being shattered by women on the construction industry’s entrepreneurial side.

Last fall, designer, Sara Bovee-Hines made the successful transition from employee to entrepreneur with the purchase of Kitchen & Bath World, Inc., Albany, New York - one of the few companies providing design, retail showroom and renovation services in the Kitchen and Bath remodeling industry. “I think it was always the plan, but I knew I needed the experience to learn how to run a successful business” said Bovee-Hines.

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After receiving an associate degree in Interior Design from Sage College, Bovee-Hines spent a little more than a year working for a company as a design assistant that supplied kitchens for new construction homes. Craving more of a challenge, Bovee-Hines joined Kitchen & Bath World as a designer in 2003, found a mentor in the company’s owner and spent more than a decade designing and learning everything from job-site supervision, retail sales and marketing, and management.

Q. What advice would you give young women?

A. Be prepared to work harder than your male counterparts. The workplace has shifted for the better, and women are gaining ground, but we still have a lot of work to do to catch up. It is up to you to make sure your talent and hard work are recognized. You shouldn’t wait for an opportunity to present itself; you should create it.

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Q. What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?

A. Just as you own a part of your employee’s successes, you also own part of their failures.

As a business owner, you need to be a teacher and mentor to your employees. You need to invest in them, and they will in-turn invest in your company. It is a two-way street.

Q. How has the industry changed since you started?

A. HGTV has influenced the market.

Homeowners are more savvy, and more up to date on trends. Many come into the showroom already having a vision in mind.

A good designer needs to be on their toes, understanding the current market and trends.

Q. What changes can previous customers of KBW expect?

A. Expect to see us applying our talent and knowledge to other rooms throughout the home such as closets, laundry, mudrooms, home office and entertainment centers.

Q. What are your plans for KBW? A. I want to continue to grow our client base through exceptional design and craftsmanship and be an industry leader in customer service.

Kitchen & Bath World, Inc. is a full-service design, sales, and installation remodeling company serving New York’s Capital Region.

KITCHEN AND BATH WORLD 1980 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 www.KitchenAndBathDesign.com

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1 BDC Group

Cornerstone Condominiums 53 Cornerstone Drive, Ballston Spa 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, 1,787 SQ. FT. This Maintenance free, second-floor condominium has many great highlights.

It contains three bedrooms and two full baths, a full unfinished basement, a covered porch area, attached garage with ample closet space. One of the bedrooms has two skylights and a walk-in closet. This unit is a B side unit which contains Bay Windows. Fireplace optional in upgrades.

WE ARE A VERTICALLYintegrated real estate development, design, construction, and management firm. We develop for the benefit of the community in a way that stimulates economic growth while revitalizing stale inventory and streamlining inefficient planning. We have erected in excess of 25,000 multi-family units and provided new homes to thousands of families. As a multi-generational builder of commercial, residential, mixed-use, storage and light industrial projects, we engage with clients, partners and municipalities to achieve functional design with positive environmental impact.

TheBDCgroup.com 877-232-4768

Home Features: • Open layout in living/dining areas.

• Full unfinished basement.

• Has a balcony accessible from the living area.

• Skylights in one of the bedrooms.

Energy Efficiencies • It will also have a pavillion and several outdoor benches for community use.

• Development will have a dog park and green space.

Realtor: Scott Varley, Keller Williams Rachel Derikart, Richard Romand, 518-542-6070 Kitchen Design Firm: The BDC Group, 877-232-4768 Interior Design Firm: Deborah Bohl Interiors – Deborah Bohl, 518-428-8556 Landscape: Clover-Leaf Nursery, 518-465-6074

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FLOOR PLAN

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2 Heritage Custom Builders LLC

Timber Creek Preserve Phase 4 2 Tamarack Street, Ballston Lake 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 2,871 SQ. FT. The Royal Palm is a two-Story home which features traditional detail blended with a touch of contemporary flare. The first floor windows allow plenty of sunlight to stream in, making that a warm and inviting place to raise a family and entertain guests. Enjoy cozy evenings in the family room in front of the fireplace, prepare meals in the kitchen and serve them in the adjacent breakfast nook or in the formal dining room. The two-car garage offers an entrance to the home that is complete with a traditional bench with storage and large closet. The four bedrooms and laundry room on the second floor makes this home the perfect choice for a family's home. The master suite has a large walk-in closet and a private bath with tile shower, free standing tub, commode and a double vanity.

The second floor is complete with three additional bedrooms that offer ample closet space and share a full bathroom with double sinks and a separate room with the commode and shower.

Home Features: • Kitchen, breakfast area and family room all open and connected • Dining room, study, powder room, mud room and large pantry complete 1st Floor • Laundry room, main and four bedrooms on 2nd floor • Master suite with tray ceiling • Master bath with large tile shower, free standing tub and a double vanity

IN THE EARLY 1950s, Arthur J. Brooks began a business relationship by remodeling and restoring homes. Along with his wife Laurie and daughter Deborah; a truly familybased, quality-oriented building company was started. Geoffrey C. Brooks continues his family’s tradition of building custom homes in the Capital District. Heritage Custom Builders, LLC has been built upon a tradition of quality, a dedication to excellence and commitment to fine detail.

BrooksHeritage.com 518.348.0931

Geoffrey Brooks

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

Realtor: Howard Hanna Jaylene Leonbruno, 518-744-0654 Denise DeSalvatore, 518-469-0757 Kitchen Design Firm: Bellevue Builders, 518-355-7190 Interior Design Firm: Classic Interiors – Lynn Ricci, 518-383-2678 Landscape: Landscape by Hanson – Jeff Hansen, 518-857-2789 38 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

LEVEL FLOOR PLAN

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3 DEGRAFF BLOOM CUSTOM BUILDERS

Park Place at Malta, Burlington Timberframe 31 Vettura Court, Malta 2 BEDROOMS WITH STUDY, 2 BATHROOMS, 1,725 SQ. FT. The Burlington Timberframe model offers 1,725 sq. ft. of easy living with a spacious open floor plan concept featuring two bedrooms w/walk-in closets, two full bathrooms, a private study, screened in side porch, rear load garage and it's maintenance free living. The front of this home features a custom paver walkway with coordinating retaining walls. The front porch features stamped and stained concrete. The main living area features a double vaulted ceiling, custom kitchen design and a great room with an impressive shiplap fireplace flanked by custom built in cabinetry. The large master suite has a generous walk-in closet and a custom master bathroom with beautiful tile details.

Home Features: • Double vaulted ceiling in kitchen/great room • Decorative stick wood wall feature in study • Shiplap fireplace w/custom built-in cabinetry • Decorative paver walkway w/upgraded hard scape and landscape design • Stamped and stained concrete porch and patio Architect: On Point Building Design LLC. Realtor: Sterling Homes Inc.Natalie Amsler, 518-366-2495 Scott Finsrud, 518-424-5465 Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber - Jay LeGere, 518-365-1475 Interior Design Firm: DeGraff Bloom - Erica Thornquist, 518-289-5771 Gayle Teti, 610-742-0106 Landscape: Pro Cut Landscaping - Kirby Loukes, 518-399-7443 42 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders has been building some of the finest homes in the Capital Region. Style and character are at the core of every DeGraff Bloom home.

Each DeGraff Bloom home features energy efficiency, quality construction, attention to detail, with beautiful and unique finishing touches on each home. The collaboration of the two builders; Mark Johnson and Mark Bloom bring over sixty-five years of combined experience in new home construction. Our reputation for building the highest quality standard home is unmatched.

DegraffBloom.com 518.289.5771

Mark Johnson

FLOOR PLAN

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4 BELLA HOME BUILDERS

Park Grove,18 Shaw Drive, Saratoga Springs 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,670 SQ. FT. This custom craftsman style home with the detached "carriage house" garage, features three levels of living in size conscious "right sized" not downsized floor plan.

This charming home has a complete open concept first floor which is perfect for entertaining and family gatherings. Authentic reclaimed beams frame the dining space with stone columns. The two fireplaces in this home both have custom stone surrounds and reclaimed wood mantels. The private master suite is comprised of a beautiful master bath complete with a beautiful custom shower and large walk-in closet. The staircase is open to all three levels leading to a finished lower level which includes a bedroom, office, full bathroom and an entertaining area featuring a fireplace and kitchen/wet bar. This house exemplifies classic Saratoga charm!

Home Features: • Custom gourmet kitchen • Private master suite with large bathroom, and walk-in closet • Custom built in cabinetry • Authentic reclaimed beams throughout • Custom stone work throughout

BEDROOM #2

BEDROOM #3

13'-4"x10'-0"

13'-4"x10'-0"

CL.

CL.

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M.BATH BATH

W.I.C. CL.

TALL CAB

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DN

MASTER BEDROOM 14'-3"x15'-2"

Energy Efficiencies • Energy Efficient Andersen Windows • 97% Energy Efficient Furnace Realtor: The Scott Varley Team at Keller Williams Scott Varley, 518-281-6808 Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber Kitchen & Bath Design Nicole Stack, 518-409-1308 Interior Design Firm: Bennington Furniture - Kaitlynn Johnson, Jeff Ture & Andrea Chenier, 518-636-3434 Landscape: GSL Landscaping & Nursery Matt Baker, 518-506-6808

LINE OF WALLS BELOW

LINE OF WALLS BELOW

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

CL.

BellaHomeBuildersINC.com 518.583.1833

KITCHEN 12'-9"x11'-1"

UNFINISHED BASEMENT

MUDROOM

CL.

'L'DRY

DINING 15'-1"x11'-1"

OFFICE

BEDROOM

10'-0"x11'-1"

12'-9"x11'-1"

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PDR.

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BATH

LINE OF FLOOR ABOVE

FOYER

FAMILY ROOM

GREAT ROOM

16'-7"x14'-4"

18'-0"x15'-6"

UP

UP

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN

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BELLA HOME BUILDERS is an award winning, family owned, custom home company that specializes in designing and building homes in the Capital region and surrounding areas.

For over 20 years, founder Dave DePaulo and his team have set the standard for building one-of-a-kind custom homes for individual clients.

Dave DePaulo believes every client should have the information they need to make smart, informative decisions about the type of home they want to build for their family.

Dave works with each client to establish expectations from the initial consultation and continues the company's commitment to strong communication, excellence in customer service, and attention to details. Bella Home builders offers a full array of services every homebuilder needs to completely design, build and furnish their luxury custom home. A full team of design coordinators, interior/exterior designers, client coordinators, project managers and quality control coordinators are available to work with each home owner to customize their home to compliment their unique lifestyle and needs.

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Time is Money.

We Know You’re Busy...

Every time you’re away from your business is an inconvenience. Let one of our commercial fleet specialist do the work for you. Whether it’s making sure you have a work ready loaner vehicle while yours is in service or it’s time to talk about adding to the fleet. Our team will come to you to discuss all of your business needs. If it’s at the office or on the job site the commercial team from Mangino Buick GMC and Mangino Chevrolet will make choosing and building the perfect work vehicle a breeze.

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A GMC Truck For ANY Task

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It’s Time to Redefine the Family Drive.

Discover the Extraordinary

2019 BUICK ENCORE

2019 BUICK ENCLAVE

FULL-SIZE 2019 GMC YUKON

2019 BUICK ENVISION

An SUV to Fit Every Need

COMPACT 2019 GMC TERRAIN

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MID-SIZE 2019 GMC ACADIA

5 BELMONTE BUILDERS SINCE 1977, BELMONTE

Builders has been building high quality homes in the Capital Region. A family-owned business, Belmonte takes pride in working closely with each customer throughout the construction process to personalize their home to meet their unique needs and then build it to exceed their expectations.

Spencer’s Landing, Weston 43 Julians Way, Saratoga Springs

BelmonteBuilders.com 581.371.1000

4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 2,973 SQ. FT. This charming cottage/bungalow home takes the open floor plan concept to the next level from the moment you step inside the front door. You are greeted by volume ceilings spanning from the entry foyer to the open study (no walls, no doors). The great room features a vaulted ceiling and is open to both the gourmet kitchen and dining room lending itself to entertaining and family get togethers. There is room for everything in the gourmet kitchen featuring a large working island and walk-in pantry. A private alcove off the great room provides privacy to the master suite including a cathedral ceiling and the convenience of two walk-in closets. The master bath features a tiled shower with 60” pivot style frameless doors and a Corian seat. A spacious first-floor in-law suite is tucked away in a private alcove, like the master suite, and also features a cathedral ceiling, charming, oversized transom window and full bath. A finished oak staircase off the foyer leads to the second floor loft providing balcony views of both the great room and study. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath complete the second floor.

Home Features: Realtor: • Dramatic entrance foyer showcases Howard Hanna - Sharon Byrne, 518-527-4914 large, open study (no walls, no doors) Kitchen Design Firm: and eye-catching oak staircase to Curtis Lumber - Heather Bodnaryk, 518-885-5311 upper level.

Interior Design Firm: • Open formal study shares volume Liberty Design Group, Inc. - Chris Kwarta, ceilings with entry foyer.

518-260-1141 • 2nd story loft balcony offers two vantage Landscape: points to lower level - overlooking both CPI Services - Chris Gennoy, 518-383-6385 the great room & study.

• First floor in-law suite has the feel of a master suite featuring a cathedral ceiling and oversized transom window.

Energy Efficiencies • Energy Star Rated Home.

• Thermatru© Insulated Entry Doors with adjustable threshold.

• Insulated Thermopane Low “E”, Argon gas-filled, grilles between the glass windows.

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The TINY HOUSE will be on display at this Showcase location on September 28 – 29

Peter Belmonte

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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6 Bonacio Construction

Burnham Hollow 12 Burnham Road, Wilton 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 3,334 SQ. FT. This 3,334 square foot home nestled on a 1.41-acre lot in the Burnham Hollow neighborhood is the perfect place to gather with friends and family. The inviting open concept first floor features ten-foot ceiling height, eight-foot interiors doors, ten-foot kitchen island, cabinets stacked to the ceiling and custom built-ins by the Bonacio Woodshop. The master suite boasts a large spa-like tile shower and an 8-foot double bowl vanity with ample storage. The three additional bedrooms and full bathroom round out the second level. The 800 square feet of finished space on the lower level includes a nine-foot ceiling, a walkout to the spacious rear yard, an inviting family room, gym area and a third full bathroom.

A PREMIERE SARATOGA SPRINGS BUILDER, Bonacio Construction has been creating beautifully custom designed and one-of-a-kind private residences since 1988. In 2015, Dave Trojanski joined the team to continue growing the home building division. Dave’s extensive background joined together with our team allow us to provide the highest quality custom homes in the area.

Inside every structure we build, you’ll discover the hallmarks of the Bonacio Construction approach – value, integrity, high quality materials, attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional architectural design.

Bonacio.com 518.584.9007

Home Features: • Finished walkout basement with full bathroom • Custom millwork by Bonacio Woodshop • 10 ft. 1st floor ceiling height • 1st floor open floor plan with private study • Wrought iron balusters Energy Efficiencies • LED Lighting/Bulbs • 96% Efficient Multi Zone Furnace • Energy Efficient Pella Windows Architect: James Fahy Design Realtor: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Blake, REALTORS William "Bill" J Chase, 518-584-0060 x211 Kitchen Design Firm: Signature Cabinet Group / Curtis Lumber Michael Bannon / Jay Legere Interior Design Firm: Plum and Crimson Denise Palumbo, 518-306-5283 Landscape: Sunshine Landscaping Rich Mullnow, 518-384-0086 52 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

Dave Trojanski

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN

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7 McPadden Builders

MCPADDEN BUILDERS, LLC is a residential builder focused on delivering homes with exceptional quality, on time, as promised. We are currently building in Craw Farm and Olson Farm in Saratoga County as well as undertaking custom off site builds as well as full house renovations. mcpaddenbuilders.com 518.583.6097

Craw Farm, Birch Birch 14 Craw Lane, Gansevoort 3 BEDROOMS,•23BATHROOMS, 1,765 SQ. FT. Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths McPadden Builders 2019 Showcase Home delivers the best value for one story 1,765 Square Feet combination of amenities with price. The living as it pairs •together the perfect one story 1,765 •square Birch Model has three bedrooms, two baths and 9 Footfoot Ceilings three foot wide• doors a spacious Openfor Floor Plan feel. Tapered wood columns perched on authentic stone• bases make for a classic entry. Six inch wide oak floors with Full Basement an amazing selection of granite in the kitchen and both baths make this home • Opt. Side-Load Garage a must see. The built-ins that flank the gas fireplace are both practical and • 2 Car Garage pleasant to look at along with the shiplap accents above. Come see the quality

Matt McPadden

and value that our team builds into each and every home.

Home Features: • Stone columns • Built-ins, crown molding • Interior archway • Nine foot ceilings • Tile master shower Craw

Energy EfficienciesFarm • R-40 Cellulose insulation in attic • Heat Recovery Ventilation unit • Lennox 95% high efficiency furnace Realtor: Howard Hanna Rick Gargiulo, 518-369-7804 Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber Heather Bodnaryk, 518-885-5311 Interior Design Firm: Bennington Furniture Jeff Ture, Andrea Chenier and Kaitlynn Johnson, 518-636-3434 Landscape: Brookside Nursery Ian Murray, 518-885-6500

House pictured may include options that are not standard.

Craw Farm

For more information contact: FLOOR PLAN Richard “Rick” Gargiulo Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Cell: 518-369-7804

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Email: rickgargiulo@howardhanna.com

All Information Is For Illustrative Purposes Only And May Include Features And Options That Are Not Part Of The Contract. Refer To Contract Documents For Specific Details. All Information Contained Herein Is The Sole Property Of McPadden Builders, LLC And Protected Under The Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act And Subsequent Amendments And Shall Not Be Reproduced In Any Form. Rev. 04/30/2019

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IT’S TIME TO DRIVE

ELECTRIC! PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES are becoming more prevalent across the U.S. With the availability of various models and incentives, everyone in the market for a new car should consider purchasing electric. You will be surprised by the quiet engine, quick acceleration, and aerodynamic features that conserve energy.

Electric vehicles (EV) are low maintenance, which means fewer trips to the mechanic, no gas required, and convenient home charging. The range of EVs has increased with improved battery technology. Several all-electric models go more than 200 miles before needing to recharge, and there is a growing network of charging stations to support your transportation needs.

A complete list of all models that may be purchased from dealerships across the state can be found at: DriveElectricus.com/exploreelectric-cars/.

Purchasing and owning an EV may be more affordable than you think. New Yorkers can take advantage of two discounts when purchasing an EV: The Federal Tax Credit for Plug-in EVs, and the New York State Drive Clean Rebate. The Federal Tax Credit ranges from $2,500 to $7,500 depending

on battery capacity and is applied during your tax filing after purchasing any new qualifying plug-in EV the previous year. Based on the vehicle’s electric range, the New York State Drive Clean Rebate is a point-of-sale rebate of up to $2,000 at the time of purchase or lease for eligible plug-in EV models from a qualified dealership.

Several manufacturers are leveraging these incentives to offer low lease payments on new EVs. Combining both the tax credit and the rebate can provide up to $9,500 off your purchase. For complete details about the Drive Clean Rebate, visit nyserda.ny.gov/ drive-clean-rebate.

If you live in, build or own an apartment building, office building or any commercial establishment there are even more significant incentives for plug-in chargers in those locations.

The Saratoga Showcase Plug-in EV exhibit is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority as part of the Charge NY initiative and is sponsored

by LaRocque Business Management Services, LLC, a nationally recognized energy efficiency and green building consultant located in the Capital Region.

Still unsure if an EV is right for you?

Contact Philip LaRocque, the host of the two Saratoga Showcase Plug-in Electric Vehicle demonstrations at 12 BURNHAM, Wilton (Bonacio Construction) & 19 GIBSON COURT. Saratoga Springs (Witt Construction) for more information or to visit your local dealership and test drive an EV today; LaRocque Business Management Services, LLC, phone: 518-596-5586, email: phil@philiplarocque.com, PhilipLarocque.com.

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8 Witt Construction

Excelsior Park, 19 Gibson Court, Saratoga Springs 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS, 2,636 SQ. FT. Look forward to coming home and being home!

Own a maintenance-free townhome minutes from historic downtown Saratoga Springs. Excelsior Park Townhomes are nestled at the edge of the Spring Run Preserve and convenient to the farmers market, shops, restaurants, cultural venues, recreation, and major routes. This three-bedroom unit features an open floor plan, contemporary gourmet kitchen, wide-plank hardwood floors, large walk-in closets and custom upgrades. There is an oversized two-car garage underneath the unit and ample guest parking on landscaped grounds.

Home Features: • Southern exposure with lots of windows and natural light.

• A choice of floor plans.

• Maintenance-free.

• Pet-friendly.

• Ample parking.

• Convenient, private setting.

WITT CONSTRUCTION, INC. founded in 1987, designs and constructs the most striking homes in historic Saratoga Springs and the surrounding Capital Region. Each is meticulously customized to reflect the expectations and aspirations of our discerning clients, who are our partners at every stage of the design and building process. Witt’s awardwinning homes are spacious, energy-efficient, structurally solid, complement the natural environment, and feature signature Witt details, ensuring their enduring value. President John Witt’s inspired passion is at the foundation of our unique, elegant, comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, crafted to be admired and enjoyed for generations.

WittConstruction.com 518.587.4113

Energy Efficiencies • Smart Home system controls lighting, garage doors, door locks and thermostat.

Realtor: Roohan Realty Michelle Mebert, 518-248-9446 Furnishings: 23rd & Fourth, 23rdandfourth.com Interior Design: Witt Construction Team Kitchen Design Firm: Witt Construction, Inc. Landscaping: New Dimensions, NewDimensionsinc.net

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

John Witt

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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9 Kodiak Construction FOUNDED LOCALLY by Saratoga Springs natives Jesse Boucher and Justin Sitler, Kodiak Construction is celebrating 15 years as a new home builder in 2019. We are a full-service commercial and residential custom builder, serving clients throughout the Northern Capital District, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Lake George, providing new construction services that reflect our passion for detail. At Kodiak, we partner with you every step of the way to create your perfect home.

KodiakOfSaratoga.com 518.587.4847

50 Warren Street, Saratoga Springs 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,457 SQ. FT. Beautiful hill side parcel located just 2 blocks from the Farmers’ Market in Saratoga Springs. This homesite offers a unique downtown living experience. Two story home includes three bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom. The master suite has a spacious 255 square foot walk-in closet, 8’ double-sink vanity, ceramic tile walk-in shower with digital shower controls, and private balcony overlooking the backyard.

First floor ceilings are 9’ tall with decorative painted beam accents in the living space.

Exterior finishes include Royal Market Square lap siding, shakes, board and batten and Owens Corning architectural shingles. With an open floor plan, double sided gas fireplace and bar in the dining room, this home is perfect for entertaining. The back covered porch is finished with a low-maintenance, highly durable stamped concrete floor. Street level entry for the oversized attached 2 car garage with a 3rd garage bay and 9’x14’ storage room. The lower level mudroom has street and garage access.

Jesse Boucher & Justin Sitler

Home Features: Kitchen Design Firm: • Three car capacity garage with Creative Designs Kitchens, LLC walk-in storage room Julia Day, 518-791-9215 • Outdoor entertaining space Interior Design Firm: Bennington Furniture • Granite and quartz countertops Design Team - Kaitlynn Johnson, throughout Andrea Chenier and Jeff Ture, 518-636-3434 • Digital shower controls Landscape: Brookside Nursey – • Master bedroom balcony Jesse Marco, 518-885-6500

3rd GARAGE BAY 15'-9" x 19'-8"

MASTER BEDROOM 17'-1" x 13'-8"

DOWN

UP

TWO-CAR GARAGE 22'-5" x 25'-9"

MUDROOM 7'-10" x 22'-6"

UP

DINING ROOM 13'-7" x 10'-7"

FAMILY ROOM 16'-6" x 16'-6"

KITCHEN 15'-1" x 13'-1"

FRONT PORCH 17'-0" x 6'-0"

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

COVERED PORCH 15'-0" x 10'-0"

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN

STORAGE 14'-4" x 9'-0"

WINE FRIDGE

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MASTER BALCONY 18'-0" x 6'-0"

GUEST SUITE #1 17'-1" x 11'-11"

FURNACE

Energy Efficiencies: • 95% efficient forced air heating & cooling system • Spray foam insulation for critical areas that need tighter sealing • High efficiency Silverline windows and doors • Blower door tested to confirm minimized air leaks • LED lighting throughout

DOWN

WH

DRY

WASH

GUEST SUITE #2 14'-2" x 12'-0"

MASTER CLOSET 15'-0" x 17'-0"

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10 Bonacio Construction Re

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184 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,790 SQ. FT. A newly remodeled historical home in downtown Saratoga Springs with a modern flare that pays homage to its historical nature. The house was originally built in the mid-1800s. Later, it came to have local distinction from a prominent doctor who ran his practice and raised his family in the home until the mid-1900s. After he relocated his business, the house was subdivided into multiple apartments. When the Israels purchased the home in its “As Is” condition, it was in a condemned state. The structure needed major repair and configuration as well as all new street connections for gas, water & electric. We saved as much of the original material in the house as possible which allotted to the trim, about 20% of the plaster molding, about 40% of the floors, and a few windows.

Home Features: • Secret passageway bookshelf • Custom breakfast nook bench with built-in storage • Aspen bucket shower • Outdoor built-in fireplace • Steam shower Energy Efficiencies: • Sound attenuation around the house in the form of ruxel • New LVLS in roof structure to increase clear spans of roof rafters • Energy Star high efficiency appliances in the kitchen, high efficiency air conditioner and hot water systems with quick recovery time, state-of- the-art cameras and AV systems all controlled through an app Realtor: Julie & Co. - Lisa Licata, 518-506-3996 Kitchen Design Firm: Signature Kitchens / Curtis Lumber Michael Bannon / Nicole Stacks, 518-365-3280 Interior Design Firm: Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design Erika Gallagher, 518-306-5283 Landscape: Sunshine Landscaping Co. Richard Mollnow, 518-384-0086

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SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION is a premier Saratoga Springs full-service general contractor and real estate development firm. We have been creating beautifully custom designed and oneof-a-kind private residences and commercial spaces since 1988. We are privately owned and operated with an outstanding reputation for quality, on-time completion, and client satisfaction.

Our projects range in size and scope and include custom homes, commercial construction and commercial management, remodeling and historic renovations, and everything in between.

Inside every structure we build, you’ll discover the hallmarks of the Bonacio Construction approach – value, integrity, high-quality materials, attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional architectural design.

Bonacio.com 518.584.9007

James Ackerman

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Subcontractors & Suppliers BDC Adams Heating & Cooling American Flooring Bass Plumbing & Heating Capital Region Hardwood Flooring Elite Tile & Marble Holmes Excavating JPM Contractors Lazio Masonry Lill Overhead Doors Mr. A Contractors NBS Electrical Plouman & Sons Painting SMC Carpentry Timothy V McCabe Drywall William J. O'Rourke

BELLA HOME BUILDERS Albany Marble/ Hudson Valley Tile Albany Mechanical AJ Masonry Best Fire Hearth & Patio Bonded Concrete Curtis Lumber Curtis Lumber Kitchen & Bath D & T Electric GSL Landscaping & Nursery Hamel Stairs J.B. Asphalt Paving Lance Plumbing Legacy Timber Frames Inc. Marcella Appliance Northern Hardwoods

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North Valley Construction PLP Development Precision Upstate Randall Perry Photography Rosick Well Drilling Saratoga Masonry Security Supply Thompson Flooring The Tile Man

BELMONTE BUILDERS A.W. Hamel Stairs ABC Supply Adam Fitzpatrick Masonry Construction Adirondack Precision Cut Stone Adirondack Spray Foam Albany Mechanical Services Barbera Concrete Inc. BCH Builders Best Fire Best Tile BLD Contracting Brower Electric Kevin Brower Capital Plumbing CPI Landscaping Crawford Door & Window Curtis Lumber (all cabinetry) Curtis Lumber -Jim Gillen DiSiena Masonry Erie Materials Floor Source

Frenyea Siding Harrison Drywall J&K Trucking and Excavating Inc. JMK Industries - Scott Drinkwater Liberty Design Group Lill Overhead Door Marcella's Appliance Center Michael J. Comanzo Contracting, LLC Morin’s Construction Norm Carlson “The Tile Man” Perfect Painting PJ Baker Electric Precision Upstate Richard's Paving & Fuels SVA Insulation VP Supply

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION– Spring St. Alden Flooring Allerdice Glass & Mirror BCI Woodshop Bonacio Construction California Closets Capital Stone Carpet One Collins & Co. Davco Masonry, LLC Decora Paint & Plaster Family Danz Heating & Cooling

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Granite & Marble Works JMR Irish Drywall Lance Plumbing Nolan Engineering PLLC Pinnacle Roofing Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Prediletto Electric Saratoga Fireplace & Stove Sherman Tile Signature Kitchens Sunshine Landscaping Co. Towne TV

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION – Burnham Albany Mechanical Services AW Hamel Stairs Best Fire, Inc. Best Tile Capital Plumbing & Heating Capital Stone Crawford Doors & Windows Curtis Lumber Curtis Lumber – Kitchen/Bath Empire State Tile, LLC Erie Materials Floor Source, Inc. ITZ Security Inc. James Fahy Design Associates John D Marcella’s Appliances Lill Overhead Doors Plum and Crimso Precision Glass Security Supply Sheft Electric, LLC saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Subcontractors & Suppliers Continued from page 71...

Signature Cabinet Group Sunshine Landscaping Town & Country Painting

DEGRAFF BLOOM CUSTOM BUILDERS, INC. Appolo Heating & Cooling Inc. Bellevue Builders, Inc. Best Tile / Capital Stone Curtis Lumber – Cabinets Curtis Lumber – Lighting John d. Marcella’s Appliances Northeast Stairs Corp.

Overhead Door Co. of Glens Falls Precision Upstate Ross Blacktop Maintenance & Sealing VP Supply

HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS Bellevue Builders Supply Geovanny Marble & Granite LLC Earl B Feiden Appliances Schenectady Floor Covering Clifton Park Glass & Mirror Security Supply Classic Interior Landscape by Hansen

KODIAK CONSTRUCTION ABC Supply Adirondack Paving Advanced Spray Foam Allerdice Glass & Mirror Adirondack Precision Cut Stone Barbera Concrete B&B Plumbing & Heating 72 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

Best Fire Hearth & Patio - Albany Best Tile - Saratoga Broadway & Spring Restorations Brookside Nursey Capital Stone Creative Designs Kitchens, LLC Curtis Lumber Denali Construction Doc Tile Earl B Feidens Everything Under Foot LLC Granite Excavating, LLC Gray Peek Construction Holcomb Construction Lance Plumbing Mountain Top Seamless Gutters, Inc. Modern Electric LLC Northeast Stairs, Corp.

Northeast Custom Closets O'Leary Overhead Door Saratoga Masonry Supply Security Supply Snyder 's Drywall, Inc Thompson Fleming Land Surveyors

MCPADDEN BUILDERS Allerdice Glass Appolo Heating AW Hamel Bennington Furniture Best Tile BLD Contracting Corp Brookside Nursery Brown and Brown Care Clean

Complete Construction Concrete Technologies Curtis Lumber Flooring America Granite and Marble Works Howard Hanna HT Plumbing Jim Cox (attorney) JM Laurent Contractor Lill Overhead Door M & R Drywall Marcella's Appliance Center Northeast Seamless Gutters O'Connor Concrete Pallette Concrete Powers Construction Precision Upstate Rainbow Lawn Sprinklers Ross Concrete RWC Insurance Saratoga National Bank Sheridan Painting The Night Stone Mason The Tile Man Thermally Yours Thompson and Fleming Surveying Thompson Flooring Tim McLaughlin (architect) VR Electric

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W.J. Morris Excavating WinSupply Wolberg Electrical

WITT CONSTRUCTION Adirondack A/V Allerdice Glass & Mirror Bellvue Builders Supply Best Tile BPI County Waste Crawford Door & Window Creekeside Graphics, Inc Curtis Lumber D D Dyer Works Construction DF Construction Earl B. Feiden Appliance Empire Stone Erie Materials Floormaster Giuffre Contracting, LLC Glens Falls Overhead Door Granite & Marbleworks Hamilton Plumbing LaRocque Business Management Services, LLC Matala Builders, LLC Richard Supply Saratoga Fireplace Sheft Electric, LLC Snyder's Drywall Stone Industries Thermally Yours Tile Install/Ben Sherman Win Supply Wolberg Electrical Supply

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Mullen Tree

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From The Editor

Simply...

SARATOGA

™

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

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Creative Director & Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Magazine Designer Marisa Scirocco Advertising Designers Morgan Rook Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers

Samantha Bosshart Colleen Coleman Jodi Fitz Dan Forbush Geraldine Freedman John R. Greenwood Himanee Gupta-Carlson Coral Godette Ann Hauprich Wendy Hobday Haugh Jessica Holmes Theresa St. John Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery Fritz Dr. Hollis Palmer Megin Potter John Reardon Kristen Schultz Ralph Vincent Stewart White

As always, Saratoga TODAY is honored to be the “official guide” to the Saratoga Builders Association’s annual fundraiser; the Showcase of Homes!

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Knowing this is undoubtedly the source for renovating / building and home décor ideas in Saratoga County, you’re going to want to save this issue…

We have the builders, the designers, the contractors and floor plans (love the floor plans!) of the top builders in the area – and it’s all for a good cause (see page 22).

I’m sure it’s already in your calendar, but if not… go ahead, I’ll wait : ) Speaking of “adding things to your calendar” you are going to love all these events we have in this issue… from cozy farm dinners and hanging out by the bonfire (page 84) to every foodies dream night (page 88) to fall festivals that are just far enough to make the trip part of the fun, but close enough that you don’t need to schedule time off (pages 90, 98, 105) – this issue is filled with fabulous fall activities! …ah, the perfect way to wind down after a crazy Saratoga Summer! I feel the calm of Autumn coming over me already.

For all of you fellow Saratogians who have been in love with Marylou Whitney for years, I know you’ll enjoy our tribute pieces that we have planned, starting on page 80.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together and please keep those comments coming. If you know of people living interesting lives, living in amazing houses and doing awesome things, contact me cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com or (518) 581-2480 x201 I must close with a big Thank You! to all our advertisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read them each issue – please mention us by name when visiting these businesses… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine! … and consult them for your next reno, after flipping throught this issue and getting inspired.

Enjoy the mag!

Photographers

Susan Blackburn Lindsay Fish Geraldine Freedman Pattie Garrette Wendy Hobday Haugh Eddie Lehman SuperSourceMedia.com Gail Welter

Chris

Oh, I almost forgot…

Congrats to Colleen Coleman who just finished her first year of bringing us “Colleen’s Picks” (page 166) …our way of thanking our advertisers and giving our readers the inside scoop to create their own “Showcase Home!”

Published by

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

Come behind the scenes... page 93

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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 © 2019, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Photo by Eddie Lehman, The Wildlife Photographer

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Adieu to Marylou QUEEN OF SARATOGA, QUEEN OF HEARTS FIRST IN A TWO-PART SERIES

WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH

I

n the days following the July 19 passing of Marylou Whitney, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito found himself drawn into the brightest of media spotlights as a cadre of journalists and commentators jockeyed for position to record his insights into her legacy.

Like millions of readers and viewers, I was fascinated by his eloquent testimonials about the Queen of Saratoga, with whom he’d shared global headlines during the decades when the thundering hooves of Whitney-owned, Zitotrained Thoroughbreds were the first to gallop across high stakes Finish Lines.

But it was an interview Zito had granted a full month before the 93-year-old equine-loving philanthropist drew her last breath inside her beloved Cady Hill residence on Geyser Road, which touched me most profoundly.

Having been assigned to commence research for a Simply Saratoga feature that would celebrate Marylou’s scheduled August induction into the racing museum’s Hall of Fame, Zito had graciously consented to a Q & A after wrapping up early morning training duties along the backstretch on June 24.

Official portrait of Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson by artist Mac Conner

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During a private brunch hosted by Barbara and R.C. (Bob) Ewell, whose Fifth Avenue home straddles the Oklahoma Training Track, Zito didn’t hesitate when asked which of Marylou’s qualities he most admired. “Marylou is a woman of deep and abiding faith – a faith that never wavers. Yes, she is also extremely wealthy and glamorous,” reflected Zito, “but it’s her inner strength, her fortitude, that’s been an inspiration to me since we first met in the 1980s. Something else I saw in her early on: Marylou genuinely cares about others. There’s a natural goodness about her. I hope she lives forever.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

With floors made of rustic boards from an old barn and pews crafted by Shakers of a bygone era, one’s eyes couldn’t help but focus on the most colorful object in the room: a statue of Christ from ancient Peru that rests atop an altar cloth hand-woven in muted earth tones from St. Augustine, Florida. Marylou said she couldn’t count the number of times she had visited this sanctuary since she and her late husband, C.V. (Sonny) Whitney had it built decades earlier to resemble an 1810 Dutch-style house to which they had taken a fancy.

“When your schedule requires that you must travel as much as I do, it’s not always possible to attend regular church services, and so there is a chapel on each of the Whitney properties where I can go whenever I feel the need, day or night,” she had explained. “The chapel near our Kentucky

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000

“This is the place I come for reflection and renewal – and to give thanks for my blessings,” Marylou had explained as she opened the doors to reveal a tiny chapel with an interior so stark and humble, yet at the same time so peaceful and inviting, that one could momentarily forget about the world outside on that glorious day shortly before Easter 2000.

,S p ri ng 2

I think of a woman about whom I was inspired to pen the following passage upon returning to my home office: Within the walls of the magnificent mansion on the historic Saratoga County estate known as Cady Hill are many splendidly decorated rooms in which Marylou Whitney may find seclusion. Yet when it’s genuine serenity she seeks, the jet-setting socialite and philanthropist takes a short stroll to a simple white building on the pristine grounds that were once the site of a bustling stagecoach stop.

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When I think of Marylou Whitney, I think of a gracious hostess with a million dollar smile whose eyes sparkled as we sipped iced tea during a private interview at her exquisite Cady Hill estate at the dawn of the New Millennium.

Yet another chapel, this one constructed using twigs fashioned by an early American craftsman, is found in the Adirondacks. “It’s quite a steep climb to get there, but it’s well worth it,” beamed Marylou, noting representatives of four denominations had endured the uphill trek for its consecration ceremony. Sometimes Marylou invited family, friends and visiting dignitaries to join her for services in her private chapels. “Our chapel services tend to be rather simple and very touching. There’s so much love, so much faith and so many prayers, silent as well as spoken, that people can at times get emotional,” she had reflected.

“Henry Kissinger (then Secretary of State), though not of the Christian faith, was once moved to tears by a prayer service at the Kentucky chapel.” Another time, those attending a service in the Adirondacks joined hands to pray for a bedridden, terminally ill gentleman with the result that “you could almost feel the electricity in the air.” Three days later, beamed Marylou, he was up and walking!

“To me, lighting candles in the chapel and saying special prayers is much more meaningful than sending flowers,” she said, adding it had been a source of great joy to her that John Hendrickson, a successful businessman with what she called “a great sense of humor and strength of character” whom she wed in Alaska in 1997, shared her love of the Bible. “People who don’t know us may find it surprising, but our faith is very important to us,” mused Marylou, an Episcopalian. “I cannot believe how very fortunate I am that I have known the love of two such wonderful men, one much older, and now one much younger.”

Among those honored to have been a “guest preacher” at Marylou’s cherished Cady Hill Chapel was her longtime trainer yA ob Phot and friend Nick Zito. “The local pastor who was scheduled to deliver the sermon couldn’t make it and I think initially John was going to fill in. Instead he surprised me by saying: ‘You’re always quoting the Bible. Why don’t you share one of your favorite Scriptures?’” pr

Marylou never wavered in her faith ... or her fortitude

home is also quite special. Sonny had it built using logs taken from a cabin that was owned by Daniel Boone’s family around 1794.”

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In a way, Zito’s wish has been realized. So abundant were Marylou’s acts of kindness and generosity that memories of her benevolence will be cherished far and wide long into the future. The accolades that accompany this fond farewell are but a small sampling of those that attest to the legacy of the Queen of Saratoga who also reigned as The Spa City’s Queen of Hearts. This magazine’s tribute to Marylou (who was born on December 24, 1925) will continue in the next edition with testimonials about how she kept Christmas in her heart all year long.

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Drawing upon Romans 4:20-24 about how God’s strength never wavers, the distinguished Thoroughbred racing Hall of Famer said the words reminded him of the examples of mountain-moving faith and fortitude set by Marylou. “The passage is about an individual whose faith never wavered, but instead was strengthened by adversity and gave glory to God, believing that God has the power to do what He had promised.”

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M

arylou Whitney’s grand summer 2000 book signing event in downtown Saratoga Springs made an indelible impression on this writer’s heart for two reasons.

The first is that I was among those lining the sidewalks outside of Border’s (then on Broadway) when Marylou and husband John Hendrickson arrived in an elegant horse-drawn carriage that drew oohs and aahs from the crowd.

The second is that Marylou graciously posed for a photograph with my mother who, like Marylou, would be celebrating her 75th birthday before the end of the year. The fact that my retired school teacher Mom (nee Audrey Miriam Bopp) and Queen of Saratoga Marylou (nee Mary Louise Schroeder) were both born in 1925 was but one of the things they had in common.

An avid reader of historical biographies, Mom could not wait to begin turning the pages of the magnificent coffee-table style volume about Marylou’s late husband, C.V. (“Sonny”) Whitney.

That Mom’s copy of the book for which Marylou had written the Foreword was personally autographed for its recipient made it a truly priceless addition to Mom’s expansive private library.

Mom & Marylou

Titled The Legend of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, the title by Jeffrey L. Rodengen had been commissioned by Hendrickson as what he termed “a long overdue tribute” to Marylou’s late husband.

All proceeds from the sale were being donated to the new cardiac catheterization unit at Saratoga Hospital where as of around Labor Day 2000, related donations from Marylou and John had totaled well over $750,000.

Mom also treasures a golden Garland Heirloom pen inscribed not only with Marylou’s name but also with an inlaid portrait of the giver. It borders on the miraculous that Mom, who gifted me with nine siblings and is granny to two subsequent generations has succeeded in keeping the writing tool in mint condition for two decades.

Although now nearly blind and disabled by Parkinson’s disease, Mom shared a special wish following Marylou’s passing. She asked that the pen (recently photographed by daughter Pamela) might one day be used to record additional memories of the many reasons she came to be a respectful admirer of Marylou, commencing with the opening of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center half a century ago. I assured Mom this “homework assignment” would be lovingly and joyfully completed by what would have been Marylou’s 94th birthday on Christmas Eve 2019.

Writer Ann Hauprich will share much more in this multi-part feature about Marylou in future issues of Simply Saratoga magazine - stay tuned!

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Uncle Sam Chorus member Robert “Bob” Whitney was tickled red, white and blue upon learning that his barbershop-style singing ensemble would be performing as part of parade celebrations in Saratoga Springs in July 1991. The subsequent discovery that Marylou Whitney had been spotted atop a nearby mock fire engine float further lifted the patriotic singer’s spirit.

While the memory of catching a glimpse of the Queen of Saratoga socializing about 100 feet away would have been more than enough for “Baritone Bob” to treasure for the rest of his life, a musical compadre couldn’t resist kicking the excitement level up a few octaves.

“The next thing I knew, he was making his way over to Marylou’s float where unbeknownst to me he had decided to announce: ‘We have a Whitney in our chorus who would absolutely love to meet you.’ I was dumbfounded when she signaled me to come over. When the (now deceased) chorus member who had set me up introduced me to Marylou as “one of the poor Whitneys,” she smiled, took my hand and said: ‘There are no poor Whitneys. We are all rich with love in our hearts.’”

“I was amazed and touched by her kindness. I’m so happy that someone snapped a photo of us together that day. It is a picture I will cherish forever,” Whitney told SIMPLY SARATOGA following Marylou’s July 2019 passing.

On a different occasion, a quartet composed of members of Saratoga’s famed Racing City Chorus serenaded Marylou with a special rendition of “Hello, Mary Lou” after the entire chorus (whose membership roster includes Bob Whitney) sang The National Anthem on Opening Day at the Track. But that’s another story for another day!

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Impressions of Marylou at Cady Hill in August 1993 A photo essay by Barbara Garro

“What stood out most for me as a looking, listening photographer at Cady Hill for Polly Guerin's lengthy interview with recently widowed Marylou Whitney in August 1993 was a joy-filled lady who exuded love: She wrote C. V. Whitney love letters every day. For the interview no closed-door kept her grandchildren or her dog out and she took the time to love them when they came to her.

Because of her love for Cady Hill's pristine beauty, she decorated the mansion and made it look like a museum for her love story with C.V. “Sonny” Whitney. Marylou's love for people of all classes helped her successfully connect wherever she went on a personal level.

I will treasure the photos of her in Cady Hill, the personal notes she wrote me, watching the races in her box on the finish line at the Saratoga Race Course, and I have enjoyed reading the four books she authored. Many speak of her grand generosity and it complements what’s seen throughout the city of Saratoga Springs.”

Barbara Garro is a Saratoga Springs artist/author whose eighth book, Creating a Life You Love, is expected to be published in 2019. To learn more, visit www.BarbaraGarro.com or call 518-587-9999.

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A HORSE OF

a Different Color WRITTEN BY

D

MEGIN POTTER

PHOTOS BY

ALDRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

inners, movies, and festivals have been added to the calendar of happenings at Lakota’s Farm in Cambridge.

“It’s really fun! We do so much more than weddings. There’s so many different kinds of things we’d like to do,” said Kimberly Ann Finney, owner of Lakota’s Farm Weddings and Events.

DINNER DELISHNESS Already known as an elegant country wedding venue, the 150-year-old barn nestled in the gorgeous rural landscape of the 34-acre horse farm is the perfect location for a number of events open to the public year-round.

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This fall, enjoy intimate Farm-to-Table dinners on their huge, covered, outdoor deck.

Guests begin the 3 ½ hour event enjoying live music and mingling by the bar area with ales from Argyle Brewing Company and Saratoga Apple Cider on tap. Nibble on a full hors d’oeuvres spread before being seated under the twinkling lights at their beautifully decorated long wooden tables.

The radically-fresh gourmet five-course dinner is prepared by chef extraordinaire Ryan O’Shea, owner of Suburban Kitchen.

Recent menu selections have included seasonal vegetables from Hill Top Acres Farm, including tempura squash blossoms, purple and yellow beans, pesto pasta, lightly-seasoned char-grilled chicken and beef from Wm. H. Buckley Farm, and peach fritters in a bourbon caramel sauce with a tonka bean crème anglaise.

These exceptional choices are a result of O’Shea’s unique experience as a personal chef and pop-up restaurant owner.

“We look for smaller, intimate parties, and are more particular with what we do so it can be more creative. The foodies love it because we concentrate on flavor. We’re more concerned about quality before trying to take on quantity,” said O’Shea.

After dinner, retire to the lawn for games, to the pavilion by the pond, to visit the horses, and to warm yourself around the raging 10-foot bonfire.

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MORE THAN EVER BEFORE Mark your calendars - on October 5th and 6th, Lakota Farm will be hosting their first-ever Wellness Festival featuring artisans, crafters, wellness practitioners, distilleries, and other local producers for a fun family-friendly weekend.

This fall, they’ll also be pulling out their 20’ x 20’ movie screens for regular outdoor movie nights.

Bring your pillows and blankets to sit out on the lawn to watch 80’s movie classics, enjoy wood-fired pizza, and popcorn.

Three-day Yoga retreats in comfortable GlampADK tents, and a Spring Fling festival are also planned. Find out more information on Facebook @LakotaFarm. SS

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Cocktails in the Sunshine

WRITTEN BY GUEST CONTRIBUTOR RALPH VINCENT

I love September… along with every other summer-like day

the month has to offer. Cool weather, falling leaves and shorter days are on their way, so it is important to slow down and celebrate the last idyllic days of the year. I think we all need more occasions to relax and enjoy life - September’s last warm days offer the perfect opportunity to do just that!

So, before it is too late, invite some friends to enjoy one of September’s last balmy days with a cocktail and something delicious to nibble. The time and venue are yours to choose maybe an afternoon on the deck or an early evening picnic in your backyard. Whichever time and location you choose, there is no need to worry about what to serve your guests…I have that taken care of!

My Autumn Pear Martini is a fall-flavored blend of elderflower liqueur, pear vodka and ginger bitters finished with a twist of lime to lend a little summer essence. As for something to nibble on… try my spin on a traditional French canape’; sliced French baguette topped with blue cheese, diced summer peaches and a drizzle of honey…yum!

Autumn Pear Martini

This drink recipe calls for ginger bitters. You can find an assortment of flavored bitters in many local wine and liquor stores.

If you cannot find ginger bitters, orange bitters will work well too.

Ingredients: 2 oz pear flavored vodka such as SKYY Bartlett Pear 1 oz elderflower liqueur such as Fiorente 3 drops ginger bitters 1 fresh lime wedge Combine the pear flavored vodka, elderflower liqueur and ginger bitters in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or ice filled “rocks” glass. Squeeze the lime wedge over the poured cocktail and enjoy.

Blue Cheese and Peach Canapés

This is so easy to make and good warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients: One French baguette cut into ½ inch slices Extra virgin olive oil One 5 ounce container of crumbled blue cheese Flesh of 2 ripe peachecut into ¼ inch dice and drained.

Honey Freshly ground black pepper Preheat your oven to 350F Brush one side of the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange oil side down on a baking sheet. Divide the crumbled blue cheese to cover the top of each baguette slice. Place about a teaspoon of diced peaches on top of the blue cheese. Bake the canape’s for approximately 5 minutes, or until the blue cheese is melting. Watch

carefully so the baguette edges do not burn. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle a little honey over each canape’ and finish with a light grind of black pepper. SS

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 AT SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF COURSE Assorted crudités and cheeses, smoked BBQ oxtail and mushroom sliders, braised kale, lemon raspberry cheesecake. Take your pick, or take it all. Whatever you do, be sure to leave room for the 20 other plates awaiting your taste buds at Saratoga County’s dinearound event of the season, Feast of the Fields.

Feast of the Fields is the ultimate event for foodies in upstate NY. Guests will spend the evening sampling plates, sipping refreshments, and indulging in desserts curated by the area’s top chefs.

The best part? The ingredients will have traveled less than 100 miles to the party.

That’s about as local as it gets, given that on average meals in the United States travel approximately 1,500 miles to get from the farm on which they grew to someone’s dinner plate, according to the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture.

Transporting foods over long distances – everything from meats to fresh produce – has alarming environmental repercussions. Trucking, flying, and shipping produce nationally and internationally consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and emits vast quantities of carbon dioxide.

Breaking up with your long distance lettuce is the way to go, but in areas where farmland is being lost to development, striking up a relationship with eating local can be a challenge. Such could be the case in Saratoga County, where land in the region is being converted for development at over 5 times the rate of population growth. The opportunity to farm on local land is vanishing quickly, threatened by grumbling bulldozers in search of sprawling urban centers.

Enter Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature). As Saratoga County’s local land trust, PLAN is devoted to addressing issues related to regional agriculture, land conservation and outdoor recreation.

“Saratoga County is the fastest growing place in New York State,” Maria Trabka, PLAN’s Executive Director explains. “Saratoga PLAN is committed to conserving

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farmland in order to maintain a secure and nutritious local food supply for Saratoga County’s growing population and an affordable land base for future farmers.”

To do so, PLAN raises awareness, most notably via their signature event, Feast of the Fields. For the last 13 years, PLAN has been fostering a sense of place by inviting the community to celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage and bountiful environmental resources, like fresh air and clean water. The event is a fundraiser for PLAN, with proceeds benefiting their ongoing efforts to conserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County. It’s also an opportunity for guests to get one step closer to their local food supply, meet local farmers, and connect with each other over conservation, with a side of kohlrabi.

“At Feast of the Fields, guests have a chance to taste locally grown ingredients crafted by the best chefs, meet area farmers who produced the ingredients, learn about local farm businesses, and help raise funds so that Saratoga PLAN can continue helping farmland owners and municipalities permanently protect fertile soil resources and scenic views” says Trabka.

This year’s 14th annual Feast will feature a dozen chefs and over two dozen farms from Saratoga County and surrounding areas. It’s an event your taste buds won’t want to miss. Featured chefs include: Alissa Woods from Cakes by Alissa, Dan Spitz of FatNHappy , LLC, David Britton of Siro’s Restaurant, Gordon Sacks at 9 Miles East Farm, Julian Medina of La Chula Taqueria and Latineria, Kareem NeJame from Tatu Tacos & Tequila, Kim Klopstock with Lily & the Rose, Matthew Bolton from SUNY Adirondack Community College Culinary Program, Shelley Smith of Smith’s Pies, Thomas Gulbrandsen at Courtyard Saratoga, Tracy Kwiecien from Prime at Saratoga National, and Pam Imbesi and Felecia Garrison of Two Birds.

Local chef and farmer Gordon Sacks of 9 Miles East Farm in Schuylerville is returning as a featured chef for the event this fall. He explains the vibrancy of Feast: “It’s a really great environment. 9 Miles East does a fair

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amount of benefits, but Feast is our favorite. It brings together a nice audience, it’s in a beautiful setting, and there are always great opportunities to try healthy and local options from great restaurant and farms.”

Feast of the Fields isn’t just about eating, either. Brewers and distillers, a band playing late into the evening, and a silent auction full of experiences and goodies await you on September 19, 2019. Tickets are available for purchase online at saratogaplan.org or by phone: 518-587-5554.

Saratoga PLAN is a nonprofit land trust that preserves the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations.

PLAN has conserved over 7,000 acres.

For more information: Saratoga PLAN, 112 Spring Street, Room 202 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-5554, SaratogaPlan.org SS

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Day Trip Fall Festivals

OKTOBERFEST AT THE GREAT ESCAPE September 7 – September 22 1172 US Route 9, Queensbury, 12 - 6 p.m.

Celebrate the German culture with Bavarian cuisine - German and seasonal brews including local selection… Prost!

Enjoy traditional polka music performed

by Tony's Polka Band on the main stage.

The Alpine Fest Haus has a special Bavarian menu. Park admission includes Oktoberfest.

VERMONT GOLDEN HONEY FESTIVAL September 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Vermont Golden Honey Festival is part Farmers Market with local produce and hot food, part craft fair with artists and crafters selling their unique items, and part beekeeper’s event with wooden ware and networking for bee enthusiasts.

Held each year on the second Saturday in September, the event is family-friendly and free to the public. Honey-related food and drinks (including mead and honey gin for the adults), crafts, books and kids’ activities are just a few things highlighted during this one-day Rain Or Shine event that is quickly becoming a regional favorite. GoldenStageInn.com/ vermont-honey-festival 26TH ANNUAL CLIFTON PARK FARM FEST Saturday, Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 15 Participating Farms, Clifton Park, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Drive yourself to the many working farms in Clifton Park! Have fun while learning about farming. Ride a horse, pick apples, take a hayride, eat country food, and lots more during the two-day Clifton Park Farm Fest. Participating Locations: Bowman Orchards, Predel's Ranch, Riverview Orchards, and Shepherd's Hey Farm. Activities will also be held at Amity Reformed Church, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Historic Grooms Tavern, and Vischer Ferry Fire Station.

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QUILTFEST September 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – September 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mount Anthony Union Middle School, 747 East Rd., Bennington, VT

Quilts, Demonstrations, Quilt Raffle, Challenge Quilts, Vendors, Consignment Boutique, Special Exhibit. Admission is $8. Children 12 and under are free.

Handicapped accessible.

ADIRONDACK BALLOON FESTIVAL September 19 – September 22 Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, 443 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury Hot air balloonists from across the United States as well as internationally based pilots attend for the awe-inspiring views of the Southern Adirondacks.

Featuring a wide array of hot air balloons including special shapes. There is lots of family fun, activities and entertainment throughout the days of the Festival.

Please Note ~ All Ballooning flight times including the lift-offs, Airport Moonglow and all activities are wind and weather permitting. NO DOGS ALLOWED. Please leave your pets at home. This is for their safety and our visitors as well.

No drones or remote-control aircraft are allowed and Please No Smoking.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies take place in Crandall Park on Upper Glen Street in Glens Falls.

TRAPP FAMILY LODGE OKTOBERFEST September 21 700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, VT Austrian music, strolling accordionist, lawn games and more. Free admission and a la carte Austrian food and beer available throughout the day. Purchase a von Trapp Brewing beer and leave with a commemorative 2019 Trapp Oktoberfest beer stein. Held in the von Trapp bierhall at the Lodge

HUDSON VALLEY GARLIC FESTIVAL September 28 – September 29 Cantine Field, Washington Ave., Saugerties Vampires, beware! Garlic devotees flock to this fantastically popular annual two-day event that's made this pungent plant a rock star for more than 25 years.

Along with featuring everything garlic when it comes to food, the festival also offers live music and family-friendly entertainment including puppet shows, authentic Morris Dancers (performing an ancient dance that as traditionally used in the Spring planting time), story-telling, craft vendors and much, much more. Eat your heart out, Dracula!

THE GREAT ADIRONDACK MOOSE FESTIVAL September 28 – September 29 Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, 6301 NYS Route 30, Indian Lake Designed to offer a purely Adirondack experience for everyone, the Great Adirondack Moose Festival in Indian Lake, NY has quickly become a "do not miss" for outdoor enthusiast of all varieties. Enjoy a weekend of hiking, fishing, shopping, fun games, community-wide events and much more.

2019 ADIRONDACK WOOL & ARTS FESTIVAL Saturday, September 28 – Sunday, September 29 Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich.

The Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival returns on September 28 and 29, 2019. This event will continue to offer education on the products produced in fiber arts, raw fleece, roving, spinning supplies, needle felting, dyes, yarns, and items needed to knit, crochet, and weave. Washington County is a top producer of animal fiber, the Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival is a great way to spend the day, browsing, shopping, and learning. For more info, visit: ADKwoolandArts.com/schedule. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

TASTE OF THE NORTH COUNTRY FOOD FESTIVAL September 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Taste of the North Country is a mustdo Fall Fun Family Day. Each year Taste gets bigger and better as chefs prepare upscale tastes as well as items that will appeal to younger festival-goers. Many types of cuisine will be on offer. Come spend the day and sample the delicious foods from the North Country's best restaurants. We have live music, children's activities, culinary demonstrations, and so much more. This is a premier outdoor food festival and takes place Rain or Shine in City Park. Get your Sample coupons and start tasting; the coupon rate varies by restaurant. Always a fun day in support of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls benefiting non-profit organizations.

GlensFallsTaste.com VERMONT PUMPKIN CHUCKIN FESTIVAL September 29, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, 1746 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT Admission: $10 for ages 5 and over, free for 4 and under. Please feel free to bring umbrellas, chairs or blankets. But, please no dogs or outside food or beverages.

Free parking. Please follow signs to parking area by driving range. No parking on Cottage Club Road. Images provided

by AmericanTowns.com, Ticketmaster.

SARATOGA GIANT PUMPKINFEST 2019 September 29, 10 a.m.

Lincoln Baths, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs Join our growing partnership for this free, family fun event and support local agriculture. Saratoga Pumpkinfest provides an opportunity for local growers from across Saratoga County, the Capitol District and beyond to compete to determine who grew the largest pumpkin, squash, watermelon and more. The fest is an officially sanctioned weighoff event, overseen by Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), officiates of weigh-offs for growing competitions throughout the world. This gives our regional competitors the chance to win additional prizes while competing for a world record. Rain or shine. The event will be on the front lawn, adjacent to the Spa City Farmers’ Market on Rt 9. There will be unlimited parking next to the event which can hold our expectation of 10,000 people attending. For more information go to SaratogaGiantPumpkinFest.org.

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VERMONT ANTIQUES WEEK October 3 – October 6 Five great shows in one week over 175 antique dealers from around the country. For details and locations visit VermonAntiquesweek.com.

31ST ANNUAL MANCHESTER FALL ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL October 4 – October 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

410 Hunter Park Rd, Manchester Center, VT Come to quaint, historic Manchester, Vermont for the annual Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival at Riley Rink in Hunter Park. This festival provides a unique and memorable shopping experience. Find handcrafted creations made by expert artists and meet the actual makers of the work. Visitors also enjoy the specialty foods and spirits tent, with producers of Vermont products including maple syrup, craft distilled spirits, and other gourmet items. Also find wine, beer, and great food to eat on-site while you enjoy live music and other entertainment.

LAKE GEORGE VILLAGE OKTOBERFEST October 11 – October 13 Canada St., Lake George Lake George Village welcomes the whole family to celebrate the Oktoberfest traditions, music and dancing, including local artisan vendors, carnival rides, keg tossing, stein hoisting, pony rides, and more! This absolutely free event will be held rain or shine. Children and wellbehaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Ladies put on your Dirndl dress or skirt and gentlemen step into your Lederhosen and come to the annual Lake George Village Oktoberfest - Prost!

37TH ANNUAL STOWE FOLIAGE ARTS FESTIVAL October 11 – October 13 3420 Mountain Rd., Stowe VT Stowe, Vermont, is the place to experience the classic New England Autumn, and the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is the perfect destination. Surround yourself with Autumnal perfection – the Festival takes place at the height of the fall foliage season – and enjoy exquisite Art and fine Craftwork from over 150 juried fine artists and artisans. There will be live music and other entertainment, great food, draft beer, wine, and demonstrations of traditional craftwork. Sample and purchase specialty food products such as maple syrup, gourmet chocolate, craft distilled spirits, and more! Adults $12, Kids are free. Free parking, no pets please.

GORE MOUNTAIN HARVEST FEST October 12 – October 13 793 Peaceful Valley Rd., North Creek Celebrate the autumn season at the annual Gore Mountain Harvest Fest ~ a free celebration of everything fall has to offer! This two-day festival features gorgeous fall foliage, premier Adirondack artisans, autumn-themed food and drinks, recreation and activities for the entire family - field games, fall crafts, live music and much more. Attendees are also invited to enjoy a scenic gondola sky ride. Bring your camera because the photo ops are amazing! Many Adirondack artists and artisans will be exhibiting their handcrafted items. Including furniture from reclaimed wood, upcycled book origami, paintings, New York made wines & spirits, all-natural bath & beauty essentials, Adirondack decor, handpainted fabrics, knit scarves, handmade jewelry and pottery, photography, and others. Live music will rock the Gore Mountain Harvest Fest throughout the weekend. It's not a harvest festival without delicious food! The hearty fall menu celebrates the bounty of autumn.

There will be a selection of beer and wine, including autumn offerings. Please Note: Dogs are NOT allowed.

2019 SARATOGA DBA FALL FESTIVAL October 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Downtown Saratoga Springs This unique Halloween celebration encourages families to have fun together, enjoying the hospitality of Saratoga Springs' businesses and the great spirit of the community. All entertainment is free and open to the public. Young and old alike will find themselves rediscovering all there is to love about the fall season at this fun-filled free event. Plus, with all the fun activities planned, this is one event you and your family will not want to miss! saratoga.com/event/saratoga-dba-fallfestival-39674

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TUGBOAT ROUNDUP Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford

The Tugboat Roundup is a gathering of tugboats and other vessels and a celebration of New York's maritime industry. The event typically features about 30 tugs and other vessels including working tugs, historic tugs, mini-tugs, and barges. Tours, paddle wheel boat rides, vendors, presentations, live music, children’s activities and more.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

MALTA COMMUNITY DAY Shenantaha Creek Park, Eastline Rd., Malta 10 a.m – 4 p.m.

For 31 years, the Town of Malta has offered this event for friends and neighbors to come together in celebration. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and with local groups such as businesses, non-profits, and service organizations.

Come out and show your hometown pride and enjoy the festivities and fun! The day includes musical entertainment, kids' activities, business & non-profit booths, fire trucks & demonstrations, food for sale, and much more. FREE Shuttle Buses will be running from the Malta Community Center and Chango Elementary School from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is limited parking at the park, so we suggest using the shuttle bus. For more information, contact the Town of Malta's Department of Parks, Recreation & Human Services at 518-899-4411.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

SARATOGA GRANDPARENTS DAY Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 9:30 a.m. – Noon Join us for the 3nd Annual Saratoga Grandparents Day celebration. Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories through activities for all generations to enjoy!

The fun-filled afternoon includes carnival style games, balloon art, a magician, fun photos, a reading of Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga, a reading of She Called Him Raymond and more. Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted at the door. The first 100 Grandparents and Great Grandparents to enter receive a special “Grandparents Giveaway” bag and have the chance to win door prizes! All proceeds from this event will benefit The Wesley Community, a non-profit organization located in Saratoga Springs that cares for older adults.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

CAR, TRUCK & JEEP SHOW Curtis Lumber, 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Join us at one of the largest Car and Truck Shows in the Capital Region. Hundreds of beautiful show vehicles, raffles, giveaways, food trucks, free face-painting and so much more. A great family and pet-friendly day! The event is free for all spectators. Music by DJ Jason Jay La Juene, giveaways, 50/50 raffle to benefit WTEN Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection, great food, and more! Fun family event, leashed pets also welcome.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

FAMILY DAY WEEKEND IN STILLWATER American Legion Post 490, 1 American Legion Rd., Stillwater Join us for Family Day Weekend and the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion! Friday, 5 – 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Noon – 9:30 p.m.

Free rides, vendors, food, free kid activities on Saturday, fireworks on Saturday, and live music both nights!

2019 IRISH 2000 FESTIVAL Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa The 23rd annual Irish 2000 Festival returns for 2019, once again offering a unique lineup of Irish music including everything from Celtic punk and jam music to traditional and everything in between. For details, visit Irish2kfest.com SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – 15, 21-22 AND 28-29

2019 SHOWCASE OF HOMES - SEE PAGE 21 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

14TH ANNUAL FEAST OF THE FIELDS – SEE PAGE XX

ART IN THE PARK 2019 Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Nearly 80 artists from the greater Saratoga and Capital regions will display and sell their original fine art and hand-crafted functional art in a beautiful park setting. Artists will be on hand to discuss their drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography, printmaking techniques.

This year’s event will include local music, great food, and a Kidz Art Zone. And, we’re partnering with the organizers of the Saratoga Native American Festival (Sunday, September 22 in Congress Park) to co-promote a great weekend of art and culture in Saratoga Springs. For more information, visits Saratoga-arts.org/exhibitions/ art-in-the-park/

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

30TH ANNUAL HUDSON MOHAWK ANTIQUE TRUCK SHOW Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, 8 a.m.

Each year, nearly 300 antique trucks are registered at our antique truck show. These trucks are from across New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Canada. Antique trucks range from the 1910s to the 1990s.

With new trucks on display from our Corporate Sponsors. Admission is $1. Children under 12 are free.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

20TH ANNUAL FALL ANTIQUES SHOW Clifton Park Elks, 695 MacElroy Rd., Ballston Lake, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

60+ vendors with a full range of antiques including primitives, folk art, quilts and linens, jewelry, artwork, pottery and crocks, china and glass, paper and ephemera, toys and collectibles, music and records, vintage, funky and steampunk. Dealers inside and outside.

Seasonal pumpkins, gourds, plants, and decor as well as delicious food available.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

A TASTE THROUGH TIME Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of music, food, drink, and community. Explore our library and enjoy historical objects and artifacts. The evening promises to be a casual and fun event and will feature a silent auction along with wine and beer tastings from local businesses. Tickets are $50 per person. BrooksideMuseum.

NetworkForGood.com/events/ 14741-a-taste-through-time-2019 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

ANNUAL POOCH PARADE Congress Park, 1 E Congress St., Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Safe Pet Partnership Program assists victims of relationship violence who remain in their abusive environments because they don’t want to leave their pets behind. We do this by providing a resource network of kennels, rescue groups, farmers, and pet “foster homes” for safe, temporary placement.

Proceeds of the Pooch Parade support the Safe Pet Partnership – providing safe and loving homes for pets of those who need time to heal. Join us for a fun morning that helps raise awareness for Wellspring's Safe Pet Partnership Program! Registration opens at 10:00 am - bring your pooch, friends, and family and join us in Congress Park! $5 donation for pooches and humans are free. For more information contact: Stevie Church, Wellspring Director of Development, 518-583-0280, Email: Development@WellspringCares.org.

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SARATOGA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

RE-IMAGINED SARATOGA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL UNITES PROGRESSIVE CHEFS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC OCTOBER 4-5 Spa State Park reflecting pool

Renowned Regional Chefs KEVIN LONDON, DAN SPITZ and MICHAEL BLAKE and UK Farm-to-Table Chefs TIM SPEDDING and LOUISE RØDKJÆR JØRGENSEN, NYC Executive Chef DIEGO MOYA, and Aryurvedic Expert AUSTIN PELTIER Highlight the Culinary Celebration The Hyde Collection presents sculptures by John Van Alstine, considered one of America’s most important sculptors.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that its re-imagined Saratoga Wine and Food Festival will feature a collaboration between renowned regional chefs Kevin London, Dan Spitz and Michael Blake and international culinary talent including UK farm-to-table chefs Tim Spedding and Louise Rødkjær Jørgensen, NYC Executive ChefDiego Moya, and Aryurvedic expert Austin Peltier.

Adding to the ambiance of the festival will be a sculpture garden presented by The Hyde Collection featuring works by artist John Van Alstine, considered one of America’s most important sculptors, in addition to live music curated by Caffè Lena, and photographic works of art created from compostables by TerriLynn Pellegri.

“The underlying ethos of this year’s festival is socially-conscious cultivation

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and consumption. Pairing in-demand international talent with our progressive regional chefs gives our community the opportunity to experience exquisite culinary artistry, incorporating local sustainable ingredients for a truly collaborative farm-to-table inspired event,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

New to 2019 festival is the “Forest Magic” Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner, curated

by Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose in collaboration with John Sconzo of Rascal & Thorn and local progressive chefs Dan Spitz of Fat N Happy LLC, Yaddo’s head chef Michael Blake, and Kevin London, owner of Farmhouse Restaurant at Top of the World.

Pairing the region’s top talent with national chefs Diego Moya, Executive Chef of Racines in NYC, rated one of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast, and Austin Peltier, an expert on Ayurvedic cooking practices, the teams of two will each present a course that incorporates sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

As part of the cultural celebration, the Grand Tasting will, for the first time, feature a sculpture garden curated by The Hyde Collection with pieces that align with the new festival vision

by John Van Alstine. John is known for his outdoor and indoor sculptures and site specific installations, earning the artist a reputation as one of America’s most important sculptors.

Tickets to the festival are available online at spac.org, at the box office or by calling 518-584-9330.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 NEW! CULTIVATE SERIES In partnership with Pitney Meadows Community Farm and Skidmore College, the Cultivate Series will feature a series of free events that explore sustainable agriculture, health, and environmental justice. The full schedule of events will be announced shortly.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 NEW! FARM-TO-TABLE HARVEST DINNER 6:00 p.m. --10:00 p.m.

An intimate farm-to-table inspired dinner in an enchanting “Forest Magic” setting, the evening will feature live entertainment, and exceptional locally sourced ingredients. Renowned regional chefs Dan Spitz, Michael Blake, and Kevin London, will be joined by national culinary talent including NYC Executive Chef Diego Moya, and Ayurvedic cooking expert Austin Peltier to present unique and collaborative courses.

The VIP Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner includes an exclusive pre-dinner event with high-end wines and canapés prepared by the UK’s most exciting and influential young chefs Tim Spedding and Louise Rødkjær Jørgensen.

6PM: VIP Farm-to-Table Dinner: $225 7PM: Farm-to-Table Harvest Dinner: $175 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 GRAND TASTING, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The weekend’s signature event will celebrate the bounty of the region from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks with gourmet tastings, fine wines and local distillery and brewery tastings, a sculpture garden curated by The Hyde Collection featuring works by John Van Alstine, photographic works of art created from compostables by TerriLynn Pellegri and musical performances curated by Caffè Lena.

The VIP Grand Tasting grants guests early access and features high-end wines and canapés prepared by the UK’s most exciting and influential young chefs, Tim Spedding and Louise Rødkjær Jørgensen, in an exclusive VIP Clubhouse tent.

11AM: VIP Grand Tasting, $175 12PM: Grand Tasting, $100

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

FIELD TO FORK - HUNTER ORIENTATION Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa, 7 – 9 p.m.

If you want the ultimate in free-range, antibiotic/ additive-free meat then sometimes you just have to do it yourself. This workshop will teach you deer hunting basics to help you live more sustainably. Eat wild. Eat natural. For Adults 18 & Up. Firearms will be provided for workshop and during hunts. Experienced mentors will be available to guide course participants in their first hunts. Further details available upon request.

For more information or to sign up, contact: Matt Ross mross@qdma.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

THE WORLD'S LARGEST GARAGE SALE Warrensburg, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Over 500 vendors stretching the length of Main Street and throughout many of Warrensburg’s residential neighborhoods. Shoppers can expect to find new and old items, antiques, collectibles, toys, and much, much more!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

THE FOURTH ANNUAL VETERANS’ BALL The Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 9 p.m.

Veterans & Community Housing Coalition provides housing and support services to all homeless Military Veterans and their families and to provide housing opportunity to low income families. $100 per person. Contact Lauren at 518-885-0091 or ldemetreus@vchcny.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

VIN LE SOIR: WINE TASTING TO BENEFIT AIM SERVICES, INC. Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 9 p.m.

Join us for this signature fall wine tasting event!

Surround yourself with friends, food and wine, and embrace this fall night with us! Taste a wide variety of wines from around the world, courtesy of Specialty Wines & More, Adirondack Winery, and Keith Barnett. Suggested attire is Cocktail.

Sample wine throughout the event while tasting hors d’oeuvres, enjoying live entertainment, and entering to win our endless raffle baskets! $65 per person. AIMservicesinc.org/events/ vin-le-soir/ SS

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Road Trip SCHUYLERVILLE STRAIGHT TO

For a great day trip, turn down Route 29E and drive straight to Schuylerville.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTO BY LINDSAY FISH

COUNTRY TO THE CORE SHOPS & STOPS While the trees and the grassy hills rolling under all that sky will be vying for your attention, after about 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs, look on your left for the tiny old truck by the side of the road holding the Stitches & Time sign.

This country décor and furniture store is a farmhouse shopping wonderland where the one-of-a-kind heavy-duty rustic tables, chairs and cabinets are the real super-stars.

From here, drive another five minutes, passing over the two Fish Creek bridges and start slowing down to look on your left for Old Saratoga Mercantile’s chalkboard sign advertising CBD oils. Once inside, you’ll see items from small-scale farmers providing locally-harvested and sustainable goods. Then, go out back to the high-tunnel for pick-your-own for an experience that’s unlike anywhere else.

Now that you’ve gathered up some yummy foods for your fridge and your pantry, it’s time to pick apples!

Barely before you’ve settled back into the car, you’ll start seeing rows of apple trees framing the mountain views. Wander among the well-groomed orchards of Saratoga Apple, then pile into the tractor-driven hay wagon for a ride back across the road to the orchard store.

Gather up gourds, pumpkins, fall mums, a freshly-made batch of heavenly apple cider donuts, and to warm up by the fireplace in the tasting room with a glass of their own hard cider.

Just down the hill, Saratoga Tackle and Archery, is a sportsman’s sanctuary filled with fishing gear, archery supplies, and gifts for the outdoor enthusiast.

Stocking and servicing quality archery equipment, a stop here will get you on-target for bowhunting season and itching to get out on the water while you still can. Strike up a conversation with owner, Tim Blodgett, to find out what’s working on the line to get the most bites.

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Take a right at the stoplight and halfway down Broad Street pull into Olde Saratoga Wine & Spirits’ spacious new location. Don’t let their huge selection fool you – they know their products.

Carrying local makers at great prices, this is just the place to stock up for those chilly fall nights.

DELICIOUS DINING OPTIONS By now you’re sure to have worked up quite the appetite (even if you’ve been “sampling” your special finds all day), but luckily, Schuylerville eateries satisfy all kinds of cravings.

The wonky mismatched found letters spelling out Sweet Lou’s on the side of an unassuming building are all part of their pleasantly surprising eclectic style, which carries through to their menu – which offers an array of interesting sandwich choices with a unique Italian flair.

When Mexican is more your mark, watch out for Amigos Cantina’s fun, brightly painted murals for just what you’re looking for. A long-standing local favorite, it is usually crammed with people enjoying food that has amazing flavor and drinks that don’t disappoint.

If it’s still early (before 2 p.m.) drive straight through the light for the hearty diner food that is Sweeney Restaurant’s specialty. Their new, large, stylish, familyfriendly space has a menu full of reasonably-priced breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites with a bit of a twist.

On Ferry Street is Clark’s Steakhouse & Schuyler Yacht Basin. As the sun sets, the outdoor Tiki Bar and patio tables are the only place to sit by the Hudson River while enjoying a great plate of top-quality burgers, steaks, chicken, or seafood. SS

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THE

MERCANTILE KITCHEN & BAR WRITTEN BY KRISTEN SCHULTZ PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Y

ou can call it a kitchen and bar; that’s its name after all. But this 10-month old restaurant on bustling Broadway has the soul of a diner.

The Mercantile Kitchen & Bar (or simply The Merc) opened in the space formerly occupied by Cantina – which moved down the street into what used to be Lillian’s – and aimed to bring a neighborhood feel and familiar, unfussy food to downtown.

The Merc has the hallmarks of a classic Long Island diner: breakfast until 3 pm, simple, affordable menu items and a natural gathering space. But it is a far cry from the chrome-clad, neon-lighted, “Hey, sugar, what can I getcha” kind of eatery.

“I wanted to open a modern diner,” said co-owner Chris Luriea, who has worked in the restaurant industry for the better part of 20 years, including at Max London’s and Cantina.

“I’ve been working on this street for 15 years,” Luriea said. “I got to see it evolve. Saratoga is a big, small town and people know what they like.”

What the people like is good food and the chance to enjoy the brief, but beautiful spring, summer and fall seasons. Grab a seat outside on the patio or on the side of the restaurant, just tucked back from the sidewalk. The interior doesn’t disappoint where crisp white vintage-inspired floor tiles and sophisticated navy blue booths work together in a modern contrast.

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When it comes to the food, Luriea and business partner Jeff Ames, who also owns Cantina, have opted for a restrained menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients.

The roasted beet tartare salad balances the earthiness of the roasted red beets with tangy goat cheese, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, bright orange segments and toasted walnuts. It gets tied together with a honey mustard and is served with toast points.

Burrata is available year round, but for the summer, The Merc offers a textural and palate-pleasing counterpoint to the burrata’s sweet creaminess by pairing it with fresh, grilled peaches and tart cherry tomatoes.

Like a true Long Island diner, there is steak on the menu. The 12 ounce New York strip steak is one of six generously-sized entrees and comes with tender-crisp green beans, pan roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary and justburst sautéed cherry tomatoes.

For lunch or a lighter dinner, choose from a burger or a selection of six hot and cold sandwiches.

If it’s breakfast you’re after, don’t even set the alarm. The most important meal of the day is served until 3 p.m. All the usual suspects grace the menu: pancakes, eggs, corned beef hash and avocado toast. Listed between the buildyour-own omelet and the Greek yogurt is The Merc’s take on eggs benedict.

The Benny sees three thin slices of Canadian bacon each atop halves of toasted English muffins.

Two perfectly poached eggs get the royal treatment with a ladle of buttery-bright Hollandaise. There is just enough English muffin to soak up the yolk and the Hollandaise without leaving you with too much toast or a puddle of sauce.

You can enjoy The Benny in the morning with a cup of coffee or in the afternoon with a seasonal cocktail from the bar. The mango rum punch is tropical, smooth and

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sweet while in the cucumber cooler, lime and cucumber dance together for a bubbly sip. Seasonal berries make appearances in the raspberry mojito and the blueberry sparkle.

The rich bittersweet chocolate crème brulee with strawberries and whipped cream and the browned butter pound cake are both rich and not-too-sweet dessert options.

“Opening a restaurant is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Luriea said.

“It’s been a lot of work and I haven’t had a day off since two months before we opened.”

The hard work is paying off, though. His experience and willingness to listen to his customers and staff means that 80 percent of the original staff is still on board – a near miracle in an industry notorious for turnover. And while they’ve stuck mostly to the plan and been faithful to the original vision of running a modern diner, Luriea said he has also made changes based on customer feedback.

“Everyone has a voice,” Luriea said. “I want to know what the customers are digging and what they’re not.”

The Merc features live, local music on Thursdays and plans to start up a Thursday Supper Club in September that will run through the winter.

Although The Merc is not yet a year old, Luriea believes in its future success.

“I’m so appreciative of the community and the business,” he said. “If we give the people what they want, I think in 10 years we could be a staple, The Merc could be a household name.”

The Mercantile Kitchen & Bar, 430 Broadway, Saratoga Springs SS

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STEP BACK IN TIME

Street view of the Northville 5 & 10, oldest five and dime store in America, located at122 S. Main Street, Northville, NY

AT THE

NORTHVILLE FIVE AND DIME! WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

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estled in the quaint Village of Northville,

on the shores of Great Sacandaga Lake, the Northville 5 & 10 is the oldest continuously operating five and dime store in the United States. Established in 1907, the business moved to its present location at 122 S. Main Street in 1914. Stocked with just about everything you could possible need, this vintage variety store invites you to stroll through its aisles, savoring not only the incredible selection of merchandise but the historic building itself.

While embossed tin ceilings, intricate molding, and creaking wood floors attest to the store’s longevity, its nostalgic charm is further enhanced by the many antiques that store owner Susan Correll prominently displays on upper shelves.

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Seven years ago, faced with the rapid rise of big box and dollar stores, the Northville 5 & 10 found itself struggling to compete. Determined to revitalize the store and regain customers, Susan and her husband, Brian, decided to visit successful five and dime stores along the east coast and see what made them tick.

“We visited stores in Niagara Falls, New Hampshire, and West Virginia,” Brian recalls. “Everywhere we stopped, Susan insisted on trying the fudge.

Afterwards, she’d always say, ‘I can make better fudge than this!’”

Susan wasn’t a seasoned candy-maker, but she was determined to make the best-ever fudge.

And she succeeded!

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Employee Jenny Crosby tends the Northville 5 & 10’s delectable homemade fudge counter.

“We’ve carried Susan’s homemade fudge for four years now,” Brian says proudly. “We usually stock 12-15 different varieties at a time.”

“Dark chocolate caramel sea salt is the storewide favorite,” adds store manager/ retail specialist Elayne Wade, “with peanut butter a close second.”

Free samples are available to help customers decide between mouthwatering varieties such as blueberry cheesecake, rocky road, Snickers, Cinnabon, jalapeno, orange cream, and raspberry/chocolate swirl.

Following their road trip, the Corrells expanded their candy aisle to include nearly 300 varieties of sweet treats, many of them old-time and seasonal favorites. They added a Vintage Toys corner, separate from their regular toy section, offering gag gifts and retro items that baby boomers and their elders are thrilled to see again.

The five and dime’s “Vintage Toys” department appeals to kids of all ages.

“We’re proud to be a multigenerational store,” Elayne says. “We want all our visitors to recognize toys and other items from their childhood. And we never price-gouge or go by ‘suggested retail.’ If we can get things at a discounted price, we pass that savings along to our customers.”

The Northville 5 & 10 also carries an impressive line of camping supplies, spices, clothing, craft supplies, Adirondack books, and countless other items.

“Our merchandise is never fixed,” Elayne says. “We have new things coming in every week, and we always welcome suggestions from our customers. If we can find it, we will carry it.”

In 2018, the Corrells were awarded a $500,000 New York State grant to renovate their Northville store and an even older building located next door, also owned by Susan. Administered through the NYS Office of Community Renewal’s Main Street Anchor Project, this unprecedented grant enabled them to double their store’s retail space by refurbishing its 3000 sq-ft. second floor, last used in the 1920s as a community room.

Today, the newly-opened upstairs—with its grand staircase and stair lift, beautifully refinished floorboards of alternating maple and cherry wood, stained-glass half-circle windows, and historic doors and fixtures— houses an extensive line of clothing and accessories for children and adults.

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Street view of 122 and 132 S. Main Street, Susan Correll’s historic store and her soonto-open coffee house/bistro.

The adjacent 1890s building, located at 132 S. Main Street, was in deplorable condition when purchased. But Susan, who has long been drawn to historic architecture, was determined to restore the building to its former glory.

Currently in the final stages of renovation, it will soon reopen as a multi-purpose building with two offices and a large apartment upstairs and a restaurant downstairs. Brian describes the new restaurant as a coffee house/bistro with Victorian ambiance, in keeping with the structure’s historic roots.

“Renovating these two buildings has been a massive undertaking,” Brian reflects, “and it really has been a team effort. Susan and I are grateful to the people of Northville and to our village and county officials for their continued patience, encouragement, and support.”

When asked about future goals for the Northville 5 & 10, Elayne Wade doesn’t hesitate.

“I’d like to see our store become a destination store. Not just a store people wander into while visiting Northville but a store that people make a point of revisiting regularly throughout the year.”

Brian shoots her a big smile. “Susan and I couldn’t agree more.”

So, come on in to this amazing Northville store!

Experience history, happiness, and a whole lot more.

For more info, visit Northville5and10.com

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A New York State historical marker summarizes the Northville store’s proud heritage.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

THE GOLDEN EGG WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

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ust as sound breaks the silence - to create something new, what came before must first be broken. Both the before and after can be beautiful, but it is between the two where bravery lives.

Artist Elisa Sheehan sees the golden possibilities in these broken places.

FRAGILE BEGINNINGS To break into the fine arts, Elisa Sheehan left her successful design business.

“We were in no way financially able to do what I did. It was not a safe bet. I just went all in. It was a really fragile thing to say, ‘I’m an artist’. No one knew me and I really didn’t have a clear path forward,” she said.

Moving away from Boston’s urban pace, Sheehan relocated to Saratoga Springs and founded Lis Design in 2004 to provide graphic and web design services.

She became a mother of two children (now ages 9 and 7 years old) and moved to a house in the country. Her connection to nature deepened so that by 2017, she was inspired to pursue a career dedicated to expressing the art of this connection.

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“To me, it’s about what it feels like to be in nature. It really fuels me. It’s a necessary part of my life,” said Sheehan.

HONORING THE ADVENTURE Sheehan’s gutsiness can be felt through her botanical abstract art.

Sweeping, expressive brush strokes swish across huge canvases. Working in her light-drenched home studio during the early morning hours, she moves around the large pieces laying on the ground, bending over them to aggressively apply the muted colors.

“I like the sound of the brush on the canvas – the rhythm of that feels really good, like the constant push and pull of nature,” said Sheehan.

These pieces have been hung in residential, corporate, and public spaces, such as hospitals, because of their healing presence.

“People are feeling something when they look at it and that’s what makes it a success. They feel peaceful, grounded, comforted. Certain natural colors reduce our stress by a significant amount, and the shapes all add to that stress relief,” she said.

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OUT OF HER SHELL It is her eggshell art that has most recently been adding dimension to Sheehan’s feminine aesthetic.

Eggshells experience a rebirth in Sheehan’s hands.

These delicate natural packages are exquisite vessels of a larger symbolic knowledge.

By filling their cracks with gold leaf and dripping vibrant paint across their inner surface before mounting them, she is highlighting their broken bits, bravely bringing them into the future by honoring their past.

Fifty of Sheehan’s pieces were on display during a summer showing in the beautiful downtown garden of Alysa and Jay Arnold's home. Alysa McClenning is the founder of Macs Field Notes Creative Company.

“Their garden is like my ideal gallery,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan will also be included in the Agricultural Stewardship Association’s 18th Annual Landscapes for Landsake, October 11-14, 172 State Route 372, Cambridge.

To be among the first to know about Sheehan’s upcoming exhibitions, sign up for her newsletter at Elisasheehan.com SS

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A CLEAR VISION

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

EVERYTHING IS A BLUR. Despite being breathless, a frenzied urgency pushes him forward.

Peter Rifenburg’s sense of sight is impaired, but his vision is clear.

BUILDING HIS BREADTH OF VIEW As a child, Rifenburg was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a condition that caused cancerous tumors in his eyes.

The cancer permanently impacted his ability to see, but Rifenburg’s interest in participating in sports only grew.

“Sports build your physical ability and build your character. They are a driver for you to be able to prove who you really are. They make it so you’re not just looking better, but feeling better, too,” he said.

In July, Rifenburg competed independently in the Lake Placid Ironman. He placed 20th in his division; finishing the race (which includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run) in just over 13 hours.

LEADER OF THE PACK Rifenburg’s remarkable accomplishments are made more so by the challenges that he’s overcome – but they aren’t entirely unique. All of the 26 campers in the Camp Abilities Saratoga (CAS) program are pushing their bodies towards physical excellence.

Since 2013, blind and visually-impaired children and teens participating in the week-long educational sports camp (a service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club) are playing baseball, soccer, going horseback riding, ice-skating, training at the Saratoga Ninja Lab and more.

“A lot of our athletes are running in competitions and on sports teams even when they’re not here. They’re taking the skills they’re learning here out into the community and using them throughout the year – it’s awesome to see!” said Camp Director Tiffany Mitrakos.

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE Learning how to be part of the team is one of the most valuable skills that CAS instills.

“The friendships that campers build here are really important.

Before coming here, they didn’t know how to be included or how to participate in sports. They were missing out on being kids,” said Mitrakos.

Rifenburg is an inspiring example to the other campers of what it looks like to push yourself to achieve your goals – over the years, he went from being a CAS camper to being a camp counselor.

“It’s like the other side of the coin. I was a camper and the counselors were the ones watching over me, now I’m the counselor watching over the campers,” he said.

One of the most rewarding moments of competing in the Ironman race, was hearing several of his counselors cheering him on as he passed through the finish line, said Rifenburg.

Currently a sophomore at SUNY Brockport, Rifenburg is majoring in Adapted Physical Education so that he can continue to bring the benefits of physical education to everyone.

He also plans to continue competing in triathlons.

“I don’t see any reason to stop now,” he said. SS

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Jill Levy; violin, Jeanette Koekkoek; piano and Judith Serkin on the cello at the Hyde Museum.

SARATOGA

CHAMBER PLAYERS WRITTEN BY GERALDINE FREEDMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED

FOR MANY, chamber music is

the highest expression of classical music. Saratoga Chamber Players endorse that philosophy with 33 years this season of giving concerts.

“Chamber music has been my big love,” said Jill Levy, violinist and the group’s artistic director.

“I love the orchestral repertoire, but chamber music is special. Its intimacy and everyone exploring and working together to shape their input, is not something you do in the orchestral setting.”

Levy should know. Since 1993, she’s been the concertmaster of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. But the next year, her horizons changed.

She played a concert with a local chamber music group: the Saratoga Chamber Players.

Eliot Bailen, Jill Levy, Michael Roth, Susan Rotholz and Doori Na - Preparing for concert at Hyde Collection, October 2018

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The group was founded in 1986 by three ASO musicians - violinist Lucy Manning Josephs, violist Susan St. Amour and cellist Susan Ruzow and Skidmore College professor, pianist Charles Josephs. Four annual concerts were held either at Filene Recital Hall at Skidmore or at the United Methodist Church on Henning Road. Fundraisers that celebrated Schubert or Mozart were usually held at the Surrey Inn, said Lynne Gelber, the current executive director, in an email.

“Lucy had asked me to play a concert with them and then out of the blue she called me and asked if I were interested in becoming artistic director,” Levy said. “She was doing too many things to make the series go and she wanted to pass it on. It was like a gift landing in my lap.”

Levy immediately agreed.

“I’ve always done a lot of chamber music even in school at the Curtis Institute (Philadelphia). Rudolf Serkin was the director then and the founder of the Marlboro Music Festival (Vermont). So, he inserted his love of chamber music into the school’s curriculum and it became a focal point.”

After college, Levy joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for three years but left to freelance in New York City, get married, spend a year in Italy, have a daughter, and then move back to upstate New York. But it was visiting and playing with musician friends in Switzerland and Germany that solidified her musical course.

“I discovered that my passion was rooted in chamber music,” she said laughing. “It was like an itch that you have to scratch.”

By then her daughter was four years old and Levy knew a regular orchestral job would be a good thing. When she saw the ad for saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Early workshop in composition project “Classroom to Concert” with Lake Ave. Elementary School, students of Megan O’Sullivan, led by Saratoga Chamber Players’ Eliot Bailen

ASO concertmaster, she took the audition and won it. But the next year as the SCP artistic director, Levy had to figure out where to start.

“I had an ongoing list of repertoires that I really wanted to play, so I started from there. . . music that I was dying to play,” she said.

For each program, she began with one central piece that was on her todo list and then added other pieces that would provide balance or variety. Because the audience then was “pitifully small,” she made sure to include something they’d love like Franz Schubert’s songs and not stress them with pieces that might be too esoteric.

“I tried -and still l try- to create a balance and that it’s not a stretch from start to finish,” Levy said.

As a result, her audience has grown, ebbs and flows, but never drops. And with more interest, she’s taken a few chances from time to time with works that she’s discovered through research.

“It may be risky if they don’t know the repertoire – even though I think they’re all gems, and sometimes the players are not up for looking for more of a challenge, but we’ve had huge successes,” she said.

Among those she points out, are the concerts that featured a Bela Bartok piano quintet, which had been new to her and was “a handful to learn and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Jill Levy; violin, Jessica Troy; viola, John Feeney; bass and Melanie Feld on oboe.

formidable,” that she balanced with works by Haydn and Schubert; and an evening only of Haydn works.

Her musicians’ roster has also changed over the years.

“I started looking to other musical connections to work with. It was word of mouth and became a chain of acquaintances or playing at other festivals,” Levy said. “It was musicians that I grew to know, respect and admire.”

In the last few years, she’s established a core of players, most of them from New York City. Rehearsals are usually in the city or sometimes in Vermont or her home. Because it’s her series, she’s responsible for setting up those rehearsals, which on occasion can be “a nightmare” because all the players are busy with their own gigs.

Educational outreach is important and in the last two years SCP has worked the Classroom to Concert program, which this year had young children from Lake Avenue Elementary School create a work, “The Little Prince and the Planet of Music.” This was to be presented at the Poetry in the Pines event at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in July but was canceled because of the extreme heat.

Levy has some goals: Finding additional local performance venues. Recently, they’ve been playing at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls and the

Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek. Next year SCP will try St. Peter’s Church Parish Hall because it has great acoustics and a piano – both must haves. And there’s always the music.

“There’s still more I want to play, especially late Beethoven string quartets, another Beethoven violin sonata,” Levy said. “The string quartet repertoire is vast, and my to-do list is now more off-the-beaten path. There is still a lot out there. It’s why I love hitting on a piece I’ve never heard.”

Saratoga Chamber Players currently have two CDs that are available, at $10 each, from their live performances from 2001 and 2009.

IF YOU GO: Saratoga Chamber Players WHEN: Sept. 22, Nov. 17,

March 1 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: United Methodist Church,

175 Fifth Avenue,

Saratoga Springs HOW MUCH: $15, $25 Also:

June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek; June 14 at 3 p.m. St. Peter’s Church Parish Hall, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

MORE INFO: 518 584-1427; SaratogaChamberPlayers.org

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HOME MADE THEATER WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY GERALDINE FREEDMAN

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very time Kate Starczewski, the general manager for Home Made Theater, comes to work in her office at the Park Administration Building, she can’t help but be reminded of how long the company has been her focus.

“I took acting classes and loved it as a kid,” she said. “I was 13 years old and worked backstage. I just wanted to be around the theater. I loved it right away.”

That was in 1999 and the company had already been around officially as a non-profit entity since 1986. When asked about those early years, Starczewski said she knew that everyone involved back then had been passionate about the company and committed to bringing theater to the community.

How Home Made Theater got started and the gap it filled is a drama in itself.

During the late 19th century, local theater thrived with up to twelve companies, which entertained the multitudes that flocked to the huge hotels. But over the decades, those companies and interest in theater dwindled so that by the 1980s only two companies – Syracuse Stage and The Acting Company – gave local productions during the summer.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Foster, a graduate of Bowling Green University in art education, had been working as an actor in Los Angeles before moving to New York City to paint and direct off-Broadway shows. A friend with connections to Skidmore College invited Foster to come visit Saratoga Springs in the fall of 1983.

Foster quickly realized there was little local community theater, so with Alan Horowitz, a senior at the college who was studying theater management, he decided to offer workshops and readings with hopes get something going.

Enough interest developed and by September 1984, they were ready to have auditions for a March production.

“We had play readings at the Adelphi or at people’s homes,” said Stacie Barnes. “Caffe Lena had a theater. We decided to do ‘Wait Until Dark’ there and I volunteered for that first show. I was just out of college and working part time. I offered to do anything they needed. . . get props, whatever.”

Foster chose that show because it had a cheap rental and with a budget of barely $500, Barnes said, the fledgling theater group could build sets, lights and print programs, flyers and tickets. No one was paid. He also gave the company the name, which according to press clippings of the time, was because every time a person or actor came into the theater it would feel like coming home.

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Fourteen people auditioned. Foster directed. Fifty local businesses donated. Tickets were set at $5. Caffe Lena sold out its 55 seats over several nights. Reviews in the newspapers were solid and the critics noted that the company showed potential and hoped it would find success. With that reception, a November show was planned, “You Can’t Take It With You,” and HMT began offering a dinner/theater package.

By January 1986, the company got their non-profit status and began looking for a larger space. Initially, the company moved to Ballet Regent Studio and presented "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" that April to rave reviews. Upon seeing this production, Herb Chesbrough, then-executive director at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, connected HMT with New York State Parks, who leased the Spa Little Theater to them on a one-year contract.

Susan Miller, a local school teacher, had become HMT’s general manager; Barnes officially became a stage manager.

Budgets were set that allowed the various directors - such as for tech, costume, or design - to get a stipend. Actors were not paid. A season was set at three shows and performances were given usually over three weekends. More acting classes were held.

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Over the next few years as Spa Little Theater became HMT’s home, Barnes moved up to associate manager in 1988, a position she would hold for seven years before taking over for Miller, who left in 1995. Twenty-eight plays had been produced, many of them to sold-out houses. But Foster had become sick. Diagnosed with AIDS, in 1994 he left the company and moved to Massachusetts. He died in 1995. He was 49. Before he left HMT, however, the local arts council gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

But the company that Foster founded was on strong footing.

These days, HMT offers four shows a season including a musical; has up to 200 volunteers and a core of designers in five disciplines that can be called upon to present shows that continue to sell out. Audiences have grown. Budgets have expanded exponentially, although actors, who are predominantly local, still are not paid.

“There’s a lot of good talent. They’re passionate and dedicated and they have a professional edge despite being a community theater,” Starczewski said. “What’s so great is the support they give each other. Even as a kid, they treated me with respect as an adult. The cast becomes like a family.

Theater is a labor of love and the people who are here, are here because they want to be.”

Most importantly, the company is year-round. Besides all the play readings, Murder Mystery Events held in January, benefits, and classes that have expanded into a Youth Musical Theater Conservatory and shows at Caffe Lena and Saratoga Arts, HMT continues to connect not just locally but state-wide. In 2015, the company received New York Theater Guides’ Reader Choice Award as the Best Community Theater in New York State.

Does HMT have more goals? Yes. Traditional repertory has always been offered, but lesser known or newer plays are being looked at. The company would like to try more technical challenges such as using screen projections and has received two grants recently to improve their sound production and make other theater improvements, Starczewski said.

Most of all is the hope that HMT becomes a household name. The upcoming season should be a blockbuster.

Besides four plays, there are: a McKrell’s Christmas show (Dec. 15); a comedy night with Adam Grabowski (Jan.11); a McKrell’s Pre-St. Patrick's Day show (March 7) and various benefits.

But the play is the thing. Already 80 people have shown up to audition for the opening play; “Mamma Mia!” Foster would be proud.

IF YOU GO: “Mamma Mia”: Oct. 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25-27 “It’s a Wonderful Life”: Dec. 13-15, 20-22 “Dial M for Murder”: Feb. 8, 9, 14-16, 21-23 “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”: April 18, 19, 24-26, May 1-3 WHERE:

Spa Little Theater

HOW MUCH: $30, $13; subscriptions available

MORE INFO: (518) 587-4427; HomeMadeTheater.org

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WORDS OF WISDOM from a 93-Year-Old Student WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER

This is the work of the world’s warriors.

Tapping into the wealth of knowledge others provide will be proven to be worthwhile. You can bank on it - there’s always more to learn.

THE EXHILARATION OF CONTINUATION Lewis Taub received his formal college degree before spending 40 years working as an optometrist in Saratoga Springs.

His wife, Marion (Sonia) Taub earned a bachelor’s degree from Radcliffe College and a masters from Columbia University at a time when women were still a minority in the higher education community.

“My wife was brilliant – much better educated than I,” said Taub.

By the standard measure, both had completed their schooling. Taub, however, decided to follow his wife’s lead and embarked on more than 25 years of additional classes.

“I’m taking classes in subjects I want to because I’m interested. It fills a vacuum in my education,” he said.

At the age of 93, Lewis Taub is marking his 25th year of continuing his education with his 50th elective course at Skidmore College.

TO THE NTH DEGREE The symbolism of the Taubs’ life journey is hung at the utmost height of their living room walls.

Dozens of souvenirs – from figurines, to fans, to totems – form a line so long you must spin around to see them all.

These mementos are evidence not only of where the Taubs have been, but what they’ve learned.

“Taking classes made the marriage stronger because we had the same interests. It opened up new horizons for us,” said Taub.

Lewis and Sonia were married for 67 years before her death in 2016. They met on a three-month bicycle trip across the 116 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

United States and Canada sponsored by American Youth Hostel in 1948, raised 2 children and have 4 grandchildren.

Sonia was beloved in her role as a librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library and both earned certificates of appreciation from Skidmore College for all the courses they took. They also traveled the world together.

“Studying Hinduism, the Islamic Religions, Asian Art, and going to places like China, Japan, Indian, Asia, New Zealand; it made me more tolerant of other people and their religions. They’re all great. The US is only 250 years old, while cultures in India and Egypt are 5,000 years old, yet we’re trying to tell them how to run their lives,” said Taub, while shaking his head.

“There’s a big, wide, world out there.”

GUARDIANS OF THE FUTURE In addition to pursuing his own personal interests, Taub selects courses based on the people that will be participating in them.

“The professor makes the course,” he said.

This fall, he will be auditing Skidmore College Professor Gregory Spinner’s class; “Priests, Prophets, and Warriors” while also taking a SUNY Empire State College Adults in Lifelong Learning (ALL) class. At the ALL classes, Taub is able to meet other seniors while also being intellectually stimulated. It’s a different environment than what Skidmore provides.

“Skidmore wants to have a good relationship with the community but for a long time, people didn’t realize what an asset it is. They do more so, now. I take classes with young people – that’s essential. They’re brilliant. They like to party but they’re hard working and very welcoming. I find it invigorating. They give me hope for the future.”

To audit courses at Skidmore College you must ask for the professor’s permission and pay a small fee. For more information, go to Skidmore.edu/registrar/other/ audit-registration.php SS

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MARK LAWSON... Treasure Hunter WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

In The Hobbit, author J.R.R. Tolkien’s protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, finds a mountain of unimaginable treasures.

The Hobbit was Mark Lawson’s favorite story as a boy. He was enchanted with the idea of finding treasure.

A NOBLE QUEST Mark Lawson’s eye for recognizing the precious developed early on.

While the young Lawson lived in New York City, he adored seeing the miraculous discoveries on display within the American Museum of Natural History’s Hall of Gems, and the refined elegance of the jewels at Tiffany & Co. He was fascinated by his uncle, Holland Lawson, an established jeweler in Troy. It was on golf outings with his aunt however, that Lawson first put his interest in finding things to work.

On the course, Lawson searched for lost golf balls and then resold them at the clubhouse.

Today, Lawson’s entrepreneurial spirit has earned him the privilege of brokering some the region’s most valuable antiques.

THE CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY OPENS For the first time in 15 years, Mark Lawson held an estate sale.

Mark Lawson Antiques’ modest warehouse is tucked away next to Dairy Haus ice cream on Maple Avenue. In August, an influx of consignments inspired him to open his doors to a unique opportunity.

Work from big names in the art world (including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein), mid-century modern furniture, and rare collections of Saratoga memorabilia, were all up for grabs at amazing prices.

“These are the high-style, more iconic things. Most of the time, collecting is driven by nostalgia. Maybe your parents didn’t collect Warhol, but you can,” said Lawson.

Among the wondrous trophies in this collection were ancient relics, including a torso fragment documented to be from the Egyptian Pharaonic Period (between 2000 B.C. to 3000 B.C.), along with original works of art, such as the 1888 image of Saratoga Springs city streets from a bird’s eye view.

“Original works have a soul. There’s a dimension to them that connects you to the genius, passion, and talent of the artist,” explained Lawson.

Squinting and searching through the rows of tiny detailed houses painstakingly drawn on the map, Lawson picks out the area where he once lived.

SHARED TREASURE On the first day of the sale, a series of three glass obelisk display cases from Skidmore College were purchased by the Saratoga History Museum. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Saratoga High School Scholarship Fund.

A constant supporter of non-profit groups and local museums, Lawson was also one of the original sponsors of the Public Broadcasting Station’s long-running smash hit “Antiques Roadshow”.

The adventure, intrigue, and excitement of the show is something that clients feel when Lawson helps them organize their own estate sales. Estate sales can secure the highest prices for your items - unlike at garage sales (which can often be rather unrewarding to the seller), said Lawson.

“Psychologically, estate sales are very compelling – what people experience is very similar to auction fever.”

For more information, go to MarkLawsonAntiques.com

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IMAGINING GRANT COTTAGE Five years after the state closed the Mount McGregor Correctional Facility, no buyer of the 325-acre complex has come forward. To imagine a new future for this storied peak, perhaps we should look to its past.

THIRD IN A SERIES

WRITTEN BY DAN FORBUSH,

SMARTACUS CREATIVE GROUP PHOTOS PROVIDED

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s president of the Friends of Grant Cottage, the non-profit group that has operated the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site on Mount McGregor near Wilton for three decades, Tim Welch imagines the day when the razor-wire-topped fence of the former prison is gone and visitors can again walk to the summit of Mount McGregor where Victorian-era guests of the Hotel Balmoral once roamed.

After an exhilarating ride up the mountain railroad, 19th century visitors would disembark at a rail platform near the current Grant Cottage Visitors Center, then go up the hill under a rustic covered walkway to the luxurious 100-room Balmoral on the summit. Along the way, they would pass close by the two-story cottage where Ulysses S. Grant died in 1885 after completing his two-volume memoir of the Civil War. The security fence was installed in the early 1980s as the state converted a former tuberculosis sanatorium from the early 20th century into the Mount McGregor Correctional Facility. The new prison needed a recreation area for inmates, so the flat five acres on McGregor's summit that inspired William Arkell and Joseph Drexel to build the Hotel Balmoral 100 years before was turned into a softball field, with an outdoor recreation and basketball court created nearby.

"The fence sliced Grant Cottage's story in two and made the Balmoral half inaccessible," says Welch. "With the closing of the prison, we have an opportunity to reconnect these historic properties, undertake archaeological work, and tell the entire remarkable story of Mount McGregor, the Hotel Balmoral, and Grant Cottage."

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the way of the Hotel Balmoral, which burned to the ground in 1897, and a solar array that will enable the Cottage to become energy-independent.

Also, there is a need for more parking and event space that will only become more critical when Grant Cottage is designated a National Historic Landmark, a milestone that's expected soon. The best way to address both parking and event space, says Welch, is to remove the fence and open the entire historic summit to the public. With that achieved, Welch would favor building a parking lot on the site of the old basketball court, putting cars out of sight from the Cottage. On the softball field above, Welch envisions a 200seat open-air pavilion with a handicap accessible northern outlook offering spectacular views of the Hudson Valley and the mountains beyond.

"Imagine the programs and concerts we could host there," Welch says.

For this expansion of parking and the Mount McGregor Pavilion to become a reality, the Empire State Development Corporation, the state agency tasked with selling the former prison property, would have to rewrite the request for proposals it has produced in its search for a buyer. The parcel could then be transferred to the Parks agency, securing it for public use. This would reduce the number of acres being offered for sale from 325 to 320.

Can this be done? It's worth asking. Toward that end, the SMARTACUS Creative Group is planning a public discussion at Caffe Lena in October, Visioning Grant Cottage and Mount McGregor. Look for details at SMARTACUS.com. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

THE COMMUNITY HOSPICE FOUNDATION Where Being Touched by an Angel Happens Every Single Day WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN

‘Everyone wants to be the sun ~ to lighten up someone’s life. But, why not be the moon, to brighten up the darkest hour?’ ~ Author unknown I meet Gina Peca, Foundation Specialist of The Community Hospice Foundation – one of St. Peter’s many health partners – on a balmy afternoon inside Saratoga’s Kru Coffee.

It’s quiet that day, far too hot for coffee. We order refreshing iced teas and grab a seat in the corner by the window, where we can talk about something no one ever wants to talk about – death, dying, and the precious business of living.

I choke up almost immediately – I can’t help it. My oldest sister lives 10 hours away – near Maine’s Canadian border and has just begun her journey with hospice. I’m not even sure what this means exactly – other than she has less than six months to live.

It’s been a long haul – after decades of smoking, her lungs have given out. She doesn’t qualify for a transplant. The last several years have been tough watching the harsh, progressive changes – all of the things she once loved to do are nearly impossible now.

Her husband is a wonderful man, we all adore him, but the task of caregiver has taken a tremendous toll. The rest of her family and friends have felt it as well, doing whatever we can to help out.

Gina is full of compassion and empathy – I learn that she’s lost a husband and a child herself, with members of hospice nearby to help her in that time of need.

“I learned a lot about hospice when my daughter became terminally ill at age 9. Later, in 2012, I lost my husband of 22 years,” she shares, once I’ve composed myself. “Their loss was devastating. We reeled from the blow. Here’s the thing, though; people think that death is imminent once hospice becomes involved. Or they feel like, by utilizing hospice, they’ve given up on their loved one and invited death to come even faster. That’s not always the case.”

She takes a sip of her tea and looks off into the distance for a moment. “Hospice is so much more than what families picture it to be. Hospice goes wherever – I mean wherever – the patient is.

If a loved one can be at home or is in the hospital, even in need of nursing home care, hospice is there beside them. They have a wonderful program of services that help a person live with dignity, without pain, and, if at all possible, in familiar surroundings.”

Once in the Hospice program, patients become family, cared for by a team of professionals and volunteers. The whole idea is to make things easier to handle – for the patients, their families, their friends.

Hospice care can come in many forms too – music therapy, soothing massages, or alternative reiki treatments are only a few.

Bereavement counseling is available for family members – even when their terminally ill loved one is alive. People don’t always realize that grief and loss have many stages – most times we begin to grieve for the person we remember, while they’re still with us.

The Community Hospice Foundation offers compassionate programs for children as well. ‘Wave Riders’ is a group for young saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

people who’ve lost a loved one and need help coping with their new ‘normal.’

Camp Erin involves an overnight stay for youngsters up in the Adirondack mountains. The weekend is free and involves the delicate art of combining fun with the more somber aspects of the grieving process.

I’m blown away by everything I’m learning in this hour with Gina.

In my heart, I feel a little better about my sister and the care she’s receiving in Maine.

A young woman saunters over to our table to say hello to Gina.

The two talk for a few minutes. I learn that she is a hospice nurse.

Her name is Alida Breault. I hesitate but then decide to ask how she feels about hospice – what it signifies for people.

“It’s getting back to the root, making the real human connection in the middle of this raw, difficult time in a family’s life.” She tells me. “I feel blessed and humble, being allowed to share in their spiritual journey.”

On October 17th, 2019 from 6-9pm, a special event, Touched by an Angel, will be held at the Canfield Casino. There’ll be 18 local restaurants with food stations set-up throughout the historic building. This year, (the 24th!) they also plan on offering a signature cocktail for guests to try. Guests will enjoy music – Shades of Grey will be playing.

Husband and wife Mike and Jan Gulli lost a son. Something no parent should have to suffer. They’ll be sharing their moving story with us that night. Hospice was there through many hours of need, helping as much as possible. The couple will talk about their experience with hospice and the comfort they received. A list of the food stations represented at TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL event: Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant Backstretch Barbecue Ben and Jerry’s Saratoga Brown’s Brewing Company

Chez Pierre Restaurant DZ Restaurants Hall of Springs Henry Street Taproom Longfellows Mama Mia’s Pizza & Cafe

McGregor Links Mexican Connection Olde Bryan Inn PJ’s BAR-B-QSA Salt and Char Sperry’s Taverna Novo Wish Well Restaurant

Wednesday, December 4th, a second event, Tree-of-Love, will be held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club from 6-8pm. The tree lighting ceremony will help memorialize loved ones during the holiday season. Tags can be purchased for a nominal amount and hung on the branches. There will be music and light refreshments.

‘Hospice care is about more than helping people die with dignity.

It’s really about helping them live out their days with love.’ ~ Serving Life.

SaratogaAngel.org, TreeOfLoveSaratoga.org, gina.peca@sphp.com,(518) 724-0242 Please consider joining hospice celebrations this October and December, or presenting a gift to the mission of Hospice helping our loved ones live out their remaining days with love.

We can all make a difference – an impact – in the patient’s life, the lives of their family, and each other. SS FALL 2019 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 119

THE LONG VIEW

WHAT WE FOCUS ON BECOMES OUR REALITY.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY GAIL WELTER

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iewing life with love and appreciation multiplies its beauty.

“I’ve always been the hopeless romantic that’s a bit philosophical. I’m probably that way because my mother and grandmother always saw the beauty of the world and got really excited about the little things,” said Gail Welter.

She is the author and photographer behind “Life as I See It”, a remarkable and genuinely touching blog where she documents places of interest, people she meets, thoughts about life and focuses on collecting moments not things and making moments into memories.

SEEING MORE Interested in photography from an early age, like so many, Welter put it aside to tend to the details of being a working woman, wife, mother of two children, and grandmother of three. It wasn’t until she retired that she returned to her camera (for something besides taking pictures of the kids) and in 2014, started her online blog.

“Initially it was for me – documentation to go along with the photos of the places we were going. Now, it’s for anyone who will listen. I’ve had a lot of people say, ‘That’s 120 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

just what I needed to read, to hear, to be reminded of today’,” said Welter.

Capturing places from a truly unique viewpoint; her landscapes, nature, and old barns take on a whole new life.

“The more you take pictures, the better you see the world. I try to pick out something the average person might miss. People will say, ‘I never saw, never appreciated, never noticed that before’, and I’m challenged to see more,” she said.

TAKING IT IN In addition to discovering the new, Welter and her husband, John, often return to the same places and document how they change over time.

Saratoga Lake has had a major impact on the way Welter sees the world.

“The lake was instrumental to opening my eyes and appreciating the beauty of the world. It shaped my vision.

It’s like going home for me,” said Welter.

Chronicling an old barn in Easton turned out to be a transformative experience.

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“That is an example of a life changing experience that other people would’ve considered trivial.It eventually collapsed and that could’ve been the end of the story.

I never realized the depths of what would transpire when I contacted the owners to give them a collection of photos I’d taken of their barn. “People are so moved that other people notice and love something they’ve also loved so much. It just transformed grief to celebration” said Welter.

SIMPLY PROFOUND Illustrating how profound the simple things can be, it is through her flowing narrative that readers can gain a deep understanding of how people and the natural world contain something ancient and unbreakable.

“My best blogs are the ones that just come out without thinking about it. They’re so natural and spontaneous. The words just seem to put themselves on the paper,” she said.

Follow “Life as I See It” on Facebook, Instagram or at LifeAsISeeItPhotography.net SS

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THE BEST VERSION MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R

OF YOU

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information visit ChangeYourStoryLLC.com. Enter code Saratoga Today for your free audio course on attraction and relationships.

T

he amazing thing about fashion is that it has the ability to transform us into becoming the best version of ourselves.

I remember as a new Mom during the newborn days, the first time I put on an outfit other than elastic pants and an oversized pajama top I went from feeling frumpy and dumpy to shiny and sparkly.

While fashion can be a spring board for helping us increase our sense of worth and energy levels, the true key to be the best version of ourselves involves knowing the best version of ourselves.

A powerful exercise I do with my clients to help them understand where they model the best version of themselves, is to write on a piece of paper all the different roles they play.

For example, at the top of a sheet of paper write down all the different roles you have and create columns for each role.

Mother/Daughter/Sister/Aunt/Friend/Petowner/ Career/Romantic Relationships/Alone Under each column write down the adjectives that describe how you feel in each of these roles. Don’t spend too much time thinking about this, this is meant to be a quick exercise to get a snap shot of how comfortable you feel in each of the different roles you play. Some examples of adjectives could be feeling loved, accepted, happy, playful, free, not good enough, invisible, sad, unloved, uncomfortable, ashamed.

The idea behind this is that you will see the roles in which you are the best version of yourself. This is usually the place where we can be ourselves freely

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and we feel a sense of confidence and pride in the role we play.

When I do this exercise the results are always amazing to me. People usually feel the best in the work, friend and pet owner column and the worst in the child (your role as a son or daughter) sibling and romantic relationship column.

How we model ourselves in romantic relationships is rooted in our family of origin and how loved and accepted we felt as children. The reason the other columns have such positive adjectives is because we don’t carry our emotional baggage into work, into our friendships or with pets who love us unconditionally.

Once you see where you are the best version of you, practice bringing that person wherever you go. For example, if at work you feel secure, strong, confident and respected, but at family gatherings you feel belittled, ashamed and rejected, bring the work version of you to the family dinner. Simply being aware of this shift in perspective will help you heal old wounds that keep you from being the best version of yourself.

The key is to practice this over several months and then do the exercise again. As you practice this exercise you will notice that the adjectives in all the columns will start to reflect similarity instead of drastic differences.

The best version of you is the one that feels unburdened, free, accepted, loved and adored.

Whether you have on sweatpants or an evening gown, you are worthy of feeling good! SS

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F F AA L S LH I O N

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BECK FURS Cashmere and Wool Coat with Fox Collar.

1475 Western Avenue • Albany • 518.437.0412 • BeckFurs.biz

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PERFECT FOR A FALL DAY DOWNTOWN...

Rena (on the left) is wearing a RAILS "Lana" sweater, PAIGE "Hoxton High Rise Ankle Skinny" jeans, SAM EDELMAN "Macon" bootie, HOBO "Sheila" leather bag & BRAVE "Yera" leather hip belt Mackenzie is wearing a SOIA & KYO "ALLISON" leather jacket, VELVET BY GRAHAM & SPENCER "Stefani" tee, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND "Ankle Skinny Distressed" jeans, SAM EDELMAN "Margie"leopard pump & HOBO "Coast" leather backpack

494 Broadway • Saratoga Springs • 518.584.4838 • VioletsOfSaratoga.com

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SPOKEN Beautifully embroidered detailing and luscious fabrics are the staple for all things made by JOHNNY WAS. See all their gorgeous cotton, velvets and silks at Spoken Boutique

27 Church Street • Saratoga Springs • 518.587.2772 • SpokenSaratoga.com

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ALPINE

SPORT SHOP KRIMSON KLOVER Pinon Tunic, $178.95 KUHL HARMONY Jegging, $88.95 ASPORTUGUESAS Case Shoe, $159.95 MITCHIE'S 2 Pom Knit Hat, $59.95 MITCHIE'S Fox Fur leather Fanny Pack, $258.95 ALPINE SPORT SHOP Camper Mug, $12.95

399 Clinton Street saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

• Saratoga Springs • 518.584.6290 • AlpineSportShop.com FALL 2019 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 127

LUCIA

Samantha Grey is wearing the Brulee Daisy Mini Dress by FOR LOVE & LEMONS with jewelry and accessories from Lucia Boutique.

454 Broadway Suite #8 Saratoga Springs 518.587.7890 LuciaBoutique.com

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H&G

The mantle is where Kasia and Adam had hoped to find a hidden fireplace.

Unfortunately, they only found the chimney. They returned the mantle to where there once was a fireplace.

Photo by Kasia Israel.

Flip the page to see the rest of the house... saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Photo by Kasia Israel

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Preserving

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Photo by Kasia Israel

Making a House a Home: 184 Spring Street

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WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

A

fter two category five hurricanes destroyed their house in Saint Thomas in September 2017, Kasia and Adam Israel needed to find a new place to call home. They decided to return to where Adam was born and raised, Saratoga Springs. Unlike his other family members – mother, father, brother, and sister – Adam and Kasia were not inclined to rehabilitate a historic house.

“We were looking for a brand-new condo; we were not looking to buy an old house,” shared Kasia. However, that all changed when their realtor Lisa Licata talked them into looking at 184 Spring Street, a three-family house. “It had a magnetic feel – as if we were meant to return it back to a single-family residence. It felt like the right place for our family to start over,” said Kasia.

After seeing the house in December, they purchased it. Immediately upon closing, Kasia and Adam ran into the house with a hammer to see if there was a hidden fireplace in the dining room as the wood floor design indicated. Unfortunately, there was not.

“However, the sons of the previous owner – Brian, Joseph, and Michael Maiorella – left a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me, a toolbox for Adam, and a Slinky and Playdough for the kids as well as a beautiful letter to our children, Kai and Hannah, wishing them well in making as many wonderful memories in the house as they had,” smiled Kasia. Although the sons had received multiple higher offers, they accepted the Israels’ offer because they wanted a family in the home.

Photo by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

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The brick Italianate house was built in 1867 by John Freeman, a brick mason, and Susan Freeman. The Freemans lived in the house with their daughter, Ida, until 1884 when they relocated to 127 Matilda Street, today known as Woodlawn Avenue. The house was rented to others or vacant until 1890 when Susan passed away.

That year William H. McCall, an attorney, and his wife Mary purchased the house. They only lived there until 1893 when they sold it to Walter S. Fuller, a bookkeeper and cashier at The Saratogian. For a period of time, he lived at the house and resided at 160 Phila Street in the summers until he moved there permanently in 1908. During that time, he rented the house to Albert Platt, an instructor of the Organ and Theory Department at Skidmore School of Arts. It was during Fuller’s ownership that the one-story full-width front porch was extended to wrap around the east side of the house and the second story was added to the rear extension.

Photo by Kasia Israel

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Photo by Kasia Israel

In 1918, Walter and his wife Abigail Fuller sold the house to Emory and Marjorie Etta Jones of Bronx, New York. They resided in the house briefly until they sold it to George Cozzens, the Executive Secretary of McGregor Links, Inc., and his wife Mabel in 1921.

The Cozzens lived in the home until they sold it two years later.

In 1923, Frederick and Agnes Eaton purchased the house. Frederick was a physician and surgeon, who later was the county coroner. Upon moving into the house, Frederick moved his office to the residence. This is most likely when the one-story addition with a separate entrance was made to the house. The Eatons lived there with their four children.

In 1954, Frederick passed away. It is at that time that William J. Hickey, a physician and county coroner, moved his office to 184 Spring Street. Agnes continued to live in the house until 1967 when she sold the house to the Congregation of Sharra Tfille. Hickey no longer had his physician’s office at 184 Spring Street and Rabbi Sheldon Steinberg resided in the house. In 1971, the property was sold to Abe Heifetz, who did not live at the property. In 1977, Phillis “Savta” Maiorella purchased the house. Most likely, the house was made into three apartments during her 40-year ownership. It was upon her passing that Kasia and Adam acquired the house.

Phillis often commented how blessed she was to have wonderful neighbors. Kasia and Adam have had the same experience during the short time that they have owned the house. “The neighbors welcomed us to neighborhood. They have been so patient and understanding with the construction and, more importantly, they offered many words of encouragement and appreciation of the work we have done to restore the house,” shared Kasia.

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Photo by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

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The house required extensive work, which was costly.

“You name it, we had to do it – fix the roof; repair walls, windows, and doors; install new electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation; remove a structurally unsound addition and reconstruct it; design and install a new kitchen and bathrooms; and refinish the floors. Working with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, we were able to secure New York State Historic Homeowner Tax Credits to offset the cost, which was critical for us to undertake this project,” said Adam.

Photo by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

Photo by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Photo by Kasia Israel

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Photo by Kasia Israel

Bonacio Construction was the general contractor. “James Ackerman and Amanda Santy of Bonacio were so great to work with on the project and Erika Gallagher of Plum and Crimson Fine Interior Design Studio was able to take my vision and make it into a reality. We were so fortunate to work with so many great people, Michael Bannon of Signature Cabinet Group and Nicole Stalk at Curtis Lumber, as well as local businesses throughout the process – including Earl B. Feiden Appliances, Irish Drywall, Capital Stone, Lance Plumbing, Towne TV, Sherman Tile, and Best Tile,” shared Kasia.

“We are so grateful to our family – my mom Ronne Israel and my sister Elizabeth Israel and her husband David Hayden who always opened their home to us whenever we needed it during construction and to my dad Robert Israel and his wife Monna for the amazing support and countless advice they provided during the process,” said Adam.

“We didn’t know we had it in us to rehabilitate an old house when we started our search for our new home. While it had its challenges, I’m so glad we did it! I love the historic details that we were able to preserve, making it a special place to raise our children and our newest members of the family – Maf and Olie, two rescue mix beagles that are named after the family-owned boutique hotel and restaurant in Saint Thomas, the Mafolie, that we operate,” beamed Kasia.

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Photo by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

In May of this year, the Israels opened the house as the “Rehabilitation in Progress” for the Annual Historic Homes Tour hosted by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, giving the public the rare opportunity to see the house under construction. The Israels are once again opening their home to the public. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing transformation at the 2019 Showcase of Homes in September! (See page 72 for more information) For more information about the New York State Historic Homeowner Tax Credits visit SaratogaPreservation.org SS

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GLASS in a New Light WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN, PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

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lass…it is believed to have existed as early as 3500BC in Egypt and Eastern Mesopotamia… more so as jewels and royal objects.

However, by 1200 BC the Egyptians learned to press glass into molds… and we all know that over the many centuries, we can now live in a glass house. Glass can be melted and blown into a vessel or beautiful artwork, shaped, colored with minerals or even made into tiles. The use of glass has become endless. But what if you could turn glass into stone?

Metal?…or even a multi-faceted illusion that is simply hiding your pasta or laundry behind closed doors?

Well, let me introduce you to Peter Klein, CEO of Precision Upstate in Scotia. Peter had a passion for owning a glass company. As the visionary behind 3D sonograms, Peter wanted to bring the world of high-resolution to printing on glass.

Printed glass is not a new technology, but Peter’s use of this expertise is the spark behind the revolutionary ideas that are being produced within the Capital Region today.

Precision Upstate will continue to craft custom glass panels but now consumers have the option of one-upping clear glass to anything their hearts desire.

Let me explain.

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I toured Peter’s Saratoga home and had the pleasure of seeing first hand how he used his printed glass to transform his rooms with unique art, illuminated doors and large glass panels that added drama and luxury while saving the expense of costly installations. Take for instance his glass closet doors printed with travertine. With LED lights within, the closet doors have the ability to change to any color of the rainbow. Now try getting real travertine to do that! But look even closer… do you see the beautiful book matched onyx stone over the fireplace? Yes, it is printed glass! Even up close, it is hard to see the dots that make up this life sized, slab-like splendor.

The installation is as simple as adding a top and bottom rail to the wall and sliding in your view of choice! Want to make a change? Simply have the printed image wiped clean and use the same glass panel again! This is known as the UV Cured Process whereby the ink is printed on the glass with panel sizes as large as 48” x 96.” It’s great for backsplashes, doors, countertops and endless possibilities where you would like to introduce a creative spark instead of the expected! For instance, in Peter’s laundry room/half bath, he hid his washer and dryer behind a panel printed with two images… stone as a backdrop with a horse bounding for the finish line in the foreground! His vanity area continues to exude the theme of Saratoga by incorporating a grass countertop with stone base and back wall. The window above is the mirror…Very clever, Peter!

Around the corner is a sliding door, printed in stone once again, which hides the pantry beyond! The effortless glow from within the storage area softly illuminates the back hallway while introducing any visitors to his spectacular wine room nestled behind an intricate “wrought iron” printed glass wall.

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From the hallway, the barreled ceiling and neatly stacked bottles of fermented grapes are on display for all to see. This process is known as Ceramic Ink Printing Process. The difference is the ink is baked into the glass, embedded for a lifetime. It will never fade or wash off and can be installed outside without worry.

The details are impeccable… incorporate your favorite sport team logos or photos onto the front panels of your man cave cabinets, replicate priceless stained glass, watch a dramatic waterfall into your shower, or craft an outdoor privacy wall full of luscious blooms and arbors that allows the light into your sitting area while keeping adjacent neighbors at bay. The possibilities are endless!

So, what area of your home or business needs some “life”?

Dream…

Wish…

Then call Precision Upstate, where “Glass is beautiful when done with Precision.” SS

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Bio-Fusion Design’s own project inspector Emily.

AQUA-

INCREDIBLE! WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

Renovations on a public 600 gallon Wine Bottle Aquarium System included adding a live reef rock wall system utilizing Bio Fusion Designs Coral Crete™ custom rock wall grid system and massive live rock branches.

Transform your outdoor living space by incorporating water elements with a purpose.

The soothing sounds and beautiful movement of water features can turn unused outdoor space into the focal point of your garden.

“The key thing we strive for is to produce the most naturallooking displays possible - no matter the project size,” said Eric Czerw, owner of Bio-Fusion Designs.

ROUSING NATURE’S NUANCES Experts in ponds, water gardens, waterfalls, water features and natural water systems management, Bio-Fusion Designs’ attention to detail enables them to incorporate a new water element cohesively into your existing landscape.

Water and nature blend harmoniously with an artful placement of winter-hardy aquatic life, marginal plants, and native vegetation.

Designing a vast array of different garden styles is achieved by varying the mixture of stones used with custom-cut or cored stone pieces, and with quality industry products best suited for the application.

A natural pond and waterfall ecosystem complete with unique elements such as bog style filtration, choice pieces of driftwood, and custom addition of a turtle crossing sign for the turtles that visit this natural oasis.

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Integrating a variety of drainage, filtration, and rainharvesting systems enables your personal water oasis to be fed and cleaned from the bounty of resources already naturally flowing to you.

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“Due to the unique and original nature of every outdoor space – how water is incorporated can vary so much,” said Czerw.

WATER, WATER, ANYWHERE Waterfalls are a great option for those who want to watch and listen to the trickling, gurgling, and splashing of cascading water.

A natural pond or water garden with unique plants and hand-picked fish, infuses movement and personality into the aquatic environment. Certain selections will A custom concrete structure created to accommodate a waterfall fire curtain entice wildlife into your private garden paradise. and coordinated LED lighting system to complement the existing swimming Fun touches, like a decorative birdbath, can act as a cool sanctuary for your neighborhood’s avian visitors.

pool lighting.

Have the best of both worlds by enjoying the natural look of a pond that also functions as a swimming area.

Already have a swimming pool? Add drama with flowing water effects.

“We have worked on both natural and contemporary designs to add water and fire features into swimming pools. One way we help people decide on the direction they may want to take their project is to guide them on tours of similar completed projects,” said Czerw.

DRINKING STRAIGHT FROM THE FOUNTAINHEAD Bio-Fusion Designs takes a true in-person approach to the business of water features and water gardens.

From visualization, to installation and maintenance, they work with you to achieve the desired results.

For 12 years, they’ve offered free delivery of all live items and supplies from their private aquaculture & landscape facility, and beginning in 2020, people will be able to stop into Bio-Fusions Designs’ new Saratoga County location to for individualized advice and to browse their selection.

With an extensive background in both local and tropical species, Czerw backs up what he builds with an aquatic education that will give you a new insight into what’s happening below the surface of your water features.

His deep knowledge of biological science and conservation come together in his outdoor designs but are also an integral part of the unique themed aquariums that he has become famous for.

“They really have that ‘WOW’ factor,” he said.

Bio-Fusions Designs custom aquarium construction, renovation, and maintenance services bring a whole new underwater world right to your fingertips.

Currently working on an exciting interactive public aquarium that will draw people in to explore new sensory experiences, Bio-Fusions Designs is raising the level of how water can enrich our lives.

For more information, go to Bio-FusionDesigns.com

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A smaller scale deck-side swim pond with integrated filtration system.

Custom rainwater collection container and birdbath.

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TIME BANDIT WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

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hen it’s in a location this good, you do whatever it takes to make an old house new again.

In an esteemed location - across from High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs - a house, built in 1892, has been remodeled into two luxury condos.

“It’s in a very incredible location and the bones of this property were in good shape, so we brought it back to life. We wanted to make an old building conducive to today’s technologies and construction standards,” said

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David Gadomski, owner of DSG Construction.

After sitting vacant for a decade, this was no easy task.

The remodel took more than a year to complete.

“It’s a time bandit,” he said.

The fruits of all that labor however, are easy to see.

“It’s not an old house any longer. Everything is new, new, new,” said Mary Lou Pinckney, Associate Real Estate Broker at Select Sotheby’s International Realty.

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

FROM THE GROUND UP

High Rock Park is home to five of the marvelous mineral water springs that make Saratoga famous.

To get this project off the ground the entire house was literally picked up off the ground.

“I drank it all summer. The water here is unbelievable! You’re literally in the hub of the Springs in the city,” said Gadomski.

Hoisting it up and digging deeper down provided enough room for the now finished basement’s 8-foot ceilings.

The park’s trees, flowers, and grassy areas are also home to the city’s impressive 9/11 memorial and its thriving farmers’ market.

“The location is such that you can literally walk to anything in town – restaurants, shops, the racetrack is only a mile away. You’re living an urban lifestyle, yet in a house with the feeling of being in a suburban neighborhood,” said Pinckney.

The structure’s original old-growth timbers are still visible in spots, but gone are the dozens of old horseshoes and antique bottles that were unearthed during the excavation.

The dangerous knob-and-tube wiring was replaced, new water lines run, dual furnaces and air conditioning units installed for reliable temperature control throughout the home.

From the street, the two floors of bay windows, additional front porch entrances and changed roof lines completely transfigure the look of the building.

“We wanted to give the face of this property some character,” said Gadomski.

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RADIANT NEW WELCOME The condos’ green James Hardie exterior siding is complemented by the porch’s Trex Transcend composite decking and rails. Virtually maintenance-free, this weatherresistant long-lasting exterior will keep giving off a great first impression for years to come.

Walking through the front door keeps that good feeling going with a sunsoaked greeting room space that has a comfortable window seat set along an entire wall.

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The open floor plan makes it hard to choose a favorite spot however, as the bright living room, with its pleasing fireplace, also vies for your attention.

That is, if you can peel your eyes away from the custom woodwork throughout. The captivating recessed ceilings, window moldings, and arched entranceway all signal that you’re in for something special.

“We went ballistic with the custom woodwork in this place. I like dimension and diversity,” said Gadomski.

DRENCHED IN LIGHT Windows are everywhere, illuminating the kitchen’s granite surfaces (from Granite & Marble Works) and a set of GE Monogram premium stainlesssteel appliances.

The central chimney’s original brickwork has been left exposed on all three floors of this house, framing and preserving its historical texture in today’s sleek new world.

“It’s killer – everybody loves it,” said Gadomski.

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Step through the kitchen’s double French doors onto a screened back porch full of historic Old Saratoga charm to look out into the lush Kentucky blue grass lawn installed by Saratoga Sod Farm.

Travel up the open staircase (which replaces the outdated switchback stairs that were originally here) to the home’s three bedrooms, complete with ensuite baths. On the third floor, a Yoga Loft with a unique triangular window, has been carved out of previously unusable space.

“We maximized everything we could. We went through this thing – stem to stern.

Being able to preserve this house for another 150 years is pretty cool,” said Gadomski.

The High Rock Condos at 116 & 118 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs are being sold for $850,000 each.

For more information, go to SelectSothebysRealty.com SS 154 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2019

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

HELLO MY FOODIE FRIENDS! Well it’s September and you know what that means. No, it’s not just John and Paula’s birthday month, it is Apple time in New York.

Wow, apple pies, apple sauce, apple turnovers, apple juice and cider and simply… apples!

I was reminiscing with my wife the other day, remembering one special time that long ago in the month of September my brothers and I had.

It was the great army tent camp out and apple raid. We grew up in your typical baby boomer neighborhood of 4.7 kids per household. I was age eight and my brothers were seven and six respectively.

We had just moved to the neighborhood and were hoping to make friends with the other kids. My dad who still had ties to his army buddies, went out and bought an army surplus tent. But this wasn’t just any tent, it was huge.

It made the tents on the TV show M*A*S*H look tiny. So, we begged our dad for a campout and… “could we invite some of our new friends from the neighborhood?” He said “sure,” so we proceeded to invite every little boy in the neighborhood. However, there was one requirement; you had to have a bike.

One particular evening at about dusk, there was a convoy of little boys on bikes with their

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sleeping bags and pillows. My parents were a little overwhelmed when about fifteen little boys of various ages ranging from five to eight years old arrived at the Reardon household doorstep. My parents had to ask each little boy for their phone number to speak to their parents to make sure it was okay with them to spend the evening at our home. We all bunked in side-by-side in the tent and we fit with ease. I was the oldest by two months, so my dad said; “you’re in charge, and I don’t want any shenanigans from you kids.” Later, when my dad left, I looked at my army and said; “Oh boy are we going to have fun!” A half mile away, was the biggest apple orchard in town.

We waited until we knew everyone was asleep. You see, I had a plan. I told all the boys to take the pillow cases off of their pillows and we were going on a raid to get apples.

Now, some of the younger ones were very afraid so we said if you don’t want to go, you can stay here and we will be back soon. We got on our bikes, wrapped our pillow cases around our necks, and headed out for the local orchard. When we got there, we all started quietly picking apples. We had our pillow cases about half full when one of the boys, I think it was Johnny Babbs or Karl Sobie, started yelling there was a dog, and somebody was coming.

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Pillow cases started to get dropped and I yelled out “run for it, lets get to the bikes!” We urgently took off for home. I held on to my apples because I didn’t want to let them go. We giggled when we got back until we finally fell asleep. The next day, word of the apple raid got out. My mom demanded that my brothers and I return the apples and apologize to the owner of the apple orchard. It was the longest bike ride of our lives. We rode onto his farm and knocked on his door. An “old” man answered the door or at least I thought he was old, but he was probably 45.

We told him that we were sorry, and we returned the apples and that we meant no harm. He was not a happy farmer. He told us that this is how he fed his family and that when you took his apples you were taking from his family’s table. His dog came out to greet us also; it was a small dog but seemed big to us at the time. He let us go and said don’t do it again. To the rest of the kids in the neighborhood, we were heroes because they didn’t have to go back and apologize. The story of that raid is still told today when we get together.

This story of apples leads to the fun gadgets that you can use for your apple pleasures. A tool that can help with making apple pies is the Apple Peeler.

The Apple Peeler will peel, slice, and core at the same time, by simply turning the crank handle. It is the perfect kitchen tool for all varieties of apples and a great time saver. The Apple Peeler combines three steps into one. Place an apple on the fork, turn the handle and let the Apple Peeler do the work for you. The stainless-steel blades will peel, slice and core the apple as the handle turns. The result is even, 1/4" slices that are ready to eat, dehydrate or use in a recipe. The adjustable peeling blade will cut as much or as little of the peel as you'd like.

The peeling blade can also be removed completely if non-peeled slices are desired. The all-in-one slicing and coring blade can also be removed when peeling potatoes. The tension on the peeling arm is controlled by a spring so it conforms to the shape of the apple or potato giving you a perfect peel every time. The durable, cast iron body is longer than other peelers to better handle larger apples or potatoes.

The convenient suction base mounts to any smooth, non-porous surface, allowing it to be used even when counter space is scarce.

This fall season, Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place for an assortment of apple tools, pie plates, and cool tools to assist with your autumnal creations.

Our children are the apple of our eyes. Have fun picking apples and making beautiful family memories together. Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”

Take care, John

and Paula.

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Apple Crisp Ingredients For the crumb topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon dash of salt 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces For the Apple filling: 3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced 3 Tablespoons butter, melted 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 3 Tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon dash of salt For serving (optional Vanilla Ice Cream Caramel Sauce Instructions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. For the topping: • In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.

For the Apple Filling: • Use an Apple Peeler to peel and slice the apples all at once. It makes the process a lot faster!

• In a small bowl, combine melted butter and flour until well blended. Add lemon juice, milk and vanilla and stir well. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

• Pour butter mixture over apples and toss to coat. Pour apple mixture into an 8x8-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.

• Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and top is set.

• Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

• Serve with some caramel sauce on it and (optional?)

Vanilla Ice Cream. SS

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ENTERTAINING HI, I’M JODIE FITZ!

Made Easy!

YUM! This NO BAKE, NO CHURN Maple Ice Cream is easy to make and an absolute delight to serve. You know how I love recipes that are scrumptious but save time in the kitchen!

The phyllo dough bowl adds just the right crunch to the entire layer of flavor, and although this ice cream is delicious all by itself, it’s even more perfect with a drizzle of fresh maple syrup on top and fresh blueberries to finish it off.

The perfect recipe for dessert – anytime of year!

Maple Ice Cream 1 cup whipping cream 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk ¼ cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Whip together the whipping cream, maple syrup and vanilla extract until it’s stiff like a whipped cream. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk.

Freeze the ice cream in the freezer overnight.

Phyllo Cups Phyllo dough Canola oil Muffin tin

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the layered phyllo dough into 2” x 4” strips. You will need three to four of the cut layered strips for each muffin shell.

Baste the muffin tin cups. Lay the strips into each cup by crisscrossing them to fill and form a phyllo cup.

Baste the phyllo cup lightly with canola oil.

Bake the cups for 5- 7 minutes; until lightly browned. Let them cool & serve with a scoop of the maple ice cream and optional garnish.

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at JodieFitz.com and Facebook.com/ jodiefitzcooks, or check out my new cook books available on my website!

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A FARMERS’ MARKET

café of chefs

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE

S

aturday morning at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has come to mean more than a hot cup of coffee and a bag filled with products fresh from our local farms. The market is also becoming a venue for small locally based food makers who prepare a wide assortment of dishes that can be eaten on the spot or taken home.

sausage or ham, and cheese with toasted English muffins. The sandwiches became wildly popular and remain so today.

You’ll find these “chefs” each Saturday at the north end of the market at High Rock Park, encircling picnic tables.

As the market bell rings, they fire up their burners, start whirring blenders and begin making their meals. Within minutes, the air fills with the scents of egg and sausage breakfast sandwiches, veggie and cheese filled crepes, lightly seasoned moussaka, lasagna, rice balls, gyros, masala dosa and more.

Armin Hrelja, owner of Euro Delicacies, joined the market in 2013, offering such Mediterranean entrees as moussaka, spanakopita, and chicken pile. Other vendors gradually followed, and when the city of Saratoga Springs added a walkway between the market pavilions and the open area on the north end, the market found space to expand the number of prepared food vendors significantly.

Market goers sit at the picnic tables, and enjoy a breakfast, a lunch, or a snack, as musicians perform. After the meal ends, they continue to go through the market, purchasing produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, and other items for meals to be prepared at home.

The philosophy of incorporating prepared food vendors into the market has evolved over the years. For more than a decade, Beth Trattel of Something’s Brewing offered coffee and a few pre-made foods. Other vendors sold such items as cider donuts, cookies and pies, and tamales to be warmed up at home.

The goal then was grab-and-go. Now, it is sit down and stay.

Beginning in 2012, Arnold Grant of M&A Farm began offering breakfast sandwiches consisting of eggs,

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At about that time, the market association’s board began pondering how to create more of a community feel, and after looking at the success that other markets were having with prepared food vendors, decided to give it a try.

Today’s market includes chefs of Turkish, Indian, Jordanian, and Italian descent. Many are immigrants to the United States, as the accompanying stories show.

Cooking and selling the foods of their homelands at the market has created an economic outlet for them as well as a means to share some of their favorite recipes with market goers.

“They create a sense of community that strengthens the market,” says Saratoga Farmers’ Market administrator Emily Meagher. “The fact that we now have so many different cuisines and so many different nationalities represented is amazing. It’s an opportunity for people to see what the Saratoga area has to offer, all in one place.”

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GIOVANNI FRESCO:

Taking a risk to realize a dream WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE

G

iovanni Casanica and his wife Francesca grew up in the province of Rieti in a city near Rome. They loved their lives in Rieti but worried that the state of Italy’s economy would mean few opportunities for young adults such as them.

Casanica’s parents had moved to the Saratoga area a few years earlier. One summer, he and Francesca came to visit them. They fell in love with the area, went home and thought about where they wanted to be in ten years.

The answer was running their own business, living in a nice small home, and having some kids. The next question was where to realize this dream.

“It was difficult for us to admit, but it was not Rieti,” says Casanica. “We decided to take a gamble and move here.”

From that decision, their Italian food business Giovanni Fresco LLC was born.

“Fresco in Italian means fresh,” says Casanica, “and that’s what we do. We make small homemade daily batches of fresh authentic Italian food.”

The Casanicas joined the Saratoga Farmers’ Market in 2018, where they offer both ready-to-eat and frozen dishes that are based on recipes handed down from Francesca’s grandmother as well as her own passion for cooking. They are known particularly for their different varieties of lasagna, arancini (fried rice balls), and tiramisu. They also take part in the Spa City Market on Sundays, and during the summers

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they roll out, cut, and cook fresh pasta Thursday nights at the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. They also have begun catering for small parties, weddings and fundraisers.

Casanica had worked in restaurants in the past. He bolstered this experience with cooking classes and an internship with a cheese maker where he learned to make mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino Romano and other cheeses.

For them, farmers’ markets are an ideal venue for building a business on a limited budget. While markets present challenges with unpredictable weather and shifts in what customers might want to eat from week to week, they also give them a chance to showcase their offers to a big crowd.

“We enjoy chatting with our customers and sharing stories,” Casanica says. “I don’t think you can have that kind of an interaction anywhere else.”

The Casanicas obtain many of their fresh ingredients from market vendors and other local sources while remaining true to the flavors, recipes, and techniques of cooking that define their home province of Italy. The fact that so many regulars at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market know and appreciate the authenticity of their foods fills them with gratitude for making the decision to emigrate.

“It’s never simple to leave your home, your friends, your family, your country,” says Casanica. “But we are growing so much with our business and we are so grateful for all the people that are making our journey to pursue our dreams more realistic each day.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

S

abreen Samman came to the United States from Jordan nearly two decades ago. She worked in a variety of office jobs while nurturing a desire to cook and to feed others.

She fulfills that passion today at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market by offering pita pockets that are stuffed with a variety of meat and vegetable fillings.

The pockets are reminiscent of a street food that is popular in Jordan and other parts of the Mediterranean. Samman brings her own family recipes to the dish for a personal touch.

“I enjoy seeing the look on people’s faces as they are trying the food that I make,” she says. “It is very rewarding.”

Samman has named her business Petra Pita Pockets after her favorite city in Jordan. She began offering her foods at the Saratoga and Spa City markets in 2018 and has kept the business purposefully small.

PETRA PITA POCKETS:

Flavors of the Mediterranean WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE

“Growing up in Jordan, learning to make family recipes and wanting to share the food of my culture with people of this area inspired me to get into the food business,” she says.

Her first effort, however, exposed her to one aspect of foodmaking that often deters others: Long hours and very hard work.

In 2014, she opened a small Middle Eastern restaurant with a friend. “Although I enjoyed cooking, working the long hours was very hard for me to handle. I decided to give that up but at the same time I wanted to continue to make food on a smaller scale for others to enjoy.”

Selling prepared foods at the farmers’ market is helping her achieve an ideal balance between pursuing her passions to cook and not burning out.

Visitors to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market can find Samman at the north end of the market, standing behind tables covered with green and white checkered cloths and neat rows of serving trays filled with her products. Each tray is labeled with the product and its ingredients, and Samman makes an effort to position the pita pockets so that customers can see the fillings inside.

“This adds to the visual appeal, and gives customers a better idea of what I am offering,” she says.

For Samman, the farmers’ market is more than a venue for business. It also is a space for making friends and interacting with others. She also believes that businesses like hers strengthen that sense of community by adding ethnic diversity to the market, which in turns attracts more visitors. “Many people seem to be very interested in trying different foods as well as learning more about the areas they represent,” she says.

As for herself, she adds, “I enjoy the opportunity of meeting and interacting with a lot of nice and interesting people, some of who have become personal friends.”

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MANGIAMO:

Pasta cut on the spot WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE

R

ose Contadino grew up in Stamford, Connecticut in a family of five girls. Her parents and grandparents were immigrants from the Calabria region of Italy, and each Sunday after church the family would gather around a large pasta board to roll out dough and cut pasta.

Contadino replicates that practice now on Saturdays at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

She started her business, which is called Mangiamo, in 2018 after seeing a need for authentic, homemade Italian food in Saratoga. Over the past year, she has gained a loyal clientele who visit her table each week and has begun providing pasta to two restaurants in downtown Saratoga Springs. She offers fettuccine, angel hair, and pappardelle at the market, along with ravioli -often filled with produce she obtains from other vendors.

“The Saratoga Farmers’ Market was where it all began,” says Contadino. “I thought I would begin with fresh pasta and see how it was received.”

Part of what attracts market goers to Mangiamo is Contadino’s style. She arrives at the market with dough prepared in advance at a commercial kitchen, her pasta board and pasta machine. As the market opens, she begins rolling out dough and cutting pasta, much as she would do so at home.

“It was important to me that my table was an extension of being at home,” she says.

The pasta cutter belonged to her grandmother, and the board was made by her father. “So, my family is with me,” she says. “Making pasta and eating pasta is all about family.”

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Creating that sense of family at an outdoor venue such as the market does carry some challenges. Heat, humidity, rain, and extreme dryness all have an effect on how the pasta dries or stays moist. Contadino manages these challenges by keeping the cut pasta protected with semolina, under mesh covers, and if necessary, in coolers.

Nevertheless, Contadino enjoys the market and feels that offering pasta cut fresh has helped provide the Saratoga area with something that was not widely available in the past.

“I have regular customers now,” she says. “They come and get pasta every week. People come with recipes and they are excited about cooking pasta. It’s great. It keeps them coming back.”

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DAILY FRESH:

Indian curries and more

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETTE

T

he story of how Sathya Raghavan and Sneha Narayanan met is almost as tantalizing as the Indian foods they serve

“Our goal is to introduce people to vegetarian foods, and to convey a message that vegetarian food is good,” says Raghavan.

As Raghavan tells it, Narayanan was a commerce student in the Indian town of Coimbatore in 2006. She was riding in a bus that got involved in an accident. The bus driver abruptly braked and Narayan, who was near the door, fell out. Raghavan just happened to be in the area on his motorbike and hurried over to help.

The dishes at Daily Fresh change every week. They generally include a curry, a plant or dairy based protein, a mixed vegetable offering, and a few snacks.

The two discovered that they were both from the same Indian city of Chennai and quickly became friends.

Raghavan moved to the United States in 2008 to study.

They married in 2010, and as he was pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, Narayanan began cooking for crowds.

Daily Fresh started as a lunch delivery service for employees of GE and Global Foundries. It made its debut at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on June 2. Raghavan and Narayanan remember that morning as pure chaos. They had underestimated the time it would take to prepare their foods and travel to the market. They arrived late and were unsure what to do.

“All the students, all of our friends would gather at our house to eat Sneha’s food,” Raghavan says. “We hosted more than a hundred parties. That laid the basis for what we do now.”

Their business is called Daily Fresh. It features Indian vegetarian dishes prepared fresh each morning for market.

Narayanan wakes up at 2:30 a.m. and prepares each of her market offerings at a commercial kitchen in Schenectady.

The couple then transports the food to Saratoga and quickly sets up their booth. As the lines form, Raghavan takes orders and Narayanan fills the plates. She also makes hot chapatis (an Indian flat bread) and dosas (a crepe-like food with a savory filling) on the spot.

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“Our idea is to provide a full meal, from appetizer to desert,” Raghavan says. “So, such foods as our dosa, samosas, and our fruit custards are staples now.”

“Nobody knew us, and we left with a lot of food,” Raghavan says. “We felt pretty down.”

In the following week, however, Raghavan recalls, “A man who introduced himself as a local chef told us he had bought our food the previous week. He said, ‘It was the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted and that if you opened a restaurant, I would eat there three or four times a week.’

Hearing that really lifted our spirits.”

Now, the couple has found almost instant success.

Raghavan and Narayanan quickly built a loyal customer base. Lines form as they warm up their food, and by the end of the market they have usually sold out.

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Home Steading

A

101

homesteader strives for maximum selfsufficiency in order to reduce reliance on others for the basic needs of food, shelter and energy.

Homesteading skills are piquing the interest of many people who are trying to be more selfsufficient and want to be closer to the land and provide real, unadulterated food for themselves and their family.

This is a series of articles on homesteading topics

by Cornell Cooperative Extension staff; Jessica Holmes, Master Gardener Educator, Ashley Keatley, Agriculture Educator and Diane Whitten, Food & Nutrition Educator.

Our articles will focus on gardening, raising chickens and other livestock, plus home food preservation, cooking from scratch, and more skills for homesteaders. Cornell Cooperative Extension offers classes, a list of upcoming events can be found at cceSaratoga.org, where you can also contact our educators.

You can take homesteading to the degree you want to, by learning new skills. Some people will want to jump right in, but most people develop their skills and change their lifestyle over time.

Make no mistake about it, homesteading is a lifestyle that’s work intensive, but very rewarding.

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PREPARING YOUR GARDEN

for Winter

WRITTEN BY JESSICA HOLMES, MASTER GARDENER COORDINATOR WARREN COUNTY, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR SARATOGA COUNTY, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

W

arm weather and summer are slowly coming to an end and fall is right around the corner with winter approaching.

I bet everyone is excited for below freezing temperatures and snow, right? Probably not, but gardeners need to remember they have a lot to do in the fall to prepare their plant beds for the cold months ahead. Most of us hunker down and stay inside our homes. Our plants in the garden do this in their own way by saving up energy to come back again in the spring. Preparation in the gardens for fall includes checking pH of the soil, watering, fertilizing, cutting perennials down, planting bulbs and more!

It is a good idea to recheck your pH, as pH can take many months or years to adjust depending on how far out of line it has become. During the cooler months is when we can apply sulfur. This does need warm soil to react; the ground temperatures need to be over 45 degrees and under 80 degrees for sulfur to work properly. Lime can be applied anytime as long as the soil is not frozen. It is wise to consciously think about this to amend to the correct pH and get ready for the next growing season. Vegetable gardens’ ideal range is from a pH of 5.8-6.3 while perennial beds range from 6.2-6.8.

Late summer, early fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. Fall is the best time to plant rather than spring because there likely won’t be stress from hot temperatures. Plant between late August until mid-October; remember even though the temperatures will start getting cooler, you need to continue watering until the ground has frozen. Check the ground’s moisture level six to eight inches down into the soil with a spade or a stick to determine if you need to water. This is most important for newly planted plants, but it is still smart to check your established plants. During the fall, the plants are taking up water and storing them in the roots to get through the winter months and ready for spring.

Cleaning up your garden beds by taking out debris and diseased leaves will be beneficial to your plants’ health. This removes any chance of disease and pests overwintering in them. The same goes for weeds; keep you beds weeded until the first few frosts.

Although many people are very eager to get out in the garden and cut everything down in September and October, don’t do it! Wait to cut perennials down saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

until two to three frosts have passed, when they become dormant. Only cut two to three inches above the crown, you don’t want to cut too low because this can cause injury to the plant. Most perennials don’t actually need to be cut down until early spring.

It all depends on how you want your garden to look aesthetically. Many perennials have beautiful winter appearances, such as ornamental grasses, sedum, hellebores, ferns, coral bells and an array of others.

Leaving perennials as is helps provide shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects. As for shrubs, the majority should be cut back in the spring or summer depending on the flower time and shrub.

Avoid pruning shrubs in the fall as it allows them to set buds, continue growth and save energy to get ready for the winter months. Shrubs like hydrangeas can keep their flowers for added texture to your winter garden. You can also add organic material such as leaves, lawn clippings, compost or mulch to your garden beds to give an extra layer of insulation. Make sure that it is no more than three inches thick or this can suffocate the plants’ root system. This is ideal for borderline hardy perennials, such as plants that are Zone 5, which cannot take winter temperatures under negative twenty degrees.

The month of October is a great time to save seeds from your perennials. You can also do this with your annuals before they are done for the season. Make sure to dry out the seeds completely and store in a cool dry place or a refrigerator. Just remember if you are taking seeds from a hybrid plant that it may not be the same as its parent.

Lastly, don’t forget to plant your spring bulbs in the fall! Some spring bulbs include, but are not limited to… tulips, daffodils, crocus, and dahlias. Make sure your bulbs are healthy before planting by making sure they are firm. If they are soft, they shouldn’t be used. Plant the bulbs at a depth of at least twice the size of the bulb and remember to plant before the first frost. The ideal time would be September through early November.

Enjoy the last of the summer and fall days to come, because with a blink of an eye winter will be here. The snow will be falling and we will be patiently waiting to see the colors of spring once again in our gardens.

For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at 518-885-8995. SS FALL 2019 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 165

Colleens Picks ’

A carefully curated selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS to add

an Autumnal touch to your home!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

My, my, my... is it Showcase of Homes Season already!?! How fortunate are we to live in Saratoga! We had the perfect summer, we live near the best horse racing track in the country and we can enjoy live concerts at SPAC to boot!...Add to that an outstanding collection of builders with Showcase Homes to view for three weekends in a row throughout September!...There’s no place like Saratoga Springs!

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

A lovely drive in the country is a must during the early fall season! If you’re out near Ballston Lake, stop in at the LAKESIDE FARM YE OLDE FARMHOUSE GIFT SHOPPE for unique ideas like these Locally Hand Painted Town Signs! Sift through their large assortment of colors and towns… If you can’t find your town, they’ll make it for you…you can even choose the colors! Be sure to scour the entire store for fabulous fall garnishing’s like these Hand Dried & Carved Gourds by Meadowbrook Gourds. OMG…Isn’t that little winking pumpkin the cutest thing ever? Pair him with a few of the other irresistible options like the Dapper Cat and Multi-Colored Ghost to create an autumn feel right from the farm lands!

These one-of-a-Kind pieces are going quick so stop in to pick up a few for your home before they’re all gone!!

I’m serious!...And you all know how much I L.O.V.E. my wine… I couldn’t resist buying these two signs from Primitive by Cathy…I love leaning on friends & cooking with wine is the best…Well, drinking the wine while I cook… As my sister Cathy says…”It’s the Cook’s Wine!” Cheers!

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So, as you peruse through each of these homes, what do you focus on? The kitchen or bath layouts? The color palette, the lighting or do you love to see what’s hot for decorating into 2020? Whatever your reason is for attending, it will leave you dreaming of new ideas for your own home...and yes hubbies, a list of “honey-does” before you step one foot back into your own home.

It’s all good! So many creative ideas to inspire and awaken the mind as we begin the count down to a new year! And I can help with YOUR decorating after shopping throughout the Saratoga area for great decor as we head into the fall season! Strap on your Showcase shoes and let’s discover where you can go to find your own show stopping decor!

LAKESIDE FARM YE OLDE FARMHOUSE GIFT SHOPPE

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake 518.399.2198 • LakesideFarmsCiderMill.com

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With a short drive further into the country, I had to stop at PATTERSONVILLE FURNITURE where they just received this new Veralux Amish Bedroom Set. Hand crafted of cherry with walnut accents, this queen bed, chifforobe, night stand & dresser with mirror would be a fabulous addition to your home for either the master suite or large guest room! With leaf peeping just around the corner, your home will once again be filled with travelers coming north to see the spectacular changes Mother Nature has in store for us all…Like fire crackers on trunk! (fall) And if you need a new table to sit all your friends at for a warm cup of chili, be sure to look for this new Reclaimed Oak Table Top with Custom Painted Apron & Legs. Made by Door County Furniture, this Amish crafted piece is available in a variety of paint colors for the legs which you can mix and match with an assortment of hardwood chairs found throughout the showroom floor. Be sure to see the store owner, Greg Welsh, to find your best option!

Did you go into ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE on Route 9 in Ballston Spa after the last Colleen’s Picks? Well, many of you did because all the items I highlighted have been sold! Now that’s what I like to see! It was simply all too charming! But if you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend you head over there for a peak! Upon arrival, my eyes immediately spied these wooden pieces just inside the door to the right…

I love a striking paisley printed fabric… timeless…So bonus…I found these Paisley Fabric Printing Blocks Repurposed into a Bottle Opener!

The designer in me just wants to take them all…but I didn’t…I left some for you!

Just above were these Reclaimed Dough Bowls from India.

With a soft white wash, the wood grain exudes stunning depth, texture and warmth! Use it for food serving or just as a piece on its own in the center of your table filled with cloth napkins and silverware. Simple comfort! Want something a bit larger as a focal point in a hallway or your half bath? Check out this Mirror framed in Repurposed Brick Mold Pieces…talk about a conversation piece!!! Each of these pieces are hand made with no two alike…house numbers, parts of names, so fascinating...

I’m telling you, follow those footprints into Allerdice in Malta and find this little shop before they are sold out!

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PATTERSONVILLE FURNITURE

1664 Main St, Pattersonville 518.887.2741 • PattersonvilleFurniture.net

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE

2570 Route 9, Malta • 518.899.6222 allerdice.com/divisions/accents-at-allerdice

PATTERSONVILLE FURNITURE

1664 Main St, Pattersonville 518.887.2741 • PattersonvilleFurniture.net

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Colleens ’ Picks

Oh wait, one more special find…as a new puppy mom, I was drawn to this “My Therapist Dog Pillow”… my puppy, Ana (whom you all met last issue) has certainly filled my heart again with joy! Even the magazine editor, Chris Bushee, has Ana’s pic on her phone as my contact photo…

Puppies rule hands down! And the Bar/Kitchen Towel was just too adorable to leave out!

Okay, back to home furnishings… focus Colleen… wait ‘til you see what I found at SPORTS PAGE in Glens Falls…They have Fire Tables for your fall dining pleasure! Their Woodard Cortland Collection comes in a Chat height (36” high like a countertop) 60” x 70” table with a stunning fire pit within the center filled with black metallic glass beads! This table is paired with 8 counter height swivel chairs in a sling material that does not require any cushions. Want a standard table height? This Telescope Slatted Fire Table is 42” x 84” and pairs well with any standard dining chair. The central fire pit is surrounded by a clear glass enclosure which magnifies the splendor of the flames while keeping them in check with kids and breezy evenings. Be sure to ask about all the accessories available for each of these tables. Now all you need is to fill your propane tank and enjoy your back yard picnics in the crisp fall air!

Just down the street at FURNITURE HOUSE in Glens Falls I spotted this Hancock & Moore Braiding Chair upholstered in a Hair on Hide Zebra on a High Sheen Java Finished Frame. The details were striking …a slim profile contrasted with java leather gimping around the seat and leather strapping highlighting the edge of the chair back crowned with well-spaced nail heads! All I can say is…It speaks for itself! Discover your wild side this fall!

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE

2570 Route 9, Malta • 518.899.6222 allerdice.com/divisions/accents-at-allerdice

SPORTS PAGE

138 Quaker Road, Queensbury 518.792.1304 • SportsPageSki.com

FURNITURE HOUSE

1060 State Route 9, Queensbury 518.798.0133 • TheFurnitureHouseNY.com

SPORTS PAGE

138 Quaker Road, Queensbury 518.792.1304 • SportsPageSki.com

Looking to own a horse this year?...

I don’t mean a real one! Stop in at FINISHING TOUCHES off Exit 16 of the Northway to capture this stallion who’s ready to race home with you!

With a stature of 48” H x 60” L, this Handmade Teak Horse could easily grace a large entryway, occupy a corner in your main sitting area or prance the night away on your back patio throughout the Fall.

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He would need to be taken in for the winter but no one wants to be left out in the snow anyway! There’s only one, so saddle up this horse before he gallops off to another stable! If your looking for something just a little bit smaller yet still wooden, Finishing Touches has an array of natural wood cutting boards and trays. As a designer, my favorite undertaking is to design custom, handcrafted cabinets for my clients…so I appreciate the artistry in the variety of wood cuts and grains that go into creating these dramatic Larch Wood Cutting Boards…pick one, they’ll keep your guests looking over the details while they chop away assisting you in the kitchen! Yes, please use the cutting boards…AND…pick up some Larch Wood Cutting Board Conditioner to keep your wooden board from drying out!

And if you are like me, “Presentation is Everything”, pick up one of these Repurposed Wine Barrel Trays with pewter handles with a slight white wash finish which adds depth to the grain. Keep the tray looking it’s best when conditioned with the Provence Platter Bees Wax. A perfect combination as a gift… with…you guested it, a bottle of wine!

Before heading back to Saratoga, I stopped into DEHN’S GIFT SHOP, just off of Rowland Street in Ballston Spa, to see what fall items they have brought in for my readers!

We all love Accent Pillows, right? Whether you’re a “look, don’t touch” soul or a “Nap the day away” breed, you gotta have them! So, when I saw these Silhouette Hand Stenciled lovelies on canvas, I just had to share! Who can resist a good moose print or bear claw? And the “Relax” pillow just spoke to my inner being…well, maybe after a good yoga workout…focus….Have you ever wanted to hang a small something on your front porch but liked the idea of being able to change out the theme with the seasons? Well pick up an Arrow Hanger at Dehn’s and relish in all the interchangeable decorative figurines they have to make this accent piece your own. New to their collection this year is the battery-operated Wired Cage Light. Just enough light for the porch or rear patio without having to call an electrician! The darling Owl and Harvest Sign are perfect for the Fall season but come Spring…you better return to Dehn’s for a simple summer swap!

Alright, I think we need to talk lighting…interior design is for not without proper lighting. Never cheat on your lighting budget…plan for it! I always say a good lighting budget is 2% of the overall cost of the project. So, let me show you some the selections available at WOLBERG ELECTRIC on West Ave in Saratoga. One of my favorite lighting companies is Hubbardton Forge where their fixtures are designed and manufactured in neighboring Castleton VT. Known for its modern hand-forged fixtures, their dedication to crafting each piece speaks to my love of truly offering individualized selections to my clients. I have been very fortunate to be among the few designers who have toured the manufacturing plant and have seen first-hand how each piece is fired, hammered, formed and welded into existence. Take a look at their new piece, the Trove LED Sconce within the Synchronicity Collection.

Luxuriant, with jeweled lights and planes of black and brass metals, this artistic fixture features the Glaciarium Crystals created by Fredrickson Stallard for Swarovski!

This sconce is indoor damp rated so it would be a dramatic finale within a master Suite or bathroom. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

FINISHING TOUCHES

Exit 16 off I87, Wilton 518.584.1490 • FinishingTouchesHD.com

DEHN'S FLOWERS & GIFTS

180 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-1880 • DehnsFlowers.com

WOLBERG ELECTRIC

60 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.886.0446 • Wolberg.com

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Colleens ’ Picks

And what about this beautifully balanced ribbon fixture

by Kuzco appropriately named “Synergy”. Available in different finishes, this antique brass option features LED Lights incorporated into the piece at 3000 Kelvin with a soft white glow. A perfect piece of artwork at 34+” wide that hangs from the ceiling…don’t shy away from bending toward some modern elegance, just give in and enjoy it’s soft flowing form!

And lastly, why settle for one bulb when you can have this Six Light, Multi-Tiered Skye Light by Hinkley! Asymmetrical with a mid-century modern elegance, each off-centered globe features a fine brass detail while waterfalling into the next. With a finished height of 58” by 24” in width, this fixture would mesmerize the soul with a staircase descending around it!

Now we need some carpeting! CURTAINS & CARPET CONCEPTS just brought in the Godfrey Hirst Collection! Made of New Zealand wool, each collection consists of low pile and texture while adding years of beauty to any room! New Zealand wool is recognized around the world as the most highly regarded wools on the market. The higher the grade of wool, the stronger, longer, thinner, shinier, softer and whitest…allowing for a broad spectrum of color after dyeing. And if you are fond of natural fibers, the store is now featuring LoLoi Woven Sisal, Jute and Worsted Pillows. Each pillow is down-filled with a zipper enclosure for easy care.

Aren’t these deep rose pillows just beautiful…and those wool tassels! Pile them high on a simple sofa to add complexity, texture and warmth!

On Broadway, CELTIC TREASURES is truly a step into the United Kingdom featuring Celtic heritage as well as Scottish, Welsh, and official British soccer gear! If you seek authentic Celtic wares, this is the place to find Belleck Parian China, hand crafted since 1857. With egg shell delicacy, each piece in unique, with every handle, flower and brush stroke applied by hand in Ireland! This 6 mug Claddagh Collection is a tribute to the historical Claddagh…you know…the Celtic ring with a heart under a crown held by hands…representing love, friendship and Loyalty! A love story indeed, but that’s for another time… focus…I love pottery; bowls especially, so when I spotted the Nicholas Mosse Collection in Red, blue and green colorways, I had to inquire. Did you know each piece is handmade using a traditional sponging technique? Mix and match or buy a collection of your favorite color and pattern. Made to withstand the dishwasher too! Now I will need to book a trip to Ireland to see these beautiful factories for myself! Where is my travel agent’s contact info anyway!!!

CURTAINS & CARPET CONCEPTS

46 Marion Ave, Suite 7, Saratoga Springs 518.886.1389 • CurtainToCarpet.com

CELTIC TREASURES

456 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.583.9452 • CelticTreasures.com

THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE

445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.0689 • Facebook.com/DarkHorseSaratoga

Down the street at THE DARK HORSE you’ll find the Anniversary Print by Karin Vollkomer celebrating Saratoga’s tradition as the “Graveyard of Favorites”. There were only 150 copies made so take your lunch break and dash to pick up your print or framed copy while they’re still in town! Or grab one of these Lumbar Pillows featuring Upset Beating Man O War in 1919 at the Sanford Stakes!

It’s a great accent for a chair on your covered porch or the exclamation point at the bottom of a bed full of layered pillows! Grab one of these 6x18 inch pillows as a gift as well!

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Further down the street, IMPRESSIONS is featuring a Hand warmer Mug designed just for the upcoming cold season. The mugs come either right or left-handed and each piece is unique in the glazing and finished details. Buy an assortment for entertaining by the firepit or a cool morning by the lake with friends. And don’t forget to grab one of their performance Sherpa Blankets. Available in blue or rust, these water-resistant throws come with a carrying bag and are perfect for outdoor fun with friends and family!

If you’re into living green, quickly hop over to SILVERWOOD ANTIQUES to cozy up with one of these beautiful Equestrian-style Blankets made from up-cycled materials. With colors of red, green & gold hues, it naturally speaks to the upcoming fall season ahead! And don’t forget to pick up a few of these elegant Marble & Bark Frames.

Timeless with a rustic influence to showcase your autumnal photography in perfect style! Great for gifts too…a spectacular display to commemorate your leaf peeping adventures for 2019!

IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA

368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.0666 • ImpressionsSaratoga.com

SILVERWOOD ANTIQUES

398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.583.3600 • SilverwoodGalleries.com

Now, here’s a little final Showcase of Homes tease…

BENNINGTON FURNITURE in Glens Falls was chosen to decorate 3 of the homes this year. So, let’s take a look at some of the unique pieces they hand-picked to incorporate into these spaces. At the Bella location, the theme of this home is all about Family. Well what could be better than a Chalk Board Barn Door! This message center slides between the kitchen and the mudroom/command center of the home. Meetings, dinner menus and game schedules are at your fingertips…and its magnetized too!…Even the little ones can draw a picture to make Mom & Dad smile all day!

The McPadden home, which is decorated in a rustic style with a nod to the Saratoga, equestrian lifestyle, features a charming 32” Square Black & White Printed Photograph of two horses sweetly nuzzling together over the fireplace.

This pastoral selection is framed in a distressed wood and inlaid with a metal accent. An excellent choice for a Saratoga family home!

BENNINGTON FURNITURE

63 Quaker Rd, Queensbury, 518.636.3434 • BenningtonFurniture.com

Over at the Kodiak House, the first floor in-law bedroom features a stunning Universal Iron Bed. Detailed with a central quatrefoil, the headboard and footboard are trimmed with split-tack nailheads and upholstered in a natural linen.

A refreshing mix of metal, a historical motif, and linen makes this piece an award-winning option for all ages!

At this point, you have acquired all your renovation opinions from touring the homes and paying particular attention to the finely curated collections above. Now I want to see what you did with all these lovely ideas, so be sure to share some of YOUR designs with me on Instagram @cmcdesignstudiollc #colleenspicks! I love interior design and sharing my years of experience with each and everyone of you! So, grab your wine, settle in after a long day of home peeping on the Showcase of Home Tour and start dreaming…Call me if you need some professional assistance…I love a great Cab Sav or blended spicy red!

Until next time my friends,

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

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LOOKING FOR HIDDEN HISTORY…

CALL THE HERITAGE HUNTERS OF SARATOGA COUNTY WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

Your family history holds compelling secrets. More than simply a timeline of names and dates, your heritage provides profound insights that can help frame your understanding of the world.

other historical documents, maintains the online searchable database SaratogaNYGenWeb, and organizes trips to regional repositories for family history research.

Poignant proof of past hardships and quirky details of a person’s life can be unearthed with the help of the Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County. This dedicated group of researchers has 250 members searching early town records, newspapers, and libraries for morsels of information that further piece together the puzzle of how our culture came to be.

Recent projects include scouring The Ballston Journal (which has been publishing local news since 1798) in order to compile a Surname Index featuring birth, death, and marriage dates. This information is published in the Heritage Hunters newsletter.

FASCINATING DISCOVERIES Finding a trunk full of old photos piqued Pat Peck’s interest in researching her own family history. She began seeking out stories of the people in these pictures, and was delighted by what she found.

Tidbits about a relative who used to stop off for some cheese on his way home each day, were just as valuable to her as the knowledge that her ancestors were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, qualifying her to become a member in the lineage-based Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) society.

“It’s so exciting! At the same time, you’re also getting to know the history of a particular place,” said Peck.

In 1993, Peck became a founding member of the Heritage Hunters and began helping others salvage forgotten fragments of the past.

BURIED TREASURES Scrapbook pages, vital records, church and cemetery records preserve the history of Saratoga county and the families who lived here.

“Anything that happened before the 1880s is a real treasure,” said Peck.

Heritage Hunters provides tips on how to search through these, and

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“We publish something that has not been published somewhere else,” said Peck At the Heritage Hunters monthly meetings, speakers share their expertise and experiences.

SECRETS REVEALED In July, speaker Barbara Reina showed her 2017 film “Brought to Light”.

Documenting the background of a Kinderhook African-American cemetery, it features interviews with historical experts, archeological excavation of the site, and the results of ground-penetrating radar.

Minority groups and slave populations are often an under-documented segment of history, despite being a vital part of daily life and the formation of the societies that would follow.

Slavery in upstate New York provided the labor on which the area’s economic base was built. Census records show that Senator and Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler, for example, owned more than a dozen slaves.

To find out more about your own family history contact Pat Peck at 518-495-7728.

The Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County meets at 1 p.m. on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Town of Saratoga Municipal Center, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville. For more information, go to SaratogaNYgenweb.com SS

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HISTORY

Our

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION FOR MORE RARELY SEEN PHOTOS SEE PAGE 174.

BROADWAY IN FRONT OF UNITED STATES HOTEL 1889 The United States Hotel was one of the biggest hotels that could be found in Saratoga Springs in the 1800s. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Rarely Seen Photos of AFTERNOON TEA GRAND UNION HOTEL The Grand Union Hotel usually had two to three concerts a day in the summer.

In 1905 the music director for the hotel was the renowned composer, orchestra leader Victor Herbert.

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O L D SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL, IMAGES FROM THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

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BATCHELLER HOUSE CONSTRUCTION The Batcheller Mansion, today located at 20 Circular Street, was built in 1873 at a cost of $100,000. When the house construction was finished the Batcheller family hosted a party that honored President Ulysses S. Grant.

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CONGRESS SPRING AND GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL The date of this image is not known, but it must have been between the summer of 1872 and October 1, 1874. The reason we know that, is that the hotel opened in 1872 and burned to the ground on October 1, 1874 after just three summer seasons in operation. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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HOW THE PUTNAMS CHANGED SARATOGA SPRINGS’ HISTORY WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

IN THE NINETEENTH AND EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY the main figures that were written about were usually white males with little attention to females or members of other races. Many accounts talk only of the impact on our city’s history by a man named Gideon Putnam.

their incredible work ethic and strong relationship to make a living. In many ways this a beautiful love story.

A more accurate story should be about a family headed by Gideon -and Doanda Putnam - and that family deserving inclusion in the history of the city.

When the Putnams were first married, they struggled with making a living and had a hard-self-sufficient existence. In future years friends of Mrs. Putnam’s wrote that they were amazed at Doanda, who planted and harvested crops, made soap, fashioned their clothes, ground grain, cooked and cleaned, all while raising nine children.

At age 19 Gideon Putnam married 16-year-old Doanda Risley in 1787. Gideon was born in Sutton Massachusetts and Doanda was from Hartford Connecticut. Doanda had come from a family that was well to do. She must have loved Gideon tremendously to follow his dreams and leave the comforts of the Hartford area and enter a hard frontier existence with her husband. The young couple went off into the frontier with only

When the couple left Connecticut, they first lived in the Middlebury, Vermont area. They built a small log cabin and left a large white oak stump in the center of the cabin that served as the kitchen table and dining room table and eventually a spot to grind grain into flour. Their personal belongings were few and included three tea cups and saucers, three plates, three knives and forks, a kettle and an earthen teapot.

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After a time in Middlebury the couple moved to Rutland VT and then relocated to Saratoga Lake. After a spring flood almost drowned the family, they moved to higher ground in Saratoga Springs in 1789. Making money by making wooden staves and shingles, they built a saw mill to increase the types of wooden items they could sell. Gideon is given credit for telling his wife: “This is a healthy place; the mineral springs are valuable, and the timber is good and in great abundance, and I can build me a great house.” Shortly after that, Gideon is given credit for building the first hotel called Putnam’s Tavern and Boarding House in 1802. The original sign for that establishment was hand painted by Doanda and is one of the prized items of the collection of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, located in the Canfield Casino.

Since the Putnam Tavern and Boarding House had been built in a forest, Gideon and Doanda Putnam bought more land and began laying out the streets of Saratoga Springs. Broad Street (later called Broadway) was mapped out at a width of 120 feet all done by Doanda who white washed the trees that needed to be removed before they were felled and carted away by her favorite lumberman Gideon. The side streets were determined to be built 66 feet in width. The design of wide streets in a time when cart paths were the norm, was a tremendous vision for the future city of Saratoga Springs.

Gideon saw that the mineral springs were an asset that would attract visitors. Because of this vision Gideon tubed the Congress Spring in 1802 so that a constant amount of Congress water could be used by visitors. As he worked on that project, he widened paths for easier access and in the process discovered the Columbian Spring in 1803. He built a bath house near the Congress Spring for guests staying at his hotel. Later he moved the bath house to the area near the intersection of where Spring and Putnam Streets are today.

In that location he discovered another spring that he named the Hamilton Spring that would supply the bath house with water. The Putnams had now built an infrastructure to supply guests with the “Kur.” The regimen of drinking the waters and bathing in those same waters for health purposes was referred to as taking the “kur” (cure).

Tavern and Boarding House was renamed Union Hall. While Doanda was running Union Hall a social writer from Baltimore visited the hotel and wrote later about the visit saying, “The Union Hall is a wonderful hotel. I’m interested in finding out if the name Union describes the union of the original colonies, or is it the strength I see in the family running the business.”

After Doanda passed away, sons Washington and Rockwell all had some managing roles in Union Hall and other business operations until 1864 when Union Hall was totally bought from the family by the Leland Brothers and eventually renamed Grand Union. The Grand Union Hotel by 1874 was one of the largest hotels in the world covering seven acres of land. It all started with a vision of a tavern and boarding house and the hard work and determination of Gideon and Doanda Putnam.

Don’t discount the efforts of Doanda, she was a real partner in the development of their business operations. As a woman in that time in history, she got little credit for her dedication and hard work. When Ginger Rogers danced with Fred Astaire, Astaire always got top billing, but we all know… “Ginger did all the dance steps that Fred did, and she did them backwards and in high heels.” The same can be said for Doanda.

The Putnam family of both Gideon and Doanda, had a profound effect on the development of Saratoga Springs with their initial vision for the mineral springs, size of the streets as well as the formation of a village with a park, school, church and cemetery. It was this foundation that allowed our city to grow and evolve into the strong and vibrant destination we see today. SS

The Putnam family had built a very successful business based on health and guests sleeping and eating at the Putnam Tavern and Boarding House. Business was so good that in 1811 they decided to build a new second hotel on property across Broadway from their first hotel and call it Congress Hall.

While working on the hotel, Gideon fell from the scaffolding and died later from those injuries on December 1, 1812 at age 49.

Even though Gideon had died he had years earlier expressed his concern to donate land for a church, school, and burial ground. All these requests were met years later by the family as well the donation of land for a public park, later to be called Congress Park. Ironically Gideon’s vision for the donation of these properties and his early death made him the first person to be buried in the burial ground he had donated.

Doanda and her children continued with the business for many years. Doanda passed away in 1835 but had left a huge impact on the family and city. After Gideon died, the Putnam

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SARATOGA BOWL

Cars dominate the large parking lot at 48 Railroad Place.

Photo courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga History Museum

SPARES AND STRIKES ON RAILROAD PLACE WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY

THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

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If you grew up in Saratoga in the ’50s, ‘60s and ’70s, there’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed some fond memories of time spent in a bowling alley.

Life was simpler and past time choices were fewer. “In the 1950s, bowling was in its heyday,” recalls local resident Joe Deuel, Jr. His father, Joseph E. Deuel-a high profile bowler, achieved the status as one of the top 100 bowlers in the country. Local investors decided to capitalize on Joe’s name recognition and hired Joe as vicepresident and manager of a brand-new bowling alley aptly named Saratoga Bowl. The “state-ofthe-art” 16 lane facility opened at 48 Railroad Place on December 21,1957 with much fanfare.

Hot dogs sliced down the middle and grilled on both sides were snack bar favorites. Three seascape paintings by local artist Raymond Calkins hung over the bar. And of course, the lanes boasted the recently invented AMF automatic pinspotters, rather than the old fashioned “pin boys” for easy ball return.

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“Bowling is Cool Fun” boasted an advertisement for Saratoga Bowl and many locals flocked to Railroad Place for a state-of-the-art bowling experience. Ladies, men’s and mixed couple leagues helped drive business. In fact, legendary track announcer Fred Capossela (known as the Voice of the Triple Crown) would even read the league scores over the P.A. during the summer racing meet season as a favor to Joe Deuel.

Local teens enjoyed gathering at the lanes. Kathy Tyger Totten recalls high school dates at Saratoga Bowl. Susan Bokan, only an occasional bowler, was hoping for a high school ring as a birthday gift from her boyfriend. Instead, she was presented with a monogrammed green bowling ball! Management also marketed Skidmore students.

Lanes were reserved every fall for Skidmore girls and their fathers for an annual “Happy Pappy” Tournament.

Locally, bowling flourished and in 1961 construction of another bowling alley was planned. Originally its proposed location was at High Rock Park near the current location of the Farmers’ Market. Instead the 20-lane complex was constructed at 32 Ballston Avenue.

Despite its new location, investors kept the name “HiRoc Lanes.”

Joe Deuel, Sr. left Saratoga Bowl to manage the new Hi-Roc Lanes. Hugo Gregory, a professional Bowler, took over as manager and remained at Saratoga Bowl until it closed. Joe Deuel, Jr. felt the need to visit his childhood haunt at 48 Railroad Place with his sister Mary just before the lanes closed. He fondly recalls the bowling pin Hugo Gregory gave him as a souvenir.

Personally, as I drive down today’s much changed Railroad Place, I am glad to know that some reminder of a once loved landmark lives on.

Saratoga Bowl prepares for one of its many bowling leagues.

Kathy Tyger Totten reports," In the ‘70s practically every woman in Saratoga Springs belonged to the Ladies Bowling League.

Every Tuesday we filled the place, brought our pre-school children who were watched by a Saratoga Bowl employee. There was such socialization and friendship between everyone of us." saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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1963 WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD

"I traveled the dirt paths and gravel roads surrounding Brookside Dairy, soaking up my many friendships like a cookie dunked in milk; friendships that continue to nourish me today. "

When I think back, it's as though I was taking photographs as a child. I can hear the camera shutter clicking in my mind. It was like a vacuum drawing in hay fort joy, clinking milk bottle sounds, and cow barn smells. I picture a group of men and young boys spread out under the canopy of an old maple near the farm's entrance. Some are sitting Indian style. Some are leaning against the posts of a white-board fence, feet outstretched in the tall June grass, all enjoying their well-deserved break. The snap of a latch on an old metal lunchbox is loud and inviting as one of the workmen pulls out a thick bologna and cheese sandwich.

One by one we all take deep swigs of cold fresh milk, bottled that morning, just a few yards away.

And so, my life would be this way.

Capturing these images and seemingly insignificant snippets of time and tucking them away for future reference. Each moment that caused me to pause, even just slightly, has been cataloged as if waiting to be called upon at a moment’s notice.

These little stories remained untouched, revolving endlessly in my mind; a virtual loop of smiles, smells, and voices. All fond memories, even when carrying some pain. One such vision is of me sitting on a school bus full of jumping-bean children, most so young their little feet swing free above the bus floor. They all stop and freeze as a young gradeschool teacher signals the bus driver to open the door for a moment.

She has something to tell us. Although her face remains nameless, I see the fear and tears in her eyes. It's November 22,1963; President

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Kennedy has been shot. There are few details.

"You will get more news when you get home," she says. The bus sits there silent, no motor running.

No voices can be heard, only a shocked hush as we all look around at each other. We are young, but we all know this is bad. Children-voices blend into a murmur of disbelief as we sit there digesting the news.

These memories define you. I have volumes of them, and a dairy farm spawned the most cherished. *Brookside Dairy, just the name can drop your pulse rate to a gentle hum. Harold L. Hall ran the farm with his son Harold "Sonny" Hall. An agricultural seed was planted for me here. I would never move far away. My roots run deep here, and my soul forever nurtured by the soil around them. I drive through when I can, peeking into the backyards of the homes where I played and absorbed. Each face brings a story. Each story brings a face. Emotion for me was created by all the people who crossed my path over the last half-century. I traveled the dirt paths and gravel roads surrounding Brookside Dairy, soaking up my many friendships like a cookie dunked in milk; friendships that continue to nourish me today. It's not that friendships and good memories can't be found in the shadows of tall buildings, but there's something special about stacking hay bales high on a swaying wagon full of sunburned boys in jeans and white t-shirts. Boys with scabs and long stories of how they got them. Boys with imaginations and the knowledge to use them. Boys whose energy and love of place can only be found in the deep nutrientfull soil of a country farm. * Brookside Dairy was located at the northeast corner of Locust Grove Road and Wilton Road in Greenfield Center. Today the property sits idle, a testament to the fragility of the family farm. I am forever grateful to the Davis, Sesselman, and Hall families who watched over us as we played in the fields and streams surrounding this treasured farm. SS

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ANNANDALE

Annadale's Carrage house and Gate house WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DR. HOLLIS PALMER

M

y fascination with the families that built Saratoga’s great Victorian Mansions started while growing up outside the city. Often, on our Sunday afternoon drives, my father or grandfather would bring us to Saratoga or “the Springs” as they referred to it. As we drove by the great houses on Union, Clinton, Clement and North Broadway, I pondered the source of the money that allowed people to live in such grandeur. As time went by, I realized that to those of us on the outside, these are great houses; however, to those within the walls they are homes.

Being from a lower middle-class family, my youthful assumption was that with wealth came an equal portion of happiness. The fallacy of this perception is demonstrated by the Lathrop family, the builders of Annandale and other great houses in Saratoga. In the Lathrops we have the story of: One great fortune, Two prominent Saratoga families, Three daughters, Four grandchildren and Five of Saratoga’s great houses and numerous tragic lives.

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Born to a comfortable Albany mercantile family, Daniel Lathrop would enhance his fortune through a foundry he owned with Thatcher (the park).

Although Daniel would be considered very wealthy, his sister, Jane, dwarfed his fortune through her marriage to Leland Stanford one of the ‘big four’ who built the Central Pacific Railroad and founder of Stanford University.

While Stanford was in California making his fortune building the railroads, Daniel Lathrop was in Albany manufacturing the wheels for them to run on.

In 1883, at the age of forty-eight, Daniel Lathrop died of paralysis; most likely a stroke. When her father became ill, Jeannie, the oldest daughter, dropped out of college to manage the family’s foundry. At the apex of the chauvinistic Victorian Era, a young woman was running a foundrythe workforce of which was dominated by males.

In the mid-1880s the Lathrops would sell the business to the Thatchers and Daniel’s widow, Harriet, elected to relocate the family to Saratoga, building three homes on Clinton Street.

The first, Annandale, was for herself and her youngest, and unmarried, daughter, Aimee. The two great houses immediately to the north on Clinton were for her married daughters.

The first, Lawton Villa, was for her eldest daughter, Jeannie Lathrop Lawton. The second house, Gunning Cottage, was for Christina (Tina) Lathrop Gunning. The three houses were often referred to in the social columns of newspapers as the “Lathrop Cottages.” Whether the fourth lot, on which Chancie Olcott would build Inniscarra Cottage, was meant for her youngest daughter is not known.

When Saratoga Springs first started, the “major families” were centered around Franklin Square. As the village grew (we were a village until 1915), the fashionable social centers moved first to Circular Street then, when Henry Hilton built the great Woodlawn Estate (currently Skidmore), the wealthy moved north to Upper Broadway, Clement and Clinton Streets.

Life in the Victorian Era was regulated by rigid rules and social status. It was a time when the order in which you were received when calling was determined, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Pro ving money doesn’t buy happiness.

Annandale

not by the order of arrival, but rather by social status. The addition of a truly wealthy family, like the Lathrops, upset the ‘pecking order’ in Saratoga because they went to the front of the line.

In Saratoga the Lathrop family did not grow in numbers, having only four grandchildren, but mastered the art of reusing names. Each of Harriet’s three daughters would have one son. The oldest two, Jeannie and Christina, would name their sons Daniel, after their father. Aimee would name her son Walter, after her husband. The middle sister, Christina, would be the only one to have a daughter, who she named Aimee, after her sister. Cheer up, before this tale is done, there will also be two Harriets.

Although at one end of the Lathrop properties, Annandale was the center of the family’s social life. Within its walls Harriet, the grand dame, held court and hosted teas and parties.

In addition to the main house, Annandale also had two other buildings; a keeper’s cottage which still stands on the corner of Carriage House Lane and the original carriage house, which is now a private residence. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Lawton Village

The grounds of Annandale were built for entertainment with separate tennis and croquet courts. The front porch at 95 feet must be one of the longest in Saratoga; which was all the better to “See and be Seen” and to host afternoon card parties.

The addition of a truly wealthy family, like the Lathrops, upset the ‘pecking order’ in Saratoga because they went to the front of the line.

Able to trace her family roots to the original Dutch settlers of Albany and Kingston, the mother, Harriet Monteath Wilson Lathrop, was one of the first members of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Like her husband, her father was a progressive merchant in Albany who sent his daughter to be educated at Madame Mears’ school in New York City. Her early experiences allowed Harriet to be noted throughout her life for her beauty and charity.

Harriet was characterized as strong, resolute, self-reliant, generous and agreeable. She loved the outdoors and horses, which helps explain the oversized carriage house.

Of the three daughters, Jeannie, the eldest, had what appears to be the most stable relationship. After the sale of the foundry, twentyfive-year-old Jeannie married Col. George Lawton who was twelve years her senior. Like the parents of the Lathrops, George’s father was a successful merchant in Troy and Albany. George attended William College, graduating in 1868, becoming a lawyer, and practicing in Troy. George enlisted as a private in the National Guard. After being accepted before the bar he became a Judge Advocate and was given the rank of Lt. Col. He would always use his military title, Col. Lawton.

After her marriage Jeannie, who had managed a major industry, took a wedding trip which included visiting her aunt and uncle Senator Leland Stanford in Washington. On that visit her aunt gave her a diamond necklace as a present.

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Gunning Cottage

Jeannie is the only member of the Lathrop family to have her picture included in the extensive photo collection at Stanford Library.

The Lawtons moved from Albany to Saratoga in 1890 but maintained an apartment in New York City for the winter season until about the time of the colonel’s death in the 1920s. Civically minded, Jeannie was one of the women who founded Saratoga Hospital, while George was one of the men behind the original convention center built to extend the summer season.

On a social level George was one of the founding members of the Saratoga Golf Club and McGregor Golf Club. George and his son were both members of Calumet Club in New York City, a men’s club devoted to patrons of the arts.

He was considered learned, cultured, agreeable and friendly. He saw himself as a poet having his last poem “visions” included in his obituary.

Jeannie devoted much of her time in Saratoga to charitable works, including providing summer camp experiences in Saratoga for the orphans of Albany.

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Hanson 1

There were so many gifts that at the reception one room at Annandale was set up with a fulltime security person and guests were only allowed to observe the treasures from the doorway.

Jeannie and George had one child, who was the oldest grandchild, Daniel.

The outward peace and tranquility of the Lawton Villa was easily overshadowed by the proceedings in Gunning Cottage, built for the middle daughter, Christina, and her husband Dr. Thomas Gunning. Those who lived in this cottage had tumultuous lives.

Tina was the classic middle child. Not as successful as her older sister, nor as beautiful and charming as her younger sister, her stamp on history is less fortunate.

In March of 1889, two weeks before Aimee’s marriage, Christina, was in the

middle of a social scandal that would rock any family. In the Victorian Era divorce was rare; however, after only three years of marriage, the courts in Norwalk, Connecticut, granted Christina a divorce from her husband, on the grounds of “intolerable cruelty”.

Over the course of the previous years, Thomas had spent $500,000 buying hundreds of acres of land, installing his own electric light plant, and then purchasing the best livestock he could find on his new country estate. It was, however, his physical cruelty, whenever he was denied his way, that served as grounds for a divorce. On one occasion he went so far as to attempt to assault Tina with an ax.

Thomas’ misuse of the Lathrop fortune was so bold, that when he finally left Tina, to return temporarily to Canada, he forged her name on checks to obtain the money to get him started.

It was later rumored that he was temporally living in India. Wild by nature, just months after the divorce, Thomas would freeze to death trying to cross the Andes in South America.

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bride. The crowd grew so large that carriages, bringing invited guests, had trouble getting to the church.

Sister, Jeannie, and mother, Harriet, wore satin and lace dresses with complete sets of diamonds. In sharp contrast, sister Christina wore a black satin dress and no jewelry. Divorced for less than two weeks, she dressed as if in mourning. One can only imagine the response when, without a father, Aimee was walked down the aisle, not by a brother-in-law or uncle, but rather by her mother.

There were so many gifts that at the reception one room at Annandale was set up with a fulltime security person and guests were only allowed to observe the treasures from the doorway.

Hanson 1 Hanson 2

Following her divorce, Christina would have a series of emotional and physical issues. She was so ill she would have to spend a period in an asylum. In 1894, it appeared that she had improved enough to return to the cottage in Saratoga. She died there of consumption in October of 1894.

Leaving her son, Daniel, and daughter, Aimee, to be raised by her sister Jeannie. Jeannie raised her own son, Daniel, her niece, Aimee Gunning, both almost exactly the same age and Daniel Gunning a year-and-a-half younger. I am sure that having three children less than two years apart in age, there were days she wished she was running the foundry.

On March 10th, 1889, invitations went out for the marriage of the youngest Lathrop daughter, Aimee, to Walter Hanson of Saratoga Springs. This would be one of the largest weddings in the history of the city taking place a mere ten days later (the 20th). There may have been some perceived need to rush as when Aimee walked down the aisle on the day of her marriage, she was carrying more than just her bouquet. Walter Hanson Jr. would be born four months later. Proof saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

again that the first child can come at any time but, after that, it takes nine months.

The family’s influence is demonstrated by Aimee’s marriage.

At this event, we learn much about the strength of her mother; are reminded of the traditions of Victorian society; and see the extent of the family’s friends. Among the village’s social elite, Aimee was considered to be “Miss Benevolent.”

She was so popular that as she was driven to the church on Broadway, for her wedding, young boys jumped on the carriage to wish her their best.

Although it was March, Harriet had the church decorated in a tropical theme with palm trees and white doves.

She even had an orchestra from Troy playing for the guests while they awaited the bride’s arrival – she was an hour late.

In the tradition of the era, people who were not invited to the wedding, could attend anyway as long as they stood around the perimeter. The crowd was so large that there was no space inside the church and a throng gathered in front for a glimpse of the

In Saratoga, Aimee, her husband and son, Walter, would share three primary residences; 22 Clinton, 588 Broadway and the senior Walter’s childhood home at 75 Clinton.

About 1910, they would also have a home in Brooklyn and would spend much of the summers in a lake front cottage in Canada.

THE LAST GOOD YEAR By 1910, Walter Jr. should have been nearly finished with college; however, he had not even started. His parents were so concerned about his readiness that they decided on one great adventure, a driving trip. Leaving Saratoga, they went first to New York City, south through Atlanta, and finished in Los Angeles. Auto travel was so new that it took the local sheriff in Louisiana to convince the farmers to allow the family to pass in their automobile.

Later in the excursion, they were missing for three days in the desert west of Phoenix. The Hansons would become the first family to drive an automobile across the country via the southern route. After returning by train, Walter Jr., under the influence, offered to sell the car, that was worth several thousand dollars, for fifty dollars.

The summer of 1910 would also see the marriage of Aimee Gunning to Richmond Rochester of Boston.

Rochester was one of the first men involved in the manufacturing of plastics.

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SAD ENDINGS / A VERY BAD YEAR In early January 1912, forty-six-year-old Walter Hanson senior died unexpectedly from Bright’s Disease (a catchall for kidney issues). Knowing her son’s irresponsibility Aimee and her lawyer were able to convince young Walter to place his inheritance in a trust which his mother could control. When he realized the extent of control his mother was planning to exercise, he became vindictive. While his mother napped, Walter took the key to her safe-deposit box. Arriving at the bank, he claimed his mother was ill and that she had asked him to pick up some items. He took her jewelry and went around Saratoga trading it with “fancy ladies” for favors. It cost Aimee $2,500 and the threats of detectives to get her own jewelry back. That summer Walter Jr.’s behavior was so out of control that he was placed in a local “institute” to help him with his alcohol and gambling addiction. He publicly blamed his parents for both addictions.

While Walter was having his issues, his two male cousins, in separate cars, were on a motor trip around New England.

Daniel Gunning had developed epilepsy as a teenager. While Daniel Lawton was having breakfast in a hotel just outside Boston, Daniel Gunning jumped out of the fourth-floor window.

He died almost instantly.

When Walter was released from the institute, he found living with his mother untenable. He left for New York City. By November 1912, Walter married Harriet Reutti (I told you there would be two) a vaudeville showgirl. His mother immediately sought to end the marriage.

Hanson 3

In January 1913, two months after her grandson’s wild marriage, and four months after another grandson’s suicide, Harriet Lathrop, the matriarch of the family, would pass after being ill for one weekend. In a way she was lucky to pass just before World War I was to end the Victorian Era, of which she could be considered an icon.

By 1914 Aimee and young Walter’s relationship had diminished so far that he was quoted as saying his mother had had his father murdered. Eventually, Walter agreed to an allowance of $4,000 a year and to live at the family camp in Canada. His wife, Harriet, sued Aimee under an old law for “alienation of affection,” claiming that the mother’s efforts had ended her marriage.

The relationship between Aimee and her son would remain strained until October of 1916, when at twenty-seven he died suddenly of pneumonia. Although his mother assumed he was in Canada, he had been working as a chauffeur in San

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Diego. His former wife Harriet’s suit against her mother-in-law had to be postponed for the funeral. The case between the two Hanson women would eventually settle.

By 1920 Aimee was living in Southampton, Long Island, where she would list her occupation as duck farmer. She would maintain the Hanson home that she had inherited at 75 Clinton for over a decade.

THE LAST BRANCH IS BROKEN In 1924, after being sick for seven months, George Lawton died of natural causes in Lawton Villa. He was almost eighty.

His son, Daniel, who had graduated from New York Law School only practiced for about 18 months before his health gave out and he would move back to Saratoga. It is not clear from the record if his issues were mental or physical, but the onset does correspond with his cousin’s suicide.

In October 1926, Daniel Lawton, a month short of his fortieth birthday, ended his suffering by placing a gun to his temple. His mother, Jeannie, would die three months later – some say of a broken heart. Her passing ended the Lawton branch of the family.

Aimee Hanson died in 1954. A woman who married during the Gilded Age, had seen two world wars, the Great Depressions and the values she had been raised to respect had passed. Aimee Hanson made her last trip to Saratoga where she rests with her son and husband in the family mausoleum in Greenridge Cemetery.

The Stanford estate provided for his wife’s nieces and nephews and their children but then ended with the remainder of the estate to go to Stanford University. Aimee Gunning Rochester, as the child of a niece was an heir but her two children would not receive income from the trust. Always clever, in 1924, Aunt Aimee Hanson decided to adopt her namesake, Aimee, and her two daughters. As adoptees of a niece, the children would move up one generation.

Hollis Palmer is a Victorian historian and the author of twelve books. Although his tours are mostly on buses, he gives tours in first person of the Batcheller Mansion. There is a tour of the Batcheller Mansion November 3, 2019 at 1:00. Signups are required. Hollis is currently working on “Annandale”, a TV miniseries based on the Lathrops. © 2019 Hollis Palmer PhD

SS

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SARATOGA READING ROOM INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE

D

riving by 148 Union Avenue, one hardly notices the stately 3 story white clapboard house with green trim. The building is tucked into a corner surrounded by a black iron fence and shrouded with shrubbery, marked by a small sign on the front screen"SARATOGA READING ROOM.” Originally intended as a private social club for men only, The Reading Room was founded for Thoroughbred horse owners, trainers and breeders to read the daily racing papers before crossing the NYRA grounds for the afternoon racing. It later became an exclusive dining club serving breakfast, lunch and after-race cocktails for its members. Few local residents ever entered the building, unless they were there to work. From 19721989 The Reading Room’s kitchen and dining rooms were staffed by a group of young black athletes living on the west side of Broadway, which they referred to as the “Best Side” of Saratoga.

Ernest “Sonny” Gooden, a 6”2” basketball star at Saratoga High School began as a dishwasher in the Reading Room due to his father’s job at the track. As positions in the Reading Room opened up, Sonny would recommend neighborhood relatives and friends. Two dish-washing positions became available and Sonny recommended his friend Eddie Pinn and his cousin Stewart White.

“We had fun and made lots of money,” reflects Stewart.

Both teenagers knew if they worked hard, they could make serious money by being promoted to waiters. Within a few years, both were wearing the coveted white jackets of a Reading Room waiter. That’s when they got to meet people that may never have otherwise crossed their paths.

For both Sonny and Stewart, the job was really about the relationships they built with the regulars. “We were so comfortable around them and they were equally comfortable around us,” said Stewart.

In today’s world where stories of racism and prejudice are all too frequent, Sonny and Stewart didn’t experience any of this at the Reading Room. “Our boss wouldn’t stand for any disrespect. Once someone who came for sales week was disrespectful and the maitre d’ sent them packing.

He had to apologize to us, or his membership would be revoked,” they both stated.

Pittsburgh Pirate owner John Galbreath and horse trader Stanley Petter were just a few of the patrons who were interested in Stewart's and Sonny’s personal lives. “We were all playing ball at the time, especially Sonny ‘cause he was the MAN,” jokes Stewart-referring to Sonny’s success on Saratoga High’s basketball court. (When Sonny was inducted into the Capital District Sports Hall of Fame, he was described as the best basketball player Saratoga High ever had.)

“The people at the Reading Room got us ready for college.

They went out and bought some of our stuff like trunks and supplies,” they fondly recall.

Stewart, Sonny and their friends worked hard and were good at what they did, always going the extra mile for their favorite patrons. Stewart describes the job as a “match made in heaven.” Eventually Stewart’s brother James was also hired. When James passed away two years ago, it inspired Stewart to document their experiences in the story “Saratoga’s Best Kept Secret.”

Photo by William Strode from "A Year at the Races " by Robert B. Parker and Joan H Parker

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Simply Saratoga is honored to bring you the fourth installment…

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SARATOGA’S BEST

KEPT SECRET

A Story of Thoroughbreds, Wealth, Relationships and The Black Men & Women Workers At The Saratoga Reading Room AS TOLD BY STEWART WHITE

Chapter 3: The New Breed

I

t’s the summer of 1975. Just as the seasons change and time moves on, it was also moving on at the Reading Room. The changing of the guard was taking place. The older workers were being replaced by new, young faces that were born and raised right here, in Saratoga Springs. New young, dark faces were becoming part of our working class of black folk that helped make the Reading Room a world class club.

Our friend Ed Pinn, who started as a dishwasher with us, left for college and never returned. Sonny, who was a great basketball player for Saratoga High School and held the scoring record at the school for 25 years and who would eventually be named to the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame, was in college playing hoops at Broome Tech Community College in Binghamton, New York. I was also starting college at Corning Community College in Corning, New York that fall. Corning, known for being the home of Corning Glass Works, wasn’t far from Binghamton, where Sonny went to school. I spent a lot of time with him there visiting and watching him play ball. Sonny is now retired after 30+ years at GE. He is currently living in Glens Falls NY where he celebrated 39 years of marriage to his lovely wife Mary. He also finds time to be part of the Housing Commission and is also an assistant basketball coach for GFHS Varsity.

So now we had three spots to fill. Tom, who had replaced Otis as our supervisor, left it up to Sonny and me to fill the vacant positions. Three kitchen helpers were needed. You know what we were going to do. We brought in three of our buddies. The names had changed, but the faces remained the same. All black faces.

Buster Tillman, Dave Long, and my younger brother James joined us as part of the crew. Now it wasn’t just work, it was going to be super fun. These were the guys we hung out with every day anyways. Having us all together at work made it an even sweeter place to work.

Sonny and I didn’t take long to fit right in with Fred, Tom, Mack, and our favorite, Bill as servers. We were athletic and moved quickly. We were having fun and were developing trust and building relationships with the members. The money flow started a little slowly for us. We had to show that we knew what the heck we were doing. The section we inherited was located on the front porch. We brought a different vibe to the members. We were youthful and sometimes couldn’t contain it. Mr. Stanley Petter of Lexington, KY and probably my all-time favorite guest, used to love talking with us .He was a very health conscious man and used to love to hear our stories of playing ball.

As a new server at the Reading Room, I found out the front porch was the place to be. I inherited the biggest tables where some of the most prominent people in the country would sit. They would bring their families and here I was, taking care of them. I used to take care of Mr. Ogden Phipps II and his family for example. Mr. Phipps was a huge name in racing circles and his family was one of the richest in the country.

He was one of my first true tests. He had a nice family and would always have cute young kids at his table.

During lunch, the kids would all ask for lemonades. I felt comfortable with them and I felt that Mr. Phipps was pleased with how I took care of him and his family. He would leave me a great tip to let me know how pleased he was.

With each day, my cousin Sonny and I become more and more comfortable. The more comfortable we became, we noticed the more money we made. We laughed and made jokes with the members. We

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Stewart at the Reading Room, 1980 J. White, 2016

Stewart & Dave, 2018

James & Sonny, 1983

J. White, S. White & D. Long, 1970s

Buster, James & Dave, 1974

Sunny & Stewart, 2019

Sonny Gooden and Stewart White share their experiences in a recent interview with Simply Saratoga, 2019

were starting to develop relationships, especially with the regulars who came daily. I remember taking care of socialite Molly Wilmot and her guests at the big table in the center of the porch, which overlooked the yard. Mrs. Wilmot, who was once the neighbor of President John F. Kennedy in Palm Beach FL was a really intriguing lady. She personified style and grace. I can envision her in her white dress, heels, her large pieces of jewelry and wearing her famous white sunglasses. The porch was the perfect place for her and her guests to sit. It was important to me that she and her guests were very happy. I thought she was very entertaining, and I enjoyed serving her.

I have to tell you about the moment Sonny and I had long been waiting for. The time had finally arrived… I had previously mentioned that 20% of the checks went to the servers as their tips. The checks would go over to the head office, where they would tabulate the total money made for the week and return that money to us in cash. We were actually a part of something we had only heard about previously and now it was here. The dividing of the tip money equally amongst the 8 servers was upon us. Tom, our boss, would count out $100s eight times, one for each waiter and continue piling, until all the money was divided equally. My eyes popped when I saw it was over $700 per man. Now that’s what I was talking about and why we wanted to be servers.

Our patience was finally starting to pay off. It was like that every week. The tips we were pocketing daily was becoming steadier as well. Being college students, we were able to save, and it came in handy. I was also able to buy my first car - a 1972 Sky Blue Chrysler Newport Cruiser for $900. I had 5 of my friends in the car the day I bought it. It was a 90-degree day and we were so excited to have air conditioning. One day - later in the fall, when the temperature dropped - I would later find out that the car had no heat. Surprise!!

After dividing the tip money, each waiter would give the kitchen staff $10-$20 each. They pocketed an extra $80 or more in tips, as well as being the highest paid dishwashers in town. During the 70s, you didn’t see dishwashers making over $500 weekly. We wanted to thank them for their help. We showed them how much we appreciated their hard work. Sunday, after the serving of the members’ breakfast, we would all sit down as a family and get treated to one of Lucille and Helen tasty meals. Life was good!! SS

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LOCATION Bella’s charming Craftsman home in Downtown Saratoga set the scene for this year’s cover (#4 on the tour).

The spacious open floor plan easily accommodated the whole crew it takes to pull this off each year… and we had a ball!

Behind the Scenes Fall 2019 Cover Shoot

GUEST STAR Liz Bishop HAIR & MAKE UP Professional Hair & Make Up by Diane Palma WARDROBE Pam Worth and Spoken Boutique BOOTIES Violets oga INTERIOR DESIGN Bennington Furniture Design Team Kaitlynn Johnson, Andrea Chenier and Jeff Ture

Back Row: Eli Conklin, Soula Tsitos, Jeff Ture, Diane Palma, Kaitlynn Johnson, Barry Potoker, Lisa Licata Front Row: Kaleb Ladd Cocca, Randall Perry, Chris Vallone Bushee, Liz Bishop, Pam Worth

SITE STYLIST Jeff Ture BTS PHOTOS Alice Corey COVER PHOTO Randall Perry Architectural Photography Thank You everyone for another great Showcase of Homes cover!

Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director, Saratoga TODAY

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