Simply Saratoga Spring 2014

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE Spring 2014

COMPLIMENTS OF ™

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CONTRIBUTORS Spring Issue ~ March 2014

JENNIFER ARMSTRONG

Colette linton

Peter Bowden

Megin Potter

Jennifer Armstrong had a long career as a children's book author (you can look her up in the library!) before starting "Chapter Two" as a fashion consultant. She loves showing women how to flatter themselves with clothes, and believes that any woman, regardless of size, can look stylish.

She does trunk shows at her home and for clients, where the message is that fashion can be fun.

Armstrong also represents a line of men's custom clothing, and can meet a client at his office for a one-to-one consultation. You can reach her at armstrongjennifer1@mac.com.

Colette covers business and education for the Saratoga TODAY team. Originally from the ‘Show-me State’ – Missouri, she first developed an interest in journalism while interning for a daily in South Africa and hasn’t looked back since.

Later interning as a columnist in Russia and studying in Jordan, her curiosity of culture and communication never waned. Today she can be found running around the streets of Saratoga Springs, learning what makes the communities of the county tick.

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

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

CHELSEA DISCHIANO

Chelsea Hoopes Silver

Chelsea is a freelance writer and media coordinator hailing all the way from Austin, Texas where she was born and raised. When she's not busy researching how to stay warm for eight months at a time in Upstate New York, she enjoys writing about the local people and businesses who make up this closely-knit community.

Chelsea Silver owns Silverwood Home & Gallery in downtown Saratoga Springs with her mother, Charlene. She began writing her blog, The Carriage House Chronicles, in 2012, loving the new opportunity to virtually connect with other designoriented folks amateur and professional, local and afar. With degrees in English and American Fine and Decorative Arts, she is very happy to be combining these two passions in her new endeavor writing for Simply Saratoga.

Helen Edelman

JORDANA TURCOTTE

MICHAEL LEVINSON

CHARLIE KUENZEL and dave patterson

Helen writes about other writers, which can be a daunting task. She also writes about education, health care, the arts, and profiles of important and intriguing people she has met along the way.

Edelman has been living in Saratoga Springs since 1970, when she arrived as a Skidmore freshman. She is the mother of four children and the extravagently proud grandmother of Cyra Friedlander, a chattering 2-year old who brings out the brightest stars with her smile.

Michael B. Levinson is an interior and home furnishings designer with over thirty years’ experience. He is a published author, Launch It! and authority on bringing products to market. In 2005 Mr. Levinson began designing museum exhibitions and since forth, founded Empire Historic Arts, a not-for-profit organization brining the arts and exhibits to the public. He currently serves as the Exhibition Curator at the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Jordana Turcotte is a lifelong New Yorker and a Saratoga County resident since graduating from RPI. After staying at home for a bit with her children (now 10 and 8), she decided on the “rest of her life job” as Professional Organizer. Starting Simply You in 2008 fulfills a passion for organizing. When she isn’t organizing, you’ll find her volunteering at her kids’ school, being Mommy chauffeur or hanging out with her two rescue dogs.

Saratoga Tours

Dave and Charlie are co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC and are both retired award winning educators with a combined 70 years of service to the students of Saratoga Springs High School.

Over the last 15 years they have excited and educated thousands of visitors with their depth of knowledge and appreciation for the history of the city of Saratoga Springs.

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CONTENT Spring Issue ~ March 2014

55

A GOOD READ 12 Restaurant Review - IstanBlue 16

Book Review - Isabella's Shoe Studio

20

Karen Score's trip to India

26 Mills Entertainment

HOME & GARDEN 32

Carriage House Chronicles

37

Saratoga on TV?!

38

Hollis Palmer

48

Spring Cleaning with Jordana Turcotte

12

50 Gardening with Peter Bowden

HISTORY 44

Saratoga Springs History Museum Discovery

53

Celebrating Saratoga

FASHION 59

Saratoga Style

65 Get Ready for Prom 68 The Last Glove Maker in Gloversville 72

Fashion Tips with Jennifer Armstrong

SEASONAL 73

Save The Date

20

50

75

32

74 Maple Weekend 75

Boating & Island Camping in the Saratoga/Adirondack region

70 Cover photo provided by StockStudiosPhotography.com

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SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director Jessica Kane Advertising Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Graphic DesignERS Frank Garguilo Jessica Kane Colleen Sweeney Writers Jennifer Armstrong Peter Bowden Chelsea DiSchiano Helen Susan Edelman Charlie Kuenzel Michael Levinson Colette Linton Johnny Miller Dave Patterson Hollis Palmer Megin Potter Chelsea Hoopes-Silver Jordana Turcotte Photographers Brian Hoffman MarkBolles.com RandyDuchaine.com StockStudiosPhotography.com

Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © 2014, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

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Letter From The Editor Is it Spring yet?

If you ask me, it can’t come soon enough.

While it officially began on March 20, I think we may have a few weeks before those last piles of snow fade away from the warmth of the sun’s rays.

But before you know it we will be picnicking in the green grass surrounded by vibrant pink and purple tulips. Until then, we have the spring edition of Simply Saratoga for you to enjoy and that awesome cover photo, by Tom Stock… I can almost smell the flowers looking at that picture!

I think we have something for everyone in this issue…

In my quest for sunshine and warmth, I want to tell you about the boating section first… See page 75 for info on the Great Northeast Boat Show and the many camping, boating and chillin’ options in the waters of the Saratoga / Adirondack region.

If you’re looking to expand your culinary palette, check out the review of Istanblue on page 12, an authentic Turkish restaurant in downtown Saratoga.

Maybe you’d like to dream of exotic travels to a foreign land… see page 20 and travel along with Karen Score as she transports us to her beloved India.

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Are you a History buff perhaps? Page 44 will show what Michael Levinson discovered at the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Speaking of Historical information, we have a new feature with this issue, that I am so excited about… Celebrating Saratoga, with Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson, of Saratoga Tours. Their knowledge of the area and easy going nature, bring Saratoga of yesteryear to life on our pages… see page 53 and travel back in time.

We have an expanded fashion section in this issue, with the addition of a new feature… Fashion Tips by Jennifer Armstrong, page 72 and a special Prom feature starting on page 65. Speaking of fashion… we have haute couture this month with the story, “The Last Glovemaker in Gloversville” page 68 – wait till you see this!

Last, but not least, we have the honor of debuting the latest endeavor of one of our favorite columnists, Hollis Palmer. Hollis is taking his hugely popular “See and Be Seen… Saratoga” to television! Read all about it on page 37.

These are just a few of the great stories in this issue - Stay warm, enjoy the articles and please support our advertisers… they are the reason you can enjoy all of these wonderful publications, free of charge.

Thanks for supporting us, and I love to hear your feedback, cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com -Chris

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Istanblue: Hungry?

Eat Healthy on a Cultural Cuisine Adventure

By Helen Susan Edelman

When I got the text message that we were going to Istanblue – Saratoga’s only Turkish restaurant -- for dinner, I was pleased indeed.

Having been there many times already for both lunch and dinner, I knew firsthand that the food is delicious, the portions ample and the menu selections unusual. Tucked away in the former Friendly’s space, which has been completely redecorated, behind CVS on Congress Street, next door to Purdy’s, the restaurant is relatively quiet, not quite discovered, but when the hotel in there is occupied and residents and

visitors have more reasons in good weather to wander off Broadway, it’s going to be a magnet for those craving an out-of-the-ordinary eating experience. This review is not about drumming up business for the place – for not even being a year old yet, they’re doing well on their own. Think of this article as a gift, an alert: If you don’t give Istanblue a try, you’re missing something special. Where else around here can you get grilled octopus with red onion, lemon pomegranate sauce and olive oil for $9?

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I can’t remember how long we’ve been at it, but for many moons, Simply Saratoga publisher Chad Beatty, his wife, Kim, and I, have been dining together at restaurants all over the extended Saratoga Springs region in search of a great meal. There have been many. The quest is genuine and so is the friendship.

For those of you who don’t know Chad and Kim personally, I’m here to tell you: These are people who stick by you in thick and thin.

Chad arrived first. He was on his cellphone, talking to who knows who about who knows what… waiting for me. He had tucked us into a corner and before Kim arrived, we got into one of our discussions that usually ends in verbal fisticuffs, but today, we were both agitated by Gov. Cuomo’s proposal to give a free college education to prisoners. This is hard to swallow when you know plenty of bright, deserving kids in middle class and working class families, who have stayed OUT of trouble, out of prison, who can’t go to college because of finances. Chad doesn’t use his paper pulpit to take a public position on such things, but I’m officially outing him and agreeing with him. Yes, recidivism may be reduced in a more educated prison population, but a more educated bunch of kids might not end up there in the first place. I am a registered Democrat and there’s a lot about Cuomo I applaud, but this time, no. I’m sure Chad and I will lapse back into conflict soon, but, for the record, we started dinner in accord and didn’t get into a single argument all night.

Rauf Ziya, the chef, sacrificed his rare day off to come in to talk to us. His anecdotes and captivating demeanor kept us rapt. A native of Turkey, Ziya is smart and funny and committed to his craft. His mantra: “Bring me a customer and I’ll make sure he keeps coming back.”

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“We talked about opening this restaurant for three years,” he said. “I was living in Florida, but cooking is in my blood © 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com for more than 30 years.

My cousin, brother and mother-in-law convinced me.” All are in Saratoga Springs now, all involved in Istanblue. As a side note, his cousin also owns Pizza 7 on Caroline Street.

He notes that he did virtually no advertising when Istanblue was opening. “All you need is a sign saying ‘Coming soon,’ he explains. “By the time you come, they’re ready.”

Ziya opened his first restaurant in Brooklyn in 1979 – the first Turkish restaurant in his area, so he knows his ethnic food history. The urban life there differed dramatically from life today in Saratoga Springs, where he lives a two-minute walk to the restaurant with his wife and three-year-old daughter, Ikva, who is, he enthuses, “the joy of my life. No matter what, no matter how tired I am, when I come home to her, I am happy. I am with her, all is well.”

There are culinary triumphs and practical challenges. It can be hard to find the ingredients for the unique Turkish foods he produces in his kitchen, so he sends to New York for the nonperishables, but the meats and vegetables are locally sourced. (Istanblue also participates in the Farmers Market.) The other concern is the wait staff. Ziya says the food is so alien to servers in this region that saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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they have a hard time when customers ask questions about what’s in it and how it’s prepared, there’s so much to learn.

Nevertheless, Ziya is excited at the reception the restaurant has gotten from locals, including a great many who have traveled to Turkey and come in “for a taste of adventure,” he says.

“They like the specialties like Adana kebab, grilled ground lamb with herbs, which I named after my own city.” The dish is $16. He adds that he chops everything by hand, no foods are bought prepared, pre-cut or otherwise precooked in any way.

Eggplant is a staple in many dishes, and comes char-grilled and pureed, pan friend and as the outer shell for my personal favorite, Karniyarik ($18), eggplant stuffed with ground meat, topped with sauteed tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs baked to perfection. Once you’ve tasted this, you want more – and not only once.

I have also seen very satisfied customers who habitually order Hunkar Begendi ($18), fireroasted eggplant, pureed with kashar cheese, herbs with and a choice of lamb, chicken, or vegetable ragout; the well-known, traditional

Moussaka ($18), layers of fried zucchini, potatoes, ground meat, topped with sauteed onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers and tasty tomato sauce; stuffed cabbage ($18), cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, meat, pepper, onion, herb and tomato sauce; and another one I can’t stop ordering, zucchini pancakes appetizer ($7), pan-seared zucchini patties with fresh herbs, served with yogurt sauce. Also on the menu: falafel ($7), seasoned chickpea patties; hummus ($7), chickpea puree seasoned with tahini, garlic, spices, herbs, lemon juice and olive oil; babaganoush ($7), char-grilled eggplant pureed with fresh herbs, spices and tahini sauce; tabuli ($7), a perfect blend of parsley scallions, red pepper and cracked wheat in tasty dressing with lemon and olive oil; hearts of artichoke ($7); breaded, fried cauliflower ($7); grape leaves ($7) stuffed with rice, pine nuts, herbs and spices; and Iskender ($18), lamb and beef gyro, zesty red sauce, yogurt and hot butter sauce over seasoned, seared pita.

Want something not-so-different? The menu offers a New York sirloin steak ($24), filet mignon ($28), lamb chops ($25), grilled salmon ($21), shrimp casserole with mushrooms

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com and mozzarella cheese ($19), many sauteed vegetables ($14), a selection of fire-roasted kebabs ($16-19), soups ($4) and salads in large and small portions ($7-9). Also, mozzarella sticks ($7), fried calamari ($7) and, surprisingly, Tiramisu ($5).

That’s not all, but there’s just so much room in these pages and I can’t be too greedy, especially when I haven’t told you to SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT, especially if you might like Baklava ($6), baked filo dough, layered over pistachio with house syrup; almond pudding ($5), or the very addictive Kazan Dibi ($5), rolled dairy custard, caramelized and topped with sugar – sort of like flan or creme brulee.

In fact, says Ziya, who creates and oversees the menu and recipes -- there are many foods that occur in various cultures with different

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names, but whose flavors and textures are universally familiar. “Food is the language of all people, everywhere,” he remarks.

The foods at Istanblue, in addition to being a cultural treasure, have multiple textures, colors and flavors, which make them a sensual adventure to look at and to consume. And note – vegetarians who are often frustrated by menus that don’t accommodate their special preferences: THIS IS YOUR DREAM COME TRUE! The real dilemma in Istablue is there are so many choices, some I haven’t gotten to, but intend to, such as the cabbage stuffed with rice, meat, pepper, onion, herbs and tomato sauce ($18), and so much I already love, that when I go in there, I struggle to decide whether to satisfy a craving or a curiosity.

Can I make a suggestion? Go in with a group, order an assortment, and pass them around, otherwise you’ll never be able to taste all the things on the menu that appeal to you. The list is long, believe me.

The restaurant is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., with $8.99 lunch specials served 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., featuring sandwiches on homemade bread, pita or wraps; platters; and salads.

How’s it going? Well, here’s a clue: The landlord recently came in with a group and was so impressed with the food that he offered Istanblue’s management a second space in another of his buildings in Clifton Park (not telling where until its open). Chad pointed out that will be the third independently owned Saratoga Springs restaurant to open a second location – Wheatfields and DZ restaurants (Chianti, Boca and Forno) are also down there.

The landlord’s vote of confidence will make sense to you after your first visit to Istanblue, and, as Ziya predicts, you’ll be back for more.

Take-out and local delivery available. Call 518581-0181 for information, to call in an order or for a reservation, set your GPS for 68 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs and leave room in your fridge – there WILL be some to take home and you’ll be happy all over again the next day.

Eggplant for breakfast anyone? ³

• ISTANBLUE •

68 Congress St, Saratoga Springs NY, 12866 (518) 581-0181

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Violet Lemay:

“This can’t be replaced”

By Helen Susan Edelman

Who wouldn’t want to be Isabella’s sole sister?

The bright, indomitable little girl has lots of ideas for shoes: shoes that light up, shoes with laces, comfy walking shoes, kitten heels, flats, party shoes, mules and moccasins adorned with plaids, polka dots, buckles and bows. And you can too.

Isabella is the eponymous star of “Isabella’s Shoe Studio,” by Violet Lemay.

Lemay, who lives with her husband and son on the edge of Saratoga Springs, has conceived a way cool, dynamic, exuberant 8-yearold girl whose mission is to design, design, design, mostly shoes, but other fashionista stuff too. The special twist is that bookworms are invited to co-create her story in this interactive reading-doing experience. The book is part narrative and part space for original drawings and doodles.

If Isabella has pinned her drawings of shoes to a bulletin board in her studio, for example, the next page of the book features outlines of shoes for the reader to decorate. On another page, she is curled up reading with her shoes off – the reader is asked to embellish socks.

There’s also a hat, magazine covers, dresses, shoe boxes – and even a page for drawing the breakfast table for inspiration for colors and shapes.

“Isabella” is a ton of fun with a box of crayons.

Think rainy day, vacation activity, birthday party, Brownie troop meeting, sick in bed or family home evening – an alternative to board games. Suggestion: Do a few

pages at a sitting; the book is reasonably long and can last a long time.

An illustrator by profession, Lemay both wrote and drew the pictures for the $12.95 paperback, an idea she developed with her publisher at duopress, a company for which she also serves as art director from her home, an arrangement made possible by the magic of the Internet. The book is available at Saratoga Springs’ relatively new, much-needed and already beloved retail centerpiece, Northshire Bookstore, at 424 Broadway. Lemay has done a signing there already. Hopefully, there will be more to come as her new books launch. (It was Northshire’s events coordinator, Rachel Persons, who helped track down this author for an interview. Thank you!)

A native of St. Louis, Lemay started her career as an artist as a theater costume and set designer, after earning her degree at the Webster University Conservatory. She moved to New York City, of course, and was involved in many stage productions, including “The Most Happy Fella,” at

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“

...Kids’ books are where I belong. The particular style appeals to me – gentle, sweet, good-humored, big-eyed babies.

”

Lincoln Center. Still, she yearned to be an illustrator and, as compelling as the theater arena was, Lemay had to follow her true calling. She returned to school, this time to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design, to raise her game.

It wasn’t a straight line. Represented by agents, Lemay chalked up extensive experience illustrating for magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, American Baby, Better Homes and Gardens, Elle, Family Circle, Parent and Child, and others.

“But, I was illustrating for one fashion magazine and they wanted the girls skinnier and skinnier. I had to get out,” she recalls. “It exhausted me. Kids’ books are where I belong. The particular style appeals to me – gentle, sweet, good-humored, big-eyed babies. Also, where I think adult books can be self-indulgent, about the author, really, kids books are more generous – they’re about the reader. Look at ‘Isabella’ – it’s not about Violet’s shoes, it’s about Isabella’s shoes. The character in the story is not me. It’s about what the character can offer others as an artistic experience, as well as a story.”

Lemay and her husband, Fred Fruisen, also a talented artist, and their son, Gray, also a talented artist (!), moved to Saratoga Springs from Savannah, Georgia for Fruisen’s position as golf coach at Skidmore College. They liked the community and area very Violet Lemay much when they visited, and were thrilled to find the perfect house, but it was when Lemay noticed the eclectic Broadway shoe store Violet’s that she knew that she and her book had found a home. Indeed, Violet’s carries Violet’s “Isabella” at the counter.

Her projects for duopress have been broad ranging. In addition to the books she has illustrated, Lemay has designed placemats and kids’ puzzles. Even the books vary significantly, keeping her mind and fingertips current and enthused; duopress also publishes the hardcover board books wee ones love – from the basic “Beach Babies,” with activities and reading tips, to quirky books for the more sophisticated set, such as “My Foodie ABC,” which features words you don’t usually associate with a kid’s book: Kobe beef, gourmet, bento box, farmers’ market, locavore -- and is available with companion placemats. She is also working on a delightful series about the distinctive characters of different cities – many are already for sale, others are on the way. These saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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"This is my dream come tr ue.

It’s a unique task to illustrate for children."

are children’s books built around richly rendered drawings that present information in a visual style appealing to a child. (In truth, the “Foodie” book and the books about places are as much for adults as for children, with their subtle irony and intriguing shapes and colors.) “Because it’s right and realistic,” Lemay is committed to making sure these “city books” highlight racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, just as the places they are based on do. duopress describes itself as a publisher of books “with fun spirit and contemporary style that are designed to stimulate the children’s

imagination, their language development and their sense of play.” The books are for both young children and parents ready to participate and enjoy learning and discovering together.

The highest-quality non-toxic materials, which meet American Society of Testing Materials standards, are used in production. As art director, Lemay is charged with overseeing the design of all the products, as well as finding artists to execute each project, if she isn’t doing it herself. A perfectionist, but appreciative of her peers, Lemay respects other artists’ styles and perspectives and is happy to support their work by spotlighting it in the duopress collection.

She also oversees the graphic branding of the line, including for brochures, corporate logo, stationery and website, to maintain the integrity of the company’s overall visual presence.

“The books are a huge undertaking,” says Lemay, who prefers the long-term projects to dashing off a single illustration. “I like the challenge. It requires a different mindset. This is my dream come true. It’s a unique task to illustrate for children. You have to think about everything from their point of view to how developed their eyes are for seeing color, what’s comfortable for them to look at.”

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How does she know a drawing is done? “Because I can imagine it in a book,” she says. She also acknowledges that there are strict deadlines she adheres to, and the illustration simply has to be finished in time to go to print and, she admits, “Sometimes I just have to move on.” Nevertheless, about twice a year, Lemay works 15-hour days to satisfy the workload.

Fortunately, keeping herself plush in arts supplies is no problem, she points out, thanks to the inventory at Soave Faire, on Broadway, a store that in its 40+-year history in downtown Saratoga Springs has managed to stock every item an artist could wish for – and more.

“It reminds me of being in New York City,” Lemay says in her praise of the iconic store. “It’s eccentric, everything is there. I love the merchandise. And, the staff is always knowledgeable and incredibly professional. I don’t have to leave town to get what I need.”

Also, because the life of an illustrator and writer working from home can be isolating, some days, when she wants to be inside a human buzz, Lemay brings her computer into the downtown, gets online, draws energy from life’s murmuring, and gets a lot done.

It’s important in this day and age to address the elephant in every publisher’s room: What direction is the printed book industry heading with electronic competition, which is not going away?

Lemay has considered the question, her livelihood depends on the answer.

She concludes, “Children’s books are a sensory experience for youngsters and their parents, not just content,” and that convinces Lemay that this genre won’t be replaced any time soon by electronic readers.

“You walk into a bookstore and you see children looking at the books on the shelves, taking them off, looking at them, turning pages, intimately engaged, and you know this activity, this access, needs to continue,” says Lemay. “A book is more like a toy than a flat, inanimate piece of equipment, though I am open to new technology as a way of adding to the experience, just as I am open to children enriching their own experiences by making their own drawings to make the story come alive personally.”

Lemay herself is intriguing, the essence and embodiment of “children’s author.” Lithe and graceful, dark, big-eyed like one of her illustrations, soft-spoken, gentle, reflective, witty and bright, Lemay is attentive to conversation, leaning forward and listening in her impeccable home, which is hung with art and liberally enhanced with imaginative touches – baskets, lighthouses, balanced lighting, as well as a well-timed cup of tea. Her intelligence is intense, she answers questions carefully, not because she is shy, but because she is thorough. She laughs easily, but not gratuitously, able also to be logically cynical, as when she talks about encountering other writers who don’t take a children’s author seriously. But, in her own life she has been influenced by a gamut of the greats: Kate Dicamillo, A.A. Milne, Carolyn Keene, Dr. Seuss, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Franklin Dixon, Munro Leaf, Jeff Brown, the list goes on and continues to grow as new writers enter the market, because Lemay has always loved to read, and, as a child, no matter the weather, she would open her window at night, hoping to relive scenes from “Little House on the Prairie.” Today, she often finishes her demanding with the luxury of contemporary adult fiction.

“I’m not saying I picked an easy career,” she muses. “It’s a hard career, it’s a long project with moving parts, in every season. Sometimes there’s so much pressure, I don’t know how to get my mind off it, but in the end, there’s a beautiful product and that’s what makes me certain I’m going to continue what I’m doing.” ³

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Time well spent in

India Story by Megin Potter, photos provided

It is hard to reconcile how a hot and humid country of people that live in utter poverty, where the streets are overflowing with streams of traffic in all directions and mounds of waste abound, could also experience a level of happiness that others, with many more material blessings, spend a lifetime searching for.

made famous by the film Slumdog Millionaire, there are neglected dogs roaming the streets, mischievous monkeys dangling from buildings and humans all trying to coexist.

“If it can move, has feet, or wheels, it is on the road at the same time,” said Score, shaking her head.

“It’s the joy of being alive,” explains Karen Score, owner of Yoga Mandali on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Score has travelled to India many times, gaining experiences that provide understanding and insight into this seemingly impossible duality.

But, for Score, the wild level of commotion and rampant poverty only serve to emphasize how amazing it is that happiness not only exists, but is widespread among the incredible people of India.

Last year, she started her six week journey through India in the city of Mumbai, a visually dazzling city of extremes. With an area of slums

“It’s so dirty and poor, but it’s such a special place that you don’t even see it. I have a feeling of being at home as soon as I arrive.”

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“

It’s so chaotic, but there’s an unbelievable sense of calm in the chaos.

There’s a sense that everything flows.

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”

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Last year, Score’s arrival was ushered in with a cascade of flowers at the annual flower festival. Devotees of Radhanath Swami, an author and teacher of the devotional path of Bhakti-yoga (which is also taught at Score’s Saratoga studio) plucked thousands of pounds of petals, organized them by color and showered them onto statues of the goddesses Radha and Krishna. Next, the blossoms were gathered up and poured down from the balconies above onto the ecstatic revelers below. Amid the Kaleidoscope of colors, the sweet smell of flowers, the melodious chanting and dancing, the air was just bursting with joyfulness.

“It was an ecstatic evening of joy, everybody was just so happy,” remembered Score fondly.

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Jumana River, Vrindavan

The next stop on her trip was the sacred city of Vrindavan. Seven years ago Score began sponsoring a child in India through Food for Life Vrindavan, a charity that provides food distribution to Indian school children but has also helped to create a hospital, develop sanitation services and contribute to reforestation efforts. Score soon began sponsoring another child and has raised money to build five houses in the community as well.

“It’s a small house, but it’s a roof and a door and is better than a plastic tarp on the side of the road like most people are living in,” she said.

The generosity of a people with so little is inspiring, as they are eager to share all they have, and their need is so great, that a gift of shoes will make them break down and cry. With the dowry system still being practiced in the area and based on a woman’s age, young girls are routinely married off as early as 13 years-old so it costs the family less.

The two girls that Score sponsors, Sapna, 10, and Manisha, 6, are being spared that same fate. Each child is able to attend school, is provided a clean uniform and is given two meals a day. A savings account ensures that upon graduation they will continue to have options open to them.

“It goes a long way and really adds up. They like school and know that it’s a lifeline. If you build a school you change the culture and the quality of life. It’s a cause I believe in. I’ve been there. I’ve seen it, they need it. ” Whether she was joining the other 45 million people at Kumbha Mela, the largest gathering on the planet; scattering her father’s ashes into the Ganges river at Varanasi, the earths oldest continually inhabited city; or escaping in the middle of the night from her luxury accommodations in Kerala during a country-wide service strike, Score witnessed all levels of extremes in India.

24 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Taking it all in and then re-adjusting to life in the United States is eased by Score’s practice of yoga. Yoga means being aware of the sensations of the fluctuations of the mind, she explained.

“Yoga lets you come to a place where you can stop the chatter in your head. Having a sense of focus and awareness that eventually makes a big difference in how you see everything. You learn you can breathe through anything.”

Score began practicing yoga 13 years ago after experiencing an infection and subsequent high doses of antibiotics that resulted in dizziness and the inability to lift her leg. The balance and community she found healed her body and her life, introduced her to the wonders of India and planted a seed that would eventually blossom into Yoga Mandali’s now sunbathed studio. Although they don’t practice yoga in India like we do in America, its methods of bringing peace to the mind have been honed there for thousands of years.

“Yoga has definitely improved my life, improved my health and changed my mindset too. Some people come thinking they need another form of exercise, but there’s way more to it than just getting that yoga butt. There are tons of lessons that we learn on our mats that we take out into the world.”

Karen Score, of Yoga Mandali

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And with all those extremes out there, it teaches that happiness and distress comes and goes like the summer and winter seasons, but it is our state of mind that determines how we feel about experiencing any of them. ³

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 25

Mike Mills at his Saratoga office

Local Entrepreneur Sees Multifaceted Success with

M i l l s E n t e rta i n me n t

By Chelsea DiSchiano, photos provided

W

hen the popular romance novel trilogy “50 Shades of Grey” exploded onto the scene in 2011-2012, resulting in a media craze and causing millions of women to go in a frenzy trying to get their hands on the book, Michael Mills and one of his colleagues at Mills Entertainment knew there was an opportunity for their business.

Mills Entertainment, founded 16 years ago by Scotia native Mike Mills and headquartered in Saratoga Springs, is a four-in-one entertainment company focused on booking, promoting, marketing and touring live acts and events in the U.S. and internationally.

So when the opportunity to create a live act based off the hit novel “50 Shades” came, Mills and his company jumped on it and created “Spank: The 50 Shades Parody” in a swift three months. Normal productions, Mills said, usually take a year or more to produce from the first “concept” phase to the final stage production.

“We knew that we had to jump on this and get it created while it was still current and had momentum,” Mills said.

Despite the shorter-than-normal production period, “Spank: The 50 Shades Parody” went on to tour in 200 cities with sold out dates, including dates in Poland, Spain and even Australia.

26 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

A marquee for Archer Live in Chicago

Aside from the parody show, Mills Entertainment produces a variety and ever-changing list of live acts, many featuring reality television stars and personalities or family-friendly shows. A few current ongoing shows include “Archer Live”, which features real cast members doing stage readings for audiences; The “Dinosaur Train”, which creates a live version of the popular kids’ TV show; a comedy show featuring Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from the hit improv show “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”, shows featuring Theresa from “Long Island Medium”; and even shows with Cesar Millan from “The Dog Whisperer”.

That one is really fascinating,” Mills said. “[Cesar] will bring dogs from local shelters in the cities he performs in—dogs that he’s never even seen before—and he can start to teach them and train them in just 10 minutes.

It’s crazy.

Before Mike was a successful entrepreneur of his namesake company staffed by 18 full-time employees, with up to 50 seasonal employees at a time, he was a Scotia-bred business major studying at SUNY Albany, with a penchant for magic. Literally, magic—he learned magic tricks and skills at just eight years old and continued to follow his passion in college as a side job to pay the bills. He also worked as an usher for Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, which served as another inspiration for him.

“

As a kid, I used to put on shows and do magic or put on a little circus—I guess you could say I was a child entrepreneur.

Mills said with a laugh.

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”

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“Any moment where there’s a packed theatre for one of our shows, it’s a high moment for me,” Mills said.

“It may help to have a second office in L.A. in the future, but we like it here.”

The Capital Region is glad to have him here, too—it was announced at the end of February that Mills was named in the Albany Business Review’s prominent 40 Under 40 list; which features 40 of the most important movers and shakers of business in the Capital Region.

Mill's Entertainment's current tour of 'Sid The Science Kid' “And working at Proctors was great, and it was fun to watch all the different shows—it just made me want more of it.”

After graduating, he opened up his own magic shop called Planet Magic Productions, which soon morphed into what is now Mills Entertainment.

Though most entertainment companies are headquartered in New York City or Los Angeles, Mills—a husband and father of two—said his family’s roots and love for Saratoga Springs are what keeps him here.

“My wife is from Saratoga, and we love being based here,” Mills said.

“It’s such a neat honor,” Mills said. “I definitely didn’t expect it—we’re a small business, but we do have a lot of talented people working here. I’m looking forward to the awards luncheon. You wouldn’t expect it, but there are a substantial group of people in the region who are connected to industry people. It’s neat.”

That’s not the only honor Mills has received for his work. Just last year, Poll Star, a publication that rates companies in the concert industry, named Mills Entertainment 51st in the world for its production and promoting of events.

“That was cool,” Mills said. “Especially, because that’s only half of our business.”

As it turns out, most entertainment companies tend to focus on just one aspect of the business, making Mills Entertainment a rare gem in the industry. The company is probably one out of five in the country to book, promote, market and tour events—all in-house, Mills estimated.

28 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Mike (second from right) with his Mills Entertainment team and Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss on one of their many tours.

Though receiving these honors and accolades is rewarding, Mills said taking a show from the concept stage, where he and his staff are brainstorming ideas on a certain show idea, to seeing the final product on stage, is the most rewarding aspect of his job.

And he continues to aim higher: having already doubled in growth in the last two years, Mills still hopes to continue that growth pattern through the next few years.

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“We love our size, but we’re diversifying,” Mills said. “We have really amazing people working for us now, so building the team that we have is what’s most important.”

To learn more about Mills Entertainment or to find details on current shows being produced, visit www.millsentertainment.com. ³

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 29

Saratoga...

7k 63.1"

By The Numbers

Amount of snow we've had during the Winter of 2013/2014...so far!

Courtesy of: Bonacio.com

Cost of a condo with a killer view in Downtown Saratoga Springs

$

850,000.00

Courtesy of: Channel 13 News

Amount of Chocolate Dipped Strawberries sold during Valentine's week at The Candy Co.

59

1,000

The age of Madame Jumel when she married Aaron Burr

Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

Number of Rocking Chairs on the piazza of the United States Hotel.

1847 -33 12k

The year that Saratoga Springs hosted the New York State Fair

LOWEST recorded Any movie on a Tuesday temperature. at Bowtie downtown Winter 1994.

Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

6

$

Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

1978

$

Cost of a Showcase of Homes worthy living room.

• Sofa • 2-3 chairs • Coffee table • 2 lamp tables Courtesy of: Channel 13 News • 2-3 lamps • 9x12 area rug st 1 Farmers' Market • Art & accessories in Saratoga Springs • Window treatments Courtesy of: SaratogaSignature.com

30 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Home

& Garden Pages 32 - 51

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Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 31

Carriage House Chronicles The

The Barn at 53 Greenfield: The Story of a Thoughtful Hi, I’m Chelsea Hoopes Silver...

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

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

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

Saratoga

Renovation Story by Chelsea Hoopes Silver, Photos provided

32 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Robert and Charlene Courtney bought the big, red carriage house at 53 Greenfield Avenue in 2007.

They had just moved from their home around the corner, on Clement Avenue (another major renovation that the couple painstakingly renovated, with stunning result), but didn’t actually begin work on the place for a couple years. They had always loved the barn, and when they finally purchased it, they wanted to make sure they did the old place justice. “Like most buildings I have restored or renovated, I just spent a lot of time walking around and taking it all in”, Robert remembers. Robert set his office up in the old caretaker’s apartment and when he wasn’t busy working (he owns local building company, Robert Courtney Enterprises), he would take in the space around him- “sometimes I would just stare out the door into the other rooms. I like to think the building was speaking to me. I imagined what it was like at the turn of the century and who graced the halls, horses included.”

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Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 33

The building was massive, about 11,000 square feet, and commanded most of the lot it was on. For practicality, Robert took the newer part of the structure off, bringing the place down to a more manageable 6,000 square feet and giving them and the neighbors a little more breathing room. One of Robert’s favorite features was the old cupola. He decided to embellish this and recreate it in larger form, opening the living room up to the roof and adding a post and beam structure to support the cupola and allow access to the platform built beneath it so one could enjoy a 360 degree view of the neighborhood. It also allows natural light to flood the open living area below. In the new two-story living room, he also built an equally high, stone fireplace “built in true Rumsford design”, which strikingly anchors the large room. They also covered the old concrete floors (they were not as level as the foundation, unfortunately) in a beautiful, reclaimed Cyprus, re-purposed many of the old stable walls and doors into the new design, and actually kept many of the original stalls as- is in the roomy in-law suite on the building’s south end, which ended up being perfect as room dividers for the living area, office, and small kitchenette. All of the gorgeous architectural details were only further complimented and accentuated by Robert and Charlene’s gorgeous furnishings and art. They have since sold the “barn” as we called it, but I am sure it will live to see many more years as one of Saratoga’s new “great” houses.

“Like most buildings I have restored or renovated, I just spent a lot of time walking around and taking it all in”, Robert remembers.

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"Barn" Kitchen Before & After

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A Brief Bit of History on 53 Greenfield Ave by Robert Courtney: Growing up my grandparents lived right down the street, so I can remember always looking at the barn.

In more recent years, when we owned Gray Gables (14 Clement Ave.) on the nearby corner, I found myself walking around it and thinking it would be really cool to turn it into a house. It is unique as it was a carriage house and barn.

There are a lot of carriage houses in Saratoga but few where the horses were actually stabled there as well. It had the carriage garage in the front with the horse stalls in the back.

Probably what made this carriage house even more unique is it was actually more or less setup like “townhouses”, meaning it was divided up into 3 connected units, each equal in size, with its own carriage garage, horse stalls, tack room, hayloft and grain storage. Each unit had a strip of land that linked it to the first three mansions on Clement Avenue.

They were owned by a father and two sons. If you look at the way the building was placed, you could see where the porte-cochere of the houses lined up with the various entries on the barn. The carriages would drop off the owners at the houses and then the horse and carriage would make their way to the barn.

There were some great original treasures in the barn which included the carriage-washes, which resembled the

modern-day overhead, movable wash-wands we see at car washes today. There was cast iron grating that separated the horse stalls as well as cast iron troughs for feed and water. The horse stalls even had floor grates hooked up to the sewer system so they could be cleaned easier. Probably the neatest feature were the grain separators or cleaners.

They were mounted on the wall in the stable area. Upstairs were the grain bins. At feeding time, the stable hand would pull a lever which released grain from the bins. Inside the oats cleaners were a series of screens at 45 degree angles.

The grain would flow down through and separate the loose chaff from the grain. The process is called “winnowing”. This provided the horses with a much purer dinner.

What really stuck out to me was the level of finish in the original design. Of course, the exterior features all mirrored those of the 3 mansions, but the interior was also elegantly done for mere horse quarters. There was beaded board on the ceilings, with quarter-round molding that was handcoped into all the ceiling joists, turned posts at all the stalls, and the aforementioned cast iron grating that was clearly all custom made for this structure.

It was built as a great structure and keeping as much of the original pieces that were practically possible, we hopefully have given it the chance to live on for another 100 or more years. ³

36 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Making History a Current Affair

Life Of Saratoga's Victorian Era Translated Into TV Series Pitch

By Colette Linton, photos by Brian Hoffman Saratoga Springs circa 1858 had all the makings of a real-life television mini-series: Mansions, Gangsters; Prohibition, Gambling, Racing and of course, drama.

And if Dr. Hollis Palmer has his way; it soon will have its own mini-series.

Palmer said. “This was a truly unique place at a unique time. There are so many interesting people and tales to tell that it could go on and on. I'm already outlining the follow up series. Saratoga could never be captured in a single show or movie.”

His most recent project is a translating local history into a script that may one day go public as a television series - “See and be Seen: Saratoga”.

An eighth generation man of Saratoga, Palmer's appreciation for history began with his grandfathers who personified the character of the city through their own interpretations of history. During the course of Palmer's work, sharing the tales of the city that are nearly 160 years old with visitors through his eight years of work with Derby Tours and his books, he said that the stories he shares of people-past are not so different from the habits, behaviors and interests of today.

In his historically based drama, Palmer adapts the tales of several families that spend the summer of 1858 in Saratoga. Many of them are based on real figures, others are brought to life with historical fact or borrowed stories of another time period to help illustrate the varied and mufti-faceted issues of his fictional creation.

“Everyone who was anyone in 1858 came to Saratoga to see and be seen,” Palmer said. People came to the springs for leisure, health and to see who else was in town.

Most every detail in his scripts such as attire and social customs lay the groundwork for issues from the period such as class struggles, slavery, “proper” dating, the murder of a wealthy father by his son, gambling, temperance and the role of religion in everyday life, politics, health and love. All these issues drive the conflict and set in motion the interactions between characters for an enthralling drama.

A mathematician by training, a long-time writer and a social scientist at heart, Palmer enjoys the task of relating the history of yesteryear to the lives of contemporary audiences not by focusing on dates, but rather on the concepts that surround events. In order to flesh out the scenes and issues of Palmer's project, he has spent many hours, days, visiting the archives at the Saratoga Springs History Museum in the Canfield Casino at Congress Park.

“The reason for the series is that Saratoga deserves it,” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“As to helping readers understand the times, I would say that has not been hard,” he said. “It could have been but I have done so many presentations where – explaining the Victorian era in terms of modern people can understand – had been my objective, it was easy in the story lines. Remember I have been asked literally thousands of questions about the Victorian era.

So, I know what people want to understand.”

When asked why he chose to use a television series as a medium for his current endeavor, he responded that “it is how you get the average person to watch. You could do a documentary and some people would enjoy it. Develop strong characters with a strong storyline and you will get many more people involved”.

Treatments of Palmer’s television series have been sent to about 13 agencies as of the end of February, and his goal is to send out two to three a day for the next couple weeks in order to find a company to produce his show.

In terms of production, Palmer would like to team with Netflix as a first choice, but Showtime, HBO, PBS and the History Channel are also within his vision for the show. As for now, Palmer’s work continues with no end yet in sight either for his research or regarding his pitch for a television series.

“My goal is always to make history personal and make history interesting,” he said. “My research never ends nor do I want it to. I am always finding little snippets to add color to facts.”

Palmer's TV series can be read free of charge on his website at SaratogasSeeAndBeSeen.com. His books are available at Crafters' Gallery on Broadway. ³

Hollis Palmer strolls the rooms of the Saratoga Springs History Museum at Canfield Casino showing the attire of the time.

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 37

a

Home with a Hidden

Story

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com

childhoods were very different; In 1895, during one of this country’s Harry’s mother died while he deepest depressions, Harry

By Hollis Palmer was just a boy, while Emma was Levengston and his wife Emma Pike, close to her parents. Although both built the Victorian mansion at the corner of her parents died before the house Circular and Lafayette Streets. While many, if was built, Emma was raised in the brick not most, of the great Victorian houses of Saratoga house next door at 117 Circular Street. were built by people who were born elsewhere and moved to Saratoga after they had made their fortunes, both Harry and Emma Early in the 1890s, Harry opened a bathhouse that was considered to were born and raised in the village (Saratoga Springs was a village be the finest in America. Located just off Broadway on Phila Street, until 1915.) the Saratoga Baths offered not just the typical mineral baths but also Both Harry, born in 1863, and Emma, born in 1864 were from wealthy had Turkish, Russian, Roman, and swimming baths. Unlike the other families. Harry’s father listed his occupation as “gentleman,” a sign bathhouses in the village, Levengston’s was open year around. he was wealthy. Emma’s father was a prominent attorney. Their 38 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com

115 Circular; From the author’s collection

Courtesy of the Saratoga History Museum

Until about 1908 the Levengstons lived a fairly normal upper-class life. Emma was the Vice President of the Board of Saratoga’s first hospital. She was also on the board when Skidmore College was created, and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Harry was the winner of many marksmanship contests, bridge tournaments, owner of one of the first automobiles in the village, an excellent golfer, and a collector of first edition books. The Levengston family was one of the first to spend winters in Florida.

Harry was a tinkerer. He could often be heard working in the carriage house that still stands on Lafayette Street. He opened Central Auto Sales in the carriage house. An avid fan of Packard automobiles, Harry owned dealerships in Utica and Syracuse. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 39

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com The Levengstons had four children: Harry Jr. born in 1886, Mary Elizabeth born 1889, Tom Pike born 1890, and Lemuel Pike born in 1894. Neither Mary nor Lemuel would live to see their second birthdays.

The family’s scandal became public because of a note written on October 5th, 1911. That evening Harry Junior was at the Saratoga Club where he borrowed a sheet of stationary and wrote the following, “Last Will and Testament of H. M. Levengston Jr. It is my desire that all property, whether real or personal, belonging to me shall go to Miss Catharine Finlay at my death.” Harry had the document witnessed by two of the village’s notable men and a third who did not fit that description. The following day the note was delivered to Miss Finlay, a seamstress, with a cover note instructing her that the will was totally legal and to put it in a safe place. He ended by stating that he planned to call on her that evening and would be sober upon his arrival.

Sobriety was a condition that rarely inflicted itself on the twenty-fiveyear-old. It appears that Harry Jr. had been living with Miss Finlay (32) as his mistress on York Street for approximately four years prior to writing the will.

Harry was considerate enough to die of pneumonia the following March. At the time, Harry had a trust from one of his grandfathers valued at about $10,000 and an income of $1,000 a year.

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com

One begins to understand the family’s desire for status upon entering the grand foyer where one can just imagine a cast of true characters descending the grand stairwell or, in one player’s case, crawling up the stairs after a typical evening of debauchery.

40 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Club ; From the author’s collection Harry’s drinking had been such a problem that during the summer of 1911, the family had taken him to New York City to be examined.

The family chose Dr. William Pritcher who was already famous for his testimony in the Harry Thaw murder trial (told in the movie “The girl on the Red Velvet Swing.”) Dr. Pritcher found Harry Jr. to be lacking in “motive and ambition,” unable to demonstrate mental depth, academically weak, and to one of his parent’s chagrin, Harry Jr. had inherited “organical [sic] defects.” One key point would later be

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Find Books By HOLLIS PALMER at

Crafters Gallery 427 Broadway | 583-2435

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 41

The Levengston’s pool room has been transformed by the current owner into a gentlemen’s lounge.

© 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com © 2014 stockstudiosphotography.com

The Levengstons may not have been artists but they appreciated culture, as evidenced by this ceiling they had created in the dining room which is among the finest in the village.

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Harry Sr. enjoyed inventions.

It appears that he installed in the house a wooden duct work system designed to cool the house in summer.

ignored. The doctor found Harry Jr. to be so mentally weak that he had “susceptibility to influence.” Although only twenty-five, Pritcher believed Harry had dementia and would have been insane at the time he wrote the will.

Not surprisingly, the son’s will was contested by Harry Sr. From the court records a lot is learned about the family. From the time of his birth Harry Jr. suffered from over “indulgence.” His mental and academic issues were compounded by his being addicted to alcohol before he was even of legal age. When Harry Jr. drank he became “profane, vulgar, ugly and delirious.” To his credit he enjoyed hunting and playing cards – both excellent qualities to list on a resume or when applying for a mortgage.

The records also show that Harry Jr. was not allowed in the house when his mother was not present. On the other side he was coddled and protected by his mother.

Caroline Finlay won the case and the appeal. She used the money to open an upscale dress shop on Broadway. In 1918 she married Francis Krugler, who was already retired. She would die May 5th, 1921, at the age of 40.

It appears that the stress of losing their son and the court case was too much for the Levengston’s marriage. By 1920 Harry, who was only 56, was retired and living alone in the house. Emma would move to Monaco and list her address as Monte Carlo.

In 1939, with World War II about to break out, Emma returned to the United States and was living in Manhattan with her only surviving child, Thomas. In the 1930s Thomas brought Italian movie actor Lino Manzoni to America and took him to Hollywood. Lino was most noted for his role in the play “Strictly Dishonorable” (one can only guess the appropriateness.) Despite Thomas’ efforts, Lino has no credits after 1929. Thomas never married, dying in 1939 before either of his parents.

Following Thomas’ death, Emma was living in Manhattan with Lino.

Emma died in 1946 and left her considerable estate to Lino.

In June 1940, a year after his son’s death, Harry Sr. married the widow Mrs. Mary Van Schoonhoven Ludlow. Her first husband had been the publisher of the Troy Record. His father was the founder of Ludlow Valve Company in Troy. Harry and Mary gave up the house on Circular Street and moved to Mary’s house at 687 North Broadway (currently the Masonic Temple).

Harry died October 1, 1952, at the age of 89 with no descendants. ³ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Decorative Arts Discovery Made at the Saratoga Springs History Museum Story by Michael B. Levinson, Exhibition Curator; photos by MarkBolles.com

A

few years back, the director of the museum, Jamie Perillo, and I, were moving furniture to clear space for an event. Noticing a label on the bottom of a piece of furniture, I gasped when Jamie read it aloud – it said “Herter Brothers”.

The furniture they created was of such an incredible quality that today their pieces are included in many renowned museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum and the Brooklyn Museum of Arts, among others.

“Why, is that good?” Jamie asked. It was astonishingly good, because the Herter Brothers were prominent 19th century designers whose work was then, and still is today, highly valued.

To acquire such heightened fame, they had to work their way up. Immigrating to America

Gustave and Christian Herter were both German immigrants that dominated the interior design and cabinet making business in the 19th century. They were the founders of Herter Brothers Company and were later a part of the Associated Artist’s Alliance founded by Lewis Comfort Tiffany.

in 1848, Gustave Herter first joined one of the many high-end furniture manufacturers that were rapidly growing in New York City at the time of his arrival. Honing his craft on the new style of complex and grand furniture that was in demand at the time, he proved himself to be a first-class artisan.

The furniture he was creating was recognized as being some of the best of its kind. For three years, from 1851 to 1853 he partnered with an equally talented craftsman; Auguste Pottier, founder of Pottier and Company. Herter then joined up with Erastus Bulkley and in 1854, Bulkley and Herter opened a shop at 547 Broadway, within the same block as cabinet maker John Henry Belter and Tiffany and Co. In 1858, this partnership was dissolved and Gustave Herter

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struck out on his own… Immediately prosperous, by 1860 he employed 100 men and had an inventory containing 40,000 feet of black walnut, 15,000 feet of oak, 6,000 feet of rosewood, and 5,000 feet of mahogany and began his designs for the lavish Ruggles Sylvester Morse residence in Portland, Maine.

In February of 1864, Gustave’s brother, Christian, joined the firm and changed the name to Herter Brothers. By all recorded accounts, Christian was the more stylish of the two brothers. Described by colleagues as unusually handsome, charming, kind, and artistic, he was well-read and spoke English, German, French, and possibly Italian. This led to an enormous increase of bookings and Herter Brothers growth into one of New York’s leading interior design firms. Gustave’s own personal income immediately grew from $28,914 in 1863 to $279,653 in 1866.

Christian became a naturalized American citizen on January 30, 1867. He immediately applied for a passport to travel abroad so he could see the newest styles that were coming out of Europe.

By 1869, Herter Brothers’ list of clients included: Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and his son William H. Vanderbilt, financier J. P. Morgan, Jay Gould, Major James Goodwin, LeGrand Lockwood, and Cornelia M. Stewart. Stewart described the

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Herter Brothers as designers who were able to create the largest and most luxurious home on 5th Avenue, at the time. Cornelia’s husband, Alexander Turney Stewart, also employed the Herter Brothers to complete his project – the Grand Union Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

Hilton, A.T. Stewart’s partner, employed Herter Brothers to build him a similar house on a much smaller scale.

After completion of these residences, Christian went off to Europe and left Gustave to care for the business in New York City. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt approached Gustave to design the interiors, in their entirety, for a gambling casino called the Saratoga Club House that he was building in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The Saratoga Club House was designed in the Renaissance Revival mode, reminiscent of the commercial banks and insurance offices that Herter was also designing at that time. Herter was responsible for the carpet design, ceiling and wall stencils, fireplace mantles, lighting fixtures selection, and any other decorative ornamentation necessary to complete the interior.

The Canfield Casino – as it is called today – is the only known surviving commercial interior designed by Herter Brothers, other than rooms at the 7th Regiment Armory on Park Avenue in New

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York City. Currently, these rooms at the Armory are being restored with a price tag of $6 million to $15 million per room; demonstrating the importance of what we have here in Saratoga.

After discovering the Casino’s Herter connection, I spent an enormous amount of time researching the exact colors, stenciling, and textile decoration that would have been employed in these original interiors.

Recently, the High Stakes room at the Casino was repainted in its original intense coloration. Completing the appropriate stenciling and possibly recreating the original carpet, which was unfortunately removed in the early 1980’s, is to follow.

The Canfield Casino has been authenticated as a genuine interior of the Herter Brothers design by multiple leading professionals experienced with Herter Brothers work. This finding is considered one of the most exciting finds over the last 50 years in the world of 19th century American decorative arts. ³

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Spring Cleaning Let’s start with the Garage

By Jordana Turcotte of Simply You

Things pile up, fast! The storage areas in our home; the basement, the spare room and the garage, become a cluttered mess over time. Each item stuffed in these spaces are delayed decisions; a book finished that you will never read again, a half used paint can from two colors ago, a broken rake since replaced.

For most, we keep general areas free of these types of things. But certain rooms and areas tend to get the pile up of the things left undecided. The basement and garage are definite areas where stuff accumulates; primarily due to lack of systems, zones and clear definitions of what should actually be placed in these spaces.

The key to tackling these areas is just that, tackling them. The very first step for any organizing project is to decide the types of functions or zones for the space. What should be there? What has to happen there? Is the space the best possible place for that item?

For basements, it’s usually seasonal items, extra food and household

Before

supplies, out of season clothing, items to sell/get rid of, tools / tool bench and a laundry area. For garages, it is usually seasonal items, sporting goods, auto repair / supplies, gardening and yard supplies and tools / tool bench, yard equipment, garbage and recycling, chemicals.

For spare rooms, it is usually a sleeping area for guests, off season clothing, books, hobby area.

Decide what area you want to focus on and start with deciding on one item. Then move to the next. A lot of things you will read will tell you to empty the entire space, haul it all out and then tackle it. That is just not necessary. Making good decisions is what it is all about. Setting up the space functionally can happen at the end.

Questions to ask to make good decisions: Do I use it? Do I need it? Do I love it?

Does it work or is it broken?

Do I have more of the same thing?

If I let it go, can I get it again or borrow if needed?

grab things & start piles: Keep Toss (garbage, recycle, give away, donate, sell) Another Space. A box can be the “pile” to save space.

After you have moved through the area making good decisions and sorting, the next step is to indeed get it organized. To decide on a home, answer these questions:

How often do you use it?

When do you use it? All year? Seasonally?

After

Utilize lots of shelving units of metal or wood; they can hold bins or extra household supplies. Labeling is a must! You should have all bins / boxes labeled with contents and store all related bins next to each other.

Clear bins are best for visually spotting items. Go vertical; hang hoses, bicycles, chairs from the ceiling joists and the like.

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A few things to keep in mind in each of these three spaces: ÆThe Basement • Climate and moisture issues; items that are not good for basements: books, papers, photos, artwork or important documents.

A dehumidifier is a must for moisture issues.

• Store items off the floor if possible • Keep the space in front of electrical boxes, the furnace and water heater free • Flammable items should never be stored in the same room as a gas water heater.

ÆThe Spare Room • How often do you have guests? Do you really need a bed or can you have a portable air mattress?

• What are you comfortable storing in here if you have guests often?

• If this will be a hobby room, how much space and what furniture do you need to make it completely functional? ÆThe Garage • Do you want 1-2 cars in the space? If this routinely gets hard to maintain, tape off the area you need so you don’t infringe the area(s).

• Who is using things in the garage? Can something be hung and be accessible? Vertical use of the space can really help such as hanging hoses and bikes.

• Are children and/or pets in the space? If so, safety with chemicals and tools must be considered. Consider lockable cabinets.

• Label any bin that is not see-through or hard to distinguish the contents.

So, you have all those items you let go of, what do you do with them? It is a must to get the items out as soon as possible. If not, they become clutter again. Placing on the front lawn with a FREE sign works well for many people if in warmer months. Freecycle can also be used or the free tab on Craigslist. Or even just putting the word out to friends of what you have.

Make use of the internet too for ingenious ways to find new homes for linens, magazines, books and more! ³ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 49

FROM

Marigolds

TO

MAPLE TREES

get them off to a great start…

Peter Bowden

Photos and Article By Peter Bowden

“From Maple trees to marigolds...get them off to a great start” An early start is the best start. I’m not sure why, but a lot of folks are afraid to plant when it’s cold out. Certainly we wouldn’t want to be planting tender annuals now. On the other hand, this is a great time to dig in and plant hardy shrubs and trees...anything that you find outside at the garden center can go into the ground right away.

The advantage to planting early is that the shrubs are still dormant.

They were dug when they were dormant, and now you can plant them before they begin their spring growth. They’ll wake up already planted in your yard and won’t miss a beat. Every new root they grow will be growing in their new home. They’ll be able to take advantage of our entire growing season to establish a strong root system. They’ll do fine planted later, but they’ll do even better if they’re planted as early as possible...as soon as the ground has thawed enough to dig the hole... like NOW!

burying the trunk or stem under the soil. The spot on the tree trunk where the soil is in the pot or ball needs to be visible after planting. I’ll add compost or peat moss to the original soil to build up the bottom of the planting hole to ensure that the stem isn’t buried too deeply.

I’ll also add bone meal to the bottom of the planting hole where it provides a source of phosphorus that will last several years, helping the tree establish a strong root system. For an average sized tree or shrub, you’ll want to add about a cup of bone meal. If the soil is extra sandy, add peat moss to help improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture.

Next, I place the tree into the hole and check again to make sure I’m at the proper planting depth. The spot where the trunk of the tree meets the soil of its ball or pot should exactly match the level of the soil around your planting hole.

In other words, the

Sadly, when you have a Lifetime Nursery Guarantee like we do at Hewitt’s, you get to see a lot of dead shrubs and trees. We always like to look them over to see what went wrong. Over the years a pattern has become apparent. 90% of the dead shrubs and tree that are returned failed because they were planted too deeply. You can still see the dirt on the stem way above the crown of the plant. When the crown is buried below the soil and the bark at the base of the tree is covered with dirt, it will eventually die. It might take a year or two, but that plant will likely be returned to us for replacement.

Let me show you proper planting technique that will allow your trees and shrubs to thrive. Here I’m planting a Red Dogwood, but the same planting method should be used for any woody shrub or tree.

Dig the hole only as deep as the root ball or the pot that contains the roots.

As you can see, I’ve dug too deep so I need to fill it in a bit. You must avoid suffocating the tree by NOT

plant’s stem or trunk should NOT be sunk below the level of the surrounding area. The easiest way to check this is to lay a stick (the handle of your shovel works) across the planting hole and make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.

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If the plant is too low, remove it from the hole and add soil to the bottom to raise it up until you get it at the proper level. This seems trivial, but it can make all the difference to the plant’s health and survival.

Once the crown of the plant (the dividing line on the plant between what is above the ground and what is below) is at the proper level, fill in the rest of the planting hole. You can add more peat moss and bone meal around the sides of the root ball but make sure that the top 1/4 of the hole is filled with the original soil with no peat moss added. When added to the surface, peat moss will dry out, and in a wick-like manner, will draw moisture from below the plant, drying it out.

This is the point where inexperienced gardeners make another mistake. When you dig a hole, then fill it with a large root ball, there’s going to be soil left over. What do we do with it? Many will opt to pile it up around the trunk or stem. I guess it looks cozy, like tucking the plant in. DON’T DO IT! It will have the same negative effect as planting too deeply. If the stem or trunk above ground is covered with soil, it hinders the plant’s ability to pass moisture and nutrients from the root system to the branches and leaves above.

Use the extra soil to build a dish-shaped dike or berm out away from the stem of the plant. The dark soil where the stem met the soil in the pot should still be just visible near the trunk of the tree.

I haven’t planted too deeply as long as I can see the original soil that the tree came with.

This will collect water and direct it down to the root system below.

Finally, water heavily after planting to remove any air pockets from the soil.

The importance of maintaining proper planting depth extends to 99% of planting situations. There are rare exceptions (like tomatoes), but it is a rule that is best obeyed…from maple trees to marigolds and even your houseplants.

You should also take care when applying bark and other mulches not to pile them up against the stems and trunks of plants. I’m always sadly amazed when I see trees with bark mulch piled in a volcano shaped mound around the trunks of trees. Remember: roots are roots and stems are stems. Bury the roots but let the stems be free to breathe and grow.

Thanks for the read! ³ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 51

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C E L E B RATI N G S ARATOGA

By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson of Saratoga Tours saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Celebrating Saratoga Springs • Celebrating Sar

Congress Spring Circa 1880

Gideon’s Travels

By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson, photos provided by The Saratoga Springs History Museum

M

ost great ideas start with a dreamer, a visionary who sees the future more clearly than the rest of us. Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney were all men that possessed that gift. Here, in Saratoga Springs, we had our own visionary and his name was Gideon Putnam.

Gideon Putnam is the closest thing we have to a founding father. At age 25 he and his wife Doanda and their young family arrived in Saratoga Springs. By the time he died at age 49 he had built the first hotel in Saratoga Springs, tubed Congress Spring, discovered Columbian Spring and the Hamilton Spring, mapped out our current downtown and left his indelible imprint on the city we all treasure.

The Putnam family played a significant role in Salem, Massachusetts, Pomfret Connecticut, and Sutton Massachusetts. Gideon was one of 12 children and was born on April 17, 1863 to Stephen and Mary Gibbs Putnam in Sutton, Massachusetts. When he was 19 he married his 16 year old sweetheart Doanda Risley and the two of them set out for Middlebury,

Vermont where he attempted to make a living as a miller. They soon moved on to Rutland, Vermont. In 1788 he re-located to Bemis Heights and a year later arrived in Saratoga Springs where he settled at Prospect Hill. He said of his new surroundings, “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”.

Putnam rented 300 acres from Dirck Lefferts and built a sawmill in 1791. He produced shingles and staves which he sold in New York City. In 1802 the now successful Putnam bought land from Henry Walton and built Putnam’s Tavern and Boarding House, (our first hotel) on the site of what is now Talbots on Broadway.

Putnam posted rules and regulations for the use and preservation of Congress Spring and drew up a map of a downtown area that would be centered on Broad Street (today’s Broadway).

The reason for the early width of Broad Street was so that he would be able to turn his horse and wagon around without having to back up.

He donated land for a school, a burial ground and a church. As word of our mineral springs spread, more and more people began to make the trip to Saratoga Springs. It was clear to him by 1811 that his boarding house was no longer sufficient to house these new visitors to the village. In that year he began construction of Congress Hall across the street and unfortunately, fell from the scaffolding and suffered internal injuries.

Gideon Putnam died, at age 49, on December 1, 1812. Ironically, he was the first person buried in the burial ground that he had donated to the village.

Gideon and Doanda had 9 children. Their son, Lewis, is believed to be the first white child born in the village. For many years after his death his widow and his children carried on his business interests. Eventually, the original Tavern and Boarding House became Union Hall and then later the Grand Union Hotel.

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Broadway looking North, with Congress Hall on the right

Great dreamers and visionaries are not a new phenomenon in the United States. All we have to do is look around us to see some of the dreams that Gideon had and how so much of his vision has come to fruition.

Gideon Putnam left an amazing legacy. We are what we are today in large part due to his vision of what we could become. He left us with the idea that, “…this is a healthy place…” and appropriately our city slogan Health, History, Horses begins with health; just the way he’d want it. ³

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Original sign for Putnam's Tavern & Boarding House

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 55

Celebrating Saratoga Springs • Celebrating Sar

High Rock & Seltzer Springs

High Rock Park; where it all began

By Charlie Kuenzel and Dave Patterson, photos provided by The Saratoga Springs History Museum

F

spring’s existence was revealed. Sir William had fought in the Battle of Lake George in the French and Indian War in 1755 for the British. He was wounded in that engagement and suffered for years from that injury. After bathing and drinking the waters at the High Rock, Sir William was able to walk the majority of the way back to his home in the Mohawk Valley to continue in his position as Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Crown. He communicated to friends the story of his trip to this amazing healing spring and soon many people wanted to visit this great location. Sir William was in many ways the FIRST member of the Chamber of Commerce when he helped to broker a deal with the Mohawks that allowed future access to settlers.

inally, after a long snowy winter it’s time to get outdoors and celebrate Saratoga Springs; better yet it’s a great time to celebrate Saratoga’s springs. Our city’s name comes from a Mohawk term, Sarach’togoe, whose true meaning may have been lost in time. Many historians believe that it translates into “The area of the great salt springs”.

Soon, people from all over the world will visit our city and, like thousands and thousands before them, they will come to drink the mineral waters that first put us on the map.

Our start as a community began in High Rock Park which, today, is home to the Farmer’s Market and the 911 memorial Tempered by Memory. This is also the site of the High Rock Spring first discovered by the Mohawks hundreds of years ago.

It wasn’t until the Mohawks brought Sir William Johnson to the spring in 1771 that their closely guarded secret of the

Dipper Boy 19th Century

Among the early visitors to the High Rock Spring was future president George Washington who was accompanied by New York Governor George Clinton and General Phillip Schuyler (Alexander

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Hamilton’s father in law).

Washington’s bid to purchase land near the High Rock Spring was unsuccessful.

the 1800’s. Such a large number of springs and the aggressive “pumping” of some springs to take carbon dioxide gas for use in soda fountains lead to legislation to protect this natural resource. In the early 1900’s the number of active springs was reduced to just 17 in an attempt to protect these healing waters. High Rock Spring was one of the casualties of that excessive pumping. Today, the Peerless Spring and the Governor Spring continue to flow in High Rock Park.

The first structures built in Saratoga Springs were built near High Rock. In 1789 when Gideon Putnam arrived, the area was divided into the Upper Village, near High Rock Spring, and the Lower Village, closer to Congress Spring.

Putnam built his tavern and boarding house in the Lower Village and began to lay out streets that would soon become an early map of the village of Saratoga Springs and joined together the Upper and Lower Villages. Gideon Putnam believed that the mineral waters should be accessible to people and when he laid out those early streets he had the springs placed in the middle of the streets.

He tubed Congress Spring and in doing so discovered the Columbian Spring.

Throughout the 19th and 20th century many people put their ideas and visions to work to create the wonderful city that we celebrate today.

High Rock cone today

Farmer's Market (in High Rock Park)

Over time Putnam’s vision of Saratoga Springs as a healthy place to live and visit became a reality. By the mid-1870s Saratoga Springs was the most popular tourist destination in America. “Anyone who was anyone summered in Saratoga”. Seven different US Presidents, captains of industry, great artists, musicians and writers all spent “the season” in Saratoga Springs.

In future articles we will relate the impact of many of those visionaries and the growth of Saratoga Springs.

But, for today, go ahead and explore High Rock Park and see where it all began.

Signage for Governor and Peerless Springs in High Rock Park

The development of Saratoga Springs into the Queen of the Spas began at High Rock Spring. The springs of Saratoga Springs came about due to earthquakes that shook the area millions of years ago. Evidence of these geologic events can be seen by viewing the high rocks that tower over High Rock Park today. This abrupt change in elevation took place as a result of a fault line that was produced by an earthquake.

The earthquakes liberated the mineral waters in the ground below and allowed them to flow to the surface. Once the naturally occurring mineral springs were appreciated many drilled mineral springs were added until we approached a total of about 200 separate springs by the end of

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SS

Fashion: aratoga tyle

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Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 59

Nicole Miller, shown on Runway is the BREE dress, from the Spring 2014 collection of artisanal chic styles inspired by contemporary art and Nicole's signature, innovative use of prints. This and more at Saratoga Trunk, where Nicole Miller has been a staple line for over 18 years.

Available at: SARATOGA TRUNK 493 Broadway • 584-3543

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You’ll be a standout at any event in the Biltmore maxi by Lilly Pulitzer, Available at: PINK PADDOCK 358 Broadway 587-4344

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Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 61

Spring has a way of sneaking up on you and putting a smile on your face, especially when you have an effortless pullover sweater in jersey knit and linen.

Come see all the "pretties" at: SPOKEN BOUTIQUE 27 Church Street 587-2772

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Famous singer and song writer, Grace Potter, is rocking The Frye Company's Jackie Gore Stitching Horse boot... and so can you! Frye has reinvented our favorite "Chelsea" boot in a rugged veined leather, with gored stitching-horse-silhouette sides and a 2 and 1/2 inch heel. Who knew so much sophistication could come in a boot!

Available at: VIOLETS & STELLAS OF SARATOGA 494 Broadway 584-4838 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 63

Come shop the new Spring collections at: LUCIA 454 Broadway 587-7890

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Prom

Tuxedos

AT JONATHAN REID

Great low prices & excellent service have made us the area's leader in Tuxedo rentals www.jonathanreidmenswear.com AVIATION MALL - QUEENSBURY 518-793-5678 • 518-793-9171 WILTON MALL - SARATOGA 518-581-9173

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THE last GLOVE MAKER IN GLOVERSVILLE Story by Megin Potter, photos by Randy Duchaine

©RandyDuchaine.com ABOVE: Daniel Storto at his Gloversville shop

©RandyDuchaine.com

He’s been called the official glove maker to the Hollywood stars and the last glove maker in Gloversville; he says he’s not a brand, but more of a one-man band.

Always dancing to the beat of a different drummer, it was fitting when Daniel Storto used to introduce himself carrying around samples of his glove designs in an old violin case.

“People were mesmerized. It was so usual and avant-garde was so hot. Everyone was vying for how much more creative you can be,” said Storto.

summer he hopped on a bus to New York City. He said that when he showed his work to the editors of Women’s Wear Daily and Harper’s Bazaar - they went crazy for it.

As a child in Toronto, Storto was fascinated by his grandfather’s skill and captivated by his creativity as he sewed together shoes from scraps. His aunts were dressmakers who taught him how to use a sewing machine at the age of 7, and his mother would sit with him, flipping through the pages of Italian Vogue magazine.

“I never focused on if I was not good enough.

Whatever I set out to do, I did. If I’m going to be in it, I’m going to be the best I can be in that field. I was fearless,” said Storto.

“Pick one thing, and do it well,” she advised.

Sewing together his conceptually artistic designs became Storto’s thing and one

He started sewing wrap-style swimsuits and 72” long fingerless gloves to be worn in the evenings. Working as the creative director and head designer for first, Jantzen , and then, Cole of California, the two biggest swimwear companies in the United States at the time, allowed Storto the opportunity to feature his designs in some of the most distinguished

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“I live my life as an artist first and foremost, 24/7.

If I think of something, I have to make it. I look at a material and what I can make from it. My hands, they make it all,” Daniel Storto.

stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Mendel’s.

Despite his success, Storto started to sense that something was still missing.

Learning that some buyers who didn’t carry swimwear would carry accessories, Storto packed his violin case with gloves and headed off to try his luck as primarily a glove maker. Within a month of arriving in San Francisco, Storto had a contract with Macy’s and started a small factory by the waterfront.

The San Francisco Glove Company made gloves for dozens of retail stores before Storto was lured away, less than two years later, by the glamour of Hollywood.

When he opened up his violin case for designer Bob Mackie he fell in love, said Storto. He was introduced to everyone in Hollywood and took limos to Paramount Studios and the lots at Universal to dress the hands of celebrities and film stars. He amassed a collection of 5,000 vintage gloves and became a walking glove historian. Knowing how gloves appeared throughout history helped him to push the boundaries of glove making and turn it upside down.

“I was in a groove. It was out of this world. I spent 19 years there and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

©RandyDuchaine.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Storto continued to play with material, length and

Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 69

©RandyDuchaine.com

“I’m constantly challenging myself; change it, change it, change it. I’m honoring the past and making it modern.

It’s better than a postcard from Gloversville.” shape. Moving on to work with designers including Geoffry Beene, Paul Smith, Dries Van Noten and Alexander McQueen, among others, he was always conscious of the work that he was leaving behind to inspire and educate others. Storto’s career making clothing for the hands expanded into creating objects that display the distinctive story and point of view of the artist. Museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art have even included Storto’s gloves in their permanent collections.

©RandyDuchaine.com

“Here I am, making gloves for all these years, but I wasn’t a glove maker at all,” Storto said he learned, once he moved into Gloversville, which was once the epicenter of American glove production.

“It was the tools that they have, my mind was going crazy. This is my Disneyland.”

©RandyDuchaine.com

Visitors come to the beautifully curated Victorian Schine Building, a former opera house, where his studio is now located, to view the sacred tools on display and to see Storto demonstrate using them.

“People come into the shop and say, ‘This belongs in New York City’, because it has that element to it. It just doesn’t fit in and that’s the beauty of it.”

©RandyDuchaine.com

“It’s not Gloves-R-Us,” said Storto. Still making everything he carries from the ready-to-wear to the haute couture in an array of designs, fabrics and price ranges, Storto offers lambskin leather gloves starting at just $25 and goes all the way up to the alligator, crocodile and leather gloves that are priced into the thousands.

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"This is my Disneyland.”

©RandyDuchaine.com His latest work includes new additions to his obituary series, where he hand-types onto leather and gloves that have jewelry directly sewn onto them.

“I’m constantly challenging myself; change it, change it, change it. I’m honoring the past and making it modern. It’s better than a postcard from Gloversville.” ³

Storto Glove Shop 40 North Main Street, Gloversville 518-752-5051 http://danielstorto.com ©RandyDuchaine.com

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©RandyDuchaine.com

danielstorto@danielstorto.com

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FASHION tips WHIP your wardrobe into shape

By Jennifer Armstrong

You know you’ve said this before: I’m going to organize my closet and it’s going to look like the cover of a magazine. You often have ambitions for whipping your wardrobe into shape, and yet the job seems to defeat you each time.

You’re not alone.

There are plenty of perfectly sensible reasons why this can be such a hard job to carry out. At best, it can be a liberating project, but at worst, it can be tedious, annoying, and even shaming: Why do I waste so much money on clothes I 1. Attend to those invalids first.

If they’re injured because you got lots of use out of them and they’re showing the wear, take an honest assessment of each garment. Would you put it back into use if it were in good repair?

If the answer is no, throw it away!

Do not donate it.

Donating damaged clothing is not kind or helpful. If the answer is yes, put it in a pile “to be mended.” As soon as you have assessed all your damaged clothing, take the “to be mended” garments to be mended! Today!

(Okay, tomorrow at the latest.)

2. Is there anything you have never worn?

Either it seemed like a great bargain at the time (turns out it wasn’t, since you never wore it), or you bought it in a fit of retail therapy and surprise, surprise, it didn’t solve your problems. If you’ve never worn it, donate it!

Don’t hesitate.

never wear? Why can’t I stick to an exercise plan Another discovery that brings its own special so this dress will flatter me? What was I thinking form of dread is the knowledge that you may never again fit into this particular garment that of when I bought this ridiculous garment? was once your signature look. Again, a wardrobe The most demoralizing discovery when you that sneers, look at you now is not doing you any undertake this project is usually the amount of favors. money that you’ve sunk into clothes you don’t wear. There they hang in the closet, sometimes Okay, enough. The time you squander on selfwith the price tags still attached to twist the knife. delusion or self-reproach is time that isn’t coming But here’s the problem: keeping the clothes back any faster than the money you spent on the doesn’t mean you still have the money. The wrong clothes. Get over it. Let’s really take on money is gone, this is not good for your peace of the job this time and follow through until it’s done. mind!

3. Is there anything that doesn’t fit?

Disregard the fact that perhaps you wear it anyway. If it doesn’t fit properly, it does not flatter you!

If it is too big, perhaps it can be taken in. Are you going to put it on the pile of clothes to take to the tailor/ seamstress? If it is too small... donate it!

Do not hesitate! If you lose weight you can buy something new. Remember, the money you spent on these clothes is not magically still in your bank account as long as the clothes stay in the closet – you cannot pay your bills with blouses.

By now, hopefully, you have made some significant progress in winnowing the wheat from the chaff in your wardrobe. When the clothes that are in good repair, that fit and flatter you, and that you actually enjoy wearing have room to hang without being crushed, you’ll actually get more use out of them.

You won’t have to hesitate because you don’t have time to iron the blouse that got wrinkled while waiting on the hanger – because it isn’t wrinkled.

You won’t have to agonize about finally wearing that pleated thing with the decorative zippers even though you know it looks ridiculous – because it won’t be there anymore. You’ll have a closet that contains nothing but good clothes that suit you and are truly ready-to-wear. Take a photograph!

1. Cost Per Wear.

CPW is a way of determining the value of a garment so that you don’t become distracted by the price. A $20 bargain is $20 too much if you don’t wear it. A $200 garment that you wear more than ten times is already a better value than the $20 never-worn garment. Get it? This is why we can talk about investing in good clothes.

Good clothes are not always expensive, and expensive clothes are not always good. But if the garment is expensive and good, and you are likely to get plenty of use from it, it’s a good value.

2. Fit. There was a time when the size label inside a garment meant something very specific. This is no longer the case, for reasons that I won’t bore you with.

Size labels should be considered as suggestions, and should never be used as a measurement of self-worth. Try on three sizes of a garment you like, and buy the one that actually fits you properly, regardless of what the label says!

3. Love.

Will you feel love when you put this on? Will you feel comfortable, and flattered, and will you smile? Will you look at yourself in the mirror and say, “Hello, gorgeous!”

Because that’s how you should feel about everything in your closet.

No more shaming, no more reproaches, no more snide remarks from within the wardrobe.

Memorize these three key principles, and then weigh any potential purchase against them: Go forth and conquer your closet. And then go forth and be gorgeous.

Jennifer Armstrong is an independent fashion consultant, an award-winning children’s book author, and a mom. She lives in Saratoga Springs.

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Save Date 2014

the

Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23, 29 & 30 Maple Weekend (see page 50 for more information)

Friday, March 28 Benefit Concert for Sponsor-a-Scholar

Filene Recital Hall, Skidmore College - 8 p.m.

The Drastic Measures are presenting their fifth annual benefit concert featuring numerous other performance groups from Skidmore and the Saratoga community to support their charity, Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar, which helps high school students pay for college tuition they otherwise could not afford. For more information call (518) 580-5320.

Saturday, March 29 The Annual Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York Gala Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs - 6 p.m.

A very special evening is planned, with dining, music and dancing, auctions, and much more. This 16th annual Gala celebrates the more than 1,400 wishes granted to local children with life-threatening medical conditions since the chapter's founding 27 years ago.

Tickets for the black tie event are $160 each and may be purchased by mail through the Make-AWish Foundation of Northeast New York office, One Mustang Drive, Cohoes, NY 12047, by phone at (518) 782-4673.

Tuesday, April 1 Saratoga’s Job Fair: A Career Building Expo Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Is it time for a change in your career? This spring, take advantage of the changing seasons and allow your true colors to shine. Come find a place that will foster new growth and push your mind to new heights.

Resume critiques, seminars, and speed networking. For more information visit www.cjdg.org.

MAR CH - APRIL

SOS, you are not only sheltering those who need help, you are helping hope take flight. Live music and premium silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting SOS. Enjoy gourmet hand-passed hors d'oeuvres and a selection of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Cocktail attire suggested. Reservations are available for $100 per person. To make a reservation, call (518) 581-1097.

Saturday, April 12 5K Furry Fun Run Warming Hut, Saratoga State Park - 8 a.m.

This is a chip-timed 5k event to benefit Peppertree Rescue, where dogs are welcome to run along with their human. Registration starts at 8 a.m., the race begins at 9:15 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top runners and fundraisers, check out our website, www.

Peppertree.org/events.php for more details or call (518) 435-7425.

Saturday, April 26 2nd Annual Saratoga Mom Prom The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Ladies.....looking for a fabulous fun filled Girls' Night Out for a good cause??Benefitting the Saratoga County Children's Committee (sponsor of the Empty Stocking Project as well as meeting needs of disadvantaged children within our county throughout the year)our 2nd annual event will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 7 - 11 pm. Just pull out those old prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses or visit an area consignment shop and find a vintage dress (the tackier the better) and join us for a night of dancing, lite fare, cash bar (signature drink is the "Stiletto!)", raffle baskets, good company and humorous prom traditions! Saratoga Mom Prom 2014 promises to be even more fun than last year!!!!! To make reservations, please visit www.saratogamomprom. com.

Sunday, April 27 Third Annual Autism Awareness Information Fair, Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Noon – 3 p.m.

Saratoga Bridges and The Parent Network of the Capital Region in cooperation with The Skidmore College Psychology Department announce the 3rd Annual Autism Information Fair presented by The Law Office of Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC. Exhibitors include: Recreational Programs, Camps, Technological Apps for Autism, School Programs: Pre-K through College, Therapeutic Programs. Art Exhibit, Games, Crafts, and Bounce House. Fun for the whole family.

Please contact Julie Marks at (518) 587-0723 ext.

2607 or jmarks@saratogabridges.org for more information.

Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27 Washington County Fiber Tour Washington County Farms, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Tour features 15 farms and a fiber mill with just about every fiber producing animal there is. Alpacas, angora rabbits, cashmere and angora goats, and several breeds of sheep are raised. The products that are produced are as diverse as the animals raised.

Many of the members have won major prizes at shows and festivals for live animals or fiber products.

Join us for hands-on demonstrations, baby animals, and children's activities. Products that are available in the shops are from raw fleeces, to roving and yarn, finger puppets, and even finished garments. Several farms also offer food samplings and sales, and one serves lunch by reservation. For more information

call (518) 638-8132.

Thursday, April 3 Shelters of Saratoga 4th Annual Gala: Helping Hope Take Flight Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs - 6 – 9 p.m.

Celebrate the achievements of Shelters of Saratoga and congratulate those who worked so diligently to further branch out into the community. By supporting saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Welcome to...

Maple Weekend Photos provided by Rathbun's Maple

March 22-23 & 29-30, 2014 10 am-4 pm each day

For more information and a list of participating farms visit www.mapleweekend.com, www.nysmaple.com and www.upperhudsonmaple.com We all knew that Maple Weekend is a fun event for the entire family.

Now scientific research shows there’s something more to the taste of sweet, delicious maple syrup – it might just keep you healthy– recent studies have uncovered some significant health benefits!

The best part is that admission is FREE, but you will have to pay for your pancake breakfast.

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BOATING CAMPING FISHING...

Time to start dreaming of being outside again!

Information for the following nine pages provided by JohnnyMillerAdventures.com Photos provided by VisitLakeGeorge.Com

Lake

George

Photos provided by VisitLakeGeorge.Com

The “Queen of American Lakes”

lies in the eastern section of the Adirondack State Park, under an hour drive north of Saratoga Springs. Formed at the end of the last ice age, this majestic lake is a recreational gem that is unmatched in water quality and outdoor recreation opportunity. Fishermen, kayakers, hikers, swimmers, summer residents, and general tourists migrate to this region during the spring and summer. There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 40 plus state owned islands. Draining to the north, Lake George is 32 miles long from Lake George Village to Ticonderoga, 3 miles wide and 195 feet deep, making a great habitat for lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

There are four NYSDEC campgrounds around the lake and seven public access points for motorboats and kayaks.

USER FRIENDLY WEBSITES!! http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24474.html or http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com 77 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 | 77

BOAT LAUNCHES

Photos provided by VisitLakeGeorge.Com

Lake George Village Million Dollar Beach Boat Launch and Day Use Area Beach Road in Lake George Village. Boat Launch, Beach.

Parking for 200 cars and trailers. Close to shops and in town activities.

Heartstone Point Campground

Two miles north of Lake George Village with over 200 tents and trailer sites. No boat launch facility, but campsite and a large beach for daily swimming and playing in the clean and clear water.

Lake George Battleground Campground

There is a self-guided historical interpretive path with educational information at the Battlefield Park from the military activity during the Colonial period. Off the lake on Route 9N, ¼ mile south of Lake George Village.

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& CAMPGROUNDS Bolton Landing Norowal Marina

Located off 9N on Sagamore Road. (Car Top $12.00, Powerboat $24.00)

Northwest Bay/Clay Meadow

Located four miles north of Bolton Landing. (No Fee, Car Top Boats Only) Cartop boat access to Northwest Bay and southern trailhead to the Tongue Mountain Range.

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Island camping on

Lake George

There are 387 shoreline campsites located on 44 state owned islands. 85 sites are located in the Narrow Island Group (Mother Bunch Group), 170 sites and 42 cruiser sites are in the Glen Island Group (The Narrows), and 90 sites are on Long Island. The 42 cruiser sites are for large boats with sleeping quarters. 25 sites in the Glen Island Group are located on the mainland but are accessible by boat only. Most sites are well forested and private. All sites have a dock for one boat, a fireplace, picnic table, and toilet facility. Cruiser sites also provide a charcoal burner and privy.

Accessible Features: 2 wheelchair accessible campsites with tent platforms, level trail with a natural surface, picnic tables, dock and a privy Please Note: Dogs are prohibited on any of the islands, docks and on vessels moored at docks.

• Glen Island Group in The Narrows east of Bolton Landing (518) 644-9696 • Long Island Group on the south end of the lake (518) 656-9426 • Narrow Island Group in the Mother Bunch located in the northern part of the lake (518) 499-1288 Directions: Lake George is accessible from Route I-87 (Adirondack Northway) using exits 20-25, and 28, then Routes 4, 9, 9N, 8, 22, 74 and 149. Once leaving the Adirondack Northway, caution should be observed as some roads contain steep grades.

USER FRIENDLY WEBSITES!! http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24474.html or http:// newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/

Great

Sacandaga Lake

The Great Sacandaga Lake

is an excellent recreational resource for someone looking to have some fun outside. The lake lies in the southern section of the Adirondack Park, west of Saratoga Springs, within an hour drive, stretching across two counties – Fulton and Saratoga. Folks can explore the open water of the main lake, paddle around the islands along the western shore, bird watch in the marshes, swim, or just float around near one of the numerous beaches. From several access points around the lake, there are rewarding views of farmed pastures, wooded mountainsides, and relief peak views of the southern Adirondacks. Northville and Broadalbin are two of the 14 North Country towns located along the 125-mile shoreline. Stop for lunch or grab a snack to get a feel for the towns before you put-in and explore part of this 29-mile long body of water.

When the floodgates of the Conklingville dam were closed for the first time in 1930, in order to control the water level of the Hudson River, 25,000 acres of the Sacandaga Valley were submerged. Rainwater and snow run off drained into the upper reaches of the Sacandaga River covered several towns 40 to 75 feet under water. To this day, the Conklingville Dam is still operational and has created this picturesque destination for the public to enjoy.

Photos provided by VisitLakeGeorge.Com

Conklingville Dam, Hadley

From the Town of Hadley/Luzerne, travel west on County Route 4. After 2 miles bear left onto County Route 7 and South Shore Rd. Make a left at the stop sign and continue over Stewart Dam. Continue to the right on South Shore Rd along Stewart Pond on your right. As you approach the Conklingville Dam, continue to the left. The access is on the right just south of the dam.

Day Boat Launch

A hard ramp with parking for 40 cars and trailers.

Located on North Shore Rd (Route 4) five miles north of the Hamlet of Edinburgh and 12 miles south, by road, of the Conklingville dam.

Northville Boat Launch, Fulton County

Hard ramp with parking for 60 cars and trailers.

Located on Route 30 about one half of a mile north of the Northville Bridge.

Broadalbin Boat launch, Fulton County

Hard surface ramp with parking for 60 cars and trailers. Located three miles northeast of the Village of Broadalbin on Lakeview Road, off of County Route 110.

Northampton Beach and Day Use Area, Fulton County Town of Day, Northville, Broadalbin, North Hampton, Hadley Activities: Kayak Touring, Swimming, Powerboats, Fishing, Chilling Length: 29 miles Scenery: Mixed Natural and Summer Cottages Trip Tip: 5 Public Access Points

A boat launch with places to fish from shore and campout. Located three miles south of Northville on County Route 152 off of Route 30. Keep an eye out for the signs off of Route 30 directing you to the park entrance.

See more at: http://johnnymilleradventures. com/great-sacandaga-lake/#more-233

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Saratoga

Lake

A popular lake located on the eastside of Saratoga Springs,

Saratoga Lake is great for a long paddle, recreational motor boating and has excellent fishing. The deepest section of the lake is 96 feet. From Saratoga Lake you can paddle south to the mouth of Kayaderosseras Creek or northeast to Fish Creek. There are some marinas and restaurants along the shores of the lake. Some common birds sighted at the lake include the Red Winged Blackbird, turkey vultures and swamp sparrows. Looking down the lake at the southeast shore you will see Snake Hill rising up from the lake along the shoreline. There is a NYS Public Launch site on the north end of the lake. The newest and long awaited Saratoga Lake Waterfront Park along Crescent Ave. is now open, thanks to the efforts of Saratoga PLAN and the City of Saratoga Springs. It currently has a beach and small floating dock and access for non-motorized boats.

NY State Boat Launch

From Saratoga Springs (Exit 14 off of I-87) follow Rte 9P south toward Saratoga Lake. After crossing over the bridge make an immediate left into the NYSDEC parking area and boat launch. Parking fee is $6.

Waterfront Park at Saratoga Lake

Picnicking, non-motorized boat launch, fishingoff of Crescent St, east on Union Ave/Route 9P

City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County Activities: Kayak Touring, Recreational Motorboating, Fishing Scenery: Summer Cottages and Wooded Shoreline Size: 5 miles long, < 1 mile wide Current: Flatwater Trip Tip: Heavy Motorboat Traffic on Summer Weekends See more at: http://johnnymilleradventures.com/ saratoga-lake/#more-239 82 | Simply Saratoga | SPRING 2014 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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