Simply Saratoga Winter 2016

A Saratoga TODAY Publication

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Complimentary

Winter 2016

Giving

BACK...

People who do the right thing

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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 Alyssa Jackson

Advertising Design Morgan Rook

Graphic Design Alyssa Jackson Andrew Ranalli

Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

Contributing Writers

Tim Blodgett Makayla Boden Peter Bowden Nancy Castillo Dave Delozier Ashley Dingeman Jodie Fitz Carol Godette Megan Harrington Dennis G. Hogan Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery fritz Megin Potter Carrie Rowlands Johnson Jordana Turcotte Ralph Vincent Maureen Werther

Photographers MarkBolles.com Heather Bohm-Tallman Sharon Castro Alice Corey Holly Greene Deborah Neary Terri-Lynn Pellegri SaratogaPhotographer.com John Seymour Gail Stein Barbara Whipkey

Published by

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

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Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2016, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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FROM THE EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee Managing Editor Yes, we have all the requisite articles on food, history and architecture that our readers love, but the first issue of the year, traditionally, features “People doing the right thing.”

Because there are so many amazingly gracious people in this community that give year round, it’s hard to pick just a few to spotlight each year, but I love putting together this issue… I hope you like reading their stories and learning about their causes.

Our cover choice this year probably needs no introduction, but if you are not familiar with Michele Riggi, please see the above mentioned section, starting on page 39 to read firsthand all the organizations she so passionately helps in our community.

This issue has such a warm, wintry NOSTALGIC feel to it, I’d suggest lighting a fire or making a pot of tea before settling down to read this.

One of our readers, Carol Godette, suggested a story on the old neighborhood grocers from YEARS AGO (page 32) and I just ate it up!

I love stories on OLD SARATOGA and suggested we spread it over the whole year, versus just one big story. Stay tuned and feel free to contact her with your own memories, she’d love to hear them.

(See CONTRIBUTORS page 8)

I’m so excited to feature Stu Eichel… Is there anybody out there who hasn’t seen him painting downtown and just stood there in AWE?! …talk about nostalgia! (page 19) As I’m sure you can imagine, we work on these magazines far in advance (luckily we have Saratoga TODAY to cover the timely NEWS of the area.)

When Richard Cerasani came into the office a couple of months back to place an ad for his book, LOVE LETTERS FROM MT RUSHMORE, I just fell in love… what an enchanting gentleman!

Now all of you can meet him also… see page 82.

To the reader who suggested we label the food photos so you can order them yourself… we listened… and yes, I will be ordering those “spaghetti style vegetables” at Henry’s Tavern in Ballston Spa! Eating Out in Saratoga starts on page 11 I want to close with a HAPPY 75TH to Alpine Sports Shop.

I’ve know Jack, Cathy and Terri-Lynn for over 20 years now and they are just the sweetest group of people! Check out their history and the GREAT PHOTOS, on page 36.

I have to close with a big THANK YOU to all of our advertisers, without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read them each issue – please mention us by name when visiting these businesses.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE - CHRIS

I almost forgot… The PHONE BOOK background, is REAL take a minute to read through it…it will be time well spent!

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CONTRIBUTORS TIM BLODGETT Tim Blodgett and his wife, Rose own Saratoga Tackle & Archery, he can be reached at (518) 584-3952. His store is now located on Route 29, just before Schuylerville. Visit Saratogatackle.com or find Saratoga Tackle on Facebook.

MAKAYLA BODEN Makayla Boden is a senior at Schuylerville High School, and is excited to be interning at Saratoga Today through her school’s internship program. She intends to study graphic design and merchandising in college, and has gained great insight through interning.

Makayla has been involved in writing and the arts for many years, and is very happy to be able to put her skills to use by being involved with the publication.

PETER BOWDEN 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.

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

MEGAN HARRINGTON Megan is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including national magazines, local newspapers, and websites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys training for marathons and coaching fellow runners. After spending the previous seven years in New York City, Megan and her husband recently relocated to Saratoga Springs and are loving their new community at the base of the Adirondacks.

DENNIS G. HOGAN Dennis G. Hogan was born in New York City and his story is a common one: his dad took him to Saratoga Race Course as boy as he’s returned every year since.

He is a writer and photographer with an appreciation for Thoroughbreds. He has previously written for Thorofan and is a regular contributor to Equicurean. He lives in Westchester County, NY.

NANCY CASTILLO Nancy is a co-owner of our local Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, located off Exit 15 of the Northway.

She writes The Zen Birdfeeder blog and has had her writing and photography published in BirdWatcher’s Digest and Watching Backyard Birds. You can occasionally hear her answering questions about birds on the WAMC VoxPop call-in program. Nancy and her spouse enjoy watching birds at their feeders from their log home west of Saratoga.

DAVE DELOZIER Dave is known as the eco-local guy around town, as he published the "eco-Local Living mag from 2008-13. Dave and his wife Brenda "walk the walk" having converted their small suburban Saratoga Springs residence into a Permaculture homestead, integrating elements such as edible landscaping, PV solar power & micro-farming. Dave is now a certified Permaculture Design Consultant and looks to help others who are seeking a more healthy, grounded and resilient lifestyle. ecolocal@gmail.com.

ASHLEY DINGEMAN My name is Ashley Dingeman and I can’t deny it – I’m in love with food. As a Saratoga Springs native, it has always been a dream of mine to have the opportunity to do the two things I do best: eat & write.

JODIE FITZ Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club.

She will be releasing two cookbooks in 2015; The Chaotic Kitchen; a collection of recipes to help make the lives of busy families just a little bit easier when it comes to mealtime & Cooking Up Fun; designed to get kids taste testing & experimenting with foods.

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ Meghan is a native of the Glens Falls/Saratoga region. Her passion is to provide her clients and readers with the tools necessary to live a life full of love, acceptance, truth, peace and balance. She is an author and writer for various publications in Upstate NY and State College, PA.She currently resides in State College, PA where she enjoys spending time with her husband and family. To contact Meghan directly email meghanlemery@yahoo.com

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CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON Carrie Rowlands Johnson is a former TV News reporter for Fox News. She is a freelance writer and blogger. Read more of her work at Carowlands.wix.com/carrie-rowlands

MEGIN POTTER Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer.

As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.

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.

JORDANA TURCOTTE 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.

MAUREEN E. WERTHER Maureen Werther is the owner of WHE Strategic Business Solutions, specializing in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in the areas of business development, brand management, public relations, communications and marketing. She is also a lifelong writer and her articles have appeared in numerous local and regional publications. Currently, she is working on a book about the ongoing opioid and heroin epidemic in upstate New York.

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SARATOGA

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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

WINTER 2016

S A R AT O G A Saratog

a TODAY

People who do the right thing

See Page 39 11

Eating Out in Saratoga

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Artist Spotlight – Stu Eichel

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Good advice from Meghan Lemery Fritz

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The Szureks…

A Saratoga Family

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A Dog Remembered

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All Outdoors –

by Tim Blodgett

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History Found

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The Original "Mom & Pops"

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Post Time Memories with Dennis Hogan

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Happy 75 to Alpine Sports Shop th

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Complim entary

Winter 20 16

Giving

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A GOOD READ sara toga TODAYne wsp

Architecturally Speaking

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THE P EOPLE • THE PLACE S • TH E LIFE STYLE

People who do

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Cover ph oto Bruce Cu by rt of Imagin is Photogra e! phy & Design

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HOME & GARDEN 56

Architecturally Speaking

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Entertaining Made Easy with Jodie Fitz

68 Birdwatching

with Nancy Castillo 69

Peter Bowden

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Simplify your Life with Jordana Turcotte

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Meet the Cook

78

Save the Date

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Life in Saratoga

82

Love Letters from Mount Rushmore

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HOME & GARDEN

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Meet the Cook pgs. 74-77

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E AT I N G O U T

in Saratoga I'm Ashley Dingeman and

I can’t deny it – I’m in love with food.

As owner of SaratogaFoodFanatic.com, I’d like to invite you, the readers of Simply Saratoga magazine, to join me in savoring everything delicious in Saratoga!

Three Meat Treat

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# Pub Food

Saratoga

If you’ve always longed for a bar where everyone knows your name, The Barrelhouse at 68 Beekman Street is just that. The Barrelhouse opened to the public just over two years ago, and ever since has been making statements for their fantastic beer list alongside their simple yet creative menu.

How many bar/restaurants locally can you say has 20 beers on draft at all times? That’s right, I said 20. Well, The Barrelhouse has just that.

While the list is changing regularly, you’ll be sure to find a nice variety of brews, from IPAs and lagers to stouts and ciders.

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The Barrelhouse As far as the menu goes, it’s broken up into two sections. First you’ll find the soups, snacks, salads, burgers, etc. Basically, it’s the customizable items on the menu. But the second section is full of the “Barrelhouse Picks,” which come with your choice of two sides. From a traditional Tuna Melt to the Losing Ticket, a burger topped with grilled shrimp and steak sauce, you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit frequently to try every single menu item.

I’m a meat and cheese kind of girl, which is why I started out with the “Harvest Plate,” a wooden board filled with River Rat cheddar cheese, hot Italian pork sausage, River Rat spicy mustard, toasted rye bread and sliced apples ($14). What a simple concept with great execution. The cheese was creamy and sharp, and paired with the apple slices it totally made sense. The hot sausage combined with the spicy mustard was aggressive and exciting, exactly how I like to start my meals.

For my main dish, naturally I chose from the Barrelhouse Picks. After much debate, I decided on the Rachael… Turkey, swiss, slaw and Russian dressing on grilled rye ($9.50.) The rye was toasted just right, with a nice layer of butter on both sides. What I really loved about

Apple Barrel Blue Salad SaratogaPhotographer.com

The Rachael

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this sandwich was the thick cut turkey.

Before I ordered I was envisioning a thinly sliced turkey (deli style) like I’ve often found when ordering this sandwich elsewhere.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when this arrived at my table, and in addition to the thick slices, the turkey was all white meat. That totally makes the meal healthy, right?

Hot Link Plate

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It would be a crime to not talk a little about the sides that they offer at The Barrelhouse.

Like I had mentioned before, with any of the Barrelhouse Picks, you get your choice of two sides and can choose from macaroni salad, coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans or chips. If you even slightly like baked beans, these will make you fall in love.

They’re slightly sweet, super meaty and I’d actually visit The Barrelhouse just to have a side of these baked beans again.

The next time you’re craving a juicy burger or a traditional sandwich done really well, The Barrelhouse should be top of mind.

Whether you start out at the bar with one of their 20 craft beers or you want to sit at your own table, you’ll be sure to leave here with your thirst quenched and your stomach full.

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Henry's Tavern

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#

New Eats Ballston Spa

In recent years, Ballston Spa has grown by leaps and bounds. As the village has developed immensely, so have the dining options. Let’s face it; if you haven’t been hanging out in Ballston Spa lately, it’s time to make the short (5-10 minute) drive to Saratoga’s favorite “sister” village. Not only is the village itself charming as can be, but the restaurants are certainly making a name for themselves and are the driving force behind what’s making Ballston Spa so great.

Right in the middle of everything sits Henry’s Tavern, a trendy yet sophisticated bar located on Front Street in Ballston Spa. With exposed brick walls and a restoration hardware inspired look, Henry’s is the place to be on a Friday night for a cold one with friends. And with 12 beers on tap at any given time, you’re likely to be impressed by their lineup.

Not a beer drinker? No problem. Henry’s also has a great wine list and specialty cocktails that are sure to whet your whistle after a long week at work.

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place. The menu itself is totally approachable, but you might be surprised to know that while it includes your traditional bar fare such as wings and nachos, it also has some more upscale menu items like Diver Sea Scallops and Chianti Braised Short Ribs.

For me, I always like to start with a soup, especially when it’s cold or rainy outside. The French Onion Soup Crock ($6) is everything you’d want from French onion soup. It’s cheesy, it’s salty, the bread ratio is on point, and it’s extremely satisfying. If you love a cheesy French onion soup, this is the soup for you.

Now let’s talk wings. Regardless of what bar you’re at, wings are like the quintessential menu item that for whatever reason, you expect to be good. Sadly, many bars butcher their attempts at great wings. That’s why when I took my first bite into a Henry’s Tavern wing, I got that crunch, that meatiness, and the overall expectation you have for a good wing. SCORE! The wings come in an order of 10 ‘jumbo wings’ and you can have them tossed in your choice of nine different sauces ($12). saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

French Onion Soup

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Beer battered shrimp w/ spaghetti style vegetables & a balsamic glaze

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Have you ever had a special at a restaurant and wished they’d keep it on their menu for good? That’s how I feel about the vegetable spaghetti and beer battered shrimp dinner ($16) at Henry’s. Sure, this isn’t what you’d typically expect from a bar, but that’s what I’m saying – Henry’s is NOT your average bar. This spaghetti style vegetable medley made my taste buds explode with happiness. With a heavy dose of garlic (my favorite) and the perfect amount of salt,

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Owner Matt Hickey with Manager Dave Foster and Chef Rick Mangino. (L-R) this was reminiscent of something I’d make at home when I’m craving noodles but don’t want pasta.

Come see what all the fuss is about! The next time you consider visiting Ballston Spa, make sure to work Henry’s Tavern into your plans for drinks and dinner. Whether you have a big appetite or small, there’s something for everyone at Henry’s Tavern.

Fish & Chips

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Artist Spotlight:

“

Stu Eichel

I “

TO ME THE JOB OF AN ARTIST IS FINDING SOMETHING PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN. THE ABILITY TO PAINT IS ONE THING, BUT THE ABILITY TO FIND SOMETHING THAT TURNS PEOPLE ON TO ART IS A LOT OF WHAT IT’S ABOUT.

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WRITTEN BY MAKAYLA BODEN, PHOTOS BY JOHN SEYMOUR

magine an art museum, where every surface is covered in fantastic works of art, from life-size paintings down to miniscule sketches. Now, transplant that art museum into a house, and you now have an idea of Stu Eichel’s Saratoga home.

Almost every available surface is adorned with some form of art, whether they are collected pieces or his own work, and it is definitely a sight to behold. This is what happens when you paint as often as possible – and almost any outdoor subject you can get your hands on- over the course of twenty years.

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Stu Eichel is no stranger to the Saratoga public; in fact he takes pride in knowing that there isn’t a Saratoga inhabitant that he could come in contact with and not safely be able to say “you must’ve seen me!” Stu has immortalized Saratoga homes, scenery, and people in hundreds of oil paintings, almost all of them done “plein air,” or painted completely outside.

“I do hundreds of paintings of the area, it’s impossible that you could live here and not have seen me paint, and there’s something fun about that,” Stu smiled. The paintings on the walls agree, proudly displaying the nuances of Saratoga life. The traditional houses of Caroline Street peek out behind the vivid greenery of summer maples, an old Ford truck rusts quietly beneath the dappled autumn light, and a swaybacked barn is camouflaged beneath layers of creeping vines. His works capture what we all have seen, but have remained unaware of. “I stop for peeling paint,” he notes with a small smile. “I want these things to look lived in- to be natural. But I know I can always find something to paintthe world is full of good stuff.”

However, painting wasn’t originally Stu’s calling- he went back to school in his sixties to major in fine arts after a long career in advertising. “Painting is a luxury,” he explained, clarifying why he did not pursue art earlier. “I just said to myself, “I can paint, I believe I can,” and I went out and did it.”

That confidence has now manifested itself into hundreds of oil paintings, from Saratoga

scenes to serene landscapes, to tractors (some of which now belong to the John Deere Collection) and rusty classic automobiles, and even to self portraits and stylized characters. “I’ve painted everything!” Stu exclaimed with a smile. “It’s crazy to say I’ve painted everything, but it’s really difficult sometimes to find something new.” This search for new material is something that keeps Stu motivated throughout his works. “To me the job of an artist is finding something people are interested in. The ability to paint is one thing, but the ability to find something that turns people on to art is a lot of what it’s about.”

Currently, Stu Eichel’s efforts are concentrated onto something most of us can agree have not been properly appreciated in the world of art: fire 20 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

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hydrants. The series, which consists of eleven (although that number is growing) paintings captures the ubiquitous but underappreciated nature of fire hydrants. “I’m my toughest critic, but I just flat love what happens with the fire hydrants- it has a lot to do like with the cars, with the landscape that surrounds them.” The colorful hydrants peek out from beneath reeds, look out over rivers, or sit all alone, a testament to what a trained eye can capture in a painting. As time progresses so does Stu’s speed in regards to the completion of his works, which can also be attributed to the motivation that comes from being excited about a project.

“When you think of something and you’re excited about it, there’s no better thing.” It is that kind of appreciation for the arts that keeps Stu a dedicated painter and figure in Saratoga life. “You are so fortunate in one lifetime to be involved in the arts- it’s a very special thing.” Although this may be true, witnessing Stu Eichel’s works of art is a special thing in and of itself. SS

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MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS…

HOW TO CUT THE APPROVAL-CORD

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ,

LCSW-R

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. Email meghanlemery@yahoo.com for more information

Ideally when we bring a child into the world there is an inherit urge within us to give our children unconditional love and acceptance. Often times if you grew up with a parent who gave you mixed messages throughout your childhood this can lead to confusion, heartache and never feeling good enough.

Much of my work as a therapist is helping women who have difficult relationships with their mothers sort out the feelings of emotional neglect and confusion that comes from conditional love.

A mother's role spiritually is to teach us security, trust and intimacy in relationships. When we grow up with a mother who is whole and healed we feel safe to have relationships with others, we trust our intuition and we feel a sense of security within ourselves. We have the tools we need to honor ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. We know that we are rooted deeply in the love and protection we received as a child from our mother.

Unfortunately, when this relationship is damaged the result is an adult woman who often feels emotionally the age of a young girl. As an adolescent, we as women struggle to accept who we are in the world.

We are learning about our unique gifts and talents that set us apart from everyone else.

We are navigating the physical changes that take place and transform us from a young girl to a young woman. During this time, if you have a mother who suffers from her own damaged childhood the result will be a confusing, conflicted relationship with your mom.

We cannot give others what we don't have for ourselves. We cannot give our daughters acceptance, solid self-esteem, protection and warmth if we did not receive this as adolescents.

The reason the mother daughter relationship can disintegrate in adolescence is because you are emotionally the same age.

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Often times I hear from clients that they feel like they have a competitive relationship with their mother. Almost as if their mom becomes jealous or enraged by their success. This is because you are dealing with someone who has major holes in their own self-worth and sense of security.

Often times in this type of confusing relationship it is not uncommon for the parent to unconsciously enjoy it when you are sick, dependent, in crisis and weak. This gives the sick parent a sense of purpose and identity because they feel needed.

When you begin to get stronger in your own identity and begin to practice the tools of self-care and inner strength this can threaten the parent’s identity and sense of self.

The key to breaking this dysfunctional relationship dynamic is to recognize that this has NOTHING to do with you.

This comes from your mother's own dysfunctional childhood that was never dealt with or repaired. The key to healing this is to always be conscious of how old you feel emotionally.

For example, you could call your mom to tell her you lost weight and got the career of your dreams and her response could be, "Well let's see how you do in a year, you always gain the weight back," or, "Do you really think you are qualified for that promotion? You don't handle stress very

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well - that could put you back into a dark depression." At these moments check in with yourself and ask yourself, "How old am I emotionally in this moment?" Chances are you will feel anywhere from 12-16 years old.

This exercise helps you become the loving mother to yourself that you never had.

The key is to consciously bring yourself back to the present and flood yourself with the facts.

Breaking the dysfunction of the past is learning to parent yourself in the way you always wanted. Once you start becoming an advocate and champion for yourself you will APPROVAL-CORD FREES YOU TO let go of the need for Recognize that GROW INTO LOVING AND FULLY your mother's approval. whatever love and Cutting the approvalACCEPTING YOURSELF." acceptance you did cord frees you to grow not get from your into loving and fully accepting yourself. mother is about her brokenness. Do not

"I am an adult" "I am a home owner" "I am a business owner" "I am a parent" "I am a spouse" This exercise of flooding yourself with the present will stop the process of feeling like a neglected adolescent who can never live up to your mother's approval.

Once you come back to the present ask yourself what the adolescent child needs to hear.

Then begin to flood the adolescent with what you needed to hear, "I am proud of you" "I love and accept you" "You are worthy of good things"

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boundaries clearly and hang up the phone or walk away when the negativity starts. You can be loving but firm and let your mom know that you will no longer participate in emotionally hurtful conversations.

Remember, this is a complicated relationship dynamic that takes time and patience to heal.

Awareness is the key "ONCE YOU START BECOMING to helping yourself heal and be present AN ADVOCATE AND CHAMPION in the adult age FOR YOURSELF YOU WILL LET that you are, not GO OF THE NEED FOR YOUR the unloved child striving for your MOTHER'S APPROVAL. CUTTING THE mother's approval.

pass the baton of pain and dysfunction on to the next generation. Stop the cycle of brokenness and commit to healing the inner child within you.

When possible, you may feel strong enough to confront your mom. Make sure when and if you are ready to do this you flood yourself with the present. Let your mom know that you will no longer participate in damaging conversations that leave you feeling exhausted and not good enough. Set

Do not live in the cycle of dysfunction.

Love yourself enough to take the steps you need to heal and be free. Remember, your mother's inability to give you what you needed is about HER not YOU. Let this truth free you and give you the tools you need to let the unloved adolescent girl go.

Embrace the present and live your adult years whole and full of peace.

YOU ARE WORTH IT.

SS

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Dania Bagyi Photography

Saratoga Families...

WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON, PHOTOS PROVIDED

Like many other Saratoga families, the Szureks can’t think of a better spot to raise their little ones. And as they can tell you, it’s also a great place to own a business.

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T

Harvey’s, then head to the bookstore, and get an ice cream cone at Kilwin’s.

Other days, we’ll head to Congress Park, chase the ducks, ride the carousel, and visit Ben and Jerry’s,” she says. And whether it’s January or July, the family loves being outdoors.

This past summer, they joined the pool at McGregor Links and Jackie says the kids had a blast jumping in and out of the pool with friends. And as the weather turns colder, the Szureks are looking forward to skiing at Gore Mountain and sledding down the big hill near their house. Jackie says this area is the perfect spot for a young family, “Whether it’s with the school or in town, there’s always something going in, especially for the children.” Jackie and Patrick also appreciate the feeling of community. She says, “I feel like it’s a very safe area, everyone really watches out for each other.” Finding the perfect place for work and family isn’t always easy, but the Szureks show us how it’s done. Saratoga is lucky to have them! SS

he couple met over a decade ago while Patrick was in chiropractor school on Long Island. When he was ready to open his own practice, they decided to make the move to Saratoga Springs. However, Jackie and Patrick weren’t strangers to the region; Patrick grew up in nearby Amsterdam, New York and Jackie’s parents were regular visitors to the track as she was growing up. When the opportunity to move north arose, Jackie says she couldn’t wait to relocate to the Spa City. “I knew Saratoga was not only a great place to have a business, but to raise a family as well,” she says.

The couple wed at the historic Canfield Casino and soon after bought a home in nearby Wilton. And Patrick’s office has always been right in the middle of the action; it started out on Church Street and the practice is now located on Lake Avenue. Jackie says that when you walk in to Patrick’s office, you can really feel the sense of community. “His patients are like friends,” she says.

While Patrick was growing his chiropractor practice, Jackie opened up the popular downtown clothing boutique, Rockabella.

After owning the business for five years, Jackie made the decision to focus on her growing family and sold the business. Jackie says she is thankful for the experience and happy that the store is still in good hands. “It was a great way to meet people as a new person in the area,“ she says. “I learned so much about Saratoga and met so many customers that turned into friends,” Jackie continues.

As Jackie and Patrick grew their businesses and found their niche in the community, they also welcomed three children into their family. 7-year old Olivia is a second grader at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School, 4-year old Gia attends the YMCA’s pre-k program, and the family’s newest addition, Patrick, is 18 months old. This family is just as busy as you’d imagine and are always taking advantage of what the area has to offer. “We’re downtown a lot, especially in summer,” says Jackie. “Sometimes we’ll stop by

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Remembering Angel ... My Three Legged Friend

A Pet Parent’s Memories of an Extraordinary Little Dog

I

WRITTEN BY RALPH VINCENT, PHOTOS PROVIDED

f you are like me the bond you share with your dog is as essential to your sense of wellbeing as the relationships you enjoy with your family and friends … and why not? Our furry friends love us unconditionally and provide loyal companionship. It is welldocumented that loving a dog can enhance your emotional and physical health.

Despite the numerous benefits associated with human and canine relationships there is an inescapable downside - they end far, far too soon.

We all know that dogs do not live as long as people do, and I believe that irrefutable circumstance is never far removed from the minds of most dog lovers, myself included.

For those of us who love an older dog this reality is even more troubling.

I included the poignant fact that dogs live much shorter life spans than their humans in an article that appeared in Saratoga Today titled “In the Presence of Angel; Enjoying Saratoga with My Downtown Loving Dog”.

The article was about my beautiful and spirited little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the adventures we shared exploring downtown Saratoga Springs. Angel was a treasured member of the family I share with my partner Steven and our other three dogs, but our trips into town were our special times together, just the two of us. I never ceased to enjoy escorting my pretty little dog with a big personality as she socialized with everyone she met while we strolled along Broadway.

Angel was a very special pooch and not just because of her appealing looks and bonhomie. When she was seven years old my brave little dog survived bone cancer as well as the subsequent amputation of one of her hind legs. As she approached her tenth birthday, despite her handicap and the onset of heart problems, she remained energetic and continued to enjoy life. I concluded the article by acknowledging Angel’s advancing age and expressed my hope that we would enjoy many more downtown adventures.

Not long after my article was published Angel reached her tenth birthday. Along

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Remember this from 2011? with achieving this milestone came my increasing concern over her advancing age.

Even though Angel was alert and active I worried about how many years she may have left. I soon realized however that worrying about how long Angel had left to live was pointless and I needed to change my perspective. It was more important to make the most of her remaining years before it was too late. With that in mind, I decided to spend some special time each day one on one with Angel.

As Angel aged over the next few years her energy level slowly declined. Activities she once enjoyed like exploring downtown became too exhausting for her. She still loved going for a walk every day but now we stayed within our quiet suburban Saratoga neighborhood. Our walks always began the same way with an excited Angel pulling me down the driveway as I gripped her leash.

I never knew whether she would turn left or right when we reached the street, but I usually let her go in whichever direction she chose. Angel would start off every walk at a gallop and would quickly reach the end of our block before turning back in the direction of home. Our walk home would be at a much slower pace as Angel took her time and sniffed the ground as we went saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

along. Despite the enthusiastic beginning of our walks there were times when she looked too tired to comfortably make it home on her own three legs, so I would pick her up and carry her the rest of the way. Her little legs may have been tired but she remained alert and while snuggled in my arms took advantage of her elevated position to sniff the air instead of the ground. It was never a chore to carry my furry princess home.

In addition to our walks, I found other ways to share special time with Angel each day. Sometimes I would sit with her and give her a few extra treats after she swallowed her heart medicine. Often I would just lay on the floor beside her stroking her long feathery ears. Steven spent special time with her too. We always made sure she knew how special she was to us and made certain Angel had everything she needed in our home …where she was loved so much.

Sadly our time together ended when Angel passed away a month before her thirteenth birthday. It happened so suddenly one morning. She collapsed and was unable to stand up. I gathered her up in my arms and gently placed her in her little doggie bed. As I sat beside her I realized she was dying. Her breathing slowed and then stopped. I placed my ear to her chest and confirmed what I already knew. Her heart was not beating - Angel was gone.

"

"

We always made sure she knew how special she was to us and made certain Angel had everything she needed in our home …where she was loved so much.

During those first days after Angel died her absence was felt so acutely in our home. Throughout our house were reminders that she was gone, from her leash and collar still hanging by the side door to the bottles of her medicine still on the cupboard shelf. Strangely there were moments I would forget that Angel was no longer there and found myself about to do something for her …until the reality of her death flooded back into my thoughts.

Life goes on and it has been several months since Angel died. I still think of her often and find myself recalling parts of her life. I remember the gorgeous little puppy that entered our lives when she was eight weeks old. She was poised and self-assured even at that young age. I remember her as a young and healthy dog who could make anyone smile when they met that dynamic furry little bundle of joy. I recall how resilient my brave little Angel was as she fought and won her battle with cancer. And I think about how as a senior dog Angel made a local television appearance on a segment of Ask the Vets about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. She was still beautiful and confident at the age of twelve and looked as if being in front of a television camera was something she did every day.

Canine senescence never diminished her delight in being the center of attention.

My experience wading through the grief process after Angel passed away helped me to realize something very important. I learned that when you love a senior dog each remaining day of companionship is a gift, and there is a dimension to this gift that extends well past the time you share. A dimension the full measure of which you do not realize until your beloved friend is gone …the solace and comfort your memories of those special days will bring. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Comfort cold

ALL OUTDOORS BY TIM BLODGETT

The snow birds procrastinated long enough and have migrated to warmer climes leaving the rest of us to winter’s chill. The digital greetings and summery images they send sometimes leave us wondering, is this heartfelt or passive aggressive? If you tend to subscribe to the latter, you just may be suffering the symptoms of SAD. Someone with letters preceding their name must have decided that the old term for this age old affliction was too quaint and invented a more professional sounding term with a catchy acronym that lent a certain gravitas to the prognosis. Seasonal Affective Disorder is what we’re all suffering from, and all this time, we thought it was just cabin fever! Thank goodness, now we can work towards finding a cure!

H

enceforth, I will use the term “cabin fever” as I am not qualified to dispense the diagnosis of SAD and my suggested remedies are all homeopathic and do not require a prescription or an apothecary. Anecdotally speaking, cabin fever is characterized by a delayed onset of malaise, a melancholy wistfulness for good times past and a dread of dreary days to come, call it Stage 1 if you will. This is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. One can easily dispel these early symptoms of cabin fever by making an effort to be more social and countering the snowbirds attempts to show how smart they were by telling them what they’re missing even if you have to exaggerate a little bit. They’ll think you’re just compensating, but they won’t know for sure and that will drive them a little crazy. The key here is to never show weakness.

If you don’t recognize and treat the early symptoms, you will slip into Stage 2 of cabin fever which will require a greater effort to cure.

Someone suffering from Stage 2 cabin fever

may start showing some downright unsocial tendencies, dissatisfaction with things in general and a hermit-like homebody-ness.

Don’t let this sufferer languish watching re-runs because the new season of his or her favorite show is weeks away. Quick action is needed because from this point, it’s a precipitous slope to the dreaded Stage 3.

If you allow your friends and loved ones to descend to Stage 3, you may just have to wait until spring until they are fit to be associated with. Stage 3 cabin fever can affect people in a number of ways. Some sufferers seem to go into hibernation and if you don’t reach out to them, you won’t hear from them until it’s time to mow the grass. Others seem to go into a period of hyper-activity and you may wish that you wouldn’t hear from them until it IS time to mow the grass.

What to do to avoid cabin fever?

Unfortunately, we will all suffer it to some degree. We just can’t let it get the best of

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us. My advice is to get outdoors as much as possible. Winter and all that comes with it is here, so make a stand and find ways to enjoy it. We live in an area with a great diversity of opportunities just a short drive from our homes. Winter is an industry for many towns in the Adirondacks. They host winter carnivals and other events that celebrate their lifestyle and heritage. Ice fishing derbies, lumberjack competitions and polar bear swims are just a few things you can participate in or observe.

I’m not a lumberjack and I have no desire to plunge into 33 degree water but I do like to ice fish and recommend it as a remedy for cabin fever. Ice fishing combines fresh air, exercise and the payoff of a tasty fish fry at the end of the day so I think it’s a perfect remedy for cabin fever. I used to downhill ski before I became aware that I wasn’t nearly as good as I thought I was. I enjoyed the thrill but I wisely put discretion before valor and retired from that worthy sport. Cross country skiing and snow showing may be a better choice for those who don’t require the potential of orthopedic intervention to give them an appreciation for their place in nature. If you’ve never engaged in those activities, contact the local state parks to see what they offer for winter activities. One park that I highly recommend visiting this winter is Moreau State Park. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying some of the outdoor activities they offer and of helping with their annual ice fishing seminars. They have a great staff and a variety of regularly scheduled activities from moon light hikes to eagle watches. You can go on staff guided tours using snowshoes or skis and you can rent the equipment for a small fee at the main office. The park is just off Northway exit 17 so there’s no reason not to visit it. Saratoga Spa State park and many others in the area also offer easily accessible outdoor opportunities so check them out.

I’m a simple kind of guy and can find pleasure in some activities that others would do almost anything to avoid. I look forward to the chance to get some exercise shoveling snow. You might think I’m crazy, but I like it, that is until the stuff gets to be about a foot deep. That’s when the snow blower looks really attractive!

Chopping and stacking wood is something that I enjoy in moderation. There’s a certain satisfaction in hitting the log square and splitting off a chunk, in the heft of the maul and the sound of solid contact. (No, I’m not for hire!) I think I’m going to try a different remedy for cabin fever this year just in case my other outdoor plans don’t pan out. I think I’ll try to learn how to play guitar. That may be the perfect passive aggressive remedy for cabin fever, considering my current lack of skill wielding that variety of axe. If that is met with too much opposition, maybe I’ll just write a novel. Don’t let winter get you down. The days are getting longer and the snowbirds will be returning soon. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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HISTORY FOUND

IN THE STREET NAMES OF SARATOGA SPRINGS WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL, PHOTOS BY THE SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM

As we travel to different cities it’s interesting to see the names of the streets, avenues and boulevards in each of these locations. Many times you can decode the reason for the choice of these names depending on location and history of the region. Sometimes you can’t decide anything from those initial cues. Saratoga Springs has an interesting mix of street names that go from the very easy to the next to impossible to decode.

Many names are definite references to people or events in Saratoga Springs history, while others are references to American or world history. Some are names buried in the lesser known events of our wonderful city’s history.

B

roadway is an easy name once you know that most of it has a width of 120 feet from curb to curb as laid out by Gideon and Doanda Putnam in the early 1800’s as “Broad Street”.

Eventually it was known as Broad Way and finally in more recent times Broadway as one word. The Putnams are responsible for the layout and naming of the first streets in the city. Therefore it’s easy to explain Putnam Street as a street named in honor of the founding family. The Putnams named Phila Street after their daughter and was never meant to be a shortened version of Philadelphia as many early social column writers thought. Washington Street was so named for a son, not the father of our country. In the latter half of the 1800s, Union Avenue and Grand Avenue (after the Grand Army of the Republic) are the reflection of the end of the American Civil War. Does the fact that Union Avenue is on the eastside and Grand Avenue on the west side help to demonstrate the long rivalry between the east and west sides of the city? Union

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Avenue was the first paved street in the city and reflected the importance of the Saratoga Racetrack.

The existence of a West Avenue and an East Avenue along with a North Street and a South Street help to show the early boundaries of the city. Not all street names are easy to decode. As an example, today Lake Avenue does not go to Saratoga Lake and Church Street does not have any churches. Even though those elements are missing today, Church Street did once have two churches and Lake Avenue did originally provide a route to the lake.

Franklin Square is an interesting location and easy to determine that the work of Benjamin Franklin in helping to establish this country was an easy choice for that location. That was not the original thought for the square. History tells us that a couple of the main figures in the early development of the city were the Marvin brothers, Thomas and James.

Thomas bought the United States Hotel (area today of the present Fingerpaint Building on Broadway) from his uncle Elias Benedict (Benedict Street) and James managed the hotel and later became a saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

partner. They were also huge land owners on the west side of our city.

The Marvin brothers were successful and built their large houses in the area of Franklin Square, which was the first upscale area of Saratoga Springs. Many Saratogians felt the square should be named Marvin Square in honor of their contributions to the development of the city.

The Marvin brothers rejected the idea in favor of Franklin to honor Ben for his role in history. We did add a Marvin Street later.

The Marvin brothers divided their land on the west side into many small building lots with fifty foot frontages. The west side in the early days of our city was the first area to be developed and was the place that many laborers were able to buy modest sized building lots to construct homes. This was a great attempt at affordable housing for the time. The streets named for varieties of trees, such as Birch, Oak, Walnut, Ash and Elm provided some of the smaller frontages needed for the working class.

Before Saratoga Springs was a village, the land that today makes up Saratoga County and more was deeded to 13 loyal subjects of the British Crown by Queen Anne in 1708. Two of those people receiving land grants were Johannes Beekman and Rip Van Dam. This conveyance of land was called the Kayaderossera Patent. The man who received the land that comprises today’s City of Saratoga Springs was Rip Van Dam. Van Dam died in 1745 without ever living here. Therefore we have a Beekman Street and Van Dam Street in recognition of their role in Saratoga Springs history.

There are many more street names with ties to local history, but not enough space in this writing to mention them all. Perhaps the next time you hear an address or drive a street you will for a second, consider the name as it applies to our city’s great history. SS

Clark Street is named for John Clarke, with a spelling change. Clarke was the first resident to bottle the mineral water from the Congress Spring and his distribution of that water helped to promote the name of Saratoga Springs as a tourist destination for health. Granger Avenue reminds us that Clarke was partially successful with bottling because he had a supply of hand blown bottles produced by the glass works of Oscar Granger in Vernon N.Y. Granger later moved his glass blowing operation to the Lake Desolation area to better supply Clarke and other bottlers. John Clarke had great success with the bottling process and bought land near his house at present day 46 Circular Street and developed a plan to lay-out a street that would be circular in shape. His project failed when land owners on the west side refused to sell the needed lots for him to complete the true circular shaped street. Jumel Place was named for socialite and successful business woman Madame Jumel who lived seasonally at the address of 129 Circular Street and owned most of the land east of her house.

Greenfield Avenue got its name because it was a way to travel to Greenfield from Saratoga Springs. Lafayette Street was named for the Marquis de Lafayette as well as Hamilton Street named for Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton married General Phillip Schuyler’s daughter and Lafayette visited Saratoga Springs in 1825 and was honored at a gala. We also have many presidents represented. Streets named Lincoln, Madison, Jefferson, Adams, Monroe and two Harrison Streets, East and West. President Harrison and his wife visited friends in Saratoga Springs many times.

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The Original

"MOM & POPS" Take a tour with us through Saratoga's old neighborhood grocers, we will be featuring a different store in each issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine -

Enjoy!

WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATHY GRASSO HOFF

Ask almost anyone

who grew up in a small town and their face lights up with that ”first kiss glaze” as they recall fond remembrances of their corner store. There existed a simplicity, warmth and sense of belonging that made customers allegiant to their particular neighborhood establishment. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to return to them as they were in their heyday?

Growing up as a baby boomer, I was fascinated by my neighborhood grocery store. Recently I was walking by the little used one-car garage that had housed my favorite neighborhood store. I found myself imagining the thriving neighborhood store that had once existed there and lamenting its demise.

This gathering place represented a way of life in our country and in particular, Saratoga Springs in 1960. At this time, there were 33 neighborhood stores within the city limits. Many were a room in the parlor of a family home, with the family living in the back, but a few were standalone structures. Throughout the city one didn’t have to walk more than a few blocks in any direction to be able to buy bread, milk, canned goods or fortunately for mepenny candy.

Broadway clearly divided the city into an east side and west side. Natives will admit that they rarely traded at stores on “the other side of town”. Some pockets of town were more concentrated with “Mom and Pop” stores than others. John Conners’ paper route on the Westside in “Dublin” stretched from 1 Oak St to West Avenue and all the streets in between. He recalls 11 neighborhood grocery stores in the “Dublin” area and reports that with the exception of two, every family lived in the back of the store. Many of these shop owners supported as many as ten children from their business.

This map of selected historic neighborhood stores was created by Tom Denny, using information provided by the author.

Names and locations of individual stores were culled largely from the annual City Directory, New York Telephone Company Telephone Directory from the Saratoga Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and some earlier histories of the stores.

Based on Manning’s Saratoga Springs City Directories the number of neighborhood stores peaked in 1911 when 53 grocers dotted the city. The directory index lists another 26 stores under the category of “Markets- Meat, Fish, Poultry and Vegetables.” It is hard to establish the difference of the criteria of the listings as many of the so-called grocers also had a butcher. Nonetheless to have almost 80 small stores service a year round population of just under 13,000 speaks volumes about our culture. Many of these stores continued on for decades, passing ownership to another family member or selling to other local entrepreneurs. By 1969 the number of these “Mom and Pop” stores within city limits still numbered 25. Saratoga Spring’s population of 17,000 supported these same establishments until 1978, when the number of neighborhood shops listed in the city directory sharply declined to a mere 13.

Nationwide several things contributed to the demise of these stores- the May 1978 launch of the NYS Lotto; the widespread

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improvement of credit cards and their magnetic strips in 1979; FDA labeling regulations making it hard to produce and sell your own canned goods; the increased mobility of our population; and large grocery chains increasing their hours of operation. Locally we can’t deny the success of a convenience store chain we now know as Stewart’s Shops. (Today these stores have excelled in filling the void left behind from the closing of many “Mom and Pop” stores.)

And for at least a few local neighborhood stores, Nelson Rockfeller’s establishment of the OTB hurt a few of our local grocers who “ran book” on the side to keep their store afloat. What was the final nail in the coffin of many of our “Mom and Pop” stores is up for debate and speculation.

Many of the stories associated with the stores reflect what was happening in our society. Overall, hard work, extended family members tirelessly working together, and the pursuit of the American Dream prevail.

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Exterior of Grasso’s known today as Marino’s Pizza.

The family hired George Bolster to take these photos to submit to the Saratoga County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for licensing to sell beer.

Grasso's Let's start with...

For many years

grocery store owners formed an important piece of the fabric of daily life in Saratoga Springs.

Grasso’s, like many others, was a classic “Mom and Pop” store.

The family’s five children all helped out making subs, selling penny candy, stocking shelves or even changing the prices on cans by hand. Joe, the family patriarch, worked tirelessly 6 days a week at the store opening the store at 7 a.m. and closing it at 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, neighborhood girls and an aunt ran the store from 9 a.m. to 9 pm. At the crack of dawn, Joe would brew coffee for his regulars who would gather to be entertained by his stories. He loved to talk and according to his daughter was the “publicist” of the operation.

Marion had been a stay at home mom until the family moved over the store at 46 West Circular Street. For many years, the family slept over the store at night and worked downstairs during the day. Marion not only watched the kids and worked the counter, but also served as the operation’s bookkeeper.

Neighborhood children were sometimes sent with a note from their parents to buy cigarettes for them.

Often, if there was any change, the 8 or 9 year old could purchase penny candy. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Cathy Grasso, age 11, helps customer with a bag of Gravy Train dog food.

Marie Grasso, one of the 4 daughters, in front of the sub and pizza counter. Note the wheel of cheese ready to be hand- cut for a freshly made sub.

Joe Grasso grabs a bite as he proudly sends his son Bart off for his first day of kindergarten. Joe had to stop attending school after 8th grade to help support his family.

“You went to a store near you,” said daughter Cathy. When the Grassos took over the West Circular Street store on April 8, 1966 this neighborhood was beginning to change. The Grassos benefitted from Saratoga High School moving from Lake Avenue to West Circular in early 1966. Suddenly West Circular Street became a major route for traffic to the new high school.

High school students from both Saint Peter’s and Saratoga High were huge fans of Grasso’s homemade subs and pizza. Terry Beagle, a Saratoga High regular states, ”I’m sure it was on my school schedule to have lunch there.” He was not alone.

Others came to buy their trademark homemade Italian sausage. Joe taught his daughters to hold the casing as he stuffed in the fennel spiced mixture.

In 1970, Stonequist apartments were built across the street from Grasso’s. As they were being constructed, the builders became regulars.

Soon after construction, the elderly residents of the 176 unit high rise began to call in their grocery orders. This delighted the Grasso children who would deliver the groceries and make a few cents in tips.

Like most neighborhood stores of the time, penny candy was a draw for all the kids. Red shoestring licorice, Bit-o-Honey, Sixlets, Bazooka gum, Ice Cube Chocolates, Mary Janes and wax lips would regularly fill the specially sized 5 by 3 1/2 inch bags. Since some candies were 3 for a penny, many kids would make their choices on what they could get the

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In 1969, the Grasso’s expanded their operations by renting out a space to Phil Waring, a well-known and respected butcher.

Jock, one of 2 family dogs, loved to spend his days at the store.

most of. Sometimes the Grasso girls were in charge of this aspect of the store. Daughter Joanne said, “As a Grasso, I felt it was my duty to try them all. I loved malted milk balls and anything with chocolate.”

Grasso’s closed in April of 1977 after a devastating fire. Rather than reopening, the family sold the store to Phil Waring, the butcher who rented space from them. However their store lives on through “Grasso’s Grocery Fan Page” on Facebook.

Years after his passing, Joe’s legacy and love of community lives on in the “Joe Grasso Sportsmanship Award” presented each year to a Westside Little Leaguer. SS

In pre-barcode days, the items on the wellstocked shelves were priced in purple ink with a metal stamper. If the price changed, the children used nail polish remover to re-price the can.

A 1970 photo showing the register area.

Behind the register the family kept a credit book detailing customers who ran tabs, a common practice in the days when few people had credit cards. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Within the

WARM HEART of WINTER

T

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER, PHOTOS PROVIDED

here’s a reason we celebrate romance in the winter.

It is a magical season, where snowflakes softly floating through the air encourage us to look up.

INTERIOR OF ALPINE SPORT SHOP (CIRCA 1974) JIM COLLINS WITH MIKE WORTH, CATHY HAY, DOT WOODCOCK, KAY REIFF, AL MOTTO AND SERENA BLISS ( L- R )

Hope springs forth, energized by the breath of fresh mountain air and dramatic snow-covered landscapes. Embracing its beauty is a gift that can inspire generations.

One family learned that skiing the small slopes nearby was a wonderful way to find enjoyment in the winter.

“It was just about being outside and skiing and having fun,” said Dorothy “Dot” Woodcock, about the trips she would take with her family to the former Darrow’s Farm Slope in Greenfield Center and to Alpine Meadows in South Corinth.

The Peaks…

Skiing became so much more to the family, when in 1966, Dot and her husband Thurlow bought the Alpine Sport Shop, established in 1941 by Ed and Jo Taylor, and then located on Spring Street.

Previously operating an auto parts store, Thurlow poured his heart into the business, moving it to its current location on Clinton Street by the Skidmore campus.

CATHY ( WOODCOCK ) HAY KNEELING, SKIDMORE STUDENT LYNN ( WOODCOCK ) PEPPER BY THE SKI WALL IN THE SPRING STREET SHOP (CIRCA 1966)

THURLOW WOODCOCK & DAVE KETTERER AT GORE MOUNTAIN (CIRCA 1979)

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JACK HAY ON THE INTERIOR SKI DECK (CIRCA 1977)

SKIDMORE STUDENTS MODEL SKIWEAR (CIRCA 1973)

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The ski chalet-style specialty store that he designed and built is idyllic winter at its best. A stone fireplace sits at its center, the roaring fire used to heat up hearty beef stew in days gone by. Before it, where a picnic table once stood, an incredibly comfy leather couch awaits, with an elegant photo album placed on the coffee table before it, sharing the 75 years of memories that have been created there.

Recalling that the store used to stock pins declaring their wearers as members of the “broken bone club” because so many skiers would get hurt, today’s technological advancements have made the sport much less treacherous.

The table itself was once used as a podium where Thurlow would stand up and teach the community how to ski. From 1973 to 1981 an indoor ski deck, 45’ high and 10’ wide, covered in plastic Astroturf and sprayed silicone pellets, created an indoor slope that beginners could learn on for free. Shining lights became obstacles for them to maneuver around on short skis that Thurlow fashioned and baked in his own oven at home.

Skiing has to be an important part of life for all the people that work in the seasonal store, he said. It is for technician Dan Nizolek who has been working there for 20 years. All smiles on his first day back to the shop after undergoing open-heart surgery, his one question, “Where is the snow?”

“It was fun, people coming in and watching that,” remembers Dot. The deck was taken out to make more room for retail space, but many area residents still come in and talk about their early experiences there, she said. Dot retired when Thurlow died suddenly in 1988, but remains, at 92 years old, a vibrant presence in the shop where her children and grandchildren have found a second home.

“All I can think is, ‘Thank you, Dad’,” said their daughter Cathy Hay, who has spent 50 years here.

Skiing was the shared passion that connected her to a boy on her high school ski team named Jack, who would later become her husband.

The Valleys…

Growing into his role, Jack said he evolved from an underling into the person that people looked to as a leader. Persevering through the tough financial times brought on by events including those of September 11th, 2001 and the years where there just wasn’t any snow, he said the family’s modest lifestyle allows them to keep a steady course.

“I’ve seen a dozen other shops come and go since I’ve been here.

Nobody’s getting rich in the ski business. It’s a lifestyle. There really aren’t any age limitations. It’s a lifetime activity and an easier sport to learn than ever before,” said Jack.

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“There’s nothing like the exhilaration, it’s as close to flying as you can get, and it comes with a tremendous feeling of personal satisfaction,” he said.

“Every year we just hope to get through the year,” said Jack.

“We pray for snow,” added Dot, nodding her head.

The Beloved.

Kicking off the ski season with movies by filmmaker Warren Miller, the retail team continues to inspire others to get excited about outdoor sports. Equipment rentals, bus trips and more than 20 years of hosting group excursions to destinations around the world, the family is leaving its friendly footprint on wintertime fun.

CURRENT STAFF ( L- R ) CATHY HAY, LORRIE PATENAUDE, DOUG BAEHM, TERRI - LYNN PELLEGRI, JACK HAY, JULIA LEE, ALEX NORTON photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

The Alpine Sport Shop

399 Clinton Street (Next to 339 Clinton Street).

For more information go to AlpineSportShop.com OWNERS CATHY & JACK HAY photo by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

“Everyone has their own talents and strengths to make the business strong,” said Cathy, interlocking her fingers together to demonstrate.

“It’s about more than selling stuff, it’s about the people,” added Jack.

That’s the way they want it to continue, as well. It’s their strong optimism that has carried them through so far, and is something they’ve shared with their daughter Julia Lee, who has been working in the store full-time for 10 years.

Big changes have taken place in the Saratoga community since the Alpine Sport Shop was put on the map, but the heart of its people remains true.

“Saratoga has become a very vibrant town that people love to come to. It used to be just ‘the summer place to be,’ but now it’s the year-round place to be,” said Jack. SS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 37

Post Time Memories

with Dennis G. Hogan

Valerie Buck with Harlem Rocker, at Long Shadows Farm in Cambridge, NY

A Rockin’

Reunion

V

alerie Buck spent 28 years exercising Thoroughbreds - thousands of them. Her foremost affection was always for the horse; never their records, earnings, or the accolades heaped upon them by an industry that separates winners and losers like wheat from the chaff.

During her career she sat atop some of the finest Thoroughbreds in America, though she’ll tell you outright: “Be they a claimer or superstar, I loved them all.”

She’ll also admit there are a few whose memories linger. One among that group: a strikingly handsome grey colt known affectionately as ‘the Rockstar.’

Harlem Rocker was a three-year-old colt back in 2008; a multiple stakes-winning son of two-year-old Champion Macho Uno. He’d just come off a victory in the Prince of Wales Stakes, the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, and spent the late summer training along the backside of Saratoga Race Course, prepping for his biggest test yet: the 139th Travers Stakes.

Photo by Sharon Castro

Working for trainer Todd Pletcher, and owner Frank Stronach, it was Valerie who galloped him on those cool August mornings leading up to the Mid-Summer Derby. She was ever hopeful for his chances as she led him to the paddock on race day. In a hard-fought dash to the finish he ran a respectable fourth to the winner Colonel John, in one of the most exciting Travers in memory.

Valerie retired from the game in 2012, and with the help of other kindred souls she began ACTT Naturally, a non-profit organization concerned with helping women and off-track Thoroughbreds transition to more positive lives.

During the summer of 2015, she had the opportunity to work with former Canadian jockey Stacie Clark Rogers, at ACTT Naturally’s home base: Cambridge, NY’s, Long Shadows Farm. Stacie’s husband, Mike Rogers, is an executive board member of the Stronach Group, and Valerie couldn’t help but ask Stacie if she knew how Harlem Rocker was doing. Stacie thought he was down in Kentucky, pensioned and living out his days at Adena Springs, Frank Stronach’s Paris, Kentucky farm.

“So I wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Stronach,” said Valerie. “And I told them what we’re doing at ACTT Naturally, and how it would be wonderful if Harlem Rocker could be a part of it.”

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One day Valerie’s phone rang. She pulled her truck over and saw the call was from Ontario, Canada; it was Mike Rogers.

“He had learned of my letter and asked if I could provide him with some references (Todd Pletcher kindly supplied them.)

He cautioned that Rocker had had back surgery and could not be ridden. Mike said he’d speak with Frank and see what he could do. He soon called back and said that Mr. Stronach had agreed to let him come to New York - and I just burst into tears.

“In November of last year I drove down to Kentucky, to pick him up. They gelded him and also let me know more about his surgery. He had Wobbler Syndrome, and a titanium plate had been placed in his neck.

“Everyone at Adena Springs was just great. They all love him and were happy to know that he’ll be surrounded by others who’ll love him too. We won’t ride him, though in time he’ll participate in our equine-assisted learning programs.

“I can’t tell you why he didn’t have his usual kick in the Travers,” said Valerie. “But at the end of the day - he’s here - and I still can’t believe it! I just keep pinching myself.”

For Harlem Rocker’s connections, winning the Travers was but a dream, though for Valerie Buck, having ’the Rockstar’ at Long Shadows is a dream come true. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

DOING THE

Right thing Welcome 2016!

The holidays have come and gone, the ball has dropped, and many of us have already broken our New Year resolutions.

But don’t despair, it is never too late, to start fresh.

The problem many of us face is keeping the focus and motivation as the weeks pass us by.

Well I think we have the solution….

Let us look to others...

for inspiration.

On the following pages you will read about people who love, laugh and give as much as they can to make the world a better place.

These people are most definitely “paying it forward.”

Some are always in the spotlight, others you may be meeting for the first time.

We hope you enjoy reading about them and learning what makes them tick and take something from their stories.

Now set your goals and achieve something great in 2016!

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better person.”

- Benjamin Franklin

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 39

Soldier opening one of our packages in Nkaia, Afghanistan

GUYSON Corp of Saratoga presenting OAS with a check

Cliff Seguin

By Megin Potter, photos provided

Cliff Seguin Home Sweet Home

W

hen Steven Seguin was away, his mother sent him a care package filled with her homemade chocolate chip cookies. It was a simple reminder of home, but what it sparked has been extraordinary.

“

It was 2003 and Steven Seguin was serving as a soldier in Iraq. He would remain there for 16 months of his military career, which lasted more than nine years. The periodic care packages from his parents brought him small comforts, but also hopeful requests from the other soldiers in his company that he might share his treasures with them. Steven told his father, Cliff Seguin, of their needs and Cliff began sending them their own packages, as well.

Before long, Cliff was fulfilling so many requests from the soldiers that storage of the items became an issue. He began working out of a room in the

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FROM PERSONAL CARE ITEMS, TO HAND-WRITTEN CHRISTMAS CARDS, TO GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, CLIFF STRIVES TO MEET ANY REQUEST SENT TO HIM FROM SOLDIERS

”

Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility where he was employed at the time, with the blessing of the facility superintendent Harold McKinney.

The effort was organized into a non-profit 501(c) (3) called Operation Adopt A Soldier. Since it’s humble beginnings, today the group has moved into their current location on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs, donated eight years ago by Chuck and Elaine Gerber, and has sent out more than 288,000 packages. These packages are filled with donations gathered from drop-off bins located all over the state, in Vermont and Massachusetts.

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US Army Logistics Unit Kabul, Afghanistan

To find an Operation Adopt A Soldier drop-off site, make a donation, or find more information go to OperationAdoptaSoldier.org Glens Falls Army National Guard unit

“It’s not about the war and not about the politics.

It has to be in a person’s own self to serve. We’re going to keep doing it until every soldier comes home,” said Cliff.

From personal care items, to hand-written Christmas cards, to Girl Scout Cookies, Cliff strives to meet any request sent to him from soldiers stationed as far away as Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait and Germany. Once, when a soldier wished for two mountain bikes, Cliff bought the bikes, but shipment size requirements limited his ability to send them over. He painstakingly took them apart and sent them in six different boxes. A short while later he received word that all the pieces had arrived safely and that once reassembled, the bicycles worked beautifully.

“Every day they get a box, it’s like Christmas for them,” said Cliff.

Like Santa Claus and his elves, Cliff, Operation Adopt A Soldier’s Board of Directors, and the thousands of helpers they’ve had over the years are all volunteers. In addition to the care packages, which cost an average of $6-$10 each to ship, the group holds regular family support programs, has placed 14,000 flags within the Saratoga National Cemetery, grants scholarships, and welcomes home military servicemen at the airport. Community and business donations are combined with the proceeds from collections gathered at events to raise funds and awareness.

The more than $50,000 that was collected through the organization’s two biggest fall events this year only gets them through the holidays, said Cliff. Still, the need is so great, and so continuous, that just weeks after Veteran’s day, the floor-to-ceiling shelves were empty.

“The American public really doesn’t realize that we still have soldiers over there, and they’re dying every week,” he said.

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Just in the time it took to pull this article together, Cliff received notice that another of the group’s adopted soldiers had died.

OAS presenting Saratoga National Bank for their "Honor our Soldier Day" In addition to sad news like this however, there are binders and binders stuffed with notes of thanks, certificates, and letters of honor. The walls are plastered with photos of grateful recipients with wide smiles. What touches Cliff the most, he said, is when soldiers (or their parents) stop in personally to thank and hug him.

“You know you’re doing the right thing when you hear back from the soldiers – it’s humbling.”

Constantly looking ahead, Operation Adopt a Soldier has dedicated $86,000 into a building fund. Because the town of Wilton doesn’t have a V.F.W., American Legion, or other meeting place for the community’s military and retired military personnel, the hope is that one can be built. This structure would also contain apartments where soldiers could be housed while readjusting to civilian life after returning from deployment.

Cliff thanking the Dorothy Nolan kids

“It will be a place where any soldier can stop by, relax, feel free to use the facility and just feel at home. This is our home base. This is where we started and I’ve been here all my life,” said Cliff.

Home is where the heart is and Cliff plans on putting his heart into sending a piece of home to the soldiers for as long as he can do it.

“It’s the drive that I have for the American soldier that keeps me going. I know how my son felt, how his mother felt, how I felt,” he said.

517 packages and 1123 for the month of December

“There are ups and downs to everything you do, but we get through them.”

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Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography

Summer enrichment program for Race Track Chaplaincy of America Metropolitans NY Division for children of barn area workers at Beaver Cross camp in Greenwich, NY and other camp photos.

By Megin Potter, photos provided

Pamela Polacsek Unsung Heros

N

ot long ago, as a city, Saratoga Springs seemed more like Smallville than Metropolis, but as it grows, its heroes become more visible. Having the ability to see them however, depends on where you are sitting.

From her wheelchair, Pamela Polacsek sees so much of what many others miss.

“

“The biggest misconception people have is the perception that Saratoga is affluent. When you volunteer, you see, first-hand, the need is greater than anyone would imagine,” she said.

As a fourth-generation resident, and a secondgeneration volunteer with the Hawley Foundation, Polacsek has witnessed the outcomes of change, and the recipients of charitable efforts, take off and fly.

“Recipients found us and sent letters. It’s heartwarming how much something has made a difference. These are people who have superseded challenges and circumstances beyond their control,” she said.

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Ice skating, 1947.

From the Saratoga Room Collection at the Saratoga Springs Library.

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

– CHRISTOPHER REEVE A Tragedy Presents Change

”

Polacsek is intimately familiar with the fact that anyone’s life can change, almost in an instant.

Describing her life growing up as being “almost Pollyannaish”; her parents and grandparents taught her civic responsibility and instilled a strong base of spiritual enrichment through the observance of their Jewish faith. As an active and extremely healthy 26-year-old, one day she awoke with a cramp in her neck. Twenty minutes later she experienced chest pains, her arms went numb, and she never walked again. Inexplicably, she had become a quadriplegic.

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Doctors couldn’t really explain what had happened to Polacsek beyond the justification that it may have been a fastmoving virus that would leave behind long-term effects. In rehab afterwards, she witnessed the experiences of those around her dealing with similar circumstances, and learned very quickly that comparatively, it could’ve been worse.

“I realized how fortunate I was to come home. My parents don’t allow self-pity. What happened to me happened to me, and it wasn’t going to get worse like some of these degenerative conditions do,” she said.

All the support that she has been given allows Polacsek to describe her life today as one full of many great freedoms.

“I’ve had a really blessed life, regardless of my disability. I’ve been able to tap into what I can do. I travel, work, volunteer, have great friends and a wonderful family. Everything happens for a reason, and maybe this was meant to be because it has allowed me to make a difference in the ways that I have,” she said.

Often these efforts fly under the radar of the city’s newest residents, but organizations like the Hawley Foundation are now trying to reach out to expanded audiences, she said.

A Strong Foundation Originally founded in 1888 to undertake the care of orphaned and disadvantaged children, the Hawley house on Ludlow Street was a temporary home to many, including kids sponsored by Polacsek’s great aunt and one of her own close childhood friends. Her father, Allan Polacsek, served on the Board of Trustees when it was decided that the building would be sold, and the money earned used to benefit the greater community.

“I was impressed with what they did and do for the neediest youth in the community. It felt good that my dad was involved in that,” said Polacsek.

Recently celebrating their 50th year of work since then, the Hawley Foundation partners with other charities to provide

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grants to children’s non-profit and camp programs, college incentive grants and offers discretionary funds to help pay for the necessities of those on a limited income.

For more information about the Hawley Foundation or to make a donation, go to HawleyFoundation.org

“To keep the city as vibrant as it is, it’s expensive. People are pushed out. Those that used to be able to live affordably in Saratoga, now cannot do so,” said Polacsek.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…

Financial strain creates stress for families who may also be dealing with mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence problems. Discovering the need without exploiting it, the Hawley Foundation has protected recipients’ privacy, while also distributing approximately $2 million in just the past 15 years.

“We can’t meet every request that comes in, but its amazing work the people in this community are doing for the people who need it, said Polacsek.

The generosity of volunteers, business owners, and programs such as the Stewart’s Christmas Match, the WGY Christmas Wish Fund, and the Coull Foundation has increased the Hawley Foundation’s funds, 100 percent of which go directly to those they help support.

“There are three things that are sometimes difficult to get the motivation to do: faithbased service, exercise, and volunteering; but I would challenge anyone to tell me they would leave after doing so and say, ‘Gosh, I wish I didn’t do that’,” said Polacsek.

Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography

For her birthday this year, Polacsek posted online that she wished for just two things; that her friends would challenge themselves by checking off something from their bucket list, and that they would perform an act of kindness towards someone who needs it.

“You have to have your eyes open to the challenges that other people experience. See past your own life, there’s always someone worse off – there truly is. In the last year, there has been such violence, tragedy and discrimination. If people could be kind to each other, we would all have a better society in which to live,” said Polacsek.

Pamela Polacsek

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Animal advocates gather for the 2015 HOPE gala.

From Left: event Master of Ceremonies Denise James, special guest speaker News 10's Steve Caporrizzo, and HOPE Executive Director Wendy Mongillo.

By Megin Potter, photos provided

Wendy Mongillo Thanks for Being a Friend

S

aying “thank you” is more than just good manners. These two little words can change lives.

Fifteen years have gone by since Wendy Mongillo adopted “Lucky,” a mixedbreed terrier, from an animal shelter.

Like many agencies of its kind, the shelter was struggling to care for injured, abused, neglected and unwanted animals with limited resources.

Wendy Mongillo

“

While Mongillo was grateful to be able to give one lucky dog a forever home, she couldn’t forget all the others that she had to leave behind. She began organizing meetings, voicing her concerns, and hanging up posters to find homes for these pets. By September 2002, her efforts were incorporated into the non-profit 501(c) (3) called Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.).

Helping people and pets find each other transformed into a mission and a full-time job for Mongillo, who now serves as HOPE’s Executive Director.

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SEEING PICTURES AND SEEING THESE ANIMALS SO HAPPY, THAT’S REALLY WHAT CONTINUES TO MOTIVATE ME.

”

“It started out as a hobby that became a passion. The more I put into it, the bigger it got,” she said.

As did the gratitude that has kept it going. Animals are abandoned throughout the county for a variety of reasons, but through her attention and perseverance Mongillo has proven, over-and-over again, that just because an animal is old or has challenging health conditions, they are still adoptable and worthy of love.

“Sometimes there is a dog or a cat, and it seems like we just can’t find it a home. We start to get discouraged and then that perfect person comes along and it just works,” she said.

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For more information on becoming a pet foster, how to adopt, or to donate go to HopeAnimalRescue.org

Mark Your Calendar

• HOPE adoption clinics are held the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month at the Wilton Mall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• On February 25, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. dine at The Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs and 25 percent of all food and beverage proceeds will be donated to benefit HOPE.

Operating without a formal facility, foster parents take in the animals until they can be permanently placed. Personal interviews and home visits help to ensure that each person gets the right animal, and each animal gets the right home for them.

“They’re going to get attached, but if you have the satisfaction of meeting the person that’s adopting that pet and talk with the vet that cares for it, it makes it okay,” said Mongillo.

Caring for animals is an emotionally charged issue. Tough situations arise and Mongillo often has to take on the role of a counselor of sorts, working with people to do what’s in the best interest of the animals. While there may sometimes be tears, there is no room for anger.

“You have to be kind, regardless,” she said.

Her uplifting fortitude is its own reward. When she walks in and sees a well-placed cat stretched out on her new owner’s lap as he rubs her belly, for instance, Mongillo knows that she is doing the right thing.

“Hearing from people who’ve adopted from us, hearing how well they’re doing, seeing pictures and seeing these animals so happy, that’s really what continues to motivate me.”

As are the pet owners that come back to her repeatedly to adopt.

Many people have adopted two or three animals from her over the years, and quite a few have taken in six or more, she said. The biggest challenge for Mongillo is that the flow of animals needing homes is never ceasing.

“It’s been hard learning over the years that you can’t save them all, because you want to save them all.”

Last year alone, HOPE found homes for 200 cats. For a time, HOPE strived to address the base of the problem by running a spay and neuter clinic, but in August of this year, decided to get back to their roots of saving existing animals and donated money, their supplies, and a van to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

Always in need of those willing to foster animals, especially cat fosters, HOPE is reliant on the help of volunteers. Getting the word out through their Facebook page, website and media outlets, they have a newsletter subscriber base of 2,300 people.

Privately funded by supporters and foundation donations, HOPE hosts an annual fundraising gala, a spring walk for the animals and numerous adoption clinics.

With the realization that they will never be able to take on as many abandoned pets as there are in the county, their future plans involve finding a space to rent for emergency animal housing, and continuing to place every pet that they can.

It’s something that everyone involved is thankful for.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 45

By Megin Potter, photos provided

Peggy & Clyde Ronk Helping Hands

Y

our hands and feet are not just your own, for you to reach out for what you want and travel towards your own greatest desires.

“

Peggy and Clyde

A LITTLE GESTURE MEANS SO MUCH. IT MAY JUST CHANGE THAT PERSON’S DAY, IF NOT THEIR WHOLE OUTLOOK ON LIFE,

”

“What breaks His heart, breaks our hearts,” said the faithful Peggy Ronk. Her heart was broken when she saw men out in the cold weather without winter gloves to wear. The superstore giant Wal-Mart agreed, and had the heart to mark down the price of quality gloves for Peggy to purchase with funds from the Hands and Feet Ministry, a group comprised of members from the Saratoga Abundant Life Church congregation. They were able to distribute 30 pairs of gloves.

“What would you do if you saw Jesus out in the cold without gloves, mittens, and boots?” It is a question Peggy ponders prayerfully with her husband Clyde, and within the group, before action is taken.

While the group has held clothing drives, they do not focus strictly on gloves and boots as the name might suggest. Instead, their name was generated from the bible passage that describes acting as the hands and feet of God, loving one’s neighbor as we love ourselves, and sharing that love out in the community.

In all that they do, they passionately lend a helping hand. Working with Rebuilding Together Saratoga by painting, providing home repairs, and planting a garden; cooking dinners and playing music at Code Blue; and handing out hundreds of hand warmers and two dozen

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“We gather as a group and brainstorm. We don’t want to box ourselves in. We want to think outside of the box.

We haven’t run into anything we couldn’t do,” said Clyde.

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gallons of hot chocolate at the Victorian Streetwalk; are just a few examples of the small ways they give, that are adding up to make a big difference.

“When He opens a door – lookout! If we see a way to help someone who is helpless and hopeless, by George, we’re going to do it!” said Peggy.

“A little gesture means so much. It may just change that person’s day, if not their whole outlook on life,” Clyde added.

Likening their efforts to creating a church without walls, they will continue placing magazines in hospital waiting rooms and handing out bottles of water to those standing in the street directing traffic on a hot day. Peggy, upon seeing a soldier ahead of her in line at the grocery store, has swiped her debit card through to pay for his items instead. To the confused soldier she explained her actions to him simply by saying, ‘I’m blessing you’.

“I saw a need and a way I was able to meet that need,” she said.

The Hands and Feet Ministry is planning an Easter dinner for college exchange students who can’t travel home. They are planning a flash mob to hand out umbrellas on a rainy day. They will be doing all of this and more, but aren’t looking for anything in return.

“We don’t look for praise. We’re not looking for pats on the back, golden stars, or anything like that. God gets the glory,” said Peggy.

If they were in a relay race, the church’s congregation would be like their cheerleaders saying, ‘Go for it’, she added, for the ability to serve is right at our fingertips.

“I would challenge people to be the hands and feet themselves, to look out their door, to take that risk, and help somebody,” she said.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 47

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Alice Corey Photography

By Carrie Rowlands Johnson

Michele Riggi A Heart For The Arts & Charity

A

ccording to the fairy tales, every proper princess is seen wearing her crown from time to time.

In real life Saratoga, our most famous and most elegantly appointed princess dusts off her own crown for very special occasions, such as when she plays dress up to satisfy the whims of children (and children at heart) during her annual Halloween extravaganza.

“

The rest of the year, Michele Riggi tucks away her crown, preferring to don one of the many hats she has accumulated through her generous affiliation with any number of local charities, paired with a designer outfit, of course. She has carved out a niche as not only a local socialite celebrity, but as one of the area’s greatest philanthropists, attending more than one hundred charity galas a year.

Animals, dance, the arts— Riggi tends to focus her attention on causes that interest her most. A dancer throughout her

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Michele hasn’t always dripped in jewels and Louboutin, with enough discretionary cash to toss toward charities and galas and Cinderella-worthy balls. She grew up in the small, modest, Fulton County town of Broadalbin.

”

childhood, she supports both The New York City Ballet and The National Museum of Dance in Saratoga, where she currently serves as board president. A recent addition is The Mr. And Mrs. Ronald A Riggi Theatre, which Riggi says will honor dancers in film and serve as a black-box theater for opera, acting classes, and performances.

The Riggis have also been known to give generously to such Saratoga landmarks as The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Hospital and The Saratoga County YMCA. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Michele’s Saratoga roots reach deep into the equestrian community, too. One of her newest involvements (shall we say, passions) is with the three retired race horses they have adopted at Little Brook Farm. They loved being involved with the Raise the Roof event this past summer and are looking forward to much more.

In an article with bizjournals.com this summer, Riggi named the Museum of Dance as her own personal favorite cause. Riggi started dancing at the tender age of five and hasn’t stopped, calling Pilates her current passion.

Another one of her passions are her animals. At last count, the Riggis share their palatial estate on North Broadway with thirty-eight dogs and one cat, half of whom are rescues that suffer from a variety of health issues including deafness and blindness. Riggi has worked with rescue agencies such as The Saratoga County Animal Shelter, adopting these lesser fortunate animals into her loving home.

It’s no secret, the pets living with the Riggis are perhaps the most posh pets living, boasting their own heated outdoor run and individual beds designed for royalty. This, in addition to the lavish lifestyle the Riggis lead, in what is known as Palazzo Riggi, has made them a magnet for criticism.

Whether you are a Michele Riggi fan or not, there is no denying her generosity and impact in this community, organizing events and sponsoring any number of charities throughout the year. The 6-million dollar, 20-thousand square foot Palazzo Riggi opens its

Photo by MarkBolles.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 49

doors to host fundraisers including a one thousand-dollar a plate dinner which benefitted baseball player Mariano Rivera’s favorite charity, the restoration of New Rochelle Church, Refuge of Hope.

princess Cinderella. Trick or treaters are treated to hot cider, donuts, chocolate bars, the chance to win a one-hundred dollar bill, and an opportunity to win one of six memberships to the Regional YMCA by guessing the weight of the displayed Giant Pumpkin.

The Center for Disability Services was also recognized at that event, as Michele warmly invited one of the Center’s adult residents Michele hasn’t always dripped in jewels and Louboutin, with to participate. Anne Schneider Costigan, enough discretionary cash to toss toward Spokesperson for The Center for Disability charities and galas and Cinderella-worthy And though the Services, was bubbling over with respect and balls. She grew up in the small, modest, Fulton Riggis lead what most gratitude toward Michele, saying, “Michele was County town of Broadalbin. kind, warm and welcoming to Ali Adams and She raised her own four children in Saratoga, in would call a charmed her family and she was very accommodating anything but meager surroundings. And though and made sure they had a wonderful time.” life, they don’t live the Riggis lead what most would call a charmed Costigan went on to recognize Michele’s support of the Siro’s Cup, which directly benefits the Center.

“

life, they don’t live a lazy life by any means.

One child is an actor; another a restaurant owner; another the successful owner of Bell Isle Premium Moonshine; and another a new mom, to which Michele says makes her “a very proud mimi!” Ronald Riggi, the family patriarch, earned their fortune selling replacement parts for General Electric’s heavy-duty gas turbines. Michele herself says she doesn’t sit all day, preferring to dote on her family, her pets and her community.

a lazy life by any means.

“We are grateful to Michele for her ongoing support of the Center for Disability Services and its mission to enable and empower people, primarily those with disabilities, to lead healthy and enriched lives.”

Michele Riggi is honorary “diva” for what is now known as Dogs, Divas and Dudes, an event incorporating all that Michele is known for, to benefit the Cornell University Department of Oncology for Animals.

That North Broadway mansion is also home to the area’s largest and most elaborate free public Halloween party, complete with a horsedrawn pumpkin carriage and Riggi herself as the fabulous fairy tale

”

As part of her community, we are so lucky to call this very generous princess our own. Even as full and luxurious as her own life is, Michele Riggi unfailingly removes her crown, willingly replacing it with one of the many proverbial hats that make up the philanthropic world she chooses to share with all of us.

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Alice Corey Photography

Photo by MarkBolles.com

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cturally

SPEAKING

Follow us as we explore some of the area's unique spaces...

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WRITTEN BY DAVID DELOZIER, PHOTOS BY SARATOGAPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

Living on

an Island in the Sky

“

You can’t do that…” was the reply that friends of Glenn Batease told him when he proposed the idea of building a new home on his newly acquired parcel of land upon the top of Buck Tail Mountain, more commonly known as West Mountain, which also shares the ski area of the same name west of Glens Falls. That’s all it took to set Batease into action. “I am a can-do guy,” boasts Batease.

“When someone says something can’t be done, that’s my cue to go and find a way to do it.”

The thing is, Batease already had what many would consider a dream home - situated on a private lake just south of Lake George. But, Batease is motivated by a challenge. And when someone says something can’t be done, well, that is reason enough to go out and do it, as far as Batease is concerned.

That, plus a recent divorce gave him the impetus to prove the naysayers wrong, and to start afresh with a new project.

Perhaps his friends were right – the 200 acre parcel Batease had purchased was like an island in the sky - at the top of a high ridge with no road access from any direction. The nearest road was 800 feet down a steep and rocky slope, making the building of an access road formidable. And although the site was a mountain top, there was little in the way of a view with a dense stand of trees shrouding the summit.

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But where some saw impediments, Batease saw nothing but opportunity.

You see, Glenn Batease owns an excavation contracting business, so he has access to the skilled manpower and heavy machinery that can literally move mountains.

Building an access road was simply a matter of horsepower, hydraulics and testosterone. The big trees and big rocks at the summit that would have to be cleared out to make room for the new domicile also provided opportunity - in the form of building materials. A large stand of hemlock trees on the western slope were the perfect size for making posts and beams. The stone would be hewn into what would become the centerpiece of the new house – a massive 3 story chimney.

With his can-do spirit and charismatic ability to find the right people to get things done, Batease did indeed “gitR-dun.” Everything about the place is an exclamation point, and a reflection of the gumption of its creator.

The “driveway” to Batease’s Islandin-the-Sky is actually a mile long, and ascends steeply from the valley below, providing glimpses of the big view to come at the summit. Big is even an understatement - the 8000 square foot home sits proudly upon the promontory, the large decks all around welcoming the visitor with open arms.

And the view – unobstructed in all directions – is truly breathtaking.

With such a large encompassing view, Batease wanted to create an indoor environment that would enhance the outdoors within. Batease enlisted the expertise of the artisans at Legacy Timber Frames of Stillwater to fashion the milled hemlock timbers harvested from the site into a strong open framework. “Working with Dan Rosenberger at Legacy was great!”

Batease exclaimed. “I told him what I wanted to do and he just ‘got it’ right away.” Rosenberger was so impressed with the design, he commented that it was the best build he had ever done.

The hand crafted mortise and tenon joints artfully join together the majestic hemlock frame, creating a large front to back expanse; full wall windows to the east and west allow the morning and evening light to dance upon the gleaming wood floors and massive central chimney.

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Massive is even an understatement to describe this chimney, which dominates the center of the home. More like a central tower, it rises from the basement floor, passing through a hole in the main living floor and rising up to the peak of the cathedral ceiling to its exit through the roof. Batease brought in master stone mason Ernie Labarge of Schroon Lake to make the jumble of stone gathered from the site into the masterpiece that is the fireplace and chimney. “All the stone was brought with pipes and rollers, and raised with chainfalls and comealongs,” explained Batease. Smack dab in the middle of the chimney tower is a giant 7000 pound stone that fits the full span from left to right. The large open hearth is reminiscent of an old farmhouse complete with cranes holding a cast iron Dutch oven and tea kettle. A second hearth at the basement level warms the recreation room.

The entire mass doubles as a heat sink, stabilizing the temperature within the entire house.

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Despite the size of the home, it uses very little energy.

Legacy incorporated SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) to wrap the frame into a very energy-efficient envelope. An outdoor wood-burning furnace supplies hot water to the radiant floor heating system. And with heat storage mass that is the chimney tower, the home is very cozy even with the nastiest winter winds roaring outside.

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Batease says that living on this mountaintop is experiential. At times, you’re above the clouds, and their flow can appear as waves upon the ocean. It is truly an island in the sky. On clear days, you can see across the Upper Hudson sand plains to the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Waking early, you can catch some amazing dawn sunrises.

To the south, the distant Catskill escarpment is visible beyond the Capital Region metropolis.

To the west, the deep woods and undulating hills of the southern Adirondacks roll out as if to infinity. It is from this direction that one can view the onset of storms. Some can be intense – the house shimmies and shakes in the strong winds, so much so that Batease had to reinforce the main support beams with more triangles. And Buck Tail Mountain, true to its name, provides one of Batease’s greatest joys - watching the deer gather at dusk to graze in the open fields around the house.

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Batease designed that home to be not just a place for his enjoyment, but also a place for gatherings. The symmetrical north and south wings hold three bedrooms each, joined together by a catwalk that straddles the chimney tower hole in the great room. All the bedrooms have French doors opening to outdoor terraces, so guests can immerse themselves in the view and watch the everchanging sky right from their rooms.

The large farmhouse dining table awaits the next celebration, and the adjacent gourmet kitchen is stocked and ready to test the meddle of even the most demanding chef.

The entire interior is decorated with many antiques and Adirondack memorabilia. Paper wasp nests, old fishing gear, stuffed animals resting on beams, old Lake George photos and maps – there is something unique and interesting at every turn of the head.

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Batease wants people to come see his pride and joy, and experience what it’s like to live on top of a mountain. He foresees the place being the setting for truly memorable events, like weddings and family get-togethers. “I could see a bride and groom flying in on a helicopter to make a grand entrance to the wedding party,” he surmised. Yes, that’s correct - a helicopter pad is on site, and Batease has a pilot in his rolodex ready to make your dreams come true! Listed on homeaway.com, this Island in the Sky is available for weekly rental any time of the year.

And if you’d like to make this mountain-top home your home, Batease is entertaining offers. SS

Batease Excavating Inc. of Queensbury specializes in work that is unique, challenging, and bold.

Got land and want to build that dream home on it?

Owner Glenn Batease wants to make your vision a reality.

Land clearing, road building, pond builds, ledge blasting….whatever the desire, Batease Excavating will make in happen.

Call 518-361-1506 for a personal consultation.

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ENTERTAINING Made Easy!

What if you could cook one kind of meat mixture, freeze it ahead & turn it into three different meals?

My answer would always be…‘Sign me up & Count me in!’

I’m all about saving time & eating even better, as I feed my crew.

Here’s one of my tricks & tips to making busy lives just a little bit easier.

My Magic Taco Meat Mixture What’s so magical about it? I simply add in extra fresh veggies that no one can taste. My sons don’t like tomatoes, but this is one of the recipes they still love & it continues to prove my point that recipes are a powerful tool in helping us to eat healthy foods that we won’t eat alone.

take eekend, On the w ipe below, this rec 3, cook it it x multiply ool, divide it c it t le rtions up, equal po zer e e r th ee into ze it in fr and free iners or bags. safe conta

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 cups fresh baby leaf spinach

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped

• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

• 1 pint grape tomatoes

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 clove garlic

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin

1. Cook the ground turkey in a frying pan.

2. Add the chopped onions & a clove of crushed garlic to the meat and continue to cook; stir occasionally until the onions are soft.

3. Place the tomatoes into a mini chopper or food processor; chop until very fine and juicy. Add the tomatoes to the meat mixture.

4. Place the baby leaf spinach into the mini food processor and chop; add it to the meat mixture. It simply looks like spices in the mix & no one can taste it.

5. Add the cumin, salt, chili powder, white pepper, garlic powder & onion powder to the meat mixture and stir all of the spices together & continue to cook.

Note: Cook the meat mixture until the juices cook down to your desired consistency.

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HI, I’M JODIE FITZ! I’m so excited to be sharing some of our family favorites with the readers of Simply Saratoga magazine!

I have spent the last six years traveling in SIX (!) states cooking with kids & families…

I can relate to the BUSY COOK : ) As my recipe collection continues to grow, I am starting to share some of the recipes that you will find at our house for meals…

Enjoyed by both family… and friends!

I am always experimenting & creating tasty bites, finding the simplest way to do it & love sharing great flavor and time saving finds along the way.

IT'S DINNER TIME! The day you’re ready for your meal, simply pull the meat from the freezer, let it thaw and warm it up. You can serve up a traditional taco night or, you can follow one of these combinations for a new twist on dinner:

Meal 1: Taco Salad

• Magic Meat Mixture

• Romaine Lettuce

• 1 lb. fresh frozen corn, thawed

• Sharp cheese

• 1 red bell pepper

• Tortilla rounds (optional)

• 1 15.5 oz. can black beans

• ½ cup of Good Seasons dressing mixed with white vinegar, water & light olive oil.

• Avocado

1. Wash the red bell peppers. Remove the seeds and dice them into small pieces.

Stir the corn, red pepper, black beans & Good Seasoning dressing together. Set aside.

2. Chop the romaine lettuce. Set aside.

3. Prep the avocado by removing the seed and skin, cut it into thin slices. Set aside.

4. Shred the sharp cheese. Set aside.

Optional Step: Bake the taco shells into bowls. How you ask?

1. You can purchase a taco shell bowl pan. They come in a set of two and are typically under $15.

2. You can use a muffin pan turned upside down on a baking sheet.

Simply place the shells in between the cups to create a bowl shape.

3. Heat up the oven to 400 degrees. Spray the non-stick pans with cooking spray.

Baste the shells with a very light layer of light olive oil & a sprinkle of sea salt.

Bake for approximately 7 minute, until they are golden brown.

Let them cool completely.

4. FINALLY: Line everything up; the baked shells, the taco meat, chopped romaine lettuce, the corn salad, sliced avocados and cheese. Make your salad, no extra dressing is needed with the use of the corn salsa.

Meal 2: Taco Stuffed Potatoes • Magic Taco Meat

• ¼ cup sour cream, light

• 4 Baked potatoes

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 4 – 6 oz. sharp cheese, shredded

• ½ teaspoon sea salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1. Wash the potatoes. Rub them with a very light layer of canola oil, poke them with a knife on the top (just a couple of times) and bake the potatoes until tender (approximately 40- 45 minutes at 350 degrees depending on the size of the potato).

2. Cut the baked potatoes down the center.

3. Remove the potato from the skin, but save the skins. Mash the potatoes with sour cream, salt, garlic powder and pepper.

4. Fill the potato skins with the potatoes, top them off with a healthy serving of the meat mixture & then a sprinkle of cheese on top. Bake until the cheese is melted & serve. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Meal 3: Taco Pizza • Magic Meat Mixture

• 4 – 6 oz. Sharp Cheese, shredded

• 1 pizza dough*

• Romaine Lettuce (optional)

• ¼ cup light sour cream • 1 tablespoon taco sauce (mild)

• Tomatoes, diced (optional)

1. Place the pizza dough onto a pizza stone/pan.

*Pizza dough thoughts:

2. Stir the sour cream & taco sauce together. Spread a layer onto the pizza dough.

3. Add the meat mixture. Top it off with cheese. Bake in a 400-degree pre-heated oven until the cheese is melted and the dough is golden brown. The baking time will depend on the kind of dough you use and if the meat mixture has already been warmed through (see below).

1. Try whole wheat. Don’t prewarm the meat & bake the pizza for 20 – 25 minutes.

Add rom tomatoe aine, diced so toppings r any other before fi you prefer n pizza wit ishing off the h ch for an ad eese flavor m ded taco ix and veggie tw extra ist!

2. Or, use a Stone Fire pre-made pizza round or other flatbread pizza round (no preservatives).

Pre-warm the meat before adding it to the pizza. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until the cheese is melted thoroughly.

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at www.jodiefitz.com and www.facebook.com/jodiefitzcooks, or check out my new cook books coming soon!

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Photo © Barbara Whipkey

Birdwatching with Nancy Castillo

It's Time to Watch for Snowbirds

Photo © Mazlowski Wildlife Productions/WBU Inc. Photo by Nancy Castillo

One of the regular birds we count on to return to our yards each winter are Dark-eyed Juncos.

These small gray and white birds are affectionately called "snowbirds," either for their habit of returning when snow covers the ground or for their look of "leaden skies above and white-as-snow below".

The juncos you see this winter may very well have been in your yard last winter too, as they are known to return to the same area each winter. You'll see them foraging for food on the ground, and as they fly away, watch for the "junco flash," a glimpse of their white outer feathers flaring out as they take flight.

Juncos are easy to attract to your birdfeeders, especially as snow cover makes it harder for them to find food on the ground. Offer them a no-mess blend of sunflower chips and white millet in an open tray or hopper-type birdfeeder. Providing a regular food source during the winter will help keep snowbirds close by all throughout the cold winter months.

Get the Blues this Winter ...Bluebirds, that is!

An unexpected and special bird that could visit your yard this winter are Eastern Bluebirds.

The sight of bluebirds in winter tends to surprise and maybe even concern us, but bluebirds regularly spend the winter in our area when there are reliable food sources for them.

During the summer, bluebirds eat mostly insects like grasshoppers, crickets and caterpillars.

But as the weather turns and insects become unavailable, bluebirds will switch their eating habits to fruits and berries. You may see them gleaning fruits off holly shrubs, red cedars or sumacs. But as those natural sources deplete or become covered by ice or snow, bluebirds may be attracted to the right offerings at your birdfeeding station.

In winter, bluebirds will visit birdfeeders filled with sunflower seeds with no shells. Their beaks are not made for opening seed shells, so be sure to offer a no-mess, shell-free birdseed.

Bluebirds also appreciate the high energy fats provided by suet, especially when in an easy-toeat nugget or bark butter form or better yet, suet filled with dried mealworms. Offer a source of open water as well and you might even host a bluebird "spa party" in your backyard!

Last year we had more customers than ever with bluebirds visiting their suburban backyards.

So even if you don't have open habitat for bluebird nesting during the summer, you still might attract these special guests to your yard this winter. Let me know if you do! SS

Great Backyard Bird Count coming up Presidents Weekend Did you know that in just 15 minutes over Presidents Weekend you could help out the birds?

Join thousands of people from all over the world who love their backyard birds by watching the birds anytime during the event, counting what you see, and then recording online what you saw. It's a great activity to do with friends and family anytime over the 4-day holiday weekend. It's the 19th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, February 12-15, 2016!

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Gardening WITH

PETER BOWDEN

THE YEAR THERE WAS NO SUMMER This fall and early winter has certainly brought plenty of crazy weather. Of course this ignites the ongoing debate about climate change or "global warming" as it was originally named. As confounding as recent weather seems, can you imagine how heated the debate would become if winter continued right on through summer? Well, that is exactly what happened in 1816; a year nearly two hundred years ago that produced snow in June, frost in July and another killing frost in August. 1816 was known as “The Year There Was No Summer” and “Eighteen Hundred and Froze to Death”.

A volcano called Tambora explosively erupted in Indonesia in April of 1815. This eruption is regarded by many as the largest in recorded history. On the Indonesian archipelago the impact was, of course, devastating with estimates of up to 90 thousand deaths. The size and violence of this eruption forced an estimated 100 cubic miles of dust, ash and sulfuric acid into the stratosphere. Most scientists feel that this dust and ash was responsible for “The Year There Was No Summer”.

Let’s take a look at what they endured. The winter of 1815-1816 was a cold one that started early and lingered late. This was not uncommon and these northern farmers had endured many long winters and late spring cold. April and May were cold but most managed to get their crops in. By early June, the leaves were out on the trees, the corn was up and vegetable gardens were planted and growing. It looked like the long winter was over at last.

Then things began to go terribly wrong.

On June 5th in Williamstown, Mass., the temperature was a balmy 83 degrees, warm for that early in the season. By the next morning, the temperature was 45 degrees and still falling. This cold arctic air wasn’t isolated to Williamstown. From Canada to Virginia cold arctic air caused killing

frosts to occur June 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th. Thousands of birds that had recently migrated into the area from the south froze to death. Sheep, recently shorn, froze to death even though they were brought inside.

Farmers built bonfires around their fields to try to save the crops but all to no avail. The important corn crop was virtually wiped out along with most other crops. Even the leaves on all the trees froze, blackened and fell to the ground. There was light snow on June 6th in New York and New England and on the 7th and 8th; more snow was reported as far south as the Catskills.

In Danville, Vermont the newspaper reports: “On the night of the 7th and morning of the 8th a kind of sleet or exceedingly cold snow fell, attended by high wind, and measured in places where it drifted 18 to 20 inches in

Other theories involve sunspot activity and still other theories revolve around larger cycles of warm and cool climate conditions that occur every 210 years or so.

Regardless of the reason, the tribulations of the summer of 1816 are legend and had a hand in, among other things, the migration of many New Englanders and New Yorkers out of those areas, and a wave of migration out of central Europe and England to the United States.

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Remember that this is 1816. No one knew anything about how climate change worked and they hadn't heard anything about a huge volcano thousands of miles away. All they knew was that their crops were dead, and if they couldn’t get more in right away, starvation the following winter was a real possibility. Talk of famine and the wrath of God were widespread.

farmers (which, at that time, was just about everybody) were optimistic that, if they got a break in September, things would be all right. You’ve got to remember that the only food they’d have the following winter would be what they could grow that summer. Alas, another killing frost on August 20th visited much of New England and New York as far south as East Windsor, Conn. From

"

By the 12th of June, the outbreak of cold ended. The hard work of planting was repeated. Farmers knew that, in spite of the late start, they still had enough time to get a decent crop of corn and beans and such….if the weather cooperated for the rest of the season. For four weeks the weather held. The second planting sprouted and was growing well. Folks felt a bit foolish about their earlier fears and chalked it up to their renowned New England weather. Their good cheer was not to last.

At the end of the first week in July, another although less severe, outbreak of arctic air spilled over New England and eastern New York. All the crops in the valleys were again killed or badly damaged. There was no snow in July of 1816, but most felt that a widespread famine was inevitable. Those who could procure seed again replanted and everyone prayed. It seemed that God himself had turned against them. Many wondered what they had done to incur His wrath.

After the first week of July, things returned to normal for a few more weeks. In addition to the cold in 1816, it was a dry year as well. In spite of their earlier failures, the

A YEAR NEARLY TWO HUNDRED YEARS AGO THAT PRODUCED SNOW IN JUNE, FROST IN JULY AND ANOTHER KILLING FROST IN AUGUST.

Albany to Boston, most of the crops again succumbed. Whatever survived that frost was finished off by an even colder spell during the last week of the month. As if that weren’t enough, temperatures dipped below freezing again September 11th and 12th. A more widespread frost at the end of September dashed any hope for crops that had managed to escape until then.

The winter of 1816-1817 was indeed a winter of despair; especially for the poor and sustenance farmers who were isolated and depended on their crops to survive. Many tried to survive on milk and bread but bread was in short supply. It was a blessing that the ocean off New England’s coast was so

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bountiful. The task of feeding New England fell to the fishermen. Many landlubbers who had never eaten fish became very familiar with the taste of mackerel during 1817.

"

depth. Saturday morning (8th of June) the weather was more severe than it generally is in the winter.” Standing water froze as far south as Philadelphia and in northern Vermont the ice was an inch thick. Even the ground started to freeze!

Beginning in 1817, there was a mass migration out of New England to the newly tamed (Indians finally killed or driven out) Ohio valley. The temptations of level ground and an easier climate had great allure for many who managed to survive that terrible summer of ’16 and winter of ’17.

“The Year There Was No Summer” wasn’t strictly a North American event. England, France, Germany and most of Eastern Europe endured a similarly disastrous season. It wasn’t as cold in Europe but they had flooding and wet weather that resulted in crop failures of similar proportions.

Food riots erupted in England, France, Switzerland, and Scotland as famished people broke into warehouses and took whatever they found edible. For many of these starving Europeans, the lure of the bountiful life in the United States was irresistible at that point. Unaware that conditions were the same on the western side of the Atlantic, they arrived in the New World only to suffer more privations. Many continued their exodus into the interior to begin settling the mid-west alongside recently displaced New Englanders.

Our modern transportation system would hopefully prevent famine if another “Year There Was No Summer” occurred now.

When the rain and the cold get you down, remember it could be a lot worse. We may be sick and tired of bad weather, but it’s nothing when compared to the trials the weather of 1816 inflicted on our ancestors.

THANKS FOR THE READ.

SS

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your Bedroom

Simplify "Your bedroom should support you

& make you happy."

Simplify your life!

WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE

Put yourself first, yes really. Your bedroom should be a space that is free of stress and promotes rejuvenation and relaxation. Your room should be your sanctuary.

Ok, so that sounds great but for most, it is really hard to achieve. The bedroom becomes the storage, wrapping, late-night work session location all in one space! Doing everything in one location saves time right?!

NO! Your bedroom should support you and make you happy. If you want an instant boost in your home and life, start with your bedroom - including your clothing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much these changes will promote even more change.

Let’s first understand why...

Life is crazy; having a space free of clutter and distractions reduces stress, sets you up for success each day, gives you at least one space in your home to call your own and enjoy and provides an escape if you are in a relationship.

All great benefits!

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Defining your space...

Most rooms do and will have more than one function. Be clear on what really has to be done as well as stored, in your bedroom, so the primary functions can stay intact. Storage of anything but clothing and maybe keepsakes will hinder the everyday tasks such as getting ready for the day and productive sleep.

So, to be clear, your bedroom is typically for dressing, sleeping, reading, laundry storage, grooming, and accessories storage. To maintain the sanctuary feel, minimizing the visual clutter greatly helps. To do this, let’s discuss some organizing basics for the bedroom.

Make the bed daily... It is the biggest item in the room, a made bed will instantly keep order for half the room! It is a healthy habit to form and there is nothing better than entering your room at night to see your tidy bed calling to you.

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Let’s talk about clothing... Keep it if you love it, it fits you well, it makes you feel good when you wear it and you get compliments in it.

People wear 20% of their clothing, 80% of the time. Lessening will help you with closet management and appearance not to mention streamline your morning routine. You can also visually enhance the closet by changing to all the same hangers, coordinating bins and or baskets for accessories and such so when you look at it, it speaks organization and just looks good. Not having an overflowing closet will also allow you to close the closet doors and enhance the serenity of the room.

Shoes tend to have a mind of their own... Consider lining them all up by style/color. Also, rotating your shoes as you would your clothing, reduces the amount of wear-and-tear and you won’t be forced to wear sandals in the snow! Keep only the ones you actually wear and are comfortable in; just because they cost a fortune isn’t a reason to keep an unworn pair of shoes for twenty years. And again, organized shoes will also help you close those closet doors.

Accessories and products are the biggest visual clutter contributors... Watches, scarves, ties, jewelry, hairbrush, makeup,

perfumes and so on. Decorative trays and baskets to hold the everyday items will confine like items on a surface. Infrequently used items should be organized in a drawer or bin in the closet.

A major non-sanctuary component is dirty and to be worn again clothes... Nothing speaks bigger volumes that your room is not a sanctuary than clothes everywhere. Get a hamper. If the hamper has

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to be out (not in the closet or behind a door), consider a decorative one.

For clothes that will be worn again (within the week,) have over the door hooks, one chair you lay them on or even a coat tree in a corner. Make sure if clothes are in these categories, they go into these locations. The floor is not the home for these. Rehang daily those you tried on or won’t wear again soon but are clean.

One last category to consider… storage and reduction of reading material. Only keep a fraction of your reading material by

your bed. Once a week, purge read magazines, finished books, and tidy up what you have in the storage system - I hope you have by your bed either a drawer, shelf or basket!

So, now that you have a clear picture of what is happening in the space and you have streamlined and organized the items in those categories, it is time to talk about the space as a whole. You may not have the means to completely overhaul the space but here are a few pointers for a sanctuary feel. Curtains, having them really helps soften the space and control the amount of light you want or don’t want in the space.

Edit the décor, which means you don’t need every family picture you own hanging or out in your room. Even taking everything down and rehanging in a different layout can improve how things look. If you can change the furniture placement, consider doing that. If you have extra/ duplicate furniture, removing them will open up flow and create free space to help with the mood of the space. Lastly, consider the color if you are up for a change. Purple, varying shades of blue and gray, as well as coral and light pink are on the list of the best colors to establish a relaxing space. SS

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WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER, PHOTOS BY SARATOGAPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

Meet the Cook Who Uses

that Kitchen

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SaratogaPhotographer.com

...in the

kitchen

with Janine Fusco Joy can be created by the simple things …and glimmers of shimmering light bring joy to the kitchen of Janine Fusco.

L

ight comes in many forms, and in life, like in the kitchen, it is best when it is (correctly) layered. For more than 20 years, Fusco has been giving the feeling of “lightness” that comes after a new haircut to the patrons who sit in her stylist’s chair. Last November, she lightened up her own life by downsizing her possessions and moving into a new townhome. Working with Bordeau Builders, she came up with a revised floorplan of their Rutledge I model that would efficiently accentuate the modern look of the space.

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“He made it everything I wanted,” said Fusco of her experience.

Working at several restaurants, Fusco doesn’t have a lot of time leftover to spend in her own kitchen. The open floor plan includes convenient, easy-to-clean surfaces. The microwave is placed over a wall oven next to the wonderful flat touch stovetop. The undermount sink is set into the kitchen island, which adds storage and counter space, but also serves as a room divider to the neighboring dining room area.

The stainless-steel appliances are complimented by stainless-steel tiles positioned within the earth tones of the backsplash. Catching the light and contrasting against the rich, dark elegance of the maple cabinets, Fusco’s favorite element is the white quartz countertop.

SaratogaPhotographer.com

“It’s a woman’s dream. It’s all bling, bling, bling …bling everywhere,” she said, comparing it to the gorgeous sparkle found in freshly fallen snow.

Light from the pendants hanging over the countertop, recessed lighting near the ovens and the glistening dining room chandelier dance together to magically illuminate the space that also includes three beautiful windows to bring in the natural sunlight as well.

“I love coming home, because it’s just a beautiful place to be,” said Fusco.

In the simple joy of keeping it light and easy, Fusco bakes up everybody’s favorite classic – chocolate chip cookies.

“My family goes nuts for my cookies,” she said.

Her cookies are a lot like her kitchen – just right!

“For me, it’s perfect the way that it is.

I wouldn’t change a thing." SS

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COMPOSED BY MAKAYLA BODEN

2016

Save the

Date

JAN - FEB

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 2016 Cabin Fever Luncheon Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs

The annual Cabin Fever luncheon put on by the Soroptomist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is the winter event not-tomiss! The money raised from these events helps fund award programs, service projects and grants to the community. This year’s keynote speaker is Ms. Anna Therese Day, an award-winning independent journalist and 2013 Fulbright Fellow who co-founded an organization that represents journalists that work in areas of political unrest and military conflict. For more information, call (518)581-1201 ext. 4184 or e-mail cabinfeverinfo@gmail.com

21st Annual Frost Faire

Saratoga National Historic Park, 11am-3pm 648 Route 32, Stillwater

Snow, or no snow…come enjoy the 21st annual Frost Faire. If there’s snow, bring your snow tube or plastic sled for spectacular rides on the “Big Hill.” If there’s no snow, you can still enjoy wagon rides, a winter nature trek, guided snow shoeing, winter tracking, Native American storytelling, games, plus hot chocolate and cookies by the bonfire.

Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga Camp Saratoga, 6pm-9pm Scout Rd., Wilton

Join us at the popular and highly anticipated Annual Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road. Luminaries will glow along 2.5 miles of groomed trails.

Along the way you will find fields and forests, warming bonfires and plenty of hot chocolate. The terrain is suitable for all levels and ages and includes a smaller 1 mile loop. Participants can drop-in anytime during the evening, no registration is needed. Snowshoes and cross-country skis will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. This event is weather permitting. For more information call (518)450-0321

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH Chowderfest Downtown SS

Come enjoy samples of Chowder from 50 restaurants in Saratoga. Once you taste them all, you can vote for your favorite.

Bring your furry friend for a bowl of chowder just for them. For more info visit discoversaratoga.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Race Saratoga Spa State Park

Come one, come all, to Saratoga’s Annual 5K snowshoe race! Have fun while getting exercise with your friends and family during this race. If no snow is on the ground, it may be turned into a trail race. Lunch and t-shirts are provided for those who register.

Loaner snowshoes are available. For more information, email lclark@sals.edu.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament Saratoga Spa State Park

Games begin at 6pm on Friday. 60 teams will compete in 4-on-4 round robin style games all weekend long. In addition to the hockey action, downtown Saratoga Springs will play host to a variety of events at various bars and restaurants for hockey fans to enjoy. For more information, visit saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

19th Annual Bartender’s Ball

The Flurry Festival

The Bartender’s Ball is a premier social event of the season. Including dinner, dancing and non-stop musical entertainment provided by the Audiostars, it is the party to be at! This year’s theme is Fire and Ice, dress to impress in a cool white, an ice blue, or a fiery red… Proceeds benefit Wellspring (Formerly DVRC).

For information and reservations call (518)583-0280

The Flurry is well known as the best winter weekend ever for dancers and music lovers of all ages, featuring more than 300 performers, five venues, and over 200 events. Events this year will include a huge lineup of programs for families with young children, many new and exciting programs for teens, and all ages fun with international music and dance events, non-stop swing and contra dancing, jamming and music instruction, storytelling and more. For more info, call (518)384-3275 or visit flurryfestival.org.

Saratoga Springs City Center, 6:30-Midnight

Saratoga Springs City Center

SATURDAY& SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH &14TH Lake George Chingachgook Classic Annual Ice Fishing Derby YMCA Camp Chingachgook on Lake George

YMCA Camp Chingachgook welcomes ice fisherman to its shores February 13 and 14 to raise funds for camper scholarships.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st , 2nd & 3rd heaviest fish for Lake Trout, Salmon, Pike and Perch.

For more information, call (518)656-9462 or visit www.cdymca.org.

Chowderfest 2015 photo by John Seymour

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH

TUESDAY, MARCH 22ND

Saratoga Beer Week

Disney’s The Lion King

Downtown Saratoga, Feb. 16-20

Join us as we celebrate BEER. Purchase a passport to get you into every event over the three day period or just a one day ticket to the Saratoga Beer Summit at the City Center. 40 plus events and dinner tastings to take place over the three days as well as a home brew exhibition day!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH SPAC Winter Ball

Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs

An elegant cocktail party where the Hall of Springs is transformed based upon the annual theme, featuring live music, themed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Now in its 6th year, this fabulous event has quickly become a must attend winter event in the capital region. For tickets or more info, visit spac.org or call (518)584-9330.

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The Mainstage at Proctors, Tuesday, March 22nd to Sunday, April 17th

More than 75 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.

THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. For more info, please visit proctors.org.

Chowderfest 2015

Winterfest

photo by John Seymour

is a popular annual event in Saratoga Springs, bringing the spirit of winter to the Spa City with a week full of live music, special events, great entertainment–and, of course, Chowderfest!

Winterfest 2016 runs the week of January 30 - February 8, 2015.

Each year the festival draws crowds of people excited to attend the annual festival and the great events it brings to the Spa City. The week includes a beer sampling, Chowderfest and much more! There will be all kinds of fun and entertainment going on throughout the Spa City all week long.

For more information: www.Saratoga.com

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Holly Greene, The Snowflake Photographer

Gail Stein

in Saratoga Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tumbler, Linkedin, Facebook, Vimeo, Skype, emails, faxes, text messages…

Too often the virtual world blurs our view of the real world and we miss the everyday beauty around us.

Who better to capture the simple pleasures and iconic moments in life than our local photographers.

With an eye for art and their finger on the trigger, they are the pictorial biographers of life.

We hope you enjoy these snapshots in time…

Gail Stein 80 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Holly Greene, The Snowflake Photographer saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Holly Greene, The Snowflake Photographer

Holly Greene, The Snowflake Photographer

Gail Stein

Gail Stein saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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An Accidental Author WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER

How many people can say that, after enjoying a successful acting career spanning fifty years, they retire and become an award winning author? That’s Richard Cerasani’s story, although he is much too humble to boast about it.

S

aratoga’s unsung celebrity and accidental author will be traveling to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in the spring of 2016 to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of one of our nation’s most iconic landmarks and an artistic feat of epic proportions. His book, LOVE LETTERS FROM MT. RUSHMORE, documents his father’s contribution to that monument’s creation and the story of how families struggle through hardships and prevail in the face of adversity.

Cerasani has been a professional actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors’ Equity Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for over fifty years. He acts under his professional name, Richard Caine, and is best known for his television work, which included three years as the villain, Bill Watson, on General Hospital.

Cerasani happened upon his new career quite by accident while rummaging through the attic in the Wilton home of his deceased parents. While he was no stranger to the dim, cobwebbed space, he had never before noticed an old steamer trunk tucked away under an eave, long obscured by a stack of musty books and magazines.

Curious as to its contents, he dragged it out of its hiding place and managed to pry open its rusty hinges and lift the creaking lid. Inside were busts and casts depicting the faces of the four presidents commemorated at Mt. Rushmore. They were the work of his father, Arthur Cerasani, an artist and sculptor. Holding these treasures in his hand, memories of himself as a young schoolboy came flooding back, as he recalled proudly bringing them into school for “show and tell.”

their prolonged and difficult separation in the midst of the Great Depression. Their contents reveal the true nature of a marriage and partnership of two people in love, both working toward the same goal – the preservation of their family and caring for their young sons.

Ten years later, after much research and surviving a bout of cancer, Richard’s book was introduced at the Javits Center in NYC in May of 2014. From there, it went on to become the recipient of two book awards and a source of great pride and satisfaction for Richard.

"Cerasani happened upon his new career quite by accident while rummaging through the attic..."

“I guess I became the teacher’s pet after that,” he recalled with a sheepish grin.

As Richard rummaged further, he found a bulky stack of envelopes, yellowed with age, their edges frayed and curling, bound together with old string. The names on the envelopes were those of his mother and father. He had stumbled upon their correspondence, written during their long separation while Arthur Cerasani toiled at Mt. Rushmore, separated from his wife and two young sons by fifteen hundred miles.

The letters, which took seven days round trip to send and receive, were his parents’ only means of communication during

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At age 76, Richard has the energy and passion of a much younger man as he speaks of plans for his next two books. One of them will be about his mother, a woman whom he describes with much love and admiration. He is particularly fond of a comment she made in one of her letters to his dad, which illustrates her strength, tenacity, and a mindset that was years ahead of her time.

She writes, “Our biggest responsibility is to our two boys… and I am not going to do what is expected… like canning tomatoes.”

If Richard Cerasani is anything like his mother – and I suspect that’s true – then we can expect more great things from Saratoga’s accidental author very soon. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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