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FARM FRESH FOOD: THE AREA’S TOP CSAs
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“Painting is one of the most economical home improvement projects that can dramatically change the overall appearance of a home.” – Jennifer Duttine
Edition!
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Cover Story
THE K I DS ARE ALL RI GHT BY NATALIE MOORE
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SALUTE TO T HE SE NI O RS 22
C IT Y SP OT LI GHT: GLENS FALLS BY JEFF DINGLER
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TO U RI NG O UR NEW RE ALI T Y BY VIKKI MORAN The Grateful Traveler
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C OLOR YO UR QUARANT I NE
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Screen shot from an inspiring Bethlehem High School video.
10 UP FRO NT: 7 LO CAL CSAs
BY NATALIE MOORE
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FROM T HE I NSI DE O UT BY ABBY TEGNELIA
39 CAPITAL REGION LIVING’S GUIDE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING 43
The Experts
H E A LT H : D R . C A R O LY N D R I S C O L L , D C SOUL: ALEXX BRADLEY LAW: DAVID A. KUBIKIAN, ESQ
46 BEFORE YOU GO: A YEAR TO REMEMBER BY JOHN GRAY ADVERTISING SECTIONS 22
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2 6 LO C A L LY O W N E D B U S I N E S S E S 32 HOME IMPROVEMENT
ON THE COVER Special salute to the class of 2020.
Savory Mediterranean Rice Pilaf SERVES 6 Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. Hannaford Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tsp. Minced garlic 1 cup Long-grain brown rice 2 cups Water 1 (14 oz.) Container Cedar’s® Taboule Salad 2 Tbsp. Hannaford Chopped Walnuts 1/4 tsp. McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper 1 (5 oz.) Bag Fresh Express® Baby Spinach, divided Lemon Directions: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning, about 3 minutes.
Serve with chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal!
This savory yet refreshing side dish comes together in less than 30 minutes. Serve alongside a lean protein such as chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford to offer free dietitian services. Our dietitians communicate their own nutrition expertise, views and advice, using carefully selected products in recipes and demonstrations to share information on healthful eating.
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2. Add brown rice to the pot and stir until all grains are evenly coated with oil and garlic. Stir for another minute or two, until the edges of rice grains appear translucent. 3. Pour water into pot and bring to boil. When the water is boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook 15 to 18 minutes, or until rice is fully cooked and liquid has been absorbed. 4. Remove pot from heat and let cool about 10 minutes. 5. When rice is mostly cooled, mix in taboule, walnuts, ground pepper and half of spinach. 6. Lay other half of spinach onto a serving platter. Top with rice mixture and garnish with fresh lemon. Enjoy. Recipe adapted from cedarsfoods.com
from your Hannaford Dietitians Have questions about your health? Our team of registered dietitians offer free nutritional services online and in-store. Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to find out more.
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Nutritional Information: Amount per serving: Calories 290; Total Fat 16 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 320 mg; Carbohydrate 35 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 5 g; Total Sugar 2 g
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From The Editors
ALL TOGETHER NOW
B
y now, you’ve probably noticed that CAPITAL REGION LIVING’s sister publication, saratoga living, is on the flipside of the magazine you’re reading right now. (If you haven’t, just flip over the book in your hands.) We’ve made this temporary move for a number of reasons—the most obvious of which is belt-tightening due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The publications themselves aren’t changing at all. You’ll still be able to read your favorite sections in CRL, as well as all the in-depth features sl is known for. They’ll just happen to share a common binding. It wasn’t an easy decision, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. As this magazine goes to print, we’re thrilled that the Capital Region has entered phase one of its reopening–and by the time you read this, we could be in phase two! That means more freedom and the ability to get out and enjoy the Capital Region, including the “Empire City,” Glens Falls, the focus of our latest City Spotlight. Also check out The Experts, with our brand-new health column, and of course, John Gray on the last page, whose story this month, we can almost guarantee, will make you cry. (Make sure to have that box of Kleenex on hand—we’re serious.) And make sure to peruse our “yearbook” of local graduating seniors and read about how Bethlehem High School’s senior class so gracefully handled losing the end of their senior year. We can’t thank you enough for picking up this issue. It’s you, faithful reader, who will keep us up and running for years to come. Stay safe and healthy out there. —The Editors
#SupportLocal
CRL
UP FRONT
Get Farm-Fresh Food at These 7 Local CSAs » Shop locally for meat and produce at these Capital Region farms. «
BY MORGAN FECHTER
Produce from Eight Mile Creek Farm in Westerlo
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reading trips to the grocery store these days? Minimize your time in crowded aisles and support local farmers by signing up for a Capital Region CSA. CSAs—short for Community Supported Agriculture—allow consumers to purchase a weekly, monthly or yearly share of produce from local farmers, conveniently available for contactless pickup or delivery. Interested? Sign up for one of these local CSAs this summer.
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DENISON FARM
Schaghticoke denisonfarm.com The Denison family has operated its Schaghticoke farm, where it has tilled 25 acres of United States Department of Agriculture-certified organic vegetables, herbs and fruit, for more than a decade. Choose from vegetable, egg or fruit shares, and pick up your sustainable goodies at one of 16 local distribution sites.
EIGHT MILE CREEK FARM
Westerlo eightmilecreekfarm.com Eight Mile Creek Farm boasts more than 100 varieties of vegetables and herbs, as well as certified organic, grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and eggs. You can order a box of produce and meat, or opt for one of the farm’s tailored “vegetarian” or “carnivore” shares. What’s better: Eight Mile Creek delivers its goods right to your front door.
WEST WIND ACRES
Knox westwindacres.com Look after your health (pasture-raised meat contains more protein, less fat and has a higher nutritional value than commercial meats) and support a local farm with a 12-month subscription to one of West Wind’s mixed meat CSAs. The farm raises its livestock “as nature intended”–with no hormones, no antibiotics and free range to graze its fields obtaining nutrients from the soil. Three size options are available and include mouth-watering family favorites such as pork chops, bacon, breakfast sausage and skirt steak.
A greenhouse at Denison Farm in Schaghticoke
FEATHERBED LANE FARM
Ballston Spa featherbedlanefarm.com Featherbed Lane’s CSA is perfect for anyone whose weeks are unpredictable. Members get full access to all of the eco-conscious farm’s produce yearround, and are allowed to choose how much they want each week. Pickup is held at the farm’s convenient Ballston Spa location every Saturday. Bonus membership benefits include access to the farm–perfect for a summer picnic or roaming the Discovery Garden, plus holiday activities.
M AND A FARM
Petersburgh @MandAfarms on Facebook This Rensselaer County CSA provides 12-15 pounds of chicken, pork and beef for monthly pickup or delivery to the Troy/Albany area. Locals can also fill out an online order form for a week-by-week option that includes fresh vegetables and free-range eggs.
Fruits and veggies from Featherbed Lane Farm in Ballston Spa
LAUGHING EARTH FARM
Cropseyville laughingearth.eatfromfarms.com Laughing Earth Farm has been in operation for more than 200 years, providing the Capital Region with exceptional meat and produce. The family-run farm, which is certified organic, offers online ordering for weekly pickup or home delivery within a 15-mile radius of its Cropseyville (just east of Troy) location.
THE ALLEGED FARM
Valley Falls theallegedfarm.com The Alleged Farm cultivates its sustainable agriculture in the beautiful hills of Washington County. The farm grows all sorts of colorful goodies (think lemongrass, Thai basil and deep purple carrots) and offers multiple convenient pickup locations in the Capital Region, providing CSA members with an array of fresh produce weekly through the end of October.
Free-range meat from West Wind Acres in Knox
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THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT THE BETHLEHEM HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 HAVEN’T LET COVID-19 STOP THEM FROM HELPING OTHERS. BY NATALIE MOORE
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Kiersten Murray
or me, the spring semester of my senior year of high school was one of the best times of my life. I’d already been accepted to college, my parents had given me more freedom to hang out with friends, and I had the whole summer ahead of me before I began the next chapter. Obviously, things are a lot different for the class of 2020. Schools in New York and across the country have been closed for the remainder of the year, effectively canceling most seniors’ milestones. Students aren’t supposed to be seeing friends, and it’s unclear how long social distancing measures will be in effect. Seniors are even having to fathom a first semester of college, historically one of blissful freedom, done virtually from their childhood bedroom in Mom and Dad’s house. While the COVID-19 crisis is unquestionably a major bummer for high school seniors everywhere, the Bethlehem Central High School (BCHS) senior class haven’t allowed themselves to be bummed out. Back in April, the BCHS senior class and student senate released a video they’d made with this message: Instead of worrying about them, celebrate them by donating blood to the American Red Cross at a May 27 blood drive at the high school, a yearly Bethlehem senior tradition that
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The first message of the “Donate to Celebrate” video
became especially inspiring this year thanks to the moving video. I recently sat down with two of the students behind the “Donate to Celebrate” video, Bethlehem seniors Nick Zigrosser and Kiersten Murray, to see what life has been like for them these past few months. Their attitude is summed up by Kiersten’s line in the video: “At school and at home, we’ve always been taught to care for others. It’s what Bethlehem is about. So, don’t feel sorry for us. We are grateful for all we have and all we’ve been given.” When did you first realize you weren’t going back to school to finish your senior year? Kiersten: It was kind of a gradual thing. I still had hope for a while, but then on that Friday when [we heard that schools wouldn’t reopen], it became real that we weren’t going back. Nick: We’d see the news and that the numbers of hospitalizations weren’t going down, and it just became more apparent that we probably weren’t going back. A lot of people were upset when New York State canceled school—that was a very sad day in our town. What’s the worst part about having your high school career cut short? Nick: For me, it’s not seeing everybody in school; not seeing all the teachers. Kiersten: Definitely. And sports being canceled for our senior season. Do you know what your graduation is going to be like? Kiersten: They sent out an email asking for students’ feedback and what we think
Nick Zigrosser
would be best. They have a few options in the running. One is to just do it virtually. One is to have us drive up to the school, take a picture—that kind of thing. And then one is to use the drive-in in our town to project a slideshow. Nick: They also said they reserved the Times Union Center for August 7, if the social distancing stuff clears up. You’re both going to college in the fall. What do you think about the possibility of having a remote first semester? Kiersten: It’s definitely going to be weird, but we don’t know what college is like yet, so it’s not gonna be too hard compared to returning kids who already got their second semester cut short. Nick: A lot of my friends are wanting to take a gap year, because they don’t want their first semester to be online. But they also can’t really travel during their gap year… So how did the “Donate to Celebrate” video come about? Nick: Each year, student senate hosts a blood drive, and we were working with our principal to figure out a way to promote the blood drive and also honor the seniors. So, we came up with the idea for the video and just went from there. Why does Bethlehem partner with the Red Cross every year? Kiersten: Blood is a very important thing that they usually don’t have enough of, so any blood drive is good. But especially at this time, hosting a blood drive and getting it out there that we’re having it is one of the only things we can really do to make an impact and help out.
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CAPITAL REGION LIVING honors members of the high school and college classes of 2020.
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HALIE MARIE KAPLE Amsterdam High School
JOSEPH KELLAR Averill Park High School
MADISON GALVIN Ballston Spa High School
CHRISTIAN MCCARTHY Ballston Spa High School
CALLIE HEMPSTEAD Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School
JUSTIN CHENAILLE Bethlehem High School
AVA ROSE FORSTER Bethlehem High School
DAKOTA NEESS Bethlehem High School
GRACE HANSEN Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School
MEGAN NELSON Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School
DAKOTA CABBAGESTALK Cairo-Durham High School
MEGAN BRIZZELL Catholic University of America
NAVEAH DAIGLE-VELLON Chatham High School
HEATHER DAMIA Chatham High School
PAIGE EATON Chatham High School
RICHARD FISCHER Chatham High School
MERSADIE HARVEY Chatham High School
CODY JOHNSON Chatham High School
ALEX KRZEMINSKI Chatham High School
ABYGAYLE LEAVENWORTH Chatham High School
JACOB PARK Chatham High School
AVERY WILLIAMS Chatham High School
CAMRYN CARECCIA Clarkson University
RYAN JAMES LOGAN Clayton A. Bouton High School
COLIN PRANCL Clayton A. Bouton High School
JONAS CLAPPER Colonie High School
ELIJAH NAVEDO Colonie High School
JESSICA ROSE BORST Columbia High School
NICHOLAS GABRIEL Columbia High School
MORGAN HAHN Columbia High School
SAMANTHA MILLER Columbia High School
LIAT RADETSKY Columbia High School
PATRICK ROHL Columbia High School
EMMA SLAWSON Columbia High School
THEODORE MCNEIL Coxsackie-Athens High School
LEIGHANN GALLANT Germantown Central School
MATTHEW HOSEY Guilderland High School
LINDSY BARRETT Hudson High School
VICTORIA GARDNER Hudson High School
MICHAEL THOMAS GOODERMOTE Hudson High School
KATHERINE JEPSEN Hudson High School
JADA LEWIS Hudson High School
PATRICK MAY C.W. Baker High School
MARISA MYCEK Fonda-Fultonville High School
ZYONN CLANTON Hudson High School
JARRETT CRAST Hudson High School
DAYQUAN GRIFFIN Hudson High School
SETH HOFFMAN Hudson High School
THOMAS (ALLIE) DONOHUE Hudson High School
JADEN HROMADA Hudson High School
ALEXI MACK Hudson High School
JALENA JEAN NGUYEN-ACEVEDO Hudson High School
BRIANNA K. RODRIGUEZ Hudson High School
MICHAEL YOUNG JR. Hudson High School
CAMDYN AMES Ichabod Crane High School
GANNON KREIN Ichabod Crane High School
MADISON LANDRY Ichabod Crane High School
EMMA RESSLER Ichabod Crane High School
MADISON WASSON Ichabod Crane High School
ALYSSA WILLS Ichabod Crane High School
KOBI BUFFA Kingston High School
EMILY HAKIM Kingston High School
KYLIE VAN BUREN Mohonasen High School
JACQUES DESBIENS Niskyauna High School
IVIAN OWENS Niskyauna High School
EVAN SAWITZKI Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School
GABRIELLA IENTILE Queensbury High School
TYLER CLUTE Saratoga Springs High School
ETHAN DIETZ Saratoga Springs High School
RYAN GENTER Saratoga Springs High School
JORDAN HICKMAN Schenectady High School
SHONTA HILTS JR. Schenectady High School
LOUIS HARDENDORF Schoharie High School
CASSIDY CARECCIA Shaker High School
BRYAN DABEK Shaker High School
WILLIAM DEGAN Shaker High School
CONOR DESMOND Shaker High School
ALEXANDRA DONGELEWIC Shaker High School
AARYA KAUSHIK Shaker High School
MOLLY LANGEVIN Shaker High School
ZHAOXIN (JENNY) MA Shaker High School
MARY KATE MCGUIRK Shaker High School
NICOLÁS MORENO Shaker High School
ISA PROVOST Shaker High School
OLIVIA HELEN ROWLEY Shaker High School
NIDHI VADNERE Shaker High School
TYLER WOLF Shaker High School
ERIC CONDON Shenendehowa High School
SHEA T. IVESON Shenendehowa High School
ZACHARY TRUMP Shenendehowa High School
TIM BRIZZELL Skidmore College
JALEN TEABOUT St. Bonaventure University
TYRELLE TEABOUT St. John Fisher College
EDWARD BERTHIAUME Stillwater High School
LUC LESCAULT Stillwater High School
MCKENZIE CONN Taconic Hills High School
SAVANNAH HALSEY Taconic Hills High School
SAMANTHA KIRK Taconic Hills High School
HEATHER MAIR Taconic Hills High School
KIRSTEN SHUMSKY Taconic Hills High School
JESSE RANDOLPH SLATER Taconic Hills High School
ALEX LIVINGSTON Tech Valley High School
CONNOR ADAMS The College of St. Rose
KYLE ADAMS The College of St. Rose
NATASHA NICOLE GOLAS Troy High School
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020! JAMES CHESTNUT JR. Watervliet High School
MESSIAH HODGEHUMPHREYS Albany High School
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Fall in love with the Empire City’s friendly, fun vibe. BY JEFF DINGLER
Throughout this year, CAPITAL REGION LIVING magazine will be focusing in on different cities in and around the Capital Region. We’ll take you on a tour of the top restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels in town—as well as introduce you to some of the city’s most memorable residents. This month, we’re taking a closer look at the Empire City, Glens Falls (plus a few hotspots in nearby Queensbury). Note: Some of the restaurants, hotels and venues listed below remain closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Use this as a guide for when they reopen.
STAY THE QUEENSBURY HOTEL Just steps from Downtown Glens Falls, the historic Queensbury Hotel offers a rare refinement and elegance reminiscent of New York’s Gilded Age. Built in 1926, the Queensbury Hotel mixes all the bells and whistles expected of modern hospitality— an indoor pool and Jacuzzi; and highspeed, wireless Internet—with a bit of the unexpected. You can even get your hair cut—hopefully, sometime this month—at its own barbershop. The hotel also includes a restaurant/pub, Park 26, which offers locally inspired American fine dining.
THE BELL HOUSE INN Situated in a 19th-century Victorian, The
Bell House Inn bed-and-breakfast is perfect for a weekend getaway up north, offering guests five colorful, creatively decorated guest rooms to choose from. Each room includes its own private bathroom and fireplace, free high-speed Internet access and a flat-screen HDTV. Sprinkle in a gourmet breakfast served in the inn’s candlelit dining room every morning, and your romantic getaway will be complete.
EAT RAUL’S Those craving delicious and creative Mexican fare need look no further than Raul’s on Glen Street. Opened in 2007, Raul’s has set itself apart by offering a unique menu of Mexican-American fusion food unlike anything else in the Capital Region. The restaurant’s known for its tacos: Try the Jamaican-spiced Jerked Chicken Tacos, Spanish Chorizo Tacos or the zesty Falafel Tacos. Did we mention Raul’s also offers $6 house margaritas for happy hour (2-6pm) every day of the week? No “long-lost shaker of salt” here.
MORGAN & CO. RESTAURANT Located just across from Glens Falls City Park in a historic Romanesque Revival house, Morgan & Co. Restaurant offers fine dining and a lush, lounge-like environment to enjoy it in. In addition to a delicious selection of surf and turf, Morgan & Co. is also known for its eclectic brunch menu, offering everything from North African Eggs Shakshuka (poached eggs simmered in spicy tomato sauce) to Candied Garlic Spare Ribs. The restaurant also has an extensive list of wines, offered by the glass, bottle or carafe, plus beers and cocktails.
(DAVIDSON BROTHERS) KERRY DAVIDSON
BIRCH BARK EATERY
The Queensbury Hotel from the mezzanine; (opposite) Davidson Brothers Brewing Company.
Opened downtown a couple of years ago, the Birch Bark Eatery offers a wide array of traditional deli items, with a twist—the entire menu is vegan-friendly. But you wouldn’t guess it from taking a bite out of menu items such as Chikken Baycun Ranch Pizza, a Stuffed Burger with “chorizo garlic chzzz” or some of Birch Bark’s locally famous, mouth-watering vegan donuts.
Queensbury’s Great Escape theme park.
PLAY DAVIDSON BROTHERS BREWING COMPANY Founded in 1996, Davidson Brothers Brewing Company quickly became Glens Falls’ go-to brewpub. The local restaurant/ brewery has maintained that reputation over the years with its pub-style food menu—try some Adirondacks-inspired apps such as turkey poutine, duck wings or Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in seasoned pork)—as well as its expansive craft beer selection, including Davidson’s signature beer series brewed onsite.
DOWNTOWN SOCIAL When it comes to having a good time, the Downtown Social on Glen Street doesn’t mess around. This expansive eatery and lounge mixes sleek, contemporary décor with an urban pulse, offering a huge food menu—half pizza kitchen, half delicatessen—lots of cocktails, wines and craft beers, plus a stage for live entertainment. The Downtown Social even has a separate space, The Bourbon Room Tapas Bar, featuring small-plate fare and a more intimate, old-school pub vibe.
THE GREAT ESCAPE Neighboring Queensbury’s own amusement park, The Great Escape, is aptly named. Whether you’re exploring the park’s nearly 50 rides or slipping on a bathing suit to dive into its waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, there’s no shortage of fun to be had there for both kids and adults. This Six Flags-owned park is also regionally renowned for its Oktoberfest celebration every September. Two full weekends of Bavarian pretzels and German beers? Pass the stein, please!
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The Park Theater and Doc’s Restaurant, both in Downtown Glens Falls offer a one-two punch of the entertainment and culinary worlds in the area. Located at 14 Park Street, the beautifully restored Park Theater originally opened in 1911 as Glens Falls’ first-ever movie theater, showing silent films and staging live vaudeville shows, before closing in ’35 and being converted into a printing plant. “I have always been passionate about bringing historic buildings back to life,” says Elizabeth Miller, owner of The Park Theater and Doc’s. (Miller’s also president of the Glens Falls-based metal fabrication firm, Miller Mechanical.) “The Park Theater was definitely on my radar for a long time,” says Miller. “There’s so much history in Downtown Glens Falls, and that’s something that I really think we
Local leader Elizabeth Miller need to treasure.” When Miller purchased the building in 2014, the Park Theater looked more like a ghost of its Great Gatsby-esque glory days. Nonetheless, Miller had a vision to turn the space into a versatile performing arts venue and restaurant—right in the heart of Glens Falls. “It was obviously a very special place to the community back
then,” says Miller. “We really wanted to make it shine in that same way for our community today.” In April 2018, after a nearly two-year, $3 million renovation, the venue officially reopened with Doc’s also welcoming diners downstairs, accessible via a spiral staircase. Since then, the theater has hosted a number of top-notch acts such as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Terrance Simien and veteran comedian Jon Fisch, as well as classical music concerts and murder mystery theater. Miller’s got big plans for The Park Theater, despite its temporary closure due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Park’s Managing Director, Chris Ristau, has been hard at work developing a brand-new schedule of touring acts and local favorites, and Chef Matthew Delos at Doc’s is creating a completely new summer menu. “Keep your eyes peeled for takeout options in the near future,” Miller says. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests in for dinner and a show when we open back up again.”
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The 25-year-old Bullpen Tavern
GET TO KNOW…
Paul Bricoccoli, Co-Owner of The Bullpen Tavern and Talk of the Town
Anyone who swears that business should never be mixed with friendship should talk to Paul Bricoccoli. The co-owner of Glens Falls’ original red-sauce diner, Talk of the Town, as well as the Bullpen Tavern, has certainly flouted that rule—two times over. “All four of us were born and raised here, even graduated from Glens Falls High School,” says Bricoccoli of his long-
term business partners, Scott Endieveri and brothers David and Jason Krogmann. “The partners opened their first business, the Bullpen Tavern, in 1994. “When we first opened up 25 years ago, there were boarded-up storefronts downtown, and a couple of old bars and hotdog places,” says Bricoccoli. “It was depressing looking, but we’ve gone through quite a renaissance in the last 10-15 years.” It was during this renaissance that Bricoccoli and his three friends acquired one of Glens Falls/Queensbury’s oldest and most cherished eateries, Talk of the Town, a restaurant and pizzeria that first opened its doors in 1980. “When we were little kids, if you hit a homerun, then you got a free cheese pizza at Talk of the Town,” Bricoccoli says. “We’d always come here after high school dances and football games. It had always been a special place for us, and it was a good experience purchasing it when it came up for sale.” Aside from some minor renovations and updates, Bricoccoli and his partners
have gone out of their way to preserve the small-town warmth of Talk of the Town, including most of the original menu. “The menu’s just as iconic as the business itself,” says Bricoccoli. The Glens Falls native says that the secret to the restaurant’s success has been maintaining that New York diner-inspired menu with its emphasis on fresh, housemade food and, of course, Talk of the Town’s signature pizzas, a secret family recipe that was handed down by the previous owners. Incredibly, the restaurant has even maintained some of its original staff from almost four decades ago. “I have two kitchen guys who’ve been here over 30 years, and a waiter for 38 years now,” says Bricoccoli. “And he’s still my most requested waiter. It’s that kind of place.” As for whether nearly three decades of working with his buddies has ever led to some hard feelings, Bricoccoli says, not so much: “We’re the same four guys we’ve always been. Somehow we’ve stuck together through it all.”
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ADVERTISING SECTION
LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES the few veterinary hospitals in the Capital Region that provides care for birds and other exotic animals. Our hospital has been American Animal Hospital Association accredited since 1956.
Dr. Calla Kinne and Dr. Yossi Koren-Roth of Colonie Animal Hospital
Colonie Animal Hospital 1946 Central Ave., Albany 518.456.1613; colonieanimalhospital.com Owners: Dr. Calla Kinne, Dr. Yossi Koren-Roth Give a brief history of your business and describe the services you provide. Our hospital was founded in the 1940s, so we have served generations of families and pets in the Capital Region. Our hospital provides care for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets and a variety of warm-blooded pocket pets. What makes your business stand out? We love our ties to the community we practice in. Our aim is to provide quality preventive care medicine with a personal touch. We are one of
What are you doing differently in these changing times? During the COVID-19 pandemic, our business has taken steps to continue to offer essential veterinary services to outpatients while at the same time protecting our staff members and clients. We offer curbside care to pets while minimizing contact with pet owners. Guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the New York State Veterinary Medical Society have informed our decisions for formulating safety protocols. What is the key ingredient to the success of your business? We are among only 12 percent of veterinary practices in the United States and Canada that has made this voluntary commitment to excellence. In an era where corporate veterinary practices are becoming commonplace, we are a privately owned veterinary practice. Practice policies at Colonie
Animal Hospital are molded to best service our patients and their owners’ individual needs.
Justin Finkle of Harold Finkle Your Jeweler, Inc.
Harold Finkle Your Jeweler, Inc. 1585 Central Ave., Albany 518.456.6800; yourjeweler.com Owner: Justin Finkle, GIA Graduate Gemologist & Vice President Give a brief history of your business and describe the services you provide. We are a third-generation, family-owned business specializing in one-of-a-kind custom
WHERE THE CAPITAL DISTRICT GETS ENGAGED!
1585 CENTRAL AVE ALBANY, NY 12205 (518)456-6800 JEWELRY
WATCHES
Engagement Rings
Swiss Watches
REPAIRS Ring Sizings
Loose Diamonds
Repairs & Overhauls
Remounts
Fine & Silver Jewelry
Batteries & Straps
Appraisal Services
Custom Designs
Link Adjustments
Pearl Stringing
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pieces, bridal jewelry, specialized and general repair work, watch repair, watch batteries and estate and insurance appraisals. Harold Finkle founded the business after serving in World War II, and his son, Martin, later joined it with his wife, Paula. In 1995, Marty and Paula relocated the business to its current location. I have since taken over the lead role of day-to-day operations, ensuring that the business is around for many more years. What do you love most about the service or product you provide? My favorite part of the business is the bridal aspect—meeting with couples to learn what they’re looking for in an engagement ring and/ or wedding bands. Harold Finkle is a small, mom-and-pop-style business, and I say that with pride. When you walk into our store you are greeted, and we don’t hover over our customers, creating a high-pressure situation for them. Our certified loose diamond prices (lab grown or natural) are second to none. When comparing apples to apples, we clearly beat our local competition in terms of the lowest price, and we are just as competitive in terms of pricing with the national diamond buying websites you can find online; however, we’re able to show you the stone before purchase.
What is the key ingredient to the success of your business? Being personable, fair and honest; you’re only as good as your word. When my grandfather started this business, everything was done on a handshake, and this philosophy has kept us in business for more than 80 years. The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop 3143 US Hwy. 9, Suite 8, Valatie 518.758.6755; crosseyedowl.com Owner: Patricia Varga Give a brief history of your business and describe the services you provide. Since 1993, we’ve been providing cards and gifts for every occasion that you can think of. We’ve become an essential part of our community by sponsoring local events and activities, and our customers have become family after all these years. What makes your business stand out? Everything we do—from the products we carry, the events we host, the charities we support and the ways we engage with our customers and our community—is done to bring about positive change and encouragement to make the world a better place.
Patricia Varga of The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop
What do you love most about owning a business here in the Capital Region? The people here are simply the best, and they are very supportive of local shops. What are you doing differently in these changing times? We have increased our online presence during the pandemic, including video tours of the shop, pictures galore and one-on-one conversations that are sort of like virtual personal shopping trips. We’ve continued to do what we do best, connect with people and make them smile. Retail may look different going forward, but the care that we put into helping each customer find what they need will stay the same. That is what matters most to us.
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Touring Our NEW REALITY A peek into how we’ll start to navigate travel in the post-COVID era.
» BY VIKKI MORAN, T HE GRAT E FUL T RAVE LE R «
E
ven as our quarantine restrictions begin to lift, the COVID-19 pandemic has left travel at a precipice. For the forseeable future, the world in which we travel will be smaller, both in area and scope. So navigating this new reality will demand patience and planning. As a travel writer, I have found that one of the silver linings of the pandemic has been the cultivation of calm. No doubt as most of my fellow travelers know, pre-COVID-19 travel often found us in a rush— whether it be to drop off our pets at daycare before a day trip, or the car at an off-airport lot before a longer adventure. We’d run around, frantically, pledging to ourselves (again and again) that we’d plan ahead better the next time, promise. Now, it seems, we have all the time in the world— plus, this time around, our health depends on it. As we begin to tip-toe back into the world of travel, let’s take a look at what it’s going to look like for the near future.
Relish in the Planning
I have always sensed that, like me, most travelers relish the planning process as much as the actual excursion itself. So now that you might not know when you’ll actually be able to take the trip you’re planning, let’s put that to the test. It is so engaging to sit in front of the computer with endless possibilities in front of you. Recognize what you enjoy and create an itinerary that highlights just that. Are you outdoorsy? Do you love fitness and hiking? Are you a foodie? Whether your first post-pandemic adventure will be closer to home or an extended road trip across the country, let your wish list be your GPS. Then, bookmark it all for later. If your comfort level allows “later” to be “sooner,” make sure you are up to speed on when certain states— and in the case of New York, specific regions—are reopening restaurants, hotels and tourist spots before you actually start booking.
Pack With Safety in Mind
We’ll be packing hand sanitizer for a long time, so make sure to shop ahead for enough of it to last for your entire trip. Also, make sure to bring bleach wipes, especially for wiping down surfaces at hotels and rental homes; and be sure to have face masks and a box of thin latex gloves on hand, if you’re planning on spending any time
in public. You’ll be hand-washing your masks in the sink unless you find a place with laundry, so if you have ones that dry faster than others, grab those–and make sure you bring a few backups. You can bring your own linens, toiletries and essentials to mitigate infection concerns, too. Yes, hotels and rental properties will share the same sanitation concerns you do, but it’s your family’s safety in play here, so spend a few more minutes wiping everything down to give yourself the peace of mind you deserve. And if you brave an airplane, wipe down every last inch of the tray and armrests with disposable wipes!
Be Your Own ‘Pilot’
With many travelers still wary of air, bus and train travel, jumping in the family car and/or renting an RV are going to be two hot summer options. You know your own car, so make sure you choose a destination that doesn’t involve rugged driving, if you don’t own an SUV. In terms of an RV, do your research and choose one that is large enough to accommodate your crew but manageable enough for the roads you wish to travel. Gas prices are hitting record lows, so a road trip could be a lot easier on your wallet, too.
Pause Your World Travel Plans (For Now)
At some point, you’ll be able to travel abroad again, but it’ll be months—possibly, years even— before travel bans are fully lifted and travelers feel comfortable venturing outside of the US. Once restrictions begin to ease, the Caribbean and other open-air locales, which offer fresh air and wide-open spaces, are expected to be very popular. It will be some time before we can ride the Venetian canals or climb the Eiffel Tower again, though. Patience and proper planning will help fill our travel voids. And remember: We are all in this together. The sooner we all follow the proper protocols, the sooner we will get back to jet-setting normalcy.
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Color Your Quarantine T I P S A N D T RI CK S F O R PA I N TI N G YOU R HOM E F R OM C OLOR IZ E ’ S J E N N IF E R DU TT INE.
C
hances are, you’re spending way more time in your home during the COVID-19 crisis than ever before. And, chances are, you’ve noticed some things about it that you don’t love. Is the baseboard paint chipping? Are you feeling trapped inside four boring white walls? Do your kitchen cabinets need an upgrade? All these problems can be fixed with a fresh coat of paint, and painting is something you—yes, you— can do all on your own. “Painting is one of the most economical home improvement projects that can dramatically change the overall appearance and feel of a home,” says Jennifer Duttine, a decorator at Colorize Inc., a Clifton Park-based paint store. Plus, depending on the size of the room, a painting project can be completed in a day or two—a drop in the bucket during this seemingly never-ending social distancing thing. But what color to choose? While Benjamin Moore’s 2020 color of the year is First Light (a soft, rosy pink), Duttine says for Colorize, which carries Benjamin Moore paints, grays are the main attraction of late. She recommends checking out Stonington Gray, Thunder and Classic Gray. Sea Salt is a wonderful light beige, and Simply White is good for trim, ceilings and walls. If you’re skeptical about painting an entire room a brand-new color, Duttine recommends considering an accent wall—one that’s painted a different color than the others. “Accent walls continue to be a fantastic option for any room, from bedrooms and main living areas to a simple half bath,” she says. “They’ve come a long way from just a simple darker or lighter color on one wall. Wallpaper, as an accent can change the entire feel of a room, and a large window wall with new window treatments can also act as an accent wall. The options are endless.” So, what are you waiting for? Grab a can at your local paint retailer—many are open for curbside pickup—and get painting! Your days in quarantine are starting to look a whole lot brighter.
(from top) A wallpaper accent wall; Thunder is one of Colorize’s most popular paint colors.
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BY NATALIE MOORE
siberian larch Decay resistant, dense, durable, & beautiful!
Siberian Larch is highly regarded timber and is known as eternal wood. Containing natural tannins and other antiseptics – the reason for its great durability. Siberian Larch decking products are Kiln Dried appearance grade with sound tight knots. The decking is available in smooth or a brushed finish and it has a more distinct natural look.
Ghent wood products
518.828.5684 • 1262 route 66, ghent, ny www.ghentwoodproducts.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section
Ghent Wood Products
1262 Route 66, Ghent 518.828.5684; ghentwoodproducts.com
Summer is here and it’s time to dive into those home improvement projects that you’ve been waiting all winter to complete. Whether you are looking to improve your flowerbeds with fresh mulch or build a new stone wall, Ghent Wood Products is happy to help and give you helpful tips about its products. When it comes to your home and projects such as putting down new flooring, re-siding your house or any number of other specialty projects, Ghent Wood Products has quite the assortment of wood species that are sure to brighten up your home and create a new highlight that will surely spark a conversation at your next barbecue!
Redbud Development, Inc.
2 Commerce Park Dr., Wilton 518.691.0428; redbuddevelopment.com
Redbud Development, Inc. is a landscape construction company specializing
in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with the interior and reflect their personality and lifestyle. Custom-designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures are just samplings of features Redbud can use to help you create a functional retreat to better enjoy your favorite pastime, whether that is entertaining friends, exercising or just getting closer to nature. Call Redbud today to talk over some ideas or schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
J. Hunziker Paving, LLC Wynantskill; 518.858.7917 jhunzikerpavingllc.com
When it comes to driveway paving, you need to work only with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. Avoid the frustration and disappointment of dealing with unprofessional driveway paving contractors by doing business with J. Hunziker Paving, LLC, instead. Owner Jason Hunziker has 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the surrounding areas, and he is committed to providing his customers with the best possible workmanship and service. When you need top-quality driveway paving for your home or place of business, he’s here to help–turn to him for all your asphalt driveway paving needs.
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HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section
Randall Implements Co., Inc. 2991 NY-5S, Fultonville 518.853.4500; randallimpls.com
Randall Implements Co., Inc. is a Premier Kubota Dealer and was the 2016 recipient of the FultonMontgomery Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Business of the Year award. It is located on State Highway 5S in the village of Fultonville, approximately 35 miles west of Albany. Founded in 1966 by Robert Freeman, Randall Implements has grown from a small, single-line dealer to one of the area’s largest and most trusted full-service multi-line providers including Ferris, Husqvarna, Case IH, Claas and Landpride dealerships. Technicians are certified and trained in the newest technologies available in the industry. Randall provides quality factory parts at competitive prices, with next-day availability on more than 100,000 parts.
L. Browe Asphalt Services
518.479.1400; broweasphalt.com
L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley. Our installations are built to last, with correct elevations and subtle detailing to ease the job into the land. Transitions are smooth with good, level flow and slight changes in elevation to provide proper water drainage. L. Browe mills the end of the drive so that it retains its thickness and is not subject to being lifted up by plowing equipment. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that completes and enhances the entire property setting.
CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces, Inc. 15 Drywall Ln., Voorheesville 518.765.4279; crgaslogs.com
CR Gas Logs and Fireplaces has been a leader in the hearth and patio industry in the greater Capital Region for more than 30 years. Employees pride themselves on providing each customer with high-quality customer service, knowledge and advice, whether
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he or she is looking for a cozy interior fireplace or an elaborate, custom outdoor kitchen. Whatever you’re thinking, CR Gas Logs’ staff will help educate you on the right choice for your home. CR Gas Logs’ goal is to have every person it speaks with, no matter if he or she makes a purchase or not, leave with a positive shopping experience.
Bob’s Trees
1227 West Galway Rd., Hagaman 518.627.4260; bobstrees.com
Bob’s Trees nursery and garden center is family owned and operated and has been serving the greater Capital Region since 1942. Bob’s specialize in providing the perfect Christmas tree for the holiday season, but offers so much more, including more than 275 acres of trees and shrubs to help you complete the look you want for your yard. The Bob’s staff is dedicated to serving the local community with quality trees and shrubs that are well acclimated to our local climate. They’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
All Seasons Equipment, Inc.
60 Freeman’s Bridge Rd., Scotia 518.372.5611; allseasonsequipinc.com
Scotia’s All Seasons Equipment, Inc. is family owned and operated. It provides the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. The friendly staff are happy to help you find the perfect outdoor power equipment, service or parts you’ve been looking for. All Seasons carries many brands, including Ariens, Honda Power Equipment, Scag, STIHL and Toro. Call today—All Seasons is always ready to help!
Teakwood-SaraLiving-May2020-4.875x7.375-Ad2.indd 1
5/15/20 1:06 PM
Teakwood Builders
75 Church St., Saratoga Springs 518.587.2880, teakwoodbuilders.com
Having all the comforts of home is more meaningful than ever before. Right now, we are being challenged to live and work in a new way. While Teakwood Builders has had to reimagine how it works, the safety and welfare of its employees and homeowners continues to be of
Kitchens: Preserved Transformed Refreshed Designer, Artist, Contractor
518.495.4317
take2artworks.com
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HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section
Family Owned for Over 30 Years
Ask about our
RENT TO OWN PROGRAM! Sheds • Gazebos • Garages • Playsets • Outdoor Furniture
paramount importance. Teakwood Builders has set very high standards for its employees and the homes it touches. Its job is not only to give homeowners what they envision, but also to take them to a thrilling place beyond expectations. Contact Teakwood to schedule a virtual design consultation to start planning for your next dream project.
Judi Stone, Interior Designer / Artist / Contractor 518.495.4317; Take2Artworks.com judi@take2artworks.com
FREE DELIVERY within 50 miles
Largest Selection in the Area
GARDEN
TIME
Clifton Park, Queensbury & Wilton, NY
(888) 793-8555 • GardenTimeInc.com
As we stay home and keep our families safe and comfortable, we are getting reacquainted with our space in a new way. It highlights the things we love about our homes, but also makes us think about updates and changes we need to make. Judi Stone is a certified interior designer, artist and contractor who offers beautiful and practical solutions to your home. Whether you are updating your kitchen or family room, consider preserving what you already have and giving it a fresh new look or purpose. Great change is possible without great expense.
Garden Time
Various Locations gardentimeinc.com
Capital Region’s Premier Black Car Service The business traveler’s first choice since 1995
Reserve online superior-sedan.com
or through the app – or call 518-378-8573
Garden Time offers a wide selection of sheds, gazebos and outdoor furniture, as well as excellent customer service and a superior shopping experience to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful lawn and garden. Whether you are in the market for a beautiful blooming plant for your porch, a screened-in gazebo for your backyard, fertilizer for your lawn or a storage solution for a little extra space, Garden Time invites you to shop its extensive selection online to explore what sets it apart from the rest. Call one of Garden Time’s three locations in Queensbury, Halfmoon and Wilton today.
Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. Various locations hewitts.com
Luxury transportation you can count on 365 days a year PARTY BUSES AVAILABLE
Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. is a local company specializing in lawn-and garden-
related products, service and information. With 50 years in the business and seven stores located in the 518 area code, Hewitt’s is the fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country—and here’s why: • It has the largest selection of hardy shrubs and trees • Hewitt’s Country Estate lawn food and grass seed is sold there • It has the largest selection of perennial and annual flowers and vegetable plants • It has an extensive selection of fruit trees, blueberries, raspberries and more • Plant food, mulch, soil and garden accessories can all be found there • It has experienced staff ready to assist you with your project
Luizzi Asphalt Services
70 Tivoli St., Albany 518.459.7325, luizziasphalt.com
Luizzi Asphalt Services’ mission is to be the most trusted name in quality products and dependable service for homes and businesses across the Capital Region. Luizzi is a third-generation company that has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers over the years. The Luizzi name has been in the Capital Region for more than 50 years, and the family has built a reputation it is proud of! Call Luizzi Asphalt Services for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs.
Marcella’s Appliance Center
560 Broadway, Schenectady 518.381.1957 15 Park Ave., Clifton Park 518.952.7700; marcellasappliance.com
Marcella’s Appliance Center is a familyowned appliance store with showrooms in Schenectady and Clifton Park. Since 1957 it has served customers throughout the Capital Region with the area’s best selection of appliances at the best prices, top-notch customer service and a dedicated service and repair team, whose knowledge of the appliances they sell sets them apart from the competition. Visit the large showrooms for a wealth of ideas. The knowledgeable Marcella’s staff will help you select the kitchen or laundry appliances of your dreams. With more than 30,000 square-feet of inventory for more than 60 product lines, Marcella’s has appliances for every budget.
From the Inside Out
WOR R I E D T H AT QU A RA N T I N E L I F E IS AGI N G YOU R S K I N ? YOU M I GHT B E R I GHT— HE R E ’ S WHAT TO DO . BY ABBY TEGNELIA
E
ven as services begin to open up here in the Capital Region, there’s no getting around the fact that we’ve never spent as much time at home as we do now. From sleep issues affecting collagen growth to dehydration and dullness, being stuck indoors is wreaking havoc on the health of our skin. The good news? There’s a lot you can do about it. The main shelter-in-place skin issues stem from the collective sleep troubles people are facing thanks to rising stress levels and too much screen time. “It’s when we sleep that our skin regenerates and repairs itself by producing collagen,” says Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness in Albany and Saratoga. “Cell renewal is also stimulated during this time, affecting surface condition. Plus, inflammation, an underlying factor in aging skin, is higher in sleepdeprived individuals.” Dr. Alain Polynice, co-founder of Latham’s anti-aging and wellness clinic Reviva Wellness, recommends melatonin, CBD, L-theanine and GABA to “help settle the mind to ensure a good night’s rest.” The skincare supplements Dr. Polynice suggests include ResveraCel, MitoQ and MerivaSF, all by Thorne. “Meriva-SF is a highly absorbable form of curcumin (turmeric) that helps minimize inflammation in the body,” he says. “It supports liver detoxification and provides joint and GI support.”
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Topical skincare regimens can also be ramped up during these decidedly indoor times. “Everyone can benefit by using a Vitamin A serum,” Dubois says. “Serum 16 by CosMedix is a wonderful one to start with. I also love its RX Clean, which is a 10 percent lactic acid skin cleanser with the added benefit of increasing hydration.” Adds Kelly Pacifico, licensed aesthetician in Dr. Lucie Capek’s Latham office: “I use HA5 from SkinMedica every morning because it hydrates and tightens at the same time. At night I use SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum in combination with its
Dermal Repair Cream, which helps reverse aging changes while you sleep.” What professional treatments are skincare devotees most anxious to return to as the Capital Region enters phase two? (Warning: Spas and med spas have hinted at a major backlog of reservations.) “We are hearing from our Botox and filler patients that they can’t wait to get back into their treatment routine,” Pacifico says. “Hydrafacials are also in great demand, because patients are used to doing these regularly, like coloring their hair.” At Complexions, Dubois expects a lot of requests for exfoliation treatments. “We suggest professional treatment every 30 days due to the cell renewal process,” she says. “During this time away from the spa many people are definitely seeing build-up, and skin is looking grayish and lacking hydration. Dermaplaning is also very beneficial in removing not only dead skin cells but vellus hairs too, which helps smooth the skin’s appearance.”
Events Calendar
» Social distancing-safe activities to to take part in across the Capital Region. «
BY MORGAN FECHTER
ALBANY COUNTY
COLUMBIA COUNTY
College and will meet every Tuesday in June at 7pm. For more information visit fultoncountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Have some extra time on your hands? Use it to learn more about the exciting history of New York State’s capital. The Tales of Old Albany podcast, created by the Albany County Historical Association, in conjunction with local writer and historian Jessica Serfillippi, explores the notable people and events of Albany’s past in 30-minute episodes. Hamilton fans will love the discussion about the founding father’s death in Episode 1 and be captivated by tales of the Battle of Saratoga. Listen at creativelicenseonline.com.
The Flow Chart Foundation, a nonprofit guided by the legacy of the work of poet John Ashbery, is offering an online live poetry series called Close Readings in a Virtual Space. The foundation has put together an impressive lineup of poets to lead viewers through hour-long virtual readings of assorted poetry. Each event focuses on a close reading of a single poem, creating a space where poets and fans can delve into the meaning and impact of this beautiful artform. Visit flowchartfoundation.org for a full list of event dates and featured poets.
GREENE COUNTY
‘Tales of Old Albany’ Podcast Albany County Historical Association
Virtual Museum Tour Albany Center Gallery The Albany Center Gallery (ACG), a contemporary art gallery that exhibits virtual art by artists living within a 100mile radius of the capital, is offering 360-degree virtual tours of the museum on its website. Virtual museum goers are “dropped” inside each of the museum’s rooms, and can click and drag their way around, checking out the pieces on display up close, as if they were actually there in person. To take the tour, visit albanycentergallery.org.
Live Poetry Readings The Flow Chart Foundation
Hudson River School Art Trail Various Locations
FULTON COUNTY
In Cold Blood: True Crime, an American Genre Fulton County Historical Society The Fulton County Historical Society is offering a variety of online events such as a virtual reading and discussion group that will explore the success of True Crime as a genre, focusing on essential texts such as Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. The group will be facilitated by Professor Lou Fagan of Fulton Montgomery Community
Kaaterskill Falls, part of the Hudson River School Art Trail Discover the Hudson River School Art Trail, a collection of 20 sites across the Hudson Valley, Massachusetts and New Hampshire that map the vistas depicted in the nation’s first major art movement. Art enthusiasts can choose trails based on location and difficulty level, in order to view the scenery made famous by painters of the Hudson River School. Exploring the beautiful hills and valleys of this region is the perfect way to get some fresh air and experience history while following social distancing rules. For a full list of the sites, visit hudsonriverschool.org.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Cycling the Erie Canal Audio Tour Montgomery County Tourism Department
Albany Center Gallery’s virtual museum tour
Want to take a free, GPS-guided tour of the Erie Canal? There’s an app for that. Using the TravelStorys app, the Montgomery County Tourism Department
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Events Calendar
Cycling the Erie Canal audio tour
Drive-In Movies El Rancho Drive-In Theatre Celebrate your first date night out after quarantine with a trip to El Rancho Drive-In in Palatine Bridge. Drive-ins were given the A-OK to reopen in mid-May, and El Rancho’s owners (who also own the Ozoner 29 Drive-In in Broadalbin) didn’t waste any time getting back to business. Grab dinner before the show starts at the snack bar; just be sure to stay six feet away from everybody else in line. Search “El Rancho Drive In” on Facebook for more information.
RENSSELAER COUNTY Curated Book Boxes The Book Outlet
Looking for something new to read? The Book Outlet, a used bookstore in Downtown Troy, is offering Curated Book
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The Mac Factor food truck at The Shirt Factory’s Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral
Boxes to meet all your reading needs. Choose from thriller, horror, western and romance boxes, and receive a collection of six hand-picked, genre-specific books. Order at the-book-outlet.square.site, and get your box shipped directly to your door.
SARATOGA COUNTY Virtual Dance Classes Tango Fusion Saratoga
In the mood to groove? Tune in to Tango Fusion Saratoga’s Facebook Live every Wednesday at 7:15pm to participate in a free partner dance class. As the name implies, Tango Fusion offers a “fusion” of Argentine tango with salsa, along with other styles such as ballet and jazz. If you’re looking to hone your dancing skills even further, you can sign up for one of the studio’s beginner, intermediate or advanced classes on salsa, swing or cha cha held via Zoom. Visit Tango Fusion on Facebook (@TangFusionSaratoga) to get dancing.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY
Take-Home Art Kits Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio Art in Mind Creative Wellness Studio is offering take-home art kits in lieu of inperson classes, so kids and adults can stay busy while stuck at home. Choose from projects such as a light-up wine bottle kit, watercolor kit or rainbow painting kit. Kits include all of the necessary materials to complete each project and can be ordered online. Pickup is midday on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Go to artinmindstudio.com for more information.
WARREN COUNTY
Thursday Market & Food Truck Corral The Shirt Factory The Glens Falls Market & Food Truck Corral is back Thursdays from 4:30-8pm for another season. While usually held inside The Shirt Factory, this year, the weekly event has been reimagined as a “drive-thru” market in order to comply
(BIKE TOUR) SARAH LEBARRON
has put together an interactive audio tour exploring 35 miles of pathway along the Erie Canal. Ride along the scenic waterway from Amsterdam to St. Johnsville, as you hear stories about the many towns, historic sites and points of interest you’re passing by. Visit travelstorys.com for more information.
with social distancing regulations. Customers will be able to pre-order and pay for food truck fare and have it delivered right to their car upon arrival. Choose from options such as gourmet mac and cheese, fresh pastries and freshly smoked barbecue (or just get one of each!). Visit The Shirt Factory on Facebook (@shirtfactory) for more information.
Family Friday Facebook Live The Hyde Collection Tune in to The Hyde Collection’s Facebook page (@TheHydeCollection) every Friday for a fun, arts-oriented family activity geared towards offscreen projects hosted by The Hyde’s assistant educator, Keri Dudek, on Facebook Live. Past activities have included making easy, washable paint for windows and exploring for outdoor art.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Canal Street Marketplace 63 Canal Street, Fort Edward
30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 518-583-2626 | makemefab.com
Support local farmers by ordering fresh groceries from Fort Edward’s Canal Street Marketplace. Choose from a variety of produce, meats and dairy to add a fresh touch to your table, all without having to make any direct contact. Customers can pre-order directly from a farmer online or by phone, and then arrive for pickup on Thursdays between noon-2pm. Simply drive up, and the vendors will place your groceries in your car for you. Check out Canal Street Marketplace’s Facebook (@CanalStreetMarketplace) for more information.
Small Town Feel Big City Taste
Happy Hour 4-6pm Nightly Features
Canal Street Marketplace
30 Lake Avenue І Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 І 518– 539-3474 І www.30lake.com
Events Calendar
Virtual Trivia Various Locations
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announcement this month about a joint CAPITAL REGION LIVING and saratoga living trivia night, featuring trivia exclusively about the Capital Region hosted by Blum.
hat beloved pub game has been flourishing online since bars and restaurants closed to dine-in customers? Three points for the correct answer! Trivia night fun is still going strong in the Capital Region, even in quarantine. The same technology you use to have virtual staff meetings at work (see: Zoom, FaceTime) has made virtual trivia nights possible. Here are some ways to play trivia while adhering to social distancing rules.
TFL Entertainment Founded in 2013, TFL Entertainment provided free, live trivia nights in bars and restaurants across the Capital Region until the COVID-19 crisis came along. Now, the company is offering virtual “Quarantine Quizzes” on Tuesdays from 8-10pm on Twitch, with the top three teams winning prizes each night. Check TFL out on Facebook (@TFLentertainment) for more information.
That Trivia Guy NY Trivia host Casey Blum, who has run the weekly trivia nights at Carson’s Woodside Tavern, Mohawk Taproom & Grill, Great Flats Brewing and more, has moved his trivia operation online. Blum’s offering frequent public Zoom games, promoted in the bio of his Instagram page (@thattriviaguy_ny). Stay tuned for an
Memorama Team Trivia Memorama Team Trivia, which used to host games at bars and restaurants in Albany and Schenectady, is now putting on “Quarantine Trivia Nights” on Wednesdays from 8-10pm on Zoom. It’s free to play, and the meeting details are posted in the Memorama Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/memorama).
A virtual trivia game hosted by That Trivia Guy NY, Casey Blum, on Zoom 42 | C A P I T A L R E G I O N L I V I N G | J U N E 2 0 2 0
Trivia Nights Live Trivia Nights Live (TNL), one of Upstate New York’s largest trivia operations, has also moved its fun-for-all operations online. Whereas TNL regularly offers games in restaurants from Buffalo to Lake George, it’s now hosting virtual games anywhere there’s an Internet connection, with new games being promoted on its Facebook page (@TriviaNightsLive) weekly. Catch The Mania National trivia company Catch The Mania, which has hosted trivia at The Ruck in Troy, Villago in Ballston Lake and the Saratoga Winery in Saratoga, is also hosting online trivia nights, promoted on its Facebook page (@CatchtheMania). Catch The Mania also offers tournaments, where trivia teams compete over the course of multiple nights to become the ultimate trivia champion. —Matthew Harding A version of this story originally appeared on saratogaliving.com.
THE
Health // Soul // Law
Experts
Get a Good Night’s Sleep, Even During a Global Pandemic B Y D R . C A R O LY N D R I S C O L L , D C
S
ufficient sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle— especially during the COVID-19 crisis, during which we’ve all been under a lot of pressure. Lack of sleep is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of US adults suffers from insufficient sleep, which is defined as less than seven hours daily. And when we consistently lack a good night’s sleep, our cognitive functions are affected, often compromising our performance and safety. Luckily, you can take control of your sleep habits, even during these uncertain times, and boost your chances of getting better rest with some minor modifications in your habits and daily routine. Set a Sleep Schedule: Improve your quality of sleep by keeping a consistent sleep schedule, even during quarantine, when so many of our everyday activities that have kept us in a routine have gone out the window. Set a regular daily bedtime
and wake-up time to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Also known as the sleep/ wake cycle or body clock, your circadian rhythm is a natural system that regulates feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. Adhering to a consistent sleep schedule helps modulate this rhythm and allows your body to get tired before your designated sleep time. This will allow you to wake more rested in the morning. Limit Screen Time: Using electronics before bed has been linked to irregular sleep patterns and poor sleep habits, as it stimulates your brain and makes it more difficult for you to fall and stay asleep. The blue lights in many electronic screens such as computers, tablets and cell phones are so bright that they can interrupt your circadian rhythm, and ultimately, your sleep. If you’re working from home, make sure to carve out some time between laptop and bed. Keeping in touch with friends and family on your phone in the evenings? The same rules apply. Move Your Body: Regular exercise has been found to improve sleep patterns and promote deep sleep. A vigorous aerobic workout or even a moderate increase in
exertion may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The reason for these sleep benefits is due, in part, to the fact that exercise increases the amount of adenosine in the body, a chemical that causes drowsiness, regulates body temperature, reduces anxiety and helps normalize your circadian rhythm. If you’ve justified letting your workout habits fade away during COVID but find yourself not sleeping, this is the push you needed to figure out your home gym situation. Check Your Position: Just as there is a healthy standing and sitting posture, there is also an ideal sleep posture. A healthy sleeping position is such that pressure is evenly distributed throughout the body with a neutral spine. In this case, “neutral” means a position that supports the curves of your spine: forward curves at the neck and lower back and a backward sway in the middle. Adopting a neutral spine position can help us avoid back pain at night and wake up in the morning well-rested. Try to sleep in the back or side position. Also choose a pillow that supports a neutral spine. A pillow that is too thick or thin can cause the neck to bend incorrectly. The position we sleep in calls for different ways to use pillows: (a) Back sleepers can find relief by placing two pillows underneath the back of the knees. This helps reduce strain on the lower back. The lumbar spine is flattened, and less force is placed on the pain-sensitive facet joints of the spine. The head and neck should remain level with the upper back and spine, so make sure the head pillow is not angling your head away from your body. (b) Side sleepers can put a pillow between the knees to help keep the hips neutral. The head and neck should remain level with the mid and lower spine. (c) Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended, as it can create increased stress on the back. However, those who must sleep in this position can place a flat pillow under the stomach and pelvis area to maintain proper alignment of the spine. The head pillow should be flat or eliminated.
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THE
Health // Soul // Law
Experts June, a Time for Reinvention BY ALEXX BRADLEY
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here is no getting around the fact that our lives have been disrupted over the past few months by the COVID-19 crisis, and we have had to find new, creative ways to live them “normally.” Astrologically, since Saturn was in retrograde last month, we were all taught that we are stronger than we realized, and as much as we are creatures of habit, we can adapt. We may not like change, but it’s inevitable. It’s now June, the official beginning of summer, and this will definitely be one where we’ll need to “think outside the box” to find new ways to enjoy life. Thankfully, we have quirky Uranus to help us find new ways to celebrate life’s simple pleasures. Of course, this time of year is also about graduating— whether it be from high school or college. This year’s ceremonies may not happen the way graduates anticipated them to happen, but the show must go on. Look at how creatively people have been celebrating birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, with parades of cars and signs and banners and well-wishes online. Although many students may be thinking that the lack of a formal graduation ceremony will ruin the significance of the day, Jupiter and Mercury, along with Saturn, are telling us that it’s not really about the day, but rather the accomplishments of the students and how they got there. That alone
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is reason to celebrate. And because we all need to be a little more inventive right now in how we orchestrate group gatherings, it will definitely be a graduation to remember and not lacking in love from others for the accomplishment at hand. Despite some of the not-so-positive results of the crisis, in June, astrologically
speaking, the planets have an upbeat and somewhat lighthearted, loving energy about them. We are all seeing the kindness and caring of others, and that will continue as, as our region continues to reopen and more restrictions are lifted. Now that we have warm, summer-like days ahead in the Capital Region, we’ll also be able to enjoy more time outdoors, with the proper precautions taken, of course. Even if our favorite events are canceled, we live in such a beautiful area—with so many lakes, streams and
mountain trails—that maybe it’s time to find new ways to entertain ourselves and get out of our normal routine. As the month progresses, the heavy players in the heavens will be Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto, along with Saturn, all of which will lead us to rethink how we’ve been living our lives–especially when it comes to being creatures of habit. Maybe we need to do a little self-reflection on the areas of our life we want to change. This is not a heavy energy, so be kind to yourself. The official beginning of summer takes place on June 20 (the solstice or midsummer), and with loving Venus, you should plan some way to celebrate. Maybe create a socially distanced block party to welcome in the season—or have a cookout or bonfire, if you’re with family. June is not only a time to welcome in a new season, but also one in which to say goodbye to spring. If you end up having that bonfire, write something personal that you want to let go of or leave in the past on a leaf or a piece of paper, toss it in the fire and visualize that it is behind you. That day or the following one, write down something you want to manifest or create during the summer months. Dig a small hole in your yard and place that piece of writing in it, then plant seeds over it. Water it and visualize the seeds growing your intentions. We are living in a difficult and unusual time, but we will make it through. Be creative, inventive and most of all, stay positive. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, there is a lesson to learn from all of this. And maybe we will all emerge more loving, caring, kinder and wiser.
Health // Soul // Law
Between a Long-Term Care Rock and a Hard Place B Y D A V I D A . K U B I K I A N , E S Q . , H E R Z O G L A W F I R M P. C .
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n mid-March, my mother called me from the hospital. My father was sick. Fever, chills, cough, general weakness and other flu-like symptoms. As it turned out, it was the wrong month of the wrong year to have “flu-like symptoms.” Despite being convinced that he had COVID-19, the hospital could do little more than give him a swab test and send him home. For the next four-and-a-half weeks, my father and mother stayed on separate sides of their two-bedroom apartment. My mother, who was dealing with her own symptoms, was able to tend to my father’s needs, and at times, things got scary. Thankfully, all is now well. No matter how bad it was for them, it could have been a lot worse. My father’s hospital stay could have been longer, resulting in him having weakened limbs
and needing rehabilitation. The illness could have been more debilitating, creating lasting, long-term care needs for him or both of them. Their residence, to begin with, could have been an assisted living facility or a nursing home. They could have had pre-existing conditions, which put them at higher risk of succumbing to the virus. Many people who already require longterm care have not been so lucky—and whether they’re being cared for at home, or in an assisted-living residence or a nursing home, it’s become that much harder to care for them on a long-term basis. By adding COVID-19 into the mix, every contact with a caregiver could result in a disaster for both parties. Actually, long-term care has never been all that easy. Strokes, falls, dementia and other ailments for seniors still exist. If anything, those issues and the needs that go with them have only increased in the last
few months. The question of where longterm care can be provided, who will provide it and how it will be paid for is still crucial and needs to be answered. To complicate matters further, Medicaid, that which covers the majority of long-term care costs in the country, is on the verge of monumental changes in New York, that will impact the long-term care landscape for the foreseeable future. Historically, there have been two types of long-term care coverage under Medicaid: Custodial Medicaid, or care in a nursing home; and Community Medicaid, or care at home, in an apartment, senior living community or a family member’s home. For Custodial Medicaid, we have become accustomed to the “five-year look-back period” and the need to plan ahead for the possibility of the need for a nursing home later in life. But Community Medicaid has never had a look-back period. The absence of one means that one can qualify, financially, for longterm care assistance at home in a matter of a few days. The 2020 New York State budget, however, has done away with this lastsecond planning luxury. Starting this October 1, applications for Medicaid coverage for long-term care assistance at home will require 30 months of documentation and implementation of a two-and-a-half-year look back. This change will simultaneously make it more difficult to qualify for home care services and that much more important to plan ahead. The change will also increase the number of people filing applications for home care via Medicaid between now and October 1— before the change goes into effect. More and more people are looking at home as the best location for long-term care, particularly because of the COVID-19 crisis. This fact, coupled with the changes to Medicaid, could make the situation dicey. So please make sure you plan ahead.
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before you go...
A YEAR TO REMEMBER BY JOHN GRAY
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uciana Jones arrived early at the posh restaurant in Saratoga Springs for her dinner reservation on a warm June evening in 2045. It was one of those places where they didn’t put prices on the menu, which meant you only went there on special occasions, which this most certainly was. Her husband, Thomas, had to work late, so he took his own car to meet his beautiful wife for dinner. Luciana gave the hostess, a pretty young woman of college age, her name, and she smiled and said, “Oh yes, the wedding anniversary dinner, right this way. We have something special for you.” She led Luciana to the back where a small private room was cut out from the rest of the restaurant, complete with a table for two in front of a fireplace. “This will give you both complete privacy,” the hostess said, as she motioned toward the secluded spot. Luciana smiled uncomfortably and said, “I don’t mean to be a pain, and this is lovely, dear, but we’d prefer to sit near people, especially tonight.” In her three years working there, the hostess had never had someone scoff at that perfect private dining area, but she acknowledged the request and sat the couple instead in the center of the busy restaurant.
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When the hostess returned to her station, the restaurant’s owner, a man in his 60s with more salt than pepper in his hair, remarked, “She doesn’t want our special spot?” The hostess shrugged and said, “Guess not, and it’s supposed to be a big anniversary for them.” The owner scratched his chin and said, “Which year anniversary; do you know?” The hostess thought a moment, then said, “When the gentleman made the reservation on the phone, he said it was their 25th.” The owner nodded now, understanding, saying, “They got married in June of 2020.” The hostess looked up confused and said, “So?” He then explained: “That’s the year of the pandemic, where everyone was locked away. Back then you couldn’t sit with other people; everything was private dining.” Thomas Jones arrived and found his wife’s eyes quickly, taking a seat and raising a glass of champagne to the milestone they had reached. The hostess, left her station once again, going back to the table to ask Luciana a question. “Ma’am,” she began, “I understand now why you wanted to be out here with people. Twenty-twenty; I just can’t imagine. I wasn’t even born yet. Can I ask you what kind of wedding you had? I’m guessing no church or family; it must have been really tough.”
Thomas took Luciana’s hand and gave it a squeeze, as she gestured for the hostess to sit down with them for a moment. “First of all, it was tough on everyone that year, young lady, but there was also a lot of good. Grocery clerks and truckers became our heroes, and doctors and nurses—forget about it; they meant everything.” The hostess interrupted, “But your wedding, was it just the two of you?” Luciana smiled and said, “Yes and no. We planned a big wedding in a church with about 200 people, but that just wasn’t possible. So, we did something better.” The hostess leaned in and tilted her head with a slight grin wondering what she could possibly mean. “We love a little spot called Snyder’s Lake. It only has about 20 homes on it, and each home has a tiny dock. My husband reached out to each of the homeowners— people we didn’t know—asking them if we could use the end of their docks for about an hour one June evening at sunset. When they heard why they all said yes.” The hostess was lost asking, “What did you do?” “We met our pastor on the beach and said our vows right at dusk, just the three of us.” Her husband jumped in, then, saying, “Then we got onto a small boat and slowly made our way around the lake, and our family and friends were spread out, socially distancing, of course, on the ends of all the docks. We’d stop, say hello and chat, then move on to the next dock. They each had a lantern, and by the time we’d circled the whole lake and got back to the beach, you could see them lighting up the night.” The hostess sat there transfixed by the image of all those lanterns in a circle of love. She then looked toward the private dining area she had originally wanted to seat them at and said, “Now I get it; you want to be near people, not alone, especially tonight.” Luciana and Thomas Jones shared a brief kiss, and the hostess wiped a tear away as she found her feet again and returned to her post near the front door. When the champagne was empty and the dessert finished, the hostess returned with the bill. It should have been well over $200 but instead it read, $20.20. Beneath that tiny amount was a drawing of a lake, dock and lantern glowing in the night.
CAPITAL REGION LIVING THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE STATE
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