CAPITALCRL REGION LIVING
TAKING FLIGHT
DAVID PRESCOTT'S HANGAR AT 743 IS QUICKLY BECOMING THE CAPITAL REGION'S HOTTEST EVENT VENUE.
DESTINATION DOWNSTATE THE ULTIMATE ART GALLERY ROAD TRIP
HEAVENLY COCKTAILS AT THE HEREAFTER IN HUDSON PARTY PICS FROM OUR BIGGEST BESTIE FEST TO DATE +
ON THE COVER: David Prescott, owner of The Hangar at 743, photographed by Hannah Kuznia of Hannah Lux Photography.
HANNAH KUZNIA
Photos by Konrad Odhiambo
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Abby
Tegnelia CEO
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Will Levith
ART DIRECTOR Steve Teabout
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Natalie Moore
EDITORIAL INTERN Natalie St. Denis CONTRIBUTORS
Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Neal Burdick Francesco D’Amico, Samantha Decker
Jeff Dingler, Dori Fitzpatrick
John Gray, Nicole Ianniello
Hannah Kuznia, T.R. Laz
Chantal Marie, Konrad Odhiambo Nate Seitelman, Kathleen Willcox
Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER
Tara Buffa SALES MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF SALES, SARATOGA LIVING Annette Q uarrier
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Terese Russell
SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow
EMPIRE MEDIA NETWORK, INC.
Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR
Abby Tegnelia PRESIDENT/CEO Tina Galante
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
VOLUME 21, NO.4
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WELCOME ABOARD!
ttention passengers: Please remain seated while we prepare for take-off.
If you aren’t the owner of a local business that won a CAPITAL REGION LIVING Bestie Award this year, let us fill you in. At press time, we were still buzzing from our biggest and most successful Bestie Fest to date, at which we handed out more than 100 awards to worthy Capital Region–based businesses. The party would’ve been a smash hit wherever we hosted it, but it was made all the more magical by our venue: The Hangar at 743.
Part event space, part vintage airplane maintenance factory, part foundation, The Hangar at 743 is located right next to the Albany airport runway, from which planes take off every few minutes. We’ve got a good handle on the event space part, but wanted to know more about what goes on at such a one-of-a-kind venue. If you want to know more, too, turn to page 14 to read our cover story on David Prescott and his passion project.
We have reached cruising altitude. You are now free to roam around the cabin.
Keep on flipping to read our features on one of New York City’s most celebrated artists—and where to see fine art around the state this summer (p. 18)—plus hot new Hudson cocktail bar The Hereafter (p. 22). Then comes all your favorites: party pics (yup, Bestie Fest ones included!), the calendar, a recipe for the cocktail you need to make this summer, and John Gray’s always-endearing column.
And….touchdown. Thank you for flying with CAPITAL REGION LIVING!
—The Editors
The CRL team at Bestie Fest: Steve Teabout, Tara Buffa, Natalie Moore, Abby Tegnelia, Teresa Frazer, Tina Galante, Tracy Momrow and Terese Russell
NEW NOW AND
SIP BACK AND ENJOY
This August, Hudson is bringing home a brand-new taste of the Finger Lakes. Scheduled for a late-summer grand opening, Warren Street’s Neverstill Wines tasting room will offer wine experiences around its inaugural releases: a lovely Riesling and a crisp Chenin Blanc that’s perfect for summer afternoon sipping. (A cab franc and other varietals are coming soon.) The winery boasts an all-female leadership team and a focus on local production and sustainability—check out their lighter-weight bottles that save energy and resources.
A
Capital Regionite is getting fans hot and bothered on Bridgerton, but the inaugural release of a crisp Chenin Blanc in Hudson or an ice-cold beer at a new Amsterdam brewery will cool you right down.
BY ABBY TEGNELIA
NEW NOW AND
IT’S GETTIN’ HOT IN HERE
SLICE, SLICE BABY
If you’ve been waiting for pumpkin season to spend an afternoon at the beautiful Indian Ladder Farms, maybe this will get you over there sooner: DeFazio’s Pizza is now running an onsite weekend pizza garden. The 100-year-old Altamont farm added a pizza oven last year (its Cidery & Brewery brings in a hungry crowd). But this season, they leveled up. Visitors to the farm can now dig into one of the Troy pizzeria’s famous pies, including its popular white pizza with arugula, prosciutto and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. At the bar? A full line of beer and hard cider. Cheers.
When Bridgerton’s newest season was released in time for summer binge-watching, it was clear that Netflix’s notoriously steamy guilty pleasure was back and hotter than ever. Yes, there’s a six-minute Colin-Penelope romp that the co-hosts of The View and internet super-fans can’t stop talking about. But Colin’s brother Benedict’s experiments in the bedroom also get viewers blushing. Bringing the heat to that specific storyline: one of the Capital Region’s own. Lucas Aurelio, an alum of Albany High School and Troy’s Russell Sage College, has a memorable role as a hunky Latino seducer. For more on his provocative plotline, you’ll have to rev up your Netflix.
LATTE LOVE
The aways-packed Uncommon Grounds coffee house is on the move again. After expanding to Albany and Clifton Park, the Saratoga staple is headed north. The new Queensbury outpost—in the expansive space formerly occupied by Recovery Grill—was busy this past spring in preparation for a targeted mid-July opening. That allows its new customers plenty of time to enjoy iced lattes and cold brews before the weather turns. Arrive with an empty stomach: Uncommon is famous for its bagels with schmear, or as a breakfast or lunch sandwich. Hungry yet?
Amsterdam folks have a new place to happy hour: Schwalbacher Brewing on East Main Street. At press time, the brewery was selling advanced founders club memberships for $75 (which get you bigger pours, a T-shirt and an end-of-year-party) and planning for a Fourth of July opening bash with Megabites food truck. This beer lover’s dream promises a small-town vibe and beers on rotation. “Come try a few!” they beckon. Don’t mind if we do.
ALE YEAH
Flying High
START-UP SPIRIT: HOW ENTREPRENEUR DAVID PRESCOTT TRANSFORMED HIS FORMER OFFICE SPACE AT ALBANY AIRPORT INTO THE HOTTEST PARTY VENUE IN THE CAPITAL REGION.
BY ABBY TEGNELIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH KUZNIA / HANNAH LUX PHOTOGRAPHY
David Prescott has always loved planes— so much so that he not only became a pilot, but when he started his own electronics company, he eventually moved his corporate headquarters to an office at the airport. And when he sold his company, Integra Optics, Inc, in June 2019, he wasted no time setting up a life for himself that revolved around planes.
Along the way, he learned that his beautifully refinished airplane hangar at Albany International Airport—which he had used for a few corporate events and fundraisers while still at the helm of Integra—could pop off as a hot party venue.
“I’ve always had a passion for aviation,” says Prescott, a former Navy nuclear engineer who started flying in 1999. “So I’ve actually been here at the airport for almost 20 years—I was based in a building next door, and when my electronics company needed to expand, this hangar became available and I took over this building as well. I refinished the hangar in 2016, and then when I sold the company I retained the facility. I met with a few people and realized that this was going to be an amazing venue.”
The only caveat: It would take an enormous amount of patience. He got going in June 2019, naming the 8,000-squarefoot events facility The Hangar at 743, packing it with all of the amenities of a first-rate party venue, and meeting with hospitality insiders—a months-long preparation that got him ready to start hosting parties just in time for a certain world-wide pandemic. “It was a slow start,” he says. “We started off doing a few weddings and smaller events, and then it grew from there.”
Just a few short years later, Prescott runs the thriving Hangar at 743 event space, his Prescott Foundation nonprofit that repairs and restores vintage aircraft, and the Warbird Factory that restores World War II aircraft and services general aviation aircraft. The three work seamlessly together to create a unique environment for parties. World War II–era planes—think
(top)
T.R. LAZ; (center left)
JOE PUTROCK; (center right) TODD R. BAILEY
of a TBM avenger torpedo bomber or Vought F4U Corsair fighter plane—serve as epic décor, complementing the space’s romantic white lights and accents made from authentic airplane parts that create a “sky’s the limit” party vibe. When the weather is nice enough to open the 35-foot-high hangar door, parties open almost onto an operational runway—so close that TSA security is required. "Be prepared," Prescott says, "for travelers from Delta, Southwest and JetBlue to all be waving when they go by.”
The Hangar at 743 has proven popular with brides who are over the barn wedding trend and want something unique. “Some people are sick and tired of parking in the muddy grass and walking in high heels in soft dirt and grass,” Prescott says. “It’s refreshing to get married at a venue that
simply doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
In addition to weddings and galas, The Hangar has hosted CRL's beloved Bestie Fest awards ceremony for the past two years (for pics, see p. 28), a recent fashion show fundraiser that brought a different kind of runway to the space, and RPI's annual commissioning ceremony for new Naval and Marine Corps officers. “I really like proms, and last year a student with a pilot’s license flew into his own prom,” Prescott says. “We’re the only venue in the Capital Region where somebody can be dropped off via aircraft right at the venue. You can get on a plane in New Jersey and step off into your party in New York. We had one event where we had a larger eight-passenger plane, and we auctioned off seats for rides down to New York City, around the Statue of Liberty and back. It’s a 20-minute flight down and
a 20-minute flight back, so there’s plenty of time to do it during an event.”
Now that Prescott and his hangar have conquered the Capital Region, he’s expanding his horizons. The commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation—which oversees all aviation facilities statewide—herself booked an award ceremony upon learning that the space existed. “She had no idea there was such an amazing space in New York State,” Prescott says. “It’s perfect for events [like hers] that have people traveling in from outside the area, because being right at the airport, we're very close to a lot of hotels, and they all have shuttles."
Planning a wedding? If you have friends and family flying in, The Hangar might just be your most convenient—and breathtaking—bet.
Carmen CarmenVisionaryCicero,
SITTING DOWN WITH THE CELEBRATED, 97-YEAR-OLD PAINTER WHO HELPED SHAPE NYC’S ARTS SCENE.
BY NICOLE IANNIELLO
In a real New York City moment in a fifth-floor walkup loft on the Bowery, artist Carmen Cicero and I find ourselves enveloped in the warm light of his studio, where vibrant canvases tell tales of tragedy and triumph. A long life punctuated by vibrant colors and dramatic turns, the 97-year-old Cicero’s journey is as dynamic as the paintings that line the walls of this serene space in which he’s lived for more than 50 years.
Cicero—who yes, still climbs all those stairs every time he comes home— recounts the day that his parallel paths as musician and painter became tragically intertwined when a devastating fire claimed both his cherished clarinet and about 40 of his early artworks. Yet, from these ashes in New Jersey a phoenix of creative fervor rose, propelling him to the energetic streets of the Bowery in 1971, where his artistic soul found new resonance in Lower Manhattan. His resilience in the face of such a devastating loss is a testament to his indomitable spirit and serves as a beacon of
inspiration for all.
Our conversation meanders through the realms of inspiration that fuel Cicero’s work. “Nature and human experience intersect at a vivid junction of reality and abstraction,” he says. The artist describes his creative process as a ballet of spontaneity and contemplation—stretching canvases, mixing gesso, and allowing his unconscious to guide the brush without intellectual interference. This method births a flow of images and colors that speak in a language only color can articulate—near, far, emotional, detached— each hue playing its part in the symphony of the canvas.
Cicero’s eyes light up as he recounts an unexpected encounter that led to the inclusion of one of his paintings in a show at the prestigious Guggenheim Museum. It was a chance meeting with the museum director—and a fortuitous compliment from the legendary Joan Miró—that resulted in an exchange of artworks and highlights a pivotal moment in his career. This story, woven with threads of admiration and artistic validation, underscores the serendipitous
Carmen Cicero in his Bowery loft last year
6 Downstate Art Galleries to Visit This Summer
HAMPTONS MANHATTAN
Mercer Labs
Experience Roy Nachum’s groundbreaking art (he’s the man behind Rihanna’s Anti album cover) at Mercer Labs, one of the worldwide immersive experiences bringing the art world to the masses. This innovative space showcases Nachum’s thoughtprovoking works, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a fresh and inspiring artistic journey. mercerlabs.com • 21 Dey Street
Margot Samel Gallery
Enter the surreal landscape of artist Miguel Cardenas when his enchanting exhibition “Shadow Garden” (starting Aug. 2) lands at Margot Samel Gallery. Let your imagination run wild as you explore his vivid, masterful works that blend fantastical beast imagery and abstract forms to create an otherworldly garden you won’t forget. margotsamel.com • 295 Church Street
Westwood Gallery
Don’t miss the Westwood Gallery, a cultural landmark since 1995 that’s renowned for its dynamic and diverse exhibitions. While you may not always find Carmen Cicero’s works on the wall, they are a valued part of the gallery’s collection. Current exhibits include “Boris Lurie: 100 Years” (July 18-27) and Kimiko Fujimura (starting Sept. 5). westwoodgallery.com • 262 Bowery
James Katsipis Photography Gallery
Discover the mesmerizing world of Montauk’s oceanic beauty at the new James Katsipis Photography Gallery. This captivating space showcases Katsipis’ stunning fine art photography, custom surfboards and unique series of limited-edition works, all celebrating the essence of his Hamptons hometown. jameskatsipis.com • 742 Montauk Highway, Montauk
The Montauk Beach House
Explore the rich visual history of Jesse Frohman’s illustrious photography career at Montauk Beach House exhibit “Where Elegance Blossoms” (July 19-Aug. 2), which features iconic portraits, delicate florals and a newly shot horse series, all showcasing Frohman’s distinctive style that blends timeless elegance with contemporary flair. Later this summer, return for “Here, There, Everywhere,” featuring the captivating works of renowned photographer Ruvan Wijesooriya (Aug. 2-8). Both exhibits were curated by Nicole Ianniello. thembh.com 55 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk
Lisa Perry’s Onna House
Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving world of women artists at Lisa Perry’s Onna House, a private home open by appointment only; visitors can book by emailing info@onnahouse.com. Each visit offers a unique experience with rotating exhibitions that celebrate female creativity. onnahouse.com • East Hampton
nature of life and art, leaving us in awe of the unpredictable paths that creativity can lead us on.
When we spoke, Cicero brimmed with excitement for numerous projects, including a Joshua Charow exhibition at NYC’s Westwood Gallery that ran through July 13 and included some of Cicero’s latest works. There’s also a book in the works with Abbeville Press that features his drawings and watercolors to offer a deeper insight into his creative process. And finally, his story will also reach audiences through a new video by Charow, adding a multimedia dimension to his artistic narrative (a clip of the video went viral on TikTok and Instagram). The anticipation for these projects is palpable.
As our dialogue deepens, Cicero shares philosophical musings on the role of an artist in society. “Every artist desires their work to be seen and admired,” he says. Yet, he acknowledges a spectrum where some yearn for fame while others shun it, focusing solely on the art itself. This reflection provides a glimpse into the diverse motivations that drive artists, revealing Cicero’s keen insight into the emotional and intellectual currents that underpin the artistic community. To creatives considering diving into the art world, Cicero offers some self-serving advice, tempered with a laugh: “Don’t do it—you’re competition,” he chuckles. Though meant as a joke, his advice is an acknowledgment of today’s challenging art scene, vastly different from when he began his journey. Yet, beneath his jest is a serious undertone, encouraging persistence and resilience in the face of inevitable challenges.
Cicero remains a beacon of inspiration, not just for his vivid use of color and form but for his resilience and philosophical depth. As our time together concludes, I am left with a richer understanding of an artist who has not only witnessed the evolution of the New York art scene but has also shaped it with his distinctive palette and indomitable spirit.
Nicole Ianniello is an art curator in NYC and can be reached at nicole@ nicolemarienyc or nicolemarienyc.com
Heavenly Spirits
SACRED SIPS ARE THE NAME OF THE GAME AT HUDSON’S HOT NEW COCKTAIL BAR THE HEREAFTER.
BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX
Will we all go on to enjoy the heavenly Hereafter and its celestial delights?
Well, if you’re anywhere near Hudson, you can savor afterlifeworthy libations as a mortal firmly planted on Earth.
Partners Jeremy Dubroff and Isi Laborde have opened up a conceptual cocktail emporium at 721 Columbia Street in Hudson that feels firmly rooted here in Upstate New York, even as it draws inspiration and flavors from the Big Apple’s food and beverage scene. The pair are transplants from New York City, landing here the way so many do—by way of a serendipitous weekend in the country.
“We were up here visiting friends and loved the vibe and the town of Hudson itself,” says Dubroff, who was born and raised in New York City. Both he and Laborde had years of experience working in the hospitality game downstate in the boroughs, with Laborde also paying her dues as a film and stage actress (she had roles in Jay-Z’s music video “Smile,” Paramount’s Younger, and
onstage at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club).
“Isi and I met working at Blueprint,” Dubroff says of the upscale Park Slope lounge where he spent seven years as an operating partner—during his tenure, it became a draw for its meticulously crafted cocktails and thoughtful bites. “We always planned to open our own bar, and we considered doing it in Brooklyn. But once we discovered Hudson, we knew we wanted to do it here.”
They were eager, but patient, taking the time (about six months, in the end) to find a space that felt just right.
“Several places that we liked either fell through or weren’t totally feasible,” Dubroff says. Then, one day, the duo ventured just off the beaten track and noticed a small shop on Columbia Street. “It was a little beat up—we actually didn’t think it would work—but we checked it out,” Dubroff continues. “Once we were inside, we realized that with work it could be a nice, interesting space, especially with the additional back area that we built out for storage and our kitchen operation.”
Previously, the space was occupied by Golden Grains Pizza—not exactly the vibe they were going for. So they enlisted Christian
Garnett, who they met through an old business partner of Dubroff’s, to collaborate with them on a gut reno. Garnett, an artist as much as a craftsman, has helped design dozens of progressive hospitality spaces—including NYC’s Pastis, Balthazar and Morandi, bastions of chic that are somehow both trendy and timeless. Since it opened earlier this year, The Hereafter has been off to the races, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about bars in Hudson, a true hotspot that never feels overcrowded thanks to the carefully calibrated seating and bar area.
The bar occupies the former pizza oven perch, and serves as the visual and physical anchor to the space. The bar is made from walnut wood polished until it gleams, with copper-plated panels and fabricated blue steel. On the beautifully lit coppergolden back shelves, even the most knowledgeable cocktailers will find the esoteric mix of classic, obscure and hyper-local spirits (think Little City Vermouth, Faccia Brutto Spirits, Branchwater Farm) refreshing.
Reclaimed white oak wood and materials (such as wainscoting) were used whenever possible to build out booths and banquette seating.
“We wanted it to be a gorgeous space that also felt like a classic, timeless bar,” Dubroff says. “And we wanted it to be approachable.”
After all, it’s—at least nominally—all about the drinks.
The cocktails are divided into four surprisingly helpful (why don’t more places do this?) categories: Fun, Classy, Eccentric and Deep. Even the Fun category will make you think. Take the No Strings Attached—vodka, cherry shrub, Hiemat elderflower liqueur, lemon,
citrus bitters and pink salt topped with tonic and and orange zest. It certainly makes not committing feel downright aspirational. Come for the Fun, stay for the Deep—Drink Like a Writer is a blend of two Haitian clairin rums, bergamot liqueur, clove-infused honey and coffee bitters, stirred and garnished with a house-brandied cherry. Take this from someone who’s had cocktails with her share of the kind of writers this cocktail is named for—drinking like a writer isn’t always advisable, but in the case of this libation, I’d recommend it.
And once you’re hooked on those cleverly named cocktails, there are still the seasonal small plates carefully curated by Dubroff and Laborde. “Being in Hudson made great food seem essential,” Dubroff says, admitting he was somewhat surprised by he and his partner’s dedication to the edible end of the menu.
The food on tap is ever-changing, but promises to always be as wellcrafted as the cocktails. (Think steak tartare with guajillo chile and sourdough crackers, poached baby artichokes with lemon and ramp gremolata, and potato and liver dumplings.)
And for the thirsty but cocktailaverse, there are plenty of wines (Pierre Caizergues Pet-Nat), beer (Suarez Family River Czech Dark Lager) and n/a drinks (the rotating seasonal shrub soda is refreshing) to choose from.
An evening at The Hereafter feels almost like you’re at a party in someone’s living room. You leave remembering that the décor was tasteful, the food original, and the drinks made with care and real skill. But what sticks with you is the way it all made you feel. And thanks to Dubroff and Laborde’s true hospitality chops, that’s pretty dang good.
3 Ways to Celebrate Schoharie County
SHOP
If you’re driving out to Schoharie, you’d be a fool not to visit both of the county’s top shopping destinations. First up is Apple Barrel Store + Café, which Capital Regionites have been making the trek to for more than 40 years. Shop home goods, décor and the store’s signature line of dry foods—and stick around for lunch or dinner in the on-site café! Then it’s onto Beekman 1802, a skincare brand that gained national fame when owners Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge documented its creation on reality TV show The Fabulous Beekman Boys. And, if you time your visit right, you can also hit up Market in the Meadow, the farmers market hosted on the first Sunday of every month outside Wayward Lane Brewing, which takes us seamlessly into our next activity…
Apple Barrel Store + Café
SIP
Wayward Lane Brewing is located on 65 acres of rolling farmland (hence the name “Market in the Meadow”). The taproom is a refurbished 1800s hop house that serves a variety of draft beers, and the brewery’s resident food truck, The Dumpling Wagon, slings all sorts of pan-fried dumplings, plus salads and scallion pancakes, outside Thursday through Sunday. If beer’s not your tipple of choice, check out Middleburgh Winery, which serves reds and whites made from grapes grown on-site.
EXPLORE
Schoharie County’s most popular attraction is calling your name this summer! Venture down into the depths of the earth at Howe Caverns, which offers daily cave tours consisting of a 1.25-mile walk and quarter-mile boat ride. But that’s not all: Come for the fascinating geology and stay for the thrilling Howe to Escape escape room! While you’re in town, you have to check out the Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center, which boasts interactive STEM exhibits on power generation as well as Lansing Manor, a nationally registered Historic Place dating back to the early 1800s.
Wayward Lane Brewing
Lansing Manor
CRL’s Bestie Fest
JUNE 11 | THE HANGAR AT 743
All we can say is “WOW.” Presented by Geek Support, our 2024 Bestie Fest, an annual party at which we honored the winners of this year’s CAPITAL REGION LIVING Bestie awards, was the biggest and best one yet. On June 11, the CRL team welcomed more than 300 guests—all of whom were Bestie winners and their employees or friends and family—for a night of food, drink and fun at The Hangar at 743. Upon arrival, guests headed for the bar, where Curamia Tequila was slinging signature drinks, with wine from Freixenet, spirits from Higher Ground Distilling and beer from Brown’s Brewing and DeCrescente Distributing also available. Dinner was a hodgepodge of dishes from Bestie-winning restaurants Illusive, Sake, Gershon’s Deli, West Ave Chicken and Pizza, D’Raymonds, Yanni’s Too, Cardona’s Market, Fin Your Fishmonger, Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen, Prima Pizza and Swifty’s, with treats from Bella Napoli for dessert.
After dinner, Bestie-winning singer (and rising high school senior!) Kelsey Dodd took the stage to sing two songs: “I Can Go The Distance” from Hercules and “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Bestie-winning news anchors Lydia Kulbida and Christina Arangio from NEWS10 ABC took it from there, presenting plaques to all the winning businesses in attendance. Before the night ended, guests made sure to pose for photos in the Music Man Entertainment photobooth; stop by tables manned by representatives from CDPHP, Enchanting Escapes and Trustco; and get their glass of Champagne filled by aerialists from Bestie-winning Good Karma Studio, who were seen twirling on silks and lyra hoop all evening. On their way out the door, guests grabbed a swag bag filled with goodies from—you guessed it—more than 30 Bestie-winning local businesses.
Hudson Humane Society’s Gala for Animals
REGION LIVING ’s Pop-up Party at Yanni’s Too APRIL 25 COEYMANS
Park & Elm
Whether you need breakfast, lunch or dinner—or a handful of ingredients to make your own delicious meal—Park & Elm has you covered.
Opened in late 2022, the Glens Falls establishment is a market, deli and restaurant, all under one roof. “I wanted to create a larger and more modern restaurant concept with broader appeal than our former space at The Park Theater,” says Operations Manager Ben Miller of the now-closed fine-dining restaurant Doc’s, which was operated by Park & Elm’s parent company, Park Street Hospitality. “The dining room and market were designed to complement each other while filling different needs within the community.”
When you walk into the shared lobby and turn into the market, you’ll find a foodie’s paradise stocked with locally sourced produce, frozen seafood, curated butcher offerings, house-baked bread and pastries (did someone say focaccia?!), local and imported cheeses, and specialty goods. There’s also a deli counter at which you can order house-made salads, side dishes and cold gourmet meals to go, as well as made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, subs and more. “That has really opened our business up to a whole new audience,” Miller says of the market, which is open 7am-8pm Tuesday-Sunday. “Our background was fine dining, but not everyone wants to spend $55 per person to go out to dinner each week.”
Of course, Miller and his team haven’t given up on the world of fine dining—they just modified their approach. A month after opening the market, Park & Elm unveiled its dining room, open 5-9pm Tuesday-Thursday and 5-10pm Friday-Saturday, with happy hour specials running at the bar from 5-6pm as well as 8pm-close. “For the dining room,” Miller says, “we kept our staff and all of the pieces of Doc’s Restaurant that the community loved—great food, an eclectic wine program, top-notch cocktails and excellent service—but in a brighter space with additional seating.” The end product is a casual but elegant space located in a preserved 1900s industrial building. The restaurant serves a menu of contemporary American dishes that change seasonally and showcase a melting pot of culinary influences, from French to Italian. “We always have a great steak, and our seasonal risottos are a house favorite,” Miller says. “But you are just as likely to find an amped-up take on fried chicken and collard greens in the fall, and some Southeast Asian influences creeping in through the warmer months.”
And wait—that’s not all. If you want the flavors of Park & Elm at your family reunion, corporate luncheon or special event, Park Street Hospitality offers an extensive selection of catering packages, available at The Park Theater or any off-venue property. “From large gala events to intimate elopements,” Miller says, “Park Street Hospitality does it all!”
Elsasser’s Beim 111
Did you know you can get authentic Alsatian food (which blends French and German culinary traditions) right in Greenwich? Elsasser’s Beim 111 is the brainchild of Manhattanite and Saratoga sommelier Christopher Bischoff (you may remember him as the Saratoga track bugler back in the ’90s!). Chris has curated an impressive menu including sauerbraten, schnitzel, spätzle, cordon bleu and flammkuchen (crème fraîche-based flatbread). Stop by for dinner and a drink—European wine or Bavarian beer, anyone?—or for jazz brunch on Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended.
111 Main Street, Greenwich 518.531.4777
elsassers111.com
Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen
From its humble beginnings as a food truck at Thompson’s Marina on Great Sacandaga Lake, Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen is on the fast track to Capital Region foodie fame. Now in a brick-andmortar location in Broadalbin, Stacy’s has snagged the award for Best Fulton County Restaurant in both the 2023 and 2024 CAPITAL REGION LIVING Bestie awards; been featured on the YouTube show America’s Best Restaurants, and its owner, Stacy Tecler, was named a “Rising Star Chef” at the 2024 Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival. Is Stacy’s really the best? You’ll just have to see—and taste—for yourself.
101 West Main Street, Broadalbin 518.752.6255
Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen on Facebook
Mexican Connection
After a long day at Saratoga Race Course, it doesn’t get much better than a hearty meal at Mexican Connection, located a stone’s throw from the track on Nelson Ave. The beloved neighborhood hotspot is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, and has been serving homemade Mexican and Southwestern cuisine since 1979. Stop by for a margarita (Mexican Connection won top honors in the category in this year’s Bestie awards) and some tacos or a full-on Mexican feast, complete with house specialties such as shrimp quesadillas, Texas tamales, chilaquiles and pan-seared fajitas.
41 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.584.4466
mexconx.com
With an array of vintage planes on display and a view overlooking the Albany International Airport runway. Your next event will be one everyone will be talking about!
WEDDINGS • SPECIAL OCCASIONS
CORPORATE EVENTS • FUNDRAISERS
LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS
AMERICAN MEDITATION INSTITUTE
The American Meditation Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization devoted to providing comprehensive training in mind/body medicine. In its holistic approach to wellness, AMI combines the best of ancient Eastern wisdom and the practicality of modern Western medical science, offering weekly AMI MEDITATION instruction and easy-gentle yoga classes, in addition to courses and retreats. Under the guidance of its founders, Leonard (Ram Lev) and Jenness Perlmutter, the American Meditation Institute provides practical, step-by-step instruction on how to control, conserve and transform our greatest natural resource—the power of thoughts, desires and emotions.
60 Garner Road, Averill Park | 518.674.8714 | americanmeditation.org
APPLE BARREL
Your favorite Schoharie County destination is opening a second location closer to home. After more than 40 years in business, Apple Barrel Store + Café has expanded to Albany, where it recently opened a new store, Apple Barrel Home + Pantré, in Stuyvesant Plaza. The new spot will focus more on dry goods and Apple Barrel–branded sauces, jams, soup mixes and more, as well as home décor and kitchen accessories. Stop by to pick up pre-made meals (dinner made easy!) and charcuterie boards to go.
GHENT WOOD PRODUCTS
With local roots dating back to 1940, Ghent Wood Products is a third-generation family business that produces some four million board feet of lumber each year. That wood is used in quality products sold and delivered by Ghent Wood, including flooring, mulch and wood chips, paneling, table and countertops, siding and decking. Whatever your next home improvement undertaking is—whether it’s freshening the mulch in your flower beds, building a stone patio, installing barn wood siding on the walls of a man cave, or transforming your bar top with a live-edge slab—turn to Ghent Wood to make your project oh-so special.
1262 Route 66, Ghent | 518.828.5684 | ghentwoodproducts.com
RAD RENDERING
Before launching Rad Rendering, Reed Austin was a content creator in the early days of social media. “I fell in love with storytelling,” he says. “Film-making and photography became my favorite medium for telling the best stories in life.” After years spent working for other companies, Austin struck out on his own with Rad Rendering, and now offers everything from photography and videography for weddings and other events to commercial work and drone shots. Austin’s promise: to capture the most important moments in life while letting you live in the moment. Email him at reedaustin@radrendering.com to get started!
radrendering.com
ZAPPIA & FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY
Zappia & Fryer is a general dentistry office owned and operated by two sisters, Drs. Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer. For the past 15 years, Drs. Zappia and Fryer have provided comprehensive dental treatment for patients of all ages. They believe in customized care in a relaxed and friendly environment. Warm hand mitts, massaging chairs and a relaxation room are comforts offered while you receive excellent treatment with the most up-to-date dental technology. Named Best Dentist in the 2023 and 2024 CRL Bestie Awards, Zappia & Fryer is happy to welcome new patients to their practice.
Happy Days Have Come to Pet Spas (Literally!)
FFor 35 years I have had the distinct honor of sharing a passion for caring for your pets and building an amazing community of clients, friends and colleagues. I cherish Pet Spas and all it stands for. My goal has always been for it to continue long past my ability to operate it on my own. The mentoring and development of passionate people in the pet care industry has been as important to me as caring for your beloved pets, and I’ve always believed that one day I would have my successors.
I am happy to announce that that day has come. I have met a wonderful couple, David and Krissy Day, who have the desire and ability to be an instrumental part of the success and continuation of Pet Spas. David is a former CEO, Krissy is a very successful businesswoman, and they both have a passion for animals as well as the industry that cares for them. They recently took over the helm by becoming the proud new owners of Pet Spas.
The decision and responsibility of securing Pet Spas’ future with a new owner was not taken lightly. Our team embraces this change and will continue to provide the dedicated and passionate care your pets deserve, as they always have—and I will continue grooming the pets on my schedule for the foreseeable future.
I will also be working alongside the Days, introducing them to all of you and helping them get settled in. They plan to enhance services and implement even more. I believe they are the link Pet Spas needs to connect our team of pet care professionals to the ever-changing world of business and pet care.
I have had the time of my life cultivating Pet Spas’ success. I have been honored and humbled by the gift I have been given in sharing your lives, especially caring for your beloved pets.
When I first met David and Krissy, I truly believed it was divine intervention. I was praying for answers for the next chapter of Pet Spas, and they were searching for the perfect fit to embark on a journey of providing caring and professional pet care, which is a passion they hold together.
Please join me in welcoming the Days. I hope you will be as excited as I am for the future of Pet Spas!
Best & Always, Tracy Muscatello
10 Ways to Soak in the Capital Region Summer
BY NATALIE MOORE
July 12–August 18
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical The Rep
What’s more beautiful than a five-week run of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical? Get to The Rep in Albany to see the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical about the life of one of the most successful songwriters of the latter half of the 20th century. Before she was Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a Brooklyn girl who fought her way into the record business and built a perfect life for herself. When that life started to crumble is when she truly found her voice. For special showings of the musical, including opening night, a behind-the-scenes matinee and a Thirsty Thursday showing featuring samples from local breweries, cideries and distilleries, visit attherep.org.
July 20-21
Harbor Jam
Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater
Schenectady’s two-day music festival returns to Mohawk Harbor this July 20-21. On Saturday, DJ MixItUp NY will get the party started before Night Fever, the world’s largest Bee Gees tribute band, takes the stage. Sunday brings DJ Ketchup to the stage, followed by Eagles tribute band Hotel California, which has shared bills with some of rock’s legends and performed for audiences all around the world. As always, food and beverages will be available for purchase, and concertgoers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to settle in and enjoy the show. Stick around after the Sunday concert for a special fireworks display. riverscasino.com
August 7
An Evening With John Legend SPAC
The audience at the Philadelphia Orchestra’s August 7 performance at SPAC is in for a treat. Not only will pop star John Legend be performing some of his greatest hits, but he’ll also be sharing personal stories between songs. The show marks the first time Legend will perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and is just one of many can’t-miss nights of classical and contemporary music during the Orchestra’s two-and-a-half-week Saratoga residency. spac.org
August 10-11
Markets at Round Lake Round Lake
One of the area’s top spots to shop locally made wares is the annual Markets at Round Lake, which this year return to the Saratoga County village August 10 and 11. Dozens of makers will set up stands between Leah’s Cakery and the Round Lake Auditorium, and sell everything from hand-knit quilts and soaps to stunning artwork and custom signs. More than a dozen food trucks will be in attendance to keep shoppers full and focused, and the Round Lake Library’s annual sale of
Harbor Jam
Markets at Round Lake
more than 15,000 books (priced at $1 for hardcovers and 50 cents for paperbacks) will run concurrently in the Auditorium. marketsatroundlake.com
August 17, 24 & 31
Sunflower Festival
Liberty Ridge Farm
This is the stuff dreamy summertime photoshoots are made of. Schaghticoke’s Liberty Ridge Farm will celebrate peak sunflower season on three successive Saturdays this August. In addition to sunflower field access, guests will enjoy farm-fun activities, live music by Harmonic Duo, market barn shopping and festival food and treats. Don’t forget your camera! libertyridgefarmny.com
August 18`
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse’s Annual Fundraiser
The Stewart House
Nearly 50 years after the construction of the Erie Canal increased the amount of boat traffic on the Hudson River, a survey found that natural hazards made navigating the river near the town of Hudson extremely dangerous. An appropriation of $35,000 was approved, and construction began on the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, which was officially put into operation in 1874. That makes 2024 the 150th anniversary of the historic structure, and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society seeks to preserve the lighthouse for another 150 years. As part of that effort, they’re hosting
a fundraiser at the Stewart House in Athens featuring music by Annie and the Hedonists on August 18. Find out more at halps.org
August 18
Trivia Nights on the Mohican Lake George
You’ve never seen a trivia night like this one! On August 18, the Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican will set sail with a boat full of trivia buffs for one of two trivia nights on the waters of Lake George (the first was July 21). Hosted by Luny Tunz Entertainment, the evening will feature a snack bar, cocktail bar and, of course, mind-bending trivia questions for the whole family. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. lakegeorgesteamboat.com
August 24
Albany Latin Festival
Washington Park
The mission of the Albany Latin Festival Association is to promote and develop
Hispanic cultural events to enhance an appreciation for multicultural diversity in the Capital Region. To that end, the nonprofit is hosting its annual Latin Festival—complete with musical performances, a wide array of food options, children’s activities and arts and crafts vendors—in Washington Park on August 24. Headliners of this year’s festival include Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter Taina Asili, salsa/reggae/ hip-hop band Dark Latin Groove, and Grammy winner and Peruvian-American percussionist and producer Tony Succar. albanylatinfest.org
August 28–September 2
Schaghticoke Fair
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
The Schaghticoke Fair is always a good time, with six days of carnival rides, funnel cake, farm animals and big-rig demonstrations. But the highlight of this year’s fair, which kicks off the Wednesday before Labor Day, will undoubtedly be the Flo Rida concert on the grandstand on August 31 at 8pm. Tickets for the show are separate from regular fair admission tickets, and start at $35. schaghticokefair.org
September 8
Pitbull’s Party After Dark Tour SPAC
Ride those Flo Rida rap vibes all the way until the next weekend, when Pitbull will take the SPAC stage with special guest T-Pain as part of the Party After Dark Tour. Kick off the night with classics including “Buy U a Drank” and “Bartender” before Mr. Worldwide himself takes the stage. We plan on having the time of our lives. Fireball spac.org
Trivia Nights on the Mohican
Albany Latin Festival
Sunflower Festival
Life&Leisure
Signs of the Times
BY CHANTAL MARIE | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19
When our grip on reality becomes a little loose, leaning into daily routines and habits can help to bring a sense of balance back to our lives. Remember this as you grow through the transits that are meant to shake your foundation a bit. How do you know what’s real and what isn’t? It all depends on what you choose to accept as reality. Don’t like how things are feeling or showing up for you? Switch up the programming and run a different script. Look at how you can integrate more joy and fun into your everyday life and build a foundation from there.
TAURUS APRIL 20 - MAY 20
This may be a good time to reflect on your social circles and friend groups. Are they aligned with your values and beliefs? Have you addressed the old wounds left behind from past relationships and interactions? Putting the focus on you and your own values and priorities will help to bring clarity and healing to these areas. Returning to our roots and healthy foundations helps us to understand what matters most—especially when we feel lost in the sauce. Spending time with yourself or with a small group of very close friends/ family will no doubt bring peace and realignment to your experiences.
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20
Even the most social of butterflies need to recharge in peace sometimes. Finding solace in safe people and
places is just what the soul calls for when the outside world gets to be too much, and this experience you’re currently in might feel just like that. Communicate your needs with yourself first and then let others in so that you may be supported and held properly. This time is meant to reveal to you what you really want out of your life and your relationships by stripping away the excess noise. Find your purpose in the peace and stillness of your inner self and you’ll find your life shifting outwardly to reflect a new perspective and direction.
CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22
Finding balance in your life between work, play, dreams and goals may be a bit tough at this time, dear Cancer. On one hand, financial standings may be pretty solid with money showing up steadily; however, your long-term plans for the future can be full of confusion and uncertainty. This is not the time to push the issue. Focus on what you can control, and allow the fog around your goals to lift naturally for eventual clarity. Reflecting on what you truly desire and how you want your life to be is
exactly what this experience is for. Make adjustments accordingly and wait for the path to open up from there.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 22
There’s a lot going on below the surface of your beautiful and bold persona at the moment, and you may find yourself having to take a look at the skeletons you left to die in your metaphorical closet. But you are in the right energy space to deal with it all, so go ahead and clean house. This will feed directly into your boosted self-confidence and sense of personal pride. Taking care of old business clears space for new experiences to present themselves, bringing exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishments. As always, shine brightly and watch the world fall at your feet in admiration.
VIRGO AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
It’s in your nature to put others’ needs and concerns above your own—to the point of it being your preferred area of focus, which is why this time period could bring some challenges your way. Relationships may seem “out of reach” in ways that you may not be able to understand and address head on. Instead of allowing this to throw you off too much, turn your attention to nurturing and loving yourself. If you find
yourself cringing at the thought, then this lesson is exactly what you need. In the midst of relational chaos, sharpen your own sword. It will go a long way in benefiting your relationships in the future.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22
Your social calendar may be filling out more at this time and while that’s bringing more fun into your life, your routine and structure may shift as a result of it all. You might find yourself questioning or restructuring your daily habits and activities as well as challenging your ideals behind what is actually important to you in your close, personal relationships. This period of growth is meant to help you identify and clarify what you need and want out of your life and the people in it. What worked before may not be what works now or in the future—so take inventory and adjust as needed.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21
This could be an interesting time period for you, Scorpio, as your interests could present differently now than they have previously. This could mean turning a hobby into something more, dabbling in new subjects that may surprise you, or even losing interest in areas that have long held your attention. This shift is meant to help you explore your desires and open you up to new opportunities and possibilities. It could even impact your future plans and social interactions in unexpected ways. Turning every situation into a positive experience, or at least a learning one, is your special skill. Find the pearls of wisdom in the shifting sands around you.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21
Have you been wondering where the love is? Well, wonder no more: it’s coming for you. We all know you are the embodiment of wanderlust, Sagittarius, and the transits coming up are going to make you feel every bit of it. Your current home and/or your foundational roots may feel unfamiliar or unsettling, and you may begin to question how your past or current situations have affected your future goals and if they are supporting or hindering your plans. Take the time to sort through the noise and don’t rush to judgment. Simply observe, investigate and seek to understand your motivations and feelings around what is showing up for you now. Once you’ve gathered the information, you’ll know how to proceed to find your groove again.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19
You know the saying “run the day or the day runs you”? Well, you are about to get some turbo boosters added to your running shoes that will supercharge your daily activities and increase their return on investment. Your boldness is showing, Capricorn, and it is glorious! You are finally ready to face some deep-seated fears and conquer them in style. You’re ready to expand your world through new explorations, continuing education or even just shifting your perspectives for a different outlook on life itself. You may be required to return to some spaces and places that once felt restrictive or uncomfortable in order to fully move forward unencumbered by past experiences. It’s time to write a new story: Make it a good one.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
Because you like to do things in your own way and time, your spring cleaning era is hitting now. It’s time to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” in regards to most everything in your life right now. Clearing out the clutter—and it’s mostly clutter, if we’re being honest—is going to give you so much more room to expand your energy and create a better environment for the things and people that actually matter to you. It will also help to open the flow of abundance as the energy of money doesn’t like to be restricted or confined. Do the dirty work now to reap the self-satisfaction that comes from a clean and clear life.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
What is this life, really? Who are we in the grand scheme of it all? And does anything even matter? If you find yourself a little lost in space, it’s because you are in a deep self-introspection phase where your very existence may seem small or insignificant. The fact that you are capable of this esoteric analysis means you are the furthest thing from small or insignificant. It means you are brave enough to explore the depths of your own soul to find the answers you seek. What you come back to the surface with will most certainly be a foundational belief that you can hang your hat on and build your new world around. Time to evolve and morph into something incredible, sweet Pisces!
Chantal Marie is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccrystalhealing.com
Thank you to our amazing patients and community for voting us
Zappia & Fryer is a womenowned and operated business by two sisters, Drs. Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer. For the past 15 years, Drs. Zappia and Fryer have provided comprehensive dental treatment for patients of all ages. They believe in customized care in a relaxed and friendly environment. Warm hand mitts, massaging chairs, and their relaxation room are comforts offered while you receive excellent treatment with the most up to date dental technology.
We’re happy to welcome new patients to our practice.
for the second year in a row! 1 Pine West Plaza, Suite 106, Albany • 518.869.1138 • info@zappiafryer.com • zappiafryer.com
Calendar » Horoscope » Recipe » Crossword
Sweet as Summer
BEAT THE HEAT IN RESTAURANT-WORTHY STYLE WITH MEXICAN CONNECTION’S REFRESHING TAKE ON A BLACKBERRY MARGARITA.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz blanco tequila
1 oz orange liqueur
1 oz lime juice
Splash of simple syrup
½ oz pureed fresh blackberries
Lime wedges for rim and garnish, if desired
Salt or sugar for rim, if desired
Ice
Instructions:
• For a yummy rim (optional), squeeze a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, and dip it into salt (or sugar!) sprinkled on a saucer.
• Fill your glass with ice.
• Combine all ingredients (with more ice) in a shaker, shake and pour. In a pinch, stir all ingredients in a glass and add ice.
• Garnish with a lime and serve.
Let’s Go to the Mall
BY NATALIE MOORE
ACROSS
1. Fuel efficiency no.
4. Emerge, as a problem
9. Shortens, as a dress
13. “Now!”
15. Zoboomafoo, for one
16. Home of the first KFC
17. One who controls access to something
19. Ancient character
20. Meet the Parents actress Polo
21. Acid is its street name
22. Song from the ’60s, say
23. “Be quiet!”
25. Long period of time
27. Cochlea locale
28. Wedding words
30. Sing, sang, ___
33. Part of 1-Across
35. Stern and unsmiling
37. “Rad!”
39. Lee Miller of Dance Moms
43. What ___ is new?
44. Airport exits
45. Actress Kunis
46. Actor Baldwin
47. Vicinities
48. Word after poetry or Grand
49. 61-Across’ counterpart
51. 21-Across, for one
53. Abbr. in a birth announcement
54. Plate-smashing exclamation
57. Pink Floyd founder Barrett
59 Cinco de Mayo offering, familiarly
Calendar » Horoscope » Recipe » Crossword
61. 49-Across’ counterpart
63. The Book of
66. Political activist Chomsky
68. Another way to say 33-Across
69 A Capital Region shopping destination, or what this puzzle manages to do three times
72. This location
73. Disguise or contradict
74. 500 sheets of 55Down
75. Greek god of war
76. What to do at Guptill’s
77. Wall and Bourbon, for two (abbr.)
DOWN
1. CRL, for one
2. Exam for HS juniors
3. Fortified castle entry point
4. Ginger ___
5. Instagram video
6. Little devils
7. Leather variety
8. ___ on the side of caution
9. Chuck
10. Short musical composition
11. Ending for klepto or Wrestle
12. Utter
14. Home of Machu Picchu
18. Smooch
22. The loneliest number
24. Harry Houdini’s homeland
26. Death-faking marsupial 28. Thought 29. American Girl product 31. Close by 32. Private, as a community 34. Some Los Angeles athletes
36. Suggestions, informally
38. Rip
40. The world’s 9th richest person
41. Spill the beans
42. Starchy vegetables
50. Religion-ending suffix
52. Bloods, for one
54. Steak brand named after the city in which it was founded
55. Rock, ___, scissors
56. Love dearly
58. Meredith’s husband on Grey’s Anatomy
60. What lions, rivers and engines do
62. Chimpanzees and orangutans, for two
64. Showgirl from “Copacabana”
65. “Really?”
67. Thing missing from vegetarian diets
69 Survivor network
70. “Monkey ___, monkey do”
71. Texting, for short
before you go...
THE POWER OF BELIEVING
BY JOHN GRAY
Henry Hollingsworth was grounded again, locked in his bedroom. It was summer and he should have been out chasing girls and sunsets, but the 15-year-old skipped his summer school classes three days in a row, so now he was a prisoner in his own home. His window looked down on a small pond where every morning at precisely 8am the same older man in a white bucket hat plopped down on a bench with a cup of coffee, a hard roll and his fishing pole. Henry watched the man pull off small chunks of roll, fashion them to the end of a hook and cast his fortune into the murky water. He’d catch a sunfish, toss it back
and repeat this ritual over again.
Today, against his mother’s wishes, Henry grabbed his own fishing pole and snuck down to the pond to join the man on the wobbly bench.
“Mind if I catch a few?” Henry asked.
The man, never taking his eyes off the water, answered, “Not at all.”
The two chatted a bit and Henry confessed that he was a D+ student, doing his best to screw up summer school as well.
“Are you bad at school because you’re not sharp or just not trying?” the man asked sincerely.
Without missing a beat, Henry answered proudly, “Oh, I’m dumb as a box of hammers.”
It was then that the man surprised the lad with this story.
Once there was a boy like Henry who struggled at school. He valued goofing off with his friends more than studying and his grades reflected it.
One day, it was time for everyone to take the SATs. This boy had no intention of ever going to college but took the test anyway. A few weeks later the results arrived and by some miracle he scored a 1480.
Everyone accused the boy of cheating, but he swore he did not. The principal of the school pulled him aside and told him that any child who could score that high, could be anything they wanted in life.
Soon after, the boy started showing up for class, reading his assignments, and applying himself. By senior year he was indeed a straight-A student.
After graduation, he attended college and went on to become a very successful entrepreneur.
Henry interrupted the old man’s story, asking, “So the moral is, work hard and I’ll be successful?”
“No,” the man replied. “You haven’t heard the best part yet.”
The boy waited. The story continued.
A dozen or so years after graduating high school, the boy who was now a man ran into his old principal. He went on and on about his success and thanked the principal for his encouragement—but could sense something was wrong.
“What is it?” he asked.
The principal told him that a few years after the boy took his SATs, the school was notified that a dozen students around the country were accidentally given the wrong test scores. The boy’s real store was 780, not 1480.
The old man looked at Henry and said, “Do you see it now?”
Henry pondered, then asked, “So, he achieved great things because he was lied to?”
“No,” the old man answered. “He achieved great things because he believed in himself.”
Henry grabbed his fishing pole and dashed home, vowing in that moment to do better.
Before reaching the door, he called back, “Hey mister, what ever happened to that guy?”
The old man smiled and said, “He’s retired, has grandkids and fishes every morning at eight.”
