SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
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inside SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
14
14
Cover Story
Fall Getaways BY MORGAN FECHTER
M IND, BO DY & SO U L BY NATALIE MOORE
13 UP FRO NT: B I KE M ANI A
30
URGENT CARE TAKEOVER
50 BEFORE YOU GO: THE LONE FLOWER
B Y D R . C A R O LY N D R I S C O L L , D C
BY JOHN GRAY
35
ADVERTISING SECTIONS
DEN TAL VI SI TS, COV I D-19 ST YLE BY BETH KRUEGER
21 WEDDINGS 32 MEDICAL PROFILES 36 DENTAL PROFILES 40 HOME IMPROVEMENT
13
ON THE COVER: A drone shot of a road just outside Bolton Landing, NY. Photographed by Connor Lind.
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CAPITAL REGION LIVING THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE STATE
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Fish Tacos with Crunchy Apple Slaw SERVES 4 Fish Taco Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder 1 Tbsp. McCormick® Smoked Paprika 1 Tbsp. McCormick® Parsley Flakes 2 tsp. McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper 2 lbs. White fish (cod, haddock, tilapia, etc.), cut into 3-inch pieces 8 Corn tortillas Optional Toppings: sliced Avocado from Mexico, Taste of Inspirations® Mild Pico de Gallo, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, sliced radishes
Apple Slaw Ingredients: 1/2 (8.5 oz.) Fresh Express® Cole Slaw Kit (without dressing) 1 Granny Smith apple, cut into thin matchsticks 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped 2 Tbsp. Green onions, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. Lime juice 1/4 cup Stonyfield® Organic 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt 2 Tbsp. Hellmann’s® Mayonnaise with Olive Oil 1 Tbsp. Red wine vinegar
Switch up your family’s Taco Tuesday routine! Best part? This easy fish taco recipe comes together in about twenty minutes.
Celebrate Family Meals Month™
at home. Regular family meals are linked to higher self-esteem, better grades and healthier eating habits for children.
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley flakes and pepper. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat fish dry with a paper towel and arrange on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with spice blend. 3. Bake fish for 10 minutes, or until cooked through. 4. While fish is baking, combine all slaw ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss with wet ingredients until lightly coated. 5. Warm corn tortillas per package directions. Top each tortilla with a piece or two of cooked fish and top with apple slaw and any optional toppings. Enjoy!
simply healthy 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 learn more. HL_Capital_Living_ad_September_7.625x10.125.indd 1
Nutritional Information: Amount per serving (two tacos): Calories 380; Total Fat 6 g; Saturated Fat 1 g; Cholesterol 100 mg; Sodium 220 mg; Carbohydrate 34 g; Fiber 6 g; Total Sugar 6 g; Protein 46 g
8/19/20 5:02 PM
From The Editors
THE NEW NORMAL
rget Don’t fo e! m to take Fly fishing along New York’s Great Lakes Seaway Trail
B
ack in April, in lieu of our regularly scheduled “spring getaways” section, we wrote about five picturesque towns to travel to when COVID-19 regulations had been lifted. It’s been a long, strange road, but it’s finally safe to get back out into the world—granted you’re wearing a mask and social distancing wherever possible. So, in honor of our newfound freedom, we wanted to revisit road-tripping in this issue. Check out our 15 fall-tastic trips to take throughout New York State this season (think pumpkins, apples, leaf peeping and more!) on page 14, and the best spots for a bike ride in town on page 13. And while we’re (hopefully) through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis, the effects are still being felt in the minds, bodies and souls of people around the Capital Region. On page 30, we delve into the rise of urgent care centers, which have been popping up all around the region and have been instrumental in testing patients for the COVID-19 virus. On page 35, we walk you through your post-COVID return to the dentist, and on page 24, we explore nine ways to improve your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, from journaling and crystal healing to the stress relief of smashing household items in the back of a box truck. Trust us, this is one therapy session you’re not going to want to miss. —The Editors
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UP FRONT
Bike Mania Comes to the Capital Region » With sales through the roof, bikes are now the trendiest form of transport. «
(Bike Shop) BIKE BARN CYCLING & FITNESS; (Zim Smith Trail) SARATOGA PLAN
E
ven though the COVID-19 crisis has taken a heavy toll on most businesses— everything from mom-and-pop shops to national brands like Starbucks—not every industry has suffered during lockdown. Bicycle manufacturers and retailers are having a record year, as people have taken to the streets, paths and trails at a time when there is little else to do. This past March, children’s bike sales in the US were up 56 percent year over year, and adult leisure bike sales were up a whopping 121 percent, according to market research company NPD Group. Now, many major bike manufacturers are completely sold out of their products, and new bike lead times—the time it takes for a bike to ship once you order it—are stretching into late fall. This bike sales roller coaster is playing out all over the Capital Region. Bike Barn Cycling & Fitness in Cohoes saw record sales in April and May, until new inventory from manufacturers dried up. “We’ve seen a huge increase in new customers,” says
BY NATALIE MOORE
Bike Barn Cycling & Fitness; (below) the Zim Smith Trail Edward Agans, owner and general manager of Bike Barn. “People are coming back after taking years off from cycling. They needed a way to stay active due to gym closures and wanting to stay healthy.” Graduate student Jared Short, who came home to Charlton when his school shut down this spring, has suffered from the bicycle inventory drought; he purchased a mountain bike from the bike-maker Orbea back in May, but won’t be getting it until October. If you’re one of the lucky ones who had a bike before the pandemic or snatched one up before bikes became scarce, here are our top three area bike paths we recommend for taking your two-wheeler out for a rip.
MOHAWK HUDSON HIKE-BIKE TRAIL
ERIE CANAL BIKEWAY
In Rotterdam, the Mohawk Hudson HikeBike Trail becomes the Erie Canal Bikeway, which stretches 350-plus miles to Buffalo. West of Rotterdam, stop by Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Fultonville and the Arkell Museum in Canajoharie, all of which are along the path.
ZIM SMITH TRAIL
In Saratoga County, the Zim Smith Trail stretches nine miles from Halfmoon to Ballston Spa. Popular points along the path include Shenentaha Park in Malta and the public parking area in Round Lake (stop by Leah’s Cakery, right next to the trail, after your ride).
Bike from the banks of the Hudson River in Albany to the shores of the Mohawk River in Rotterdam on the Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail. Riding from end to end (a total of 30-plus miles!), you’ll pass through Albany’s Corning and Riverfront Preserves, Colonie Town Park and Niskayuna’s Mohawk River State Park, and even under the Northway’s Twin Bridges.
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getaways fall
Leaf-peeping, pumpkins and hot cider await in the Empire State.
BY MORGAN FECHTER
Sweeping vineyard views from a guestroom at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars
S ummer isn’t officially over yet—well, at least, not for another couple of weeks. But we can still look ahead to the wonderfully crisp fall season, and the multitude of sensational seasonal getaways that are available for the taking. The ones we’ve chosen don’t even leave the great State of New York, so no need to worry about interstate travel restrictions. Simply grab your keys, open your Google Maps app and get gone.
BEACON BED & BREAKFAST 4 NORTH ELM STREET, BEACON
This historic B&B’s central location makes it the perfect home base for getaway-ers looking for adventure in the hip city of Beacon, known for its art scene. It’s a short walk from many of Beacon’s hottest attractions, including the Dia Museum and Beacon Farmers’ Market, or you can simply sit in a rocking chair on the B&B’s porch and enjoy the view. beaconbnb.com
Finger Lakes
GLENORA WINE CELLARS 5435 ROUTE 14, DUNDEE
Boscobel House has 68 acres of beautiful gardens and trails that are open to the public.
Hudson Valley BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND GARDENS 1601 ROUTE 9D, GARRISON
sourced ingredients. Get an early start, and you can even enjoy a price-fixed farm brunch that includes bottomless mimosas. tillystablerestaurant.com
Take a day trip to this early 19th-century, neoclassical mansion tucked away in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Though the museum was closed at press time, visitors can explore the mansion’s 68 acres of grounds, which include gardens and trails overlooking the Hudson River. Virtual museum tours are also available online for those visitors interested in learning more about the house’s history. boscobel.org
TILLY’S TABLE 100 NY-312, BREWSTER
Experience the rich culinary tradition of the Hudson Valley at Tilly Foster Farm & Educational Institute’s farm-to-table restaurant. The institute doubles as a working organic farm and education center in beautiful Putnam County. Tilly’s Table offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a menu featuring mouthwatering favorites made with locally
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Spend the day tasting a wide variety of house-made wines (everything from Rieslings and fruit wines to crisp whites and big, satiny reds) on Glenora’s sprawling vineyards on the shores of Seneca Lake. In addition to making exceptional wine, this Finger Lakes winery boasts an acclaimed restaurant serving local cuisine and lake-view lodging. After all that wine and food, you’re sure to get a good night’s sleep. glenora.com
NEW YORK KITCHEN 800 SOUTH MAIN STREET, CANANDAIGUA
Has all of this time holed up at home left you wishing you were a better cook? Reserve a spot in one of New York Kitchen’s popular cooking classes, during which you’ll be taught recipes and culinary techniques by an expert chef. If you want to impress your friends even further, you can take a “pairing” class to learn the fine art of selecting the perfect beverages to complement your creations. Beer and barbecue, anyone? nykitchen.com
BRISTOL MOUNTAIN 5662 ROUTE 64, BRISTOL
Tilly’s Table: farm-to-table fare
What better place to leaf peep than from above the treetops? Peepers and peepettes looking for a tranquil getaway can take a scenic sky ride on Bristol Mountain’s Comet Express Chairlift to check out the Finger Lakes’ feels-inducing fall foliage. Feeling more adventurous? Sign up for a Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventure and go on a thrilling Zip
Leaf peeping at Bristol Mountain Line Canopy Tour across the mountainside. bristolmountainadventures.com
Central New York
BEAK & SKIFF ORCHARD 2708 LORDS HILL ROAD, LAFAYETTE
Voted the best apple orchard in the country by USA Today in 2017, this fifth-generation business is an apple lover’s paradise. Pick from more than 20 varieties of apples in Beak & Skiff’s picturesque orchard, or visit its Apple Barn to grab already harvested fruit and a cup of fresh apple cider. Visitors can also sip on something a little stronger at the orchard’s 1911 Distillery, where it produces its own its own apple vodka, gin, wine and more. beakandskiff.com
QUARRY RIDGE STABLES 5016 S. ONONDAGA ROAD, NEDROW
Experience the changing leaves from horseback on a peaceful trail ride with Quarry Ridge Stables, located just south of Syracuse. Quarry Ridge’s trained guides will lead you on an hour-long ride through the mountains, during which you’ll be able to view the fall foliage up close and personal. If you’ve never ridden before, don’t fret: The stable offers a variety of trail riding packages for horseback riders of all experience levels. syracusehorsebackriding.com
GREEN LAKES STATE PARK 7900 GREEN LAKES ROAD, FAYETTEVILLE
Sleep under the stars at Green Lakes State Park, known for its strikingly bright glacial lakes. During the day, check out the park’s 10 miles of trails, picnic spots and even an 18-hole golf course. To
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complete the outdoor experience, reserve a spot at one of the many campsites, or rent a quaint lakeside cabin. parks.ny.gov
North Country OLD MCDONALD’S FARM 14369 COUNTY ROUTE 145, SACKETS HARBOR
Channel your inner child at Old McDonald’s farm, an educational dairy farm with fun for all ages. From mid-September through Halloween, visitors can take part in autumnal activities such as pumpkin picking, navigating a corn maze or taking a socially distant “hay-walk” in place of the usual hayrides. Don’t leave without trying one of the farm’s fresh cider doughnuts. oldmcdonaldhasafarm.com
THE WILD CENTER 45 MUSEUM DRIVE, TUPPER LAKE
Feeling wild? Make the drive up to beautiful Tupper Lake to experience what Clarkson University President Anthony
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Quarry Ridge Stables offers horseback riding for all levels. Collins described as an “unprecedented approach to engage people in the natural environment.” While the indoor exhibits at The Wild Center exhibits are closed due to COVID-19, nature lovers can still take the Wild Walk, visit the outdoor animal enclosures and meet an animal friend at Creature Feature @ the Patio. wildcenter.org
ADIRONDACK LOJ 1002 ADIRONDACK LOJ ROAD, LAKE PLACID
Want to go camping, but not too thrilled about sleeping in a tent? Book a stay at the Adirondack Loj at Heart Lake—a rustic, 38-guest lodge in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. During the day, strap on your hiking boots and tackle one of
the many mountains that surround the Loj, and then retire to a home-cooked meal and cozy stone fireplace. adk.org/stay
Mohawk Valley
ADIRONDACK RAILBIKE ADVENTURES 2568 ROUTE 28, THENDARA Explore the Mohawk Valley at your own pace via Railbike, a four-seat, pedalpowered vehicle that operates on unused portions of the Adirondack Railroad’s tracks. Railbike tours generally last about two hours and allow riders of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the beautiful Adirondacks from a unique vantage point. adirondackscenicrailbikes.com
NORTH STAR ORCHARDS 4741 ROUTE 233, WESTMORELAND
Fall fun at North Star Orchards
Stock up on all of your brisk-weather favorites at North Star Orchards, a family-owned orchard, farm market and bakery just west of Utica. You can pick
your own McIntosh, Cortland, Empire and other apple varieties September 18 through mid-October; or take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect future jack-o’-lantern the first three weekends in October. Top off the experience with freshly baked cider doughnuts and seasonal pies available in North Star’s farm store. northstarorchards.com
INN BY THE MILL 1679 MILL ROAD, SAINT JOHNSVILLE
Spend a night or two at this cozy, upscale bed-and-breakfast in the Adirondack foothills, located in a 19th-century grist mill, with views of cascading waterfalls. Expect a peaceful and romantic stay in any of the inn’s private cottages, which come stocked with all the amenities (including complimentary desserts!). Select cottages also include an outdoor hot tub spa, so you can get in a good soak before a night of restful sleep. innbythemill.com
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WEDDINGS Advertising Section
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Andrew T. Frank DMD, PC
1816 Western Ave., Albany 518.456.3551; albanysmiles.com Dr. Andrew T. Frank maintains a very friendly and caring boutique dental practice that always provides the highest quality of dentistry—and is completely available for prewedding needs. Although he continues to practice general
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WEDDINGS Advertising Section dentistry, his passions have led him to the more complex and rewarding cosmetic and reconstructive cases. Changing people’s lives through dentistry with a complete smile makeover “never gets old,” according to Dr. Frank, who has worked with many brides and grooms before their big day. “Today, we have the ability to accomplish so much more than we had in the past. We actually have the ability to provide a completely toothless individual with a ‘third set of teeth’ through the use of implant dentistry. It is so exciting!”
Premiere Transportation
456 North Pearl St., Albany 518.459.6123; premierelimo.com One of the key factors that makes Premiere Transportation stand out is its diverse fleet of vehicles. From luxury sedans and limousines to vans, mini-buses and executive coaches, Premiere is uniquely qualified to meet any transportation need for your special day. Visit the Pearl Street facility to preview the vehicles and discuss your special requests with a reservation consultant. On the day of your special event, Premiere Transportation promises to arrive on time in an immaculately clean vehicle driven by a professional chauffeur in a tuxedo. When the details really matter, you can count on Premiere.
The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club
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The Vista at Van Patten Golf Club, located in beautiful southern Saratoga County in the hamlet of Jonesville, has breathtaking views from the highest point in Clifton Park. The Grand Clubhouse is the perfect venue for either an intimate gathering of 25 guests or a fabulous wedding for 200. Let The Vista’s professional catering team guide you through the planning process for your memorable day. The caring staff is there to help you relax and enjoy your special day, and always offers the highest level of services, meeting and exceeding the expectations of even the most discerning guests. The Vista’s incredible view and culinary delights will make your day one to remember.
ALBANY MED. SAFE FOR YOU. Albany Med reminds you that our 181-year tradition of caring continues. Thank you for voting us best in the region. We pledge to you that Albany Med is safe. We have taken extra safety precautions to give you added confidence. Please do not delay your health care. Visit amc.edu/safe or call (518) 264-0901 to make an appointment.
Video Visits available
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9 Ways to Refresh Your
MIND, BODY & SOUL T HES E CAP I TA L REG I O N CU RES W I L L GE T YOU OU T OF YOU R C OVID-19 F U N K AN D L IVIN G YOUR BEST LIFE. BY NATALIE MOORE
MIND
“Biology gives you a brain. Life turns it into a mind.” –Jeffrey Eugenides, Pulitzer Prize–winning author
I
Stress Fracture is a Smash Hit s stress weighing you down? Do you ever just want to let it all out? Thanks to Stress Fracture, a Capital Region–based mobile stress relief room, now you can. It all started when Jacky Vimislik, now a Rensselaer resident, was living in Binghamton and working in a lab. She and her coworkers were doing a laboratory cleanout day, getting rid of old glassware and anything that was lying around unused, and Vimislik had her eye on a huge, roundbottomed glass flask that had been sitting in a corner for years. “I was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be awesome…we’re just throwing it out in the dumpster…I really just kinda wanna break it,” Vimislik says. To her surprise, her boss gave her the greenlight to do so, as long as she wore safety gear. “As that glass was dropping, and it hit the ground, the noise of the glass breaking had this profound effect on me,” she says. “I had this sense of excitement and exhilaration and this holy-cow-I-just-did-something-Iwasn’t-supposed-to-do feeling, and it felt awesome.” Vimislik’s coworkers joined in on the fun, and after their smashing session, not only was there a renewed camaraderie among people who didn’t normally interact, but the entire lab was also as productive as it had been that entire week. Years later, when Vimislik found herself
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annoyed with a coworker, she remembered the feeling of that flask hitting the ground. “As terrible as this is to say, I visualized this person and threw some glass in my basement, and really that’s the day Stress Fracture was born,” she says. Vimislik created an LLC; designed a logo (it’s a cartoon version of her dressed in a lab coat, pulling out her hair with one hand and dropping that glass flask in another); and had the back of a box truck tricked out with electricity, speakers, a specially made wall for throwing stuff at and a raised roof that allows even tall people to properly swing a bat. But a mobile stress relief experience isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation. Vimislik offers a variety of options for letting out your frustration, from “Take the Edge Off” (a short session when you just need to let off a little steam) to “It’s Personal” (one in which a specific person, such as an ex, is the focus of your smashing energy). “People that are either just going through a divorce or a breakup like to bring pictures of exes or the china they got when they were married,” Vimislik says. “I want to help people break through issues. I often have people write a word on a piece of glass and then visualize it and break it with intention. So when they bring their old china, they’re actually ridding themselves of the emotion of the hurt from the divorce or the death.”
Vimislik also offers custom rooms and scenarios, where customers’ imaginations can run wild. To book a smash session, visit stressfractureny.com.
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New Yorkers Get Mindful With Headspace hile mindfulness and meditation have certainly gained popularity in western culture in recent years, the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought these practices even more into the mainstream. No one is more aware of this than the founders of Headspace, an online resource and app that seeks to improve both health and happiness around the globe by way of guided mindfulness and meditation exercises. The company is now offering a free year of Headspace Plus to people who are unemployed, in addition to health care providers who work in public health. This past April, Headspace even partnered with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on “New York State of Mind,” a free collection of meditation, sleep and movement exercises designed for New Yorkers, who were hit hardest by the pandemic
in its earliest days. Visit headspace.com/ny to get your “om” on. Journaling Is a Girl’s (and Boy’s) Best Friend hen Janine De Tillio Cammarata was in seventh grade, she started keeping a journal about simple, day-to-day things, like the boys she she had crushes on and the dramas of middle school. Since then, the Clifton Park-based author has used journaling to help with creativity, accountability and prioritizing her time, as well as to process the grief of watching her son fight and ultimately lose his battle with cancer. “No matter what you’ve gone through, journaling can be a first, second, third step—part of a whole therapeutic way for you to help along that journey of grief or illness, whatever it is,” says De Tillio Cammarata. In 2009, she co-founded Nick’s Fight to be Healed, a local nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer patients, after her 13-year-old son, Nick, lost his fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. In addition to writing books and running her nonprofit, De Tillio Cammarata now teaches journaling classes in the Capital Region. “People get very intimidated as to how to even journal,” she says. “There’s this concept that ‘I’m not a writer—I won’t be able to do it good enough.’ I tell people that your journal is your own space. You don’t need to edit it, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. The way a journal works is by being honest with it and not showing it to anyone so that you really don’t have to worry about judgement.” De Tillio Cammarata teaches a monthly journaling class at the Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library (she’s been holding virtual classes since the beginning of COVID), as well as courses for students through BOCES and multi-day workshops on journaling for healing, wellness and stress reduction on her own. “Basically, I give everyone tips on how to get started and sometimes that’s all that’s needed,” she says. To start journaling your way to a better you, visit janinedetilliocammarata.com.
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(from top) Stress Fracture; Janine De Tillio Cammarata; (opposite) the Headspace app
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MIND, BODY &SOUL BODY
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” –Jim Rohn, entrepreneur and motivational speaker
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Delicious Detox hen Saratoga Farmers’ Market customers started asking Smoothie Shoppe owners Laura and Rich Holoday how they could get their superfood-packed smoothies during the week, the couple knew they had found an untouched market. “Everybody’s so busy, and they want something quick and easy,” says Laura, who lives in Amsterdam with Rich and their three kids. “But a lot of the time, the quick and easy foods are heavily processed and filled with garbage that can make you feel bogged down.” The Holodays considered opening up a storefront—in the past, they only served smoothies at weekend farmers’ markets and special events—but thought even that wasn’t convenient enough for their customers. Then they landed on the perfect idea: a smoothie delivery service. In November 2019, the pair launched Detox Box Delivered. As the name implies, their endeavor delivers organic, readyto-blend smoothies, packed with dry ice, directly to people’s doorsteps, from Delaware to the Capital Region and as far north as Maine. Customers can subscribe to a customizable 12- or 24-smoothieper-month plan; or purchase a one-time, 12-smoothie box with the flavors of their choosing (think: Protein PB & J, Acai & Elderberry and Matcha & Coconut). There are even professionally designed detox boxes, which come with smoothies specifically made to boost energy and metabolism, help with muscle recovery or keep your gut healthy. The Detox Box delivery process begins Sunday nights at midnight, when all orders for the week are due. Laura and Rich wake up Monday to the orders, and do some last-minute shopping before Tuesday rolls around, and smoothie production begins. “We make a lot of smoothies on Tuesday,” Laura says. “We’re there the entire day— sometimes through the night.” The boxes are then packed and shipped out on Wednesday and arrive to customers on Thursday.
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While smoothie deliveries have obviously been a boon for people who haven’t wanted to leave their home during the COVID-19 crisis, Laura sees a market for her products even after the worst of the virus is over. “In the winter, people don’t really want to
go out of their house and wait in line for a smoothie,” she says. “They want to make it in their house and drink it in their house and not have to carry a cold smoothie around in the winter.” Visit detoxboxdelivered.com to design your very own smoothie box.
Beekman 1802 beauty products; (top) Detox Box Delivered
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Beekman 1802 Gets ‘Ulta’-Famous ince moving from New York City to a farm in small-town Sharon Springs in 2009, Dr. Brent Ridge and husband Josh Kilmer-Purcell have made quite a splash. The couple were the stars of reality cable series The Fabulous Beekman Boys, which followed their transition to farm life; the early days of their skincare brand, Beekman 1802; and the opening of a brickand-mortar mercantile right in Downtown Sharon Springs. Earlier this year, they made headlines for launching a Schitt’s Creek– inspired pop-up shop at the mercantile and this summer, for turning their 60-acre farm into the world’s largest “restaurant,” giving local eateries the opportunity to take over the space for a week at a time during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, Beekman 1802’s small-batch, artisanal products, such as Pure Goat Milk Soap and Milk Bar Probiotic Facial Cleansing bar, were the star of the show, as the business announced it would partner with Ulta Beauty to sell 17 products online and in 400 stores as of August 9. Beekman’s products are branded with Ulta’s “Conscious Beauty” label, meaning they are made with clean ingredients and without animal cruelty. “We already have a slate of new products planned for next year with Ulta that expands on the science of feeding the microbiome of the skin using goat milk as the key source of nutrition,” Dr. Ridge told CAPITAL REGION LIVING’s, partner magazine, saratoga living, in July. “Ulta will play a key role in helping grow and develop the next generation of Beekman [customers].” To learn more about Beekman 1802’s products, visit beekman1802.com.
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Train Like a Titans with Atlas Cards hought playing cards were just good for game night? Think again. This past July, Orangetheory Fitness trainers Mike Altieri and Chris Gross launched Atlas Training Cards, customized decks of cards that give their owners an easy-tofollow workout plan that requires next to no equipment. Here’s how it works: Each deck contains a key card, with four exercise options for each suit. The user assigns each suit a workout, so, for example, spades is overhead press, clubs is a kettlebell swing,
Atlas Training Cards
hearts is a goblet squat and diamonds is a see-saw row. The user then makes his or her way through the deck, doing four goblet squats when the four of hearts is pulled, 11 kettlebell swings when the jack of clubs is pulled and 13 overhead presses when the king of spades is pulled. Each deck allows for more than 500 different potential workouts, and comes with a link to an online database of exercise demonstrations. “Atlas is the Greek Titan god who was condemned to carry the heavens upon his shoulders after defeat at the hands of Zeus and the Olympians,” says Altieri, the director of operations for Orangetheory’s Albany, Rochester and Buffalo studios, about the name of his new venture. “He possessed greater strength, stamina, endurance and resistance to injury than any other Titan. These qualities are what the Atlas Training Cards are designed to build.” The fitness community has bought into the Atlas Card mission, literally, purchasing more decks
during preorder registration than Altieri and Gross had even planned to print. At press time, they had sold more than 300 decks. Though New York State allowed gyms to start reopening at 33 percent capacity, with a number of restrictions in place, between August 24 and September 2, at-home workouts still remain popular: According to NPD Group, March sales of exercise bikes, free weights and benches were up 170 percent, 181 percent and 259 percent, respectively, versus last year. While Atlas Cards definitely fall under the category of at-home fitness equipment, they’ll be useful as people start returning to gyms as well. And return they will, Altieri says. “When the dust settles, and it’s safe to return not just to the gym but to our normal lives, gyms will be busier than ever,” he says. “We all need that coach or workout partner to motivate and encourage us to push harder.” Until then, Atlas will certainly do. To get your own deck, visit atlastrainingcards.com today.
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MIND, BODY &SOUL SOUL
“Inside us there is something that has no name; that something is what we are.” José Saramago, Nobel Prize–winning author
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Turn a New Leaf Massage Is a Hidden Gem f you’ve paid any attention to alternative medicine in the past decade or so, you’ve probably heard of crystal healing. Gemstones have been used in healing rituals by civilizations dating back to the ancient Sumerians, but have only recently become a booming business in the US and Europe. But while crystal healing practitioners come a dime a dozen, Erin Sikopoulos of Turn a New Leaf Massage and Energy Work in Saratoga Springs has remained truly one of a kind.
“I got certified in Gemstone Energy Medicine [GEM] from an organization called Gemisphere,” says Sikopoulos. “There aren’t that many certified practitioners in the country, so I’m one of the few, and I’m the only one in Upstate New York, for sure.” What sets a GEM-certified practitioner apart from one who does normal crystal healing is the type and quality of gems being used in the healing process. “A challenge with crystal healing and the overall market when it comes to healing gemstones is the quality,” Sikopoulos says. “Everybody in the market is trying to make
their material look better than it really is with heat treatments or dyes or lead or radiation. For us in GEM, we feel that those kinds of treatments essentially render a gemstone untherapeutic, energetically or vibrationally.” For that reason, GEM practitioners use only the highest quality gems. Sikopoulos’ practice, as its name implies, combines traditional massage with GEM. After leaving a job in television in New York City, Sikopoulos first launched her Saratoga practice as a massage studio, incorporating gemstone energy work into sessions for clients who were open to it. Over time, the GEM treatments proved so effective for clients, that now, eight years later, it has taken more of a centerstage, with massage therapy work as a complement to it. At press time, Sikopoulos was working toward getting back to in-person sessions following the COVID-19 lockdown and her maternity leave. While she isn’t taking new clients for in-person sessions, she is welcoming those interested in GEM to sign up for a virtual GEM Intuitive Session or her online GEM Meditations and Gemstone Energy classes. To learn more, visit turnanewleafmassage.com.
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Sounds for the Soul ood Karma Studio prides itself on being Albany’s only certified aerial yoga and bungee fitness studio. But if even regular mat-on-the-floor yoga (nevermind aerial yoga) is too strenuous for you, the studio has a more relaxing option: Crystal Bowls Sound Healing Meditations. For six years, Good Karma has been offering Crystal Bowls Sound Healing Meditations on a monthly basis. It’s pretty simple, really: Students don’t have to do anything other than lie on their mat (or rest in the cocoon of a hanging yoga hammock for an extra $5) and listen to the soothing sounds the instructor plays on a variety of crystal bowls. The key to the healing aspect of the class is the vibrations of the bowls. Everything in the universe has a vibrational frequency— including humans. In a 2019 interview
with Shape, integrative psychiatrist and psychotherapist David Martinez-Perez, MD explained it this way: “When you have two vibrating entities next to each other [i.e. the bowls and the humans], the stronger vibration will affect the weaker one; eventually, they’ll synchronize. That’s basic physics.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Good Karma took its Crystal Bowls Sound Healing Meditations outside, offering the classes in Colonie’s Cook Park. One such class, held on June 19, or Juneteenth, raised money for Root3d Healing, a black-owned yoga studio in Albany. And on September 21, Good Karma will close out its outdoor class season with a special Crystal Bowls Sound Healing Meditation class at Saratoga’s Kayak Shak. To sign up, or learn more about Good Karma Studio’s class offerings, visit thegoodkarmastudio.com.
means to them.” Jenkins-Smith currently rents out space at Healing Whispers to two other practitioners, but had a rotating list of close to a dozen pre-COVID. “The mission,”
she says, “is to give practitioners the opportunity to bring their mission to fruition in a way that’s feasible and affordable.” Visit healingwhispers.net to start your path to spiritual healing.
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Holistic Healing, Cowork Style ost people find their way to holistic healing in an effort to better their own life. A portion of those people end up becoming practitioners in an effort to better the lives of others. And then there’s Josetta “Josy” Jenkins-Smith, who went in search of spiritual guidance for herself, became a practitioner and then took it one step further: She opened a cowork space specifically for other holistic practitioners who don’t have a brick-andmortar space of their own. A few years ago, Jenkins-Smith, a Coloniebased software developer, went in search of spiritual guidance, finding herself at a shop in Rhode Island. “As I was meeting with mentors out there, every mentor I had told me that I was meant for spiritual leadership,” she says. “It took me a while to actually swallow that pill, because I was just there for myself, but as I kept going along that path, a year and a half later I realized and I accepted that this was the road for me to go on.” Now, Jenkins-Smith is the owner of Healing Whispers, a coworking space on New Karner Road in Albany, as well as her own practice of the same name. She specializes in the areas of astrology, chakras, crystals, reiki and spiritual coaching, which she calls her “real passion” and interprets as “meeting people where they are in their journey of mindfulness, their journey of spirituality—whatever that
The Healing Whispers studio; (top) Good Karma Studio’s Crystal Bowls Sound Healing Meditations class; (opposite) Erin Sikopoulos performing Gemstone Energy Medicine
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Urgent Care Takeover: Capital Region Edition
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our eyes aren’t deceiving you: There really does seem to be a new urgent care center popping up on every corner around the Capital Region these days. Nationwide, from 2013 to 2019, the number of urgent care facilities has increased by nearly 50 percent to 9,000-plus, according to the Urgent Care Association. And many of these new centers are right here in our community. Offering services and access beyond those of a typical primary care doctor’s office— including extended hours and weekend/ holiday availability—urgent cares are satisfying the need for affordable, flexible and convenient healthcare. This uptick in non-ER options couldn’t have happened at a better time, as the COVID-19 crisis has created even greater need for triage, treatment and testing on a rolling basis that these centers have been tending to.
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B Y D R . C A R O LY N D R I S C O L L , D C For those of you who have never set foot in an urgent care clinic, know that these types of clinics are legitimate places where the endgame is getting you feeling better. They accept walk-ins and do not require an appointment to promptly see a board certified physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. As an added bonus, most urgent care clinics are typically transparent about their costs, and generally cost much less than what a trip to the emergency room might run you. That said, they’re designed for medical situations that require immediate attention but aren’t life- or limb-threatening. In other words, if you accidentally ran over your foot with the lawn mower, an emergency room visit would be a much better option. So what exactly do urgent cares treat people for? The Urgent Care Association notes that the most common conditions
treated in urgent cares are fevers, sprains and strains; upper respiratory infections; lacerations; contusions; and back pain. Most clinics can also stabilize and treat fractures and provide intravenous fluids while offering onsite X-ray, laboratory and phlebotomy services. And many are also offering COVID-19 tests and in-car triage for patients who think they might have contracted the virus. Fortunately, the Capital Region offers a multitude of urgent care options. Here are a few to keep on your radar: St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers are open seven days a week on a walk-in basis and have locations in Troy, East Greenbush and Saratoga Springs. St. Peter’s Urgent Care Centers in Albany, Clifton Park, Hudson and Niskayuna have been rebranded as
WellNow Urgent Care centers. WellNow clinics offer conveniences such as online check-ins and current wait times—and they’re also offering COVID-19 virus and antibody testing, as well as in-car triage protocols for COVID-19 symptomatic patients. sphpma.com; wellnow.com. Community Care Physicians Community Care Physicians offers urgent care services in Albany and Latham. Both locations are open 365 days a year and treat patients of all ages. They’re also providing COVID-19 antibody testing and diagnostic lab testing to those who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–based screening criteria. communitycare.com OrthoNY Urgent Care OrthoNY Urgent Care is intended specifically for orthopedic injuries, sprains and strains. The clinic offers walk-in visits for evaluations, X-rays and casting services at locations in Albany, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady. orthony.com EmUrgentCare Albany Medical Center’s EmUrgentCare provides unscheduled treatment for urgent and nonurgent illnesses and injuries. Open 9am-9pm, seven days a week, EmUrgentCare’s locations include Brunswick, Colonie, Glenmont, Glenville, Guilderland, Latham, Mechanicville, Niskayuna, Rottterdam and Saugerties. amc.edu If you’re worried about the potential for being exposed to COVID-19 at one of these local urgent cares, it’s worth noting that all of the Capital Region’s facilities are taking all of the necessary precautions to maintain safe and sanitary facilities, and are following guidelines set forth by the CDC and local health departments. These steps include up-to-date disinfecting processes in all rooms; and on furniture, computers, door handles and surfaces, with EPA-registered cleaning products. Also, all clinics are requiring both staff and patients to wear PPE and providing it to those who don’t have it. And the clinics have also greatly expanded telehealth services to ensure providers are available for patients who require or prefer care from home. Again, it’s best to call 911 and/or go to the nearest emergency room for catastrophic health problems and injuries. Otherwise, Capital Region’s urgent care clinics are an affordable and convenient option for most healthcare matters that require immediate attention.
GROW HIGHLY-REWARDING CONNECTIONS WITH CHARACTER STRENGTHS WERC’s Constellation Building Virtual Event presented by
JANE S. ANDERSON Nationally recognized author, coach and mentor October 6, 2020 11:30 am - 1:30 pm EDT Virtual Zoom Event Ignite your best self and soar higher in every aspect of life. For Registration: bit.ly/WERC2020 Thank you to our sponsors: Inspirational Sponsor
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cdwerc.org | 518.225.3131
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(from left) Penny Bruso, MS, FNP-BC, MSCN; Antonietta Jacobs, LPN; Keith Edwards, MD, FAAN; Director Jill Goron, MA
(from left) Carol Frazer, LPN/CCRC; Martha Hernandez, BBA; Rosila Sarrosa, C.LT/CRC
The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York in Latham remains the only recognized Comprehensive MS Care Center in the TriState area. The main purpose of the MS Center is to achieve early control of MS with safety, effectiveness and tolerance of treatments needed. Education of the patient, family and caregivers with understanding of diet, exercise and genetic risk is all part of the Center’s ongoing program. The MS Center of Northeastern New York continues to be qualified by the National MS Society since 2009. Qualifications of a Comprehensive Care MS Center:
• Board Certified neurologist with specialty training in MS • MS nurse specialist as certified by the International Organization of MS Nurses • Dedication to MS Care at least 90 percent of the time • Infusion and injection therapies for MS • Education for MS including diet and alternative treatments • Research and publications in the field of MS • Referrals to specialists in urology, ENT, PT, OT, speech therapy and psychological services who have knowledge and expertise in MS • Beginning new study treatment for secondary MS
The MS Center’s qualification as an affiliated Center of the National MS Society is based on strict criteria, which include staffing neurologists with special training and expertise in MS, as well as nurses who are qualified in MS and can provide special services to care for MS patients. The staff is dedicated to serving MS patients with the mission of stopping or reversing the disability with safety and tolerance of treatment. This includes awareness of diet, exercise, Vitamin D and control of infections or other conditions that may accelerate the MS disease process. New and emerging disease-modifying treatment is making positive improvements from disability in MS. The primary objective of the MS Center of Northeastern New York is to correctly diagnose MS early in the disease process and begin treatment to eliminate its progression, thereby decreasing symptoms and disability due to nerve damage. Early, effective treatment may stop MS disability by limiting damage which may contribute to: • Mitochondrial damage from the progression of MS (Mitochondria are organelles that generate energy for the cells except for blood cells)
• Oxidative damage from iron deposition which may speed up cognitive decline • Microglial activation (which may cause fatique, pain and mental fogginess) • Glutamate toxicity (Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is an important neurotransmitter for learning, cognitive function and memory; at toxic levels it may cause headache, anxiety, depression, restlessness, inability to concentrate and insomnia) Undiagnosed MS may cause damage to the nervous system with no loss of function and therefore may not present with overt pathology as the body has significant reserve and may compensate initially; however, after reserve is lost, symptoms may present, typically decades after disease onset. The MS Center has long adhered to the concept of early, effective treatment to stop the progression of MS, which is now the standard care, as published in an important paper in the journal Neurology, Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation in September 2020. The MS Center continues to strive to bring the most up-to-date research, information and treatment options to the Tri-State area. In October of 2019, the Center held a patient education day at the Desmond in Albany, with renowned professors and speakers Bianca WeinstockGuttman, MD, from Buffalo, NY, and Howard L. Winer MD; James Stankiewicz, MD; and David Rintell, EdD, from Boston. The meeting was very well attended with more than 230 patients and caregivers in attendance. Because of the COVID pandemic, the Center is unable to have a large gathering this year. However, it continues to have patient educational programs in the area and currently has scheduled virtual meetings for new patients seeking treatment on September 26 at 10am, October 21 at 7pm and November 21 at 10am. These virtual programs will help patients that are newly diagnosed with MS navigate steps to better understand their diagnosis and treatment considerations. If you are interested in registering for any of these scheduled virtual programs, please contact the MS Center for more information. “Sharing what’s known, Discovering what’s not.”
CONTACT INFORMATION: 1182 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 203 Latham 518.785.1000 www.MSNENY.org
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Mark Friedman, DPM ALBANY PODIATRY ›› PODIATRIC MEDICINE ‹‹ For more than 20 years, Dr. Mark Friedman has provided comprehensive podiatric care for patients of all ages. His primary objective is helping patients enjoy an active and pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Friedman specializes in wound care, heel and arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas and diabetic foot care. Albany Podiatry prides itself on offering the latest in technological advancements and state-of-the-art treatment options, including cuttingedge laser therapy for pain and inflammation. It also offers shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and tendinitis and 3D scanning for custom orthotics. Albany Podiatry is the Capital District’s most experienced provider of Clearanail® antifungal treatment and KeryFlex® nail restoration system for immediate relief of unsightly nails. Over the past six years, Albany Podiatry has built an exemplary team. Dr. Morgan Hebert provides comprehensive in-office podiatric care, as well as surgical care. Dr. Douglas Mason is an elder care specialist, offering crucial care to homebound patients. Dr. Joseph Park is a skilled podiatric surgeon, experienced in foot and ankle trauma and complex reconstruction.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 6 Executive Drive Albany 518.482.4321 albanypodiatry.com
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Dr. Tejas R. Pandya, DPM, FACFAS CAPITAL DISTRICT PODIATRY, PLLC ›› PODIATRY ‹‹ Dr. Tejas R. Pandya sees patients on a daily basis who are suffering from foot pain. His podiatry practice offers simple solutions to help address your foot problems, because no one should have to live with pain. A board certified podiatrist specializing in the treatment of simple and complex foot conditions, Dr. Pandya sees patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, for conditions such as ingrown toenails, fungal toenails, heel pain, bone spurs, bunions, hammertoes, foot tumors, fractures, neuromas as well as for diabetic foot care. Dr. Pandya graduated from Siena College in Loudonville and went on to study Podiatry Medicine and Surgery at New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan. He then completed a surgical residency in foot surgery at Little Falls Hospital in Little Falls, NY. He has served as vice president and currently serves as president of New York State Podiatry Association - Northeast Chapter and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatry Surgery and American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Hyperbaric Medicine Certified. He also serves as chairman for the department of Podiatry at Samaritan Hospital.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 763 Hoosick Road, Troy 855 Route 146 Bldg. B, Clifton Park 518.273.0053 capitaldistrictpodiatry.com
Your Mental Health Needs a Workout Too! Join me on a zoom call starting September 14th at 7pm EST and let’s get mentally fit. No physical exercise required, just an open mind.
The sky is not the limit, your mind is! To register for the zoom call or to contact me for a personal coaching call go to
ANNETTEQ.COM
Class size will be limited. .
How the COVID-19 Crisis Has Transformed Dental Visits BY BETH KRUEGER
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emember when your dentist’s office would call you before an appointment, reminding you to arrive on a predetermined date and time with your insurance card in hand? On that date, you would’ve taken a seat in the busy waiting room next to other patients. Now because of the COVID-19 crisis, that process is no more. So, what are dental appointments like nowadays? Luckily, dental professionals who work in offices or clinics are trained in infectioncontrol protocols (such as sterilizing equipment, sanitizing surfaces and changing disposable items) anyway, so they were a step ahead of the game when COVID hit. Of course, additional procedures have since been put in place to protect both the onsite dental team and its patients. In New York State, for example, dental offices could only perform emergency care at the outset of the pandemic but were then authorized to fully reopen on June 1. “Dentists have a long history of infection control and take extreme care to assure the safety of patients, doctors and staff,” says New York State Dental Association Executive Director Mark J. Feldman. “With the experience, knowledge and equipment gained over the past several months, dentists are well-prepared to safely serve their patients. We encourage you to visit your dentist, as your oral health is vital to your overall health.” Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn, owner of Adirondack Orthodontics—which has offices in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, East Greenbush and Glens Falls—notes that his dental service “has always adhered to all relevant infection control protocols and procedures and required all clinical staff to do the same. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping the health and safety of our patients and staff first and foremost, we have further expanded those
efforts during the pandemic.” Whereas that call you used to get before your appointment may have asked you if there were any updates to your medical history since your last visit, these days you might be asked questions about your current health, whether you’ve been exposed to (or tested for) the COVID-19 virus or if you’ve taken any recent trips. You also may be reminded to wear a mask while in the office except (obviously) during your dental procedure. The office may even ask you to call when you arrive in the parking lot, so it can limit the number of patients it has onsite at one time. Now, imagine that you’re in your dental office. It’s entirely possible that you could be asked to use the available hand sanitizer as you enter, have your temperature taken or review any pre-visit questions. You could also be handed paperwork on a clipboard, along with a sanitized pen, that you either take with you or deposit in a cup after using. Those magazines, toys and other items you might’ve handled months ago in the waiting room? They’re likely all gone. And there might also be fewer chairs or some space cordoned off between chairs to promote social distancing. The dental team itself could be wearing different masks, face shields and gowns, depending on what procedure you’re in for. “We are scheduling additional time between appointments to minimize the number of patients in the office at any one time, and we ask that child patients be accompanied by only one parent or guardian,” says Dr. Berenshteyn. “We require all patients and family members coming into the office to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines, and our waiting areas are closed to maintain proper social distancing. Parents and guardians check in at the reception desk with their child, make any payments due and schedule upcoming
appointments, and then return to their cars during treatment. We call them when treatment is complete to return and pick up their child.” Adirondack Orthodontics also conducts daily temperature and health checks of both administrative and clinical staff and requires all staff to wear protective gear, including masks and gloves, in accordance with local, state and federal health guidelines. Treatment chairs in the operatory have been set to ensure social distancing. Cleaning is done between appointments, and the office is thoroughly disinfected, as per appropriate guidelines. So, the next time you make an appointment to go see your dentist, know that the process will be a little bit different, but you’ll get the same great care you always did. And that’s a reason to smile.
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Gregory Dodd, DDS, FAGD SARATOGA SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY ›› COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY ‹‹ 286 Church Street, Saratoga Springs: For almost half a century that address has provided compassionate dental care to tens of thousands of community residents. Today, our mission to provide access to exceptional dental care has helped us grow to seven locations, including Clifton Park, Greenwich, Gloversville, South Glens Falls, Queensbury and Lake George. Every day, from the Capital District to the North Country, our offices are working to exceed your expectations. Owner Dr. Gregory P. Dodd, along with Chief Operating Officer Laura Perretta, have set out to reimagine the dental office experience. Let’s be honest, nobody really “likes” going to the dentist. Is it painful? Too expensive? Do you feel judged or ignored by the dentist? Inconvenient office times and locations? High pressure sales tactics? Or is there something else that makes going to the dentist just one more chore? Our offices are working to change that experience. Do you go to the dentist every six months only to have more problems every time you return for a check-up? Do you visit your dentist regularly but are still losing teeth, still having pain or living with a smile that you dislike? These are the issues that cause patients to dread seeing the dentist. Our mission is to change that experience. Imagine leaving your dentist’s office happy and confident. Imagine an office you and your family enjoy and trust. Now imagine that office is closer to you than you think! This year has been a challenging time for everyone, but through adversity there is an opportunity to change and grow. Our offices embrace the “new normal”. We are dedicated to blending the art and science of dentistry in a patient-first environment. We are dedicated to your safety and strive to exceed standards. Most importantly, we want you to be able to trust your family’s dental care to our family. Call your nearest location and experience dentistry done differently.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Clifton Park: 518.371.3333 Greenwich: 518.692.9333 Gloversville: 518.725.1031 Saratoga Springs: 518.584.8150 South Glens Falls: 518.792.2187 Queensbury: 518.792.1108 Lake George: 518.668.5457 SaratogaSpringsDentists.com
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Rachel Hargraves, DDS RACHEL HARGRAVES, DDS, PLLC ›› GENERAL DENTISTRY ‹‹ This Ballston Lake general dentistry office focuses on improving the oral health of Capital Region families. The team is dedicated to giving you the best dental care in the most comfortable and professional environment, ensuring that you have the best experience possible. Dr. Rachel Hargraves practices conservative dentistry using state-ofthe-art technology, while treatment recommendations consider your long-term dental health and wellbeing. Dr. Hargraves graduated summa cum laude in the top 10 percent of her class from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Following graduation, she relocated to Miami to pursue rigorous postgraduate training at the Miami Veterans Hospital. A fan of warm sun and bright smiles, she stayed in Florida for several years to practice dentistry in private practice in Pompano Beach, before returning to her
New York roots to practice dentistry in the Capital Region. Dr. Hargraves is an active member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Fourth District Dental Society and Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. She enjoys being an active member of the community and improving the oral health of her neighbors. In her spare time, Dr. Hargraves enjoys running, spending time with her family and reading. Aside from dentistry, her other passion is dogs. As a patient, you will hear a lot about her little chihuahua named Suzy!
CONTACT INFORMATION: 30 Round Lake Road Ballston Lake 518.899.2252 drhargraves.com
ADVERTISING SECTION
ADIRONDACK ORTHODONTICS Adirondack Orthodontics is equipped with the knowledge, technology and passion to address all individual patient concerns. To ensure you are getting the best treatment, the team will review your motivations for seeking treatment, conduct a review of your medical and dental history and perform a thorough exam to ensure that you can make an informed and educated decision regarding your treatment. Adirondack Orthodontics’ goal is to have every patient leave with all the confidence that a beautiful new smile offers! The team at Adirondack Orthodontics is committed to its patients as well as the community and is one of 750 practices across the country partnering with Smiles Change Lives, a nonprofit that gives young people life-changing orthodontic treatment.
CONTACT INFORMATION: 939 Route 146 | Clifton Park | 518.631.9771 1465 Western Avenue | Albany | 518.512.3001 713 Troy Schenectady Road | Latham | 518.724.0770 4 Middle Mannix Road, Suite 100 | East Greenbush | 518.280.8882 88 Broad Street, 1st Floor | Glens Falls | 518.961.1739 cliftonparkbraces.com | adirondackorthodontics.com
Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn ›› ORTHODONTICS AND DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS ‹‹ Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He completed a year of General Practice Residency, which was followed by two additional years of post-graduate orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan. Dr. Berenshteyn, a board certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, is a member of both the American Dental Association and the American Board of Orthodontics and resides in Guilderland with his wife, Biana, a Family Practice PA, and their two children, Emma and Joseph.
Dr. Larisa Takhalova ›› ORTHODONTICS ‹‹ Dr. Larisa Takhalova grew up in Queens and resides in Albany with her husband, Eugene, and son, Michael. Dr. Takhalova graduated summa cum laude from CUNY Queens College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2006. She earned her DDS degree with high honors from New York University College of Dentistry in 2010. Dr. Takhalova also garnered years of experience as a cosmetic dentist prior to specializing in orthodontics.
Dr. Garrison Copeland ›› ORTHODONTICS ‹‹ Dr. Garrison Copeland believes that self-confidence and a beautiful smile go hand in hand. Using his own life experience as motivation, he is committed to providing exceptional care and treatment for every patient he has the privilege to serve at Adirondack Orthodontics. Growing up in Cleveland with severely misaligned teeth, he understood at an early age the significance of having a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Determined to help others facing similar circumstances, he pursued a career in orthodontics. Dr. Copeland earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. He went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Howard University in Washington, DC and upon graduating was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. That propelled him to continue and complete post-graduate orthodontic training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Dr. Copeland returned to Cleveland, where he practiced orthodontics for seven years and was responsible for helping more than 3,000 patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. In 2018, he chose to continue his training at BronxCare Health Systems, where he focused on cosmetic and implant dentistry and was named chief resident. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to rapidly spread both nationally and globally, Dr. Copeland felt a strong call to duty and service. Considering it both an honor and an obligation, he volunteered in the hospital’s Family Medicine Department to assist COVID-19 patients with treatment and recovery. Dr. Copeland’s career goal is to continue to bring light to people’s lives through their smiles.
ADVERTISING SECTION
J. Craig Alexander, DMD J. CRAIG ALEXANDER ›› GENERAL DENTISTRY ‹‹ Dr. Craig Alexander is one of only a few dentists in the Capital District who places and restores dental implants, so your entire treatment can be done in one office. Other reasons to choose Dr. Alexander’s practice include: • He has more than 30 years of experience providing comprehensive, quality dental care • He is a summa cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society • He graduated first in his class from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine • He had two years of medical and surgical training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston • He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry • He is a fellow of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants and a diplomat of the International Dental Implant Association Dr. Alexander treats all patients as friends and neighbors. Watch informative videos with the doctor on YouTube! Enjoy eating again! Smile with confidence!
CONTACT INFORMATION: 739 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush 518.477.1008 jcraigalexanderdmd.com
ADVERTISING SECTION
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section
Garden Time
Various Locations gardentimeinc.com
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 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 online selection to explore what sets it apart from the rest. Call one of Garden Time’s three locations in Queensbury, Halfmoon and Wilton today.
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 a few examples of how Redbud can 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.
All Seasons Equipment, Inc.
60 Freeman’s Bridge Rd., Scotia 518.372.5611; allseasonsequipinc.com
Based in Scotia, the family-owned and -operated All Seasons Equipment, Inc. provides the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff will 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!
Ghent Wood Products
1262 Route 66, Ghent 518.828.5684; ghentwoodproducts.com Fall is here, and it’s time to dive into those
Family Owned for Over 30 Years
Ask about our
RENT TO OWN PROGRAM! Sheds • Gazebos • Garages • Playsets • Outdoor Furniture
FREE DELIVERY within 50 miles
Largest Selection in the Area
GARDEN
TIME
Clifton Park, Queensbury & Wilton, NY
(888) 793-8555 • GardenTimeInc.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section home improvement projects before winter sets in. 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 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 to brighten up your home and create a new highlight that will surely spark a conversation at your next barbecue!
Pattersonville Furniture Store
1664 Main St., Pattersonville 518.887.2741; pattersonvillefurniture.net Pattersonville Furniture Store has been delivering the finest furniture and quality customer service to the Capital Region for more than 80 years. This family-owned and-operated business, located just west of Schenectady, has been helping customers with their furniture needs since 1936. Pattersonville carries more than 30 lines of American-made solid wood furniture. Stop by the showroom to see its wide selection of quality products. Pattersonville Furniture offers free delivery, set-up and removal, as well as financing. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am5pm; Thursday and Friday from 10am-9pm; and closed Sunday.
Teakwood Builders
75 Church St., Saratoga Springs 518.587.2880, teakwoodbuilders.com Having all the comforts of home is more meaningful now 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 operates, the safety and welfare of its employees and homeowners continue to be of paramount importance. Teakwood Builders has set very high standards for its employees and the homes it constructs. 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.
Amsterdam Overhead Door Company 403 West Main St., Amsterdam 518.842.7370; amsterdamohd.com
Amsterdam Overhead Door Company is proud to offer superior quality garage door systems that are professionally installed for residential, commercial, agricultural or
for your forever home projects: We’re spending A LOT more time at home, so when it comes to your home improvement projects let us help with the wood, stone, mulch, fencing (and more) that you’ll need! Making your forever home even better is our specialty. Our flooring and paneling options range from rustic Cherry to Ash to hard, soft and wormy Maple, Red and White Oak to Eastern Pine, to beautiful black Walnut.
Ghent wood products
518.828.5684 • 1262 route 66, ghent, ny www.ghentwoodproducts.com
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HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section industrial applications. Its staff has proven expertise in every phase of garage door selection, installation, maintenance, service and repair. Getting the proper advice when buying a door is essential; after all, we buy only one or, at most, two garage doors throughout our lifetime. The Amsterdam Overhead Door Company is a family-owned business that was founded in 1924 and has an A+ rating through the Better Business Bureau.
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 Fulton-Montgomery 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.
J. Hunziker Paving, LLC Wynantskill; 518.858.7917 jhunzikerpavingllc.com
When it comes to driveway paving, 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 topquality driveway paving for your home or place of business, Jason is here to help—turn to him for all your asphalt driveway paving needs.
Ultimate Roofing
207 E Campbell Rd., Schenectady 518.888.ROOF; roofing518.com When you are looking for the best roofing contractor in Schenectady, Albany, Troy and the greater Capital Region, it is essential
Custom solutions for better living
518.785.5723 californiaclosets.com L AT H A M Peter Harris Plaza, 952 Troy Schenectady Rd
©2020 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.
Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center and Historic Lansing Manor Are Temporarily Closed Check our website for updates or email visitbg@nypa.gov We look forward to hosting you soon with FREE energy-themed fun for all ages
Visitors Center • Energy & STEAM exhibits • Normally open year-round
Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project Visitors Center 1378 State Route 30, North Blenheim NY 12131 1-800-724-0309 nypa.gov/BGVisitorsCenter
Historic Lansing Manor, Built 1819 • A Federal style country estate • Normally open May – Oct FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section you choose one that has a solid business philosophy with the highest standards of professionalism, service, honesty, integrity and work ethic. Ultimate Roofing is a fully certified roofing company that has the best products and the most professional team that is passionate about providing residential and commercial customers with the very best service in the Capital Region. Its mission is to over-deliver and provide a roofing solution that exceeds your expectations. When it’s time for a new roof, call the team at Ultimate Roofing.
California Closets
952 Troy Schenectady Rd., Latham 518.785.5723, californiaclosets.com California Closets creates storage solutions for just about any room in the house! In addition to closets of all shapes and sizes, California Closets specializes in mudrooms, pantries, garages, media centers and more, but lately, because working (and learning) from home has become the new normal, home offices are in high demand. California Closets can create functional workspaces to fit the individual needs of everyone it works with. It all begins with a complimentary design consultation in the client’s home, at the Latham design studio or virtually. Call, click or stop in today to learn more about the endless possibilities.
NY Power Authority 518.287.6391; NYPA.gov
While the NY Power Authority Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center and Lansing Manor remain closed, the grounds of the complex are open and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the scenic views, picnic tables and hiking trails that connect to the Long Path North. On top of Brown Mountain, the upper reservoir has first-rate fishing, a nice walking trail and great views. The Lower Reservoir has a boat launch at Mine Kill State Park, and offers boating, kayaking and fishing. Both reservoirs are stocked with brook and brown trout, and have a thriving walleye population as well.
Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. Various locations; hewitts.com
Hewitt’s Garden Centers, Inc. is a local company specializing in lawn- and gardenrelated 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
This is the place for you. Imagine hundreds of exceptional bath, kitchen and lighting products from trusted brands, in settings that help you envision them in your own home. You’ll find classic styles alongside the newest trends. A friendly, accessible staff offers guidance and detailed coordination to ensure that your project goes smoothly. Find details and hours for more than 40 showrooms at frankwebb.com.
BALLSTON SPA 1 McCrea Hill Road ALBANY 17 Erie Boulevard
HOME IMPROVEMENT Advertising Section • 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
Frank Webb
1 McCrea Hill Rd., Ballston Spa; 518.490.7550 17 Erie Blvd., Albany; 518.455.8833 frankwebb.com From simple faucet replacements to a complete remodel of your kitchen and every bathroom in the house, Frank Webb, with locations in both Ballston Spa and Albany, is your go-to spot. Elaborate showrooms boast working displays and commission-free salespeople who proudly have your best interests at heart. Shop for bath, lighting and kitchen needs at the highest level, including green technology options,
hands-free appliances, the techiest bidets and faucets with every type of spray on the market. Additionally, Frank Webb has thousands of the very best in plumbing fixtures, vanities, mirrors and other accessories. Walkins are welcome, but call ahead to talk to an experienced professional who will tell you what you need to bring in from home for a more targeted, timeeffective shopping experience.
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. Their 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 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 customer its employees speak to, no matter if he or she makes a purchase or not, leave with a positive shopping experience.
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before you go...
THE LONE FLOWER BY JOHN GRAY
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incoln Jeffreys may have been only 7, but he was tall enough to look out of the second-story window of his brownstone to the sidewalk below. It ran north to south on Broadway, in a small town like thousands of other small towns in America. To the left and right of his building, respectively, there was a bakery and a small hardware store that sold pretty much everything. He loved the scent of fresh baked bread—and of course, if his mom or dad needed a screwdriver, all they’d need to do is walk 10 feet to the hardware store. Now, when I say that hardware store sold a little bit of everything, that included metal racks, flower boxes, potting soil and seeds. If anyone in town wanted a windowsill flower box and needed potting mix and seeds, the shop had them covered. One hot August day, while Lincoln sat with his elbows up on the window ledge looking out at the world below, he spied something yellow and white in the dull gray landscape. He tried to dismiss it, but his brain kept nudging him to go down and investigate. When he finally did, bounding down the hard, concrete steps to the street, he saw it was a single daisy growing up from a crack in the sidewalk. It made no sense and had no business being there. This Broadway wasn’t like the many fancy Broadways; it was all pavement and hammered down clay that couldn’t grow grass no matter how hard you tried. Yet there the flower was, popping up and dancing with the summer breeze as if to say, “Hi, Lincoln.” As best he could figure it, someone must have bought a packet of seeds to plant daisies, and a single seed had fallen out and grown. Now, you could say that Lincoln was a lot more mature than your average 7-year-
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old because of where he lived and the things he was exposed to, especially in the summer of 2020. A pandemic swept the country, and everyone was wearing masks and scared, even if they didn’t let on that they were: Even a little boy could see it in their eyes. Then there were the protests and anger on the TV news. His parents tried to change the channel whenever he walked in the room, but he saw enough to know the world seemed angry with itself and a lot of it was over the color of people’s skin. Lincoln looked down at his own brown skin and wondered why its color made a difference at all. He knew from his friends at school, who looked very different than him, that when you cut your knee on the
pavement, the same color came out of all of everyone—red. It was also the color of our hearts. Lincoln knew a little boy couldn’t stop the people on TV from being angry or prevent a virus from making people sick, but that one flower…that he could do something about. So, he grabbed the coffee can full of loose change that he kept up on a shelf
and took it with him to the hardware store. He told the nice man at the counter with the mask on about the flower, so beautiful and delicate, and said he wanted to protect it. “Is there something you can sell me to do that?” he asked. The old-timer in the flannel shirt and ball cap thought for a moment and then took young Lincoln to the section where the shop kept metal fencing. He snipped off a section and bent it into a small square, only about 10 inches on each of its four sides. He said, “Take this outside and place if over and around the flower so nobody steps on it.” Lincoln fished into his pennies, nickels and dimes and pulled out a fistful, asking how much the fence cost. The old man smiled. “Oh, you must have missed the sign out front, he said. Fencing is free today if you’re trying to save a flower.” Lincoln didn’t get the joke and just said, “Wow, I’m lucky.” Lincoln did as instructed, placing the small fence around the perfect little daisy. Over the next few weeks, people walking down the busy sidewalk saw his fence and made certain to step around it. Some even stopped to stare at it, and in such a trying, scary, angry time, it gave them all a moment of peace to know that someone cared enough to do that for a single flower. By late August, Lincoln saw a change in the flower and could tell it was time to say goodbye. Rather than let it fade away alone, trapped inside that tiny fence, he picked the flower and gave it a kiss. He then placed it in a tiny vase filled with water that his mom kept above the sink and gave it to the older gentleman who ran the hardware store. “Thank you for helping me save it,” said Lincoln. Customers standing nearby, who had seen what this little boy had done for the flower that August, were moved to tears. In a lost and confusing world, during the hot summer of 2020, one street in America let go of its anger and fear, and was set free by a little boy named Lincoln.
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