Saratoga Christmas 2022

contributors

SARATOGA CHRISTMAS 2022

RICK COBELLO

Rick Cobello, a professor of Supply Chains and Cyber Security programs at Albany Law has over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology and security solutions. His career has spanned from local and state government to Fortune 5 companies, including General Electric. He has global experience in health care, a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma and Security certifications in CEH, CISSP, and CHFI. He currently is President of Global Cybersecurity Solutions ...and he owns a small apiary and studies bees and harvests honey!

JODIE FITZ

Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club. She is the author of two cookbooks (The Chaotic Kitchen and Cooking Up Fun) as well as a children's book (Fidget Grows a Pizza Garden). You will find her on WNYT with her Real Food Fast Segments and at www.jodiefitz.com sharing her delicious recipes and brand programs.

MEGIN POTTER

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

THERESA ST. JOHN

Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states "was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good, she says.

DIANE WHITTEN MS

Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County where she’s worked for the past 17 years. Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation methods. Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on WJKE the Jockey and WABY Moon Radio. Her bi-monthly column, Know Your Farmer Know Your Food, is published in the Saratogian and Troy Record. Diane has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Nutritional Sciences, and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.

from the editor

Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director/ Managing Editor

cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • 518-581-2480 ext. 201 SimplySaratoga.com • saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

From all the (NEW!!) events downtown to shopping ideas, local crafters to awesome holiday recipes…

We have everything you need right here in the Saratoga Christmas magazine!

And wait till you see my Editor’s Choice… Oh, I’m so impressed by these crafters, and I hope you will be too!

As you know… We love being involved with local organizations to help them spread the word, and this publication came about to help promote Catholic Charities’ major fundraising event – the Saratoga Festival of Trees. Such a fun event and for such a good cause – I hope you make that your kickoff event for the Holiday season, (Preview Reception is Wednesday, November 30!) and I hope to see you at ALL the events downtown – it’s so nice to be out and about again!

Now, if it would just snow... lightly : ))

Our little “City in the Country” truly shines this time of year, and we hope this magazine helps you plan your holiday outings, and you enjoy every page (as always – tons of great stories to read!)

Thank you to all the advertisers that make our Saratoga TODAY magazines possible, and please mention us by name when frequenting their businesses.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Blessed New Year!

Saratoga Christmas

Owner/Publisher

Chad Beatty

Creative Director / Managing Editor

Chris Vallone Bushee

Magazine Designer

Kacie Cotter-Sacala

Advertising & Web Designer

Kelly Schoonbeck

Advertising Sales

Jim Daley

Cindy Durfey

Contributing Writers

Joshua Bishop

Rick Cobello

Jodie Fitz Christine O’Donnell

Megin Potter Theresa St. John Diane Whitten

Photographers

David A Bigler Susan Blackburn Photography @morgancampbellphoto Theresa St. John SUNY Adirondack College Super Source Media Studios

Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

COVER CREDIT:

Bo & Luke snuggled next to the tree, awaiting their feature... in the 2023 Simply Saratoga Holiday magazine!

Luke is on the left, be we all know it should be said as Bo & Luke (Duke!)

Saratoga Christmas is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2022, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Photo by Randall Perry Photography Holiday Styling by Deck Your Halls NY

It Feels Good to Give

COMPILED BY SARATOGA HIGH INTERN, JOSHUA BISHOP

• Operation Adopt a Soldier packs donation boxes on the 2nd Saturday of each month to send out to our soldiers on duty (year ‘round).

Beginning the second week of November they will ALSO be collecting toys for children in need. Drop off your new, unopened toys or contact Cliff for pick up. To get involved or learn more visit 4281 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. OperationAdoptASoldier.com, operationadoptasoldierinc@ gmail.com or call 518-260-9922.

• Starting November 1st, the Saratoga Senior Center will begin the Santas for Seniors program which looks for volunteers in the community to donate toys to a specific senior, to get matched with a senior, contact 518-584-1621 or email seniorcentervolunteer@gmail.com. The center also plans to have a holiday cookie fundraiser, Senior Caroling and Present Wrapping in December, keep an eye out for more information on their website SaratogaSeniorCenter.org

• Chamber Angels provides children’s Christmas Gifts for families going through financial hardships. Kids must be between birth and age 18 and attend a school in Saratoga County if applicable. To help support a child, contact Lori Jones by emailing info@chamberangels.com, you will be given a child’s wish list or can make a monetary donation, all gifts are due by December 1st. They will also host a virtual Silent Auction from November 13th-20th to raise funds and put giving trees up around the county for those who’d like to donate. For more information go to ChamberAngels.com

• The Saratoga Heritage Visitors Center plans to bring back its annual Mitten Tree project beginning the 3rd week of November (to December 31). A tree will be placed at the visitor center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY, 12866. Community members are encouraged to decorate the tree with warm winter items like coats and mittens! For more information go to SaratogaVisitorCenter.org or call 518-587-3241.

• Holiday Assistance at Franklin Community Center helps provide gifts to local children every year with the generosity of the community. To help the cause you can “adopt” a local child or family, host a toy drive, or make donations of toys, books, clothes, games, or shoes, etc. The program runs through December, to get more information email jen@ franklincommunitycenter.org or visit the website

• The Empty Stocking Project strives to embody the Holiday spirit by helping serve hundreds of families in need each year to give them a joyous holiday. The program has already begun connecting schools with parents and caregivers to children in need of assistance, now the Saratoga County Children’s Committee needs community sponsors to match with families or individuals’ children in time for the Holiday season. Sponsors will generously provide their adopted family or individual with items from their wish list and necessities. To get involved visit www. SaratogaChildrensCommittee.org and sign up to sponsor a family.

• MVP Healthcare, News10, ABC and Fox 23, along with the National Cleaners Association, will begin their Coats for Kids fundraiser to help children in need stay warm this winter with donations of new or gently used coats from the community. The fundraiser will run from November 1st-29th. To donate coats drop them off at local dry cleaners in Saratoga County from this list: www.news10.com/community/coats-for-kids or to make a donation through the online forum follow this link: www.news10. com/community/coats-for-kids.

• The Giving Circle partners with Franklin Community Center to sponsor the Adopt-a-Child program, which helps low-income families during the Holidays by pairing volunteers with a child to shop for. For more information call 518-469-6769 or visit the www.givingcircle.org.

• Each year the NY Race Track Chaplaincy’s runs the Sponsor-a-Familyfor-Christmas foundation which gives supporters the opportunity to donate food and gifts for backstretch families in need during the Holiday Season. Sponsors will provide new winter clothing for the children, a toy for each child and a supermarket card for the family’s holiday dinner. All additional gifts are welcome and family sponsorships may be shared. Email outreach@rtcany.org and request to be assigned a family to sponsor, or for more information. SC

Nourishing WORK

WRITTEN BY SARATOGA HIGH INTERN, JOSHUA BISHOP

Every city and town have those little hidden gems that people find themselves going to. It's no different in Ballston Spa with a small but impactful shop known as Nourish Designs. This store and its owner Betsy Phelps Seplowitz, help both Ballston Spa and the Capital Region, with its work with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.

Betsy’s work helps children who can't get meals outside of school and it does this by selling clothing, stickers, and bags with custom mandalas on them, designed by Betsy herself.

She said in an interview, "We sell one shirt at a time, and just keep sending support to the food bank.”

This all started years ago with Betsy drawing mandalas in her free time to destress, and more and more friends of hers would tell her to make something of it - and we can see she most definitely did! She used her skills to draw custom designs for schools in the Ballston Spa Central School District and it put her on the map. "I never had considered myself any kind of artist... so you never know what's gonna happen!" she says.

Betsy would gain lot of experience by working with the backpack program in her kids’ elementary school and it would teach her family a lot of things they would later use in their store. As a volunteer for the backpack program Betsy would pick food up from the Regional Foodbank and deliver it to one of the local elementary schools. Her daughter learned how to read a map to help her mother with those deliveries. Betsy has always had her family to support her.

One thing Betsy would like to do is stay local and make sure she helps people as much as she can. She decided to do this via expanding slowly and naturally. She said later in the interview.

"Eventually, I would like to expand geographically and start doing events further from the Capital District and work down into the Hudson Valley or out into western New York. I would like to be a national brand... But I'm trying not to grow too fast so I can continue to manage it."

Betsy's plans for the shop seem to be helping the store, seeing as how in 2021 she had gotten 25,000 meals to kids and one year later she's now at 126,600 and still counting!

This year, Betsy has added work from other artisans into the store. Some examples include bags made from wool suits and scarves made from Indian Saris. She has proven her creativity on every turn.

Nourish plans to help more children get the food they need, and if you’d like to help with that mission, you can find her at – www.nourishdesigns. com - with a plethora of nice shirts, hoodies, bags, and stickers, all with beautiful mandalas.

Nourish Designs also does custom work. You can find her at 87 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. SC

Upstate NY is Officially Cozy!!!

According to the matchmaking platform MyDatingAdviser.com, we are a COZY destination… with Lake Placid coming in 7th and Lake George coming in 10th (out of a hundred towns across America!!)

Their study compared 170 of the coziest small towns in the US across the following categories: weather, food, and activities. In addition, they looked at data points like average winter temperature, snowfall, cafes, bakeries, and craft shops.

You can find the coziest small towns in the US study here: mydatingadviser.com/bestsmall-towns-in-america/ SC

Save the Date

THE ARTISANS’ MARKET AT BROOKSIDE MUSEUM 21 Fairground Avenue Ballston

Spa, NY

Small Business Saturday, 11/26Saturday, 12/24

Thursdays, 12 – 5 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THE VILLAGE OF BALLSTON SPA WILL SOON BECOME A WINTER WONDERLAND

The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association has begun preparations for its annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting taking place on Friday, December 2nd on Milton Avenue.

The parade steps-off at 6:30pm on the north side of Milton Avenue and proceeds to West High Street. Following the parade, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the back of an Eagle-Matt Lee Fire Company truck to light the tree in Wiswall Park.

The parade will once again spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign, collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting.

To learn more about the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, visit www.ballson.org

Saratoga Festival of Trees

Photo by Super Source Media Studios

dear friends,

decorated trees, wreathes and centerpieces. The small items will once again be “cash and carry.” The Family Day Activities offering of three by one seating of attending can also participate in the crafting activities as well. The Holiday Store be available. We are delighted to welcome you back after a very challenging time to truly celebrate the holiday season together.

The Festival of Trees is the major fundraiser of the Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. to support the crucial services so needed in the tri-county communities in these challenging times. The needs of our neighbors have grown dramatically and will continue to do so in the near future. The current state of funding for human services presents enormous challenges to providers and the people we ae privileged to serve. Please know, that while you are enjoying this year’s Festival of Trees, helping the most vulnerable among us. Thank you in advance for supporting the mission of Catholic Charities

Now more than ever our communities need us, — and we need you!

Sister Charla Commins, Earline Johnson and Bruce O’Connell,

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, November 30 6 – 8 p.m.

Preview Reception: $75 each, under 35, $60. Call 518-587-5000

Thursday, December 1 4 – 9 p.m.

Friday, December 2 3 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 3 12 – 7 p.m.

Sunday, December 4 11 - 2 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY CENTER

Photos by Super Source Media Studios

Programs & Services Offered by Catholic Charities

Each year Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties serves over 5,000 people in the tri-county region through the following programs.

COUNSELING

Individual, couple and family counseling -Intake, assessment and treatment of a range of individual and interpersonal issues provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT OF WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Full range of services to victims of domestic violence and their children

MARY'S HAVEN

A community home for the dying serving persons with irreversible illness who no longer can remain safely in their homes. Holistic hospice care is provided to address the resident's physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

for Saratoga County Head Start children and their families.

SARATOGA MENTORING PROGRAM

Prevention/diversion program impacting youth's academic, social and emotional milieu. Mentors commit to a minimum of two hours a week with their mentee. Family support services are also available.

NOEP

(Nutrition Outreach Education Program) serving Warren County, assisting families to apply for SNAP (formerly food stamps), recertification, advocacy with DSS and outreach and public presentations are available.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Assistance with concrete basic needs (food, rent, medication, automobile expenses, etc.) where needed and feasible.

Programs and services are available to anyone in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, always accompanied by information, referral and advocacy as needed. Individuals are never refused services because of their inability to pay.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 142 Regent Street Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-5000

North County: 35 Broad Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 518-793-6212

2022 Festival of Trees Board of Directors

PRESIDENT Jim Norton VICE PRESIDENT Kim Pacheco TREASURER Paul von Schenk SECRETARY Pam Stiansen

BOARD MEMBERS

Fran Dingeman

Earline Johnson

Christin Mason

Bruce O'Connell

Carol Raike

Steven Stockdale

Catholic Charities, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, is committed to active witness on behalf of the Scriptural values of mercy and justice.

Catholic Charities, recognizing human need at all stages of life, responds to all persons regardless of race, creed or lifestyle, with special emphasis on the economically poor and the vulnerable.

Catholic Charities serves and empowers persons in need, advocates for a just society, calls forth and collaborates with women and men of good will in fulfillment of its mission.

Providing Help... Creating Hope...

Honorary Committee

Agatha Benton

Diana M. Burke

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Albany

Rev. Thomas Chevalier

Kerry and John Conley

Tim and Susan Cortes

Fran Dingeman

Sharon and Stan Drosky Anita Dunn

Claudette M. Farchione

Linda Healy

Nancy and Michael Ingersoll Foster and Kathleen James Earline Johnson Chris and Christin Mason

Ralph Musella and Kathy Blazo

Michael and Kate Naughton Anne Marthy Noonan

Jim and Alison Norton

Madge and Bruce O’Connell

Kim and Keith Pacheco

Chrissy and Cliff Passen

Kathleen Phelps

Michele and Mark Phillips

Helen Porter

Anne Seton Quinn

David and Deborah Quinn

Norma Quinn

Tracy A. Quinn

Carol and Larry Raike

Kristie and Tom Roohan

Sisters of St. Joseph Dave and Chris Stack S. T. Stockdale

Linda and Michael Toohey Drs. Nancy Wade and John Leary

Santa’s Cottage

Celebrates its 30th Anniversary in Downtown Saratoga!

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINE O’DONNELL

They say, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and in Saratoga Springs, that village includes people who make sure there’s always a little bit of magic.

That magic appears in the form of Santa’s Cottage along Broadway every December. The whimsical little green and red house with white trim and arched features seems supernatural next to the sturdy brick buildings of downtown.

This December marks 30 years for the little green house, and it’s undergoing some major, much-need repairs. So as the community awaits the latest version of Santa’s Cottage, the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association wanted to shed some light on the elves and history behind the enchantment.

Meet Michele Erceg, 72, and Robert “Bobby” Giordano, 77. They met during a Tricycle Relay Race in Vermont 45 years ago. Michele had a broken arm and was watching the race while Bobby was racing in it.

“Son of a gun, if he didn’t darn near knock me down running through the relay station to pass off the baton. And that’s how I met him,” Michele said.

“I invited her to Saratoga, and it clicked with her as much as it did with me, so she decided to buy a house in town,” Bobby said.

By 1992 they were married. Michele’s business, Best Dressed Windows in Town, was established, and they were contributing members of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association (DBA).

At the time, the DBA had a house for Santa, but it was no longer safe for kids to use. So, they decided to have a Victorian Streetwalk and upgrade the cottage. “The cottage that Santa used to use was worn out and tired. And since Bobby and I had a relationship with Santa, we had to build him something that was worthy of his presence. ‘I know what we can use for a model. My playhouse!’” Michele said. (Yes, you read that right – Michele and Bobby said they have a relationship with Santa. We had to ask… How’s that possible?)

Photo by David A Bigler, 2016

Michele Erceg and Robert “Bobby” Giordano.

Michele and her dad (left) and her playhouse (right).

Bobby says it started when they were kids.

“You see, we were good little kids, and we’ve kept up with Santa Claus all these years. When I was little, I used to get a ringing in my ears and he would talk to me in my sleep,” Bobby said. “Now, we use Zoom.”

Michele got inspiration for the Santa’s Cottage from the playhouse her father, a master carpenter, built for her when she was a little girl. She connected with fellow members of the DBA, and they started making the magic happen.

“Ed Sakos was a member of the DBA at the time, and we decided to build it together. We literally started right after Labor Day and worked out on his farm part of every day from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. That’s when it was picked-up and brought downtown for the very first time. We got all the building materials donated by a lot of companies in town,” Michele said.

“We had lots of volunteers, lots of big strong men,” Michele said, pointing at one of the photos in her album of the cottage being built.

“That’s the good thing about Saratoga,” Bob said. “People ask me ‘how big is the town?’ I say, it’s a town of maybe 30,000. Small enough where people can get involved with anything if they want to and a lot of people want to,” Bob said.

“It’s nice to have pictures to remind you, ‘hey, look at that! There I am, up on a ladder with a drill,” Michele said. “To remind us, ’hey, we really did do this.”

After 30 years, the time has come once again for Santa’s Cottage to get some much-needed repair and maintenance. This time around, Bonacio Construction Inc. volunteered to work with the DBA and restore the cottage.

“We took the original design and made it more structurally sound, and gave it a nice coat of paint,” Bonacio Construction Project Executive Dustin Wetzel said. “We also gave Santa some new wiring.”

“Bonacio Asset Manager Kate Jarosh and I have young kids. Kate’s are 2 and 6. Mine are 1, 3 and 5-years-old,” Dustin said.

“One of the reasons we jumped at the opportunity is because it will mean great memories of growing-up here in Saratoga and having the kids believe in Santa Claus. We have the opportunity to meet him in this cottage - that has so much history in this community,” Dustin said.

Board President of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association Deann Devitt says preserving this history of the community coming together to create magic for our children is so important.

“This cottage was built 30-years-ago with the hope that children would feel the magic of Christmas by meeting Santa. And that’s exactly what’s happened. This cottage is a reminder that when a community comes together, we can make almost anything happen. We are so appreciative of Bonacio for restoring this cottage, so we can continue to pass these memories down from generation to generation,” Deann said. Michele and Bobby say that passing on the memories and the magic was part of their passion for the project 30-years-ago; and it remains today.

“When I was a kid in Philadelphia, watching Santa Claus come to town there and just getting all involved and excited; ya’ know, that’s what’s happening still to kids. You know, as kids, we are all the same. You look for fantasy. The fantasy and the joy. You look for the right things in life, and you end up behaving a little bit more too,” Bob said.

“When we are outside helping at about 9 p.m. at night, most of the parents have taken the children home, but there’s still a line to get into the cottage and talk to Santa Claus. And most of the ‘children’ standing in line to visit with Santa at this point in life have grey hair. So, children of all ages still come to see Santa. Is there a cut-off age? No, there’s no cut-off age,” Michele said. The latest version of Santa’s Cottage will make its premiere in front of Putnam Market Place on the corner of Broadway and Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs… any day now!

Bob says during his last Zoom call with Santa, he learned the big man in red has plans to come to town and participate in the Victorian Streetwalk Weekend, including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Saratoga on December 1st. For more information, head to www. saratogaspringsdowntown.com

Mrs. Claus & Santa in the Cottage. Photo by David A Bigler.

Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association Presents the 36th

Annual

VICTORIAN Streetwalk weekend

The Saratoga DBA is merging old and new elements for the Victorian Streetwalk Weekend, starting with closing Broadway from Spring Street to Lake Avenue from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, December 1st for a traditional Victorian Streetwalk evening with a live performance from VanDenburg.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet the community and light a 27-foot Holiday Tree. The main stage, cottage and tree will all be located near Putnam Market, on the corner of Caroline Street and Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Businesses will offer open houses throughout the evening and live entertainment, including carolers, ballerinas, musicians, jugglers and more. In addition, there will be events and live music in downtown the following Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, giving the community an entire weekend to enjoy downtown Saratoga at its holiday best.

Local star singer Madison VanDenburg, who came in third place on American Idol in 2019, is scheduled to perform several holiday classics, as well as a couple of original songs, including The Light Of Christmas. She will introduce Santa and Mrs. Claus as they make their way down Broadway. The community will hear from Mayor Ron Kim and Board President of the Saratoga DBA Deann Devitt. The event will be emceed by TV News Personality and Saratoga local Steve Kuzj.

Thursday evening will also include carolers from the Saratoga Soundtrack Choir, Tap dancers from The Dance Lab in Saratoga, ballet dancers from Saratoga City Ballet, face painters, hula hoopers, and historians dressed up in Victorian clothes. Additional performers include Jacksland's Rick Bolton, Sparkles The Juggler, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Six Penny Bit, Saxoclaus, an Album Release with Lucas Garret, and a Victorian Courtyard Performance at Caffe Lena.

Some of the businesses hosting open houses and events include: Common Thread Saratoga offering social knitting. Saratoga Candy Co. will have their character Noel greeting patrons. Howard Hanna is hosting Selfie with an Elfie. Broadway Grind will have a Hot Chocolate Bar. The Scott Varley Team is offering an open house with Santa. Menges & Curtis will have Olde Fashion Ice Cream Sodas along with a magician and balloon twisting. Tailgate & Party is offering free glow necklaces. And the Pink Paddock will have guitar and vocals by Bert Pagano. Impressions is offering a 10 percent discount throughout their store and offering hot cider. Kettle Corn will be located at Spa City Motor Lodge.

The event continues Friday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 3rd from 5-8 p.m. with live music, entertainment, and strolling performers

throughout the downtown area. Performers include Sonny & Perley Duo, John Kribs, Stephen Crouth, Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake High School Choir, Racing City Chorus A Capella Group, Road Soda Pop Acoustic Trio, Saratoga Rowing Association will have a rowing machine contests set up in front of iRun local, and Sparkles the Juggler will also be performing.

On Sunday, December 5th from 12-4 p.m. there will be live performances by Sparkles The Juggler, Jeanine Ouderkirk Duo, John Kribs and Stephen Crouth.

For a full itinerary of events head to the Saratoga DBA website: saratogaspringsdowntown.com.

The 2022 Victorian Streetwalk Weekend is generously supported by the Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District, 4 Pillar Funding, Adirondack Trust Company, SELLIN’ WITH HELEN at HUNT Realty, Violet’s of Saratoga, Star Radio, Albany Broadcasting, Crafters Gallery, Rockefeller Capital Management, Cudney’s Cleaners, Impressions, Northshire, Celtic Treasures, Scallions, The Scott Varley Team, The Broadway Grind, Berkshire Hathaway Blake Realtors, deJohnge Jewelry, The Dark Horse, DZ Restaurants, Putnam Market, Sweet Mimi’s Cafe, Jenn Johnson, Spa City Motor Lodge, the Capital District Transportation Authority, Best Dressed Windows in Town, King Enterprises, G. Willikers Toys, Saratoga’s Best, and Saratoga TODAY. SC

Starring American Idol Finalist Madison Vandenburg

Headlining the Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa Claus

New Year'sFest Saratoga

AFTER A TWO-YEAR ABSENCE, Downtown Saratoga Springs will once again host its hugely popular “biggest New Year's celebration north of Times Square” — with some exciting enhancements being added to the legacy format of past editions. Now billed as the Saratoga New Year's Fest, the event is described as “version 2.0 of First Night,” which for over two decades has drawn thousands to the Spa City for a multi-venue stroll of entertainment, a 5K road race and fireworks. This name change was forced, in part, due to certain First Night franchise terms that prevented key changes planned as part of this revive & reinvent project.

While the Legacy Stroll (aka: The Venue Hop) continues, those new tweaks include:

• An emphasis on nationally touring entertainment

• The movement of the 5K Road Race to New Year's Day and to downtown

• The return of fireworks, now scheduled for 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve

• The inclusion of certain local venues that were formerly forbidden from participating

• The allowance of alcohol

• A pre-Fest kick-off show on Friday night

HIGHLIGHTING THE Musical Lineup

ARE:

• Canadian legends Cowboy Junkies

• 'Dorm Rock' kingpins The Samples

• 90's indie singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines

• The Grammy-winning, Garcia-inspired Deadgrass

• Jazz charts-topping funksters the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

• Nashville's rising star Jenny Grace

• Reggae sensation Mighty Mystic

• Plus: High Peaks Band, Peter Parcek Blues, Comedy, Jazz, and much more…

The five saviors of this sorely-missed City attraction are a unique public/private/ nonprofit partnership of local entities: The City of Saratoga Springs, The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, Saratoga City Center and The 398Group. This consortium provided the proper startup capital and developed the new strategic plan. The 398Group's principal Robert Millis acts as the fest's producer.

The City's business community has since stepped up as well; all “believing in the mission” and whose involvement secures the Fest's sustainability a number of years into the future:

Death Wish Coffee (Title Sponsor), Adirondack Trust Company, Bonacio Construction, Colwell Law Group, Stewart’s Shops, Saratoga Springs Special Assessment District, Hunt Real Estate, DA Collins, Price Chopper/Market 32, Druthers Brewing Company, Holiday Inn, Marriott, The Saratoga Hilton, Caruso Construction.

Pricing is VERY reasonable: $25 ($20 advance) for VENUE HOP badges & $100 ($75 advance) for the VIP Experience. Kids under-16 are free if accompanied.

Track the Fest's progress or buy tickets at www.SaratogaNewYearsFest.com.

@SaratogaNewYearsFest

a Festive

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

Inside a circa 1875 stone church that would look right at home in the world of Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel, some of the most heartfelt, roll-up-yoursleeves, DIY food projects of the holiday season are on display at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lake Luzerne. It’s Reverend Louis “Father Lou” Midura and his wife Patricia’s second year with the congregation, which is very active and supportive. Fr. Lou and Patty are very grateful to be part of this church community.

Creating these elaborate cookie-walled houses is a creative and tasty Christmas confectionary tradition. Last year, there were nearly 30 gingerbread houses in the competition, constructed entirely of edible items. They are a newer piece of the Church’s Christmas Bazaar, which, this year, will include a bake sale, jewelry and crafts tables, a Christmas “trash and treasure” tag sale, and the popular Fishbowl game, with over 100 beautifully wrapped gift baskets ready to be won.

AAlso in the charming Church, you can peruse the personal effects of one of its principal founders, Lt. Col. Benjamin Butler, an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War and owner of The Wayside Inn, a large resort hotel in Lake Luzerne.

Stir Up the Joy. Making gingerbread houses is a delicious memory and seeing how others have let their creativity run wild, is a delightful novelty twinkling with holiday cheer.

A miniature village has come together at the Church with each example of this Christmas craft. It’s a winter wonderland sprinkled with fluffy sugar and coconut snow, ice cream cone forests, Frosted Mini-Wheats’ thatched roofs, peppermint paths, and marshmallow snowmen.

Seeing all these fresh spins might even inspire you to try your hand at the holiday culinary tradition with your own children. And, if you’re quick enough, you might even get to snap a picture before they start devouring their ornately decorated masterpieces!

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Christmas Bazaar, 220 Lake Ave, Lake Luzerne, will be Saturday, December 3rd, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, go to www.stmarysluzerne.org. SC

Editor's Choice

Saratoga is brimming with local talent and Mom & Pops, that deserve our love –all year - not just at the holidays.

Shop Local, Shop Small, Shop Saratoga, whatever you call it - it is what we do.

We are local - and we support our local community.

I love introducing you to new craftspeople we discover, and I’m always in awe when someone can take their dream and turn it into a viable business. If I can help promote that, I will.

With this year’s Editor’s Choice, I bring you a wide variety of local “makers” with great back stories (Thank You Megin Potter for crafting these great short stories!)

I think it’s time to start shopping… if you haven’t already finished your list :)

LA, LA, LA, LA!

It’s a Merry Kitsch-mas!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY @MORGANCAMPBELLPHOTO

Whitney, and her business operations director/husband, Michael, now create and ship a variety of merchandise starring people’s pets.

“Pets are just too pure for this world. They don’t care what you look like or do for a living. They have no societal standards and they’re so intuitive,” said Whitney.

“They bring such light and life to everyone, especially during the holiday season. You’re not lonely with a pet. A pet connects you to yourself.”

MORE IS MORE

A riot of colors in vivid hues and clashing patterns, What the Kitsch Pet Portraits are brimming with lavish ornamentation offering instantaneous emotional gratification.

Entirely self-taught, Whitney’s approach appears radical.

“I don’t overthink it so much. I kind of like that it’s not so realistic. Instead, it’s cartoony and raw.”

In addition to friends and influencers, celebrities have commissioned portraits (including comedian Heather McMahan, TV personality Carson Kressley, singer Chris Young, and others).

Pets + Chitzy + Curated Chaos = Kitsch (Whitney Hawkins’ style)

The artist behind What’s the Kitsch Custom Pet Portraits, Whitney Hawkins, hops through this smorgasbord of life with an exuberant zeal.

As a child growing up with ADD, she had a tough time in school, and went to four different colleges. After that, she floated around, working retail and real estate, and feeling under-stimulated.

What Whitney is good at, she says, is problem solving. That’s when she joined with the most joyous trend in design right now – maximalism.

“Just a girl trying to make her world POP with Art.”

Whitney was in Denver when she saw The Notorious B.I.G. Biggie Smalls graphic t-shirt that changed her life. She kept the colorful, four-block square design for her own design, but replaced his image with that of her maltipom, Chevy, wearing a crown.

“I made it and I loved it. I kept playing around with it. Posted it on Instagram, and it caught on quickly,” she said.

In August, Whitney’s equestrian designer prints, posters, and merchandise sold so quickly she couldn’t keep them in stock. Always available for pop-up events, she attends a plethora of local happenings including Saratoga’s Art in the Park, and Beekman Street Art District shows.

THE SEASON TO SPARKLE

Get your pet all spruced up and ready to outshine this Christmas time.

Customized t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sneakers, and dog hoodies feature your pet as a celebrity, musician, or sports star. Orders made after Dec. 1st incur a rush charge. For an 8”x 8” print, order by December 10th.

Whitney (who designs their cans) will also be bringing What’s the Kitsch to Northway Brewing Co.,1043 U.S. Rt 9, Queensbury on Dec. 17th for their holiday market.

Find What’s the Kitsch on Facebook and Instagram, and at whatsthekitsch.com

Black Friday Special: Saratoga Merch 20% off!

Embrace excess with big, bold designs that have all the jingle.

SumptuousCelebrations

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Since

Our present-day holiday spread is a collage of ancient life and traditions as they assimilated through time. This season, what will you bring to the table?

HANDMADE HOLIDAY TABLEWARE

WITH ANCIENT ORIGINS

By examining excavated pottery chards, we know shaping clay was one of humanity’s first imaginative endeavors. Creating pottery embodies our connection to the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Pottery’s presence at our holiday banquet reminds us of our historic origins.

“When you think about clay and its uses, it really was the first art form and enabled our survival all over the world,” said Rachel Garrison, owner of Round Lake Pottery. “In life, it served as a vessel for water, wine, and oil. In death, an urn for the body’s ashes.”

Inspired by early architecture and carvings, Rachel creates pieces that stand the test of time.

AN APPRECIATION FOR NATURE’S ABUNDANT SYMMETRY

Symmetry is plentiful in nature, history, and Round Lake Pottery. Symmetrical hand-carved designs on mugs, plates, bowls, serving dishes, and more) evoke feelings of unity, order, and appreciation - nourishing the soul.

Beautiful porcelain vessels and urns are a nod to the Romans and peoples of Northern Europe - the Normans of Norse Mythology, and those from the medieval Gothic period.

ART WITH INTEGRITY

In 1976, while an undergraduate at SUNY Plattsburgh, Rachel worked with clay but earned her degree in medical illustration. She practiced the profession for 15 years, before returning to school to concentrate on ceramics and earn a graduate degree in Education. For the next 20 years, Rachel was an art teacher at Shenendehowa High School.

“I’m grateful I worked with the students as long as I did. It’s a passion and it’s very meaningful. It becomes a part of you,” she said.

“I taught my students that art should have its own integrity and to create art for art’s sake. In my heart, I believe the artwork is going to outlive the wallpaper and everything else in a room,” she said.

Adding Round Lake Pottery pieces to your holiday table collection is a heartwarming reminder of lasting memories. Find it at the Saratoga Arts Gallery Shop, 320 Broadway, Saratoga and at the Broken Mold Studio, 284 River Street, Troy. Rachel Garrsion will also be at the Main St. Studio Holiday Market, 786 Charlton Road, Ballston Lake, on November 25th & 26th, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.. To find more of her work, follow Round Lake Pottery on Instagram.

before Christmas was born, civilizations have been celebrating and offering thanks to the Creator and the Earth, with joyous feasting and gift-giving.

IN HIS WORKSHOP, Whiling Away…

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

This is the stuff of modern folklore - the pleasant warmth of well-built wooden furniture. Timeless because of its smart, purposeful construction, the unadorned lines and simple symmetry of Shaker furniture inspires woodworker and Wylie Wood Co.’s master craftsman Ryan Moore.

“Shaker-inspired pieces are something I’ve always admired. Shaker furniture is a big part of the history here because of its simplicity, function, and nice, clean lines,” he said.

MEANWHILE, RUSTIC IS REFINED

The pleasant purity of Wylie Wood Co. furniture makes it right at home in a variety of dwellings.

“I consider the style I work in as rustic refined. It has an authentic antique feel with weathered components, giving it a distressed look. I lean on traditional ideas and incorporate them into the design,” explained Ryan.

“The simplicity is the beauty in my work. The wear adds to the piece, and the story, that’s told years down the road, as it’s passed from generation to generation.”

After dabbling with the fine arts in his youth, Ryan found furniture ten years ago. It started as a hobby but rather quickly became a passion. He began making pieces for family and friends, then requests for commissioned projects started coming in. Seven years ago, with his first child on the way, Ryan opened Wylie Wood Co., and named it for his son, Wylie.

WORTH YOUR WHILE

The sincerity of Ryan’s intent shines through the smooth lines of his finely-crafted furniture. Not strictly Shaker, Ryan’s reach extends into farmhouse, cottage, and even Queen Anne styles. While he gravitates toward a particular aesthetic, he remains flexible, he said, and is always open to working with clients on custom designs.

“The customer can get exactly what they want and not have to settle.”

Because of its uniqueness, Butternut wood is Ryan’s favorite species to work with.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous! It has a very beautiful natural color and dark streaking. They call it ‘White Walnut’ because it’s a soft wood with very unique tonality and a grain that’s almost sporadic.”

COME AND STAY AWHILE

Peacefully peruse Wylie Wood pieces in person at Front Street Home, 6 Front Street, Ballston Spa. See Ryan’s portfolio and his in-stock inventory at www.wyliewoodco.com.

(For your gift to arrive by Christmas, order by December 19th.) Deliveries are made within 100 miles. For those outside the area, furniture is available for customer pick-up. Custom orders fluctuate based on design, but typically take between one and three months to complete.

For joyous simplicity anytime, follow Wylie Wood Co. on Instagram and Facebook.

SC

Beneath the silvery winter moon, with sawdust at his feet, he crafts gifts for the generations.

Jingle Around the Clock

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Peace and quiet pervade the snow-covered mountains, as the hiker communes with nature.

Katlin “Katie” Rhodes, a licensed Adirondack Mountain guide, athlete, and instructor, is right at home in the rugged terrain. Whether she’s trail running, hiking, or cross-country skiing, she needs to stay full and fueled. One day she mixed dark chocolate, apricots, and almonds into her own homemade granola.

By 2015, Katie, and husband, Ken, founded the Toga Nola Snack Company and became “Saratoga’s premiere granola”.

“We feel as if we provide nutrient-dense, high-quality snacks and foods to the community and we will not cut corners,” said Ken.

“Our products are always in my pack,” added Katie.

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Exposing moisture-dense foods to frigid temperatures freezes them. Attempt eating these horrors on outdoor excursions and it feels like biting into a rock (and can even break teeth!) totally ruining the Christmas spirit.

Toga Nola granolas’ low moisture content has been tested in -50-degree temperatures. Free of refined sugars, gluten, dairy, and soy, these smart snacks are quick, easy, tasty, and curb cravings.

To create foods that deliver a healthy balance of good fats and carbs, they use ingredients from companies that “jive with their concept, vision, and brand,” said Ken. “You can really taste the difference.”

Toga Nola’s locally-sourced ingredients include oats from Hillcrest Foods, syrup from Saratoga Maple, and honey from Betterbee, among others.

THE STOCKINGS ARE HUNG BY THE CHIMNEY WITH CARE

Toga Nola’s crunchy, sweet granola clusters are packed with a mix of antioxidant-rich fruits. Clusters come in three flavors, including seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, which is bursting with pumpkin seeds, pecans, sunflower seeds, dried apples, and cranberries.

With three varieties of protein bombs, six granola bars, and a dehydrated Thanksgiving meal (with more meals in the works for Spring backpacking season), Toga Nola’s homemade snacks satisfy the most adventurous appetites. Plus, they are wrapped in biodegradable plant-based packaging, so, when your feasting is through, there will be no trace left behind.

Toga Nola can be found year-round at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the Spa City Farmers’ Market, Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

To buy online, go to www.toganolasnackcompany.com by Dec. 15th and enter promo code HAPPYHOLIDAYS15. There’s flat-rate shipping to the continental 48 states. For updates follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Toga Nola Snack Company products can also be found at Lewis Waite Farm’s Local Food Marketplace, lewiswaitefarm.localfoodmarketplace.com and by signing up for meals from Harvest2Home at harvest2homes.com.

It’s a swell time to go dancin’ and prancin’ in the frosty air! But before you go mixin’ and minglin’ with those jinglin’ feet – pack something good to eat!

HAVE A Cup of Cheer

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

THE INVISIBLE GIFT

Cunning herbalists are intrepid investigators who seek out knowledge. In 2020, Jessica Marcy became an herbalist and began selling Old Wisdom Wellness herbal teas and skincare.

Old Wisdom Wellness is a blend of modern science, ancestral teachings, and natural intuition.

“I wanted to step away from mass produced products and use more natural products with the kids,” she added.

Then Jessica explained how her intuition guides her creations.

“With people, I can see and feel where they might not be completely honest with themselves and about their habits.”

HEALTHY, MERRY, AND BRIGHT

The sacred practice of drinking tea is a ritual seeped in tradition.

Old Wisdom Wellness honors this heritage with teas made from Mountain Rose Herbs’ organic, ethically, and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Flowers from the garden of local grower Hummingbird’s Blooms, and plants that Jessica forages (such as wintergreen, yarrow, and mint) are used in balms, salves, and bath soaps.

Old Wisdom Wellness’ most popular tea, After Dinner Chai, has no caffeine and is made from freshly-crushed cardamon pods, rooibos, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, dandelions, and anise seeds. Another customer favorite, the Rest & Recover blend, was created for a patient recovering from cancer, and includes ginger, nettle, rosehips, Tulsi, and chamomile.

Magic seized Jessica while making the set of charming Harry Potter teas in blends that conjure a Gryffindor’s courage, Ravenclaw’s wisdom, Slytherin’s cunning, and Hufflepuff’s loyalty.

“I went down the rabbit hole and had a lot of fun with that project,” she said.

Find Old Wisdom Wellness at Tide & Purl, 123 Broad St, Schuylerville, and Play Hollow, 40 Front Street, Ballston Spa.

On Dec. 2nd and 3rd, Jessica will be at the Willow Marsh Farm Store, 343 Hop City Rd, Ballston Spa, for their Holiday Market. She will also be co-hosting “Oracle & Herbs” with medium and shop owner Sarah Meierdiercks of Adirondack Journey Inward and mixing custom teas based on your personal reading.

“Revive and Thrive”, a 6-week virtual group coaching program, begins January 16th. Save $50 when you register by Dec. 1st. The popular “Drink to Your Health” Mocktail Classes will resume in the New Year.

For more information, e-books, and to buy Old Wisdom Wellness products online, go to www.oldwisdomwellness.com. Enter promo code LOCAL to pick-up your order instead of having it shipped. For updates, follow them on Instagram.

On a silent night, when all is calm, and all is bright, three wise men bring a holy newborn infant three precious gifts – two of them are special herbs.

SIMPLY HAVING A Wonderful Christmastime

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED

Such a sweet gift to share, cookies made with great care are left out for Santa to nibble when he takes to the air.

“For as long as I can remember, I baked cookies with my mom and grandma - everybody got a tray of cookies at Christmastime,” said Eileen Caliva, founder of Caliva Cookie Co.

Eileen’s mom, Harriet “Hattie May” Hamilton managed an Italian restaurant, and her dad was Italian, so even at home, the family ate Italian food made from scratch. When Eileen inherited her recipes, and those of her grandmother, Eva Marie Hamilton, she was thrilled and fell in love with cooking – especially baking Italian cookies.

It became a passion she passed down to her own kids, Megan (a pie baking extraordinaire) and Joseph “Joe” (who likes to prepare savory gourmet meals).

CONNECTING THE WORLD ONE COOKIE AT A TIME

Baking buttery, crumbly biscotti helped Eileen, a facility coordinator at the Capital District YMCA, when they were forced to close during the pandemic.

“When we had to shut-down, we were heartbroken because we were a very close-knit community there,” Eileen remembers. To stay connected, she started making cooking videos and posting them on TikTok, where she’s now amassed 8,000 fans.

“Everybody was stuck in the house during COVID. It was a sad time. I wanted to bring some light into life and food makes people happy,” she said.

Eileen’s first big order was from Texas, another person with the last name Caliva.

“I was excited we were connected that way. Then other Caliva (who I’m also not related to) started to order. There was this connection that felt good.”

A SPRINKLE OF THIS, A DASH OF THAT

Made with local ingredients, Caliva Cookie Co. signature is the Orange Pistachio biscotti. It’s loaded with nuts, and freshsqueezed oranges, coated in Eileen’s signature orange glaze, and topped with a sprinkling of sparkling sugar.

There are nine seasonal biscotti flavors including a delectable Chocolate-Drizzled Salted Caramel, cheerful Chocolate Candy Cane, and satisfying Gingerbread. Cookies come in varieties such as Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Fudge Walnut, and Caramel Pecan (to name a few).

Locally, find Caliva Cookie Co. at Putnam Market, Buckley Farms, and the Adirondack Winery. A cooking demonstration (with FREE samples of Holiday Biscotti) will be held during Hildene’s Annual Appreciation Days event. Baking classes will be held in the new year at Burnt Hills Middle School and the SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts Center. For updates, follow Caliva’s Cookie Co. on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok @CalivaKitchen, and YouTube.

To order Christmas cookie assortments, gift baskets, and cookie subscriptions, go to calivacookies.com

Scrumdiddlyumptious treats to make the holiday complete.

Photo by SUNY Adirondack College

RING IN THE Zing!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Fizzy, tart, and tangy, Junbucha, the “champagne of kombucha” has a distinctively different taste than that lingering “vinegar soda” vibe you might remember kombucha as having.

That difference is from using green tea instead of black tea, honey instead of cane sugar. These swaps give Junbucha a lighter, more delicate, effervescent flavor profile (and adding floral notes makes it less sour).

“It’s a great alternative to alcohol during the season,” said Junbucha’s founder, Shane Avery. Reminiscent of sparkling cider, Junbucha promotes good gut health with its blend of raw, organic ingredients, amino acids, and vitamins that aid digestion, increase energy levels, and boost immunity.

“You’re getting trillions of probiotic and lactobacillus bacteria to breakdown food and repopulate the gut biome –it supercharges your gut.”

GLADSOME TIDINGS NOW WE BRING

Not overly complicated, Junbucha skips a second fermentation, adds fresh, cold-pressed juice, and pours several servings of the fragrant elixir into jazzy 10-ounce bottles.

“The swing-top bottles are returnable, reusable, and sustainable. We encourage reuse – it helps cut down on waste recycling and, as a small business owner, I try to do my part,” said Shane.

Plus, recap Junbucha and it will keep for months. “It’s only going to get stronger and better for your gut.”

DRINKING SEASONAL CHEER

Junbucha is available in a variety of flavors including; Cherry, Ginger, Matcha, Pineapple Turmeric, Concord Grape, and Jasmine; as well as Spiced Apple and Blood Orange with Mint seasonal blends. It’s sold at eleven area farmers’ markets and online through the Lewis Waite Farm Local Food Marketplace.

Shane, who also owns Earth to Mind Hemp Oil, said every good company needs a set of wizards, and along with his wife, Dr. Sarah Avery, founder of In Motion Integrative Physical Therapy and Moon Cycle Seed Co., there are plenty of staff and volunteers to help them with such a strong regional showing.

“We identified early on that the markets were a great place to incubate our businesses. Because of the one-on-one interaction, we’re getting so much data at such a rapid pace that it really informs our decision-making. Every decision we make is a result of there being a demand. We were really taking a risk, but going to the markets was worth it,” said Shane.

Buy Junbucha online at junbucha.com. Skip shipping when you elect to pick it up at your local market.

Holiday Special: 6-packs are $5 off

For updates, find Junbucha on Facebook and Instagram.

Zing song! Zing song! Christmas bells are ringing, joyous voices singing – it’s sweet and clear!

The Best Holiday Present Ever –The Gift of

TRAVEL

magine this; you wake up Christmas morning to the twinkling lights and gaily wrapped packages under the tree. Children’s laughter peals down the hallway as they jump out of bed and run to see if Santa ate his cookies, drank his milk, and left them a gift or two to celebrate the day.

And there it is - a single envelope, tucked into the branches – you’d miss it if you weren’t looking at the magical sight before you, breathing it all in. You feel a childlike wonder as you open the greeting addressed to you, and your eyes light up – it’s the gift of travel!

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

Some people love to travel far away –don’t get me wrong, so do I. But I often have just a free weekend to travel. If I’m lucky, sometimes it comes bookended with a Friday and Monday. Even though it means I can’t go across an ocean, it doesn’t mean I miss out on adventure just a few hours away. And when it’s a gift tied with a pretty bow, a little getaway thought out and planned with me in mind goes a long way.

The Carriage House Inn in Sodus Point, New York, is perfect for an extended weekend stay. Owners Claudine and Jerry Karczewski work hard to make guests feel comfortable from the moment they open the front door to welcome you inside.

This 1870 Victorian mansion is just a few steps away from the Sodus Point Lighthouse and the vast expanse of Lake Ontario. The rooms are comfortable, and the food prepared every morning is beyond delicious. It was fun to interact with the couple each day before setting out on another adventure – believe me, there are plenty of things to do in the area.

If you enjoy shopping for interesting things in unique places while traveling, The Purple Painted Lady nearby Palmyra is the place to visit. The retail space is 6000 square feet, and owner Tricia Kuntz has filled every inch with friendly employees, candles, soaps, home décor, and a fantastic line of Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan. I was impressed! They do custom work and even offer classes so you can do it yourself.

We were happy to learn that our afternoon stop at Chimney Bluffs State Park could happen a few different ways. Hiking down from the upper-level parking lot was one option, while hiring a tour boat operator or renting a kayak or canoe from Sodus Bay Outfitters was another favorite. Either way, the bluffs are otherworldly, towering 150 feet above Lake Ontario, and made us feel like we were on another planet when we first caught sight of them. The shoreline landscape is quite dramatic – I had so much fun taking photos with my Canon! People were picnicking along the shore, boats were anchored offshore, and everyone was relaxing under sunny skies and calm waters.

ThePurplePaintedLady

Chimney Bluffs State Park Sodus Bay Outfitters

One of my favorite places to visit was the Museum of Wayne County History. It’s located in the old Jail House and Sheriff’s residence, built in 1856 and used until 1960. We were able to view the 24 jail cells and learn a little bit about some of the inmates and their crimes.

I asked our tour guide to lock me in the solitary confinement cell so I could see what it must have felt like for prisoners, and we even saw remnants of the inmate’s original artwork painted on the cell walls.

Museum of Wayne County History.

The museum has three floors of exhibition space, including Lyon’s Pottery & Clyde Glass, the Military Room, a Child’s 1856 bedroom, and so much more. Plan an hour or so for this visit; if you love history as I do, you’ll be glad you went.

Another neat museum to visit is the and Museum. Inside we found several exhibits showcasing artifacts from the mid-19th century through the mid-20th century. The themes covered agriculture in the region, local heritage memorabilia, information about prominent families, and a room dedicated to local bays, creeks, and a variety of exciting facts about Lake Ontario. Next year is Wayne County’s Bicentennial, and they’ve planned a celebration – it’ll be a great time to visit the area and learn about the people and the stories that helped make it what it is today. Because I love December, the Christmas holiday, and everything to do with Santa, I was delighted to hear that Wayne County has Upstate New York’s ONLY year-round Christmas shop named Evolve – The Christmas Store of New York. When we walked inside, the childlike wonder in me jumped out and I ‘ooohed’ and ‘ahhed’ the trees, decorations, and all the twinkling lights, which filled several rooms of over 7000 sq feet. No matter where I looked, there was something that made me smile.

In the back room of the Christmas store, we discovered a vast display of Department 56 villages, each set up with meticulous care. No matter which piece you want to add to your collection – I bet they have it! The careful attention to detail in architectural design and realism makes this brand what it is today.

And are you holding onto your hats? Glen, the owner, is working on making the top floor of his shop an Airbnb in the beloved Christmas theme! Guess who will be booking a stay there as soon as possible? There are plenty of places to eat – and all kinds of food to choose from. Burgers, steaks, a good old-fashioned hot dog, tasty meatball appetizers, sushi, seafood, French onion soup, you name it; this area has it. There’s even a restaurant offering over 250 tempting martinis from the bar!

Huron History Center and Museum

Whenever I travel, I look for mural artwork from talented artists in the area, often painted along the sides of old walls and brick buildings. In Wayne County, you can find bright and colorful murals depicting the Erie Canal, The Humane Society’s fundraiser, and local businesses from yesteryear to name a few. While in the area, we stopped at Young Sommer Winery and met owners Herm and Wilma Young. They were kind enough to share their love of wine with us, and we enjoyed a few different ones before we chose a couple of bottles to bring home. I learned how the couple invited the community to help harvest the grapes the year before and were happily surprised when so many came to work out in the field gathering the fruit. I would love to spend a day (or two!) doing that sometime!

Our last visit was to see the Sodus Outer Lighthouse. We walked along a sandy stretch of beach, with the waters of Lake Ontario lapping at our feet. Afterward, we made our way out along the 1,150 foot long pier to admire the structure and the surrounding view. If you like lighthouses, save enough time to see this one. It’s pretty – and comes with a side of history. A sea of yellow unfolded before us when we drove around the corner of that lonely country road. What wasn’t on this extended weekend getaway plan was a lovely surprise; I’d never come across such a beautiful sight. So, when you travel to this area of New York during the summer months, Google ‘sunflower farms.’ There are a few to choose from –and they’re all stunning. It was an excellent time to pause, breathe in deeply, and be grateful for my Christmas present – making memories with travel.

holiday shopping

Ideas found at

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: MY WONDERFUL, WACKY FAMILY

Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Wonderful, Wacky Family includes 101 tales of crazy characters, comical escapades, and heartwarming moments. “It’s the perfect gift for family and friends,” says writer Wendy Hobday Haugh, whose 18th ‘Chicken Soup’ story appears in the volume. If you love to laugh, this is a must-read!

Available at books stores everywhere and on Amazon ($14.95).

NERVOUS REX

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL BURNS

Sixty-Five million years ago he was born. His father was so brave and strong, but what happened to him? What went so wrong? We all have a little anxiety and worry, but what is the son of the meanest, most terrifying dinosaur to do when it gets the best of him?

Available at Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Limmielit.com, and Amazon.

COLORWORLD

WRITTEN BY ANTHONY RICHICHI

COLORWORLD is the story of a little boy named Henry who discovers the power to change his world by using his artwork, imagination, and a little bit of COLOR!

Join Henry and his new best friend, Captain Tony, as they travel through the magical lands of COLORWORLD! Just use your imagination!

Available at saratogaspringspublishing.com or Colorworld.Adventures@gmail.com for author/ artist events!

WHY SHOULD I CILMB THIS TREE?

WRITTEN BY RYAN HOGAN

A young boy can’t understand why climbing a tree would be any fun, or why it would be a good use of his time…His Father, a veteran of climbing trees, is determined to show his son why it matters.

Urging children to ‘Go Outside and Play!’ the climbing tree is a metaphor for life. The boy discovers much about his abilities, and how connecting with nature can elicit feelings of confidence, positivity, and peace like nothing else can. Completing his journey to the top of the tree, giving him perspective on his own life and the world, is the final reward.

Available at Northshire, Amazon and www.whyshouldiclimbthistree.com

PARLOR TAILS

WRITTEN

BY KENBRIGHT KREATIONS

Parlor Tails are children's books written for charity that revolve around the lives of our funloving pups who share their favorite stories and adventures to help entertain children while also supporting a great cause!

Kenbright Kreations is focused on promoting awareness and helping raise funds to battle CADASIL, a rare genetic disorder currently with no cure (all profits are donated to fight the battle against CADASIL).

Michael Kennedy lives with his wife Michelle and daughter Devin (and their FIVE dogs!!) in Clifton Park, New York They are owners of The Pink Dog Parlor and Resort. Michael was diagnosed with CADASIL in 2015 and is an avid volunteer for cureCADASIL.org.

Available at Market Block Books in Troy, The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza and The Pink Dog Parlor, Clifton Park.

MORE SARATOGA COUNTY STORIES

More Saratoga County Stories is a compilation of 63 new essays written by 33 local authors. This second volume of weekly articles, first distributed by the Saratoga County History Roundtable, offers a wide variety of topics, events, and personal stories in the long history of the county.

Saratoga County History Center, Brookside Museum

DEERFIELD

WRITTEN BY BRAIN FARR

Every small town in America relies on its unsung heroes and helpers who suit up and show up to unassuming, underpaid jobs in an effort to make the world a better place. Paul Durkin was just such a man who got himself sober and then spent years trying to help other people achieve recovery as a counselor in his small, Upstate New York town. But when Paul realizes he’s been avoiding important issues with family in his own home and his world crashes down, who will show up to help him? Deerfield is a tale about addiction, redemption, unconditional love, and the Higher Power that exists in every town and every person, to help people recover from their pain and brokenness.

Available at Northshire, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and firststepconsultation.com/deerfield/

OUR SPIRITUAL HUMAN JOURNEY

WRITTEN BY MARCIAL REYES

FINDING GRACE & GRIT

WRITTEN

BY KHRISTEENA LUTE

Finding Grace & Grit tells the stories of two women living a century apart. Meredith, a new doctoral student, struggles to learn the ropes of academia and write her dissertation on Grace King, a southern author—while her father faces trial for rape, her mother runs off with a new boyfriend, and her husband faces combat trauma. Meanwhile, in her own time, Grace King survives the Civil War and grows into a strong writer—until her own family’s darkness threatens to destroy her sense of self and identity. As they struggle to define themselves one hundred years apart, Meredith and Grace seek to carve daringly different futures than the ones society had prescribed. Finding Grace and Grit shows the darkness women often face as well as their resolve to overcome it.

Available locally at Northshire Bookstore, Amazon (paperback and Kindle), Barnes & Noble, and www. khristeenalute.com for signed copies.

FOOD: FEAR, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP

AMY PATRICIA MEADE

Author of the critically acclaimed Marjorie McClelland Mysteries, Vermont Country Living Mysteries, and Tish Tarragon Mysteries, Amy Patricia Meade is a native of Long Island, NY, where she cut her teeth on classic films and books featuring Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown. After stints as an Operations Manager for a document imaging company and a freelance technical writer, Amy left the bright lights of New York City and headed north to pursue her creative writing career amidst the idyllic beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains. After five years living in Bristol, England, Amy now resides in upstate New York.

Available at all independent and chain bookstores in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Our Spiritual HUMAN Journey is a book about whom we are as described to us by Jesus, our spiritual psychologist. His attempts to bring us closer to God by challenging our intellect and ego did not go in vain. This is the why of this book. I want to demonstrate how much closer we are to our creator than we believe. Open the pages and begin your metamorphosis…your journey.

Available at: shopTBMbooks.com, Market Block Books, Troy, The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany and coming soon to a local bookseller near you!

WRITTEN BY VANESSA KOVAROVIC

Presenting the weaknesses in our food system, and how they are related to other issues, this book (most importantly!) demonstrates that everyone can become empowered by re-establishing their relationship with food, using small daily actions that improve our quality of life, strengthen the economy, and uplift our neighbors. Food is the most powerful tool we have, to improve our life experiences, and the experiences of those around us.

Available through the publisher; store.bookbaby.com/ book/food-fear-faith-and-fellowship and Amazon.

A Book of One’s Own

Why you’re not truly alone when you self-publish a self-help book.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED UNLESS NOTED

The prefix “self” implies that the action following it is a solitary endeavor, but that’s rarely the case. A “self-made” man does not receive his fortune without someone to buy and sell products or services to. “Selfcontrol,” “self-esteem,” or even “self-aggrandizing” can only be achieved by comparing oneself to others. The same is true when self-publishing a book – it’s a task that often cannot be completed without the help of someone else.

AN AUTHOR IS BORN

Gwendolyn Cristaldi is a self-employed intuitive healer, life coach, and mother of three. In 2020, she decided to write a book of short stories, dreams, and spiritual communications to help others with similar experiences.

By combining years of journal entries with the notes she’d jot down throughout the day, her book, Uncovering Your Light Within: With Grace and Courage began to take shape. “When it started flowing, I just let it unfold. I was amazed by the information that would come,” she said. Invigorated by the creation process, she initially thought the book would be available within months. What she discovered however, was when the work of writing is done, the reality of publishing has just begun.

THE HARSH REALITY

To have total creative control of her book, Gwen founded the Baby Emmit Publishing company and opted to print-on-demand. She turned to Reedsy to find an editor and after working with several, a friend recommended Amanda Luke, who completed the final edits. Finally, Gwen had a product to give to her designer, David Provolo.

“I encourage people to follow their passion. A lot of writers get discouraged by the process but when I set my mind on accomplishing something, I keep going,” said Gwen. “If there’s a hurdle, then I take a break and come back to it when the time is right.”

Gwen joined online self-publishing support groups, learned through trial and error, did more research, and invested even more time.

“I worked morning until night some days – even July 4th weekend when everyone was out playing – because it was something I needed to accomplish,” said Gwen.

FINDING THE LIGHT

On July 5th, the Uncovering Your Light Within paperback went live on Amazon, followed by the Kindle format on July 11th. After a short-lived rush of adrenaline resulting from its release, Gwen dove

into the hard work of promotion. She reached out to bookstores, newspapers, and paid for Amazon ads. The first month she sold 150 copies.

Still in the midst of the process, Gwen said self-publishing is something she’d recommend others pursue.

“For anyone thinking about writing a book, I say, just do it.”

To find out more about her book, follow Gwen Cristaldi on Facebook, Instagram, and sign up for her newsletter at uncoveringyourlightwithin.com SC

Gwendolyn Cristaldi. Photo by Susan Blackburn Photography

more books!

A MURDER MYSTERY AT A

VERMONT SKI RESORT

This is Bayly’s fourth novel in his Murder on Skis Mystery series. Prior to his newest release, he wrote Back Dirt, which takes place in the Adirondacks of New York. He also wrote Loving Lucy, which unfolds in Colorado. His first MOS novel, titled Murder on Skis, is a chiller situated in Montana.

on Newschannel 13 in Albany, New York for fifteen years.

ANNANDALE

WRITTEN BY DR. HOLLIS PALMER

“Is this book, history or historical fiction?” The answer is it is historical fiction based on events that happened to some of Saratoga’s most prominent Gilded Age families.

The first of the multibook series, Annandale, introduces the Lathrop family - the builders of three of the greatest mansions. It also includes the Davidsons, whose little girl will grow up to be an international opera singer, and the Batchellers, Saratoga’s most influential international family.

Before the series is done, we will have one of Saratoga’s greatest weddings, murder, suicide, and the loss of great fortunes.

The book is available at Amazon and local gift shops.

A body is found by two bicycle riders on a hot summer day.

The corpse is dressed to go snow skiing. The dead man’s credit card is traced to a ski resort in Vermont. How did he get so far from the fall line?

Witch Window is the latest Murder on Skis Mystery written by author Phil Bayly. It follows television reporter JC Snow from Colorado to the Green Mountains of Vermont. The story incorporates skiing, snowboarding and some spooky Vermont legends.

“More and more skiers and snowboarders approach me to say how much they enjoy my books,” Bayly said. “But some readers say they’ve never been out on the snow, and they really enjoy my books. That’s very gratifying.”

Back Dirt was honored this year by the International Skiing History Association in Sun Valley.

The Murder and Mayhem Award by Chanticleer Book Reviews placed Loving Lucy on its shortlist.

Bayly is well known to television news viewers in Southern Vermont. He anchored the popular morning news

He’s also worked in television and radio in Colorado, Wyoming and Pennsylvania. “I wanted to write a book in Vermont. It is really the mother ship for American skiing and snowboarding,” Bayly said. “It’s gone in a lot of great directions, but Vermont was kind of the first big deal in skiing.”

Bayly is a graduate of Colorado State University. He was born and raised in suburban Chicago. He now resides in Saratoga County, New York with his wife.

Witch Window is scheduled for release in November. It will be available for sale on Amazon, other popular online sites, and independent bookstores across the country.

For more information, go to murderonskis.com, Instagram @ski_it_read_it, baylyphil13@gmail.com, and moskis2019@gmail.com.

Phil Bayly

Holidaycookies! Recipes by

Reese’s Stuffed Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cups cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS:

Using a large mixing bowl and electric mixer, mix the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together until well mixed.

In a separate bowl, using a fork, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and sea salt. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract batter. Continue to mix with the electric mixer until all the dry ingredients have been added and the batter is well mixed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap the Reese's candies.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take some batter and roll it around each candy using the palm of your hands to create a cookie ball with the candy inside.

Place the uncooked cookies on the lined baking sheet several inches apart from each other.

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon seas salt

• 2 smaller packages of miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• 1-10 oz. Package of Reese’s peanut butter baking chips

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes. Let them set on the pan for 10 minutes before removing them. Place them on a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

Once all the cookies are baked and cooled, melt the Reese's peanut butter baking chips by placing half of the bag into a glass dish and microwaving for 1 minute. They will not look fully melted until you stir them together. Drizzle the melted peanut butter chips on top of the cookies. Let them set until it hardens.



STORAGE! You can keep these cookies in an airtight storage container for several days. Just take them out for 30 minutes before serving so the temperature reaches room temperature.



THE BREAD TRICK! Keep these cookies soft by adding a piece of bread into your airtight storage container. My mom taught me this trick and it really does work. It prevents the cookies from going stale, and it’s brilliantly simple! I wonder who came up with this idea? It’s been passed down through the generations so it’s an oldie, but a goodie.

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Chocolate Covered Pretzels with Caramel and Peanut Butter

• Pretzel rods

• Mini chocolate morsels, dark, milk or semi-sweet

• Caramel apple wraps

• Peanut butter (optional)

• Colored sprinkles

• Nonstick cooking spray

Basic Buttercream Frosting

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar

• 1 stick of butter (half cup), room temperature

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add the confectioner's sugar, butter, milk and vanilla extract into a bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until it's light and fluffy.

NOTE: The butter must be room temperature.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Coat a pizza cutter with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the caramel wraps, one at a time, on a cutting board with a piece of parchment paper between the caramel wrap and your cutting board. Note: The caramel comes with parchment paper dividers that you can use; this prevents the caramel from sticking to the cutting board.

Using the pizza cutter, cut the caramel wraps into one-inch strips.

Starting at least two inches from one end of the pretzel, carefully wrap the caramel strips around the rest of the pretzel. Set the caramel wrapped pretzels onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet and set aside.

Pour chocolate morsels into a tall drinking glass, Microwave the chocolates in the glass on high for one minute. The chocolate will not look fully melted, stir the morsels together until they fully melt after removing the glass from the microwave.

So Much Fun with Kids!

Dip the caramel covered pretzel into the chocolate leaving the unwrapped end exposed.

Set the pretzel back onto the waxed paper and coat with a thin layer of colored sprinkles.

Let the pretzels set until the chocolate has hardened.

Keep the pretzels in cool storage.

My Nutty Bark

• 3/4 cup of raw nuts

• 12 oz. Chocolate chips (milk or dark)

• 1/4 cup of dried fruit

INSTRUCTIONS:

THE CARAMEL WRAPS? You can typically locate these in the produce area of your supermarket near the apples.



ADD PEANUT BUTTER! Simply spread a light layer of peanut butter onto the pretzel before wrapping it with caramel. Follow the rest of the directions as is.



Chop the nuts on a cutting board with a knife so that you have large chunks of nuts in the bark.



NUT ALLERGIES? Replace the peanut butter with WowButter®. It's a delicious nut free, tree nut free, gluten free peanut butter alternative. It can be found in the allergy friendly aisle at your supermarkets.

There are lessons in every recipe making experience for the kids in your life. Here are a few activities to concentrate on when making this no bake pretzel:

• Cutting safety

• Wrapping

• Dipping

• Melting chocolate

• Spreading

• Sprinkling

• Following directions

Melt the chocolate chips in a glass bowl in the microwave. Melt them on high for one minute and then stir the chocolate. If the chips don’t fully melt, continue to heat the chocolate in the microwave for 30 second intervals and then stir until it’s fully melted.

Stir the prepared nuts and fruit into the melted chocolate. Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper covered plate, pie plate or other dish.

Let the chocolate set until it’s hard. Break the mixture into pieces before serving.



THE NUTS: Use an assortment of your favorite nuts to create your 3/4 cup of nuts.



THE DRIED FRUIT: Craisins®, raisins, apricots, whatever you like. Larger pieces of fruit like apricots, etc need to be chopped into smaller pieces before measuring the 1/4 cup of fruit.

Chocolate Caramel Filled Shortbread Cookies

Recipe makes approximately 18 cookies

• ½ cup butter, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg, large

• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup mini chocolate chips

FILLING:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoon milk

• 5 oz. Caramel candies, unwrapped

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Snowman Cookies

(per cookie)

• 1 Sugar Cookie

• 2 tablespoons vanilla butter cream frosting

• 1 tube of black gel or chocolate decorating frosting

• 1 orange slice candy

• 1 string of a pull and peel

Twizzler®

ASSEMBLY:

1. Frost the cookie with the vanilla butter cream frosting.

2. Cut the string of Twizzler® in half and wrap around the top half of the cookie to serve as the top of the earmuffs.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Using an electric mixer, whip together the room temperature butter with the vanilla extract, egg, and confectioner’s sugar. Slowly add in the flour continuing to mix with the electric mixer until all ingredients are mixed well.

Using a spatula, fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Form the dough into small cookie dough balls and slightly flatten them and place them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Using a tablespoon sized measuring spoon, dip the base of the measuring spoon into confectioner’s sugar and press it into each cookie to create an indent.

Bake the cookies for 10 – 12 minutes. While the cookies are baking and cooling, prep the filling by first melting 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat in a

So Much Fun with Kids!

saucepan. Once melted, over low heat, add in the 3 tablespoons of milk, 5 oz. unwrapped caramel candies and stir until the candies have melted and the three ingredients are mixed well. Turn off the heat and add in ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. Continue to stir until they are fully melted and mixed in.

Add the filling into a piping bag once it’s slightly cooled and can be handled. If you don’t have a piping bag, add the filling to a quart sized freezer bag and clip one corner.

Pipe the filling into the cookie indent. Let the cookies set until the center hardens, approximately 30 minutes.

OPTIONAL: Add sprinkles on top before the center hardens.

 STORING: If you are layering the cookies when storing in an airtight container, keep a layer of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the cookie centers from sticking to other cookies.

3. Select two matching colors of mini pastel marshmallows. Press them slightly to flatten and place them firmly in place so that they stick to the frosting on either end of the cut Twizzler®.

4. Use the tubed frosting to create two eyes and a mouth.

5. Cut the orange slice candy in half lengthwise. Then cut one half into small triangles to create noses. Add one to the center of each cookie.

WHERE CAN I FIND EVERYTHING?



IN THE BAKING AISLE YOU CAN FIND:

• Tubed frosting

• Mini pastel marshmallows



IN THE BAKERY YOU CAN FIND:

• Sugar pre-baked cookies

• Butter cream frosting



IN THE CANDY AISLE YOU CAN FIND:

• Orange slice candies

• Pull and peel colorful Twizzler® candies

NOTE: These cookies are fun any time throughout the holidays but also make super easy classroom party treats and/ or a fun family activity on Christmas eve to leave for Santa.

There are lessons in every recipe making experience for the kids in your life. Here are a few activities to concentrate on when making these cookies:

• Measuring ingredients

• Mixing

• Electric mixer safety

• Melting

• Stovetop safety

• Piping

• Following directions

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at www.JodieFitz.com and facebook.com/jodiefitzcooks, or check out my cook booksavailable on my website!

GIFTS for Cooking Kids

WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

A primary self-sufficiency skill is food preparation. Encourage your child to help in the kitchen and develop kitchen skills and the satisfaction of preparing food for themselves and the family. Depending on your child’s age and developmental stage they can do certain kitchen tasks. When kids are encouraged to help in the kitchen it can increase their self-confidence.

Age-Appropriate Kitchen Activities

• Develop fine motor skills

• Wash produce

• Mix ingredients with spoon or hands

• Spread butter or icing

• Roll, shape and cut dough

• Pour liquids

• Introduce more difficult cooking skills

• Measure dry ingredients

• Clean and sanitize counters

• Cut with butter knife

• Mash soft foods, like fruit, hard-boiled egg

• Crack egg

• Can complete simple recipes independently

• Whisk with a handheld mixer or whisk

• Boil eggs and pasta

• Use vegetable peeler

• Grate cheese

• Open cans

• Challenge them with more complex recipes

• Understand the basic science of cooking

• Use oven and stove safely

• Whip egg whites

• Handle raw meat safely

•

chef knife

COLLECTING BASKET

Farm kids need to do chores. Collecting eggs from the chicken coop is a perfect chore for young children.

StyleCLOSE AT HAND AT Farm Hands Country Market

PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

When you're on the hunt for a vintage gem, nothing bests searching through brick-and- mortar antique shops …and Ballston Spa is brimming with them!

Farm Hands Country Market offers antiques, upcycled hand painted furniture, jewelry, fine art, luxurious alpaca apparel and stuffed animals, plus much more! With world travel and vast buying experience, and a well-honed eye for fashion trends, Mary curates an eclectic array of art, fashion, home decor, and custom products. Keeping on trend, FHCM is a source for "Modern Farm House" style. Mary scours the nearby farms to find authentic vintage farm implements and furniture that has become thoughtfully aged with "chippy" paint, a home designers dream find!

FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE

As a student of the arts, Mary studied fine art at NYU, and fashion design at FIT, basic law at Baruch college and marketing at Mary Mount Manhattan, all in NYC. Mary worked her way up in the Fashion Industry to become Vice President of a major fashion corporation. After retiring from the industry, she "went to work" reinventing and rediscovering her artistic abilities. True to her sense of style, dedication to improving the environment, and a lifetime of obtaining skills, Mary became involved with "up cycled" painted furniture in 2012 and successfully sold and shipped worldwide online. She moved to Saratoga Springs to learn to relax after a hectic career, but instead started volunteering in the area. Then after years of collecting decided to open a shop.

A NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

"Farm Hands Country Market" located at 252 Milton Ave in Ballston Spa was slated to open in 2019 but was stymied by building delays and then pandemic closings. Mary continued to sell online then finally officially opened in December 2021 thus marking a first successful year anniversary which she will be celebrating December 2022. All dressed up and ready for the holidays FHCM is packed with new merchandise including Luxury Alpaca Sweaters,

Hats, Gloves, Scarfs, Shawls, Jackets, and alpaca fur animals … gifts for men, women and children!

She is also offering Vintage Jewelry, Antiques, Fina China dinner wear, and of course painted furniture. Mary is always looking for new and interesting items to offer.

She now has Fresh from a Georgia Farm Gourmet Nuts including Sweet Glazed Pecans, Walnuts, Cashews, and almonds from "The Nut House," Jams and Jelly from "Stitches & Time" and special Local Ballston Spa Honey from "A's Bees.” Keeping on trend, Mary also collects Mid Century Modern furniture, Art Glass, Lighting, Fine Art, and she currently has an Original Adrian Pearsall Coffee table in the window.

LENDING A HAND

"We are all compassionate human beings with heart, and we all need to help each other when we can" Mary started to go to farm auctions to purchase antiques and discovered that alpacas were being auctioned who needed medical attention. Mary started a non-profit organization "Rosie to the Rescue" to dedicate personal funds to purchase these dear animals and get them the medical attention they need. When she opened FHCM and added alpaca merchandise to the selection, the funds went to getting the alpacas the surgery or shearing or vet examines they needed.

The rescue work now includes goats, and horses, with profits going to their medical needs. Another new addition is a whimsical collection of Laser Cut jewelry, handmade and painted by a local veteran and in the spirit of giving back, the profits are shared with Wounded Worriers and trained companion therapy dogs.

"Giving back is not a frivolous thing for me" it's a necessity in our world today.

Farm Hands Country Market, 252 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa 518-867-6707 open Tuesday through Sunday 11-6:30 p.m. Look for them on December 2nd at the First Friday Ballston Spa Holiday Parade dressed up in Prairie garb serving holiday cookies, treats and hot mulled cider. SC

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES:

Why Did a Train Crash Into a Horse & Buggy in Downtown Saratoga Springs?

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

One of the most famous train crashes of all time, the Gare Montparnasse Derailment in Paris happened on October 22, 1895, just two days before a tragic accident in Saratoga where a Delaware & Hudson train crashed into a carriage.

Around the base of the Christmas tree, a train chugs merrily along, reminding us of the glory days of railroading.

As it roared through towns that had recently been reserved solely for horse and buggy traffic, the railroad brought the promise of prosperity.

Just like the miniature version you have at home today, when speed outran caution in the late 1800s, trains would fly off their tracks.

Just two days after one of the most famous train crashes in history, the Gare Montparnasse Derailment that sent a train careening through a wall in Paris, a lesser-known train crash occurred, right here in Saratoga Springs.

THAT FATEFUL RIDE

It is still unknown whether Richard Rourke, 27, did not realize the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company train was charging toward him at 4 p.m. on that fateful Thursday afternoon of Oct. 24, 1895, or whether he was trying to outrun it.

The Schuylerville Standard later reprinted the incident as it originally appeared in The Saratogian newspaper. The article begins:

“A frightful accident occurred…at the intersection of Rock and Catherine streets, Saratoga Springs, when Richard Rourke was instantly dashed into eternity, and his wife sustained serious injuries within the shadow of their home.”

Richard Rourke is in the back row, far right. His wife, Catherine Kearney Rourke is by his side, with her right hand on her Father's shoulder.

Richard and Catherine (Kearney) Rourke lived and operated a shop in a three-story brick building at the same intersection, not far from what is now known as the Olde Bryan Inn. After a day of riding, Richard returned home, dropping off his brother-in-law, Maurice Kearney, and fetching his wife. The Standard reports this conversation followed; “Mrs. Rourke came out and asked her husband if he had exercised his colt enough, and he replied: ‘No, get in, and I will give you a good long ride.’”

Then added: “The ride was probably the shortest she ever took.”

Once the man holding their horse’s reins let go, it would have only taken a few seconds for the couple’s coach to cross the tracks, and there was a flagman shouting out a warning to Rourke that a train was coming, the paper reported.

When the train collided with their carriage, Richard received the fullforce of Engine 303’s might. The impact and subsequent fall broke his neck. He also sustained injuries to his face, jaw, and knee.

The horse was uninjured and ran away. Catherine broke her arm in two places, injured her spine, and received a deep cut on her head. She was carried home and not informed of her husband’s death until shortly before his funeral on Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. The incident prompted the village to compel D & H Railroad to maintain state speed limits and to install crossing gates.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE RAILROADS

The image of the break in Catherine Rourke’s arm after the October 1895 train crash that claimed her husband, Richard. Xray technology was not officially discovered & patented until later that same year.

When he was a boy, John O’Connor didn’t know about his “Aunt Kittie’s” tragic past, or why she walked with a limp. These details he found out later when he became the family’s unofficial historian. “It’s just in my nature to be curious about these things,” said John, who worked in publishing for much of his life.

John remembers how, until the 1940s, he’d cross those same railroad tracks when taking walks with his father from their home near High Rock Park to Woodlawn Avenue.

“The train actually dominated the city at that time,” said John. “There were these long freight trains and it was difficult to go across town. We’d go up to Congress Street to cross because that was the safe way to go,” he added about the train overpass they used to drive under when travelling back and forth from the east and west sides of the city.

Seven years after the crash, Catherine, then 40, remarried. At the time, her husband, Wesley Devillo Allen, was 11 years her junior, and was among the first generation to work as a janitor at the Adirondack Trust Company. He died seven years later, in 1914, at which time Catherine went to live with her sister, Sarah, and her two children (John’s grandmother, father, and uncle) just steps away from where the accident had occurred.

Catherine worked at the Walworth Mansion and witnessed how, by the 1950s, Saratoga’s switch from coal to oil for heating and to trucks for shipping, precipitated the decline of the railroads. She died in 1957.

AN ODD COINCIDENCE…

While researching his family’s history, John O’Connor discovered an unusual, and almost eerie coincidence.

On December 1, 1923, another distant relative, who also lived on Rock Street, William Davis, 70, was struck and killed by a Delaware and Hudson locomotive while walking across Broadway.

SC

Meet… Clement Clark

It wasn’t until they drove by the airfield and pointed out a sign advertising scenic flights that Clement Clark’s kids learned the full extent of his light aircraft experience.

During the Great War, Clement was a teenager at Saratoga Springs High School and more than a just little bit fearless.

At age 14, he and his friends rode the two miles from his home on Seward Street to “Sky Spa Co. Inc.,” the city’s first airport, located at what is now Pitney Meadows Community Farm.

The airfield was in service from 1930-1942, during which time, in addition to longer flights, they offered local scenic flights on the two-engine planes.

Clement, who said he never has been afraid of flying, ponied up $5 for a ticket and took a ride. “Of course, no one in the family ever knew about that,” he said. “I would’ve gotten grounded for a week, or even a month!”

THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME TO LOVE

It was around this same time that Clement found love when he met Bernadine on a school field trip to harvest trees at what is now the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery.

During the trip, the students had the opportunity to ride on one of two machines; a choice between cutting the trees, or tying them into bundles of ten. Clement, a freshman at the time, sat on the harvester, and Bernadine, who was in 8th grade, sat across from him.

Within two years, the young lovers had to say “goodbye” when Clement enlisted with Company L at the age of sixteen. He had joined the navy.

The untold story of how Clement Clark courageously flew toward adventure in the middle of wartime.

Clement Clark.

Photo by Super Source Media Studios

The crew of Clement’s ship navigated the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean for 17 days as they pushed through to Gibraltar. “The bow would go down and then it would screw up and we were just left standing there wondering if it would come up again,” remembers Clement. From there, it took another three months for the transport ship to make it through the Suez Canal and into Arabia. Waiting for him at port was the endearing words of Clement’s sweetheart, Bernadine. She’d written to him every single day since he’d been away.

FIRST, A PROLONGED LACK OF FOOD, THEN THE BAY EMPTIES

As World War II progressed, disasters mounted. On a voyage from Hawaii to China, the 400 men aboard were left starving when the food rations went missing. They subsisted on bread with a smear of something on it, and a cup of black coffee, if they were lucky. Clement lost 15 pounds.

On the return voyage from Shanghai, an earthquake centered in Alaska resulted in a tidal wave that dried up the bay where their ship, the USS Aultman, had docked overnight.

The crew woke to find the ship, and all its contents, tipped over onto its side.

A POST-WAR FAMILY

After two years of service, in 1946, Seaman First Class Clement Clark was discharged and made his way from Long Island’s Lido Beach back home to Saratoga Springs where he obtained his mother’s permission to marry Bernadine. During their 72-year union, the Clarks had three children; Jimmy, Rosemary, and Jennifer; three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The family took up skiing and travelled to a different mountain every year for eight winters. Clement and Bernadine became collectors (to a lesser degree than Clement’s sister, Minnie Bolster, who amassed one of Saratoga’s most vast) and filled their home with a beautiful assortment of oil lamps, plates, and tumbler glasses.

Above all, the family always made time to sit down for dinner together. Clement held two jobs simultaneously; he worked at the A&P Supermarket for 32 years, and was the parking superintendent at the Saratoga Harness Track for fifty. He also became a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Affairs.

THE WINGS TO FLY

In addition to his other adventures, during the 1960s and early seventies, Clement trained as a pilot. “I took off that first time and was like, ‘Here I am flying like a bird!’ I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Using the Northway below him as a visual guide, Clement flew that Piper Cherokee plane across the region, from the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury, down to Albany, over to Burlington, and into Rutland, VT. Eventually, time constraints made maintaining the hobby impossible.

IN A TOWN LIKE NO OTHER

When his daughter-in-law, Donna Clark, heard about Clement’s flying history, she signed him up for a scenic flight to celebrate his 96th Birthday this past August.

Jim Barrett, the pilot of Leaf Air LLC recognized Clement. They had been in the same class and learned to fly together, 50 years earlier!

Clement fell right back into the routine and commenced the pre-flight check.

During the hour-long flight, he enjoyed how much more he could see from the Cessna’s windows (the Cherokee had to be tilted to see past its wing) and how much the area had changed.

With all that Clement has discovered during his life, Saratoga will always remain at the heart of it, he said.

“I’ve been all over, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else. There’s not anywhere that’s nicer than right here. It’s a good spot.” SC

GIFT CARDS..

The gift that may stop giving

WRITTEN BY RICK COBELLO

Rick Cobello, a professor of Supply Chains and Cyber Security programs at Albany Law has over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology and security solutions. His career has spanned from local and state government to Fortune 5 companies, including General Electric. He has global experience in health care, a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma and Security certifications in CEH, CISSP, and CHFI. He currently is President of Global Cybersecurity Solutions.

Gift cards are offered as a physical card or an e-gift card. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Understanding how gift cards are effectively used is important if you plan to use them during the holidays.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gift cards can be a convenient substitute for cash.

• Physical gift cards can be used in stores or online.

• Digital gift cards are used online.

• Check for fees or expiration dates.

What’s the Deal with Gift Cards?

They are the form of payment that can be used to make purchases at retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other locations. Money may be added to a physical or online gift card.

Gift cards can be flexible or vendor specific. A flex gift card acts in the same manner as a credit card and

may be used for purchases where the card is accepted, i.e. VISA Gift Card.

A vendor specific card, can only be used at the place of issue, like Starbucks or a car wash.

Prepaid cards may charge a fee to purchase them or reload them.

Check the fine print before you purchase.

Gift cards are offered by most store and service operations today and are a very common form of gifting.

Physical vs. Digital Gift Cards

Gift cards can be physical or digital. Physical cards are usually very similar to a plastic credit card. Digital gift cards are assigned a unique code number used to redeem at online retailers

Federal law prevents gift cards from expiring for up to five years after their activation date but inactivity could trigger a fee. Again, check the terms and conditions

GIFT CARD ADVANTAGES

• Good substitute for cash or credit cards

• Great gift for the holidays or special occasions

• Controlled Spending as each card has specific amounts loaded on the card.

• They can be easy and convenient to use.

Gift cards are a great idea if you have kids or grandchildren who do not live nearby. I have personally purchased many e-gift cards from Amazon for kids and grand children who are living in other locations.

Five Factors for Gift Card Failure

• Small amounts of money left on cards may not be spent or is forgotten

• Reload fees may apply

• Vendor specific cards limit use

• Losing a gift card is like losing money

• Inactivity fee may be charged

Prepaid Credit Cards vs. Gift Cards

What is the difference between them and prepaid debit or credit cards.

Both can be used to make purchases either in stores or online. Gift cards are usually given as a gift where a prepaid credit card is something you might use for everyday spending if you don’t have a bank account or would rather not pay with cash or a regular credit card.

The credit card companies offer prepaid cards that can be reloaded as well as PayPal, Venmo and other online banks and credit card companies.

Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and reloadable gift cards generally offer better value than vendor specific gift cards. Standard credit cards may offer some advantages such as earning

rewards on purchases or taking advantage of card-specific features, such as travel incentives or rewards bonuses.

Something else to keep in mind when weighing whether to use prepaid credit cards or gift cards for purchases is how they affect your credit score. They will not show up on credit reports and they do not help to build your credit history.

Gift cards and prepaid credit cards are a great way to let someone you know they are appreciated and let them use the gift for something they might need. Not too long ago, Gift cards were looked at as second class gifts but much has changed as it allows the receiver to purchase items they may need. Be generous, but be careful as you use gift cards this holiday season!

Heartfelt Thanks to Every Santa Who Keeps Christmas Magic Alive

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

I’ve always believed in Santa. When I turned 12 and friends tried to tell me that my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles were Santa, I rebuffed their truth. Even now, at 65, I believe in the magic of Christmas.

Nick Casey calls himself a ‘Santa ambassador.’ I follow him on social media, and when I learned that he’d just returned from Santa Camp somewhere in New Hampshire, I knew I had to talk to him and find out why he plays Santa year-round, in many different ways, for little ones – and adults like me.

“Becoming Santa wasn’t even on my radar until 2013 when a friend asked me to step in and help out during Albany’s ‘Lights in the Park’ event.” Nick explains how Mel Deigel, a friend and fellow Santa, told him one of the people he usually worked with had cancer and was undergoing treatment. They needed a replacement for his role in the festivities. “My mother had passed away the previous December, so I wasn’t even looking forward to the holidays – she’d loved them so much, and I couldn’t imagine spending them without her. “

Regardless, when Mel asked for Nick’s help, Nick immediately said yes, curious about what they needed him to do. “I never thought he’d want me to be Santa!” Nick remembers with a smile. “He let me borrow his backup suit and a spare beard and wig.” Mel must have known how the night’s role would affect his friend and all the families who came to enjoy some time with Jolly St. Nick because he’s never looked back.

“I was nervous that night. Until I saw the first child.” I wait for my friend to say more, enthralled with his story. “The look that little one gave me is so hard to put into words,” he recalls. “What was it? Wonderment? Hope? Joy and excitement? I think they were all bunched into one.” It’s funny – I KNOW he’s not Santa, but it FEELS like he’s Santa. “After that, it was a whirlwind – I had a blast!” Nick’s sigh is deep, and he shares how he cried when he got out of his Santa suit, thinking of his mom. “She would have been so happy to see me play Mr. Claus.” He says.

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” - Edna Ferber

I meet Nick at Congress Park on a Saturday morning, and he comes in a summer outfit; Santa sneakers, Santa socks, a Christmas-themed shirt, red shorts, jingle bells, a bag of coins to hand out, and a HoHoHo for anyone passing by. “You know it’s a few months away, right?” someone asks. “I’m on vacation,” Santa replies, his eyes twinkling.

Everyone wants to take selfies or have me take their photo with the bearded man. A group of women out for a walk see him from a distance. “Santa!” one of them shouts, and they head our way.

After a while, Santa changes into his December outfit. We’re busy taking photos with groups of people visiting Saratoga, a Sherriff, and his pooch, and at the fountain with Spit and Spat when a lone man walks over to us. “Do you mind?” he asks, holding out his phone. I don’t mind one bit. I grab the phone and take a few images for him to bring home. He talks to Santa for about five minutes before the man’s wife walks over. “Oh my,” she says and puts a hand to her heart. Instantly, there are tears in her eyes. “Would you, can I?” she starts to speak, but Santa waves her into a bear hug. “Our grandson is going to be so excited when he sees these pictures – when we tell him how we met you,” the couple laughs.

Nick tells me about this being his second year of Santa Camp. It’s a school for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. The New England Santa Society hosted the event at Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire.

“Last year, I took their introductory course – ‘Preparing the Sleigh,’ and learned so much, even though I’ve been playing Santa for several years now,” Nick explains how the camp promotes camaraderie and the sharing of knowledge throughout the weekend. “We also have reindeer games, trivia, and even a Santa Swap Meet, where we can trade gear and accessories.” I imagine this makes people arrive as strangers and leave as friends, which Nick happily confirms. “So, it’s not all learning,” he grins at me. I guess not.

Nick shares that he’s never been on the carousel here in Congress Park. I’m shocked! I tell him we must change that as we make our way to the ride. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see two young girls with their mom. One steps closer to her mother’s side and grabs her hand. The other one?

She yells, “Santa Claus! Mom, that’s Santa Claus!” I watch her barreling towards us, arms out wide. She careens into Santa, wrapping herself around his legs, giggling the whole time.

My heart is full.

He bellows out his jolly laugh when she loosens her grip and looks up at him. “My, my,” he winks down at her. “You’ve gotten much bigger since last I saw you!” Santa asks if she’s been good, if she’s made her Wishlist, does she help her momma around the house. She nods to all the questions.

“I’m waiting to ride the carousel,” he tells her sister. “We are too!” they both shout back excitedly. The youngsters sit on horses next to Santa, and we ride round and round while their mother films it all on her phone.

“What’s that on your wrist?”

I ask St. Nick. He smiles and says, “I will tell you, young lady. This here is a magic watch.” Santa pushes a button, and I see two red lights come on. “See that? When I touch those buttons, time slows down and stops.” I’ve never heard this Santa story before! My eyes grow wide. “That’s how I can make my way to every single child’s house who believes in the magic of Christmas.”

Hmmmmmmmm.

“How else do you think I get to fit down everyone’s chimney, wander around a house here and then another across the continent? And, how on earth would I be able to sit for a minute to catch my breath, gobble up cookies and slurp down my glass of milk?”

“By making it magical for them,” He tells me as we say our goodbyes, “I make it magical for myself.”

Oh, Santa! SC

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