Simply Saratoga Fall 2021 - Showcase of Homes

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FALL 2021

Complimentary

SARATOGA ™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

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Showcase of Homes Anniversary ENTERTAINING, HISTORY, FASHION, ROAD TRIPS ...and so much more!

Brought to you by

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Knowledge, experience, and a true commitment to the Saratoga Community.

New Construction Listings:

Whether you’re buying for the first time, upsizing, downsizing, or even investing,

Sharon can get you to the next place!

REGATTA VIEW Saratoga Lakeside Community where Saratoga Lake & Fish Creek join. Carriage Homes. Maintenance free living, beach access, walking path along the water, boat marina/docks only a few feet away, and sidewalks.

WALK TO DOWNTOWN SARATOGA Prime location to build with Belmonte Builders in the City of Saratoga Springs. These home sites are close to everything; State Park, SPAC, Raceway, Racino, Downtown, Popular Dining Spots and convenient to the Northway.

Sharon Byrne Licensed Associate R.E. Broker

cell.

518.527.4914

sharonbyrne@howardhanna.com web. www.sharonbyrne.com

Your Neighbor. Your Realtor.

CITY SQUARE Brand New Luxurious townhomes and single family homes; first floor master suite floor plans available. Two blocks from Downtown Saratoga. Maintenance Free Community.

MEADOWBROOK

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505 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

As Saratoga Springs most prestigious address, Meadowbrook has become a desirable location to many of the areas exclusive homes. Located off Meadowbrook Rd (from Union Ave). Heavily wooded and very private home sites approximately 2 acres.

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Cabinet Roll-Out Shelves

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Mixer Lifter

Swing-Out Shelving

ZobelAndCo.com

Pull-Out Cabinets & Pantries

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Now more than ever

we are spending a great deal of time in our kitchens.

For many of us it is no longer just the place to make great food and memories with the people we love -it has also become a classroom and/or a home office.

For some, their newly acquired home needs a kitchen that meets their lifestyle.

Regardless of what inspires you to upgrade the most important space in your home, your cabinets are an excellent place to start the process.

If you are looking for ways to truly enhance the time you spend in your kitchen, here are a few cabinet features to consider.

One-Touch Access

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Drawer within a Drawer

518-588-1034

Lighting

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Simply...

Simply ...

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Creative Director/ Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Magazine Designer Kacie Cotter-Sacala Advertising Designer Kelsey Sherman Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers Samantha Bosshart Peter Bowden Colleen Coleman Carol Godette John R. Greenwood Wendy Hobday Haugh Jessica Kelly Charlie Kuenzel Ralph Vincent Bill Orzell Colleen Pausley Megin Potter Whitney Rebisz John Reardon Theresa St. John Jordana Turcotte Diane Whitten Drew Ziehnert Photographers Bradley Birge The George S. Bolster Collection Peter Bowden Wendy Hobday Haugh Jessica Kelly Kshawmedia Randall Perry Photography Whitney Rebisz Theresa St John Super Source Media Michael B. Veitch Drew Ziehnert

Published by Saratoga TODAY 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: 518-581-2480 | fax: 518-581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SimplySaratoga.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY, 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 © 2021.

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Charlie Kuenzel is a native Saratogian who spent 36 years as a Science educator in the Saratoga School District before retiring 6 years ago. Charlie, along with Dave Patterson are the co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC who for the past 16 years have educated and entertained thousands of visitors to the city with stories to tell the exciting history of our great city.

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Northville freelancer Wendy Hobday Haugh’s short stories, articles, and poetry have appeared in dozens of national and regional publications, including Woman’s World Weekly, Highlights for Children, and WritersWeekly.com. Her stories have appeared in 15 different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. To learn more, visit wendyhobdayhaugh.com.

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John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga Springs milkman who loves capturing stories about the people and places that surround him. John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. The couple recently retired and are looking forward to having more time to enjoy the nooks and crannies of the surrounding area. You can explore more of John’s writing at rainingiguanas.com, where you will find the glass half full and the weather mostly sunny.

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

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Colleen Coleman is the owner of CMC Design Studio LLC and is well noted by her clients for bringing high energy, attention to detail, organization and more to each project. Her collaborative efforts with clients, as well as others in the industry, translates to a comprehensive design to completion for her clients. Her unique approach to defining each space matured into what she has coined as “Creating Environments for Life” - reach her at colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net.

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Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. His knack for practical and concise explanations has served him well during his 20-year tenure as WRGB’s garden guy. He is an artist and avid photographer whose images have appeared in textbooks, magazines and travel guides. Peter lives with his wife, Sharon and their pets in an old house in the country.

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Samantha Bosshart joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2008. As Executive Director, she advocates for the preservation of the unique architecture and rich heritage of Saratoga Springs. Samantha previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation. Samantha completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University.

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Colleen Pausley is the writer behind the blog; Life on Kaydeross Creek where she shares unique ideas to decorate your home on a budget, DIY projects, furniture makeovers and thrift store up-cycles. She and her husband have been do-it-yourselfers for 25 years and she believes that creating a warm, inviting home that you LOVE and that reflects who you are can be done on any budget.

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.

John Reardon purchased Compliments to the Chef in July of 2004 and has enjoyed selling over 6,000 high quality cookware and cutlery items to his Foodie Friends ever since. His wife Paula - as well as being a college professor - helps out along with their son John and daughter Aubrey …and they fit right in to his Foodie Team! If you ask John or Aubrey to cook up a special dish, you’ll see a gleam in their eyes! John reminds us... “Life Happens in the Kitchen” and yes…

“Anyone can cook!”

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.

Ralph Vincent is a lifestyle writer enamored with the Spa City. As an enthusiastic contributor to Simply Saratoga Magazine, he enjoys writing about a variety of topics including home entertaining, cooking, and cocktail crafting. His body of work also includes articles on subjects of special significance to him such as his experiences as a pet parent, gardening, and Yaddo.

He resides locally with his partner Steven and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County where she has worked for the past 20 years. Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation.

Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on STAR Radio.

Diane has a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.

Drew Ziehnert is a NYS Full-time fishing guide, outdoor writer, and owner of Ziehnert Guide Service. Ziehnert graduated from Siena College last fall with his bachelors in English Education, with the hope of becoming a High School English teacher. Covid interrupted his student teaching experience, but allowed him to pursue his real passion of guiding and writing.

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FROM THE EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee • Creative Director/ Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • 518-581-2480 ext. 201 simplysaratoga.com | saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Welcome!

If you are a lover of all things HOME… Design, architecture, color, decorating, landscaping, bedrooms, kitchens, patios, etc. - Look no further!

We begin with 85 pages of Showcase of Homes coverage and ADS!!

The most beautiful ADS, with things like a Pink French La Cornue range and a purple soaker tub – oh, how I LOVE this issue!

Yes, we went all out for the 25th Anniversary – between the celebratory year and being back to an in-person event, this magazine feels like a party!

Thank you, Saratoga Builders Association, for letting us be a part of your annual fundraiser each year - it’s our honor.

In addition to being THE LOOK BOOK for building / renovation / decorating in Saratoga County, this magazine has all the autumnal feels…

Road Trips, Shopping, Cooking, Leaf Peeping, Fly Fishing, Ziplining… (Yes, apparently some people like that stuff – I’ll stick with cuddling with the goats on page 92) We were invited to experience the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course and West Mountain’s Aerial Treetop Adventure Park and luckily, we have a new writer who just loves swinging from tree to tree – meet Drew Ziehnert on page 122.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together and please keep those comments coming. If you know of people living interesting lives, living in amazing houses and doing awesome things, contact me cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com.

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

Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine!

Enjoy the mag!

PS… See how much fun we had doing the cover shoot on page 192! And after years of flipping back and forth trying to look up certain builders – this issue is alphabetized – let me know what you think.

Photo by Randall Perry Photography

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CONTENTS

Simply...

Simply ...

SARATOGA Fall 2021

In Honor of their 25th Anniversary….

H&G

The first 85 PAGES (!!) are SHOWCASE OF HOMES’ Content, Photos and the Most Beautiful Ads!

141

Architecturally Speaking

160

Colleen’s Pics

164

Life on Kaydeross Creek

166

In the Kitchen with John Reardon

168

Entertaining with Ralph Vincent

170

Jordana Turcotte

172

Homesteading 101

174

Peter Bowden

A GOOD READ 86

Preserving Saratoga

90 Meet the Artist… Dr. John W. Healy

92

The Sperry Family Farm

95

Local Basket Maker Beverly Cornelius is designing for Beekman 1802

96

Johnson’s Family Farm Store & Cafe

100

How a Tree Becomes a Fish

102

Inspired Yoga with Leanne

FALL FASHION 104

Fabulous Fall Fashions From…

Saratoga Trunk, The Alpine Sport Shop, Lucia, Mountainman Outdoor Sports Company, Pink Paddock and Violet’s Saratoga Springs!

HISTORY 179

Charlie Kuenzel

184

Carol Godette

188

Bill Orzell

190

John Greenwood

192

Behind the Scenes of the Showcase of Homes Cover Shoot!

OUT & ABOUT 122

Looking for a Little Adventure?

126

Fly Fishing Anyone?

Autumnal Road Trips, Oh Yeah!

• 127 Historic Route 7 in Vermont • 130 The Catskills • 134 Wayne County, NY Maybe Something a Little Closer to Home…

• 136 Spa City Motor Lodge • 138 The Schuylerville Yacht Basin 24 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

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Saratoga

Showcase of Homes 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS 28

Welcome to the 2021 Showcase of Homes!

29

2021 Showcase of Homes Committee

30

Ticket Information

31

People's Choice Prize Awards

32

Showcase of Homes Map and Directions

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Builder Subcontractors & Suppliers

OCTOBER 9, 10, 11 & OCTOBER 16, 17 The area's premiere new home tour celebrating 25 YEARS of exceptional houses!

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SHOWCASE BUILDERS & HOMES 37 The BDC Group

43 Anthony Place, Ballston Spa 39 Beechwood Homes

25 Oak Ridge Blvd., Saratoga Springs 43 Bella Home Builders

11 Shaw Drive, Saratoga Springs 45 Belmonte Builders

17 Dartmouth Way, Saratoga Springs 49 Bonacio Construction

128 Henry St, Unit 202, Saratoga Springs 51 Caruso Builders

23 Jenna Jo Ave., Saratoga Springs 55 Kodiak Construction

4 Crestwood Dr., Greenfield Center 61 Kohler Homes

1686 Crescent Road, Rexford 65 McPadden Builders

67 Waterview Dr., Saratoga Springs 69 R&M Homes

2 Mallory Way, Ballston Lake 72 Trojanski Builders

24 Beacon Hill Dr., Saratoga Springs 75 Witt Construction

13 Birch Street, Saratoga Springs 79 Witt Construction 36 Hyde Street, Saratoga Springs

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Welcome to the 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, now celebrating 25 years of exceptional homes! This spectacular annual event is the area’s premiere new home tour, one of the most wonderful traditions in our Fall season.

On behalf of the Saratoga Builders Association and the Showcase Committee, I’d like to thank all the corporate and media sponsors for their generous support. Special thanks to all our amazing and talented builders for their commitment to this popular event. Applause to the countless volunteers who staff the homes to help provide for a truly memorable experience. Lastly, we are so very grateful for the tremendous public support through ticket sales - each and every year.

We are especially excited and proud to present 13 homes in Saratoga County from our area’s award-winning builders over two special weekends. As always, you’ll see the most innovative products, beautiful décor, creative interior design, professional craftsmanship and impeccable construction of each of these magnificent homes, inviting you through their doors.

Best of all, the proceeds from this event go back into our community.

The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities from this community event, and this year will be no different. Proceeds from this year’s Showcase of Homes will benefit two local worthwhile organizations: Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Both these groups help give back to the community through improving the homes and lives of those in need.

Please take a moment to explore the pages of this official guide for lots of useful information on each builder and their homes, details about the event and to see what’s waiting for you this year at the 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.

Tickets are $25 this year in honor of our Silver Anniversary! Keep a lookout for our classic orange signs guiding you along the tour route.

Enjoy the Show!

BARRY POTOKER Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association saratogabuilders.org

S aratoga Sh owca s e OfHom e s.c o m Get Social with us! #SaratogaSOH 28 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Showcase Judges Each Showcase home is judged by these industry experts in seven different categories. Look for these builder awards for "Winner" and "Runner-Up" while touring the homes!

Landscaping • Workmanship Master Bath • Exterior Design Interior Decorating • Kitchen Interior Floor Plan

Tim Gallagher ArchitexNY.com

Meghan Baltich BlairhouseInteriors.com

Ashley Villa DryCreekBuilding.com

Aaron Godlewski GodlewskiBuilders.com

Michael Phinney PhinneyDesign.com

Linda Aloisio Fake UYInteriors.com

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2021 Showcase of Homes Committee BARRY POTOKER Co-Chair & Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association LISA LICATA Co-Chair, Sterling Homes Real Estate DREW AIELLO Homestead Funding JESSE BOUCHER Kodiak Construction FRAN DINGEMAN Network Saratoga ADAM FELDMAN Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties MARCI FILA Real Estate Digital Designs MARK HOGAN Saratoga National Bank & Trust MICHELLE LARKIN Executive Director, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County YVONNE MANSO Pallette Stone SHANNON MCCARTHY Keller Williams BETH SMITH Beth Smith Realty PAM STOTT Curtis Lumber DAVE TROJANSKI Trojanski Builders saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Saratoga

Showcase of Homes October 9, 10, 11 & October 16, 17 The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being presented over two fall weekends this year beginning October 9-10-11 (open Columbus Day) and October 16-17. This year’s edition has 13 locations from 12 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County.

Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event are: The BDC Group, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, Bonacio Construction, Caruso Builders, Kodiak Construction, Kohler Homes, McPadden Builders, R&M Homes, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction.

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes annual community event has contributed over $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS to local charities Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Ticket Information Saratoga Showcase of Homes tickets are $25 each in celebration of the event’s Silver Anniversary and are conveniently available at the locations listed below.

TOUR HOURS: 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: • Adirondack Trust Branch Locations • Curtis Lumber 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa • Saratoga National Bank 171 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs • Roohan Realty 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • At all Showcase homes during tour hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Online at: SaratogaShowcaseofHomes.com

TOUR DETAILS: • Tickets are valid for all 5 days.

• Children under 12 are admitted free.

• Please keep your ticket until you have seen all the houses.

• Masks will be required while touring the homes.

• Every ticket purchased will be entitled to receive one free commemorative Showcase of Homes shoe bag/ tote at the first home you visit!

Showcase of Homes Proceeds Benefit:

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties glensfallshabitat.org

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Rebuilding Together Saratoga County rtsaratoga.org

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Prize Awards People's Choice Award All ticket holders are eligible to vote for the People’s Choice Award with the ballot on the ticket. You will be automatically entered into our drawing for these prizes: GRAND PRIZE $1000 IN KOHLER PRODUCTS FROM WIN SUPPLY!

SECOND PRIZE TWO-NIGHT STAY AT THE GIDEON PUTNAM RESORT & SPA FOR TWO with breakfast each morning!

THIRD PRIZE CUSTOM CANVAS SARATOGA TRACK PHOTO from DONA FRANK-FEDERICO PHOTOGRAPHY

FOURTH PRIZE $200 SARATOGA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS GIFT CERTIFICATE! PLUS GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM: • Comfort Kitchen • Cudney's Cleaners • FUSION the Salon • Habitat for Humanity • Hello Nails • Holiday Inn • Kaffee House • Lex & Cleo • Lucia Boutique • Publik House • Rebuilding Together Saratoga saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

• Residence Inn

by Marriott • Saratoga Auto Museum • Saratoga Lake Golf Club • Silverado • Spring Street Deli • Spoken Boutique • Tailgate & Party Shop • The Night Owl • AND MORE!

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2021 Showcase of Homes Map & Directions Visit our mobile-friendly website to view the INTERACTIVE MAP and scenic house-to-house directions: saratogashowcaseofhomes.com, or scan this code.

House to House Directions: 1

KOHLER HOMES 1686 Crescent Road, Rexford Exit 8 West towards Rexford. Drive approx. 2.5 miles, left onto Bridlewood Loop, park along fence line and follow signs along walkway.

2

R & M HOMES (Drive time 15 minutes) 303 Eastline Estates 2 Mallory Way, Ballston Lake Go East on Crescent Rd. to a left onto I-87 North. Get off exit 11, left onto Round Lake, go thru 2 roundabouts and at light take a right onto Eastline Rd, drive approx. 1.3 miles, 303 Eastline Estates will be on the left.

3

THE BDC GROUP (Drive time 5 minutes) Cornerstone Condominiums 43 Anthony Place, Ballston Spa Turn left onto Eastline Rd, at light take a left onto Route 67, left onto Saratoga Rd (Route 50 S) right onto Cornerstone Dr.

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Look for the Orange Signs!

Kodiak Construction See Bottom Map

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KODIAK CONSTRUCTION (Drive time 18 minutes) Goose Hollow Ridge, 4 Crestwood Drive, Greenfield Center Right onto Saratoga Rd (Route 50 S), at light take a right onto Brookline Rd (CR-60), right onto Middle Line Rd, cross over Route 67, continue on Middle Line Rd, cross over Geyser Rd to continue on Middle Line Rd, right onto Route 29, left onto North Milton Rd, cross over Middle Grove Rd which now becomes S. Greenfield Rd, left onto Russell Rd, at RR tracks turn right to stay on Russell Rd, left onto Goose Hollow Rd, right onto Crestwood Dr.

Dyer Switch Rd, Right onto Aurora Ave, take first right onto Jenna Jo Ave.

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MCPADDEN BUILDERS (Drive time 2 minutes) Lakeside at Riley’s 67 Waterview Drive, Saratoga Springs Continue on Dartmouth Way, right onto Regatta View Dr, cross over Union Ave which now becomes Crescent Ave, right onto Waterview Dr.

13 BELMONTE BUILDERS (Drive time 2 minutes) Regatta View 17 Dartmouth Way, Saratoga Springs Continue on Oak Ridge Blvd, left onto Aurora Ave, right onto Dyer Switch Rd, left onto Dartmouth Way.

BELLA HOME BUILDERS (Drive time 8 minutes) Park Grove 11 Shaw Drive, Saratoga Springs Continue on Waterview Dr, right onto Crescent Ave, right onto Jefferson St, left onto E. Broadway, right onto Shaw Dr.

BEECHWOOD HOMES (Drive time 1 minute) Oak Ridge 25 Oak Ridge Blvd, Saratoga Springs Continue on Jenna Jo Ave and take 2nd left onto Oak Ridge Blvd.

WITT CONSTRUCTION (Drive time 11 minutes) Recommended to leave car on Hyde St. while visiting both Witt Construction Properties (#5 & #6) 36 Hyde Street, Saratoga Springs Left onto Goose Hollow Rd, right onto Russell Rd, at stop sign stay left to stay on Russell Rd, right onto S. Greenfield Rd, left onto Middle Grove Rd, right onto Rte 9N, right onto West Ave, left onto N. Circular St, left onto Hyde St.

6

WITT CONSTRUCTION (Drive time less than 1 minute) 13 Birch Street, Saratoga Springs Driving: Continue on Hyde St, left onto Ash St, left onto Benedict St, left onto W. Circular St, left onto Birch St Walking: Left onto W. Circular St to a left onto Birch St.

7

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION (Drive time 5 minutes) The Moderne Condominiums 128 Henry Street, Unit 202, Saratoga Springs Continue on Hyde St or Birch St., right onto Grand Ave., left onto Broadway, right onto Lake Ave., left onto Henry St.

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TROJANSKI BUILDERS (Drive time 10 minutes) Meadowbrook Estates, 24 Beacon Hill Drive, Saratoga Springs Continue on Henry St, right onto Circular St, cross over Lake Ave, left onto Union Ave, left onto Meadowbrook Rd, left onto Beacon Hill Dr.

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CARUSO BUILDERS (Drive time 3 minutes) Oak Ridge, 23 Jenna Jo Avenue, Saratoga Springs Continue on Beacon Hill Dr, right onto Meadowbrook Dr, left onto

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The BDC Group Cornerstone Condominiums 43 Anthony Place, Ballston Spa

2,192 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms Realtor: Scott Varley Team, Keller Williams - Richard Romand 382 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-281-6808 | www.scottvarley.com Landscaper: KJM Landscaping LLC 155 Wade Road, Latham 518-487-8649 | kjmlandscapingllc.com Interior Design Firm: Deborah J Bohl Interiors LLC - Deborah Bohl 17 Woodstream Drive, Delmar 518-542-6070 | design@deborahbohl.com | deborahbohlinteriors.com

**Pleas

Kitchen Design Firm: Deborah J Bohl Interiors LLC - Deborah Bohl 17 Woodstream Drive, Delmar 518-542-6070 | design@deborahbohl.com | deborahbohlinteriors.com

Unique Features • 9-feet ceilings

**Please note all measurements and renderings are an approximations**

• Full basements • Open-floor layout • Optional elevator • Fireplace The BDC Group is a real estate construction and development company specializing in ground up multifamily and commercial development.

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Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • Water • Air Quality

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Porch: 527 sq. ft.

Garage: 549 sq. ft.

Grand Total: 6,183 sq. ft.

CL UP

PANTRY LAV

UP

MUD ROOM

Oak Ridge 25 Oak Ridge Blvd., Saratoga Springs

17'-8" X 13'-5"

FAUX WOOD CEILING BEAM

Beechwood Homes

DINING ROOM

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COVERED PORCH

LAUNDRY

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COVERED PORCH LIVING ROOM

16'-0" X 26'-0" (DOUBLE CEILING HEIGHT)

UP

TWO CAR GARAGE

23'-5" X 22'-11" DN

MASTER BATH

LOW WALL

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KITCHEN

17'-4" X 13'-5" REF UP

MASTER BEDROOM 19'-0" X 15'-6"

PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SCALE 1/4" = 1'-0"

FIRST FLOOR

3,057 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms

LINE OF ROOF BELOW

CL BEDROOM #2

BATH

LOW WALL

15'-0" X 12'-10"

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OPEN TO LIVING ROOM BELOW RECREATIONAL ROOM (OPTIONAL)

CL

LOW WALL

CL

DN

BEDROOM #3 15'-4" X 12'-9"

OFFICE/ BEDROOM #4 11'-3" X 14'-3"

PROPOSED SECOND FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR

SCALE 1/4" = 1'-0"

These are proposed plans and not final, floor plans are not to same scale. All dimensions, square footage, layout, window sizes, locations and renderings are approximate. Layout may be reversed.

Updated Feb. 4, 2021

Interior Design Firm: The Beechwood Design Studio Kitchen Design Firm: The Beechwood Design Studio

Unique Features • Hand-crafted floor-toceiling Venetian Plaster fireplace surround • Custom window seats This incredible four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Carriage Home reflects the oldworld charm and elegance of Saratoga yet is designed for the way you live today.

An oversized bluestone wrap-around front porch and distinctive exterior detailing define its beautiful exterior.

The generous 3000+ sq ft open concept floor plan features double-height ceilings, oversized Andersen 400 series Dark Bronze windows, a premium stainless steel appliance package, Kohler plumbing fixtures and a luxurious first floor primary suite.

Home finishes include designer selected crown molding, wall panels and marble tile.

• Large wooden decorative beams in living room • T & G mahogany ceiling in front and back porch • Oversized dual closets in master suite

LUXURY BUILDERS, UNCOMMON PROPERTIES

Steven Dubb and Michael Dubb saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Since 1985, Beechwood has built more than 7,500 homes in 60 communities across the New York metro area, Long Island, Saratoga, and North Carolina.

Averaging 3.9 million square feet in new developments year-on-year since 2017, Beechwood transitioned from local builder to national leader ranking #58 of 245 Housing Giants by Professional Builder Magazine in 2020. Founder Michael and son Steven Dubb are renowned for their innovative and forwardthinking in “not just selling a home, but a lifestyle” with signature quality construction and design for the way sophisticated buyers want to live today.

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17' - 4 1/2"

MASTER BEDROOM

14' - 1"

Park Grove 11 Shaw Drive, Saratoga Springs

FAMILY ROOM

KITCHEN

DN

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16' - 8 1/2"

UP

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2,972 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms 7/8/2021 3:38:52 PM F:\Revit\Projects\Bella\Ruggerio\Ruggerio X.rvt

14' - 7"

Bella Home Builders

15' - 3 3/4"

DINING ROOM

4' - 4"

13

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7"

W.I.C. 13' - 1"

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1/4" = 1'-0"

HEATED AREA CALCULATIONS FIRST FLOOR HEATED SECOND FLOOR HEATED Grand total

2164 SF 808 SF 2972 SF

DRAWINGS PLOTTED ON 11X17 PAPER ARE ½ SCALE FROM WHAT IS NOTED

Realtor: Saratoga Spa Realty Melissa Barnes and Tina Smith 228 Church Street, Saratoga Springs Barnes: 518-914-9093 | Smith: 518-496-6858 melissabarnes12866@gmail.com tinasmith12866@gmail.com www.saratogasparealty.com Welcome to 11 Shaw Drive! This custom home is an entertainer’s delight, perfect for entertaining and family gatherings! The Chef’s kitchen features a 12foot long black leathered granite serving island with spectacular gold pendants.

A floating cooking island with a professional range and floating contemporary hood above. As well as a mirrored front refrigerator panel that disappears into the spacious white cabinets. The white glossy tiled wall holds black oak floating shelves, a built-in coffee and beverage station, and double windows overlooking the community neighborhood. Nestled off the chef’s kitchen and spacious dining room is a spectacular custom, temperature-controlled wine room, complete with a floor-to-ceiling glass viewing wall and door. The floor-to-ceiling white limestone walls, feature floating iron wine racks with label forward storage.

Truly an amazing display for any wine enthusiast. Just off the entertaining space is a private, light-filled master suite with double-wide sliding glass doors overlooking the Karner Blue Area of the Saratoga Spa State Park.

Double reeded glass doors open to the grand master bath with hand-painted metallic wall finish and his and her wall-mounted vanities. A floating soaking tub under farmhouse windows, and a large floor-to-ceiling tiled master shower.

Landscaper: GSL Landscaping & Nursery - Matt Baker 139 Depot Road, Duanseburg 518-506-6808 | info@gsllandscapingllc.com www.gsllandscapingllc.com Interior Design Firm: Old Brick Furniture Design Team, Formerly at Bennington Furniture - Jeff Ture Jeff@benningtonfurniture.com www.oldbrickfurniture.com Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber Kitchen and Bath Design Nicole Stack 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-409-1308 nicole.stack@curtislumber.com curtislumberkitchendesign.com

Wrapping around all three floors is a custom-designed, hand-forged iron staircase balustrade, with a unique rectangular grid pattern that creates an open, airy, contemporary feeling that makes a WOW statement as you enter the home.

Unique Features

To finish off this beautiful home, fine artist Tom Myott was commissioned for an overscale painting depicting his well-known Saratoga Racing themes. Special dates, messages, and love notes are hidden within this incredible piece of artwork.

• Hand Forged Staircase Balustrade

• Custom Chef’s Kitchen • State of the Art, Custom, Temperature Controlled Wine Room • Private Master Suite overlooking the Blue Karner Forever Wild Area of Saratoga Spa State Park

David DePaulo saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

For more than three decades, Bella Home Builders has been remodeling and constructing awardwinning, quality homes in the Capital Region. Every house is constructed with Bella Homes’ impeccably high standards and unique, one-off designs, which are suited to each client’s needs. “I pride myself on quality,” says Founder and President David DePaulo, a third-generation builder. “It’s a real passion of mine to develop and design, and we never build the same house twice.” DePaulo believes in hard work and attention to detail, and with his incredible team of experts (with decades of combined experience), Bella Homes builds dream houses for families, couples, individuals, and young professionals alike.

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Belmonte Builders

Regatta View Carriage Homes - Maple 17 Dartmouth Way, Saratoga Springs 2,700 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms

Realtor: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Sharon Byrne 505 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-527-4914 | sharon@belmontebuilders.com www.howardhanna.com Landscaper: Capital District CPI - Chris Gennoy PO Box 540, Clifton Park 518-383-6385 | cdcpi@nycap.rr.com www.cpilandscaping.com

This charming 2,700 sq. ft. cottage/bungalow townhome has amazing street appeal featuring a unique European-sloped roof over the covered porch and details like decorative brackets and mantels with board-n-batten shutters. On the inside, beautiful 7” wide hardwood floors extend from the Entry Foyer to the main living areas. The home’s open floor plan lends itself to entertaining with the Great Room open to both the Gourmet Kitchen and Dining Area. The Great Room features a vaulted ceiling and a gas-burning fireplace with granite surround. There’s room for everything in the Gourmet Kitchen with a large working island and a walk-in pantry. And it’s a pleasure to cook in with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and soft-close cabinet hardware. A Screened Porch that leads to a paver patio adds even more living space and is perfect for outdoor dining.

Located on the main floor, the spacious Master Suite enjoys an abundance of natural light from large windows. The Master Bath leads to a large walk-in closet and features a tiled shower with a bench and 60” pivot style frameless doors. A finished oak staircase off the Foyer leads upstairs and provides a great view into the Great Room. Upstairs you’ll find two Bedrooms sharing a hallway Bath and an additional Bedroom Suite with its own private bath.

Interior Design Firm: Liberty Design Group - Chris Kwarta 150 Clayton Road, Schenectady 518-260-1141 | chris@libertydesigngroup.com www.libertydesigngroup.com Kitchen Design Firm: Builder’s Kitchens - Michelle Bucciero 1220 Central Avenue, Albany 518-438-0323 | michelle.bucciero@builderskitchen.com www.builderskitchens.com Unique Features • Unlike typical townhome communities, the carriage homes in Regatta View are all premium end units, which means each home features windows on three sides providing maximum opportunities for natural light and ventilation.

• These carriage homes are designed to include two premium units per building while appearing to be a large, single-family home with Craftsman elevations featuring a single front-entry driveway with an attached two-car garage.

• A two-story foyer greets you upon entry and leads to a spacious great room featuring a vaulted ceiling shared with both the gourmet kitchen and dining area.

• A 2nd floor loft balcony offers two vantage points to the lower level – overlooking both the great room and foyer.

• Master bath features two separate vanities.

Peter Belmonte

Belmonte Builders has been a proud builder of high-quality homes for over 40 years. A family-owned business, Belmonte takes pride in working closely with each and every customer to personalize their home to meet their unique needs. Visit any Belmonte model home to see the flow of the floor plan, the quality of the fixtures, the integrity of the construction, and the loving attention to detail. These are the building blocks that our success stands on today.

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• A part of the Regatta View HOA, these homes enjoy access to green space, a walking trail that leads to Saratoga Lake and a private beach with storage for canoes and kayaks.

Energy Efficiency/Green Technology • Energy Star Rated Home

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Family Owned & Operated

100 %

S AT IS FAC G U A R A N T IO N TEED

TESTIMONIAL

“

Your installers

represent you so well.

You are lucky to have such a great crew.

And our doors look wonderful, what a difference it made in our home! We should have done it years ago. We will highly recommend you guys!

Thanks again.

”

Another Satisfied Customer

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Bonacio Construction

The Moderne Condominiums 128 Henry St, Unit 202, Saratoga Springs 1,667 Square Feet • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms

Designed by: Design Logic Architects, PC - Robert Bucher 18 Computer Drive East, Suite 103, Albany 518-426-8880 rbucher@designlogicarchitects.com www.designlogicarchitects.com Realtor: Julie & Co. Realty, LLC Julie A. Bonacio, Broker/Owner 18 Division St, Suite 314, Saratoga Springs 518-701-5080 | julie@bonacio.com www.JulieCoRealty.com Landscaper: Clover-Leaf Nurseries, Inc - Joe Buono 52 East Elmwood Road, Menands 518-465-6074 | laurie@clnurseries.com

The Moderne offers floor plans ranging from 1,632 square feet to 2,273 square feet. These condominiums feature many amenities such as secured keyless entry with video intercom, quartz countertops with waterfall edge, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash, and much more. All floor plans include covered loggia. Selected penthouse units are two-story and include a second covered loggia, private rooftop patio, and 2nd parking spot.

Unique Features

• Covered Loggia

• Stunning Modern Details

• Rooftop Common Space with Grill

• Custom Closet Packages Throughout

• Innovative Smart Technology Package

Interior Design Firm: 23rd [and Fourth] - Janet Longe 130 Excelsior Ave, Ste 106, Saratoga Springs 518-584-3700 | jlonge@23rdandfourth. com www.23rdandfourth.com Kitchen Design Firm: The Signature Cabinet Group - Michael Bannon 8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 518-365-3280 michael@signaturecabinetgroup.com

Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • Smart Hub to Control: Smart Video Intercom, Smart Thermostat, Smart Door Lock • Leviton Smart Electrical Panel, Smart Dimmers, Humidistat, Receptacles, USB’s • Shared Smart Car Charging stations in the parking garage

Sonny Bonacio

Bonacio Construction, Inc. is a privately owned and operated full-service construction company in Saratoga Springs. In business since 1988, we have evolved from a small framing company to a diverse team of around 150 local artisans and professionals. We serve clients needing residential, commercial, and equine construction, remodeling, historic restoration, and structural and architectural metals. Creating one-of-akind custom homes is a specialty of ours. No two Bonacio Construction homes are exactly alike because we give our clients the tools and flexibility to create a home that is truly an expression of them. Regardless of price point, from contract to closing, our in-house design coordinators work with our clients every step of the way. When you choose Bonacio Construction, you’re partnering with an award-winning, family-owned company of experienced custom builders. We’ve spent over 30 years perfecting a unique process that provides efficiency, dependability, and clarity. Inside every structure we build, you’ll discover the hallmarks of the Bonacio Construction approach – value, integrity, high-quality materials, attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, cutting-edge style, and exceptional architectural design

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Caruso Builders

23 Jenna Jo Ave., Saratoga Springs 3,700 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms

House Designed by: Caruso Builders and Plan Architecture - Architect: AJ Alvarez. www.plnarc.com Realtor: Natalie Caruso – Keller Williams Capital District 38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs 518-380-0442 | nataliecaruso@kw.com

Just five minutes from Saratoga Racetrack, this beautiful new home in Oak Ridge reflects subtle equestrian inspiration in details throughout. The twostory great room is the center of this home — at one end a floor-to-ceiling stucco fireplace with Vermont Danby Marble surrounding and at the other, an open kitchen with matching marble backsplash, adjacent wine closet, and beverage station complete with wine tap. The side-entrance foyer opens to the kitchen, as well, with custom built-in storage and a half bath. Tucked behind the fireplace is a hallway to the first-floor master suite. With a second-floor loft for seating, homeowners find plenty of room in a small footprint. The walk-through master bath is exquisite—with lilac marble accents in the bathing areas—and opens to a walk-in closet with surrounding custom built-ins. Ascend the wide staircase from the great room to a spacious second-floor seating area surrounded by three bedrooms, two full baths with marble detail, a media room, and a laundry area. Step outside to the outdoor kitchen, patio, and fully landscaped backyard to notice every inch of this home was built for entertaining.

Landscaper: Kulak’s Nursery & Landscaping 1615 NY-146, Rexford 518-399-2404 | www.kulaksnursery.com Interior Design Firm: Plan Interiors - Tina Konstas 125 Paterson Avenue, 2nd FL., Little Falls, NJ 973-837-8399 | info@plnarc.com www.plnarc.com/interiors-1 Kitchen Design Firm: Kitchens by Zarrillos - Dawn Zarillo 1700 Duanesburg Road, Duanesburg 518-355-4446 | zarrilloskitchens@gmail.com kitchensbyzarrillos.com

Unique Features • Two-story great room • Floor-to-ceiling stucco fireplace • Second-floor loft • Media room • Outdoor kitchen and patio Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • 'Control 4' Smart Home Technology • Energy Star Rated HVAC & Appliances

Anthony Caruso

Caruso Builders is a boutique residential building company located in Saratoga Springs. Anthony Caruso started Caruso Builders in 2009 with a vision to make upstate living beautiful through design and function. The Caruso Builder team achieve this through their mission of bringing dreams to life by creating a foundation on which their clients can build their future. When their clients go to them with an idea, they don’t take those thoughts back to the rest of the team and work to fulfill the order on their own. They believe the only way to achieve their mission is to make their clients a part of the team by collaborating with them every step of the way. After all, it is not Caruso Builder’s dream that they are bringing to life, it is their clients.

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Proudly serving Saratoga and the Capital Distict

PASSIONATE | PROFESSIONAL | RESULTS

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518.380.0442 nataliecaruso@kw.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

At Caruso Builders, our vision is to make upstate living beautiful through design and function.

We create a foundation which our clients can build their future.

518.478.8596 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

carusobuildersny.com

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4

Kodiak Construction

4 Crestwood Dr., Greenfield Center

2,333 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms

House Designed by: RK Engineering, PLLC Realtor: Roohan Realty - Jeana Labas 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 208-360-1175 | jeana@roohanrealty.com www.roohanrealty.com Landscaper: Brookside Nursey - Jesse Marco 824 State Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-6500 | jmarco@brooksidenursery.com www.brooksidenursery.com

Located in Goose Hollow Ridge in Greenfield Center, this homesite offers 2.54 peaceful acres. The Tabletop model is a two-story modern farmhouse with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage. The eat-in kitchen features an oversized 9' island with quartz countertops and a walk-in pantry. Find custom builtin floating shelves surrounding the gas fireplace in the family room.

The primary suite includes a custom-designed walk-through closet to the ensuite bathroom. The bathroom is finished with a large ceramic tile walk-in shower with a built-in bench, an 8' double-sink vanity, and an enclosed water closet. First floor ceilings are 9' tall including the first-floor office. Exterior finishes include Norandex Cedar Knolls vinyl lap siding with board and batten accents, Owens Corning architectural shingles, and standing seam metal roof accents. Outdoor living space features a 13' x 16' screen porch with a low-maintenance, highly durable stamped concrete patio, perfect for backyard entertaining.

Interior Design Firm: Old Brick Furniture Design Team, Formerly at Bennington Furniture - Kaitlynn Johnson & Jeff Ture 63 Quaker Road, Queensbury 518-636-3434 kaitlynn@benningtonfurniture.com www.oldbrickfurniture.com Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber - Heather Bodnaryk 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-490-1397 heather.bodnaryk@curtislumber.com www.curtislumber.com Unique Features • Screen porch with stamped concrete patio • Quartz countertops throughout

• Walk-in pantry with barn door entry • First floor home office

• Well-thought-out space-saving 2nd-floor laundry with cabinet & counter storage, hanging space, all framed by double barn doors.

Energy Efficiency/Green Technology • 95% efficient forced air heating & cooling system with programmable thermostat

Jesse Boucher & Justin Sitler Founded locally by Saratoga Springs natives Jesse Boucher and Justin Sitler, Kodiak Construction is celebrating 17 years as a new home builder in 2021.

We are a full-service residential custom builder, serving clients throughout the Northern Capital District, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Lake George, providing new construction services that reflect our passion for detail. At Kodiak, we partner with you every step of the way to create your perfect home. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

•­ High efficiency Masterview windows and sliding door

• Blower door tested to confirm minimized air leaks • LED lighting throughout

• Blown-in cellulose ceiling insulation for improved coverage

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Paula McCormick is celebrating her 20th year in business by opening a new location and design center. Her new office will be a full interior design studio. She will be offering Mitchell Gold furnishings, four lines of interior lighting, Uttermost artwork and accessories for the home, a line of home fragrance, as well as holiday gifts and custom artwork. She also will be carrying a line of designer shades. Her design center is located in the new Starbuck Island project built by Luizzi companies. She is also working on a beautiful new restaurant overlooking the river on Starbuck Island called The Foundry.

Paula is currently designing projects at Marvin Gardens, Saratoga Springs, River’s Ledge, Niskayuna for Luizzi Companies, she recently completed two model units at The West Saratoga Springs, and is presently designing a private residence at Hudson Yards, New York City.

This is the third private residence Paula has designed for Erik Kohler Homes, his second personal residence. Paula loves working with Erik Kohler as they often share the same vision. As a builder he respects what an interior designer brings to a project.

Paula McCormick is also featured on local news stations interior design segments and hosts her own On Site Saturday’s segment.

She along with her volunteer models regularly hosts fashion shows to benefit local charities. Over the years she has helped raise over $200,000 for those charities.

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pmyinteriors@yahoo.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

ABOUT THE KOHLER HOME Paula designed this home from the plan forward, this home is a Modern Farmhouse design with a touch of traditional. Paula also selected many of the exterior finishes for this showcase home as well. Keeping in mind that Erik and Danielle are a young family with a beautiful new daughter (Rosalie), and a love for their dogs she helped design this home with all of those things in mind. Paula had recently completed a spa-like dog shower in one of Kohler’s other homes and absolutely had to have one here.

The guest bedroom suite on the

Paula McCormick Interiors 10 Starbuck Island Green Island, NY 12183 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

first floor is perfect for a nanny or visiting in-laws and gives plenty of privacy away from the master and the rest of the bedrooms. For the staircase, Paula worked closely with Tom of Northeast Stairs on the design and she always incorporates a little bit of metal work into her staircase designs. She added the nickel gap in moderation to make this staircase a focal point.

She also frequently uses Stikwood in her homes, and added some in the workout area and the boys camping bedroom. The use of wallpaper and custom painted ceilings are a given in a PMi designed home.

Paula along with the assistance of Danielle hand picked all the furnishings and artwork for this gorgeous home. The custom window seat cushions, pillows, and some bedding are also PMi designs. Danielle Kohler and Paula worked closely choosing unique and one of a kind pieces for this home. Danielle wanted to include original artwork depicting Vischer Ferry and our friends at Certified Framing helped us accomplish this. This home was a labor of love and having little two month old Rosalie on site made it that much more special. We are looking forward to having you tour this home.

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Kohler Homes 1686 Crescent Road, Rexford

4,979 Square Feet • 5 Bedrooms • 6 Bathrooms

This 5,000 sq. ft. spacious Modern Farmhouse, offers 5 bedrooms as well as 6 bathrooms making it perfect for family living. This home rests on over 13 acres and features a beautiful natural pond with a white railed fence framing its perimeter. This home offers a spacious front porch, as well as a beautiful back screened porch, providing the homeowner with a great deal of extra living space. Upon entering this home the first thing you will notice is the 20' tall custom double-sided stone fireplace. The family room, as well as the first-floor master bedroom, features rough sewn custom timbers. This home also offers several comfortable window seat areas for overlooking this beautiful property. This state-of-the-art kitchen features an extra-large island, a walk-thru pantry as well as a custom-designed cushioned breakfast nook (one of Kohler Builders trademark designs). The first-floor guest suite offers privacy away from the hub of the main home.

The oversized garage and workshop is every man’s dream.

Realtor: Coldwell Banker - Matt Rousseau and Diane Vanalstyne 1754 Route 9, Clifton Park 518-858-3218 | Diane.VanAlstyne@coldwellbankerprime.com Landscaper: Staucets Landscaping - Justin Staucet 617 State Route 146, Altamont | 518-902-0844 | staucetslandscaping@gmail.com Interior Design Firm: Paula McCormick Interiors - Paula McCormick 10 Starbuck Island, Green Island | 518-986-1196 | pmyinteriors@yahoo.com Kitchen Design Firm: Kitchen and Bath World - Sara Hines 1980 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205 518-464-0660 | sarab@kbwmail.net | www.kitchenandbathdesign.com

Erik Kohler saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Unique Features • Custom Dog Shower

• Double-sided Entry Stone Fireplace • Custom Staircase

• Custom Timber Screened Porch • Walk-in Pantry

Energy Efficiency/Green Technology • Security System with High Tech Cameras • Hidden Safe Room • Integrated Audio System throughout

Erik Kohler was born in the Capital Region into a family of builders. His grandfather was one of the most sought-after custom home builders in Rensselaer County. Upon graduating from RPI, with a degree in Finance, Erik decided to pursue a career in the building industry. This year he celebrates his 19th year in business. His custom homes have won numerous awards and his commercial framing business is recognized throughout the Northeast. Erik was one of the recipients of the Albany Business Review’s 40 under 40 award in 2019. This year, Erik and his wife Danielle welcomed their first child a beautiful baby girl, Rosalie Elsa Kohler.

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McPadden Builders

Lakeside at Riley’s 67 Waterview Dr., Saratoga Springs

2,888 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms This custombuilt McPadden Builders home is located at Lakeside at Riley’s just minutes from downtown Saratoga and walking distance to Saratoga Lake.

The floor plan has an open flow and elegant feel along with a decadent 1st-floor master suite that offers the sophistication that any growing family or empty nester can appreciate. Details, exceptional quality, and craftsmanship throughout are what McPadden Builders' homes are all about. From the built-in lockers in the mudroom to the completely gourmet kitchen designed for the entertaining lifestyle. Not far from the kitchen, relax on the screened porch or dine in the stylish and tasteful dining room. The second floor offers privacy and comfort with a loft, a jack-and-jill full bath, an additional full guest bath along with three spacious bedrooms and walk-in closets. A robust array of features from the wide plank hardwood flooring, custom selected tile, granite countertops, custom molding, as well as stunning lighting raise the bar.

Realtor: Howard Hanna - Rick Gargiulo 28 Division St., Saratoga Springs 518-369-7804 | rickgargiulo@ howardhanna.com howardhanna.com Landscaper: Brookside Nursery - Ian Murray Designer - Jesse Marco 824 State Rt 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-6500 Murray: imurray@brooksidenursery.com Marco: jmarco@brooksidenursery.com brooksidenursery.com Interior Design Firm: Old Brick Furniture Design Team, Formerly at Bennington Furniture - Kaitlynn Johnson & Jeff Ture 63 Quaker Rd, Queensbury 518-636-3434 | kaitlynn@ benningtonfurniture.com www.oldbrickfurniture.com Kitchen Design Firm: Curtis Lumber - Heather Bodnaryk 885 State Rt 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-5311 | heatherb@curtislumber.com curtislumber.com

Unique Features • Built-ins • Coffered ceiling • Chef’s kitchen • Tile baths • New home in established neighborhood

Matt McPadden saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

McPadden Builders LLC is a family-owned company dedicated to building high-quality homes — on time, as promised — for an exceptional value. Matt McPadden and his company are currently building in two Saratoga County developments including Craw Farm South and Lakeside at Riley’s as well as on spot lots.

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R&M Homes

The Carson 2 Mallory Way, Ballston Lake

2,232 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms

Realtor: Signature ONE Realty Group Cindy Quade 2575 Route 9, Malta 518-376-2965 | cmquade32@gmail.com ONE-realtygroup.com

The Carson is a magnificent one-level living home that features dramatic open spaces. Designed for today’s living, this home offers three well-located bedrooms, a home office, private master suite with a stunning master bath, and large walk-in closet. The open and spacious kitchen will please even the most discriminating of chefs! Open to the great room with a large dining space, this home lives and entertains perfectly. Added features are the large mudroom and first-floor laundry room and the optional rear covered porch adds the perfect amount of added outdoor living space!

Landscaper: Deschamps Bros, INC P.O. Box 11173, Loudonville 518-378-2710 Interior Design Firm: DeLaCruz Enterprises, LLC Valerie DeLaCruz 849 Red Oak Drive, Niskayuna 518-505-1659 www.valeriedelacruz.com Kitchen Design Firm: Bellevue Builders - Valerie DeLaCruz

Unique Features • Chef’s Kitchen • Full Rear Screened in Porch • Master Suite with Owners Walk-in Shower • Beamed Ceilings • HOT Button Finished Basement

Steve Reutter

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

R&M Homes was built on over 30 years of experience dedicated to building the finest homes in the Capital Region. We start with the best materials and work with quality craftsmen that have the same eye for detail and dedication to providing a home that will have lasting value for years to come. From start to finish, we strive to provide an enjoyable building experience combined with customer service for each homeowner we build for.

Energy Efficiency/Green Technology • R-49 Insulation • 96% HVAC Efficiency

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Trojanski Builders

24 Beacon Hill Dr., Saratoga Springs 4,672 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 4.5 Bathrooms

This gorgeous modern home features an open concept layout for functional living with walk-in pantry, morning room, and screened-in porch.

A spacious kitchen featuring high-quality stainless steel appliances, granite, and fixtures. Excellent floor plan with 4 bedrooms upstairs, second-floor laundry room, 2 offices on first floor and a 3 car garage. Finished basement with fitness room, recreation and movie room.

Realtor: Sterling Homes Real Estate - Sarah Trojanski CSP 1487 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa 518-616-8428 | sarah@trojanskibuilders.com www.sterlinghomesrealestate.com Landscaper: Sunshine Landscaping 612 Tanner Road, Clifton Park | 518-384.0086 Interior Design Firm: Eye on Decor - Emily Baker eyeondecor@gmail.com Kitchen Design Firm: Eye on Decor - Emily Baker eyeondecor@gmail.com

Unique Features • Two First floor home offices • Finished basement with a fitness room, recreation/movie room, and game area

Dave Trojanski saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

At Trojanski Builders we combine our professional experience with a passion to deliver high-quality homes and custom remodeling services to homeowners in the Saratoga and surrounding areas.

We have a hands-on approach for managing the details to ensure that every facet of construction is done to your specifications and on schedule.

• Custom built ins and window seats • Coffered ceilings • Morning room and screened in porch Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • NGBS Green Building Certification

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Witt Construction

13 Birch Street, Saratoga Springs

Bench

6

Mudhall Gas FP Powder Room Pantry

Living Room 17' 8" x 17' 6" Kitchen Two-Car Garage 14' x 38'

2,813 Square Feet • 2 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms Entry Foyer

Dining Room 13' x 11' 8"

Front Porch 16' x 8'

Window Seat

FIRST FLOOR

WITT CONSTRUCTION

First Floor

All Dimensions are Approximations

|

Primary Bath

Witt Construction retains the copyright to all plans and designs WIC

Primary Bedroom 15' x 17' 8"

Lin.

Laundry

Bath Lin. Bookcase

Upper Hall

WIC

Front Bedroom 13' x 15' 7"

This upscale West Side cottage offers bedroom en suites and a gracious open floor plan on the first floor that features dropped reclaimed beams to separate the living spaces. Coveted in downtown homes, this customized model includes ample storage and closet space. The powered-up lower level has both a family room and an exercise room.

Landscaper: Mandy’s Spring Nursery - Todd Smith 1637 County Route 28, Granville 518-642-3676 | info@mandysnursery.com | mandysnursery.com Interior Design Firm: Witt Construction, Inc., Studio K and Joanne Tarantino & Susan Jeffreys 563 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-4113 | jwitt@wittconstruction.com | wittconstruction.com Kitchen Design Firm: Witt Construction, Inc

SECOND FLOOR

Unique Features • Extra-space mudroom off the garage entrance

WITT CONSTRUCTION

Second Floor

• Private patio, landscaped yard, and swimming pool

All Dimensions are Approximations

|

Witt Construction retains the copyright to all plans and designs

• Cozy window seat overlooking Willow Lane Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • Combination of spray foam & blown in cellulose insulation • Insulated vinyl siding • Smart exterior switching & home audio Sonos system

John Witt

Witt Construction, Inc., builds award-winning, custom-designed homes that are striking in appearance, energy-efficient, and enduring in their value. Witt Construction, founded in 1987, builds custom and semi-custom homes in the historic city of Saratoga Springs, NY, and the surrounding Capital Region.

The company is recognized in the industry and by clients alike, as the prominent custom-home builder in Saratoga and is noted for constructing homes that are rich in spirit of space and designed to enhance the unique character of each home. Equally notable is John Witt’s passion and gusto for crafting homes solid of structure, stunning in design, and inspired by an elegant sense of style.

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Witt Construction

36 Hyde Street, Saratoga Springs

Screen Porch w/Ceiling Heaters

Outdoor Dining

BBQ

To Garage

Outdoor Living

Window Seat

Pantry

Side Entry w/Bench

Dining Room

Kitchen

WIC

3,662 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms

Living Room w/Beamed Ceiling

Up

WIC

Entry Foyer

Powder Room

Steam Shower

Down to Lower Level

FIRST FLOOR

Master Bath (Vaulted)

First Floor

Bath

Master Bedroom (Vaulted)

Bedroom Master WIC

Laundry

Upper Hallway Window Seat

Window Seat

Down

WIC

SECOND FLOOR

This unique property is the builder’s personal home designed to show how a smaller home can live big in an urban neighborhood. The builder chose a classic carriage house exterior style with an indoor twist: a contemporary interior we call “euro fresh.” The gracious first floor flows through an open-style kitchen-dining room-family room. The dining room opens up to a large screened-in porch and back patio. The screened porch features infrared heaters and ceiling fans. The second floor features two bedroom en suites and a convenient laundry room.

The lower level comprises a guest suite, yoga, cycling, and golf simulator room, as well as a family room with a walk-in wine room.

Landscaper: Sunny Hill Landscape Innovations - Kevin Rogner 270 East High Street, Ballston Spa 518-421-5106 | sunnyhillkjr@hotmail.com | wittconstruction.com Interior Design Firm: Witt Construction, Inc., Studio K and Aspen Witt 563 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-4113 | jwitt@wittconstruction.com | wittconstruction.com Kitchen Design Firm: Witt Construction, Inc

Yoga Area

Wine Room

Guest Bedroom

Lower Living Room

WIC

Second Floor

Golf Simulator

Mech.

Bath Workshop

LOWER LEVEL

Unique Features

Lower Level

• Gourmet kitchen with a custom window seat, Italian limestone, and plaster walls and ceiling • Master bath with a view. Steam shower, soaking tub, heated floors • Ample closets throughout • Super entertainment area in the lower level with wine room, family room, and golf simulator

John Witt

Witt Construction, Inc., builds award-winning, customdesigned homes that are striking in appearance, energyefficient, and enduring in their value. Witt Construction, founded in 1987, builds custom and semi-custom homes in the historic city of Saratoga Springs, and the surrounding Capital Region. The company is recognized in the industry and by clients alike, as the prominent custom-home builder in Saratoga and is noted for constructing homes that are rich in spirit of space and designed to enhance the unique character of each home. Equally notable is John Witt’s passion and gusto for crafting homes solid of structure, stunning in design, and inspired by an elegant sense of style.

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• Detached garage with potential to finish the second floor as a home office or in-law suite Energy Efficiency/ Green Technology • Net Zero Home • 13KW Solar System installed by Kassleman Solar • Crestron Smart Home 4. Carrier HVAC Green Speed System, air to air heat exchange, electric heat pump fueled by solar

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Subcontractors

& Suppliers

THE BDC GROUP Bellevue Builders Supply 500 Duanseburg Road, Schenectady Curtis Lumber Co., Inc 885 Route 67 Ballston Spa Erie Materials Albany Inc 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany John D. Marcella Appliances Inc 560-564 Broadway, Schenectady ProSource of Albany 110 Railroad Avenue, Albany The Sherwin Williams Co. 2080 Western Avenue, Guilderland Cranesville Block Company Inc 1250 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam VP Supply Corp, Albany 130 Railroad Avenue, Albany

BEECHWOOD HOMES Jeff Arnold Inc. 194 Honeywell Corners Road, Broadalbin Matala Builders & Sons Inc 1603 High Rock Avenue, Malta Lance Plumbing 480 Broadway, Suite LL-14a Saratoga Springs NSE Inc. Clifton Park Appolo Heating, Inc. 868 Burdeck Street, Schenectady Curtis Lumber 885 NY-67, Ballston Spa Bellevue Builders Supply 500 Duanseburg Road, Schenectady Winsupply of Saratoga 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs Ninety Nine Stones Inc. 10 Lowe's Drive, Saratoga Springs DaCosta Construction Inc. Victory Mills Solid Surface Craftsman 144 Freemans Bridge Road, Scotia 80 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Winslow Painting Professionals LLC 198 Howe Road, Greenfield Center

PLP Development 494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Sofia Engineering LLC 11 Herbert Drive Latham, NY 12110

PMD Custom Built 35 Retreat House Road, Glenmont

Mountain View Home Services LLC 17 Woodland Drive, Gansevoort

Randall Perry Photography 456 Hansen Road, Schaghticoke

The L A Group 40 Long Alley, Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Masonry 453 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs

JJC Tile & Masonry Inc Galway

Winsupply of Saratoga 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs

Ingalls & Assoc., LLP 2603 Guilderland Avenue, Rotterdam

The Tile Man 1868 Hexan Road West, Niskayuna

Builders Installed Products 136 Tivoli Street, Albany

BELMONTE BUILDERS

Alton Enterprises Guilderland

J&K Trucking and Excavating Inc. 14 South Greenfield Ave., Greenfield

Classic Wall Finishes Greenfield Center DyerWorks Construction Saratoga Springs

Bonded Concrete PO Box 189, Watervliet Ragone Foundations PO Box 309, Waterford

BELLA HOME BUILDERS

JMK Industries 2 Stonebreak Road, Malta

Curtis Lumber Kitchen & Bath 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Ultimate Roofing 207 E Campbell Road, Schenectady

D&T Electric PO Box 25, Clifton Park

Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Extension, Renssalaer

Fiacco Brothers 6 Tower Heights, Albany

ABC Supply 95 VanGuysling, Schenectady

GSL Landscaping & Nursery 139 Depot Road, Duanesburg

Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Hamel Stairs 311 Amsterdam Road, Schenectady

Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany

J.B Asphalt 726 W. River Road, Gansevoort

Capital Plumbing & Heating 2001 Winners Circle, Castleton

Lance Plumbing 363 Co. Road 68, Saratoga Springs

Albany Mechanical Services 15 Albany Avenue, Green Island

Marcella's Appliannces 560 Broadway, Schenectady

Brower Electric 41 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs

Next Phase Construction PO Box 706, Newtonville

A.W. Hamel Stairs 3111 Amsterdam Road, Scotia

Northern Hardwoods 2302 NY-9N, Lake George

Lill Overhead Door 142 Columbia Turnpike, Renssalaer

Paragon Roofing, LLC 1233 Route 9, Hudson

Builders Kitchen 1220 Central Avenue, Albany saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Thermally Yours 149 Plant Road, Halfmoon

Marcella's Appliance Center 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park

Sherman Tile Associates 1118 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa

Morin’s Construction 2 Greenfield Manor, Porters Corners

Liberty Design Group, Albany

Albany Mechanical Services Inc 15 Albany Avenue, Green Island

Harrison Drywall 262 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa Best Fire 1760 Central Avenue, Colonie Floor Source 1466 Route 9, Clifton Park The Tile Man 1868 Hexan Road West, Niskayuna Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Schenectady Curtis Lumber (all cabinetry) 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa Adirondack Precision Cut Stone 536 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury VP Supply 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake PJ Baker Electric 242 S Central Avenue, Mechanicville Precision Upstate 115 Freemans Bridge, Scotia

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CPI Landscaping PO Box 540, Clifton Park Richard's Paving & Fuels PO Box 5345, Clifton Park

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION B&B Plumbing and Heating 25 Station Lane, Unit A, Saratoga Springs Apex Green Roofs 17 Parker Street, Newbury MA Dimension Fabricators, Inc. 2000 7th Street, Scotia Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 New Louden Road, Latham KAMCO 36 Railroad Avenue, Albany Pro Carpet 5580 Ridge Road West, Spencerport Siena Fence Co. Inc PO Box 4893, Clifton Park

Architectural Glass & Mirror 3 Liebich Lane, Suite 1, Clifton Park BR Johnson 6960 Fly Road, East Syracuse Frank Ryan & Sons 295 1st Street, Troy The Signature Cabinet Group 8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton North East Fire Protection Systems Inc 318 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa Northwoods Concrete PO BOX 436, Chestertown Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls PO Box 834 Glens Falls Parker & Hammond 24 Silver Circle, Queensbury Prediletto Electric 56 Clifton Country Road, Suite 108, Clifton Park Schindler Elevator 12 Walker Way, Albany

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Subcontractors & Suppliers...

CARUSO BUILDERS Plan Architecture & Plan Interiors 125 Paterson Ave. Little Falls, NJ Zarrillo's Custom Design Kitchens 1700 Duanesburg Road, Duanesburg Bellevue Builders 500 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady Crawford Window - Pella Windows & Doors of Rensselaer 529 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer Champlain Stone 27 Elm Street, Warrensburg Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer Kulak's Nursery & Landscaping 1615 NY-146, Rexford Marcella's Appliance Center 560 Broadway, Schenectady Adirondack Precision Cut Stone 550 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury Best Tile 22241 Central Avenue, Schenectady Best Fire 1760 Central Avenue, Albany Floor Source 1466 Route 9, Clifton Park Winsupply of Saratoga Springs 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs A.W. Hamel Stair MFG, Inc. 3111 Amsterdam Road, Scotia Absolute Tile Company LLC 17 S Church Street, #1735, Schenectady

KODIAK CONSTRUCTION ABC Supply Co Branch #599, Albany Allerdice Glass & Mirror 120 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs B&B Plumbing & Heating 25 Station Lane, Unit A, Saratoga Springs Best Fire Hearth & Patio - Albany 1760 Central Avenue, Albany Best Tile - Saratoga 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Brookside Nursery 824 Route 67 Ballston Spa Builders First Source 1675 Route 9, Suite 110 Watkins Plaza, Clifton Park 82 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Capital Stone - Saratoga 4295 NY-50, Saratoga Springs CEC Systems, Inc 26F Congress Street, Suite 212, Saratoga Springs Christopher Hens 24 Walnut Street, Saratoga Springs Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa Custom Decorative Concrete, LLC 86 York Road, Corinth Doc Tile 363 Gurn Springs Road, Gansevoort Earl B Feiden 785 New Loudon Road, Latham Everything Under Foot LLC 188 Main Street, Hudson Falls Granite Excavating, LLC PO Box 657 Saratoga Springs Hamilton Plumbing, Inc 181 East River Drive, Lake Luzerne Hawk Well Drilling 354 Stone Church Road, Ballston Spa Margiasso Contracting 14 South Clement Avenue, Ravena Northeast Stairs, Corp.

1029 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake Northeast Custom Closets 2 Peabody Place, Wilton O'Connor Concrete, LLC 932 Locust Grove Road Greenfield Center O'Leary Overhead Door 39 Oak View Drive, Moreau Pallete Stone 269 Ballard Road, Wilton Pregent Paving 116 Citation Way, Ballston Spa Ross Concrete Management, Inc 15 Gilbert Street, Mechanicville Snyder 's Drywall, Inc 1555 Saratoga Road, Fort Edward Thompson Fleming Land Surveyors 12 Lake Avenue, #1, Saratoga Springs Ernesto Valladares nestovallz88@gmail.com VP Supply Corp.

43A Round Lake Road, Ballston Spa Yunga's Services Inc PO Box 14075, Albany

KOHLER HOMES Absolute Tile 17 South Church Street, Schenectady Capital Region Hardwood Flooring 23 Devonshire Way, Clifton Park Capital Plumbing 4 Springhurst Drive, #211 East Greenbush Apollo Heating 868 Burdeck Street, Schenectady Morcore Solutions 23 Ternan Avenue, East Greenbush Curtis Lumber 885 NY-67, Ballston Spa Kitchen & Bath World 1980 Central Avenue, Albany Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Schenectady ProSource 110 Railroad Avenue, Albany Ghent Wood Products 1262 State Route 66, Ghent Duke Concrete 50 Duke Drive, Queensbury

MCPADDEN BUILDERS W.J. Morris Excavating 210 Old Gick Road, Saratoga Springs Curtis Lumber 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa WinSupply Saratoga 50 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs Appolo Heating 868 Burdeck Street, Schenectady Best Tile 4295 Route 50, 3, Saratoga Springs The Tile Man Schenectady Flooring America 1910 Maxon Rodd Ext, Schenectady Lill Overhead Door 142 Columbia Tpke, Rensselaer Clifton Park Glass 2035 Route 9, Round Lake AW Hamel 3111 Amsterdam Road, Scotia Brookside Nursery 824 State Route 67, Ballston Spa

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Granite and Marble Works 8 Commerce Park Drive, Gansevoort

Winsupply of Saratoga 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs

Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany

Pallette Concrete Wilton

Harbrook 47 Railroad Avenue, Albany

Eye On Decor & KBC Design Studio eyeondecor@gmail.com

Marcella's Appliance Center 560 Broadway, Schenectady

Pella Crawford 529 Third Ave Extension, Rensselaer

Wolberg Electrical Supply 60 West Ave, Saratoga Springs

California Closets 952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham

Allerdice Glass 120 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Capital Stone - Saratoga 4295 NY-50, Saratoga Springs

Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselear

R&M HOMES

WITT CONSTRUCTION 13 BIRCH STREET Valley Engineering PLLC Guilderland Creative Stone Designs, LLC Argyle Giuffre Contracting, LLC 528 Third Ave Extension, Rensselaer

Adams Heating & Cooling 2088 Curry Road, Schenectady Alside 45 Industrial Park Rd. Albany Bellevue Builders Supply 500 Duanesburg Rd, Schenectday Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Schenectady Bonded Concrete P.O. Box 189, Watervliet Capital Stone 2241 Central Avenue, Schenectady D&R Paving 1 Apollo Drive, Albany David Louis Floor Covering 867 Albany Street, Schenectady Deschamps Bros, INC P.O. Box 11173, Loudenville Erie Materials Supply 97-99 Railroad Avenue, Albany Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer MJG Appliances P.O. Box 5346, Clifton Park NBS Electrical Contracting 1041 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany Security Supply Corp 196 Maple Avenue, Selkirik

TROJANSKI BUILDERS Floor Source, LLC 1466 Route 9, Clifton Park Capital Stone/Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Schenectady Best Fire Inc 1760 Central Avenue, Albany Empire State Tile 19 Whitney Rd S., Saratoga Springs

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Subcontractors & Suppliers...

ABC Supply - Albany 29 Railroad Avenue, Albany

RiverRun Cabinetry www.riverruncabinetry.com

Curtis Lumber Co., Inc 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

DyerWorks Construction Saratoga Springs

Siteline Cabinetry, LLC sitelinecabinetry.com

County Waste 1927 Route 9, Clifton Park

Auselect Electrical Contractors, LLC Saratoga Springs

Jeff Arnold, Inc. Saratoga Springs

Stone Industries 4305 Route 50, Saratoga Springs

Steve Herman, LLC Glens Falls

Martino Engineering, PLLC www.martinoengineering.com

Michael Biss Woodworking Middle Grove

RJ Powers & Sons LLC Saratoga Springs

Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 Route 9, Latham

Sherwin-Williams Co. www.sherwin-williams.com

BCS Construction

Wolberg Electrical Supply 60 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs Highland Heating & Cooling 26F Congress Street, Suite #302 Saratoga Springs Winkler's Plumbing & Heating

Winsupply of Saratoga 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Fireplace 437 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs Thermally Yours 149 Plant Road, Clifton Park The Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls 1584 U.S. 9, Fort Edward Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Extension, Renssalaer Curtis Lumber Co., Inc 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa County Waste 1927 Route 9, Clifton Park Stone Industries 4305 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 Route 9, Latham BCS Construction

Best Tile of Saratoga, LLC 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Adirondack Audio & Video 1048 State Route 9, Queensbury Allerdice Glass & Mirror 120 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs JM Trackey Custom Finishes Glens Falls Sheft Construction, LLC Greenfield Alton Enterprises, Inc. Lake George Drywall

Floormaster 102 Quaker Road, Queensbury Capital Stone of Saratoga 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Ridgewood Cabinet Shop 84 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Thompson-Fleming Land Surveyors, PC 12 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs

WITT CONSTRUCTION 36 HYDE STREET Valley Engineering PLLC Guilderland Creative Stone Designs, LLC Argyle Giuffre Contracting, LLC 528 Third Ave Extension, Rensselaer ABC Supply - Albany 29 Railroad Avenue, Albany DyerWorks Construction Saratoga Springs Auselect Electrical Contractors, LLC Saratoga Springs Steve Herman, LLC Glens Falls Wolberg Electrical Supply 60 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs Highland Heating & Cooling 26F Congress Street, Suite #302 Saratoga Springs Winkler's Plumbing & Heating

Winsupply of Saratoga 5 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Fireplace 437 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs Thermally Yours 149 Plant Road, Clifton Park Snyders Drywall 1555 Route 9, Fort Edward The Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls 1584 U.S. 9, Fort Edward Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Extension, Renssalaer Greg Alden Flooring 2699 Broadway Schenectady

Best Tile of Saratoga, LLC 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Adirondack Audio & Video 1048 State Route 9, Queensbury Allerdice Glass & Mirror 120 Excelsior Ave, Saratoga Springs Granite & Marbleworks 8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton JM Trackey Custom Finishes Glens Falls Sheft Construction, LLC Greenfield Floormaster 102 Quaker Road, Queensbury LaRocque Business Management www.philiplarocque.com Sunnyhill Landscaping Innovations 270 East High Street, Ballston Spa C&C Seamless Gutters

Classic Wall Finishes www.classic-wall-finishes.com Dura Supreme Cabinetry www.durasupreme.com J & K Trucking & Excavating 14 South Greenfield Ave., Greenfield Kassleman Solar, LLC 279 Broadway, Building 2, Menand Martino Engineering, PLLC www.martinoengineering.com Old World Roofing, Saratoga Springs Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design 51 Ash Street, Saratoga Springs RJ Powers & Sons LLC Saratoga Springs Sherwin-Williams Co. www.sherwin-williams.com Thompson-Fleming Land Surveyors, PC 12 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs Trackman Golf trackmangolf.com

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CITY HALL: Celebrating 150!

Photo provided by Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

preserving

SARATOGA WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

T

he handsome three-story Italianate building located at the corner of Broadway and Lake Street must have been quite the sight to see when it was completed 150 years ago. On December 28, 1871, a grand reception was held to celebrate the completion of Town Hall, today known as City Hall.

At 3 p.m. the doors were thrown open to throngs of citizens who came to see the new brick building with a large bell tower. Village commissioners were there to welcome everyone to the building, ushering the public into the grand two-story theater with its large stage,

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balconies, and crystal chandeliers. “In the evening the entire building was lighted, from basement to the roof, presenting a beautiful appearance,” The Saratogian reported the following day.

The Town of Saratoga Springs was set apart from the Town of Saratoga in 1819. Six years later, it was incorporated as a village. Prior to the construction of Town Hall, town and village boards met separately in a variety of hotels or rented spaces. The construction of a town hall was first proposed in the early 1860s. After bonds were secured to finance the project, construction began in the fall of 1870. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The painted Town Hall, now City Hall, with the bell tower and clock. Provided by George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum.

An illustration of the American Bankers’ Association annual convention meeting at Town Hall from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, August 31, 1878.

The 5,225 pound bell being removed from the tower in 1934.

Provided by George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum.

The building designed by Cummings & Birt, architects from Troy, and built by local builder, D. M. Main was nearly complete in August 1871, when it became apparent that the cost of the clock and bell were not included in the original estimate. An additional $2,800 was authorized, which included funds for curtains for the theater and to pave adjacent sidewalks. Upon completion, two lions were placed at the entrance of the building. The total cost of construction was $109,999.46.

The building’s elaborate design and prominent downtown corner location made Town Hall a symbol of power.

Designed in the most popular architectural style at the time, Italianate, Town Hall features a stone base, decorative brickwork, segmental arches, an elaborate cornice with brackets, arched windows with keystones above, fleur-de-lis accents, and the often overlooked large rose window on the south façade. The building was 78’ tall with an additional 60’ tower. The bell tower was louvered with a decorative slate mansard roof with round windows. The clock that measured six feet in diameter was supposed to be placed in the round

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windows, but due to its delayed arrival it was placed on top.

One year after Town Hall was complete, the commissioners determined that the 3,225-pound Meneely bell was too small, and a larger bell was needed.

Town Hall not only had offices for government officials and a theater, it also had meeting rooms, a courtroom, the post office, police headquarters, including six jail cells, and private offices for rent, predominantly by law firms. The 1,700-seat theater was used for town meetings, theatrical productions, and other public gatherings, such as conventions. It is in this space that the American Bar Association and the American Bankers Association were founded in 1875. In 1882, an extension was made to the back of the building to provide additional space for a court room, offices, and the police.

The building served as Town Hall for the village and town until June 22, 1915 when the village and town of Saratoga Springs were incorporated together as a city under the commission form of government. It is at that time that Town Hall became City Hall.

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The main hall circa 1935 and today. Current photo provided by City of Saratoga Springs, Michael B. Veitch.

The building remained largely the same until 1934 when significant changes were made. On December 30, 1933, The Saratogian reported that work to dismantle the theater immediately began following City Council approval to remodel City Hall. It reported “Under the direction of foreman James J. Riley, a force armed with pinchbars, hammers, crowbars, and other tools, descended on city hall. By noon all of the seats in the balcony around the three sides of the auditorium had been demolished, the front of the balcony on the three sides lay in pieces, and the front of the stage had been taken away…” People lamented the loss of the two-story theater where French actress Sarah Bernhardt and actor, singer Chauncey Olcott once performed; high school plays were produced; and many conventions took place. The theater was replaced with much needed offices and a new courtroom. A smaller Music Hall was constructed on the third floor.

Music Hall fire damage.

Provided by City of Saratoga Springs, Michael B. Veitch.

The remodel was carried out as part of the Civil Works Administration, a short-lived job creation program established by the New Deal during the Great Depression.

On November 8, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt unveiled the program in an effort to provide mainly manual labor jobs to the millions of people unemployed.

In 1934, the massive clock on top of the tower that had told time to Saratogians since 1872 was dismantled and seven of the eight chimneys were removed. Also, the 7’ tall, 10’ wide bell that weighed 5,225 pounds, said to be the largest municipal bell in the northeast United States, was removed from the tower because it was deemed unsafe. The structure was only designed to accommodate the much smaller original bell. Two years after the bell and clock were removed, the tower was dismantled.

By the end of 1936, the front doors were replaced with a revolving door; the ornate interior wood stair balustrades were removed and replaced with an aluminum finished metal; the two female statues carrying torches, originally gas and later electric bulbs, that graced the newel posts were removed; and the lions that flanked the entrance were relocated to the east and west recreation fields. The lions were restored to their original location in 2009 when Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco replaced the inappropriate aluminum front doors with wood doors and installed heated granite steps.

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Music Hall today. Provided by Bradley Birge.

Over time other changes were made to City Hall, including one of the most significant changes - the yellow paint was removed from the exterior, giving the building its natural brick appearance that you see today.

On August 17, 2018, lightning struck City Hall, starting a fire in the attic. Thankfully the Saratoga Springs Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the fire.

However, the Music Hall and the south side of the building sustained extensive water damage. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

An emergency declaration was instituted to protect the building and essential city functions were quickly relocated to the Recreation Center and the City Court was relocated to the Lincoln Bath building at the Spa State Park.

After a thorough assessment of not only the damage to the building, but the building’s infrastructure, the City Council determined that rather than only addressing the damage caused by the fire, the entire building should be rehabilitated. “The preliminary plan that I presented sought to remove hazardous materials, specifically asbestos; restore historically significant building features; update building systems – electrical, plumbing, data, security, and heating and cooling; improve departmental spaces; and add a second courtroom as mandated by New York State,” said Commissioner Scirocco.

appearance of the hall is retained, but with enhanced lighting. Where possible, dropped ceilings were removed to reveal decorative tin ceilings and windows. When a large map of the city believed to date to the early 1900s was discovered behind sheetrock, Commissioner Scirocco insisted that it remain in place. “It was the attention to detail, especially in the public spaces, that was most important to me,” said Commissioner Scirocco.

Unfortunately, the completion of the project took place during COVID, so it was not possible to host a reception similar to the one that was held on December 28, 1871.

However, there is no doubt that if it had been possible, people would be just as impressed as the day the building opened 150 years ago! SS

In addition to addressing these items, working with the architectural and engineering firm, Clark Patterson Lee, the plan was expanded to add a second elevator to improve ADA accessibility throughout the building, reconstruct the Music Hall with enhanced acoustical isolation and state of the art audio visual and lighting systems for events, restore the main entrance hall, improve lighting, and uncover historic decorative features. The Department of Public Works sought input from all the various stakeholders, including City Council, staff, police, and those associated with city court. Being a designated Local Landmark, input was also sought from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as well as the Design Review Commission issued an advisory opinion.

The extensive project was completed within two years of the lighting strike, thanks in part to Michael Veitch, Business Manager for the Department of Public Works who served as the Project Manager.

“Our biggest challenge was that with any other project of this magnitude there would have been a year or two of advance planning, but we did not have that. We had to start immediately,” said Veitch.

One instantly notices the improvements made to the building.

Unattractive ac units no longer hang out the windows of the handsome façade and upon walking in the front doors, it is a much more welcoming experience. The 1934 Art Deco saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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. . t ee M Dr. John Healy:

An Artist in a Witt House

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

If life is like a wheel, for Dr. John Healy, art is the hub at the center that connects everything and keeps it all spinning.

A tour through the house that Dr. Healy and his wife Patricia designed with John Witt, the President of Witt Construction, reveals room after room of artistic beauty.

“The house functions as my studio as well as my gallery for the art I create.

No artist ever had it so good,” he said.

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ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE The home’s largest windows all face north, bathing it in light while John’s art nouveau-inspired stained glass windows add jovial color to the open spaces.

“Our house grows from the landscape and is not an appendage on the landscape. We are so pleased with the architectural style of the house. It is so perfect for Saratoga.”

So much of the furniture in this home has come out of John’s woodshop including; a basswood cabinet with carved sunflowers, a walnut dresser, smooth sycamore and cherry mirrors, lamps and more.

TREASURED MEMORIES The Healy’s moved to Saratoga two years ago but as a boy, John visited the Adirondacks, often spending the summers with his grandfather in Saranac Lake. He still treasures these memories. In their home is a Saranac-inspired guest bedroom and in John’s studio, he is surrounded with photos and his paintings of the area.

Here too, are works in progress, as well as signed photographs from some of the people he’s completed portraits for, including Mike Tyson and Middleweight World Champion Vito Antuofermo.

There are mementos from the Waldorf school, where John’s creativity flourished. He then went on to Long Island University, and to earn his doctorate in Art Education from Columbia University.

THE ART OF ADVENTURE In the late 1960s and early 1970s, John participated in judo competitions and earned the rank of Black Belt. He also served as a Lieutenant in the Army Reserve during the end of the Vietnam war. He won accolades for his judo performance against both civilian and US Army Military Academy opponents.

John also adventured through Italy for a time, which is where he completed the bronze ballerina and alabaster snowflake sculptures that now grace his living and dining rooms.

He then became the middle school art teacher at Long Island’s Woodland Middle School for more than 25 years.

Under John’s direction, Art Club students painted murals that were displayed at many notable locations, including the United Nations.

His own paintings have been exhibited at The Carlyle (on NYC’s posh Madison Ave), New York’s Athletic Club on Central Park West and others.

A moving speaker, John’s presentations at the Tropicana 50th Anniversary Celebration, IBM Global Headquarters, and the Shaare Zedek Medical Center expressed his passion for art as a collaborative force.

The pop-art Coca-Cola pieces adorning the Healy’s kitchen and pantry hail from the five-year period when John worked as the company spokesman for their “Paint the Town Red” campaign (which later became known as the “Art of Harmony”).

In fact, every piece in this house tells another chapter of John’s life – it’s a story that has always been centered around art. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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HOUR-LONG

Cuddle Sessions with Nigerian

Dwarf Goats?

, s e Y ! e s a e l P

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I

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST JOHN

'm not sure about you, but these last 18-20 months have been tough on my mental wellbeing. So, finding things that cheer me up and make me feel better – naturally – are high on my list of must-dos.

Sperry Family Farm is a great place to spend a few hours out in the countryside of Argyle, New York, especially when it's with a group of rambunctious Nigerian Dwarf Goats and their mom and dad John and Dorothy Sperry.

I first visited in early spring when Dorothy had a pop-up shop selling her goat-milk soaps, lotions, lip balms, and more.

The baby goats had just been born, and everyone shopping for the items mentioned above stopped to laugh over their antics. Talk about tons of energy! The little guys were so much fun to watch – we even got to hold them for a few minutes.

Later, I caught up with John and Dorothy to learn more about the couple and their small family-run farm in beautiful Upstate New York.

"We handcraft our soaps in small batches," Dorothy tells me as we watch the playful goats romp around their enclosure. I laugh as one of them climbs up the playground stairs and goes down the child-sized slide without even hesitating. Man, they are gosh-darn-cute! "We use raw milk from these little guys." I ask if that's all they sell, and she shakes her head 'no.'

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"We also sell beeswax lip balms, goat milk lotion bars, even men's beard products," she states.

Dorothy explains that their hand and body lotions are formulated professionally because of the delicate nature of perishable items. "Preservation is key," she says. "This prevents microbial growth and spoilage. It also means the products last longer, don't need refrigeration, and are an overall better value for our customer." The couple packages, labels, seals and sends everything right there on the farm.

The Airbnb experience I could handle, though: Imagine an hour-long goat therapy session. Dorothy explains it's a very interactive visit, held inside the pen with the girls. The cost is $25.00 per person, with reduced rates for kids, and those under 2 are free.

"Most folks find us through the Airbnb website and are already traveling through the area, looking for unique things to do. I share stories about caring for the farm animals, how we choose their names, tell them apart, answer any questions the guests might have while here."

"We have egg-laying chickens here and sell extra eggs to family and friends," John pipes in. "Here's the thing: this business income goes right back into producing stock or is set aside to take care of our goats. The money has paid for hay, grain, vet bills, and helps with improvements to the farm infrastructure."

Dorothy and John both laugh when I ask what the #1 question is. "Is Cedar pregnant?" They say at the same time.

The #1 comment in the barn is about how cute the goats and their antics are.

When we talk about the future, John reveals their hope for the farm's expansion to include selling fruits and vegetables to the public through different events on the property and local farmers' markets.

I look at him quizzically.

"Including the goat's housing and fencedin areas - which we're working on expanding this year," he says with a grin.

Dorothy shares the couple's vision of putting a tiny house on the land for an Airbnb stay on the farm – sort of like a 'glamping' experience. I laugh and tell them I want dibs on an overnight there.

John and Dorothy purchased the farm in 2014 and moved there in 2016. Initially, they wanted to move to the country for the peace it affords. They also wanted a more sustainable lifestyle to be more aware of where their food comes from and how it is cared for. Their love for Nigerian Dwarf Goats came later.

"Watching a live birth never gets old," Dorothy laughs. Unbelievably, she is there for every birth. Although things usually go as planned, she tells me sometimes human intervention is necessary for 'bouncing babies and their mama's doing what they do best.'

"It's truly the most amazing -and stressful event we're part of."

They plan to run some 'Yoga with Goats' classes, limited to seven people per class. I would be kicked out of the session, for sure, as I'd be giggling the entire time! I smile when I picture goats running around, looking to people for a cuddle.

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another – with fluidity."

"Farming life is difficult and hard work that requires dedication from both of us," John tells me. "There's sacrifice, and we need to change from one thing to another and

They both agree that farming is full of life experiences, happiness, and heartbreak.

I think Dorothy says it best: "We're all part of this circle of life, aren't we? John and I are grateful for the valuable lessons our farming life teaches. We're better people because of it."

Find Sperry Family Farm here: sperryfamilyfarm.com instagram.com/sperryfamilyfarm www.news10.com/off-the-beaten-path/off-the-beaten-pathsperry-family-farm And you can find them at other local sites, too; just look on their events page. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Carrying On WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Creating handmade baskets is a tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years, but accomplished weavers like Beverly Cornelius prove there are still new things to learn from this ancient art form.

MERCANTILE MUST-HAVES Once content to simply weave and recreate an existing pattern, Beverly was inspired to craft something new for Beekman 1802.

“It was a real challenge, both as a weaver and working with other tradespeople to take what was in my mind and make it a reality,” she said.

The result is a tasteful tea-stained reed basket atop a circular base, strapped together with reddish-brown leather and a wood handle. It cleverly combines beauty with functionality.

Designing the chic modern wine basket that Beekman 1802 carries was quite spontaneous. Beverly adapted a basic wine carrier pattern by whipping off the belt she was wearing and weaving it in as a handle.

“As soon as they saw it, they shouted, ‘We want exactly that!’” she said.

WEAVING AND TEACHING The progression of Beverly’s style develops in the moments when she has the free time to experiment.

“I’m self-motivated. I don’t know how anyone does this if they’re not, and this is not the only thing I do,” she said.

She also loves to garden and work in the kitchen preserving her harvest.

She’s been a teacher at the Adirondack Folk School since its inception, demonstrates early arts and crafts at several state historic sites, and is involved in a private weaving group.

“Weaving is the fun part but I’ve had to learn to pace myself because I still love doing it.”

Beverly’s other interests help to grow her craft, she said, as she learns from others to take chances where she may not have otherwise.

THE SARATOGA TOTES Improvisation is how the Saratoga Tote series was born.

Discovering that equestrian leather is smooth and soft, Beverly began using it and stainless-steel horse tack to create interesting strapping on her totes. Woven with a reinforced bottom, and finely finished, these totes are supple and fit the body well, so you’ll be able to easily carry your goods around town.

“Saratoga is us. All of us who live in the Capital area feel connected to Saratoga,” she said of the style.

Beverly’s still looking for a shop in town that has enough room to carry them, however you can follow Beverly Cornelius Baskets on Facebook for updates, find them at the William Coffey Studio in Northville, and sign up for her class at the Adirondack Folk School. SS

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Farmers/proprietors Anne-Marie & Bradley Johnson LOVE what they do!

THE JOHNSON’S FAMILY FARM STORE & CAFÉ: "Grown with Love from Our Family to Yours" WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

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Farm-fresh produce abounds at the Johnson’s Family Farm Store.

T saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Johnson’s Family Farm Store and Café in Northville is the place to go for an impressive selection of fresh, homegrown produce, nutritious homecooked foods, a delectable bakery, distinctive merchandise, rustic charm, and friendly service. Ten years ago, Anne-Marie and Bradley Johnson began selling their sustainably-grown produce, fresh from their farm in Hope, from a Saturday morning pop-up stand by an old bank in Northville. People arrived in droves to purchase the bountiful harvest and chat with the charming couple.

Several of the Johnsons’ six children were always on hand too, eager to identify ‘mystery’ crops, offer advice on food prep, and handle transactions under the watchful eye of their homeschooling mom.

“At home, we’ve always cooked as a family,” Anne-Marie explains, “so the kids were happy to share different cooking tips with our customers.”

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Anne-Marie Johnson, daughter Jasmine, and coworker Ashley are always happy to serve you.

Bradley would sometimes pull out a musical instrument and serenade the crowd, often with the help of family members and musical friends who happened to drop by. In fact, one of their friends — Sawyer Fredericks, 2015 winner of ‘The Voice’ — used to follow the Johnsons from one farmers’ market to the next and perform solo for the crowd. He’d also show up regularly at the Johnsons’ home to jam with Brad.

“Brad is an amazing musician,” Anne-Marie beams. “He plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, and drums. But he can pick up almost any instrument and just start playing.”

Years ago, Bradley discovered that taking short breaks from farming to play music among the crops not only revitalized him but stimulated the growth of the plants.

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“It was incredible,” Anne-Marie recalls. “We could actually see the plants moving to the music.” As word got out, other musicians began dropping by for impromptu jam sessions in the fields. Some of Brad’s ‘Music from the Farm’ videos can be found on Facebook.

In 2014, Anne-Marie and Bradley took the plunge and opened their very own Johnson’s Family Farm Store at 132 N. Main Street, just a few doors down from their former pop-up site. In addition to selling their own produce and products made by other local tradespeople, the Johnsons’ store included a bakery section with regular and glutenfree options, Fair Trade coffees, teas, and chocolates, and countless homemade soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches, and healthy, made-to-order juices and smoothies.

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If there’s one thing the Johnson family is known for, however, it’s GROWING! And in the spring of 2021, the industrious couple—with the help of their six kids, ages 13-22—expanded their business into a vacant diner in the adjacent building. By connecting the two storefronts, they gained additional shelf space, a much larger kitchen, and more eat-in table and counter space for patrons to enjoy the extensive offerings of their café menu. Today, the Johnson’s Family Farm Store & Café also carries a variety of specialty foods, bulk items, fine cheeses, Boar’s Head deli options, and local items made by more than 40 local producers, including grass-fed meats, honey, maple syrup, handmade gift items, and Johnson Family Farm Store T-shirts designed by artisan Melanie Fay. And speaking of artwork . . . be sure to check out the store’s many wall murals! These colorful paintings reflect the Johnson family’s love of art in all its forms and bring the rustic walls to life with captivating scenes of dancing, farming, and summertime pursuits on Great Sacandaga Lake. Local artist Daniel Fay painted several of these eye-catching scenes, including the expansive lake mural located on the wall behind the café counter.

Each winter, the Johnsons offer folks the chance to sign up for their Farm Share Program, which guarantees participants a weekly box of farmfresh produce from early June to mid-October, along with a 10% discount on most store products.

Farm share programs ensure support for local farming efforts while providing members with nutritious, homegrown foods. Anne-Marie and Brad encourage people, wherever they live, to help bolster local farming and food production by seeking out and supporting similar programs in their own communities.

Diggin’ the farm store experience?

Pick up a souvenir T-shirt!

With the holidays just around the corner, the Johnson’s Family Farm Store & Café can be your ‘one stop shopping’ for all kinds of festive foods. You can pre-order free-range turkeys as well as holiday cookie platters, pies, and specialty goods made

by Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop, Oh Crumbs, and Johnson Family Farm Baked Goods.

When it comes to effectively and joyfully fusing sustainable farming, fine food, great music, and community spirit, the Johnson’s Family Farm Store & Café in Northville has its own special sauce. But the Johnsons are quick to credit their community for their ongoing success.

Bulk bins galore at this quaint Northville store.

“This has been a huge team effort,” Anne-Marie insists. “All of this growth became possible, and has happened, thanks to all of the love and support of our community. We are thankful and blessed to be serving you! Ten years . . . and still growing.”

The Johnson’s Family Store is open year-round: 132 N. Main St., Northville | 518-863-3262 Facebook.com/feedtheworldgoodfoodandmusic

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HOW A TREE becomes a From THIS... to THIS!

Fish

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

A tree’s life doesn’t need to end when it is no longer a tree.

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W

hen Frank Berlin’s daughter Allison was little, she planted an apple tree. That sapling grew up, as she did, in Jonesville. She and her husband now have a house in Cape Cod, but the apple tree has stayed where it was planted 40 years ago.

When it finally had to be cut down, Frank kept its trunk in his garage for three years, unable to part with what had now become, a revered chunk of wood.

Then he shared his story with Nick Kelley.

“He looked at that piece of wood and said to Frank, ‘I think I can do something with that.’

Fishing was something the family enjoyed, so Nick carved a striped bass.

“It came out magnificent! I was so impressed. I was almost in tears.

When Allison saw it, she was in tears, too. She was so excited!” said Frank.

finishes his pieces with stain, paint, or polyurethane to protect them from the sun’s damaging UV rays. He also offers an optional maintenance plan to help keep the sculptures looking great year after year.

When clients see his portfolio of completed works, they often give him the opportunity to create his own designs. This is a freedom he feels honored to have been entrusted with when working on special and sentimental projects, like the Berlin’s striped bass, or the series of nine Lion King characters he sculpted for a family’s Monticello memorial garden.

“It meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to them. It was nice,” he said.

To see more of Nick’s work, go to www.kelleyscarvings.com/ and follow Kelley’s Carvings on Facebook for updates. SS

POWERFUL INSPIRATION Nick Kelley is a full-time chainsaw carver and wood sculptor who had only used the powerful machine to clear trees before 2018. That’s when he saw this exhilarating art form at the fair. He was so inspired, despite not having any formal artistic training, he taught himself how to elaborately chisel and carve wood.

Starting with a traditional bear sculpture, he has since expanded his repertoire to include creating a variety of animals, ranging in size and scope from an 8-inch owl to a 10’ eagle with a 6 ½ ft. wingspan. Working both on tree stumps with their roots still deep in the ground and at his home studio, Nick has spent up to two weeks on a single project.

“My goal is to get it as realistic as possible. I want to capture animals in different poses. I love the challenge,” he said.

A number of his carvings can be seen at businesses in the area, including a red fox standing at the Ballston Spa Country Club, a fish bench at King Neptune’s Pub, and a loon bench at the outlets in Lake George.

ROOTED IN TRUST Although he enjoys the character of white pine, maple, and oak, Nick will work with any species of wood his clients request and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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inspired

Yoga With Leanne

I

Where Care for Yourself is Most Important

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST JOHN

'm not sure about you, but I always wonder about people's vocations in life. It's interesting to learn what drives folks to do what they do – in both fun and work-life choices.

When Leanne looks up at me, her eyes are misty. She sighs and shrugs her shoulders with the memory. "As my job became more demanding, I lost track of Yoga. I forgot how much practicing the art helped me."

Leanne has always been interested in Yoga – from the time she was working as an addictions counselor back in the 90s.

She became embroiled in a battle with debilitating depression and anxiety about five years ago. In a moment of enlightenment, she turned to her husband, Harv.

"Remember how I felt when I was practicing Yoga? I wonder if it would help me now." Harv hugged her tightly and told her it couldn't hurt to give it a try.

"That must have been a super stressful job," I say while we sit together over lunch at The Olde Bryan Inn, a hot spot in Saratoga, one sunny afternoon.

"It was," Leanne acknowledges. "And practicing yoga helped." Before driving home from work, she'd attend classes with a group of retired ladies.

"It was an excellent way to combat the stress and burnout from my job, and the benefits I felt after each session seemed to linger for a day or two after."

At the same time, BOCES Continuing Education held several evening seminars and classes at local schools. "There was always a yoga class offered, lasting six or eight weeks, and I'd sign up for as many as possible." Leanne smiles with the memory of how much the programs grounded her.

Unfortunately, life happens, and most of us allow the best in life to fall by the wayside as we struggle to find our way through demanding careers, health and family issues, or any other curve balls lobbed in our direction.

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Leanne says she noticed a difference in how she was feeling within the first few classes. Over time she started to feel better and decided to attend Yoga regularly, as it seemed to help manage her symptoms of depression and anxiety.

"The classes I attended were fantastic, and my yoga instructors were amazing, don't get me wrong," Leanne smiles. "But, it didn't take long to realize I wanted more. I needed Yoga to become a permanent, much larger part of my life. I began researching Yoga Teacher Training Programs and decided to enroll so I could deepen my understanding of the practice - and myself."

In the beginning, Leanne tells me she was too afraid to even think about teaching. I can relate to that - as I'm sure most of us can. Self-confidence evolves, right? But, after three months of intense training, she turned to Harv over dinner and drinks. "You know," she told him. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

"I'm still afraid, but I think I can teach Yoga. Harv, I want to teach Yoga." His support was terrific, and Leanne moved forward.

I've read a good deal about Yoga and how it involves a deep self-exploration. Leanne agrees. Surrounded by several others who saw things in her that she had not seen yet, Leanne was grateful.

"When women come together and support one another with no ulterior motive, just love, it's a huge gift." She tells me. "I'll never forget one of my fellow trainees pulling me aside after class, sharing how she loved my energy and would take a class from me. It made my day. I felt, in that split second, I'd reached someone." Leanne laughs while taking a sip of her iced tea. "I remember thinking, YUP, I can teach."

Wednesday Warriors, and plans to add an Early Morning Risers class shortly. "I've even been invited to teach yoga and mindfulness to children at two different daycare centers!" Really guys, how cool is that?

"I've become a better version of myself by practicing Yoga," Leanne states with conviction. "It allows me to be present – in the moment rather than working on my to-do list. I'm more compassionate, empathetic, and globally minded. The profound change it continues to have on my life makes me want to share Yoga with others."

Places you can find Leanne: instagram.com/inspiredyogawithleanne facebook.com/Inspired-Yoga-with-LeanneInspiredYogawithleanne@gmail.com SS

One of the things I love most about Leanne's journey with Yoga is that she practices in many different ways. For example, she travels to people's homes so that they can enjoy a more intimate class with a few close friends. She's partnered with Peaceful Acres Horses, out of Pattersonville, NY, to hold a specialized yoga/journaling workshop in a yurt. (I'd never even heard of a Yurt before!)

"I discovered the owner of a local equine farm. She was looking for people to teach various wellness classes. There are two yurts on her property, one of which is a perfect space to practice Yoga."

Leanne grins over my bewildered expression. "A yurt is a circular tent structure, Theresa." She giggles. "Its circular shape makes it conducive for community experiences. In this round space, everything's central - so it naturally provides peaceful relaxation."

Coupled with majestic horses, miniature horses & donkeys - folks can sometimes interact with – it sounds as if attendees will feel the serenity of Peaceful Acres Horses from the moment they step out of their car.

Leanne's workshop, 'Find your PEACE,' is a two-hour-long program 'involving breath work, meditation, gentle stretching & Yoga poses designed to bring a sense of calm to the body & mind.'

It'll also include opportunities to journal about the theme.

She also teaches a Gentle Yoga & Stretching class at the Saratoga Senior Center, a zoom class called saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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FALL 2021

FASHION

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Curated Collection

by Teri Jon. Special orders welcomed.

493 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • SaratogaTrunk.com • 518.584.3543 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Photo by Super Source Media

Jessie is wearing...

Kari Traa 1/2 Zip Rose Wool Top Kari Traa Rose Wool High Waist Pant Mitchie’s Hooded Poncho with fur trim Bo. & Co. Boba Suede Boot Alpine 80th Anniversary love necklace (worn, but not shown)

AlpineSportShop.com

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Crimson Klover Cleo Turtleneck Sweater

Obermeyer Raze Jacket

Hats from Starling, Turtlefur, Pistil, Chaos, Dakine

Boots from Bos. & Co.

Obermeyer Bolide Jacket

Obermeyer Tuscany ll Parka

399 Clinton Street, Saratoga Springs • 518.584.6290 • AlpineSportShop.com

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Matilda Sweater by Gentle Fawn Shop our carefully curated selection of comfy sweaters, plaid jackets, denim, Fall dresses and cold weather accessories at Lucia!

LuciaBoutique.com

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Alyssa Top $44 ASTR The Label Bodysuit $58 Denim by Blank NYC & Daze Denim

Daydreamer LA Johnny Cash Tour Tee $78

Plaid Jackets $108

Project Social T Odessa Top $68

Felt Hats $54 - $88

Fall Floral Sets

Floral Tops & Fall Sweaters

Alyssa Top in Rustic Brown $44

Shop All Fall Styles In Store & Online!

454 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • 518.587.7890 • LuciaBoutique.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • 518.584.3500 • MountainmanOutdoors.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Pg 112 photo and pg 113 - Row 2 photos by Super Source Media

Dubarry Joyce Leather Jacket Walnut Brennan Turtleneck Oyster Lilly Pulitzer Eagan High Rise Super Skinny Jean Locharron of Scotland Cashmere Wrap

PinkPaddock.com

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Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top Hot On The Spot

Lilly Pulitzer Simora Cardigan Exotic Tweed & Lilly Pulitzer Eagan High Rise Super Skinny Jean

Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top Onyx & Kelly Stretch Pant Hot On The Spot

Save The Duck Isla Jacket Clay Pink Hat Toga Heritage

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Kinross Cashmere Contrast Trim Crew & Cashmere Jogger

Kinross Cashmere Zip Mock Jacket

Kinross Cashmere Plaited Drawstring Funnel Neck Sweater

358 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • PinkPaddock.com • 518.587.4344 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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BC Footwear Fight For Your Right Bootie (vegan!) $99

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Brave Leather Katina Chain Belt $132

Free People Close To You Thermal $68

Lack of Color The Mirage $139

French Connection Alita Midi Dress $178

Rails Imogen Sweater $285

Bella Dahl Crewneck Sweater $149

Show Me Your Mumu Addy Mini Dress $148

Billini Novena Boot $100

Agolde '90s Pinch Waist HR Straight $188

494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • 518.584.4838 • VioletsofSaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

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Designers give new life to your old jewelry.

Those jewels you don’t wear still mean a lot to you, so why hide them away? Revive that tired ring, upcycle an old brooch, or repurpose a broken necklace with the help of Dennis and Evan deJonghe, certified gemologists who specialize in redesigning jewelry.

Known for remaking pieces with a contemporary flair, the craftsmen at deJonghe Original Jewelry ensure you are in good hands through every step of the process – from start to finish.

"Ensure you are in good hands... from start to finish."

CONSULTATION

Within days of contacting them, you’ll be booked for a complimentary one-hour consultation. This is a simple, straightforward conversation where they’ll assess the condition of your gemstones and learn about what type of jewelry you want to wear. You’ll be invited to look through their portfolio for ideas and a vast collection of gemstones.

DESIGN

The deJonghes design exclusively in white and yellow gold or platinum. They begin by sketching design options 116 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

for your review, then once a decision is made, they transform their sketch into a 3D wax model, giving you the opportunity to hold and try it on before moving into final production.

PRODUCTION

Dennis’ wealth of old-world carving techniques blends with Evan’s modern computer design skills to create jewelry that was once impossible. After the gemstones are set and the jewelry is polished, it is hallmarked with the deJonghe name and the metal’s purity.

DELIVERY

When your custom jewelry is finished (typically in 8 to 10 weeks) you’ll meet with the designer for the final delivery.

In addition to the jewelry, you’ll be presented with a Certificate of Authenticity, documents of purchase, and the option to include a comprehensive independent appraisal.

This overall experience adds another chapter to the story of your heirloom to be treasured for generations.

For more information on the jewelry design process visit https://www.djoriginals.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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sponsored content

timing is everything and now...

our 20 Year Anniversary!

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA

Yet, when the Lake Ridge Restaurant first opened its doors twenty years ago, the timing was terrible. Why they survived and are now one of the area’s most phenomenal eating establishments is a story as enticing as their menu.

REACHING AN ENVIABLE MILESTONE

Their other two dining rooms, formerly known as the Red Room and Green Room, are now a fresh grey. Beyond the Green Room’s intimate firelit atmosphere, the warm Mahogany Bar room is a sophisticated spot to have a drink while you wait for your table.

Chef Scott Ringwood had just left an 11-year run at the Old Dater Tavern when he and his neighbor, Bob McKenna, who was then the owner of New Country Toyota in Saratoga Springs, got together for dinner. By the end of the night, they’d decided to open a restaurant together.

Which isn’t long because Manager Diana Murphy, who has been here since the beginning as well, makes sure the floor runs smoothly.

“We’re all about smiles and creating a great experience so customers can’t wait to come back,” said McKenna.

The next week they found a place that was in a terrific location. Tucked away in historic Round Lake (conveniently close to Northway Exit 11 and Route 9) the site, which had been home to the Sweet Nothings bakery, was everything they’d hoped for.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

They opened the Lake Ridge Restaurant on September 26th, 2001, which was unfortunate timing since people were still cautious from the unthinkable events of 9/11 that had fundamentally changed our lives just weeks before.

Customers did trickle in, however, and word spread that the upscale dining was worth journeying out for.

“A fantastic restaurant starts in the kitchen and Scott has the expertise to create fabulously delicious dishes that come out of the kitchen and just wow people,” said McKenna.

The restaurant has been humming every night since.

KEEPING A STEADY PACE When the Lake Ridge Restaurant opened, smartphones and WiFi weren’t around yet, but just as technology continues to evolve over time, this landmark restaurant does, too.

It’s hard to guess by looking at it, but the Saratoga Room, the largest of the restaurant’s three dining rooms with its wall of windows, fireplace and spacious feel, was once just a deck.

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There have also been changes to the Lake Ridge Restaurant’s menu in the past 20 years, but what’s remarkable is that their Herb Crust Swordfish in a lemon caper white butter sauce and their Pecan Pork Chop have remained customer favorites since the very beginning.

They are still the most requested items on their new pareddown menu.

At the retro-cool Dunning Street Station, McKenna and Ringwood’s second restaurant venture that opened in Malta in 2016, the menu has changed from pub-style food to one with Italian-American flare.

In just five years, Manager Maureen Faniff and Head Chef Bruce Jacobson have transformed what was formerly a 1950’s dining car into a casual and fun neighborhood hotspot.

At both restaurants, people can continue to count on a future of rave-worthy dining experiences.

“We’re doing something good for people. We just want to keep doing what we’re doing,” said McKenna.

For menu specials and anniversary updates follow the Lake Ridge Restaurant and the Dunning Street Station on Facebook. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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ADIRONDACK EXTREME

Fall Adv West Mountain and Adirondack Extreme

at

WRITTEN BY DREW ZIEHNERT

NESTLED IN THE ADIRONDACKS sits two premier, multiseason attractions to bring the family for a day of fun.

West Mountain and Adirondack Extreme allow guests to completely diverge into nature with just a short drive from the Capital Region. With Covid putting a damper on things last year, these two outdoor attractions managed to still provide an adventurous, safe getaway that drove people to get out of the house and into the outdoors.

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Mountain Biking, Summer Camps, Weddings and Events. This has allowed everyone to experience the joys of the mountain yearlong instead of just during the Winter months.

Established in 2007, Adirondack Extreme was the first to create an aerial adventure course in the United States (you read that correctly!) and they haven’t looked back since completing their 16th season this year. They offer 9 different Treetop Adventure and Zipline only courses for ages 6 and up to experience. If you are looking for a way to get your adrenaline going while traversing tree to tree through obstacles, then look no further! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

ventures Upon arriving at West Mountain, I was greeted by dozens of campers who were roaring to get up to the five-acre Aerial Adventure Park. West Mountain's summer camp program continues to grow every year, where kids 7-15 can come and engage in hiking, climbing, and play games to encourage the growth of their bodies and minds.

Shortly thereafter, I met with Sara Montgomery, West Mountain’s General Manager, to go over everything West Mountain has to offer this time of year. West will also be hosting a fall festival in October with indoor and outdoor vendors that are sure to have something for everyone!

Their biggest attraction right now is the Aerial Treetop Adventure Park, which features six high ropes courses for all different ability levels. This allows everyone to be able to enjoy the courses based on their comfort level. Safety is a huge priority at West Mountain and as we walked around the treetop courses, everyone was in full safety gear with harnesses, helmets, and Camp Counselors and Course Supervisors were always present.

To get to the top of the mountain, we took a Scenic Chairlift ride. On my chairlift ride, I saw two fawns feeding below me that showed how tranquil the entire place really is. I was sold on the Scenic Chairlift ride alone, but saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

WEST MOUNTAIN Photo provided by West Mountain

Montgomery also informed me about something truly special that they offer. West Mountain has Mountaintop Picnic Packages that include a scenic chair ride, picnic basket with a lunch inside, and a tablecloth to eat on.

Imagine sitting on top of West Mountain overlooking the Vermont mountains and Hudson River Valley, while sharing a beautifully displayed lunch with your loved ones.

Montgomery also expressed to me that new this year is a Charcuterie option that includes a sausage and cheese spread, grapes, wine/beer, and a smooth slab of wood to arrange it on. I can truly imagine it to be the perfect setting to propose to someone. Sara Montgomery says proposals happen quite frequently on West Mountain and that they also offer Wedding Ceremonies. I was able to see where the ceremony platform was, on the top of the mountain and the view was truly breathtaking.

After I finished at West Mountain, I continued traveling up the Northway to Bolton Landing, where I was greeted by the staff of Adirondack Extreme. After a quick check in, I was suited up in a support harness and was attending a safety class with a guide. I can gladly say that every staff member I met had an contagious energy that had me ready to get out onto the course.

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Adirondack Extreme.

Photo by kshawmedia

Before my group went out, our guide made sure that everyone was dressed properly and felt comfortable with the latching and unlatching process.

West Mountain. Photo provided.

The first stop was an introduction course that gets everyone used to some of the obstacles and ziplines that we were to experience throughout the courses.

I can honestly say that at first, I struggled with the clipping and unclipping process, but I was given tips that could have had me doing it blindfolded. Before long we set out with our groups, and I was quickly breaking a sweat trying to get through obstacles meant as a warmup. There were always guides in close proximity and they often encouraged me to go through the obstacles in challenging ways. The toughest obstacle for me was a set of swinging planks suspended in the air that you had to walk across. I tended to keep one foot on the plank in front of me and one foot behind, forcing me into a partial split. I am a fairly athletic guy, so the guides thought it was hilarious watching me. Once they thought I had suffered enough, I was instructed to keep my weight on one plank at a time. Then I was able to move swiftly through the obstacle.

After I finished the first Treetop Course, it was time for me to experience the Low Rider Zipline Course. The Low Rider Course was designed to be of moderate intensity so that every member of the family from children to grandparents can enjoy the thrills of ziplining. The course takes you through 12 different ziplines with my favorite being referred to by the guides as the “George of the Jungle” zipline, due to the call you are supposed to make as you go across it.

The course has you zipline below people completing the various Treetop Obstacle Courses, as well as over a gorgeous brook that runs through Adirondack Extreme.

Adirondack Extreme.

Photo by Drew Ziehnert

To finish off my day, I rode on the 550 Tandem giant zipline that I first saw when I walked into Adirondack Extreme. I was able to scream at the top of my lungs and it was truly a thrilling end to a fun filled day.

West Mountain. Photo provided.

West Mountain. Photo provided.

Adirondack Extreme.

Photo by kshawmedia

I can gladly say that after a day of experiencing both attractions, they have me wanting to come back for more. West Mountain and Adirondack Extreme will do anything to make your experience one that you will never forget. So, when you get the chance and need something fun to do with your family, both these attractions provide the perfect adventure! SS

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Fishing the Battenkill WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DREW ZIEHNERT

THERE'S TRULY NO BETTER WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY, than by taking a drive to the gorgeous State of Vermont in search of catching a Brown Trout on a fly. With just a short, picturesque drive from the Capital Region, we can fish the world famous Battenkill River, known for having some of the best summertime trout fishing around. The Battenkill is unlike many rivers, in that its waters stay relatively cool all summer long due to springs, which provide trout with the perfect condition to survive year-round.

Sunday offered a moderate flow and fair water temperature, so I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity…

I purchased a day pass fishing license to legally fish in the state of Vermont from their Fish and Wildlife Website and set off to try and land a brown trout.

Even on a slow day of fishing, the drive alone to Vermont is worth the trip, as you go through bucolic farmland and pass by sublime mountains. Having fished the Battenkill prior, I decided to first venture to a “lower section” of the Battenkill that flows through the town of Arlington. Most spots where you are allowed to fish on the river have pull off parking areas with signs that explain various things from the preservation of trout habitat to special fishing regulations.

Every area I fished had signage with this important message: trout caught were to be released immediately. In simplest terms, from the Vermont / New York border to the town of Manchester, VT the Battenkill is a catch and release only river, meaning you cannot keep the fish.

At the first spot I stopped, there were stretches that were somewhat deeper and slower, as well as multiple riffle and 126 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

pool sections. I usually first stop at the deeper pools to see if there are any hatches that are driving fish to the surface to feed. I could see some “Tricos” or small mayflies on the surface but did not find any feeding trout. Usually, fish are sitting in deeper pools this time of year, so it was an easy decision to fish a subsurface fly. Flies like the “Copper John'' are a good choice in summer because they sink deeper and imitate Mayfly Nymphs.

As I began working through different pools along the river I began to receive “takes,” where some trout had tried eating my fly, but I just could not connect with one. It seemed that dead drifting my fly with little to no movement was what the fish wanted. I also quickly downsized from a size 12 fly all the way to a size 18 to see if that made a difference. In fly terms, the larger the number fly, the smaller the size. The size 18 “Copper John” fly I was using is about half the length of your pinky nail to put it into some perspective. Before long, the fly change had paid off and I had landed three gorgeous brown trout. They were all around 10” long, which isn't huge, but the coloration on these fish was incredible. I chose to not even hold them, but rather to keep them in the water in my net and grab a few quick pictures.

There’s just something about being on the Battenkill River that completely relaxes you and makes you focus purely on nature. To catch these finicky trout, you really must learn the many different aspects and factors of the river and when you catch them, it's extremely gratifying as then you figured out exactly what they wanted. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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V E R M O N T

Where It's All About Slowing Down to Enjoy the Ride WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

"All in all, Vermont is a jewel state, small but precious" - Pearl S Buck

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Vermont is the sixth smallest state in the U.S. You wouldn't think that it's so easy to take a wrong turn down a country road, only to find yourself where you didn't expect to be in the first place.

But that's the quintessential charm of Vermont – always has been, always will be. Forget the highways – you'll miss the hidden treasures when driving 70 mph. Instead, meander curving roadways, stop at roadside stands, maybe discover one or more of the state's 100 covered bridges.

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Sometimes, my GPS doesn't work when I'm trying to get from point A to B. And, sometimes, that works out in my favor. For instance, on my way to Vermont a week or so ago, I wanted to stop and take photos of a sunflower field nearby. The GPS kept bringing me to the town line in Buskirk, NY. Even when I typed in the farm's address, it just led me around and around to the town line again. Frustrating, right?

I never found the farm but got to photograph a few fantastic country barns covered in ivy and one oldweathered covered bridge – my favorite. And that's what I mean about driving to Vermont, sans the highway.

At one point, the country lanes turned into dirt roads – for miles! But that's where I saw charming little farm stands, where the honor system is still in play. Fruits, vegetables, even potted plants for sale stood near the roadside for people driving by, with a simple coffee can and note to pay attached to the side. It's like Vermont expects (and believes) folks are honest and trustworthy to the core – something I love that about that state.

When my friend and I left Saratoga in the early morning hours, I only knew we would land in Manchester, at The Equinox, by the end of our adventure. We took a few different turns on a few different roads to make it happen.

In Bennington, we arrived too early to enter the art museum, much to our chagrin. We did have the chance to wander around outside and discovered later that they carry the most extensive collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world. I am amazed she was in her 70s when she first began. Within just a few years, she became one of America's most famous artists. It's never too late, and you're never too old, right?

Just around the corner, we found the cemetery where poet Robert Frost's family plot is. In 1920, Frost moved from New Hampshire to Vermont to "seek a better place to farm and especially grow apples." He was 44 at the time and remained, primarily, in Vermont over the next four decades. I never heard of a 'state poet,' but I now know Frost served as Vermont's till his passing in 1963. I can tell you all this – he remains one of my favorites.

We pulled off the road to visit two different chocolate shops – and walked away with a bag (or two!!) I love all sorts of candy, but when it's homemade and artisan… Well, you've just bumped chocolate up to a whole new level.

We spent hours wandering through country stores, specialty jewelry shops, a Christmas-themed shop, even an authentic Scottish shop, The Rablogan Castle of Scotland, where we shopped and shopped - for things we probably didn’t even need!! I need to go back next month – I have my eye on a cap made with the pretty pinks, greens, and purples that I love to have in my wardrobe. What can I say?

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Imagine cruising down 7A, seeing a sign that reads Sugar Shack.

Automatically, we think Maple syrup – something Vermont is known for.

Inside, we find everything maple, but we also discover an extensive Norman Rockwell gallery.

Art gallery and maple syrup? Of course, we're in Vermont after all!

There are all sorts of places to eat along the way… cafes, coffee shops, fine dining establishments, ice cream shops, pizza joints, to name a few. If you can think of it – Vermont offers it up on a silver platter.

And people are friendly, too. They want to know where you're from, where you're going, what your name is, what you think of the weather…

On our way out of town, we stopped at one more place.

The sign was kind of tucked into a curve alongside the road, and we almost didn't see it. I'm so happy we turned into the long driveway and parked at Hildene, the Lincoln family home. It's a historical time capsule and holds plenty of interest for the entire family. Make sure you visit the formal gardens – they're stunning!

Here's the thing; Vermont is just over an hour away, but it seems like it's a world away. Fall is upon us, and the green mountain state will only get prettier this time of year. I hope you jump in your car for the day – or the weekend.

Go alone, or with a friend, a significant other, or the entire family. With so much to see and do, you’ll love it! SS

One thing I never realized is how popular fly-fishing is in Vermont.

Manchester boasts a fly-fishing museum and a school. Besides that, Orvis, known for fly-fishing equipment, sits next to both. So, if a person is into the sport or wants to learn about it, they'll be in seventh heaven.

We ate dinner at Ye Olde Tavern – mainly because it reminded us of Saratoga's Olde Bryan Inn. Once a hotel, the circa-1790s tavern is in great shape and offers hearty New England & Continental dinners. We both chose the filet mignon, and it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. I had the craft cocktail named 'Mary Pickford' while Leanne chose their Old-Fashioned.

It was dark by then. We walked by quaint chapels, lit up in welcome, sat outside near the fire pit at our hotel, and sipped drinks under the star-lit sky.

Our room at The Equinox was huge, and the beds were supercomfy. After our long day of driving and walking around, we slept like babies. We explored more of the grounds in the morning, after drinking coffee while sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch. Afterward, we headed off to the spa, where our therapists pampered us for an hour or so. Leanne even managed to squeeze in a yoga class across the street before we left for home.

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Rest, Relax, Rejuvenate

at

The Emerson

Resort and Spa WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

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“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.” - Mary Davis I couldn’t agree more.

What a year, right? It seems like life’s been a roller coaster for all of us. Spring and summer – gone in the blink of an eye. And, here we are now, in this glorious season called Fall, still not quite sure what’s ahead for all of us. It’s the perfect time for a road trip – my favorite way to travel!

A few weeks ago, I decided to revisit one of my favorite places in New York’s Catskills area – The Emerson Resort and Spa. I’m so glad I did. I spent most of the weekend outside in nature, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

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Scan the QR code for a video of Riding the Rail-Trails

Small towns around the resort offered up some things I hadn’t seen or done before, which promoted plenty of R&R. By the time I left to go home, I felt invigorated, at peace with myself, and ready to face the world again.

On our drive to The Emerson, my friend and I stopped to visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple in South Cairo, New York. It’s open from dawn to dusk, and people are encouraged to wander through several buildings on the grounds. Can I tell you how stunning both gardens and architecture are there? This photographer’s dream, for sure!

There weren’t very many people visiting that afternoon, so we were able to take our time exploring and enjoyed our picnic on the property, soaking in the fresh air and sunshine for well over an hour. Munching on sandwiches we’d purchased from Roma’s that morning, we talked about how much calmer we felt already.

We still had plenty of time before check-in, so we kept the outdoor theme front-and-center and took a trip to Brunel Sculpture Garden, just a few minutes from where we’d be spending the night.

Here, we saw beautifully landscaped gardens with well-kept pathways throughout, dotted with gorgeous sculptures depicting Brunel’s interpretation of Native American culture. If I’d known about it earlier in the year, I would have loved being part of their Summer Solstice Fire Ceremony – a time when visitors bring a drum to say goodbye to spring and usher in the summer season.

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After a warm welcome and settling into our king bedroom suite, one of the first things we did was join a nature walk on Emerson’s property. We were given a guide of native plants to The Brookside Wander. That way, we could follow along as we wandered through sections of the property.

Our guide pointed out native vegetation, explaining how important it was to have this protected environment to help stabilize stream banks and provide downstream benefits to the area.

We meandered through wooded paths and saw how family-friendly the tour was, grinning when we caught sight of a mailbox for Peter Cottontail, a bunny who makes his home there.

Walking along Esopus Creek, we marveled at the beauty of nature, with a view of the mountains beyond. In another week or two, with the cooler weather, the colors will be on fire! There were plenty of men fly-fishing, and they said it was a great day for it when we inquired.

Later, when talking with the front desk staff at The Emerson, they filled us in on all sorts of other events people could enjoy during their stay. For example, crafting a fairy door and either taking it home or adding it to the enchanted fairy forest on the property. “No matter how young or old you are,” the young people told us, “Everyone believes in magic!” There’s also pebble painting, scavenger hunts, mason jar terrarium projects, or even a watercolor postcard you create yourself. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Oh, man, who hasn’t heard of the Rail-Trails? The Catskills River Run runs alongside Esopus Creek and is a great adventure, even though eight miles of pedaling are involved! (Make sure your partner is pedaling, too. My girlfriend played on her phone and laughed when I gasped, “Bonnie, start pedaling!”)

The pedal-powered rail vehicles date way back – to the 1850s! They were joined together for part of the ride, especially when crossing the main road, where other cars and trucks beeped at us, waving a cheerful hello. Other times, the rail cars went at their own pace – and ours tended to be far behind everyone else. What can I say? We’re not fast peddlers!! The most fun for me was when the train signals lowered, traffic stopped to let us by, and everyone was smiling, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and sore muscles.

steaks to perfection- talk about tender! Even though there was a large wedding party in the next room, the waitress was attentive to our table as well. We walked past a blazing bonfire on the way back to our room. It was inviting, but we were tired and ready for a good night’s sleep. Next time…

Make sure you wander through the shops at Emerson – they’re fabulous, and we found more than a few unique items to bring home. A visit to the kaleidoscope show – it’s the largest one in the world, is a must-see for sure.

We all need rest, relaxation, peace, and calm right now - with quality downtime to recharge our weary bones.

Thankfully, you can immerse yourself in a weekend getaway to The Emerson Resort and Spa. It fits the bill – and then some. SS

Of course, after such a rigorous afternoon, the spa was our next stop. Bonnie settled on an hour massage, and I chose a facial with cold stones. I’d never had one before, and the description sounded heavenly. “The ultimate indulgence, using stones and hand-on massage to create a feeling of well-being and harmony.” The experience was fantastic, and I left more rested than I’ve been in a long, long time.

They’ve added a new feature, too, called Spa Bites. The menu has excellent craft cocktails and freshlyprepared light fare – we loved it.

As far as food goes…Well, there are so many options, right in the same area as the resort. We loved the outdoor theme of The Pines. It’s a small place, and the picnic tables set under old-fashioned lights were charming. Plenty of families sat on blankets, and kids had a blast running around the lawns.

The burgers are to-die-for – served on English muffins instead of buns.

When you go, try, and eat breakfast down the street at Mave’s Place.

The restaurant is all about providing employment opportunities and a place for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to hang out. Mave has down’s syndrome, and her mom opened the breakfast spot in honor of her. We had the waffles – oh my gosh, they were yummy!

If you don’t want to leave the property, you can dine at Woodnotes. We ate there one night, and the chef cooked our

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Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast

Wayne County Where Yesteryear's Charm Meets Today's, in a Big, Big Way WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

"People don't take trips, trips take people." – John Steinbeck According to a 2017 U.S. Census Bureau study, our beautiful state of New York includes a whopping 57 counties – and I, for one, want to discover them all.

If you're anything like me, the thought of packing a bag and jumping in the car to explore a brand-new place just a few hours from home is exciting. Sometimes, it's a day trip, where I leave before the sun comes up and return after dark. Other times, I venture out for the weekend and see as much as possible in a few days' allotted time. Either way, my traveling bug is satisfied – at least for a little while.

A few weeks ago, I decided to visit Wayne County. There were many things I found interesting in the area. Sodus 134 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Point, Historic Palmyra, Williamson, Newark, Lyons, and Wolcott seemed pretty cool, piquing my curiosity.

And, because Wayne County is a few hours away from Saratoga, I knew it would be a great excuse to book a room and enjoy some downtime at a Bed and Breakfast!

Vintage Gardens Bed and Breakfast proved to be the perfect spot – it's under 30 miles from Rochester one way and Syracuse another.

I turn onto High Street and have to tell you – once I see patriotic flags draped across the top of several windows, I am thrilled to be staying here. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, this Tudor-style serves up a warm welcome. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Coverlet Museum Sodus Light House

Scan the QR code for a video of The Hoffman Clock Musem

The home is open and airy, the front room's windows ushering in natural light. I enjoy gourmet breakfasts cooked to perfection at a small table each morning.

A formal garden outside offers nooks and crannies where I can sit and soak in all its natural beauty.

There's even a library where visitors can browse and read all about local history. When I mention having an interest in the Fox sisters, owners Michael and Kimberlee Meeks pull a rare book off one shelf, handing it to me. Inside, the pages document the sisters and their unique roles in creating the world of spiritualism. Kimberlee even tells me about a historical site nearby and urges me to work it into my itinerary over the weekend.

I love learning about history and find the people who lived before us fascinating. Visiting museums is one way to keep legacies alive so many years later. If you are interested in the past – you'll love The Alling Coverlet Museum – they have the most extensive collection – 500 stunningly beautiful American hand-woven coverlets in the country.

Many of them hang in a large room. I plunk myself down in a chair, studying each one, trying to imagine who made these exquisite expressions of art. I can't even imagine!

The years 1820-1880 resonate with my love for culture and history, people and places – I feel as if I'm in a gallery – especially when the tour guide shares how it takes over six years to rotate through the vast collection.

Surprisingly, I find the Hoffman Clock Museum in, of all places, the town library! Lucky for me, I enter a few minutes before the hour and hear all the clocks chiming when they hit 10 a.m. What a treat! Talk about making the most of a building's space, right?

Another must-see museum when you're in the area is the Peppermint Museum, located alongside the Erie Canal in Lyons. They call her Peppermint Patty – this petite woman who walks me through the history of the Hotchkiss brothers and the making of essential peppermint oil.

I can smell the scent of peppermint outside in the parking lot – and smile when I learn they often refer to this little town as 'Peppermint Village.' The name seems fitting.

The museum, filled with the company's history, is packed into several rooms and spread out over two floors. Patty has a deep affinity for the museum, and it shines through her every word. My favorite spot was the bottling and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

labeling room. It was fun learning how men completed the process from start to finish.

And if you, too, are intrigued by historical artifacts, make sure you see the framed international certificate awards – signed by Prince Albert and Napoleon Bonaparte!

Of course, I had to pick one of those hot, hot, hot August days to visit the Sodus Lighthouse Museum. There wasn't even a slight breeze rolling in over the water. I may have been sopping wet from the humidity, but I still managed to climb to the top and gaze out over the bay. Talk about gorgeous!

This museum is all about the maritime history of the area, and the collections are impressive. There were two docents available that morning, and they were quick to answer any questions I had. Take some time to wander the grounds – it's beautiful outside, and there are plenty of benches for relaxing.

Mural Mania is a 'thing' in New York State, and I love the concept. Right now, it covers over 100 miles of beautiful art, mainly on the sides of buildings, stairs, alleyways, and old walls throughout tiny hamlets and big cities - with over 30 examples in Wayne County alone.

When art galleries and museums remained closed during the pandemic, I gained a new respect for the outdoor art scene. The murals in Wayne County tell me stories – connecting history to communities through painted images rather than written words.

As far as food goes… There are plenty of options here – from steak to pizza, coconut shrimp to chicken baskets, oven-fired pizza to ice cream, this area of New York has its fair share. If I had to pick a favorite, though? It would be the old-time diner and their famous steak burgers. OMG. Orbaker's Drive-In Restaurant has been around since 1932. It reminds me of the place my grandma worked in the 60s – milkshakes and meals served up at the counter. I love a great hamburger – and Orbaker's steak burger was out-of-this-world delicious.

Driving around at one point, I caught a glimpse of Chimney Bluffs from a distance, but they were too far away to appreciate. I'm already planning my next trip to Wayne County and that beach during cooler weather. Besides, I need to pick Fall apples, enjoy more wine, cider, and spirit tastings, plus sample more food than I could over my last weekend stay. One thing's for sure: this area's charm is worth every mile spent in the car. I promise! SS FALL 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 135

Spa City

MOTOR LODGE WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JESSICA KELLY

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ONCE KNOWN AS THE SARATOGA DOWNTOWNER MOTEL, Bluebird by Lark Hotels stepped in to launch the opening of the Spa City Motor Lodge in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. They pride themselves as offering “A modern take on an iconic fifties motor lodge with interiors reminiscent of an artist's studio.” And we couldn’t agree more!

The location is perfect for all Saratoga has to offer… boutique shopping, restaurants, exploring the local parks, trying the various mineral springs, bar hopping, or indulging in spa treatments nearby.

Lark Hotels, a development and management company that has transformed over 30 hotels into picture perfect boutique accommodations across the East Coast and California, likes to focus on populated areas, well-known to travelers. Although the popular development company, Bluebird by Lark, handled the overall renovation project along with operations and management, there's a local General Manager and team of Saratoga natives handling the day-to-day operations.

Before the transformation took place, Lark Hotels owned and operated the Downtowner for the past few years, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

renovating the interior while the property was under their ownership. This year, they decided to go through a rebranding of the property, updating the exterior, before reopening in June under their new brand, Bluebird by Lark.

The hotel kicked off its launch with a Best of Saratoga Party bringing in local restaurants, shops, artists, and musicians. On the website, you can find information about upcoming one-off events happening at the hotel, and there are plans in place to launch a formal Program of Events in 2022. The rooftop is currently available and open for buyouts for private events, cocktail parties, and dinners, with plans to use the space for public events once the event program is finalized.

The beds are amazing with fluffy, comfortably soft, nice quality linens. The big flatscreen TV is great for watching movies if you’re not outside on the shared patio overlooking the strip. The powerful shower with beautifully scented bath products and fluffy towels is wonderful, and there’s a mini fridge to store any leftovers and keep your drinks cold. There aren’t too many frills, but it has everything you could possibly want, including a central location and parking, and you can’t beat the price! SS FALL 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 137

Schuyler Yacht Basin Old Shipping Containers Converted into Lavish Cabins in Saratoga County

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY WHITNEY REBISZ

Ever since seeing WNYT‘s Mark Mullholland cover this on July 30, 2021, we were anxious to spend an overnight at the Schuyler Yacht Basin!

When we arrived, we were greeted by a row of shipping containers, in addition to MANY motor homes! Our “cabin” (one of the aforementioned former shipping containers!) was nice & cool with the quiet remote-controlled A/C running. Once we got our belongings settled in the wideopen space underneath the queen-sized bed, we relaxed outside on our deck in the Adirondack chairs along-side a red gas grill.

We eventually got ready to go to our dinner reservation at The Basin, mere steps away! We had an appetizer of shrimp cocktail described as “White Panama shrimp 138 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

served with cocktail sauce and fresh lemon.” These were the largest shrimp we’ve ever seen! My husband had a “NY strip steak served with wild truffle mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and Yukon mashed potatoes.” I had “Linguine Alle Vongole described as sautéed littleneck clams, chopped clams, white wine, lemon and butter tossed with linguine pasta.” We ordered a piece of chocolate cake togo to have as a late-night dessert.

We had a restful sleep on the very comfortable queensized bed. When we awoke, we made coffee & sat out on the deck.

It was just so peaceful! We will most definitely recommend this place to our friends and family as a wonderful (close!) get-away! SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Seeking Sanctuary

AT HOME WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Where do you find the comfort you deserve?

“You need those spaces in your home to get away, even in the smallest spaces, there’s room for it and people have really responded to figuring these things out,” said Lindsay Cruz, a personal trainer, busy mom, and co-owner of Sleep & Spas.

YOUR SPECIAL CHAIR Tight, tired muscles? How about an on-demand masseuse who is waiting at home for you right now?

Sinking into your special chair while it radiates gentle heat, soothing rollers gliding across your body for a head-to-toe deep tissue massage is achievable at-home bliss.

Sleep & Spas will put you in the cockpit soaring toward sanctuary with massage chairs that deliver more comfort than you even knew was possible. Some even have a spectrum of relaxing chromotherapy lighting and Bluetooth enabled speakers to subconsciously transport your constantly racing mind away from all the day’s stresses. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Everything in the body is connected, so if you’ve been standing on your feet all day, pain can radiate up, causing your hips and back to hurt, as well, said Cruz. For a quick retreat and some welcome relief, try a massaging foot rest like the Cozzia Nufeet.

A RESORT-LIKE BEDROOM Only when you experience a truly deep sleep can you fully understand just how restorative it is.

“The mattress in combination with the adjustable base is really where the therapeutic comfort comes in. It moves you into a position of zero-gravity, putting your body in perfect alignment, which is great for blood circulation,” explained Cruz.

Stay-cool Tempur-Pedic mattresses that adapt to your pressure points give you a getaway that you go to every night.

“Your whole body feels like it’s floating on a cloud,” she said.

And, then of course, there are the spas….

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H&G Let Us Show You Around…

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

Randall Perry Photography

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Classic DeRocker Taking humble delight in an original that bears the marks of age with dignity and grace.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Preservation, restoration, repurposing, and recycling are the core of Edmond DeRocker’s design philosophy.

He’s spent more than four decades developing his skill for saving the area’s special design specimens.

An extraordinary example sits amid the expanse of several thousand acres of land in Greenfield.

“Architecturally speaking, it’s a gem,” he said.

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Feel Good Rock

When Kevin Bright, the Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer and Director of the hit NBC sitcom “Friends,” and his wife, Claudia Wilsey Bright, introduced Ed to the turnof-the-century stone farmhouse they’d recently purchased,

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it was tired and dated. It needed more than just some TLC, it needed DeRocker’s classic style – and they gave him the free rein to tap into it.

“As with anything I do, it tells me what to do. It has to feel good and feel right,” he said.

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Creating a Farm Cottage

As the project’s self-appointed general contractor and designer, Ed DeRocker had the one-and-a-half-story bungalow-style home completely gutted.

Now, the 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath beauty is clean and unfussy. In addition, there’s a comfortable living area, sunporch, a full finished basement and wine cellar.

“It’s just a lovely space. It feels good,” said Ed.

The house feels like a combination of an updated farmhouse, and coastal cottage – appropriate since before working and residing in Upstate New York, DeRocker ran a successful design shop for nearly 20 years in Nantucket, MA.

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A Contemporary Kitchen

Here, wood and other natural materials add warmth to what could otherwise be an austere modern setting.

“It’s a dream,” said Ed of the contemporary, state-of-the-art kitchen. Dressed in custom finishes and featuring vertical, lift-up cabinet doors, its streamlined look is highlighted by the illuminated coffered ceiling above.

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The Contrast of the Old & the New

To maintain a historical and regional context, the home’s walls are constructed from horizontal wooden shiplap panels.

A spectacular blue velvet sofa and mid-century style pounded-metal chairs frame the comfortable sitting area.

Perched upon the home’s substantial original fireplace (which was constructed with field stone harvested from the property) is a smart TV that is also a mirror – inviting you to reflect on the contrast of the new and the old – all in one glance.

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Just Look at That View!

There are funky décor items, as well as the Bright’s art and memorabilia collection featured throughout.

The final effect is one that is both lively and engaging without being overwhelming.

In the office space upstairs, the large dormer provides a spectacular panoramic view of the backyard; with its kidneyshaped pool, historic barn, and the seemingly endless forests beyond.

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Sacred Country

There is an enduring appeal to the area’s old barns. Ed DeRocker calls them “spiritual.”

“I just love barns and love the country. I was brought up on a farm and have fond memories of barns,” he said. His current home is in a restored barn that was originally built in 1740.

The beautiful age and patina of hand-hewn post-and-beam construction creates character that cannot be replicated, but the Bright’s property didn’t have one, so DeRocker had a barn brought in.

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Randall Perry Photography

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The Mortgage Place, Inc., NMLS 872824 is a Registered Mortgage Broker with the NYS Dept of Financial Services. Loans are arranged through competitive third-party lenders.

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Randall Perry Photography

Moving History

He found the 30’ x 70’ circa 1850s English dairy barn in August 2018 in Halfmoon. It was three levels (one of which was underground) and had side structures attached.

Working with Jim Sweet Jr. Contracting, the upper two levels were salvaged.

The barn’s worn siding was stripped, revealing the historic skeleton, which was cleaned, preserved, and trucked to its new location.

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Entertaining Mecca

Insulated from the outside and cladded with new exterior siding, the attention-getting exposed beams are all the decoration needed for this L-shaped barn.

“The architecture of the barn itself doesn’t need decorating because it’s so awesome,” said Ed.

Bathed in light from its large windows, the radiant heated cement floor, cutting-edge HVAC and AV system, as well as the fully stocked cockpit bar have recreated this barn into a modern day mecca perfect for entertaining.

“It’s the basic expression of how a building talked to me. The end result is a spacious and pleasant feng shui. I’m very, very pleased with the workmanship that went into creating it, and the relationship with everyone who was involved with the project,” he said.

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Wonders for the “Remodelista”

In addition to his design services, Ed DeRocker guides the area’s aesthetic through his retail shops.

Previously, he owned McBride’s Interiors, located in one of Glens Falls’ oldest structures, a former blacksmith’s shop that was originally built in 1790.

Now, he owns Front Street Home in the center of Ballston Spa. The shop is filled with unique modern and vintage pieces in a variety of decorative styles including; rustic, casual, cozy country, and elegant formal.

“I’m constantly scouting out and adding pieces, so that brings clients back. It’s all about art and design. Design is everything.”

Stop in to Front Street Home at 6 Front Street, Ballston Spa or find them online at www.frontsthome.com

SS

Randall Perry Photography

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Colleen's Picks

A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

I can’t tell you what a fab-u-lous summer it has been.

Colleen Coleman is the Principal of CMC Design Studio LLC located in Saratoga Springs. With certifications in Kitchen & Bath Design, Aging in Place and True Color Expert, her curated design extends into all areas of her field including new construction, historical and major renovations. Her passion is in designing & customizing hand-crafted cabinets for all areas of the residential market.

The people, the travel and the gatherings! From wild cheering at trackside to trips across country to see friends and family; gatherings full of favorite wines and summer iced beverages. Now, it is time to begin the process of closing up the gardens, letting the cool air in at night and sending the kiddies off for another school year. It’s a time of preparing for the cooler days…and to do this, we need to love on our local shops who have all we need to deck out our interiors. I can smell the fresh morning air as I write… it calls me out of my studio and into the streets of Saratoga and beyond…I can’t wait to share with you all what I have found for this fall season!

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE always has great selections for your home... it’s a treasure chest of gifts, goodies and feel-good décor. Take a look at this Woven Bankuan & Metal Foldable House Shelf, standing at 54” tall and 32” wide. Its slim depth of 12” is perfect for books at a child’s level or an added storage area in a bath for guest towels and essentials. The two shelves offer an abundance of storage while the foldability permits you to tuck it away if only needed for guests!

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE 2570 U.S. 9, Malta Allerdice.com | 518-899-6222

And can you say “ADORABLE!” to this Hand-Woven Bankuan Lion Basket? What a great gift for a baby shower filled with needed blankets and rattles, or a sweet toy caddy to encourage little ones to pick up after play! Wait, yes, I had to look up Bankuan myself! It is the once ignored seagrass, unlike hemp which is grown in a field. Dried stalks are hand twined together to create the raw material for crafting called salapid…a word that usually means braid. Look closely, both of these are made of a braided twine… My job is done here!

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Onto THE MAGIC MOON located on Phila Street in Downtown Saratoga. A menagerie of unique metaphysical selections from jewelry, clothing and accessories to crystals and incense. It’s one of those tiny side street shops that is bursting with specialty items. Upon my entry to the back room, there on the wall was displayed a Hand-Woven Blanket of Jerry Garcia, yup…the one and only.

Crafted by a local artisan, there are only a few to be had. Even my editor commented on how nice it would be to cuddle up with Jerry! Or if you are into serialism or abstract art, they have an array of Art Pieces by Rio Vassallo. His work, according to his bio is “somewhere between visionary and surreal, his work is not just appealing to the eye, but provokes thought.” As I was looking for one of his pieces to feature, this caught my eye… “Four Men Being Abducted by A Figment of Their Collective Imaginations.” When I saw this piece, I had my own interpretation... which art should have on you... my senses immediately comprehended a crossing over; leaving the path forged and into the unknown. Very thought provoking indeed. They have many of his pieces, be sure to ask where to find Rio’s collection.

SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs SilverwoodGalleries.com | 518-583-3600

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THE MAGIC MOON 15 -17 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs Facebook.com/magicmoon518 | 518-583-2488

On Broadway, SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY always has the items needed for entertaining in style! Take for instance these Initial Cheese Board Sets made in Vermont. I love picking these up for a “Thank You” gift when visiting friends, it makes a perfect hosting gift... just add a raffia ribbon to compose the perfect presentation! Another great find are these Framed Maps & Images of Saratoga and the Adirondacks.

The shadow boxes are crafted from barn wood with descriptive text floating above on the glass, offering a vintage feel, almost timeless…perfect for a Saratoga Home!

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Colleen's Picks Let’s talk appliances for a bit, shall we? You all know how I love this subject. Hey, if we have to cook and clean, it may as well be a pleasant experience and EARL B. FEIDEN’S knows how to deliver! I can’t say enough about this product, the LG 24” Steam Styler. It is perfect for refreshing your clothing, including cold weather wool coats, throw pillows, children’s stuffed animals and best of all, taking the much-enjoyed firepit smell out of your favorite fall cuddle-up sweater! In 45-minutes they are like new.

No need to send these items to the dry cleaner, it's 24” of sheer refreshing magic! And now that you don’t have to drive to drop those clothes off, why not stroll over to your personal Signature Kitchen Suite Integrated Wine Tower for a toast to a good day! You all know how I love my wine. This beautiful creation just makes my heart swoon with three zones of preservation perfection, protection against ultraviolet light; ultimate vibration and humidity control, and exterior touch control lighting to view your collection without compromising the towers consistent temperature. I’m in heaven! Did you know that the cork requires humidity?! …65% or greater to properly enclose the fermented grapes we love so much! So go ahead, treat yourself this fall season…and your wine collection too!

OLD BRICK FURNITURE 33-37 Warehouse Row, Albany|OldBrickFurniture.com|518-438-9600

EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE 1771 U.S. 9, Clifton Park | 518-383-2215 785 U.S. 9, Latham | 518-785-8555 EarlBFeiden.com

I need to sit down so I am headed to OLD BRICK FURNITURE... with seven locations in the Capital District, I shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. With the Showcase of Homes top of our minds these days, you can find several items from Old Brick Furniture throughout the show houses.

Bella Builders’ home, located at 11 Shaw Drive in Saratoga Springs, is proudly displaying the Soliloquy Camille King Bed with side Panels.

Add a comfy and cozy atmosphere to a bedroom with a lush headboard adorned with subtle tufting. The cooler days of Fall don’t stand a chance against this luxury that calls you to stay in bed for just a little while longer. Hosting a dinner party without a dining table? Let me help! The Modern Robards 54” Round Dining Table could be the centerpiece you have been looking for! Full of carefree charm, this quartz topped table is supported by a neatly ridged metal base in bronze. Perfect for lazy mornings and coffee for two or hosting friends for a late-night bite to eat and after dinner conversation. I’ve intrigued you, haven’t I? Well, head over to the McPadden House on 67 Waterview Dr. in Saratoga Springs to see it for yourself. I’m betting you’ll fall in love right there on the spot!

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MARCELLA'S APPLIANCE 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park MarcellasAppliance.com | 518-952-7700

Back to wine... I know not everyone has a vast collection, nor do you finish the bottle in one evening. So let me introduce you to the Plum Wine Dispenser, found at MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE. Plum preserves two bottles of wine at the exact temperature noted by the winemaker for up to 90 days! ...That is quite impressive! To dispense the wine at your leisure, the motorized needle pierces the foil, or any type of closure on the bottle as it is inserted into the cavity, perfectly preserving the wine with argon gas. The integrated, refillable canister preserves up to 150 standard, 750ml bottles! It even has wine recognition, labeling each bottle on the 7” touch screen with a “virtual sommelier” that will educate you about your favorite wines. This unit can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design, creating a centerpiece for like-minded connoisseurs like yourself.

And if we have any readers who just L.O.V.E. to cook but are looking for the high-end range experience without maybe all that high-end cost, check out the Fisher Paykel RHV3-484-N Dual Fuel Range. It’s 48" of pure cooking joy…4 sealed dual flow burners deliver up to 23,500 BTU while the 4 induction cooking zones can deliver 3700W to boil any size pot or simmer chocolate for hours. Pair the zones together to create two SmartZones for large cooking pots or a griddle. With a total oven capacity of 6.9 cu ft, you can cook your turkey, sides and rolls all at once!

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The oven features incandescent lights and full extension telescopic racks which glide out seamlessly to limit the need to reach within the hot cavity. And not to worry, the tiltable touchscreen interface will provide an intuitive guide to assist in any cooking adventure from recipes, ingredients on hand or cooking function. Best of all, it’s got the professional look you’ve always wanted in your kitchen. Now is the time to start your cooking and baking experience!!

That’s a wrap for the Fall my friends. Be sure to buy your ticket for the Showcase of Homes, you don’t want to miss out on any of those great ideas they have in store for you this year. Bring your cellphones…take notes and photos!

This 25th Anniversary Year will be the Best Showcase yet!

See you all on the Tour!! SS Until next time my friends, Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert www.cmcdesignstudio.net colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net “Creating Environments for Life” TM

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10

Tips for Simple Fall Decorating

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN PAUSLEY OF

LIFE ON KAYDEROSS CREEK

1

Find inspiration

Choose an inspiration piece or “jumping off point” to help determine your color scheme and stick to it. I chose a print on my mantle which I picked up at a local thrift store. I love the classic fall colors and the way the black in the background warms up and grounds the space.

2

Purge

Go through what you already have to see what works with your inspiration and what doesn’t. If you purchase new pieces, stick with your chosen colors or you’ll have a hot mess.

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3

Go with the faux

Choose fake pumpkins and florals or at least mix them in with some real ones. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors and will not only last all season, but you’ll be able to keep them from year to year.

4

Raid your kitchen

Use apples, pears, artichokes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables as decor. Fill a bowl on the counter or coffee table or use some in a vignette on a shelf. These colors are perfect for Fall.

5

Cozy up

Add cozy throw blankets in neutral colors – these are great for adding warmth and texture.

6

Throw pillows

Another way to ramp up the cozy factor is to use throw pillows. Instead of investing in seasonal throw pillows, use pillow covers. If you use the same size pillow insert all year, you can switch them out easily from season to season and storage is much easier!

7

Bring the outdoors in

Include bits of nature – Check out your yard or ask a friend or family member to check theirs. You can add pinecones to a bowl, place a beautifully colored leaf in a pretty frame, add dried hydrangeas to a pitcher or add bittersweet to a vignette. The best thing is they are all free!

8

Ambiance

Add neutral candles you use all year. No need to spend any money to add the warmth to the season with candles.

9

Texture

Add texture with baskets. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be filled with birch logs, faux pumpkins or throw blankets.

Storage Save money by storing your seasonal décor in labeled clear bins with like items together. You’ll save time and money because you’ll know exactly what you have, and everything will last so much longer.

Remember, don’t go overboard, less is more. With a little planning ahead, you’ll have a cohesive, cozy space decorated for Fall in no time - enjoy! SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

PUMPKIN CRUMB CAKE MUFFINS INGREDIENTS • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar • 1 and 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted MAPLE ICING (optional) • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1/4 cup milk, room temperature

• 2 Tablespoons milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with cupcake liners. This recipe makes 15 muffins, so prepare a second muffin pan in the same manner. Set aside.

2. Make the muffins: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold everything together gently just until combined and no flour pockets remain.

3. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them almost full.

4. Make the crumb topping: Whisk the flour, granulated

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CRUMB TOPPING

sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice together until combined. Using a fork, lightly mix in the melted butter until crumbs form. Don’t over-mix. Spoon crumbs evenly on top of the batter and gently press them down into the batter so they’re snug.

5. Bake for 5 minutes at 425 then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 16-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21-22 minutes, give or take. Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan as you make the icing. *For mini muffins, bake for 11-13 minutes at 350°F the entire time.

6. Make the icing: Whisk all the icing ingredients together until combined and smooth. Drizzle over muffins and serve warm.

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H ello my Foodie Friends!

Autumn is such a beautiful time of year - with the colorful foliage, brilliant hues and warm scents of delicious baked goods! I remember all the fun I had walking home from school with my friends, kicking fallen leaves with my feet and listening to the "crunching" sounds of the leaves. Have you noticed the delicious scents that accompany autumn? Food just tastes better in the fall, and it is fun to cook because the evenings are cool. It is a joy to have the oven going and the aroma of food around. Autumn just calls for something with cinnamon or apples, pumpkins or squash. Autumn is such a wonderful time to bake some of our favorite recipes. Recipes that include apples, plums, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel can be features in warm and comforting cakes and desserts.

How many of us have memories of baking as a child? I have to give my mother credit. Having five children running around the house and trying to get us all to join in to make an afterschool treat was not always a successful feat. Her methodology would include giving each of us an assigned duty with a designated spot in the kitchen. One thing to realize when baking with kids, is that it will be messy…it’s ok! My mother would take a deep breath and carry on as flour went flying or an egg hit the floor (or the wall!) Selecting which recipe to make included having to use some argumentation skills. What my mother did instead, was to let us select two or three recipes, and then put on the calendar when we would make them. When the final product came out of the oven smelling delicious, the five of us would be so proud of what we accomplished. The best part of the experience was sharing what we made with friends in the neighborhood or bringing it to visit another family member, or even just taking about the experience at the dinner table that evening. My mother would smile, even if the experience made her crazy.

There are many wonderful autumn traditions to bring into your home to help you embrace this beautiful season. Baking with your family is definitely one of them! As the weather cools, now is the time to get into the kitchen and start baking up a storm. Stop

by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery Store to help with the baking supplies you will need to have fun making your creations…

From baking pans, to rolling pins, measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, whisks, bowls, cookie cutters, and scoops – well, you get the idea!

Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” SS

Take Care, John & Paula saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Entertaining with

Ralph Vincent

A Harvest Time Cocktail Party!

ideas for relaxed gatherings your guests will love and you will too!

AUTUMN IS HERE and there is much to be happy about! Cooler weather, nature’s brilliant fall colors, and just as exciting, it’s time to enjoy the classic flavors of Fall. So, let’s get started and celebrate this glorious time of year!

Apple Elderflower Spritzer • 1.5 ounces apple flavored vodka I use Ciroc apple vodka • 1 ounce of Elderflower liqueur.

I prefer Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur • ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice

I have created some new cocktail party foods that are so delish and even better… easy to prepare! Much of the preparation is done in advance, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your guests. All that’s left to do is round out your party offering with some prepared foods. How about a cheese board and dessert tray curated with some of the incredible offerings at Putnam Market, or Healthy Living Market and Café?

No party menu of mine is ever complete without a cocktail recipe (big surprise lol!).

My Apple and Elderflower Spritzer will get your party off to a happy start. My Autumn Apple Pizza is sweet and savory deliciousness - thinly sliced apples and onions atop melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese and finished with a sprinkling of fresh thyme. I think you will enjoy my creamy and flavorful Pan-fried Onion and Cannellini Bean Dip too! And, I have thrown in a novel new party nosh – Air Fried Maple Spice Tofu Nuggets. These velvety bite size gems are so good that I think even folks who dislike tofu will enjoy them!

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Until next time… have fun in your kitchen, enjoy cooking (and making cocktails!) for the people you love, and don’t stress yourself out. Remember…it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to taste good!

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Cheers!

• Club soda DIRECTIONS: Place the first 3 ingredients into an ice filled cocktail shaker, secure the lid, and shake briskly for about 30 seconds. Strain into a red wine goblet filled ¾ with ice. Top with the club soda.

Autumn Apple Pizza • 1 ready-made thin pizza crust • 1 apple thinly sliced Sometimes I use Gala apples, sometimes I use Granny Smith, both work nicely.

I don’t peel the apples.

• ¾ cup thinly sliced sweet onion or more to taste.

• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 tablespoon of minced fresh thyme DIRECTIONS:

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Preheat your oven per the directions on the pizza crust package.

Spread ½ tablespoon of olive oil on each side of the pizza crust and place on a pizza pan. Combine the cheeses and spread over the crust.

Spread the onion over the cheese and arrange the apple slices on top.

Bake per the pizza crust package directions, until the cheese is nicely melted, and the apples and onions soften. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the fresh thyme. Wait about 5 minutes then slice and serve. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Pan Fried Onion and Cannellini Bean Dip • 2 cups of thinly sliced sweet onions cross-cut into bite size pieces • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce • ½ teaspoon of kosher salt • ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes • One 15.5 ounce can of cannellini beans drained and rinsed • 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise.

I use vegan mayonnaise, but regular mayonnaise will work well too.

till the onions soften. Turn the heat down to low, add the Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. Cook the onions for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned nicely. This step takes a little time, but the results are well worth it! When the onions are ready, remove the pan from the heat and let the onions cool.

Place the beans, mayonnaise, salt, and red pepper flakes into the bowl of a food processor, and pulse on high until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour the bean puree into a mixing bowl and stir in the onions. Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate till serving time. Serve with chips, vegetable dippers or whatever you like.

DIRECTIONS: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes

Air Fried Maple Spice Tofu Nuggets • One 16-ounce block of firm tofu pressed to remove excess liquid and cut into bite size cubes.

To press tofu, I place the block on a paper towel lined plate, cover with another paper towel and a heavy saucepan for about 30 minutes MARINADE: • ¼ cup of maple syrup • 1½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice • 1 tablespoon of water • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: In a medium size bowl whisk the maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and water together until well blended.

Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and mix gently to combine. Be sure each cube is well coated with marinade.

Drizzle with the vegetable oil and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.

Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade and place in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375° for 10 to 15 minutes until the tofu is lightly browned. Allow the tofu to cool then transfer to a serving dish and enjoy! Seriously, you will not believe how yummy these nuggets are! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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managing ALL THINGS WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE

FOOD

FOOD – NECESSARY BUT SO MUCH WORK!

And, when you have bigger families and varying schedules it can be a full time job planning meals, making meals and keeping the pantry stocked.

Like all things, planning and anticipating solves a lot of those problems. Systemizing as much as you can drives success and fewer decisions on a daily basis. The first thing to remember is that all these systems have to be reviewed for change; often. A schedule/meal plan for soccer season may not work for softball season. One kid eats PB&J every day for 3 years and suddenly just won’t. Make the changes as soon as they are needed and set up a new system.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR HOW TO STREAMLINE ALL THINGS FOOD RELATED. • The first thing to talk about is your pantry and fridge.

These two areas need to be cleaned and cleaned out fully twice a year. Things expire, things get left open and go bad, things just get forgotten and tastes change. Also, spills happen and cleaning all the shelves keeps bugs and critters away. Schedule this in your planner or reminders app – I suggest Fall and Spring.

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With the pantry and fridge, the principle of “like with like” works best. It makes it easier to pull what is needed for a meal or just take inventory for weekly shopping. So, by this I mean a dinner section, breakfast section, baking section, canned goods by type section and snack section. The snack section should be accessible to kids (or at least their snack section.) This area will be much easier with baskets, bins and labels. Taking individually packaged items out of the bigger box saves space and prevents the empty box sitting there and you thinking it is full and it isn’t. And don’t underestimate an over-abundance of chip clips! A must for chips, cracker bags and cereal bags. So much food is wasted by just going stale. A small basket right in the pantry helps solve this problem (my favorite are the multi colored metal clips found at the Dollar Store usually found right at the checkout.)

Another pantry helper is having labelled airtight containers. This helps with spillage and tracking how much you have on hand if you bake often. They work great for the baking section for flour, sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder and more. Other bulk items do best in the same type of container. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The fridge can be set up similarly with shelves of like items. And just like the snack section in the pantry, you can package up portioned veggies and fruits and add a bin for easy grab and go. Somehow cut up veggies are easier to eat, who knew!

• Now, let’s talk about meal planning. Know your schedule.

Are you at home to eat every night? Do you already have standing take out nights? Plan out a typical Mon-Sun week with those knowns. Now, do you want to prepare 1-2 of the same meal every week? This makes pantry stocking and grocery planning a no thought process and makes it easier get dinner on the table. Taco Tuesday for example.

Then, if you still have 1-3 nights left, plan the recipe you will make based on prep time and add those items to your shopping list. Post the meal plan prominently so you stay on track and so the entire family can look at it and help if needed. This saves everyone from frustration and impromptu expensive dinners out “just because.”

as possible the night before. If you are teaching kids to do this themselves, you could also include on the cabinet door a checklist, so they add all the components and not forget anything.

As I mentioned at the start, all these systems are in flux.

Your shopping list may need to be completely changed if someone develops an allergy. Or your schedule changes so much you need a lot more on hand – think of Covid when everyone was at home for all meals and snacks, a lot more food was needed. You may need a new section in the pantry for one person. You may need more airtight containers for new staples. If you adapt the system rather than give up, you will be successful and streamline the most used spot in the home! SS

• Meal prep and a shopping list go hand in hand. I am a big fan of creating your own shopping list and pre-entering the items you get weekly or every few weeks (I do this on excel but can be done in other applications.) I make sections for each large group at the store: Fruit/Veggies, Frozen Food, Canned goods, Pet, Baby, and so on. This is where you would put the ingredients for your standing dinners. And then, have empty spots in every category for new recipe ingredients and the odd ball items like AAA batteries or a special cleaner that come up every week. Hanging this list on a clipboard in the kitchen with a supply of copies lets you add items you think of for the week directly on the list and then you just finish the list prior to shopping.

• Kitchen design or placement of like items can facilitate independence but also keep things efficient. A coffee station with all things to make coffee helps make that morning cup as quick as possible. The snack section in the pantry helps kids help themselves (if young, when given the go ahead of course.)

How about a lunch making section where lunch boxes, bags, and specific containers all live in one cabinet to make that job more efficient- and ideally do as much

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extending

Your Garden Produce into Winter Part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County Homesteading Series WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, NUTRITION EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

The growing season will be over soon, but you may still have some apples on the tree, root vegetables in the ground and winter squash on the vine. Most produce should be harvested before the first frost. If you handle and store them correctly they can last for months in storage without taking up refrigerator space. There are several methods for storing hardier fruits and vegetables outdoors or in the basement, but each product will do best under certain temperature, humidity and ventilation conditions.

Root Crops including Beets, Carrots, Turnips, Parsnips, Rutabagas: All can be stored in the garden by mulching with 1 foot of hay or straw, if there are no rodents. Store rutabagas only outdoors because they give off odors. Other root vegetables can be stored in a basement storage room.

Dig when soil is dry. Cut plant tops ½ inch above crown.

Store in layers of moist sand, peat, or sphagnum moss or in polyethylene bags with about four ¼ inch holes. Storage Temperature 32-40℉, storage life of 3-4 months.

Let’s look at some of the produce most commonly grown in a home garden that you could extend the life of, with proper storage.

Tomatoes, Red Sweet Peppers: Pick tomatoes before frost. Sort for ripeness. Pack green tomatoes one or two layers deep in a shallow box for ripening. Separate with layers of paper or individually wrap each tomato. At 55℉ mature green tomatoes will ripen slowly in 25-28 days. At 65-70℉ tomatoes will ripen faster.

Acorn Squash: Harvest when mature before frost. The skin on mature winter squash is hard and impervious to thumbnail scratching. Leave 1 inch of stem. Storage Temperature 45-50℉, Storage Life 1-2 months. Most other winter squash should be cured for 10 days at 80-85 degrees (usually near a furnace) to harden rinds and heal surface cuts. Store at 55-60℉ for 2-3 months.

Apples: Store loosely wrapped in plastic bags with lots of holes, in boxes, cellars, or insulated boxes in outbuildings at a temperature as close to 32℉ as possible. Apples ripen about 4 times as fast at 50℉ than at 32℉ and become overripe rapidly at 70℉. Storage length depends on variety, varies from 2-7 months. (See factsheet referenced below for more details.)

Cabbage: After first frost, pull with root attached. Store in outdoor storage areas (pits, buried garbage cans, root cellar) with soil around roots. Do not store in basement because cabbage odor will spread through the house.

Storage Temperature 32℉, Storage Life 3-4 months.

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For storage conditions of other produce including cauliflower, kale, onions, garlic, potatoes, pears and more, see the factsheet “Storing Vegetables and Fruits at Home.”

The temperature and humidity each crop needs are given.

This excellent factsheet includes plans for building outdoor and indoor (basement) storage areas, including in-garden storage, outdoor mounds or pits, plus detailed plans for building an insulated basement storage room. The factsheet is available at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County website: ccesaratoga.org/resources/ storing-vegetables-and-fruits-at-home-indoor-outdoorcold-storage.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County provides information and support with Homesteading and SelfSufficiency. Visit their website at: ccesaratoga.org/ agriculture/homesteading-and-self-sufficiency saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Seasonal Recipes

Apple-Filled Squash • 1 acorn squash

• 1 large apple, peeled, cored and sliced

• 4 teaspoons brown sugar • 4 teaspoons melted butter • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

• Dash of ground cloves (or substitute ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves)

Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Place in microwave, cut side up, cook on high for 6-8 minutes. Rotate halfway through cooking time. While squash is cooking, mix apple with other ingredients. Remove squash, top with apple mixture. Cover with wax paper and cook on high for an additional 6-8 minutes. Rotate halfway through cooking time. Squash should be fork tender, if not, cook longer.

Serve individual squash halves or quarters on plates or scoop squash away from skin, and place in a serving bowl.

Makes 2 servings.

Per Serving: 290 calories; 9 g fat (4 g sat); 15 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 60 mg sodium.

Tomato Sauce Primavera FOR FREEZING

• 10-12 pounds tomatoes

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups chopped onions

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tablespoons dried basil

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup chopped carrots

• 1½ cups chopped celery • 1 cup chopped green peppers

• 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic • 2 bay leaves

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1½ teaspoons dried thyme • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 10-20 seconds.

Peel, seed and chop tomatoes in food processor or by hand. You should end up with 9-10 cups. Heat oil and sauté the onions and carrots until the onions are golden and wilted. Add green peppers, celery and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, herbs and spices.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Leave the sauce chunky or process in a food processor to desired texture. Cool to room temperature. Fill freezer containers, label, date and store in the freezer.

Makes 4-5 pints.

Per Serving: 160 calories; 6 g fat (0.5 g sat); 0 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrate; 3 g protein; 4 g fiber; 80 mg sodium. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Gardening WITH

PETER BOWDEN

Planting the Promise of Spring A

couple of years ago, my wife and I moved from a house we’d lived in for 30 years. We were able to dig up and move around 200 of our collection of perennials for which we were very grateful. Since we moved in late summer, our collection of spring flowering bulbs was left behind. That fall we were busy building new beds and planting our perennials so they would be ready to grow into their new home before winter.

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It was wonderful to see them the following spring, but we missed the thrill that our daffodils, alliums, tulips, and other spring bulbs gave us long before the perennials put on their show.

We resolved then to make the investment and effort to plant even more bulbs at our new home…and we have.

In the last couple of years, we have added hundreds of flower bulbs to our beds. We’ve learned that planting in large groups is the best way to enjoy these harbingers of spring. By planting these bulbs, we are saying, “I know that the next season will arrive - brighter and better.” You may be planting flower bulbs, but you are really sowing Mother Nature’s promise of brighter days.

These small bulbs are a miracle in themselves. Think of them as rechargeable batteries. They don’t store electricity but “growth energy.” When you buy bulbs, they’re all “charged up” for you by the producer in Holland.

Daffodils, tulips and all the Dutch bulbs offered for sale in the fall must be planted before winter. They need at least 8 weeks of chilling to stimulate them into their next flowering and growth cycle. Without it, the bulb won’t be ready to grow in spring.

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In spring, the first flowers to arrive will be the small crocus or muscari. As they are finishing up, along come the daffodils or tulips. When they finish, the grand finale will be the large showy alliums. You’ll find all the information on bloom time and planting depth right on the packages of bulbs at the garden center. Basically, dig the planting hole three times as deep as the size of the bulb and put a little dollop of bulb food at the bottom of the hole and plant.

The trick to perpetual success with bulbs is knowing how to “recharge the battery” after they flower in spring. The “growth energy” stored in the bulb is quickly depleted during the all-out effort to reproduce (flower) in spring.

After the flowers go by, cut them off including the stem but leave the leaves. Think of the bulbs’ leaves as solar collectors that change sunlight into “growth energy” that is sent to the bulb below for storage. This is the time to feed your bulbs with Bulb-Tone.

That’s it…pretty simple. Take time this fall to plant lots of bulbs and you’ll thank yourself when they emerge after the gloomy winter to announce the arrival of spring. After a long flowerless winter, these first flowers of the season give us just the boost we need.

THANKS FOR THE READ!

SS

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Family, Work,

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PLAY, ADVENTURE!

MANGINO BUICK GMC 1484 SARATOGA ROAD | BALLSTON SPA, NY SALES: 518.490.1269 | SERVICE: 518.490.1272 MANGINOBUICKGMC.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

MANGINO CHEVROLET 4477 NEW YORK 30 | AMSTERDAM, NY SALES: 518.770.1220 | SERVICE: 518.770.1223 MANGINOCHEVY.COM FALL 2021 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 177

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HISTORY WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

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Is this heaven?

No, it’s simply... Saratoga Springs

A look back to 1882

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

A

As the warmth of summer fades and the colors of autumn surge, I’m reminded of the many summers that have made up the years of my life in 180 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

Saratoga Springs. Summer in the Spa City is a wonderful experience that makes for great memories, no matter what the decade.

As a boy, summer was all about bicycles, pick-up games at the Eastside Rec, good friends, and sodas at neighborhood stores. It was also about warm August evenings that demanded sitting on our porch to rock away the night as it cooled enough for sleeping.

It was about a slower time in a small city. Those memories make me think of the experiences of other Saratogians and summer visitors of the past. What did they do? What was popular?

How did they spend a summer in old Saratoga? What was the nineteenth century like?

The nineteenth century was a time when the village was known as the number one tourist destination in the country. It was the place for the wealthy to “see and be seen” in the summer months. It was all about society and the slower pace of the day. It was a different time.

My walk back in time today is to the year 1882, courtesy of Stoddard’s Travel Guide of Saratoga Springs.

The pocket guide cost $.25 in the day and not only guided guests to the highlights of the city but provides us today with a glimpse of the lifestyle of this resort destination. A quick read of the guide describes a village with many highlights that are different from today. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

For obvious reasons, no mention is made of movie theaters, restaurants, SPAC, Fasig Tipton Horse Sales, Spa State Park or the Avenue of the Pines.

All those wonderful sites and more of today were not created until after 1882. The guide only dedicates 81 words to the description of the famed Saratoga Race Course that had been hosting racing for nineteen years by the time the summer of 1882 came along. This guide paints a much different picture than what we think today are the “must see” spots in the city. The limited description of the racetrack supports the idea that the track was an activity but not the central attraction of the day.

The big hotels offered the American Plan to their guests that provided visitors with a room but also three meals a day which meant the city had very few restaurants. Before the electric light was standard in the country, the policy was to serve the biggest meal of the day at 2:00 PM, with a lighter meal in the evening.

Guests wishing to attend the horse races at Saratoga wanted to be back in their hotels for the largest of daily meals. Therefore, the time to race was shortened in those days, and was not the “day-long event” of today.

1882 was a time when the addition of electricity was coming slowly and therefore eventually would cause changes in many of those activities because of that great invention.

The vast majority of the travel guide was devoted to the hotels, the mineral springs and social activities.

Stoddard’s Guide provides lengthy descriptions of all the mineral springs in the city as well as a guide to the many medical institutions that used mineral water as the “tonic” for better health. Saratoga Springs has changed drastically in the realm of mineral water use and appreciation. I have been amazed in the last fifty years at the increased ambivalence toward the mineral springs that made us so famous. People’s positive feeling toward the springs in 1882 is reflected in the guide as it provided many pages of information on each mineral spring, mineral content, medicinal use, and a recommendation of when

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to drink and in what quantity. This section of the guide provides a view of the real importance of the springs to many in this time period.

Since 1882 was a simpler time, the activities of the travel guide reflect that pace. The guide describes many walks and carriage drives for daily entertainment. Carriage rides to Saratoga Lake were a very popular, daily event. The opening description of this section says, “A few steps from the largest and most central of the hotels takes one out into the open country, where beautiful meadows stretch away in every direction.”

The author continues to describe that every large hotel has its own private park, “which with congenial company, appears a very Eden.”

Readers would have been shocked to know 139 years later that the city of today would be known as “The City in the Country”, and appreciated by residents, visitors, and new residents alike for that same reason.

I was happy to find that the guide contained a large section on Congress Park. Since my almost daily work today is at the Saratoga History Museum in that park, it is a frequent event to have visitors comment to me on the beauty of this famed park. This 1882 guide further states, “No Park of similar dimensions in the country excels it in natural beauty, or in elegance of architectural adornments.” It’s nice to know that visitors to Congress Park in 1882 were as pleased with the park as we are today. Further description of the park informs visitors that there was a small fee to enter the park, but the adjacent mineral springs were always free for use. The narrative further describes a safe, inviting space with daily music, abundant seating and beautiful paths that provide for relaxing strolls on warm summer days. Safety was highlighted with a description of adequate police protection and newly installed electric lights. Of interest to me was a map of Congress Park that reminded me that in 1882 the park was only half the size of today. In 1882 the park was only the southern part of today’s footprint since the land that contained the Canfield Casino and Spirit of Life was privately

owned and would not be added to the park until 1912.

A hotel section reminds us that the hotels and boarding houses were vast in number and provided not only accommodations but also the social scene for many. This section begins with the passage, “Saratoga has the largest hotels in the world; the most perfectly appointed and the best conducted.” Listed in order of size were the Grand Union, United States, Congress Hall, Clarendon, Windsor, Kensington, American, Adelphi, Arlington, and Columbian.

Many other smaller hotels were listed as part of the offerings for visitors needing accommodations. Many of these hotels were priced at about $3/ day which included three meals.

The big three hotels, Grand Union, United States and Congress Hall all advertised their superb music, elegant balls, hops, and other social events as well as comfortable accommodations.

I noticed a real importance to describe the fire safety of the largest hotels. Fireproof walls, containment procedures and adequate hydrants all helped to describe safe living conditions. This is not a strange addition since most of the large hotels had burned in years prior.

This is but a short glimpse back in time that I hope gives some perspective of how a summer in Saratoga was in 1882. Many new residents to the city comment on how the city has changed in the last few years. Those comments usually highlight thoughts that the city - years ago - was not as nice as today, and has been somehow rescued. My comment is that there has never been a bad summer in the history of our city.

As time marches on, change occurs and when things are different it does not mean they are bad, just different.

A smaller tight knit community with a slower pace was delightful. Those days are gone and are missed by many. I thank God that I was made a Saratogian, and if I was asked today “Is this heaven?” I would still answer “No, it’s simply Saratoga.” What a great little city. Enjoy the Saratoga of today but don’t think that others didn’t enjoy it throughout history, because they did. SS

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Rarely Seen Photos of OLD SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

WASHINGTON SPRING The Washington Spring was on the grounds of the Clarendon Hotel. The Clarendon was located on the site of today’s Central Catholic High School on Broadway. This image c. 1875, shows the large number of visitors to that spring in the day.

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HATHORN DRINK HALL In the later half of the 1800s drink halls became very popular. These halls were the scene of many social meetings for people to discuss ideas over a glass of our famed mineral water. The Hathorn Drink Hall is gone today but the spring still operates at the corner of Spring and Putnam Street.

SARATOGA RACETRACK GRANDSTAND This image presents a view of the grandstand at the Saratoga Race Course about 1865. Racing on the present site started in the summer of 1864 after an inaugural year for the sport in 1863 across the street at Horse Haven.

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ON

This

SPOT.

126 LAKE AVENUE

The high school in 1955.

Photo courtesy of George S. Bolster Collection WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE

"Live as long as you may, the first twenty years are the longest half of your life.

They appear so while they are passing; they seem to have been so when we look back on them; and they take up more room in our memory than all the years that succeed them."

- Robert Southey, poet 184 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

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Captain John Andrews built what is believed to be one of the first summer villas in Saratoga Springs as illustrated in this John Bevan map circa 1848.

The Andrews Homestead. Postcard courtesy of Darryl Saunders, member of Saratoga Now and Then Facebook group illustrates the Andrews Homestead.

(From Darryl’s Great Aunt’s Saratoga Postcard Collection)

The school we today know as Lake Avenue Elementary has inspired generations of memories. Set in the heart of Saratoga Springs, between Marion Place and Regent Street, this spot has been an incubator for success.

The property, purchased in the 1840s, became the Andrews Homestead. The Andrews men had distinguished military careers. Captain James Madison Andrews fought on the front lines of the Civil War and became an active agent of the "Underground Railroad." A 1911 H. B. Settle photograph shows the Anderson attic, complete with a bed, candle, fireplace, and cooking utensils to hide southern slaves.

Captain Andrews' son, Colonel James M. Andrews Jr., graduated from West Point, became a lieutenant in the Spanish American War, and later commanded the 27th Division in the World War. The wood-framed summer "cottage"-style house was reportedly the first villa erected for a summer residence.

Other cottages that followed - and remain today - are in keeping with the style and size of the Andrews Homestead.

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After Mrs. Andrews' death, James and his sister, Ella Breckenridge, became executors of their mother's will. On August 11, 1922, they sold the Andrews Homestead to the Board of Education of Saratoga Springs for $13,195. Colonel Andrews' childhood home was razed, and the construction of a new three-story brick high school began in 1923.

Dedicated on November 25, 1924, the school housed the superintendent's office, as well as students from grades 9-12. The building and its experiences yielded generations of fond school memories - dances, after-school clubs, successful sports teams, and a beloved faculty.

Locals who attended high school in the ‘50s and ‘60s remember firm-handed principal John Sexton. His daughter, Elizabeth, recalls, "Claude Van Wie was superintendent and did NOT want my father to be principal.

My father's office was on the right as you came in the front door, and Van Wie's office was on the left. In art school, I did a painting of Saratoga High at night and Van Wie's office was dark, but my father's was lit up. My father spent many evenings working late, just to get it right."

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The Recorder Yearbook from Sexton's time captures a "Happy Days" time of innocence and a close-knit community. Colorful neighborhood character Bill McKelvey's booming, gravelly voice greeted students at the front door each morning. The community embraced students as they regularly ran to the Eastside Rec field for P.E. classes; they joined them to cheer for the Blue Streak’s football team on Friday nights at the Eastside field; they filled the seats of Convention Hall for basketball games; and local businesses like Nichol's garage opened their doors for metal shop classes.

Sexton retired in 1964, escaping the difficult challenges administration and students faced in the 1965-66 school year. Partly due to the July 1963 formation of the enlarged Saratoga City School District (13 rural school districts from Wilton, Milton, and Greenfield joined our city school district), the high school and junior high school were bursting at the seams.

While waiting for the new West Avenue High School campus to open in January 1966, split sessions were necessary. Senior high students attended classes from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The junior high students attended classes for the second shift of the day. The 1966 Recorder yearbook eloquently describes it: "Split sessions and the transition to the new school have made this year's arrangement of activities both unique and unforgettable.

This year has meant readjustment for the whole school, especially the faculty. While on split sessions, some teachers had to take all possessions usually kept in a desk and transport them in attaché cases. The result has been several cases of lopsidedness."

From January 1966 until the fall of 1972, the school operated as a junior high school. In September 1966, I was a pupil in the first class to attend sixth grade at the facility. Fellow classmate Michael Prosch describes, “First and foremost, it was imposing and HUGE coming from Caroline St. School. It had multiple stories and stairways which in itself was daunting. It was the first time we were faced with dealing with a much larger population of kids from the entire district.”

We adapted to walking up two flights of stairs to our third-floor classrooms, feeling adult as we fumbled with our lockers or sat in the plush seats of the auditorium for a school-wide assembly and relished after school stops at nearby Kaye’s drugs for “Hit Parade” magazines.

Since the fall of 1972, hundreds of neighborhood elementary-aged "Lake Avenue Leopards" have identified this spot as, "my kind of school." Three excellent female principals - Rita Finnegan, Marcia Henze, and Barbara Messier - have taken the helm of the highly successful elementary school. In 2012, it was one of 19 New York State elementary schools to receive a National Blue Ribbon School Award.

Fond memories of Lake Avenue school linger. Leona Beck, a mother of two college-aged boys, recalls, "I remember the first day I walked my oldest son, then 6, to his first day of school at Lake Ave. We had just moved to Saratoga, and I was nervous about the transition to our new city, new

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John Sexton

school, new everything. I didn't know that the tradition at Lake was to line up by grade, and then at the designated time, each grade would file in starting with kindergarten.

As the school days wore on, we learned the traditions of "walkers" very well. We fell right into the community, and my kids still have good friends from Lake."

Writer and former Lake Avenue parent Amy Godine enthuses, "We loved this school. It was out of central casting. Long windows and old brick walls and halls that echoed and a maple gym floor that gleamed.

The principal's office, right next to the front entrance. I appreciated noble teachers who were energetic, funny, focused and so ambitious for the kids. The two-square court saw even more instructive use than the classroom, steeping kids from every grade in the finer arts of adjudication and valor in disgrace before they knew what hit 'em. Lake Avenue had it all."

As the Lake Avenue school theme song proclaims, "Lake Avenue is my kind of school" for every age population it serves.

(Author's full disclosure: Lake Avenue always will hold a special place in my heart. I live in former principal Sexton's house and regularly correspond with his daughter, Elizabeth. My grown children are still close friends with many of their Lake Avenue classmates. And, I ended a memorable career with five glorious years as a teacher of fourth and fifth graders in a spot that will remain forever dear to me.) SS

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THE NEW YORK TURF WRITERS’ TITLE

CONSIGNED TO HISTORY WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL | PHOTOS PROVIDED

For the 2021 season, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has revised the name of the long contested New York Turf Writers’ Cup, and renamed this Grade 1 stake event after Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. This change honors the gentleman who won 15 runnings of this famous jump event. As the New York Turf Writers’ Association, who should not be confused with the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, was dissolved in 2012, a name change was inevitable, if not overdue. However, it is difficult to separate ourselves from many long-held Saratoga traditions, and seeing the name of the New York Turf Writers’ Association fade to an obscurity of the past demands some retrospection.

The scribes who labored under familiar mastheads, most of which are long gone, realized their unique position in the world of sport. These reporters made a few failed attempts to organize into an association in the early 1920s. They shared a unique bond in their task, providing accurate correspondence from the press boxes of the racing world, under the pressure of a daily deadline. Their journalistic efforts, always under their own byline, shared many of the same foibles of employment, and made this brotherhood realize the virtue of forming a guild.

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The New York Turf Writers’ Association resulted in 1923.

Perhaps the best known member of this group was the legendary Damon Runyon, who opinioned from his December 21, 1936 syndicated column, “Let us tell you a little something about the most compact, the most exclusive, and the most self-helpful organization of working newspaper men ever produced by Journalism. It is the Turf Writers association, of New York, composed of the men who write about the horse races for the Metropolitan dailies, and for the turf publications.

We have seen a lot of similar organizations of newspaper writers come and go in our time, all of them starting out with firm purpose, and high resolve, but most of them, like the old Press clubs of the land, usually foundered for lack of cohesion among the rightful members, or wound up with the membership 90 percent pastry cooks, and barbers.”

Damon Runyon continued in his reflective on the New York Turf Writers’ Association (NYTWA) genesis by forthrightly stating, “The turf writers, like the baseball scribes, wanted better working conditions at the racetracks. The business of covering the races around New York was made uncomfortable and inconvenient by the magnates in those days. Moreover, the Jockey Club, which controls New York racing, was then haughty, and secretive, and disdained the racing scribes.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

As a guild, these professionals took determined care of their own, recognizing that beating a deadline and compiling many a turf column, did not insure future employment. The NYTWA network was able to place their members who ran into employment voids, into positions as chart callers, hotwalkers or pari-mutuel clerks, very importantly continuing work at a race track, until their employment prospects improved.

A point that Damon Runyon made very clearly was that the primary NYTWA funding mechanism was the turf writers' annual dinnerdance, for decades the social highlight of the season at Saratoga.

The first soiree took place in 1931 at the Piping Rock on Saratoga Lake, and the roast duck and entertainment were a great success.

The 1933 event saw the largest crowd to date and the juvenile colt Supero was awarded in a banquet ticket lottery. The event was staged at other Saratoga locations such as The Brook, and the Arrowhead Inn. The 1936 affair at Riley’s Lakehouse included awards made to those in the industry: trainer, jockey, breeder and the individual who has done the most for racing. During WWII, like Saratoga racing, the NYTWA placed everything on hold for the duration, returning in 1946.

During the early 1950s, with the Lakehouses under investigation, the NYTWA switched to several years of a breakfast banquet at the Saratoga Race Course. The formal gala format returned in the later 1950s, and for parts of the next four decades were mainly staged at the Canfield Casino, and at various other locations, including Belmont Park, with NYTWA officer Fred Capossela often beginning the proceedings with his signature delivery, “it is now post time!” In 1972, jockey Robyn Smith was honored at the Hall of Springs, and in 1991 NYTWA presented the Red Smith Award to Marylou Whitney at the Gideon Putnam Hotel.

Although the name, The New York Turf Writers' Association, departs the stage of actual competition in Saratoga, it leaves a marvelous history. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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A CENTURY OF ICE CREAM WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD

If you've ever stepped inside a Stewart's Shop, you will thoroughly enjoy one of the Saratoga County History Center's current exhibits.

write a book. That American history began in Rhode Island, touched down in White Creek, fought in the Battle of Bennington, and ultimately landed in a Town of Greenfield settlement appropriately referred to as Daketown.

The exhibit is titled "A Century of Ice Cream - And More!"

It’s located at the Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St. Ballston Spa. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

The exhibit is a Centennial celebration of "Dake's Delicious Ice Cream" and the Dake's start in the ice cream business.

The business began in 1921 with brothers Charles V. and Percy W. Dake using a hand-cranked ice cream maker to make ice cream on the family farm in Daketown. In 1945 the brothers purchased Don Stewart's Dairy on Church Ave. in Ballston Spa. In 2021 they have over 335 stores and are bursting at the seams with growth at every level.

As a lifelong friend of the Dake family and 30-years Stewart's retiree, I thought I was familiar with everything about both entities. As co-curator of the Stewart's Exhibit, I soon realized I'd only experienced the tip of the iceberg. With the expertise of SCHC trustee Field Horne and the knowledge of Greenfield Town Historian Ron Feulner, I learned enough about Stewart's and nine generations of Dake history to 190 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2021

My intention is not to detail the history here, but to encourage you to visit the museum and see it firsthand.

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Whether you're new to the area or you grew up around Stewart's, I promise you will enjoy traveling back in time to the days of the Saratoga Ice Company, helicopter rides, and home ice cream deliveries. You will find an original Dake family deed from 1787 and a family tree dating back to 1760. Two of my favorite display items are an original 1913 "Horse Thieves Beware!" Poster and a 1950s Tonka Truck that you could purchase with "Perky Points."

1930s era ice cream containers.

The exhibit will interest the longest-tenured Dake's Delicious Ice Cream eater and the youngest 2021 MYO Sundae fan. There is something here for everyone.

Along with the Century of Ice Cream, there are three additional exhibits to enjoy at the museum.

The Country Store in Saratoga County Before Stewart's, every hamlet in Saratoga County had a country store. They carried the necessary staples of the communities they served, and they became a social gathering place in the process. Rare photographs of those country stores line the largest room in the museum. The Country Store Exhibit is dedicated to the vital role they played in our history.

Country Store Exhibit: Greenfield Center 1957

Mystery Photographs from Eastern Saratoga

Saratoga Ice Company truck fleet.

Present day Waterworks Building in the background. copy

This exhibit consists of 33 unidentified photographs that came from large format glass plate negatives.

It is unknown who the photographer was. The Old Saratoga Historical Association of Schuylerville was instrumental in preserving them. I can attest to the haunting beauty and intriguing subject matter of these post-Civil War era images.

The Social Life of Hats This exhibit of historical hats and their stories was made possible by a collaboration between the Saratoga County History Center and the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore. It was the result of a course taught by Drs. Tillman Nechtman and Eric BastressDukehart. It involved analyzing and investigating Brookside's extensive historical hat collection.

The Saratoga County History Center, Brookside Museum, and the dedicated volunteers and trustees have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into this *National Treasure. They have done a spectacular job preserving the building and our county's history, and they deserve the community's gratitude and support.

The Stewart's Exhibit will remain on display through May 2022 but don't delay—visit today. We'd love for you to tell your friends and neighbors to stop by too.

Stewart's Perky Pride ice cream containers circa 1948.

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Don't forget to stop for ice cream on the way home! SS *Brookside Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Behind the Scenes Fall 2021 Cover Shoot

LOCATION

It was only fitting that we shoot this Celebratory 25th Anniversary Cover in the personal residence of the man that started it all – Thank you JOHN WITT for providing such a beautiful home – with so many photo opps!!

(House #5 on the tour!)

GUEST STAR Liz Bishop HAIR & MAKE UP The Company Salon and Spa Brandon Scott and Heather Winchip on Hair Nikki Miller on Makeup WARDROBE Spoken Boutique and Ashley Santiago with Joseph Ribkoff BALLOONS Tailgate and Party COVER SHOT STYLED BY Chris Vallone Bushee COVER PHOTO Randall Perry Photography

Thank You EVERYONE for another great Showcase of Homes cover!

- Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director / Managing Editor of Saratoga TODAY’s Magazine Division Top Left Photo: Back Row: Chris Vallone Bushee, Barry Potoker, Liz Bishop, John Witt, Lisa Licata Front Row: Randall Perry, Brandon Scott, Ashley Santiago, Heather Winchip

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