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.
COLLEEN COLEMAN
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.
CAROL GODETTE
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
GEORGE HANSTEIN
George Hanstein was a photographer in New York City and New Jersey for 20 years. He decided that he had enough of city life and built a small house in the Adirondacks near The Great Sacandaga Lake, in pursuit of a quieter life. He worked in a local school district there, teaching photography to High School Seniors. Since retiring, he has filled his days spending time with his Golden Retrievers, doing photography, taking road trips and writing about things that spark his interest.
ANN HAUPRICH
After dropping her editorial anchor to recuperate from a debilitating tick-borne illness, author Ann Hauprich is eager to cast off and embark upon an exciting new literary voyage. Celebrating the exquisite renaissance that’s been unfolding in Ballston Spa over the past half century, Ann’s seventh book will include a chapter spotlighting contributions village dentist and SSRC charter member Thomas Pray, has made to the revitalization. To learn more, visit www.BallstonSpaLiving.com.
WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
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.
ROBERT C. LAWRENCE
Robert Lawrence, a retired elementary, middle, and college educator, authored What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? (The Troy Book Makers), which describes over one hundred mountain place name origins. Bob, a Saratoga County resident, enjoys many outdoor activities with his wife, Carol Ann, and their wire-haired Dachshund, Adi (Adirondack). Contact: adkmountainnames@gmail.com
PATTY OLDER
Patty Older and her partners-in-crime, Bonnie & Clyde, live in Middle Grove. She was in journalism for more than 30 years before leaving the news business behind in 2021. Widowed in 2020 after 29 years of marriage, she is navigating a new life trying new adventures to take her out of her comfort zone. Her articles will follow these adventures in her new journey. Older can be reached at writerlady0456@gmail.com
BILL ORZELL
Bill Orzell is a retired Geographic Field Analyst and Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. A fervent sportsman, who resides in DeRuyter, New York, he has a lifelong appreciation of the economic, political, social, and sports history of the Empire State, with a special appreciation of the unique equine, human and geographic narrative which defines the Spa as the place to be.
MEGIN POTTER
Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.
JOHN REARDON
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 ST. JOHN
Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. 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
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.
See the house on page 41 and... See how much fun we had doing the cover shoot on page 70!
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE
PUBLISHERS
OF...
Simply Saratoga
Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
Saratoga Bride
Saratoga Home & Lifestyle
Welcome Home
Equicurean
Saratoga Christmas
from the editor-in-chief
Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/ Managing Editor
Home... Dreaming about it, Creating it... Doing it!!
So many decisions, so many steps, so exciting, and if you are in the process –or thinking about it – you will love this issue of Simply Saratoga!
As the media sponsor of the SBA’s Showcase of Homes, this magazine is filled with beautiful photos, floor plans, builder info, (and the vendors they choose!) informational stories, and tons of ADS. Yes, ADS, these are the businesses that you need to plan that reno, build your dream home or have those repairs done… and dare I say DECORATE!! : )
In addition to being THE LOOK BOOK for building / renovation / decor in Saratoga County, this magazine has all the autumnal feels… Road trips, History, Recipes, Fashion and of course… always a good read!
And… a special ten-page Commemorative Section by Ann Hauprich looking back at the Saratoga Rowing Association – WOW! – Ann outdid herself.
As somebody reminded me on social media… just because I know why Liz Bishop is on the cover of our FALL issue each year, doesn’t mean everybody else does, so please see page 70 to read more about this great collaboration between CBS6 anchor Liz Bishop, the Saratoga Builders Association – and this year – Lifestyle Contributor Ralph Vincent!
I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together and please keep those comments coming, I love hearing from you!
Thank you, Saratoga Builders Association, for letting us be a part of your annual fundraiser each year - it’s our honor.
And a big Thank You! to all our advertisers, because without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge.
Enjoy the mag!
PS… I love stories where people tell me WHY they chose to come to this area – and for the past year, we followed along as Cindy Conaway and Chris Whann moved upstate and found their forever home… They’re in!!
See their home on page 164.
And as with ALL our features, check out SimplySaratoga.com for more photos!
COVER PHOTO BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY
contents
Be Inspired...
This issue is a MUST HAVE for the Saratoga County Homeowner!
Spotlight… Caroline Ramersdorf 102 Lunch Thyme at Fo’ Castle Farm
Fall Fashion
103 16 Pages of Fabulous Fall Fashions!
The Alpine Sport Shop, Caroline and Main, Dark Horse Mercantile, Lifestyles, Saratoga Outdoors, Spoken Boutique, Union Hall Supply Co. and Violet’s Saratoga Springs
Out
+
About
120 “Murray’s Rush” …it all started in the Adirondacks 126 Road Trip to… Sodus Point 130 New Column! A New Journey Begins
The Tang Museum
Pitney Meadows + The Coop Contemporary
H&G
139 Architecturally Speaking
Colleen’s Picks 158 Saratoga’s Newest Showroom 160 Ten Custom Kitchen MUST-HAVES! 162 Preserving Your (Vacation Home!) Legacy 164 Choosing a Home 166 In the Kitchen with John Reardon
168 Entertaining with Ralph Vincent
History 171 Bill Orzell 178 Carol Godette 184 Commemorative Piece by Ann Hauprich …A look back on the Saratoga Rowing Association
One Last Thing...
194 George Hanstein
SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF Homes
WELCOME...
Welcome to the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of 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 excited and proud to present nine homes in Saratoga County from our area’s award-winning builders over two 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.
In addition, visit the Juniper Ridge Development with Showcase Homes #8 & #9 on Sunday, October 6th from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. to see local middle school students participate in a “Viking Chairs” build, plus tour the new student built/modified BOCES mobile classroom bus!
Best of all, the proceeds from this event go back into our community. The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over $1.5 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 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.
We are celebrating 28 years of exceptional homes! Keep a lookout for our classic orange signs guiding you along the tour route and please use our QR Code for easy directions to all these incredible homes.
2024 Showcase of Homes Committee
BARRY POTOKER
Showcase Chair & Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association
DREW AIELLO Fairway Mortgage
GEORGE EARLE
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, & Washington Counties
MARCI FILA
Real Estate Digital Designs
JENNIFER FORTUNE Fortune Realty Group
JENNIFER HOWARD Saratoga National Bank
MARK JOHNSON
DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders
MICHELLE LARKIN Rebuilding Together Saratoga
JAYLENE LEONBRUNO Tailored Real Estate Group
- BARRY POTOKER, Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association saratogabuilders.org
Showcase of Homes Proceeds Benefit:
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County rtsaratoga.org
MARCI ROBINSON
Witt Construction
PAMELA STOTT
Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition
ANNETTE QUARRIER
Saratoga Living
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!
The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on four days over two spectacular weekends this fall on October 5-6 and October 12-13 featuring the region's finest, award-winning builders showcasing their new construction. This year’s edition has 9 locations from 8 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County.
Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event are: Abele Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, DSG Construction & Historical Restoration, Kodiak Construction, Stephen James, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction.
Now celebrating its 28th year, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes annual community event has contributed over $1.5 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 and are available at the locations listed below.
TOUR HOURS: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
• Adirondack Trust Branch Locations
• Curtis Lumber Locations: 885 State Rt 67, Ballston Spa 460 Big Bay Road, Queensbury
• Saratoga National Bank: 171 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs
• Roohan Realty: 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
• Showcase homes during tour hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Online at: SaratogaShowcaseofHomes.com
TOUR DETAILS:
• Tickets are valid for all 4 days.
• Children under 12 are admitted free.
• Please keep your ticket until you have seen all the houses. Homes are numbered to help you find them and may be toured in any order.
• Every ticket purchased will be entitled to receive one free Showcase of Homes shoe bag/tote at the first home you visit while supplies last!
SCAN ME FOR TICKETS
Prize Awards
People's Choice Award
All ticket holders are eligible to vote for the People’s Choice Awards with the ballot on the ticket. You will be automatically entered into our drawing for these prizes:
GRAND PRIZE
$1000 IN KOHLER PRODUCTS FROM WINSUPPLY!
PLUS GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM:
• Adirondack Winery
• Bare Blends
• Cudney’s Cleaners
• Curtis Lumber
• Dance Fire Studio
• Fat Paulie’s Deli
• Habitat ReStore
• Lola’s
• Mama Mia’s
• Olde Bryan Inn
• Pelligrino’s Imports
• Publik House
• Rebuilding ReShop
• Saratoga Auto Museum
• Saratoga Candy Co.
• Saratoga Dry Aged Cuts
• Saratoga Lake Golf Club
• Saratoga Strike Zone
• Saratoga YMCA
• The Bunker
• The Edison Golf Club
• Thirsty Owl
• True Pickle Ball Club
• Silverado Jewelry
• Whitman Brewing
• Your Kitchen Mistress
• And more!
The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, subcontractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit their website at saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org
For more details on the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com
Follow us on FACEBOOK and our BLOG for all the updates!
2024 Showcase of Homes
MAP & DIRECTIONS
House to House DIRECTIONS:
OCTOBER 5-6 and OCTOBER 12-13 4
KODIAK CONSTRUCTION
Burnham Hollow
10 Campbell Drive, Wilton
Google Maps use: 10 Campbell Drive, Wilton, NY 12831
• I-87 to Exit 16. West on Ballard Rd. Left on Northern Pines Rd. Right on Burnham Rd., Left on Campbell. Home will be on the left.
BELMONTE BUILDERS
Forest Grove
22 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs
Drive time: 10 minutes
Google Maps use: 22 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• From home #1: East on Campbell, left on Buchanan Dr. Right on Northern Pines Rd. Left on Carr Rd. Left on Jones Rd. At roundabout take 2nd exit onto Branch Blvd. Right onto Daintree Dr. Home will be on the left.
STEPHEN JAMES
69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs
Drive time: 12 minutes
Google Maps use: 69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• From home #2: Left on Branch Blvd. 1st exit at roundabout onto Jones Rd. Right on Smith Bridge Rd. Left on Maple Ave. Right on Daniels Rd. Left on Clinton St. Home will be on the right.
DSG CONSTRUCTION & HISTORICAL RESTORATION
253 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Drive time: 5 minutes
Google Maps use: 253 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• From home #3: From Clinton, left onto Church St. Right on Nelson Ave. Home will be on the right.
WITT CONSTRUCTION
132 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Drive time: 4 minutes
Google Maps use: 132 5th Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• From home #4: South on Nelson, left on Caroline St. Right on East Ave. Left on Fifth Ave. Home will be on the right.
TROJANSKI BUILDERS
32 Chloes Way, Saratoga Springs
Drive time: 7 minutes
Google Maps use: 32 Chloes Way, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
• From home #5: Left on Nelson Ave. Right on Crescent St. Left on Joshua. Right on Chloes Way. Home will be on the right.
BELLA HOME BUILDERS
6 Vittorio Trail, Ballston Lake
Drive time: 18 minutes
Google Maps use: 6 Vittorio Trail, Ballston Lake, NY 12019
• From home #6: Right on Jefferson. Left on Crescent St. Right onto I-87 to Exit 1. Right onto Round Lake Rd. Go through 2 roundabouts to stay on Round Lake Rd. Left on Hubbs Rd. Left on Vittorio Trail (No street sign). Home is first on the right.
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Visit the Juniper Ridge Development with Showcase Homes #8 & #9 to see local middle school students participate in a “Viking Chairs” build, plus tour the new student built/modified BOCES mobile classroom bus!
BELMONTE BUILDERS
Juniper Ridge
13 Silver Oak Drive, Halfmoon
Drive time: 18 minutes
Google Maps use: 13 Silver Oak Drive, Clifton Park, NY 12065
• From home #7: Left on Hubbs Rd. Left on Longkill Rd. Right on Ushers Rd. Right onto I-87 to Exit 9E. Right onto NY-146. Right onto RT 236. Left on Betts Ln. Right on Magnolia Dr. Home is on the corner of Magnolia and Silver Oak Dr.
ABELE HOMES
Juniper Ridge
9 Magnolia Drive, Halfmoon
Drive time: 1 minute
Google Maps use: 9 Magnolia Drive, Halfmoon, NY 12065
• From home #8: South on Silver Oak Dr. Left on Magnolia Drive. Home is first on right.
Visit our mobile-friendly website to view the INTERACTIVE MAP and scenic house-to-house directions: saratogashowcaseofhomes.com or scan this code.
Kodiak Construction
Burnham Hollow - Franklin
10 Campbell Drive, Wilton
2,055 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms
Located in Burnham Hollow, the “Franklin” design sits on 0.78 acres. This gorgeous single-story home is topped with Owens Corning architectural shingles in “Teak” and wrapped in Norandex Cedar Knolls low maintenance “Carbon” lap siding with board and batten accents. Upon entering the front door, you are warmly greeted by an open floor plan, cathedral ceiling in the family room, Timberlake Portfolio cabinetry in “Cherry Amber” on the kitchen walls with a “Painted Black” island, “Sienna Granite” countertop, and Provenza engineered red oak hardwood flooring. The primary bedroom features a tray ceiling design, walk-in California Closet system and ceramic tiled shower. The Heat & Glo gas fireplace in the family room is complete with a custom tile inlay surround and handcrafted wood mantel design. Entertain outdoors on the 29’ x 21’ stamped concrete patio accessed from the lower-level walk-out and grill on the 20’ x 12’ deck located off the kitchen and family room.
UNIQUE HOME FEATURES
• Cathedral ceiling in the Family Room
• Tray ceiling in Primary Bedroom
• Walk-in Pantry
• Stamped concrete sidewalk, covered porch and patio
• Finished stairway to lower level
KODIAKOFSARATOGA.COM | 518-587-4847
740 Route 9, Wilton | info@kodiakofsaratoga.com
Founded locally by Saratoga Springs natives Jesse Boucher and Justin Sitler, Kodiak Construction is celebrating 20 years as a new home builder in 2024. 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.
• 95% efficient forced air heating & cooling system with programmable thermostat
• LED lighting throughout
• Energy efficient VWD windows and sliding door
• Air sealed exterior penetrations
• Blower door tested at completion of construction
Jesse Boucher & Justin Sitler
HOUSE DESIGN BY A Solid Build
2 Belmonte Builders
Forest Grove - Cypress
22 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs
1,970 Square Feet • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms
Built as a Cypress ranch, 22 Daintree Drive showcases Belmonte’s best-selling twin home floor plan. This premium twin home makes a great first impression with cultured stone accents and a covered entry. Windows on three sides provide plenty of natural light, while hardwood floors seamlessly flow from the foyer to the study and other common areas. A private study, perfect for remote work, features elegant French doors with a transom window above and a closet for easy storage. The open design of this spacious ranch twin home is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen’s off-white perimeter cabinets and subtle white quartz countertops with gray accents provide a neutral backdrop, while the working island’s deep brownish-gray finish adds warmth and depth. The kitchen includes a ceramic tile backsplash, undermount lighting, cushion-close drawers, and upgraded appliances, including a stainless steel gas range. It opens to the dining area and great room, which features a coffered ceiling, a gas-burning fireplace with a granite surround, and a 65” Sony TV with a Sonos bar mounted above. Just off the great room, a three-season screened porch with plexiglass panels opens to a cozy 12' x 12' paver patio, ideal for grilling out.
A private alcove off the great room leads to the primary bedroom suite, which features an eye-catching accent wall, cathedral ceiling, and a large walk-in closet. The primary bath includes a double-sink vanity with quartz countertops, a shower tiled in a white hexagonal pattern with a Corian bench, and a frameless shower door. The guest bedroom is located off the foyer and has access to a full hallway bath. The laundry room includes a countertop for folding, while the mudroom, with a coat closet and bench, is conveniently located just off the fully sheet-rocked and painted two-car garage.
BELMONTEBUILDERS.COM | 518-371-1000
1743 Route 9, Clifton Park | sales@belmontebuilders.com
Belmonte Builders has been building high quality custom homes in the Capital Region 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.
REALTOR
Sharon Byrne, Howard Hanna 2 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs 518-527-4914
sharonbyrne@howardhanna.com howardhanna.com
LANDSCAPER
Chris Gennoy, Capital District CPI PO Box 540, Clifton Park 518-383-6385 | cdcpi@nycap.rr.com cpilandscaping.com
• The Cypress is our best selling twin home plan (perfect for active adults looking to downsize or for those looking for a second home)
• Part of the Forest Grove HOA with a breadth of amazing amenities including a community center with a working kitchen and fitness center, an outdoor pool and pavilion, pickleball courts, and 7+miles of walking trails.
Peter Belmonte
FLOOR PLAN
3 Stephen James
69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs
3,563 Square Feet • 6 Bedrooms • 5.5 Bathrooms
LUXURIOUS MODERN RESTORATION OF SARATOGA SPRINGS' OLDEST HOUSE
Welcome to a masterful blend of historic charm and modern sophistication—an unparalleled luxury residence nestled in the heart of Saratoga Springs. This exquisite property represents a complete restoration and renovation of the oldest house in the area, seamlessly integrating timeless character with contemporary elegance.
MAIN HOUSE: Every inch of the main house has been meticulously reimagined, offering a stunning fusion of classic allure and cutting-edge design. The gourmet kitchen is a culinary artist’s dream, featuring commercial-grade stainless steel appliances, including a 60" refrigerator, 48" range, double dishwashers, an ice maker, a wine fridge, and a wet bar. At its center stands a breathtaking 10.5-foot waterfall island, a natural gathering spot illuminated by abundant light streaming through a 12foot sliding door. The custom cabinetry, with its dynamic under-cabinet, toe kick, and upper lighting, allows you to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
The main floor primary suite is a haven of luxury, showcasing a walk-in custom closet and an ensuite bathroom that exudes spa-like tranquility with its oversized shower featuring dual shower heads and handhelds. Ascend to the upper floor, where two additional ensuites await, each adorned with fully custom-tiled showers. The additional hall bath surprises with its standout floor tile, while every bathroom boasts a unique design that complements the home's distinctive character.
Throughout the main house, the charm and personality of each room have been thoughtfully curated, preserving the essence of the past while introducing modern luxury. Special touches, such as the dining room table and office desk crafted from the original wall studs, add a poignant connection to the home's history. Two elegant fireplaces grace the great room, enhancing the cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.
CARRIAGE HOUSE: The newly constructed carriage house complements the main residence with its own unique charm. This striking addition includes a three-car garage and a luxury one-bedroom apartment known as the "Downtown Oasis." Every detail of this apartment is a testament to exceptional design, from its captivating lighting to its exquisite stone selections. It’s a space that promises to impress and inspire.
OUTDOOR SPACES: Elevate your living experience with exceptional outdoor spaces. A rooftop terrace provides panoramic views and an ideal setting for entertaining, while a lower-level deck offers a serene space for private gatherings and relaxation. This remarkable property is not merely a home; it is a masterpiece of restoration and design, where historical reverence meets modern luxury. Experience the perfect harmony of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication as you walk through this enchanting residence.
HOUSE DESIGN BY
Studio K (Kennedy Flack & Rachael Gac), Caitlin Cucchiella (Stone and Tile), and Nicole Stack (Kitchen Design)
REALTOR
Caitlin Cucchiella, Core Real Estate Team 69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs 518-852-3665
• Two-Tiered Rooftop Terrace: Expansive outdoor space with panoramic views, perfect for entertaining and relaxation.
• Original 1787 Hand-Hewn Exposed Beams: Featured in two upstairs bedrooms and integrated into the staircase, preserving historic charm.
• Oversized Tiled Master Shower: Located on the first floor, featuring two shower heads and two handhelds for a spa-like experience.
• Stone Threshold: Elegant stone detailing that wraps from floor to ceiling, connecting the great room and the main kitchen.
• Custom Tiled Bathrooms: Each bathroom showcases its own unique custom-tiled shower and vanity.
ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES
• Energy-Efficient Two-Zone Heating and Cooling Systems: Advanced climate control for the main house, offering optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
• Anderson 700 Series Woodwright Windows: High-performance windows that combine superior insulation with classic design, enhancing both energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
• Smart Switches and Light Bulbs: Exterior lighting equipped with smart technology for improved safety and energy efficiency.
• Two Dishwashers and Two Washer/ Dryers: High-performance appliances designed to enhance convenience while optimizing water and energy usage.
Caitlin Cucchiella | 518-852-3665 | 69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs | realestatecaitsaratoga@gmail.com
Stephen James: Your Premier Partner in All Aspects of Real Estate | Stephen James is your go-to expert for a comprehensive range of real estate services, combining luxury custom building, home restoration, and property management with unparalleled expertise in buying, selling, and investing. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every project we undertake, ensuring that your real estate needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and care.
4 DSG Construction & Historical Restoration
253 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs
3,500 Square Feet • 4 Bedrooms • 4.5 Bathrooms
DSG Construction is pleased to introduce this custom, luxury home in the heart of Saratoga Springs—a stunning residence that effortlessly blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. This meticulously crafted 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom 3,500 Square Foot gem stands as a testament to superior quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
As you enter, you are greeted with soaring 10 foot coffered ceilings and an open floor plan that exudes sophistication. The spacious living room features a beautiful stone fireplace and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
The chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece of design and functionality, boasting top-of-theline appliances, custom cabinetry, and an expansive island perfect for both meal preparation and casual dining. Adjacent to the kitchen, the formal dining room is ideal for hosting elegant dinner parties
Retreat to the luxurious primary suite, where you’ll find a private sanctuary complete with a spa-like en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and his and her vanities and closets. The cathedral ceiling gives this master the perfect finishing touch.
Additional highlights of this exceptional home include a dedicated home office, a fullfinished basement, and a generously sized 2-car garage and attached carriage house. Other premium energy efficient upgrades include: Spray Foam Insulation, Marvin Elevate Windows and Doors, and a 3 Floor, 4-Zone Radiant heat component with a Fresh Air Exchange system and a Navien tankless water heater.
Situated in the heart of Saratoga Springs, this residence combines unparalleled craftsmanship, premium materials, and attention to detail.
We are a local, veteran-owned General Contracting firm that focuses on custom, luxury home builds and remodeling. We specialize in New Construction, Custom Remodeling, and Historical Restoration projects. We pride ourselves on providing quality craftmanship and unparalleled customer service. At DSG, we strive to provide full transparency in the building process while exceeding our clients expectations.
HOUSE DESIGN BY Robert Flansburg, Dreamscapes Unlimited
REALTOR
Julie & Co.
18 Division, St #314, Saratoga Springs 518-409-1218
juliecorealty.com
LANDSCAPER
Dave Gadomski, DSG Construction and Remodeling 518-337-6766 gadomskids@hotmail.com
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
Interior Designs Atelier: Linda Gerace-Skinner, CEO & Principal Designer, Allied ASID and Diane Meyer, Senior Interior Designer, ASID Affiliate 3 Franklin Square, Ste 4, Saratoga Springs 518-260-1609
• 3-Floor, 4-Zone Radiant Heat System with an HRV Fresh Air Exchange
• 10 Foot Coffered Ceilings with Classic Interior Trim and 3-Stage Crown Molding
• Front Porch with Mahogany decking and a Vertical-Grain Hemlock Ceiling
• Cathedral Ceiling in Master Suite
• Oversized 2-Car Garage with attached Carriage House
ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES
• Marvin Elevate Windows and Doors
• Spray Foam Insulation
• Ecobee Smart Thermostat with HRV Fresh-Air Exchange System
• 4-Zone, 3 Floor Radiant Heat System with Heat Pump
• Navien Tankless Water Heater
David Gadomski
5 Witt Construction, Inc.
132 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs
7,564 Square Feet • 5.5 Bedrooms • 5 Bathrooms
This residence is custom designed on an existing footprint of a 1960s ranch. This family home is designed for entertaining and features four ensuite bedrooms along with a dedicated primary bedroom wing, and a stunning floating staircase that connects all three levels of the home. Upon entering from the front door, you are greeted by a private foyer; to the left, two ensuites await, while the right leads you into a spacious two-story family room, complemented by a cozy private den. A gracefully curved hallway connects the dining room to the kitchen and the expansive great room, which boasts vaulted ceilings adorned with custom white oak beams. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with a back pantry. A mudroom provides access to the garage and includes a convenient powder room, a walk-in closet, and a laundry area featuring a dog shower. On the second floor, you find a hallway bridge linking two additional ensuites on one side and the luxurious primary suite on the other, which showcases an impressive bathroom with a walk-in wet room, a linen area, a private toilet, and a beautiful soaking tub. A delightful surprise awaits on the third-story, a mezzanine which opens to a viewing porch overlooking the Oklahoma Track and barns. The exterior of the home combines cedar shakes, brick, and painted clapboard, enhanced by custom Pella windows for a striking appearance.
HOUSE DESIGN BY
John Witt, Witt Construction, Inc.
LANDSCAPER
Sponzilli Landscape Group, Inc. Fairfield, NJ 973-244-1410 sponzilli.com
Witt Construction, Inc. 563 N Broadway, Suite 1, Saratoga Springs 518-587-4113 mrobinson@wittconstruction.com wittconstruction.com
UNIQUE HOME FEATURES
• The entire rear of the home abuts the Saratoga racing paddock
• A third floor porch has expansive views of the barns, paddocks and track
• Floating staircase
WITTCONSTRUCTION.COM | 518-587-4113
563 N Broadway, Suite 1, Saratoga Springs | mrobinson@wittconstruction.com
John Witt, president of Witt Construction, Inc., has built hundreds of awardwinning, custom and semi-custom homes in historic Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region. Founded by John in 1987, Witt Construction has earned industry, peer, client and popular acclaim for his striking designs, commitment to energy efficiency, attention to signature details and exceptional client services. The gracious homes have become iconic residences, each one uniquely situated in its natural surroundings.
John Witt
6 Trojanski Builders
Chloe's Way
32 Chloes Way, Saratoga Springs
3,856 Square Feet • 5 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms
We are proud to present our custom home located at 32 Chloe’s Way in Saratoga, part of this year’s prestigious Showcase of Homes. Nestled in close proximity to downtown Saratoga Springs, this home offers the convenience of a walkable lifestyle with all the charm and amenities of modern living.
This exquisite five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath residence highlights an array of unique features. The exterior showcases LP smart siding with expert finish, complemented by stone accents. The home has metal roof accents and enhanced with custom trim and wood beam ceilings. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors and custom cabinetry throughout, including a meticulously designed mudroom. The centerpiece of the living space is a custom fireplace with a white oak mantle, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The kitchen and bathrooms feature quartz and granite countertops, adding a touch of elegance and durability.
This home is designed with energy efficiency and smart technologies in mind. It includes a 96% efficient furnace, a two-zone HVAC system, a humidifier, and a video doorbell for enhanced security. The walls are insulated with R-21 and the ceilings with R-49, and the windows are Anderson 400 series low-E, ensuring optimal energy conservation and comfort year-round.
Experience the perfect blend of luxury and functionality at 32 Chloe’s Way, where innovative design meets unparalleled craftsmanship.
TROJANSKIBUILDERS.COM | 518-350-6644
627 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs | josh@trojanskibuilders.com
Trojanski Builders, a premier custom home builder in Saratoga Springs, NY, specializing in new custom home construction and large remodeling projects. Dave Trojanski has been building exceptional, one-of-a-kind custom homes throughout the Capital Region since 1998. Prior to that, after completing his college education, he worked side by side with his father in the family-owned construction business in the Rochester, NY area. Years later after moving to Saratoga Springs, Dave ventured out on his own to fulfill his dreams of building quality and exceptional homes. At Trojanski Builders, a family-owned business, we understand that your custom home is so much more than just a house. It’s a culmination of all the years of your hard work. It’s where quality moments will be shared with family and friends.
HOUSE DESIGN BY
James Fahy Design
REALTOR
Sarah Trojanski, Sterling Real Estate Group 1487 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa 518-616-8428
Welcome to 6 Vittorio Trail! This spectacular 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath traditional farmhouse features 3 levels of living space with 10 foot ceilings on the first floor and 9 foot ceilings on the 2nd floor. This home is filled with custom trim detail throughout. The first floor flows through an openstyle kitchen-dining room-family room concept, with a gourmet kitchen featuring a 10 ft island, a spacious great room with a beautiful coffered ceiling and gorgeous curved bar- perfect for entertaining! The screened porch off the great room offers additional living space with a gas fireplace and opens to the airy outdoor living area featuring a fire pit and pool. On the second floor you will find a luxurious primary bedroom ensuite featuring his and her closets, the primary bath with a stunning shower with floor to ceiling tile and a soaking tub. Rounding out the 3 levels of living space is the lower level which features a family room with a gym and a full bathroom.
BELLAHOMEBUILDERSINC.COM | 518-583-1833
228 Church Street, Saratoga Springs | dave@bellahomebuildersinc.com
For more than three decades, Bella Home Builders has been remodeling and constructing award- winning, quality homes in the Capital Region. Every house is constructed with Bella Homes impeccably high standards and unique, one-of a kind 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.
REALTOR
Melissa Barnes 228 Church Street, Saratoga Springs 518-914-9093 melissabarnes12866@gmail.com
Located on a large corner lot, 13 Silver Oak’s floor plan seamlessly blends the kitchen, dining and living areas together. This traditional Colonial home has room for everything and makes a great first impression with a large, covered porch and cultured stone accents. The large foyer opens to a private study featuring a double true-divided lite door, perfect for working or learning from home. Hardwood floors extend from the foyer and study into the great room and the remaining common spaces. The open floor plan lends itself to entertaining and family gatherings. Black and white accents create a crisp, streamlined look that feels current. The great room features a gas burning fireplace with a black granite surround and white mantle. Large windows provide an abundance of natural light to the shared areas. The kitchen features white cabinets with black hardware paired with a black and white tile backsplash and stunning, black quartz countertops with white veining. A large island featuring black cabinets, a built in microwave, and countertop provides extra space for food prep and seating for three. The dining area opens to a screened porch that descends to a large, private paver patio, the perfect spot for family cookouts.
The primary bedroom suite, located upstairs, features a cathedral ceiling and a spacious walk-in closet. The primary bath features a double sink vanity with crisp, white cabinets, a beautiful Quartz countertop. and a large tiled shower with a Corian seat. Three additional bedrooms sharing a roomy full bath with a double sink vanity are also located on the second floor along with a large laundry room.
BELMONTEBUILDERS.COM | 518-371-1000
1743 Route 9, Clifton Park | sales@belmontebuilders.com
Belmonte Builders has been building high quality custom homes in the Capital Region 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.
SALESPERSON
Spencer Lewis, Belmonte Builders 13 Silver Oak Drive, Halfmoon 518-512-9646
• Insulated, Low-E Argon gas filled windows with grills between the glass
• High efficiency gas furnace and hot water heater
Peter Belmonte
FLOOR PLAN
9 Abele Homes
Juniper Ridge - Amira
9 Magnolia Drive, Halfmoon
2,455 Square Feet • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms
Abele Homes is excited to showcase their newest ranch plan, The Amira. It features 3 spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main level.
As you enter the home, you will see that the foyer is accented with stylish wood tambour wall treatments. The well-appointed kitchen is open to the dining area and great room, making it perfectly situated for entertaining. The stunning primary bedroom suite features an expansive tray ceiling, two walk-in closets and an abundance of natural light. Furthermore, the primary bathroom suite features a custom extra deep tiled shower accented with a recessed niche, frameless shower door and specialty tile.
Extra value has been added to this model home by providing a finished basement. The area has been decorated to feature a game room and family music room, along with another full bathroom. The custom wall accents in the music room were hand painted by Donna Mock.
ABELEHOMES.COM | 518-491-1173
1712 Route 9 Suite 103, Clifton Park | moe@abelebuilders.com
Abele Homes is a family-owned and operated company that treats their customers like family. For 40 years, they’ve taken great pride in the houses they’ve built. Their mission is to provide a wonderful, quality home for their customers. Abele Homes strives to create communities that are visually pleasing, well-designed, and well-maintained. Outstanding craftsmanship, quality materials and beautiful floorplans are all part of an Abele-built home. Abele Homes has a long and well-established history in the Capital Region with a strong connection to Southern Saratoga County.
REALTOR
Maureen Abele, Abele Home Realty 1712 Route 9 Clifton Park 518-491-1173
moe@abelebuilders.com abelehomes.com
LANDSCAPER
Dylan Helo, Heloscaping Inc. 301 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa 518-210-3028
heloscaping@gmail.com facebook.com/Heloscaping
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
Paula McCormick Interiors 10 Starbuck Drive Suite 102, Troy 518-986-1196 pmyinteriors@yahoo.com paulamccormickinteriors.com
KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM
Nikki Stelling, Builder's Kitchen 1220 Central Avenue, Albany 518-438-0323
Overhead Door Co., Inc. garagedoors-glensfalls.com
Pallette Stone Corp. dacollinscompanies.com
Precision Concrete Pumping, Inc. precisionconcretepump.com
Pure + FreeForm
Architectural Metal Walls & Ceilings purefreeform.com
Sunshine Landscaping 733 Waite Road, Clifton Park
Thermally Yours 149 Plant Road, Clifton Park
TML Irrigation Services 507 S Main Street, Mechanicville
Town & Country Painting Enterprises 8 Marcel Road, Clifton Park
Towne TV 3125 Carman Road, Schenectady
Ultimate Roofing 207 E. Campbell Road, Schenectady
Wolberg Electric 60 West Avenue, #2, Saratoga Springs
Quality Hardware Saratoga, Hudson Falls
RJ Powers & Sons, LLC
Saratoga Springs
Ross Concrete Mechanicville
Saratoga Fireplace saratogafireplace.com
Sherwin-Williams Co. sherwin-williams.com
Steve Herman, LLC Glens Falls
Stone Industries stoneindustries.com
Survey Associates Saratoga Springs
Timberbuild, Inc.
Premium Cedar Wood Architectural Products
Thermally Yours
Insulation, Fiberglass, Cellulose, Spray Foam
Thompson Flooring, Inc. Schuylerville
Winkler's Plumbing & Heating, Inc
WinSupply secsupply.com/saratoga
Wolberg Electrical Supply wolberg.com
The New Face of the Trades
Instead of college, today more top students are choosing a career path into the trades.
With the help of The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition (NCTWC) and WashingtonSaratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES Employment Training for Adults (ETA) program, top scholars Alex Dominguez and Rachel Wilbur stepped out of the box and did just that.
Check out Simply Saratoga Home & Garden 2024 issue to see this insightful article about taking a career path into the trades. Or scan the QR code to view it on SimplySaratoga.com
SCAN ME
“Why is Liz Bishop always on the FALL cover of Simply Saratoga?”
As you may know…
Liz Bishop, the Emmy-award winning CBS 6 Albany News Anchor has helped us promote the Showcase of Homes for years! We did our first cover with her in 2015, she graciously does every commercial and she emcees at the Annual Awards Dinner!
Liz is most definitely The Face of The Showcase!
So, when Lifestyle Contributor Ralph Vincent asked if he could make a Mocktail Recipe in her honor, for this issue – I was like –“I wish I had thought of that!”
As you can see…
We all had a ball SAMPLING his latest autumnal concoction!
(see page 168 for this yummy recipe)
Thank You Liz!
We appreciate your help in promoting this wonderful fundraiser each year!
Our FIRST cover together!
Ralph, I think she likes
it!!
love working with this woman! With Ralph & Randall
See Ralph Vincent's recipe for the The (Not So!) Dizzy Lizzy ON PAGE 168
See our Behind the Scenes info on page 72!
Behind THE SCENES
Stacey and the gang
With homeowner and builder, “Real Estate Cait”
LOCATION
The Stephen James Showcase entry (#3 on the tour) was the perfect choice for this year’s COVER! As the personal residence of the builder (Yes, Real Estate Cait!) and her charming partner Chevy Chevalier, their home truly does ooze charm and personality! Beautifully renovated, a convenient downtown location AND and modern sophistication, WITH spacious, sunny rooms AND a rooftop terrace! This house was a dream to shoot in!!
Thank You! Cait and Chevy for letting us invade your home for the afternoon : )
GUEST STAR
CBS6 Anchor Liz Bishop
HAIR & MAKE UP
Brandon Scott and Nikki Miller of The Company Salon and Spa
WARDROBE
Lifestyles and Caroline and Main, with Stylist Stacey D’Andrea-Goodman
BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHY
Alexandria Bushee
SHOOT ASSISTANT
Lydia DeLano
COVER PHOTO
Randall Perry Photography
COVER SHOT PRODUCED BY Chris Vallone Bushee
Thank You EVERYONE for another great Showcase of Homes cover!
- Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director / Managing Editor of Saratoga TODAY’s Magazine Division
Photo left: Stacey D’Andrea Goodman, Chevy Chevalier, Caitlin Cucchiella (“Real Estate Cait”), Liz Bishop, Chris Vallone Bushee, Randall Perry, Lydia DeLano, Barry Potoker, Ralph Vincent
SARATO GApreserving
69 PHILA STREET: A VERY FINE HOUSE
WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION (UNLESS NOTED)
On Travers Weekend of 2020, Rachel Ferluge and Joe DeLeva, walked by the forlorn house at 69 Phila Street that was for sale. “We stopped dead in our tracks. We had so many questions – What was the history of the house? What did the red X on the building mean? Why was it so dilapidated? How much was it? Could it be made into a home?” said Rachel. That day was the start of the long journey to make 69 Phila Street their home.
Photo: Mitch Cohen
The Italianate style residence was built by Robert Hunter, a mason, in 1851. Robert and his wife Harriet sold the house to Reverend Bostwick Hawley, an itinerant minister who served in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont. He purchased the house should his wife Elizabeth’s poor health ever prevent her from traveling with him. Together they had three children, each born in a different place. In 1875, due to Elizabeth’s failing health they moved into their home at 69 Phila Street. The following year, Reverend Hawley ended his long career as a minister in Saratoga Springs. On January 16, 1877, Elizabeth died. Her obituary referenced the home on Phila Street:
Mrs. Hawley in adjusting to her new home, quickly saw how many improvements might be made in and about it for convenience and comfort. While she planned like a skillful architect, the desirable additions and changes, her loving husband readily seconded her suggestions, and the house … became transformed into one of the most cozy, convenient and commodious family cottages in Saratoga.
Reverend Hawley continued to reside at 69 Phila Street following Elizabeth’s passing. In 1891, Reverend Hawley was elected the first president of the board of directors for an institution that was incorporated that year to care for children who were orphaned, from families with limited income, or were not well-cared for at home. In 1904, 64 Ludlow Street was purchased to serve as a Children’s Home, providing warmth and comfort for 16 children. In 1906, the home was renamed the Hawley Home for Children in his honor.
On July 29, 1910, Reverend Hawley died at the age of 96 at 69 Phila Street. He bequeathed $5,000 to the Hawley Home and ordered that the proceeds from the sale of 69 Phila Street also be given to the Hawley Home. For 61 years, Hawley Home provided refuge for more than 3,000 children. In 1965, the Hawley Home closed. The Hawley Foundation was established with proceeds from the sale of 64 Ludlow Street. Today, it continues to provide support to disadvantaged Saratoga County children.
Hawley’s daughter Mary Elizabeth, who was residing in the home with her father, was given use of the property for the remainder of her life. On October 9, 1931, she passed away. The trustees of the Hawley Home sold the property to Nathan Geiger, a real estate developer, on October 17, 1933. In 1934, with a change in zoning, 69 Phila Street became a boarding house. A series of different owners operated it as such until 1994.
In 1994, H. Case and Helen C. Simpson purchased the house at auction for $41,000. In 1998, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation listed 69 Phila Street and the adjacent property at 65 Phila Street on their inaugural endangered property list. In 2002, the Simpsons purchased the adjacent property at 65 Phila Street for $125,000. During their ownership, both houses were left vacant and neglected. Over the years, many interested parties attempted to purchase the properties, but no one was able to negotiate a price.
Rachel Ferluge and Joe DeLeva both grew up in the Capital Region and were high school sweethearts. After graduating from college, they moved to New York City to establish their careers. Growing up, Rachel and Joe had spent summers going to Sacandaga Lake and Saratoga Race Course, a tradition they continued while living in the city. They always planned to return to the area to raise their family. In 2017, their daughter Isla was born. By 2020, when 69 Phila Street caught their attention, they were starting to become serious about moving back.
Photo: Elizabeth Haynes Photography
In December, they toured the house. “We thought it was great from the first time we stepped inside,” said Rachel. Despite the decay, we could still see the architectural integrity and charm of the house, and because of that decay the interior was a blank canvasall that remained were the studs - allowing us to create the modern, open space living that we wanted,” she continued. “Not to mention, the location - we could walk to everything!” said Joe.
As they were falling in love with 69 Phila Street, the Simpsons were ordered by the court to either repair 65 and 69 Phila Street or seek approval from the Design Review Board to demolish them. Rather than repair the structures, the Simpsons sought demolition. While uncertain of the Design Review Board process and outcome, Rachel and Joe continued to pursue construction bids and financing.
In February 2021, Rachel and Joe made an offer on 69 Phila Street. The Simpsons accepted their offer and withdrew the application to demolish it in March. On May 11, they closed on the property. That same day, they wrote to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to share that they were the new owners: We are beyond thrilled to become homeowners in the East Side Historic District and to own such an important piece of history… We also want to make it clear that we are completely aware of the importance of this property to the City of Saratoga Springs and the immediate surrounding community. Our goal is to make 69 Phila Street a beautiful home where we can raise our family. We want to fully restore the exterior with unwavering respect to the original design.
Photo: Elizabeth Haynes Photography
Photo: Elizabeth Haynes Photography
Samantha Bosshart, Susan "Suvi" Lomonaco, Joe DeLeva, Isla DeLeva, Rachel Ferluge and Bob West.
Rachel and Joe hired their friend Susan “Suvi” Lomonaco, principal of SUVI Architecture Studio. “Suvi is our longtime friend who has experience with rehabilitations of historic properties in Albany. We thought she would be great helping us design our family dream home, and she was!” shared Rachel. Old Saratoga Restorations was hired as the contractor. “Bob West was super excited to work on the project.” “He was amazing to work with and brought a human touch to the construction business,” said Joe.
“Many believed it was too far gone. I strived to show Joe and Rachel all the beautiful historic details that we could preserve and revive, such as the brick, slate mansard roof, cornice details, and porch columns,” said Suvi. The remaining five historic windows were restored and relocated to the primary facade. New balustrades were constructed based on shadow lines on the porch columns that gave the profile of the balusters that no longer existed.
All that remained of the interior was the severely compromised original interior framing and flooring that was due to a roof collapse. Unfortunately, none of it could be salvaged. “A new interior framing system needed to be constructed within the exterior brick walls, requiring a systematic approach to selective demolition, bracing, and reconstruction – all of which had to be done very carefully!” said Bob West.
“When work was taking place regularly people stopped to thank us, providing affirmation that we were doing the right thing,” said Joe. “Now that we have moved in, we continue to have people – young, old, residents, and visitors –compliment the work we have done. It feels good,” continued Joe.
On June 1, 2024, Rachel, Joe, and Isla moved into their new home. Not long after, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation hosted a block party to celebrate the preservation of 65 and 69 Phila Street. At the event, Rachel and Joe were recognized for their commitment to restoring a piece of Saratoga Springs’ history. Rachel and Joe thanked Suvi and Bob; the Saratoga Springs Preservation
Foundation for being their guiding star through the process; and the neighbors for their patience during construction. To close, Rachel asked musician Cassandra Kubinski to play the chorus to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Our House,” a song that they often played during their three-year journey.
… Our house is a very, very, very fine house With two cats in the yard Life used to be so hard Now everything is easy 'cause of you
On behalf of our community, thank you for making it a very, very fine house. SS
“Slow Food unites the pleasure of food with responsibility, sustainability, and harmony with nature.”
- CARLO PETRINI
The Art of Slow Food is Alive & Well at OSTERIA DANNY
WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN | PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ilove going out to dinner with friends, especially when it’s been a while between visits, and we have a lot to catch up on. Such was the night Chris, Susan, and I decided to dine at Osteria Danny in the heart of Saratoga. We had a reservation and went early, so it wasn’t busy till we were in the middle of our meal, which was wonderful.
Can I just tell you that we ate a lot of food that night?
The Stack, a delightful appetizer, was a symphony of flavors. The eggplant cutlets, Luizzi fresh mozzarella, and arugula melted in the mouth, leaving a sweet and tender taste I could have savored all night.
We shared another fabulous dish – they refer to it as ‘The Board.’ It was filled with Casella’s Hudson Valley prosciutto, Porchetta, a unique Vermont Salumi Red Wine Salami – which we were willing to fight over, Mortadella, fig mastarda, and Nettle Meadow 3 Sisters.
The interior of this fabulous restaurant is so comfy. There weren’t many tables, but everyone seated was smiling—it was like we all knew each other. I overheard one table discussing a birthday celebration while another enjoyed their 14th anniversary. It was my first time eating here, but I could tell it was a local spot for many others. The restaurant opened in 2016 and has built a steady clientele of regulars… locals, well-known people from the track, and visitors from all over the country. I loved how the walls were adorned with photos of family, marriages, children, and friends everywhere we looked. It was as if owners Danny and Patti were inviting us into their lives – all 43 years as a couple!it was much appreciated!
Of course, the three of us all chose a different craft cocktail, and none of us were disappointed. Shannon was bartending that night, and she has such a bubbly personality—totally delightful. She smiled when I told her I’d love something light and fruity. “I know just what to make for you,” she stated, moving behind the bar. My drink was the Blood Orange Cosmo, made with Neft Vodka, blood orange juice, lime, simple, and triple sec. From the first citrusy sip, it was easy to see why it’s one of their more popular drinks – especially as it was the start of summer and complimented the heat wave we were experiencing. Chris wanted something ‘light & refreshing,’ which she found in the Botanical Spritz handed her a few minutes later. The chilled glass was a mix of Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint, a hint of lime, St. Germain, simple, and a splash of club soda. Susan wanted (maybe needed!!) something more potent, and their Espresso Martini fit the bill. “Such a classic,” she stated before tasting it. We watched her eyes close. Shannon explained that this drink was made with Pristine Vodka, espresso, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, and light Crème de Cocoa. “Ah,” Susan sighed. “That’s where the notes of chocolate I’m tasting come from.”
We all delighted in the dish of Egg Fettuccine, which was made with the unique flavor of Sicilian Pistachio Pesto. Replacing the typical pine nut pesto with pistachios added a much fruitier, fresher bite to the dish and a much brighter, more vibrant color than you’re probably used to.
Our shared dish, Seared Sea Scallops, arrived over lobster risotto and blood orange panna. This recipe was ingenious. Pairing the delicate sweetness of these perfectly seared scallops with the bright, tangy texture and flavor of blood orange panna - our mouths were watering before we even took a bite! It was a new and exciting way to try a dish I’d had before—the twist of fresh seafood and fruit undertones was sublime.
I had no idea what ‘slow food’ was until I noticed a bright red snail tattoo on the tee shirt and arm of our host, Chef Danny Petrosino, as he entered the dining room from the kitchen to greet us.
“What is that?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. He was only too happy to explain its meaning, and I felt a personal connection forming as he shared his passion for 'slow food.'
“Slow food began in Italy in March of ’96,” he informed me. “Someone was trying to open a fastfood restaurant near Rome’s Spanish Steps, and it caused an uproar within the community. I mean, c’mon, the place is full of history and culture—it was never meant for anything other than taking one’s time over food and drink; meals are meant to be savored.”
Suddenly, my mind travels back to my mom and dad. My sisters and I always marveled at how they sat and enjoyed dinner—how they talked and laughed for hours over a meal alone or shared with friends.
Chef Danny walks me over to a picture on the wall, where he stands with one of the movement's grass-roots founders, Carlo Petrini.
“Why a snail for the logo?” I thought aloud. Chef Danny smiled before answering. “I’d say there are two reasons. One is because a snail moves slowly, eating its way through life.” We both chuckled. “And two, the snail is a culinary delight in the area where the Slow Food Movement was born.” I learned that Danny earned his ‘snail of approval’ in 2018.
I’d never had Pork Belly before. Man, I did not realize what I’d been missing! This dish was so tender—the meat fell apart and came setting atop Locust Grove Bacon Polenta. The polenta's flavor was mild and it soaked up other savory ingredients in the dish, melding into this delightful explosion on the palate with each bite we took.
One of the things I loved most about this visit was how Patti – who runs the front with extreme precision, wandered from table to table during the evening, chatting with people who were eating dinner or enjoying drinks at the bar. Not only did she seem to know everyone, but you could tell that she genuinely cared about their answers to every question she asked.
“Our menu changes all the time,” Danny told us an hour later when he finally had a minute to stop and ask if we were enjoying our meals. “It’s based on local and seasonal products, in addition to what we might be inspired by when we walk into the kitchen.” We all grinned at that, happy to hear about chefs being inspired to cook something new. “We try very hard to focus on the importance of fresh, uncomplicated food. It’s what we love to eat with friends and family – so, of course, it’s what we want to serve our guests here.”
Patti worked her way back to our table, standing next to her husband. She shared how Chef Danny walks the line in the kitchen, touching every single plate before it’s presented to the tables in the dining area. “He checks everythinggggggg,” she said, smiling with pride at her husband and best friend.
Her eyes lit up when she told us how Danny, a native of Amsterdam, NY, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked tirelessly, honing his culinary skills at places like Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia and Saratoga National Golf Club. He also owned another restaurant, Mio Posto, which he sold in 2014.
“I could go on and on about this sweet man,” she said, squeezing his arm. “But I won’t.” Patti laughed as she walked away to greet more guests who’d just strolled in.
We finished our dinner with a slice of Danny’s WF Coconut Cream Pie and a slice of his famous Chocolate Olive Oil Cake. I can’t tell you which one was my favorite. It would be ridiculous to have to choose. Let’s just say the three of us finished every last crumb and left the restaurant full and happy, grateful that we have fabulous restaurants like this one in our Spa City. SS
Chef Danny
LARKIN MICHELLE
There for you, in good times & in bad.
The success of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County isn’t because of her, said it’s founder and Executive Director, Michelle Larkin, it’s because of an attitude.
“I’ve been lucky to associate with people who have a ‘Can Do!’ attitude and feel housing is relevant – now more than ever,” she said.
After traveling with a church youth group to fix homes, in 2003 Michelle organized the nonprofit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, a local affiliate of the nation’s largest homerehabilitation organization.
“In the beginning, it was harder to raise money and get attention because we were unknown and didn’t have a track record. It became easier once we were affiliated with our national organization, Rebuilding Together,” said Michelle.
UNIMAGINABLE GROWTH
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is an organization of neighbors helping neighbors (those with low-incomes, the elderly, disabled, active and veteran military, and others) to stay warm, safe, and dry.
At their first meeting in 2003, 35 people agreed to help contribute to the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Saratoga County. Major sponsors including Allerdice Ace Hardware, Curtis Lumber, Roohan Realty, and Adirondack Trust were immediately on board.
In 2004, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County completed six projects. By their 20th anniversary in 2023, they had repaired 1,893 homes, improved 122 nonprofit centers and community spaces, and replaced 63 substandard manufactured homes with the help of more than 11,200 volunteers.
“We just went for it and figured out how to do it after. Just because we didn’t know how to do something, that didn’t stop us from doing it. I never envisioned, after receiving that first $100 check, that we would be where we are today, operating with a budget in the millions,” said Michelle.
BECAUSE EVERY NUMBER REPRESENTS A PERSON IN NEED
Originally from Liverpool, NY, Michelle, and her husband, Dan, moved to the Saratoga area in 1980. She worked in Arts Education within the Schuylerville Central School District and operated a yarn store on Caroline St. for four years. Michelle didn’t receive a salary for her work with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (RTSC) until 2007. Although a lot has changed through the years, her focus has always been on the people she is trying to help.
Michelle was selected as a 2011 Saratoga County Woman of Influence by Saratoga TODAY, and in 2017 launched Ballston Spa’s Rebuilding Together store (renamed the ReShop for Good in 2021).
Since 2004, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County has received a total of $674,333 from the Saratoga Builders Association’s Saratoga Showcase of Homes. In 2024, the $46,500 they received from the annual fundraising event helped complete small home repair projects for 17 families.
“The Saratoga Builder’s Association does such a beautiful job with the Showcase of Homes and I have a great appreciation for what they do for the community,” said Michelle.
BECAUSE THE NEED IS SO GREAT
Michelle is well-known for getting the funding that Rebuilding Together Saratoga County receives out into the community quickly, and said that she has heard people say, “If you gave her money yesterday, Michelle is going to find the people in need and spend it.”
Today, after an initial emergency visit to assess the situation and provide homeowners with smoke detectors, three-to-four hundred people remain on the RTSC waiting list (so it could take years for them receive the home repairs they need to maintain their health, safety, and independence).
“Obviously, part of the struggle is seeing people in crisis. It’s hard on our staff (who do a great job) when we can’t get to people because of the wait list,” she said.
THERE FOR YOU
When Michelle is able to take a break from her life-changing and sometimes even life-saving work, she enjoys spending time with her two children and their families and reading romance and mystery novels. During the past two years, Michelle and Dan (a NYS Police Captain who retired in 2019 after 34 years on the job) have played pickleball together almost daily.
Michelle turned 65 years old this year, and said she keeps asking herself when she will retire, too. From managing grants, to influencing state legislation, to talking with homeowners, Michelle is still involved in all areas of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (which now also includes Warren and Washington County). Before she passes on the reigns, she said, she would like to help develop more affordable housing in the area – and clean out her office.
In the meantime, Michelle will keep smiling, grateful for the relationships that have made Rebuilding Together Saratoga County successful and for the people who help each other - in good times and in bad.
“I never fail to tear-up when I hear Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends are For”, and the Louis Armstrong song, “What a Wonderful World”, they kind-of form my worldview.” SS
WOODWORKER tad DAVIS SHARES HIS PASSION FOR THE TRADES
When Tad Davis first began making rustic Adirondack furniture for his Northville home, he never dreamed he was laying the groundwork for a future business. But as compliments and requests for similar pieces began rolling in from people who saw his work, Davis realized he was on to something creative, fun, and rewarding.
WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS BY TAD DAVIS AND WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
This whimsical bench was co-created by wood burner Maria Scarpa Allen and Tad Davis
“My amazing wife, Christie, and I officially started our Cathead Rustic Furniture business in 2022,” Davis explains. “I’m a full-time Automotive Technology teacher at Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Career and Technical Center (CTE), so during breaks and summers I started making pieces to sell, and our business just took off. While Christie doesn’t help much in the actual creation of my art, she has a keen eye for details and is very talented when it comes to marketing and staging the tent at our shows.”
The woodworker’s attention to detail is evident in everything he creates, from distinctive cutting boards and one-of-a-kind clocks to stunning tables, desks, benches, and his best-selling Adirondack chairs.
“The Adirondacks inspire all of my pieces in some way or another,” says Davis. “I think everybody who has visited or lived in the ADK can point to a special memory of this wonderful place, and I try to ignite that memory through my work. I tend to let nature do the hard work, as I see finished art in wood burls, crooks, bends and other imperfections that you just can't mimic with modern tools. Most of my wood comes from the Adirondacks as well. I thoroughly enjoy the whole process of cutting the tree, having it milled, and then working with it to create my vision. I also try to incorporate a bit of history into each piece. It’s not always evident, but it makes for great conversation when talking with people at shows.”
Tad and Christie Davis of Cathead Rustic Furniture at the annual Northville Rotary Woodworking & Fine Arts Show.
Rustic clock and pine table by Tad Davis.
Nature’s imperfections inspired this uniquely split pine table.
Bread board and butter knife by Tad Davis.
Tad Davis grew up downstate near Poughkeepsie and earned his teaching degree at SUNY Oswego. As a teenager, he was always tinkering with lawn mowers and snow blowers. But after purchasing his first car, and finding it needed expensive repairs, he became determined to fix it himself. “It definitely was a case of learning by doing,” he recalls with a grin, “but by the time I’d finished, that car ran like a top.”
Given his current passion for woodworking, one might expect Davis to be teaching carpentry or construction instead of auto tech. “But I’m a huge proponent of all the trades,” he explains, “and I encourage every student to try one that interests them. There’s a tremendous need for skilled workers, and I make it a point to stress to my students the continuity of skills between the trades. Many of the tools used and skills learned in one trade will easily transfer over to another.”
Davis enjoys sharing his many woodworking projects with students. His dual interest in auto tech and woodworking serves to vividly illustrate how readily the skills learned in one trade can carry over to another. “I'm truly blessed to be able to do what I do, both in teaching and woodworking. Working with your hands is so rewarding, and the possibilities are endless.”
For sleeping under the stars, Davis created this heavenly bed of Douglas fir, pine, and red cedar.
An exquisite Adirondack cupboard by Tad Davis.
A rustic clock sits atop a multicolored maple and epoxy bar with custom made wine rack by Tad Davis.
Cherry Adirondack Railroad coat rack made with railroad spikes and back-etched mirror glass.
Each school year, Davis spends the first month getting to know his students individually. “It’s important for me to find out what makes each student tick, what their hobbies and outside interests are, and what their family life is like. The connections made early on by having one-on-one conversations and showing genuine interest in a student can build a strong bridge of friendship, trust, and success for the year ahead.”
In addition to teaching auto tech to high school juniors and seniors, Davis co-teaches an integrated English course. “At CTE, we teach real life skills, impressing on kids the importance of developing strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. In the real world, they’ll need to be able to put together a strong resume, submit a well-written job application, and interview well. Once working, they’ll need to be able to read technical manuals, discuss problems with coworkers, explain problems clearly to clients, and write up detailed invoices.”
During his 15-year teaching career, Davis has been pleased to see more and more female students delving into the trades. “I usually have at least two girls a year exploring automotive repair. In fact, one female student who chose to pursue the automotive trades not only ranked top of her CTE class but earned a $1500 gift certificate from a Snap-On Tools vendor. The need for skilled workers is ever-growing, and the trades are open to everyone.”
Many of Davis’s former students have gone on to pursue distinguished careers as engineers, business owners, and military technicians repairing airplane engines and wheeled vehicles. And that’s just the short list!
“I'm extremely proud of all my students,” Davis beams. “The trades can lead to so many successful and rewarding career paths, arguably more than those requiring expensive college degrees. If they have solid skills and a strong work ethic, they can name their price.”
Tad Davis puts heart and soul into everything he does. Whether working as an auto tech teacher or rustic Adirondack furniture maker, he strives to inspire his students to pursue creativity and
innovation. “Collectively, high school trade programs used to be known as Vocational Arts, and it’s a moniker I wish were still in use. Every trade entails tremendous resourcefulness, both in the thinking—figuring out an underlying problem—and in executing the fix. Since problems vary greatly, from simple to highly complex, workers need to be critical thinkers, able to troubleshoot creatively and effectively. I consider it my teaching mission to open students up to the many viable career options available to them in the trades.”
And, without a doubt, his students are lucky to have him! To see more of Tad Davis’ work, visit facebook.com/CatheadRusticsADK/ Or contact Tad at catheadrustics@gmail.com SS
SCULPTOR john VAN ALSTINE
DEFIES GRAVITY BY COUPLING STONE & STEEL
WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS BY DIANE KNAPP, JIM MCLAUGHLIN AND JOHN VAN ALSTINE
Contrasts and contradictions permeate the works of abstract sculptor John Van Alstine of Wells. Globally acclaimed for his masterful pairing of stone and steel, Van Alstine and his wife, renowned sculptor Caroline Ramersdorfer, have their homebased studios, galleries, and outdoor AdirondackSacandaga River Sculpture Park just off Route 30 on an idyllic nine-acre parcel of land bordering the Sacandaga River.
SISYPHEAN CIRCLE (tank top), 2018, Wells Garden.
Photo by J. Van Alstine
Van Alstine has spent the past 37 years transforming and revitalizing the picturesque six-building property, once the site of a thriving 19th century wood products mill. Fascinated by the complex relationship between the natural and industrial worlds, Van Alstine finds endless inspiration in the Adirondack landscape that surrounds him.
“My sculpture consists of found objects,” he explains. “I use stone as I find it in nature or quarries, often granite or slate, and combine it with found, discarded industrial remnants from marine salvage yards, scrapyards, and abandoned manufacturing sites. I think of my abstract sculpture as a combination of nature with the built, or industrial, environment. The two elements are continually working together to create some kind of statement, either conflict or concert.”
Van Alstine creates gravity-defying sculptures by taking weighted stone, usually the negative space of a piece, and turning it into a positive.
“By pairing it with steel, I am able to lift earthbound stone into the air, freeing it and making it dance. A visual paradox is created when you see something you know to be heavy being lifted up, suspended in air in a way that creates a feeling of lightness.”
When Van Alstine first began sculpting in the 1970s, he carved stone traditionally by subtracting from the stone. But while in grad school, after one of his finished pieces toppled to the floor and smashed, he had an epiphany. “Initially, I was devastated,” he recalls. “But when I returned to view the scene the next day, and saw all these beautiful broken crystals sparkling in the sunlight, I changed direction and began working with pieces of stone as I found them—as raw materials, without carving. It was a lifealtering experience.”
Sculptor John Van Alstine working in his Wells studio.
Photo by Jim McLaughlin
Vintage postcard of former Wells veneering plant/ mill property c. 1900, now the site of the Van Alstine/ Ramersdorfer Sculpture Park.
BOYS TOYS, Wells Garden. Photo by J. Van Alstine
Over his 50-year career, Van Alstine has developed many different series of works, including nautical, mythological, and Adirondack themes. During the recent pandemic, he created more than 60 lockdown-inspired pieces out of stone and bronze. “By creating a number of related works,” he explains, “I am able to express my evolving ideas over an extended period of time, rather than trying to capture them in a single piece.”
One of the sculptor’s most pervasive ideas, his Sisyphean Series, is based on the Greek myth of Sisyphus. A particularly diabolical tyrant who repeatedly angered the gods, Sisyphus was sentenced to roll the same massive stone to the top of a hill over and over again for eternity.
“I’m always thinking about how to convey my ideas in a formal or physical way. For me, the idea of repeatedly pushing a stone up a hill, only to have it roll back down again, is like a self-portrait. I’m always doing that. Sometimes, I’m physically lifting the stone up, but more often I’m doing it in a figurative way in the sense that I’m pushing to a creative peak, finishing a piece, and then starting all over again with a new idea.”
Although a punitive action for Sisyphus, the repeated uphill process is exhilarating for Van Alstine. “The process itself is most important,” he asserts, “and the finished object embodies that process.”
BUOY, 1995, granite and steel, Wells Garden.
Photo by J. Van Alstine
RECONSIDERING SISYPHUS (fallen obelisk), 2020, Wells Garden. Photo by J. Van Alstine
Originally from Johnstown, NY, Van Alstine began his college career at St. Lawrence University, intending to become a gym teacher. All that changed, however, when he took an undergraduate sculpture class and discovered the infinite possibilities of clay, mold-making, stone-cutting, and welding. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts at Kent State and his Masters in Fine Arts at Cornell University, Van Alstine taught at colleges in Wyoming and Maryland before becoming a full-time artist in 1986 and relocating to Wells one year later.
Today, continually inspired by the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks, Van Alstine can’t imagine living anywhere else. “My Adirondack roots go deep. I grew up skiing and racing competitively in the area with my family. My dad was an engineer, and my grandfathers were builders, so I come from a line of makers with a physical understanding of things. Three-dimensional work has always interested me. I’ve done clay, ceramics, pottery, and glass-blowing. But sculpture is direct. It’s substantial. It’s real to me. It satisfies my need to build something and feel like I’ve really accomplished something at the end of the day. I’m doing things that my family had done for years before me, but with an art focus.”
Van Alstine has exhibited his work in countless solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States. His current show, Forging Creative Journeys: The Art of John Van Alstine, runs through September 22 at The View in Old Forge.
His many notable outdoor sculptural commissions include the City of Saratoga Springs’ Tempered Memory—a 9/11 Memorial, comprised of steel remnants from the World Trade Center—and Beijing, China’s 2008 Olympic Park sculpture: Ring of Unity/Circle of Inclusion, still standing in Beijing today.
Year-round, Van Alstine welcomes visitors to his world headquarters in Wells. But appointments are required, so please call ahead. A warm and engaging guide, the sculptor enjoys showing visitors around his workshop, gallery, and grounds, discussing what he does, and sharing his knowledge of the historic Adirondack site he calls home. So, for an unforgettable artistic adventure, make a date with John Van Alstine . . . and discover the wonder of abstract sculpture! To learn more, visit www.johnvanalstine.com or email john@johnvanalstine.com SS
John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer within one of Van Alstine's Sisyphean Circles.
Photo by Diane Knapp
BLUE ARA, 2018, pigmented granite and steel, Wells Garden. Photo by J. Van Alstine
There is no mistaking the joy that radiates from Austrianborn abstract sculptor Caroline Ramersdorfer when she discusses her work, her life, and the world at large. Her marble sculptures are at once ethereal and solid, delicate and bold, and the “nothingness” of each piece—the sense of void or space between its various marble and structural steel components—is every bit as vital to her vision as the marble itself.
SCULPTOR caroline RAMERSDORFER REVEALS THE INNER BEAUTY OF MARBLE
WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS BY GARY GOLD, JIM MCLAUGHLIN & CAROLINE RAMERSDORFER
Before settling in Wells, NY, with her husband, sculptor John Van Alstine, the world-renowned Ramersdorfer lived in Austria, France, Italy, and Japan, and crisscrossed the globe regularly for sculptural commissions. International opportunities continue to beckon today, but the sculptor is always happiest in her homebased studio on the couple’s idyllic nine-acre Adirondack-Sacandaga River Sculpture Park.
Ramersdorfer doesn’t let the massive size and weight of a stone intimidate her. Watching the petite sculptor lean across a great slab of marble, digging in with her diamond blades and grinders, dust flying, machines squealing, one can’t help but admire the sheer physicality of her art.
“I consider all these machines to be my helpers,” she says, “helping me shape my idea and helping me to transform the marble from within by bringing out the stone’s inner crystalline structure. Gradually, as I explore its depths, an amazing translucence and glittering inner light emerges. Every piece of marble is different. Each individual piece has been developed in a different way over millions of years. I try almost in an analytical way to find strength in my material,” she adds. “It’s a feeling I get when I directly touch a piece of marble or cut into it. The marble itself gives me the strength to work with it.”
Philosophy and the complexities of the human spirit and human interactions play a vital part in Ramersdorfer’s art. Although people of different cultural backgrounds may initially appear to think and act differently, she insists the “crossover points,” or commonalities between differing cultures, far surpass the differences. As Ramersdorfer works to peel back successive layers of marble and expose the beauty within, she simultaneously seeks to peel back layers within people and expose their interconnectedness. Ultimately, her pieces seem to come alive as hundreds of filigreed, striated cuts catch the light and pull the viewer inward.
Caroline Ramersdorfer in her Wells studio.
Photo: Jim McLaughlin
Caroline Ramersdorfer at work in her Wells Studio.
Photo: Jim McLaughlin
“I want my work to be inclusive and interactive. As I work on a piece, I try to be inside and outside of it at the same time. A sculpture is never complete until I feel that someone viewing it will feel that they, too, are an important part of the piece.” Ramersdorfer encourages people to study her work from multiple directions. Viewed from different angles and distances at different times of day, a sculpture’s light, shadows, and energy will shift, taking the viewer inside, outside, and through a piece—just as the sculptor intended.
Growing up in Feldkirch, a medieval 11th century town in Austria, Ramersdorfer was fascinated and inspired by her architect father’s ability to draw concepts on paper and bring them to life in the real world. After studying philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, art history, museum science and Renaissance fresco restoration in Florence, and sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy,
Ramersdorfer earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1988. Today, her commissioned, permanent installations are found in Austria, China, Egypt, Iran, Japan, United Arabs Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), and the United States.
“Sometimes it can take years to develop an idea mentally and bring it to light physically,” she reflects. “I always begin by playfully sketching a piece from different directions and creating small-scale 3D models. But stretching a small model into a larger six or seven foot piece is always a challenge. To stretch it out is like an awakening. You awaken the idea to be manifest in the marble, but the larger version may be so very different from the small.
That’s when Photoshop comes in handy. By providing a means of inserting the model of the sculpture digitally into its ultimate site-specific location, I can visualize the piece in harmony with its environment.”
Trilogy, Wells Garden; marble and steel, 10’h x16’l x 6’w.
Photo: Caroline Ramersdorfer
Ramersdorfer’s list of international exhibitions and installations is impressive. A piece exhibited at the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing now permanently stands before the Beijing National Stadium. In 2010, Ramersdorfer was one of 17 artists— and the only woman—invited to take part in the Abu Dhabi International Sculpture Symposium. In 2019, her piece, Inner View Interlocked Open, was awarded the prestigious Golden Prize at the Second Wenzhou, Zhejiang International Sculpture Exhibition, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Closer to home, Ramersdorfer’s sculpture Inner View_Nexus_ Open I 2015-16 graces the front of the Opalka Gallery of Sage College, Albany; and from December 2016 to March 2017, Sage College hosted her solo show, Gravity & Light, Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture, 1985-2016.
The sculptor finds endless artistic inspiration living in the southern Adirondacks, a stone’s throw away from the Sacandaga River. She thrives on meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and incorporating her diverse experiences into her works. Ramersdorfer’s enthusiasm is palpable and infectious. Clearly, she loves what she does and savors the unique opportunities and challenges that come with each new project.
Ramersdorfer and her husband, John Van Alstine, consider their distinctively different artistic approaches as a “confluence of opposites.” Although they may use similar materials, they work with them differently. “Caroline’s work is looking into the stone at its crystalline and cellular structure,” Van Alstine notes, “whereas my work is building out, expanding outward.”
Having two world-renowned sculptors living nearby, eager to guide visitors around their exquisite AdirondackSacandaga River Sculpture Park, is truly a gift and a rare opportunity. As the autumn leaves turn, why not make plans to meet sculptors Caroline Ramersdorfer and John Van Alstine in Wells and tour their grounds and galleries? Their stunning works of art will surely rival the foliage. Appointments are required.
Contact Caroline Ramersdorfer at ramersdorfer@mac.com or 518-332-0212. See more of her work at sculpture.org/gallery/?id=64575735 or icloud.com/sharedalbum/ #B0WGVfZ2vGTae9R
Caroline Ramersdorfer’s Wells Sawmill Studio and Sculpture Garden; Inner View-Nexus; marble, 9 feet high.
Photo: Caroline Ramersdorfer
Caroline Ramersdorfer works while being filmed for Wells Project: Slipping into One. Photo: Gary Gold
Caroline Ramersdorfer and John Van Alstine's Sculpture Park in Wells, NY.
Where the Locals Go
Lunch Thyme at Fo’ Castle Farm
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
In the quiet hamlet of Burnt Hills, a unique gift shop’s eatery is a local gathering spot serving lunch with a side of nostalgia.
Generations of folks have enjoyed a visit to Fo’ Castle Farm, just 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs and 15 minutes from Clifton Park’s major shopping centers, for a country getaway that feels like it is a million miles away.
In a community of friendly people, parades and festivals, where working farms and orchards still dot the landscape, the beautiful Lunch Thyme restaurant (adjacent to the jam-packed Fo’ Castle Farm country store) serves up hearty sandwiches, warming soups, seasonal salads, and homemade desserts.
“This is not your average restaurant. There are a lot of choices, and everything is made-to-order, fresh, and served in a pleasant atmosphere where there’s flowers on every table,” said co-owner Kate Kile.
Kate and her sister, Loren Cunniff, began Lunch Thyme at Fo’Castle Farm two years ago in the former location of Stella’s Pasta Bar.
They’ve spruced up the décor in the three spacious dining areas, and whether you’re warming up by the fire, enjoying their enclosed sun porch, or outside with a beer or a glass of wine on the patio, this family-owned restaurant prides itself on providing attentive service that ensures you feel well-cared for.
Carrying on a family tradition, they serve meatballs made from their grandmother’s recipe (the same recipe their uncle served at his sub shop). Simple and slow-cooked for hours, Dorothy “Dottie” Berner’s meatballs are so good you can order them on the side or take them to-go to relish at home.
“Less is more,” said chef Loren, who trained at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now known as the Institute of Culinary Education) in New York City. After returning to the region, Loren and Kate’s children went to school together here, and when they heard about the opportunity to work on the grounds they all grew up visiting with their families, it was too good a chance to pass up.
Their food is, too!
The menu includes a selection of specialty sandwiches and comforting soups including Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque, Butternut Squash, and Chicken Noodle. Their quiche’s buttery crust is creamy and rich. People especially love their cheddar broccoli, bacon and cheddar, and ham and Swiss varieties.
Serving up slices of pie and the farm’s celebrated cider donuts, this is a taste of the country that feels like a midday getaway.
Lunch Thyme at Fo’ Castle Farm, 166 Kingsley Road, in Burnt Hills is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 3pm. They also offer onsite or offsite catering and host the Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake Rotary Club weekly meetings.
For the menu and more information, find them on Facebook and at www.focastlefarm.com
Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Beckie Mini Dress $198
Billini, Kaysen Boot $95
Free People, Sway Low Slouch Boot $178
Rails, Getty Crop Wide Leg Jean $218
It All Started in the ADIRONDACKS!
C.
WRITTEN BY ROBERT
LAWRENCE | PHOTOS PROVIDED
The recreational camping movement in America began in April 1869 when a young minister named William Henry Harrison Murray published Adventures in the Wilderness: Camp-Life in the Adirondacks. In his book, Murray encouraged city dwellers; men, and women, to leave urban life behind and experience the wilderness of upstate New York, offering activities such as sleeping under the stars and engaging in wilderness pursuits. His book gained widespread popularity, leading to a surge of visitors to the Adirondacks in the summer of 1869, known as "Murray's Rush."
Following in Murray's footsteps, advocates like Kate Field, an American author and travel writer, played a significant role in promoting camping. Field's efforts were particularly noteworthy as she actively encouraged women's participation in camping. Her organization of camping trips for women in the Adirondacks and beyond and her articles advocating for female campers led to the creation of more accessible and female-friendly campsites. The combined efforts of Murray, Field, and others paved the way for recreational camping to take root in the Adirondacks and eventually spread across America. To thoroughly understand the history of camping in America, delve into Terence Young's book Heading Out: A History of American Camping, published by Cornell University Press. Terence Young, an experienced camper since the age of six months and an emeritus professor of geography at California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona, provides comprehensive research and valuable insights into the history of camping.
With the growing popularity of recreational camping, campers began seeking more comfortable shelters than traditional tents. Companies like Eureka and others improved tents, but some campers found a more comfortable solution in RVs or recreational vehicles. These vehicles, which offered built-in amenities and comfortable sleeping arrangements, marked a significant shift in camping comfort and convenience.
My wife and I consider ourselves very seasoned campers. We have been camping most of our lives, starting with our parents as children and continuing in our adult lives. It has been our primary form of vacation for years. We started tenting, moving to a pop-up trailer, travel trailer, motor home, truck camper, and currently a tiny travel trailer— going full circle, as they say.
For us, it is a very relaxing vacation. Stepping away from the day-to-day life at home, being outside, and enjoying all it offers can be very rewarding. If you have the bug already, I'm sure you will agree.
It is evident in so many ways that recreational camping is very popular. It is hard to drive down the highway at any time of day and not spot a rig (RV) heading down the road or a car loaded to the brim with gear, often including kayaks.
Whether you are a seasoned camper, a newbie, or want to give it a try, there are things you need to think about to make it a successful experience.
THE PLAN:
It is always good to think and plan your camping trip, no matter what the length will be. A plan will help you lead to a positive experience. When my wife and I decided to take a crosscountry trip, we spent months figuring out all the details… Length of time, where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see, and where we would choose to stay were just a few of the things we needed to consider.
LENGTH OF TIME:
A camping trip can be an overnight, a weekend, one, two, or multiple weeks— whatever works for you. Naturally, a longer time allows you to do more and see more, but you must decide how much time you have for the trip and getting ready. For a first timer, a shorter time might be better so the whole adventure doesn't get overwhelming.
Hopefully, you will get hooked, and there will be many more trips in the future!
DESTINATION:
Where do you want to go? How far is it to get to and from? These decisions should be part of the time you have to spend on the trip. Once you are there, where can you camp? There are many options for camping in a tent or a recreational vehicle in New York State and across the United States, each offering a unique and exciting experience. It is important to note that most state, national, and private campgrounds require reservations. To secure your preferred camping dates and locations, it's advisable to book as early as possible, especially during the peak seasons.
• STATE CAMPGROUNDS
Your state is the best place to start if you are a newbie because it is often close to home. New York State has two public state park systems: one operated by the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the other operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks offer diverse experiences. These include island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, and campfire areas.
New York State Parks are outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, and many provide additional camping amenities, such as electricity, and lodging facilities, such as cabins, yurts, and cottages.
• NATIONAL CAMPGROUNDS
These campgrounds, which include National Parks, National Forests, and those built and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, are situated across the United States and its territories. Many of these locations provide campsites for tents and recreational vehicles.
National Parks preserve an area's natural beauty and cultural heritage and offer recreational and educational opportunities. Passes are available to reduce yearly and lifetime admission and camping fees.
• REGIONAL CAMPGROUNDS
Local governments, such as counties, cities, and villages, operate these campgrounds. Their regulations are often more relaxed than state and national parks and may not require reservations. However, it's always important to check before heading out.
•
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Private campgrounds, operated by residents or private companies, offer a range of amenities and services, making them a popular choice for camping enthusiasts. While they may be more expensive than public campgrounds, the additional comforts and conveniences can make the experience well worth it for some people.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment needs are one of the most significant areas of consideration for decisions when planning a trip. If you are already lucky enough to have access to camping equipment, you are a step ahead. In most cases, that isn't the norm. This is also the time to consider your budget. Camping can be an economical way to travel and vacation, but depending on your choice, it can get costly.
Another thing to consider is whether there is someone in your circle from whom you could borrow things or rent equipment. Before you jump in and make purchases, you need to consider these things:
• Age of the campers. Adults and Children often have different needs that should be considered.
• A sleeping plan: a dry, comfortable bed (ground mat, cot, air mattress) and blankets or sleeping bags to stay warm.
• Protection from the elements for sleeping, cooking, and weather (rain, sun, etc.)
• How will you prepare meals and have an efficient way to prepare them? Keeping things simple will make things easier in the long run.
• Clothing needs. Be prepared for all forms of weather. Know the temperature and terrain of the area you are going to so that you have the appropriate footwear and always have a hat handy.
• Always remember safety. Cutting corners to save money or time can often lead to unwanted consequences. Have a first aid kit, prescription medications, suntan lotion, and bug repellent.
• Bottled Water: Check ahead to see if the campsite has public water or if it is available for purchase.
Some equipment choices to consider:
• TENT
Tents are the cheapest and come in all shapes and sizes. Before you make that purchase, consider how many people will be using it so that all the sleeping and personal gear will fit. Also, check how easy it is to set up and whether it includes a ground cloth and rain shield.
• SCREEN ROOM, E-Z UP, AND RAIN SHELTER
It's always nice to have one to avoid the elements and enjoy the outdoors with some protection.
• RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Commonly called RVs, they come in all shapes and sizes. For many, an RV is the only option, providing complete off-the-ground indoor comfort and protection. You may need a tow vehicle to pull the unit, depending on your RV type. Before towing, you must know your vehicle's towing capacity and ensure the proper hitch is attached. The size and weight of the RV will determine what size tow vehicle you will need. As you go through the list of RVs, the cost to purchase and operate also increases.
COMMON TYPES OF RVS:
• POP-UP CAMPERS
Pop-up campers are great options for people transitioning from a tent to a low-budget trailer. This camper usually has a hard bottom containing the dinette, kitchen, toilet or shower (if equipped), and storage. When you pop out the canvas sides, you have expanded living space, usually with beds that sleep up to four. When you're ready to travel, the sides collapse into the bottom of the trailer, providing a flat surface that is easy to see when driving.
• TRAVEL TRAILER
This type of trailer, often called a tow behind, is a popular RV in various sizes and weights. Travel trailers provide many amenities, including a two-way fridge that operates on electric power and a 12-volt battery. Some older models can often operate on propane. They also have propane stoves, microwaves, 12-volt lighting, sinks, hot water tanks, heat and air-conditioning. Their best amenity is a bathroom and often even a shower. Many also have slide-outs that increase the inside living space and can have an awning on the outside to give you a covered area out your door.
• TRUCK CAMPER:
This type of camper fits in the bed of a pickup truck. It can accommodate up to four people, depending on the specific model. It includes living and sleeping facilities, and many of the same amenities that travel trailers provide, including a bathroom. Some lighter-weight campers have a pop-up roof to offer more headroom, whereas larger campers have solid sides and a higher ceiling to provide extra height and often a slide-out, creating a more spacious feel. The truck's size needed to transport the camper depends on its weight. Many campers like the truck camper, as it is toy and boatfriendly, allowing you to tow something behind you.
• FIFTH WHEEL
The fifth-wheel camper differs from a travel trailer because it utilizes a different towing method and must be towed with a truck. It connects a pin box from the front of the trailer to a U-shaped coupling mounted in the truck's bed, providing a more stable and smoother ride. However, it is longer and heavier than a traditional travel trailer.
Fifth-wheel campers are often two-leveled, extending the bedroom over the truck bed. The living space is on the lower level. It may include more amenities, such as multiple slides to increase living and office space, an outdoor patio, an outdoor kitchen, and even a garage to carry motorcycles, kayaks, bikes, and other large items.
• CLASS C MOTORHOME
Class C motorhomes are built on a van chassis and run on gas. They are more popular because they are easy to drive and park. The cabover bed that extends over the camper's cab can quickly identify these motorhomes, providing additional sleeping space or storage. Most class C's have a bedroom, a bathroom equipped with a shower, a dinette-sleeping area, and a kitchen, and they can transform into larger living spaces with one or two slides. They can also tow a smaller vehicle, trailer, or boat.
• CLASS B MOTORHOME
Class B motorhomes, or camper vans, are compact and easy to drive. They are equipped with gas or diesel engines, fit into standard parking spaces, and feature small kitchens and living and sleeping spaces. Some models also come with showers and toilets. They also can have the capacity to tow.
• CLASS A MOTORHOME
Class A motorhomes are the most significant type of motorhome. They resemble a bus. The smaller Class A motorhomes can run on gas, but the larger ones require diesel. Regardless of the fuel used, these motorhomes have poor fuel efficiency. Most of these RVs offer residential appliances, upgraded indoor living facilities due to one or more slides, and ample indoor and outdoor storage space. They also have the capacity to tow.
SO WHY CAMP?
Hopefully, you will be inspired to plan a trip or go camping again, especially if it has been a while. There's so much out there waiting to be explored and experienced.
LIFE IS BEST WHEN YOU ARE CAMPING!
CAMPING IS… Sitting by a crackling fire, Making new friendships or rekindling older ones, Listening to nature, Meeting new birds and other wildlife, Sparkling stars and full moons, The call of a loon, Napping often, Watching the sunrise and sunset, The smell of coffee perking, Cooking over an open fire, Having a cold one, Taking a hike, Catching a fish, Pitching a tent, Digging a ditch, Chopping wood, Singing campfire songs, Listening to the rain hit the roof of the tent or camper, Taking a swim, Making popcorn and last but not least making S'mores and new Memories!
Enjoy! SS
the Positivity of a Neighborhood Sodus Point
SHOWCASING
THERESA ST. JOHN
Nestled on the breathtaking shores of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, Sodus Point, a village with a unique charm, is home to 900 or so residents who embody the spirit of ‘like a good neighbor…’
During my numerous visits to Sodus Point and its surrounding areas, I've been consistently struck by the community's warm and inclusive nature. This welcoming spirit, which extends to tourists, vacationers, and each other, makes you feel like a part of something special.
Established as a village in 1858 and dubbed by the Iroquois as the “Land of Silver Waters,” Sodus has a rich history that’s attracted many artists, actors, writers, golfers, sailors, and others to its vibrant culture—past and future. The depth of this history will pique your interest and leave you wanting to explore more.
I read and write a lot about the ‘Underground Railroad’ and Sodus Point was an ideal place to hide -and helpmany of the enslaved people fleeing bondage, sail to freedom in Canada. If you spend time talking with folks in Sodus, you might hear stories about a hidden escape tunnel under the village or how Captain George Garlock carried many enslaved people across Lake Ontario aboard his schooner, Free Trader.
On this visit, I decide to stay at the Bay View, a Bed & Breakfast on the main road leading into the point. When I ring the bell, I hear footsteps, and the door opens to a woman with bright eyes and a sparkling smile. “Welcome!”
“A good neighbor increases the value of your property.”
- CZECH PROVERB
Hots Point
Before settling into my room on the 2nd floor, I’m given a tour of the downstairs, the kitchen (Oh my gosh, the breakfasts she serves us!), and outside gardens, where several Koi fish swim around, waiting for dinner. “Do you want to feed them?” the innkeeper asks, handing me a scoop of food to sprinkle over the water. We stand under her blossoming magnolia tree, breathing in the heady scent of the large white flowers while the Koi come to the surface to feast.
“There once was a tunnel that led into our basement. This house aided with the escape during the many years of the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. It’s closed off now, but I like pointing it out to people who stay with us.” She shares. “Sodus Point is rich with history and stories of good people helping do the right thing.” The community's efforts to preserve and share these stories testify to their commitment to their heritage.
It’s lunchtime, and I want to do some exploring. Right down the street, Hots Point is open. I’ve visited before and am impressed to see the changes it’s undergone since coming under new ownership. A young couple owns it now, and they’ve added an inviting patio, painted the outside of the building, built up its menu, and added much-needed staff. I contemplate ordering something new but go with the scrumptious hot dog and crispy fries I always get - a perfect complement to the scorcher of the day we were having.
Carly Straubing, owner of The Point’s Mercantile, couldn’t be prouder and happier to live in and run a brand-new business in Sodus Point. “Look, I grew up here. I love the area and am so excited to see so many new faces making a go of it in such a beautiful place.” Her shop has beautiful clothes, unique giftware like lighthouse and sailboat ornaments, local artwork, and other sundries. She even teaches yoga! The shop's unique offerings and Carly's passion for the community make it a must-visit for any traveler.
Walking into Sweet Indulgence Pastries is a pleasant surprise. A chalkboard along one wall records the names of people visiting from all over the country who sign their thanks after enjoying a great dessert. The owner, Eva Winter, is super friendly, introducing us to the people she works with and even showing us a wedding cake she’s just finished creating. We sit at a table in her colorful bakery (she loves pink and purple!) and enjoy a freshly baked lemon-on-lemon cupcake with a cup of coffee. The front door opens and closes several times. Light bantering goes back and forth across the counter, and another happy customer leaves satisfied.
Driving around town, I discover gorgeous murals painted on the sides of old buildings, a beautiful lighthouse at the end of a pier, and a waterfall I’ve never been to. We visit Sodus Feeds and Needs and chat with one of the owners, Terri, who walks around the store with us, pointing out the seemingly endless animal supplies and taking us through other rooms where the wares of over 50 vendors are displayed – the variety is fantastic. I could spend hours here shopping for distinctive presents.
Restaurants like Skippers Landing offer delicious food. Our meals were cooked perfectly, and we could view the water from our seats inside and listen to the live band.
Youngman Orchards Farm Market is an easy sell—who doesn’t want to buy freshly picked seasonal fruits and vegetables, try a homemade doughnut (I pick blueberry!), or enjoy a cold brew or boozeshake while listening to live music as the sun goes down? Before the drive home, I wander around the gift shop, choosing a few unique gifts for friends and family. It’s busy this Saturday morning, and I enjoy listening to laughter and watching people conversing outside under sunny skies. Here's the thing: When businesses in a community come together, there's so much to be gained. By joining forces, they can expand networks, draw new folks in from other areas, foster positive relationships that benefit everyone, and bolster a sense of community that might otherwise be missing. This support and collaboration are truly inspiring and make you want to be a part of it.
When I was in Sodus looking for stories to write about, their collaborative nature surprised me. It came out of left field. I found myself asking questions and listening to answers from business owners—their genuine excitement over both old and new businesses' success was touching. They weren’t competing against each other. Their positive energy pulsated, and it felt as if every person I met had a personal stake in making sure the world knew how great Sodus was and how much they loved living there.
I love sharing their genuine joy with you and hope you’ll decide to experience it yourself!
Skippers Landing
WRITTEN BY PATTY OLDER
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Patty Older and her partners-incrime, Bonnie & Clyde, live in Middle Grove. She was in journalism for more than 30 years before leaving the news business behind in 2021. Widowed in 2020 after 29 years of marriage, she is navigating a new life trying new adventures to take her out of her comfort zone. Her articles will follow these adventures in her new journey.
New
A Journey Begins
Who cares about a little wind and rain? Originally from Florida, I wasn’t going to let a wayward hurricane stop me.
So, I left work early trying to beat the remnants of Debby and packed my Jeep for my latest adventure – three nights camping at a site above Indian Lake.
I had been planning the trip since my maiden camping voyage where I spent four nights in one of the most remote campsites in Acadia National Park with my two partners in crime, Bonnie & Clyde. This time I wanted to challenge myself even more by going to a primitive site.
A new-to-me canoe – a lightweight Hornbeck - helped me focus on an area I had canoed with a friend last year – Cedar River Flow.
Despite my best efforts, I found myself packing my Jeep as the first bands of the storm moved into the area. I had made up my mind earlier in the week I was still going no matter the forecast – if I let a little rain deter me, what else was I going to miss in life because of a little discomfort?
I wasn’t always an adventurer running into storms.
My husband’s death four years ago changed my world and everything I knew it to be. The landscape of my life was nearly unrecognizable. The first two years I was on autopilot as I waited for my life to return.
I just didn’t know how to rearrange it into something recognizable.
Most people believe they know and understand grief. We feel for the person who has lost somebody important to their lives, but until you have grief as your own companion, it is impossible to know how it colors every moment of every day.
Last year I had an epiphany and I understood moving forward was going to require me to develop an enhanced version of myself. I was seeking a new “normal.”
A meandering 3,200-mile road trip to Florida with my pups last fall was life-changing. I emerged empowered and confident. Friends embraced my adventures and encouraged me to chart my own stars.
I looked to tent camping as a way to travel and see new places and not drain the bank. It would afford me the ability to explore what I am capable of, while also enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Hurricane or not, I wasn’t going to waste any time over a little wind and rain.
Debby’s blustering rain began at Cedar River Flow as I pulled into a camping spot with a small pathway to the water. It was tucked away, level and had a firepit and picnic table.
The storm closed the road for a day, but it also kept the camping area relatively quiet. During my excursion, I explored a 22-mile seasonal road – Moose River Plains - where I discovered more possible future campsites, some nestled by picturesque streams and small lakes.
While I stayed relatively dry (a cot helps), I discovered starting a fire after a downpour takes new tricks, voices carry a very long way over bodies of water and canoeing in the Hornbeck was going to require a learning curve.
During my stay, I managed to have a fire, read, canoe and hike. I cooked my meals fireside, had coffee and snuggled in the warmth of my sleeping bag with my dogs nearby at night. I actually slept, soundly.
I came away from the experience refreshed and renewed with a growing sense of self, and already planning my next challenge, a several days trip through Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive in October.
As for rain, I now know life gets infinitely clearer after a storm, whether a hurricane or a life-altering event. The air is cleaner, the landscape becomes enriched in color and the mind grows sharper.
No, a little storm isn’t going to stop me.
Older can be reached at writerlady0456@gmail.com SS
JOURNEY TO Nature’s Underworld’
The Astounding Show by Mark Dion & Alexis Rockman
“Art has that power to connect and change us: It speaks to us on multiple levels – the head with science and interpretation, the heart with the emotion of humanity.”
- Rachel SeligmanMalloy Curator and Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs at the Tang.
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN
Ok. I must tell you that I visit The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery several times a year. It’s always filled with thought-provoking exhibitions on both floors and along the hallways inside the building.
When I hear of this most recent show, I’m intrigued. I’m not familiar with the artists Mark Dion or Alexis Rockman. Interestingly, they’ve known each other for over 30 years. And although they’ve worked to express themselves through different mediums, they share a deep concern over man’s interaction with our planet and environment.
The American Federation of Arts is the leader in traveling exhibitions internationally. I’ve read a lot about the organization and am impressed that it’s so dedicated to enriching the public’s experience and understanding of visual arts worldwide.
When I walk into the exhibition, I’m struck by many things. First, Sebastian Stafford, one of the docents that day, explains how the two-person show will run here through January 5th, 2025, and that it takes up nearly the entire space—minus one hallway. I mean, that’s a massive show!
Sebastian’s excitement is catchy. As we walk around the main floor and share thoughts about its scale, I see he’s very invested in the exhibition. When we stand together in front of a tall staircase set in the middle of the gallery, Sebastian points out items on the 1st step—a clock, a pair of scissors, and a candlestick, among other things. The 2nd step holds mushrooms and articles of geological importance. On all 11 steps, there are objects we all recognize, once living or inanimate, all the way to the top step, where the head of Aristotle sits proudly, looking out over everything beneath him.
"FLIGHT" BY ALEXIS ROCKMAN
“Hmmmm,” I murmur. “Right?” Sebastian says enthusiastically. The picture in my head is about how we tend to rate things from the most minor – perhaps the alarm clock, to the most significant in importance –definitely ourselves.
“Open the door and go inside,” Sebastian tells me, pointing to the side of the staircase. I do and find that holes have been poked through the walls at the front of the stairs. The inside is painted black, so light drifting in makes it seem like I’m resting under the stars. I sit quietly for a few minutes, thinking about how calm I am, looking up into the night sky, away from the hustle and bustle of my everyday life.
One of the most impressive paintings I see while there, "The Hammock", by Alexis Rockman, shows a night scene. A lantern on the wood deck gives me a glimpse of human legs and gigantic mosquitos. (Yikes!) Standing in front of this for ten or more minutes makes me feel a certain tension between nature and humankind in an almost futuristic sort of way. (Or is it a prehistoric sort of way?) His paintings seem to depict what our future landscapes might look like with climate change and evolution from a man's hand in the mix.
Another favorite painting that draws my attention is "Flight". This one seems to revolve around a volcano erupting and birds of all kinds displaced in the aftermath. The detail of these winged creatures flying in and out of the canvas is compelling—my eyes don’t know which way to turn; it’s such a frantic portrayal of what natural forces can create.
The diorama "American Landscape" is a large-scale collaboration between the two artists. I sit on a bench and look at it for a very long time. On one side of the gallery, a large box stands alone. Inside, the scene is upsetting. It’s of a golf course—think artificial terrain. Half of the wooden box shows daylight, and the other half is under the cover of night. It’s also split into layers—one above the ground and one below. Above, I can see critters that tough it out, scrappy animals that adapt to their surroundings. Below, the earth is filled with trash, all things I recognize, and mostly animal-related waste. The message is certainly open to interpretation. What I see is humans destroying the natural landscape to fill our desires and believing that trash, I don’t know, disappears once thrown away.
"THE HAMMOCK"
BY ALEXIS ROCKMAN
On the 2nd floor, I’m kicked in the teeth by a display carrying an assortment of bright and colorful plastic items. They’re arranged on shelves and seem to call me over to admire them. The exhibit is actually quite beautiful—until I realize the plastic has been pulled from the ocean—waste that we humans throw away and think nothing about how it might affect the rest of the planet—or for how long.
Mark Dion created the "Cabinet of Marine Debris", a startling artistic statement on the plastic pollution clogging our oceans. “He traveled with an expedition to the islands off the coast of Alaska,” Rachel Seligman, a Tang curator, tells me when I meet with her a few days later to discuss the show. She nods sagely when I ask about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. “It’s the largest ecosystem on Earth and the site of an enormous collection of human-created debris.” She explains that five major oceanic gyres cover most of the northern Pacific Ocean. “Mark collected all this plastic along the shores of beaches he visited, brought it home, cleaned it up, and arranged it in this cupboard.”
When I explain my reaction to seeing it laid out, ‘just so,’ she smiles. “You’re right. It’s the push-pull of emotions – your head says one thing (It’s beautifully done,) and your heart says another – (“Oh my gosh, look at how we harm the planet!).”
I could go on and on about this fantastic show, but I won’t. I’ll end here, hoping you will want to visit the Tang yourself and draw your own conclusions about the message of importance these two artists attempt to share with the world.
I wish Greta Thunberg could see it, and if you don’t know Greta, please Google her! I hope the youth in the area will come in droves and be moved to act. It’s hard to think that this is what we’ve done to our planet – that this is the environment we are leaving to future generations.
“Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld" is organized by the American Federation of Arts and curated by Suzanne Ramljak, Chief Curator at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and former curator at the American Federation of Arts. Elizabeth Belfer and Victoria E. Triplett have provided support for the exhibition. The exhibition is organized for the Tang Teaching Museum by Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs and Malloy Curator. It is supported by the Tang Teaching Museum, the Friends of the Tang, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.”
www.amfedarts.org/exhibitions/current
artists Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman will be at the Tang Teaching Museum to take part in public programs in conjunction with the exhibition "Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld".
Monday, September 30, 6 pm: "Life of PI" Screening. The artist Alexis Rockman created inspirational and concept art for the 2012 Oscar-winning feature film, directed by Ang Lee. In "Life of PI", a shipwreck strands young Pi Patel on a lifeboat with the only other survivor—a Bengal tiger. Rockman will speak as part of the event. The screening is part of the Nature’s Underworld Film Series. The complete series is on the Tang website.
Tuesday, October 1, 6 pm: Dunkerley Dialogue with Mark Dion, Alexis Rockman, Heather Hurst and A.J. Schneller. The exhibiting artists will be in conversation with two Skidmore College faculty members: A.J. Schneller, Associate Director and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences, and Heather Hurst, Associate Chair and Professor of Anthropology. Dunkerley Dialogues pair Skidmore professors with artists in a conversation format, which is often a catalyst for new connections and understandings across disciplines, and can spark new ideas for all participants. Dunkerley Dialogues are held each semester and are made possible by a generous gift from Michele Dunkerley ’80. Both events are free and open to the public.
For more information, call the Tang Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.
The
Where living with intent serves as the backdrop for environmentally conscious architecture, interior design, and contemporary art.
THE COOP Contemporary
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED | GALLERY ARTWORK BY ZACK LOBDELL
Reflecting the issues of our rapidly changing world, in July, local artist Zack Lobdell’s energetic largescale paintings launched The Coop Contemporary’s inaugural season.
The Coop Contemporary, the home and gallery of Dan and Ardie Russell, located in a standout 2021 structure a short walk from Saratoga Lake, was built on the site of a circa 1893 chicken coop in Saratoga’s Greenbelt (an area of low-intensity development that surrounds the city’s core).
“I love showing off this property. Its interesting design inspires living a minimalist lifestyle,” said Ardie.
Helping to maintain the rural character of our “City in the Country,” The Coop Contemporary celebrates nature and sustainability while promoting cultural tourism.
Nearly 200 people attended the opening night of Lobdell’s one-week show “Sanctuary,” a series of 13 paintings and three steel sculptures spread throughout the home’s interior and exterior spaces, launching this gallery’s unique way of providing the public with a museum-level experience in an idyllic atmosphere. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to The Hyde Collection, where Lobdell’s solo exhibition, “Ethos” will be on display from October 5th – January 5th, 2025.
EMBRACING CHANGE
Merging residential and commercial construction aesthetics, The Coop Contemporary’s crisp white walls and finished concrete flooring are flooded with natural light. A vertical garden cascades down from the second-story loft, and seeing artists’ work displayed here, like Zack Lobdell’s densely dynamic stream-of-consciousness imagery, encourages visitors to envision how these pieces could look in a variety of environments.
With more than 30 years of experience in art curation, direction, and communications, Ardie said that providing an arts venue in a natural setting further embraces what the city is already doing.
“Preserving our green spaces is critical to maintaining the Saratoga Springs’ brand as a world-class tourist destination. The balance of commerce, outdoor recreation, the arts, and cultural heritage has been lovingly shepherded by many hardworking people, organizations, and businesses with vision over the years.”
GROWING FREE
This fall, The Coop Contemporary will align with Pitney Meadows Community Farm and feature an exhibition of abstract florals by Ithaca-based artist, architect, and interior designer Cindy Kaufman. Breaking free from industry constraints, her delightful paintings dance with movement and light. They are the perfect complement to residential and commercial spaces seeking to bring nature “inside.”
Two events will launch Cindy Kaufman’s exhibition, and a portion of sales will be donated to the farm.
Opening reception: Saturday, September 21st, 5pm – 7pm Brunch with the Artist: Sunday, September 22, 9:30am – 11:30 am with musical accompaniment by The Wildwoods.
Both events are free, open to the public, and will be held at 499 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs.
As the gallery continues to grow, The Coop Contemporary will provide more opportunities for the public to experience the visual arts through exhibitions, intimate gatherings, and artist demonstrations.
For more information and pricing on current work, go to coopcontemporary.com SS
Randall Perry Photography
Architecturally SPEAKING
Randall Perry Photography
Architecturally
Signature
A multi-generational lakeside home with cool, coastal vibes
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY
JUST STEPS FROM THE WATER, A SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK HOME WELCOMES THREE GENERATIONS ABOARD.
After more than 30 years of family gatherings, in 2016, construction of a distinguished 5,600 sq. ft. New England-style home was completed, replacing two main houses and a guest cottage on a lakeside parcel little more than an acre in size.
To protect the water quality of the lake, award-winning Saratoga architect Michael Tuck, partner at Balzer and Tuck Architecture, situated the new home further away from the shoreline but retained the ground-floor master suite’s original location by rotating the structure’s orientation, allowing the homeowners to remain seeped in the sentimentality that makes this spot so special to them.
From the water’s edge, a bluestone walkway leads to the grandeur of the home’s walls of Marvin Windows. The house, anchored by the lakeside terrace, was built with roof soffits that flare out four feet to provide shelter to those below.
Comfortable sophistication exudes from the connected copperpeaked veranda which features a barbeque grill, and a wonderful outdoor fireplace finished in irregular-shaped granite harvested from nearby Whitehall, NY.
In a nod to the nautical, details like the sailboat weathervane, iron ship’s bell, and the light grey hue of the exterior cedar siding, keeps this large house feeling approachable, bright, and beachy.
Style
All Hands On Deck
In the laid-back family room, Elizabeth Tanny, award-winning Principal Designer at E Tanny Design, LLC, creates a neutral background with White Dove by Benjamin Moore trim paint in a glossy sheen that reflects the plentiful natural light pouring in from the windows across the hearth and trim - letting the barrel vault ceiling take flight.
To soften the space so it doesn’t feel too stark, the walls have been painted in Benjamin Moore’s timeless Revere Pewter. Layering in watery blue hues, from the curved sectional sofa to the deep blue patterned rug and adding pops of yellow energize this space.
Lending an air of rustic elegance to this hightraffic home, knotty, stained, wide plank white oak flooring provides plenty of character, while the second-floor balcony above the main entrance offers a crow’s nest view of the lake and distant mountains beyond.
Randall Perry Photography
Randall Perry Photography
Shiver Me Timbers
Reclaimed wood shows off its dual nature in the dining room, where the aged ceiling and doorframe beams contrast the custom dining table and bar top’s mahogany finish. Layering in texture with a jovial rope chandelier, leather stools, and brushed nickel finishes creates depth and interest in the bar area, where a mirrored backdrop reflects the water.
Carrying the wall color through the dining room and into the kitchen, well thought-out features including inset cabinetry, open shelving, and comfy swivel stools in performance fabrics retain their beauty while resisting wear and tear.
Randall Perry Photography
Randall Perry Photography
Recessed ambient perimeter lighting and ribbed glass pendants accentuate the kitchen’s natural light, while white beadboard paneling adds a clean, crisp, cohesiveness to the space. The Costa Esmeralda granite countertops bring in a stunningly subtle hint of green and a warm ambiance.
Anchors Away
Inspired by the maritime vibes of Elizabeth’s Nantucket summers, the dormitory-style bunkroom at the top of the stair tower is bursting with bold, saturated color. The fun addition of rope pulls on the back of the Serena and Lily sack chairs make them extremely versatile. Mimicking the porthole windows, a circular rope mirror, porthole lights, and a cutout between the bunks give little voyagers’ dreams a chance to set sail. At the top of the two-story stair tower, a lantern acts like a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the way home after a day out on the lake.
Randall Perry Photography
Randall Perry Photography
On an Even Keel
In the guest bedroom, everything is above board with walls painted a soothing Britney Blue by Benjamin Moore. The window seat, neatly tucked off to the side and upholstered in a fun nautical print, provides plenty of storage for bedding below deck.
White dressers and built-in shelving flank the French doors, which open for favorable winds and leisurely lounging on the balcony while enjoying the views of the yard and lake. Eco-conscious landscaping, including permeable pavers and rain gardens, designed by Environmental Design Partnership in Clifton Park, look beautiful while also controlling stormwater runoff.
Punching up the maritime theme in the powder room, floor-to-ceiling shiplap sets the stage for a steel grey leathered granite countertop and bowl sink atop a custom-built wooden stand. Vintage hot and cold porcelain knobs, dock cleat drawer pulls, and seafaring light fixtures highlight a rope towel holder and mirror, making this room an ode to the wayfaring life, with authenticity.
Randall Perry Photography
Randall Perry Photography
Colleen's Picks
A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC
Fall, a season full of sensory awakenings with sweet apple pies, pumpkins and mums of color galore, the crisp fallen leaves beneath your feet, and the tactile beauty of burlap, hay bales and dried corn husks on the stalk. It’s the day trips of leaf peeping, a mid-day pumpkin brew and cool, crisp evenings that bring slumber with ease. How fortunate are we to have this autumnal season! To help you prepare your home for all your festivities, let me show you around a few of our local shops to inspire your imagination!
VISCHER FERRY GENERAL STORE
357 Riverview Road, Rexford
VischerFerryGeneralStore.com | 518-579-0195
This Fall, I have a new location to share with you…The Vischer Ferry General Store located at 357 Riverview Road in Rexford NY. Found among the Erie Canal historic preserves, local apple orchards and Greek Revivals, it’s a day trip just wanting to be taken! Known for their coffee, breakfast and lunch menu, the small bistro offers a multitude of services among their crossroads location…A community gathering space on the second floor can be reserved for private parties, book clubs and workshops. A gift shop adjacent to the bistro, which I’ll get back to later; and a breathtaking fresh air space for dining and visiting pop-up events announced to members of the VFGS Insider Club…just join online at www.vischerferrygeneralstore.com. Now, let’s chat about that gift shop! Grab yourself a cup of coffee and start to meander the original wooden planks throughout the store. For me, I was immediately drawn to these colorful Cantha Quilts, hand crafted from recycled saree cloth. Each blanket is unique in size, mixed pattern and color. They can be used as a table cloth, throw blanket, or main spread on a bed. The colors are abounding throughout with florals, geometrics and stripes. From Peony & Bee, a local artist of Wood & Acrylic Sculptures and Ornaments, you can find unique Fall pieces to capture your favorite memory of the season. For those of you with an eye for art, the General Store also carries Water Color Paintings by local artist Ottavia Huang. Known for capturing the essence of her surroundings, she just might paint you into a future watercolor while enjoying the Vischer Ferry grounds…you never know!
Susan Blackburn Photography
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.
FINISHING TOUCHES HOME DECOR
450 E High Street, Ballston Spa
FinishingTouchesStore.com | 518-584-1490
Have you caught the Pickleball bug yet? I mean, this is turning into the next big craze! Not yet an official Olympic Sport, but you wait and see! For those of you who want to give it a whirl, head over to Finishing Touches, they have a plethora of Pickleball Paddles and accessories. You can even play on their new court just beyond the outdoor sitting area. But be aware, there are some pretty, shall I say, “different” terms used… like “Kitchen,” the non-volley zone that is seven feet on either side of the net where players can’t hit volleys; or a “Dink”…a controlled shot that’s hit on a bounce from the kitchen zone that lands in the opponent’s kitchen zone. HMMM…I’m really “Dinking” about this one! It might be best to just “Dink” some wine from the sidelines! Sorry…I couldn’t help myself!
Back to being a bit more serious…If you prefer shopping, let me introduce you to this bronzelike beauty of a Wall Mounted Horse Bust. His canny demeanor adds a touch of our Saratoga heritage while adding a conversation piece to any room. The resin construction makes this piece easy to hang while the texture and details offer a sense of an authentic sculpture. He would be adorable draped in a Fall scarf, Santa Hat at the holidays, or a ring of roses during our biggest race weekends! Heck, even give him the name of a horse who’s won a race for you in the past! And there is no way you can leave this shop without trying some of their candies! New for the palate are the Matcha Green Tea Pearls with chocolate centers. Did you know Matcha tea is well known for reducing arthritic inflammation, a good source of fiber and may even help with relaxation, mood and stress! Now that’s my kind of treat! If you prefer fudge, try the Caramel Apple Fudge! Go ahead, it has 30% less sugar than your average fudge and is gluten free! That make this celiac smile big time! Made in Pennsylvania, it’s all hand stirred over an open flame in small batches and crafted from only pure ingredients! If you’re yearning for a goody, this place is a must-visit Fall destination!
Colleen's Picks
Just down the road, there’s that little hidden shop, Accents at Allerdice, that’s full of Fall décor for the home. As usual, they seem to find the most unique pieces. I loved this large Teak Wood Horse Sculpture on a Stand. Prominent, bold and carved to reveal the wood’s grain… it actually seems to give the impression of the horse in full stride across the finish line! The piece sits 33” H by 22” W upon a sturdy wrought iron post and wood footing. They only have 2 in stock, so be sure to head over before they’re gone! Fall is also a wonderful season for weddings. I love beautiful, sentimental gifts that really touch two souls on their special day such as the “Marriage Takes Three” Carving and Cross on a stand. As noted on the description card, “…it’s not enough for two to meet. They must be united in love by love’s Creator, God above.” I couldn’t have said it any better.
Centrally located in Downtown Saratoga, you can always find Silverwood Home & Gallery stocked with many of the fine luxuries of our beloved area. Supporting local artists has been a focus for their gallery including Rumara Jewett who was recently honored at a reception at the NY State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center for her painting “Coming Home.” Her art, capturing an underlying spirit of each subject, weaves a two-dimensional piece into a threedimensional masterpiece. Featured here is, “The Third Race” from her Acrylic Sparkles: Thoroughbred Racing Collection. Rumara experiments with this medium to capture the beauty, grace and competitive nature of racing horses. The colors struck me immediately with its golden tones offset by one dark gray horse in the lead running at the glitter steeped rail. A perfect piece at the end of a hallway to draw visitors in to capture a closer look at all the detail! And if your porch is in need of a little refresh after the summer, this Graphic Equestrian Outdoor Pillow is a perfect punch of Fall color with the Saratoga red stripes and a blanketed horse. Perfect for a cozy evening, nestled with a hot beverage and a blanket!
Speaking of blankets, head down the street to Impressions of Saratoga where they just commissioned a Saratoga Themed Blanket bursting with quintessential whereabouts of our city…from the Historic District, the National Museum of Racing, Yaddo, SPAC, and so much more. A true art of dedication to our city that warms the heart the whole year through! You can also find towels, glassware, baby bibs and so much more with singular elements from the blanket throughout the shop! And here’s why I love Impressions so much, they really seek to find artists who are willing to make them one-of-a-kind pieces, like these Jockey Silk Night Lites! Made exclusively for Impressions, they come in a variety of colors and patterns along with suncatchers from the same artist. All handcrafted from poured glass and made by a mother/ daughter team in Massachusetts.
IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs ImpressionsSaratoga.com | 518-587-0666
DARK HORSE MERCANTILE
445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
ImpressionsSaratoga.com | 518-587-0689
One last stop…The Dark Horse! Have you made your way downtown to meet THE TRUE Dark Horse, Upset, yet? Best to follow them on Facebook for the next big showing! In the shop, there’s no doubt any horse racing fan could resist the Horse & Jockey Lamp, always at the ready to race into your home to add a touch of Saratoga’s winning best! Place atop an entry console or side table, desk lamp or guest bedroom dresser. The spectacular details of this resin crafted piece are proudly Made in America with 12-18 different themed lamps to choose from. For those cool evenings inside, add a hint of the outdoors to your room with an Avenue of the Pines Candle. All custom made for Dark Horse…right down to the wax seal. There are other scents to explore as well, while shopping the vast array of truly unique Toga finds.
I have one last mention…one of our own Simply Saratoga Contributing Writers, Carol Godette, has published her first book, On This Spot Saratoga Springs, a MUST read, after her regular column of the same name. Carol is a life-long member of the Saratoga community and brings to life the Mom & Pop shops of our community that shaped her world and the neighborhoods we all call home. I had the privilege of being invited to her official book signing at Northshire Bookstore where you can find your First Edition Book before they’re all sold out!
Well, the races may be off for another year, but Saratoga will always be the best place to live, visit, shop and enjoy the rich culture of its past. As you walk the streets, be sure to take in the nuances of our area…don’t just walk on by, really relish this beautiful historic town we call home!
Until next time my friends,
Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC
Innovation with INTENTION
Saratoga’s newest showroom opens at one of its oldest lumber yards.
Creating stunning indoor-outdoor spaces, flooding your home with natural light, and highlighting a standout view starts HERE.
Allerdice Ace Hardware & Building Supply is bringing the outdoors in at their new 41 Walworth Street showroom in Saratoga Springs. Last year, Allerdice, a leading provider of Marvin Windows & Doors for more than 35 years, remodeled the front of their store (previously home to a gift shop and seasonal product displays) to showcase a range of their premium products.
The collection was formally housed upstairs in a windowless 8’ x 8’ room (that will now become an employee break room), the store’s latest remodel is the third that Outside Sales Rep Don Cox has seen during his 17 years working at this location.
Operating as a lumber yard since before 1869, the property, which has been under the ownership of the Allerdice family since 1982, is now home to six buildings including a woodshop and small engine repair shop, but with the increased sales of new construction and renovation projects in the area, there was a definite need for a centrally-located showroom like this, he said.
“Wally Allerdice didn’t want to be the biggest, he wanted to sell quality products at an affordable price,” said Don.
PHOTOS BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS
THE CLEAR DIFFERENCE
Architecturally, the windows on the exterior wall of the Allerdice Marvin Windows & Doors showroom all look the same, but once inside, customers can see how all four (single hung, double hung, casement, and awning styles) operate differently.
Allerdice carries three lines of Marvin windows and doors; the Essential, Elevate, and Ultimate series, available in a variety of paint and stain colors.
The Elevate series (made with wood and fiberglass construction) and the fiberglass Essential series are extremely stable when exposed to varying temperatures or moisture and can usually be delivered to the jobsite within a month of purchase.
THE ULTIMATE IN PROTECTION
Safeguard your home with the Ultimate series’ reinforced wood and aluminum materials that provide superior sound-protection on busy city streets. Ultra high-end, the Ultimate series’ narrow style handrails maximize glass for uninterrupted views with the assurance that comes with a 20-year non-pro-rated warrantee covering all their windows, sliding, lift and slide, and multi-sliding patio, French, and hinged glass doors.
Saratoga’s Allerdice store is the only distributor in the Northeast with a full bi-folding door on display. These unique doors, available from the standard 80” height (up to a spacious 96”) provide the opportunity for a completely clear opening to 22’ wide.
ALL DECKED OUT
Also displayed in the new showroom is a Timber Tech Decking sample wall and small deck area where customers can see, touch, and walk on three grades of low-maintenance composite decking, available in 4”, 6”, and 8” widths and in 38 different color choices. The Azek PVC decking is covered in a cap stock finish. The wood-grain texture of this material (even in darker stains) stays at a temperature of less than 130 degrees (cooler than similar wood-based composite and natural wood products that can reach a scorching 185 degrees in direct sunlight).
Here, too, you can experience vinyl, aluminum, and composite railings with the traditional white, black, or the new favorite, cable railings (glass panel inserts are also available). With less than a two-week lead time, and a full 25-year warrantee that covers both materials and labor for all Timber Teck products, you’ll be enjoying your resilient new outdoor deck in no time. For more information, go to www.allerdice.com
HERE'S HER ADVICE ON THE 10 MUST-HAVES FOR TODAY’S KITCHENS. 10
Custom Kitchen Design Must-Haves
...That make a big impact!
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED
One size no longer fits all. Customization and personalization turn the modern kitchen into a place for more than just cooking. Clever kitchen design makes the heart of the home into a hub for communication and wellness.
It is no accident that today’s kitchens are expansive, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing.
Building or renovating a kitchen is something many people will only do a few times in their lifetimes but it’s something Sara Bovee Hines has been doing everyday for more than 22 years. A designer at Kitchen and Bath World since 2003, she purchased the company in 2018. As president, Sara has combined their unique history in the marketplace with her design expertise and filled the Kitchen and Bath World retail showroom with products that homeowners can’t live without.
1
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER
In the ever-evolving world of custom kitchen design, there’s no substitute for experience. Consumer preferences shape modern kitchens beyond the basics. To get the most space, easiest flow, and best storage solutions while maximizing your budget, hiring a trusted pro is the way to go.
2
SECURE THE PERFECT INSTALLATION TEAM
For a smooth install, don’t trust just anyone. Kitchen and Bath World’s seven crews work closely with their designers to ensure every detail is attended to. Rather than relying on a subcontractor, these professionals work hand-in-hand with one another to provide you with a seamless culinary experience.
3
PROPERLY PLACED LIGHTING
Avoid casting a dark mood on your food with lighting that is placed in front of you. Eliminate shadows while cooking by combining mood and task lighting in neutral to warm tones. With recessed LED lights in 2700 – 3000K and pendant lights that hang 30 – 36” above the countertops, you’ll have a clear view.
4
OVERSIZED SINGLE BOWL SINK
With the advent of dishwashers, the popularity of split sinks has sunk. A supersized single bowl sink gives you plenty of room for those large pots and pans without the worry that water will splash over the bowl and build up grime over time.
5 CAREFREE COUNTERTOPS
Minimize maintenance with Cambria Quartz countertops that resist stains and heat. Not all quartz is created equal, cautions Sara, so chose a product that is composed of more than 90% natural stone, American-made, and comes with a guarantee that makes these surfaces worth standing behind.
6
INTEGRATE
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE FEATURES
The kitchen is not just for cooking. Modern kitchen designs create spaces that encourage dialogue and shared experiences. Pull out the desk that’s been collecting clutter since the ‘90s to make room for a coffee bar, beverage center, or wine storage racks.
7
DRAWERS, DRAWERS, DRAWERS
Pulling out all the stops, drawers are the best storage system for kitchens, said Sara. Large drawers with dividers at floor level keep everything organized and within easy reach. With a one-step motion to open and close, the simplicity of drawers can’t be beat.
8
BUILT-IN UNIVERSAL UTENSIL HOLDERS
The same technology that had us pressing our faces against Pin screen toys as kids has been adapted for kitchen utensil storage. Just drop your knives, spoons, and spatulas into this innovative pullout storage solution and they will always be within easy reach.
9
PULL-OUT WASTE BINS
Improve food safety and cleanliness while optimizing efficiency in the kitchen with pull-out bins for garbage, recycling, and composting. Convenient and hassle-free, keeping these containers tucked away outof-sight keeps your kitchen looking stylish and makes disposal effortless.
10
OPEN SHELVING
More than just an arrangement of appliances, modern kitchens are an extension of the living space. Open shelving is an opportunity to add decorative lighting, and put artwork or family heirlooms on display.
BONUS TIP: VENTILATION NATION
Consumer demands shape modern kitchens but good ventilation will never go out of style. No matter what fuel source you’re using, cooking produces fumes that need to be excised from the home. Beautiful and functional, custom hearths add warmth and style to the space. Meet the diverse demands of your menu and reimagine what’s possible by going to kitchenandbathdesign.com
PRESERVING A VACATION HOME OR CAMP FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
When people own something of sentimental value, they are sometimes unsure of how to pass it down to their family for future generations to enjoy. This is especially the case with a vacation home or camp that has been in the family for years.
Written By David A. Kubikian, Esq.
Example: You own a beach or lake-front vacation home for years in a now sought-a er area. You have seen your children (and grandchildren) grow up there and recall memories of watching sunsets over the water, roasting marshmallows over a camp re, and teaching the kids how to swim. It may be di cult to think that this home will be sold out of the family when you die and would like to preserve it for enjoyment of generations to come.
• How can you best insure this property will be there for future generations to enjoy (and at times cohabitate), as your family tree grows or in future a er your passing?
• Who will be responsible for paying the Insurance? Taxes? Repairs? Maintenance? Fees?
• Who decides which family members or friends use it and when?
• What impact would future divorces or bankruptcies have on the property?
• How can you protect the property from a Medicaid spend down?
While all of your children enjoyed the vacation home or camp growing up, some may no longer live in the area or use it on a regular basis. Other relatives may also like to use the property when it is not in use. If you leave the vacation property as part of your estate and divide it among the children without thinking of the particulars, the risk is that the joy will be replaced with future disputes about the future and use of the property. Some of your children may not want to pay to maintain an asset they rarely use. ose that do want to keep it may not be able to a ord to buy the others out. It can also create sibling squabbles when it comes to its use, cost of repairs or allowing non-family members use the property.
To alleviate your concerns, there are a number of Estate Planning options you should consider for the transfer and management of a vacation property.
Transferring a Vacation Home to the Next Generation
You can always transfer the property to one of more children during your lifetime, or leave it as a bequest upon your death. However, this “direct” or outright gi ing strategy comes with many risks and potential tax implications. Since no one can predict the future, your family’s vacation home may become a part of future divorce proceedings, bankruptcy, lawsuit or probate. Without proper planning, a vacation home may need to be sold to pay for long-term care costs. e asset may now also be counted for purposes of college nancial aid. Worse yet, due to second marriages or death, the house may be inadvertently inherited by in-laws and not stay in the family.
Albany, New York 12211
Phone: (518) 465-7581
Fax: (518) 462-2743
ere may be a better legal solution that might work for your family. Several options include:
· Co-ownership. Ownership among family members could include being tenants in common or joint tenants with rights of survivorship. Risks above may still apply, especially if siblings do not get along.
· A Trust. With the property held in trust, it may be sheltered from future divorces, an unforeseen bankruptcy, a child who needs public bene ts, becomes disabled or in case of their unfortunate death, while simultaneously keeping strategic tax bene ts. A er your death, the property could continue to be managed within the trust.
· A Limited Liability Company (LLC). e LLC can own the home and would be managed by its members or an independent property manager. e rights and responsibilities of the members are spelled out in the LLC operating agreement. An LLC can contain speci c provisions on the use of the property, sharing of costs, and the transfer, inheritance or selling of member interests. An LLC helps centralize the management function for the property.
Any structure for ownership of vacation property should account for the possibility that eventually, the family may no longer want to own the property, it has become cost prohibitive, or receive an o er that they can’t refuse. Whether it be a modest cabin in the Adirondacks, a beach house along the Jersey shore, a condo in Florida, or a ski chalet in the Swiss Alps, a plan needs to be in place.
If your dream is to keep your cherished vacation home in the family for years to come make sure you have created a plan.
Phone: (518) 465-7581 Fax: (518) 462-2743
Phone: (845) 338-6405
Fax: (518) 462-2743
Choosing a HOME
FINAL
WRITTEN
BY CINDY CONAWAY
BY LYDIA DELANO PHOTOGRAPHY
When we started this journey following Cindy Conaway and Chris Whann, they were moving upstate and looking to buy their first home.
(To read along, search Choosing a Home on SimplySaratoga.com)
“What we wanted was a mid-century ranch house within walking distance from downtown (or at least a place to get coffee) and a local pool, either in Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls or Ballston Spa.
What we are buying is... not that.
But it is…an “Open Concept Split Bedroom Layout” house at a price we can afford, with the interior design style planned to our liking, a potential for aging in place, and as “green” as we can afford.”
Cindy tells us…
“I may have never wanted a house but am excited to see the vision come to life.”
PHOTOS
We moved in last fall, and the furniture fit just fine, including our new mid-century modern shelving for our tons of books and memorabilia collected from our travels. The gardening service hydroseeded the lawn before the snow started, and in addition to the trees and bushes we were entitled to (named Cherry Seinfeld, Matthew Pear-y, and David Hydrangea Pierce) we purchased a Kousa Dogwood for the backyard. Insulating the 3-season room turned out to be a poor idea - for our desire to provide a cat-free plant sanctuary. I had hoped to emulate Aerin Lauder’s “napping porch” from Architectural Digest, even though our sunroom is 1/3 the size and vintage Italian Bonacina chairs were not in our budget. The Pottery Barn chairs and tables from the MOMA Design Store give a similar vibe. We bought a black walnut dining table from Black Dragon Antiques and chairs from The Furniture House. Our friend Betty, an artist, sent us a painting that would look great nearby. (The artwork install and kitchen backsplash didn’t make the photo shoot unfortunately)
Our kitchen is beautiful with space for everything—so different from apartment living. The house is so easy to entertain in, including hosting 40 for our annual Chanukah party and our wedding weekend in June. With a tent on the driveway and seating in and out of the house – including the island AND a sunroom! - there was plenty of space. It was a lovely weekend and Rainer's Gourmet Catering was fabulous.
I started a six-month sabbatical in February, and, knowing that June was going to be very full with the wedding, I got right to work on a scholarly book, an exploration of Seinfeld’s cast and crew, in my cozy office.
Sometimes I miss just calling a super or the landlord and I don’t go downtown for coffee as often as I hoped. But overall, we are very pleased. I still marvel at the beauty of our bathrooms.
I never wanted a house, but I love the one I got. SS
In the Kitchen
JOHN REARDON WITH
Hello my Foodie Friends!
Fall is marked by changing leaves, cool weather, cozy sweaters, and carving pumpkins, but the traditional purpose of the season is the Fall Harvest. This is the time of year we reap the harvest of our hard work planting, watering, and fertilizing over the spring and summer months. As we harvest crops, we get the chance to work with a new group of ingredients. Fall acorn, butternut squash, pumpkin, parsnips, brussels sprouts and corn are among the late season’s harvest. Each offering a cook flavor profiles that include hearty, traditional, robust foods that replace the lighter fare of spring and summer. Now is the time for braising, roasting, and grilling meats that include sauces and gravies. Harvest time brings back many childhood memories. As most of my Foodie Friends know, I grew up in a neighborhood which was built in the middle of a very big farm. Our neighborhood was surrounded by cow pastures and corn fields creating a wondrous place for little kids to have all kinds of fun and games. We would run through the cow pastures and play hide and seek in the corn fields. Many times, we brought Mom home some ears of corn that just fell off the stalks. When it was time for the corn to be harvested, we would hide in the woods outside the corn field and watch in amazement how the corn would shoot in the harvester. When they were all done and there were short stubs where the corn stalks were, we went to work turning it into a baseball field. It was hard work but we never gave up. Sometimes we would watch the farmers stand in the middle of our homemade diamond and scratch their heads on how we did it. We did this year-afteryear until we were “Too Big” to care about such childish things. In essence, way before the real “Field of Dreams,” my neighborhood had our own field of dreams in the corn field. Eventually, my pals and I grew up and moved away. Today, in the exact spot where my pals and I created our ball-field, is a place called Benjamin J. Nessing Memorial Park. Within the park are TWO lighted baseball diamonds with bleachers for spectators. Take that Kevin Costner!!!
September’s “harvesting” can include…making apple/ peach/ pear butters, making tomato sauce and putting pureed pumpkin in the freezer and when turning cooked apples into wholesome applesauce, freshly stewed tomatoes into a classic marinara, or steamed potatoes into a mash, the food mill proves its standing by being masterful with ingredients that are notoriously fussy to prep.
Think of a food mill as being the low-tech version of a food processor—there's no plug or motor, just a handcrank that moves with a little help from you and your biceps. What can a food mill do that a processor can't? Just ask any homesteader or canning enthusiast what their favorite time-saving tools are and you can bet the food mill is right up there at the top of the list. This is because a food mill can simultaneously purée and strain foods so efficiently that it renders the once tedious task of peeling fruit and vegetables obsolete.
A standard food mill consists of three parts: a bowl, a perforated plate that sits at the bottom, and the aforementioned hand-crank that is responsible for moving the metal blade that pushes the food through the plate. The result of this old-timey churning is a smooth purée without a seed, peel, pit, or stem in sight. The Food Mill is a tool that allows for fine and coarse milling. The changeable bottoms give you the ability to seed your harvest by the bushel. The food mill is a cross between a food processor and a sieve. You turn the handle and an angled blade presses the contents of the mill through a perforated disk, keeping any remnants like seeds or skin safely out of your puree. Unlike a food processor or a blender, a food mill does not incorporate air into the puree altering its texture. The result is a denser puree that is ideal for foods like applesauce or tomato sauce. Many of today’s food mills are designed to fit snugly over a vessel that catches the puree allowing you to mill in place with one hand while simultaneously cranking with the other.
For the harvest season, Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place to pick up the essentials you need for your culinary delights. Have a thrilling time milling and enjoy your harvest. Put on the movie “Field of Dreams” or maybe even create your own.
Remember my
Foodie Friends:
“Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care, John & Paula
Start with a Simple Tomato Sauce with a Food Mill
• Start by chopping your tomatoes into large chunks. You can cut the cores out of large tomatoes, but it’s not really necessary for smaller ones. Place the tomatoes in a big stock pot or Dutch Oven and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
• Set up your food mill over a large mixing bowl or a pot. Ladle the tomatoes into the food mill and churn away… The tomato pulp and juice will fall through to your bowl and all of the skins and seeds will be left in the food mill. Really, it’s that easy!
Tomato Soup with Eggplant and Peppers
INGREDIENTS FOR SOUP
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small eggplant, peeled and diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
Heat the olive oil in a large soup kettle or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the eggplant, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and sauté until tender –about 8 to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the chicken stock and corn starch until smooth. Add to the sautéed vegetables. Add the tomato sauce to the pot, and stir to combine all of the ingredients evenly. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Entertaining
RALPH VINCENT WITH
Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will
love… and you will too!
When the seasons change my creative juices start flowing and particularly when it comes to entertaining! I love creating new recipes for libations and food and putting my own spin on others, especially when it takes me in a new and exciting direction. Such is the case with my latest drink recipe created to celebrate the fabulous Liz Bishop who graces the cover of our Simply Saratoga - Showcase of Homes Edition each year. I have been a fan of Liz and her award-winning reporting for years, so it has been an honor to create a special drink for her. Another reason this drink is so special is that it’s my first “mocktail” recipe – and we all know they are very “trendy” at the moment! For Autumn entertaining, I gravitate to foods that are robust and flavorful, and if you’re like me, don’t want to stress out over preparing them. I want recipes that can feed a crowd, be prepared ahead of time, and will wow my guests as well. The Muffaletta Sandwich is just that!
A Muffaletta is a large Italian style sandwich that hails from New Orleans. Basically, it’s a large round loaf of bread filled with tangy olive and pickled vegetable salad, along with layers of deli meats and cheeses. You make it in advance and simply cut it into wedges to serve. It’s portable as well and a great choice for picnics, and tailgate parties.
You can use a variety of deli meats and cheeses that you like. Or do what I do, keep the cheese and substitute plant based cold cuts. I also like to add some fresh bell pepper strips and sliced purple onion for a little crunch. You can serve it alongside your favorite salads and chips and you’re ready to go!
As always, I hope you and your guests enjoy these recipes. Until next time have fun in your kitchen and enjoy cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love. And remember…
it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!
The (Not So!) Dizzy Lizzy
This recipe is for one drink but can be made in batches as well and chilled in your fridge until serving time. If you want a traditional cocktail, add 1 ounce (or a splash more!) of vodka.
• 4 ounces of a cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 ounces of pear nectar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters, or more to taste
• Thin pear slices and fresh cranberries to garnish if desired.
DIRECTIONS:
Pour the juices and aromatic bitters into an ice filled cocktail shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice filled wine glass and garnish as desired.
Here’s to you Liz!
Check out page 70 to see how much fun it was honoring Liz with her own Mocktail!
The Muffletta Sandwich
2. MAKE THE SANDWICH:
• One large round loaf of bread, I like to use Portuguese style bread or a marble rye.
• Olive and pickled vegetable salad
• ½ pound of sliced plant-based salami, I use Yve’s brand from Health Living
• ½ pound of thinly sliced provolone cheese
• ½ cup of thinly sliced fresh bell pepper strips
• ½ cup of thinly sliced purple onion.
Carefully slice the bread in half horizontally so you have two round halves. Pull a small amount of the bread from the inside of both halves (to create a little well) and save for another use, this makes a space for the olive salad. Spread the olive salad over the inside of both bread halves. Evenly layer the salami and cheese over the bottom half. Scatter the bell pepper strips and sliced purple onion over the salami and cheese. Carefully put the loaf back together. With the palms of your hands gently press the top half down. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. To serve, remove the plastic wrap and cut the Muffuletta into wedges. Enjoy!
1. OLIVE AND PICKLED VEGETABLE SALAD:
• 1 cup of chopped green pimento stuffed olives
• ½ cup of chopped kalamata olives
• ¼ cup of minced purple onion
• 1 tablespoon of capers
• ½ tablespoon of minced garlic
• 2 & ½ tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
Mix all ingredients together, cover and chill for at least one hour.
HISTORY
THE IMPECCABLE W. NEWTON BENNINGTON. FROM THE OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM BELMONT PARK “OPENING DAY,” MAY 4, 1905.
“Money is our madness, our vast collective madness.” -D. H. Lawrence
Atheatrical trade journal of the early 1900s mentioned that the American Nation may well be proud of its peerless resort of healing waters and sportsmen, which with the prestige of generations the leaders in society, racing, and all the departments of life, Saratoga Springs is a blossom fragrant to the senses of all. A gentleman who appeared during that same time period was W. Newton Bennington, who arrived as a thoroughbred owner. A Buckeye by birth, Mr. Bennington relocated to Canada where he began his involvement in the Sport of Kings which included huge bets, quickly becoming a fixture at race tracks everywhere.
In Chicago, the horses Mr. Bennington brought attracted the attention of William A. Pinkerton, the famous detective and guardian of race tracks and bookmakers. Through this association, Newton Bennington was introduced at Saratoga, to Gilded Age industrialist and gambler John W. Gates. Mr. Bennington was able to provide “Bet-A-Million” Gates, who was always anxious for information for wagering purposes, with the dope on his Canadian sleepers. This resulted in several long-shot winners for Mr. Gates, who got away with the scorched bookmakers coin. In return, young Newton Bennington profited from numerous Wall Street insider tips, which he soon converted into well-played personal capital, his good fortune making good copy for the daily publications of the era.
He was a style setter, with a noteworthy and fashionable appearance, always attired in fine dress. Mr. Bennington mixed well with the celebrities of stage and sport, and developed a warm friendship with heavyweight boxing champion Jim Fitzsimmons. In his personal life he was married to the former Bessie Taylor, who was a theater actress and an early labor organizer for performers. She also raised competition dogs, with Newton becoming devoted to her efforts, in all respects.
As a blue-water yacht racer, Newton Bennington gained fame with eastern clubs, and he began to spread his investment portfolio toward real estate development with large suburban projects on Long Island. His keen eye for potential wealth expansion was applied in Saratoga County and led toward the development of Bennington Park, along the planned enlarged canal in Mechanicville. In 1902 Mr. Bennington purchased more than 21 acres in Saratoga Springs, described in the Deed as the lands of Rockwell Putnam, which stretched north from Washington Street to Church Street. He later filed a tract map for this property, laying out new streets and 350 building lots, under the name of Bennington Terrace, with a sales office in the notable Fonda Building at 384 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
Land speculator Newton Bennington liked his chances to improve his lot both in Mechanicville and Saratoga Springs real estate.
The racing career of Mr. Bennington was not long, but fairly spectacular in some respects. His stable was initially trained by Frank E. Gardner, and later by Hall of Famer Fred Burlew, who also had trained for Pierre Lorillard, and raced some of his own stock. Perhaps “Lucky Newt’s” best year at the track was 1904, due to the exploits of the marvelous three-year-old chestnut named Beldame. She was a product of August Belmont’s haras, by Octagon out of Bella Donna. Mr. Bennington leased her to race in his colors; orange, purple yoke and braces with orange and purple cap. In April of 1904 Beldame won the Carter Handicap at Aqueduct on a very chilly day. Later in May, Beldame won the distaff Ladies Stakes at Morris Park over the one-mile Withers Course, which started in a chute, after an inauspicious beginning.
The eager filly ran off before the start and bolted a second time, through the gap until being caught by a dedicated and determined stable-hand. Fred Burlew and Newton Bennington mostly preferred the services of much-in-demand crackerjack light-weight jockey Frank O’Neill, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1956. At the Spa in August of ’04, Beldame captured the legendary Alabama Stakes and also the 14 furlong Saratoga Cup, where the scriveners all seemed to delight in mentioning she was still Belmont property. Beldame was a precocious filly, who seemingly could not wait to kick dust in the eyes of the colts that tried to catch her, raising her value well beyond the lease price, which now would not purchase enough of her tail hairs to string a fiddle bow.
Newton Bennington’s trainer Fred Burlew also developed the riding skills of jockey Frank O’Neill, which gave those connections ‘first-call’ on the most successful rider of his time. Jesse Sylvester “Vet” Anderson created this illustration for the New York Morning Telegraph October 21, 1904, and always included his sobriquet as the tail feathers of his rooster signature.
In the early twentieth century, newsprint was limited to what the presses could legibly produce, making the Editors very reliant on illustrators, such as the satirized dilemma faced by trainer Fred Burlew. The black and white limitation had no constraint on levity, however.
Newton Bennington cleaned-up at the May 1905 opening of the original Belmont Park, and his manner of style and dress made him an easy target for the Morning Telegraph’s illustrators. A unique and thoughtful form of philanthropy was practiced by Mr. Bennington, who was often portrayed on the sports page as somewhat of a dude. This prompted him to gift clothing to the Municipal Lodging House, a Gotham welfare group with his notion to assist those there who were seeking employment, by making a proper appearance. Typically smiling, good-natured, and practical, he had quickly become one of the leading financiers in the country, yet his acts of practical charity set him apart. Everything seemed fine for Bessie and Newton Bennington in Saratoga Springs during the 1905 track season. They had become fixtures amid surroundings of health, wealth and happiness, in the picturesque setting of the Spa, where those who appreciate the best things in life and can afford them always gather. Yet somehow during that particular summer a shade of contrast descended upon the couple.
Always a large purchaser at the yearling sales, Newton Bennington attended the December 1905 Rancho Del Paso dispersal vendue of legendary turfman James B. Haggin at the sales ring of Van Tassell & Kearney in Manhattan, which was reputed to have been the largest auction of thoroughbred horses ever sold. In January of 1906 he traveled to New Orleans, and uncharacteristically began selling some of his racing stock, including his good colt Guiding Star to Sam Hildreth for $10,000. Before he left for Florida, he arranged with Trainer Burlew to dispose of the remainder of his southern string, spurring much gossip in the turf world. Further indication of difficulty for Mr. Bennington came in May of 1906, when he unexpectedly sold the juvenile chestnut colt DeMund in a private cash sale to pioneering nature film-maker Paul Rainey for $40,000. DeMund had been the premier prospect at the previous Haggin sale, and had been the intended latest edition of how the Bennington Stable found the success of the winner’s circle.
Newton Bennington seemed to be a target for race track illustrators to capture in caricature. This treatment is by Jack Sears, in “The Telly.”
Later that year Mr. Bennington’s had health issues, requiring two operations, which impacted his well-being and continued into the following spring. The Daily Racing Form reported May 19, 1907,
“Newton Bennington, the New York turfman, had a narrow escape from death in Canada last week. Mr. Bennington has some mining interests at Cobalt and went there on a trip of inspection. He lost his footing, fell over the edge of a cliff and would have dropped several hundred feet had not his coat caught in the branches of a tree some twenty feet from where he fell. He was unconscious when rescued several hours later. He is still suffering from the shock, which was all the more severe because of two operations he underwent last winter. He also made huge real estate profits at Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, Long Island. His Canadian Farm at Cobalt had been foreclosed upon. Mr. Bennington said that while racing might be a fine sport, it is a poor business.”
Newton Bennington impressed many with his management of juvenile thoroughbreds and large real estate developments.
Illustrator Jo Lemon brought that out in his caricature of the man and his enterprises.
It seems so unfortunate that he came to a bad way financially as well as physically, as judgments by default became public knowledge, followed rapidly by the loss of much of his fortune on Wall Street, and Newton Bennington found himself overextended in real estate. Bessie decided the best intervention for the disorder was to have him committed to a sanitarium. The Washington Post on September 17, 1907, screamed out in a headline,
“TURF CELEBRITY IN ASYLUM:
W. Newton Bennington Said To Have Lost Mind And Fortune.”
The Daily Racing Form wrote on the same day,
“As the result of an inquest of lunacy, Newton Bennington is now an inmate of a sanitarium for the insane near Flushing, Long Island. This serves to throw light on actions and wild statements that brought surprise, to say the least, to his friends, at various times within the past few months. Bennington was a turfman of extensive operations and quite successful. He was usually a heavy purchaser at the Haggin yearling sales and developed a number of crack two-year-olds that sold for large sums after having won valuable stakes, with them. He leased the running qualities of Beldame from August Belmont and swept the boards with her when she was a threeyear-old. He was considered a wealthy man, but it has recently been stated that he is in straightened circumstances financially.”
By July 3, 1908 the Daily Racing Form had a more troubling headline,
“Once Famous Turfman Escapes from Sanitarium in Which He Is Confined in Corona, Queens.” And further reported in conversation with a relative that he only “constantly twirled his mustache, the ends of which he had trained to point upward in Kaiser Wilhelm style.”
In 1912 the State Supreme Court in Brooklyn appointed a guardian for Newton Bennington, and with Bessie Bennington agreeing to care for her husband, he was released as legally sane. Demonstrating sound logic and a continued interest in the marketplace, at the height of the Great Depression, Newton Bennington opined his frustration to the Editors of the New York Times on August 20, 1931 that the price of a loaf of bread remained high, despite the record low price of wheat. The couple lived out their lives quietly in Manhattan into the middle 1940’s and are interred together in the Kensico Cemetery. SS
On SPOT.
WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE | PHOTOS PROVIDED
1885 photo of Chestwood showing its original owners, Charles and Jennie Slade. Photograph gifted by Caroline Slade's grand-nephew.
Chestwood’s architectural style was unique to the 1870s. The Second Empire style holds a unique place in popular culture, often evoking an air of mystery and intrigue. Alfred Hitchcock famously used this style to set a suspenseful tone in his films,and the 1964 TV show The Munsters featured a similarly styled house, amplifying its slightly gothic appearance.
Chestwood
Thirty-year-old Kristi Krulcik and thirty-one-year-old Marco Anichini are two old souls who found each other in college. Their shared love of history led them to each rent apartments in restored older buildings; their shared appreciation for history and craftsmanship made them natural partners in life. After their August 2020 marriage in Saratoga Springs, several “serendipitous moments kept popping up” involving the house, Chestwood at 432 Grand Avenue. They drove past the house the day after their wedding in August 2020 “just to look.” In October of that year, a friend reported a considerable price cut on the house, which made her think of them.
However, the newly married couple planned to live in Munich, Germany. A sudden decline in their family's health precipitated their return to Saratoga. They looked at three older homes, but once they toured Chestwood, they knew they had found their forever home. In 2020, the Snyder family sought just the right buyer for the iconic Victorian. The 150-year-old Second Empire-style house, designed by well-known architect G.B. Croff, had only ever seen two other families walk its creaky floors: the Slades for nearly 100 years and the Snyders for almost 50. Both families were steeped in Saratoga’s history, and Marco and Kristi were the perfect couple to appreciate their legacy.
"The quarry of Charles Slade is located on the gently sloping side of a low ridge which borders on the north the Washington street road. The stone is carted by teams to Saratoga Springs, where it is shipped by rail to destination. The large market is for heavy (bridge) work on lines of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. Some of it goes to Saratoga for foundation, retaining walls, etc. This quarry was first opened 10 years ago."
- Bulletin of the New York State Museum of Natural History. United States, C. Van Benthuysen, 1888.
Charles G. Slade hired Croff to build the distinctive home on Grand Avenue. He and his bride, Jennie, moved in on their wedding day in October 1874, when the property’s location was described as “one mile west of the village.” (In the 1970s, the mailing address was RD 3 Grand Avenue; today, it is 432 Grand Avenue.)
Slade owned and operated one of the most flourishing stone quarries in the state, providing the stone foundation for Saratoga’s Convention Hall, the State Armory, and Bethesda Church. A 1927 interview with Jennie Slade, in The Saratogian, described her “immense pride in the fact that Yaddo, constructed by Spencer Trask, was built entirely with stone from her husband’s quarry.”
One of the many discoveries: mid-19th century silverware with Jennie Slade's initials and maiden name
The Slades’ only son, John, lived at Chestwood for nearly 90 years, 60 plus of which were shared with his wife, Caroline. John Slade was a prominent attorney, often called “Mr. Saratoga.” As former president of the Yaddo Corporation, he left an indelible mark on our community. He and his beloved wife and author, Caroline, filled every nook and cranny of Chestwood with over 8,000 books. Maureen Sweeney Torrens recalls visiting the Slades with her parents, Michael and Beatrice Sweeney. “Books were stacked on the stairs, bathrooms - everywhere,” said Reney.
The Slades had no children and were fearful that Chestwood would “be chopped up into beehive apartments.” Initially, John had attorney Harry Snyder draft papers for Chestwood’s demolition upon his and his wife’s death. However, as Slade got to know Harry and his wife Helen, Slade changed his mind. He entrusted Chestwood to the Snyders and their seven children, knowing they would keep and maintain his beloved homestead.
Harry and Helen renovated the house and raised their seven children in the stately home. The Snyders mirrored the Slades’ progressive values and dedication to the community. Their oldest daughter, Mary Snyder, was 15 when the family moved from their Phila Street home to 432 Grand Avenue after John Slade’s death. Mary initially missed being in the heart of Saratoga, but the property’s big barn and her large third-floor bedroom made up for it.
“My sister Kathy and I shared the best bedroom with a view of the base of the Adirondacks from four tall windows. It had a beautiful bathroom with a vintage sink and shower. A big part of the house was the great barn—it was very clean and divided into small rooms. Our parents hired a couple to watch us whenever they were away. I remember having a big party in the barn when my parents were gone - dozens of people came.” Marco and Kristi had a barn sale at the house after they moved in. Some of their customers shared their memories of the epic barn parties. Harry and his family took their time finding new owners who did not want to chop the house up and would continue to preserve Chestwood. Kristi and Marco were thankful to get to know Harry before his July 2022 passing. They enjoyed hearing his stories about Chestwood and its history.
View of barn at 432 Grand Ave
Author Caroline Slade in the living room at Chestwood. The common thread among those who called Chestwood home was their commitment to community service.
Kristi and Marco with 2023 Exterior Rehabilitation Award from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation
As Kristi and Marco stepped into third-owner roles, they were keenly aware of their inherited legacy. After spending a morning with them at Chestwood, I was overwhelmed by their extensive research on every aspect of the home’s history. They have delved deep into G. B. Croff’s life and architecture; they spent days learning all they could about John and Caroline Slade and interviewed everyone they could find who could provide insights into either former owner.
They both have jobs in the tech world and were inspired to start an Instagram to share Chestwood’s amazing history and their work to preserve the house and its history. It has helped them make connections and expand their research. Currently, over 13,500 followers enjoy posts on Chestwood’s history and Kristi and Marco’s preservation journey on their Instagram account @chestwoodsaratoga. Marco and Kristi collaboratively work on their captions. Kristi’s primary role is to write the caption, and Marco’s role is editor and fact-checker. Marco strives to be “absolutely sure the information we post is accurate.”
They accept that they will never be done renovating the house and choose to spend more time and more money using original materials like copper and brick that will stand the test of time. “Our goal is to leave behind a house that survives us, giving it another 150 years,” said Marco.
BUOY O BUOY!
Saratoga Springs Rowing Club History is Anchored in World Class Teamwork
WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH | PHOTOS COURTESY OF WAYNE BUTLER, PATRICIA KAY, THOMAS PRAY, RALPH PASCUCCI, JODY WHEELER AND NATHANIEL WHITTEMORE
By the time they became charter members of the Saratoga Springs Rowing Club in the mid1980s, the friendship between former college fraternity brothers Ageo Frizzera and Thomas “Woodbine” Pray had already been on an even keel for two decades.
Having each come to admire the other’s unsinkable spirit after meeting at their SUNY/Plattsburg orientation in 1967, the pals who went on to establish careers in the Capital Region, often reunited for intense biking, running and swimming practices and competitions. Cross-country skis were also given their share of workouts on Ballston Spa dentist Pray’s historic Agewood farmstead in Charlton.
After several years of the latter, however, financial whiz Frizzera and Pray felt they were ready for a new outdoor sporting challenge that would entail world class teamwork and travel to destinations neither had previously dreamt possible –including prestigious regattas on the other side of the Atlantic.
Patricia Kay captured Saratoga rowers in action in 1988.
In what was far more than a stroke of luck along the shores of Saratoga Lake in 1984, Frizzera and Pray (neither of whom had ever paddled a boat with an oar before) met architect and seasoned oarsman Tom Frost, who offered to give them their first rowing lessons. The trio soon thereafter joined forces with fellow founding fathers Brian Brady, Wayne “Pinky” Butler, Chris Ciocci, Jack Cogan, Jim Martinez, Ralph Pascucci, Elmer Robinson, John “Rocky” Rockwell, John Stacey and Bob Tarrant. Other notable early members included Paul Heiner and James “Jingles” Natale, Jr.
According to Butler (now Vice-President of Sales for the Life Sciences division of Corista, LLC and a 20-year US Rowing Referee veteran) the founding fathers had just three goals: to promote the sport of rowing, to hold a regatta and to build a boathouse. And indeed, it wasn’t long before the pioneering Saratoga Springs Rowing Club began bringing home an impressive array of gold, silver and bronze medals as well as trophies they had won at regional, state, national and international championships.
See OAR you kidding? The Butler did it! (page187)
THE WAY THEY WEREEarly members of Saratoga Rowing Club. Portrait courtesy of Thomas Pray
When invited to say a few words about the early days of the Saratoga Springs Rowing Club, Wayne “Pinky” Butler pulled out all the stops!
In addition to the laugh lines, the SSRC Founding Father and 20-year US Rowing Referee veteran wove into the keynote address he delivered to pioneering members of the SSRC earlier this year, Butler -- who earned the nickname “Pinky” after returning from a regatta sunburned four decades ago – adlibbed additional passages. Among the quips that generated waves of chuckles and giggles described a beloved charter member this way: “Elmer had only one direction. Forward. And one speed: Fast.”
As a show that Simply Saratoga admires Elmer Robinson’s rowing repertoire, we urge you to now follow one direction when reading the full context of Butler’s speech: Down. And one speed: Leisurely
OAR you kidding?
The Butler did it!
Why Saratoga Springs Rowing Club founding father Wayne Butler could
“knot” resist weaving comedic & historic strands together during
landmark speech
I’d like to begin by sharing some comments on rowing and this great community of Saratoga Springs. Most know that modern day rowing started with the waterman of the British Isles… The group that rowed the fastest for their work survived and prospered, those that didn’t fell to the wayside.
But, on what makes our sport (if you can call it that) is the speech by Thomas E Weil at the 150th anniversary of the Harvard-Yale boat race and its time-honored display of elements of character that are not equaled in any other team sport born of life and death struggles.
Thomas relates the story of 426 BC when the 20 fastest Spartan triremes pursued the remaining 11 Athenian vessels -- with the outcome of the battle almost certain, even rowing to a protected Port. Upon seeing a moored merchant vessel, inspiration seizes the Athenian commander, orders a racing turn, resulting in being hidden by the moored vessel, and is now pursuing the Spartans- the Athenians rowing for their lives, their children, their wives and country: overtake and defeat the invading Spartans.
BONUS COMPANION PIECE WRITTEN BY WAYNE BUTLER
KODAK MOMENT -
By the time they became charter members of the Saratoga Springs Rowing Club in the 1980s, the friendship between former college fraternity brothers Thomas Pray (left) and Ageo Frizzera had already been on an even keel for two decades.
In hindsight, Pascucci – who went on to launch his Emmy-winning Myriad Productions company in 1985 – says what he cherishes most about his four decades strong affiliation with the SSRC “is not the hardware; it’s the friendships.” Pascucci’s most treasured memories include competing alongside SSRC teammates in the nationals in Lake Placid and the Head of the Charles in Boston as well as visiting every rowing venue at the four Olympics that he attended for NBC. Pascucci is especially proud of the SSRC’s philanthropic legacy which includes scholarships awarded to deserving high school students in the community.
Pray, who was a teen when The Beatles made huge entertainment waves after they landed on American soil for the first time in 1964, flashes a sunbeam wide smile as he recalls how he, Frizzera and two other early SSRC members would later be dubbed The Fab Four “because we never lost a race when the four of us were together in the same boat.” In a fascinating twist (if not a Twist & Shout!) of fate, Butler says he was the equivalent of original Beatles drummer Pete Best when he relinquished his seat as a Fab Four member to Ringo Starr. Dan Szot took Wayne Butler’s place with Ageo Frizzaro, Thomas Pray and Bob Tarrant.)
Best known nowadays in racing circles of a different sort as Saratoga’s unofficial track dentist, Pray has high praise for the Thoroughbred-like stamina that was exhibited by the SSRC crew members in the boat they had purchased for $8,000. “Our boat was state-of-the-art. We’re talking about Olympics quality. There was nary a slacker aboard when our team swept the USA Nationals Masters Championship in 1988,” insists Pray.
Saratoga rowers after winning USA Masters Championship in 1988
And on the wonderful community of Saratoga Springs -- called a “city in the country” with so much history and community. It was that community that helped not only us, so many years ago.
You are all aware of the great regattas of the 19th Century held in Saratoga Springs raced on the main lake from Snake Hill towards the railroad bridge. Yale, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Hamilton, Dartmouth, Bowden, Brown, Williams, Union, Columbia and Wesleyan each with their own boathouses on the lake. Over 30,000 would attend, paying five dollars ($120 today) with over $250,000 ($6-million today) reported wagers. It was the Saratoga Springs community that sponsored the event.
Moving to more modern day, The American Henley Regatta was held in 1961 in Saratoga Springs with Harvard, MIT, Vesper and St. Catherine’s among the crews. MIT won the Eights. In 1975-the Red Rose Crewfirst US women’s camp boat for the Olympics, training under what only can be described as “miserable and unfair” conditions-marched into Yale’s president’s office and stripped to gain attention to those conditions-one can say this was the beginning of title 9 and that rowing belonged to all. But back to Saratoga Springs. Skidmore College rowing starts as a studentrun club in 1978-and a young architect Tom Frost -with Princeton rowing experience and his own single assistsupports Skidmore’s program.
In 1984 Albany Rowing Center is started by Dr. Neil Kaye, a former coxswain. And (future Saratoga Springs Rowing Club founding father) Bob Tarrant- invites me to take a row in an Alden and the word starts to circulate: “We ought to start a rowing club.”
In late 1985, the first real meeting is held in Chris Cuccio’s workshop with an initial 13 members with more to join. We all pitched in $100. As Ageo Frizzaro said: “No promises.” We were founded with just three principles: To promote the sport of rowing; to hold a regatta and to build a boathouse.
In the midst of all this action, Frost came up with the idea of establishing an annual regatta that would extend Saratoga’s rowing season into the autumn. “There would be no Head of the Fish on Saratoga Lake each October had it not been for Tom Frost launching the very first one in 1986,” emphasizes Pray. “As hard as it is to believe now, there were only about 60 boats in the first Head of the Fish regatta. That same event now draws over a thousand rowing crews and is an integral part of Saratoga’s economy.”
Pascucci quips that “in the club’s early days our only rule was ‘If you protest, you’re disqualified.’ I remember a coach came ranting to me about another team interfering. I explained the rule and he was dumbfounded. I also reminded him ‘You’re just racing for a fish head. Come back next year!’” His lighthearted reflections on the circumstances surrounding the SSRC’s charter include that the founding fathers realized they had co-created something of enduring significance “when we ran out of people to beg to help us. I’m guessing it was around the time we were approaching 2,000 rowers.”
Members of the Saratoga Springs Rowing Club journeyed to Scotland to compete in an international rowing competition in 1988
Tom Frost was our first president, John Rockwell our VP/Commodore, and Ageo Frizzera our treasurer. Jim Martinez would later take on that role for 15 years. In what became a club tradition (started by Ralph Pascucci) if you missed a meeting you were volunteered-and that’s how I became the first secretary. Thank you Ralph! Milford Lester served as our first chaplain and provided real business acumen. Our SSRC colors were cobalt blue and roan. Headquarters was Sperry’s where John Rockwell oversaw our bulletin board. Scott Perkins did our incorporation.
Then in 1986, a perfect storm occurred. We secured our first 4 -- a wooden Pocock from the Gunnery School -- and Jon and Suzanne Disem of the Waterfront let us launch from their beach. We had our first race in Albany and gained experience. Skidmore College hired a coach to take their Club Sport to Varsity-a national champion by the name of Jim Tucci arrives with his very special yellow van. SSRC hired Jim to coach us and offered the very first Learn-To-Row program from the Waterfront. Jim went on to start an adult program in 1988 and youth rowing camps from 1992 to 2004.
Jim introduced two outstanding Skidmore coxswains Tara Nichols (ex pres.) and Louise Pleasirio for our training. Other outstanding coxswains included Ruth Robinson, John Stacy and Tom himself. Off we wentto the Head of the Connecticut, Head of the Mohawk and Head of the Charles.
And the Schuykill, Lowell and others purchased a Heavy Weight Schoenbrod 4 -aptly named the Grappa. Jean Tarrant, our first female member joined in 1988, the first year a 4 went to worlds. We always raced open events, and the very famous Coast Guard midshipmen quote at the HOC “Who are those guys?’ -soon became “Saratoga’s here!” in later years. Additional coaching (was provided by) Bill Hand (Dartmouth) of Hand Melon and wherever we could find it.
We held that first regatta in November 1986 with 62 boats starting on the course you know today, but rowing through the 9-P bridge to the lake, finishing at the Waterfront.
SSRC items with logos designed by Tom Frost.
Photo courtesy of Ralph Pascucci.
Saratoga rowers with international competitors in Scotland. Photo courtesy Thomas Pray
This 1988 photo by Patricia Kay shows Saratoga Rowing Club team members in action.
Among the bounty of historic images provided by Pray to accompany this feature are those taken when he and Frizzaro were part of the rowing team that earned second place in the Canadian National Championships in Montreal and global rowing competitions in France and Scotland. Coming in fourth with Frizzera in the two-man 1,000 meter event in the World Rowing Championships in Miami, Florida is another cherished memory.
Especially dear to Pray’s heart are photos taken at the October 1992 Head of the Fish regatta – the same year when the SSRC sold some of its rights to the Saratoga Rowing Association. “Our cox was sick and so my daughter Jessie, then just eight years old and 45 pounds, filled in for her. Jessie was the lightest weight coxswain ever to compete in a regatta at that time.” Lest one cast the above anecdote aside as a whopper of a fish tale, we’ve got the now 32-year-old photos to prove its validity – hook, line and sinker!
SS
All members worked and the community support was overwhelming (Adirondack trust, Allerdice, Stewart's) Jon Disem donned the fish head as part of the awards ceremony, and I served as emcee.
Two young rowers from Skidmore, Chris Grosso and John Onderdonk, rowed in that first regattaand went on to win two golds at the Dad Vails. John would later lead the redesigned Skidmore Rowing Pavilion, and Chris would serve as President with the notable achievement of selling the HOF to the SRA.
One must celebrate one’s achievements, and the First Friday in February event was started-we held a black-tie ball event that first year in the Hall of Springs, followed by the Golf and Polo Club the next year. Not to take ourselves too seriously, we also held events at the Le Bouef restaurant in Montreal and the Saratoga Raceway (the dirt track)
We soon outgrew the Waterfront, and Elmer and Ruth Robinson (as their grandson does today), leased us our boathouse-Tom Roohan, Ralph Pascucci and others helped us reconfigure and our first House was “built.”
As children will often want to do what their parents do, six young ladies spoke to Tom Frost and convinced a SHS wrestling coach to start a club. This could not have happened without the tireless efforts of club members to promote the sport of rowing and its history in Saratoga, with Tom Frost and Janit Stahl leading that effort.
The support from SSRC and Skidmore to SRA was enormous. From regatta buildouts, community acceptance, and designing the SRA boathouse. Elmer and Ruth stepped forward again for launching on the property adjacent to ours. In fact, Jim Tucci was inducted into the Skidmore Athletic Hall of Fame!
Looking back-we’ve now seen hundreds of regattas in Saratoga Springs, with thousands of rowers, that promoted the sport and helped build three boathouses. I thank you ALL for our first 40 years and can only imagine what the next 40 will bring!
Eight-year-old Jessie Pray as cox with the SSRC team at 1992 Head of the Fish Regatta.
SSRC charter member Thomas Pray and daughter Jessie pose with a vintage oar in 2023. Jessie had been just eight years old and weighed a mere 45 pounds when she filled in as cox at the October 1992 Head of the Fish Regatta after the team’s adult coxswain became sick and couldn’t compete. Portrait By Nathaniel Whittemore.
Jody Wheeler’s digital camera captured this blissful 2024 reunion between SSRC pioneering members Thomas Pray and Dan Szot.
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORGE HANSTEIN
I don't know how to be an old guy...
I mean I am truly lost here. This happened very suddenly, and I had no time to plan or prepare. One night, a few years ago, when I was still young and cool, I went to bed. When I woke up the next morning, I was an old guy and not even the least bit cool.
I didn't even have time to go out and buy an "old guy" wardrobe. Even if I did have time, I wouldn't know what to buy, because I had never been an old guy before. Not long ago I saw an article on the Internet that listed what a guy over 60 should never wear. I am sure that they somehow got into my house and listed everything I own. I’m not trying to look young, I just don't know how to "dress my age.”
I can't say that I like this new role that I find myself in. Perhaps what bothers me most is not knowing how to live as an old guy. You see, most of the time, I don't feel like an old guy. I still feel like that young guy who was wearing bell-bottom jeans, had long hair, and was hanging around Greenwich Village doing fun things.
There are things, of course, that remind me that I am an old guy… Things like the minor aches and pains that I feel when I get up in the morning, my worsening hearing loss, and of course, the greatest reminder is my bathroom mirror.
So, I have intellectually accepted that I am an old guy. Emotionally, however, I am fighting tooth and nail to not be an old guy. Even the things that I do to try to stay
healthy remind me that I am old. I lift weights, but each year, instead of getting stronger, I find I am getting a little weaker. I walk, to try to stay fit, but each year, it is a tiny bit more difficult and occasionally I limp a little.
People also treat you differently when you are an old guy. It's subtle, but if you are aware, you'll notice it. You become a little less relevant. Perhaps that's why I prefer hanging around with my dog Pete. He doesn't know I'm old and still thinks I’m cool. At least he hasn't told me otherwise.
I heard that the way to tell if you are old is to fall with people around. If they laugh at your clumsiness, you are young. If they run over to help you up and they seem concerned, you are old.
I plan to go to a mall, fall down, and see what happens. Then I will go buy an "old guy" wardrobe if I can figure out what that looks like. Maybe I will pass on the falling down part. A broken hip isn't a good look.
Please keep your, "you're only as old as you feel" comments to yourself. It's not true. The same goes for "age is a state of mind." However, if you can recommend "old guy" styles, I will consider them.
Maybe you are better at this than me.
Lastly, if you ever invent a time machine, please contact me immediately. I want to reserve a spot to go back to the 70s.
