This is usually where I tell you what a beautiful HOLIDAY MAGAZINE we have (which we do!!) - and I talk about all the great stories, stunning homes and gift ideas (which we have!!)
But this year…
I’m easing into the holiday season and want to list some of the things that I’m THANKFUL for, in hopes that you also do the same.
(PS… I Thank God every day for the blessings in my life, of which my daughter is always first!)
• As some of you may know – I’m engaged! – and other than NOT living in a condo at the Residences at the Adelphi – he is everything I asked for (literally, I had a bulleted list!!) : )
• The farmhouse I’ve been dreaming of my whole life – and an empty bookshelf just waiting for me and my stacks of books!
• Neighbors who drop off extra vegetables from their garden and apples from their latest haul.
• Another neighbor who checks in after seeing flashing lights in our driveway, while we were trying to figure out our new vehicle (true story!!)
• Getting to enjoy Stew’s grandchildren (so much fun!)
• A fifty-pound weight loss since my mom passed… oh, how I wish she was here to see it, along with this beautiful house I’m living in – I know she and Vinny would love these grounds …and that barn!
• Living in a country where we get to vote for the person of our choice.
• Playing Scrabble with my 94-year-old aunt
• And having a beautiful dining room table to host family and friends (new and old!) – and to display Aunt Georgie’s quilted table runners! (I have one for each season!)
I hope this list will make you think of a few things in your life to be thankful for, and as always…
I must close with a big THANK YOU! to all our advertisers. Without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge to the thousands that read each issue. Please mention us by name when visiting these businesses… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine!
I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year!
the most wonderful kitchen sink view
My new best friend
Adin's best friend - he loves his Gaga!!
contributors
SAMANTHA BOSSHART
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.
WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
Northville freelancer Wendy Haugh’s short stories, articles, and poetry have appeared in dozens of national and regional publications, including Woman’s World, Highlights for Children, WritersWeekly.com, and 18 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.
GIANNA PENNACCHIA
Gianna Pennacchia is the Nutrition & Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County. Her master’s degree focuses on public health/chronic disease prevention (MPH), public health nutrition, and community outreach. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, attending farmers’ markets to obtain and learn about local/seasonal ingredients, taking her MaltiPoo, Scarlet on walks, doing yoga, and anything on the lake!
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.
NICOLINA VENTI
Nicolina Venti is the Farm to School grant coordinator and agriculture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County. She has a B.S. in Agriculture and Sustainability from SUNY Empire. She lives with her husband in Galway, NY where she grew up on the family farm. There she developed a love of horses and other farm animals. She says it’s extremely fulfilling to work in agriculture, helping farmers in this important Saratoga County industry.
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.
This beautiful puzzle celebrates all of the contributions Richard Canfield made to Congress Park when he ran his “Club House” (now known as the Canfield Casino).
The original watercolor mural was painted by the incredibly talented local artist Ruma Jewett. This makes the perfect gift for any Saratoga lover!
Handcrafted in Japan, the Shun Premier line, elegantly cladded and hammered tsuchime blades, are stunning to behold and allow food to release more quickly. The razor-sharp blades merge new technology and centuries old handcrafting tradition.
NANOBOND TITANIUM
This Hestan NanoBond 5-Piece Titanium Essential Cookware Set will help you achieve your best results with exceptional performance and precision for every sauce, stew, fricassee, and filet.
THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE 445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518-587-0689 • DarkHorseSaratoga.com
Etched Glassware $19.99
Cheers to overcoming the odds with this fun Saratoga drink ware. Uniquely shaped glasses include a stemless champagne and a “beer can” while classics like rocks, wine, and stemless wine are available as well. Each is etched locally.
AWESOME COOKBOOKS5
Perfect for the Foodies on your Gift List!
I think cookbooks are the perfect gift for the culinary enthusiast on your holiday list. Choosing a cookbook can be so easy too. Whether you are gifting a beginner or -pardon the pun- a “seasoned” cook, there is something for everyone. Visit a local book store or search online and you will find a myriad of choices. There are traditional style cookbooks covering a broad range of recipes, and countless others with specific content like baking and ethnic cuisine to name a few. There are many awesome cookbooks available this holiday season and ALL will make fabulous gifts!
MY TOP FIVE FAVES for 2024:
Good Lookin’ Cookin’:
A Year of Meals by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George
This cookbook is everything you would expect from these two fabulous ladies! There are over eighty recipes like “Slaw of Many Colors” and “Light My Fire Bananas Foster” to name a few. Presented in a month-by-month fashion, this amazing book is filled with entertaining tips, holiday menus, and delightful images of Dolly and Rachel hosting throughout the year.
Jazzy Vegetarian:
Big Boards for Families:
Healthy Wholesome Charcuterie Boards and Food Spread Recipes that Bring Everyone Around the Table, written by Sandy Coughlin
We all know how popular charcuterie Boards are for entertaining, but they make can make for entire meals as well. Sandy Coughlin shares her know-how and recipes for appealing and fun combinations, such as her “Tea Party Brunch Board” and “Epic Baked Potato Board.” With easy to follow recipes and informative images this cookbook is sure to please.
Lively Vegan Cuisine That’s Easy and Delicious, Tenth Anniversary Edition, written by Laura Theodore.
The title of this revised and updated version of the original cookbook says it all! Laura Theodore of American Public Television’s Jazzy Vegetarian series has a talent for making plant-based cooking not only delicious, but approachable as well. Written in her welcoming style, this cookbook features easy to follow and tempting recipes like her vegan “Big BBQ Burgers” and “Maple Sweet Potatoes.” Even better, her ingredients can be found in most supermarkets. This cookbook will appeal to anyone looking to explore vegan cooking or just to add a few plant-based dishes to their diet.
COMPILED BY RALPH VINCENT
Bake Smart:
Sweets and Secrets from My Oven to Yours, written by
Samantha Seneviratne.
In this cookbook
Samantha Seneviratne takes the fear factor out of baking and shatters some baking myths as well. With encouraging advice and clear directions, this book is a must have for anyone who is intimidated by baking. And there are amazing images of her distinctive and sooo appealing recipes as well. Check out “Sticky Banana Monkey Bread,” “Chocolate Ginger Scones” and “Passionfruit Pineapple Upside Down Cake,” yum!
The United States of Cocktails:
Recipes, Tales, and Traditions from All 50 States (and the District of Columbia), written by Brian Bartels. Ok, I know it’s not exactly a cookbook, but it does contain recipes …for drinks that is! I just had to sneak in a book about cocktails. With more than 100 drink recipes this book does not disappoint. Not only will you find recipes for classic libations, but some interesting new drinks as well. I can’t wait to try the “Sage Gimlet” and “Black Squirrel Old Fashioned!” This amazing book also offers United States cocktail lore, and useful bartending tips.
For more cookbook inspiration from Ralph, scan this : )
preserving
SARATO GA
18 PARK PLACE
WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
Every holiday season, Meagan Lyons asks her children “I wonder what lucky people get to live in that cozy house?” as they drive up to their snow covered home at 18 Park Place that is adorned with garlands, decorated with holiday lights, and Christmas trees aglow in each bay window, illuminating the corner lot. “During the holiday season, I love to be cozy by the fireplace and gaze at my Christmas trees,” she added. “When the kids were little, they wanted a tree with colored lights and I wanted white, which started the tradition of having two trees in our home.”
Meagan and Will, her husband, purchased the beautiful residence at 18 Park Place in 2011. “I was immediately attracted to the house because of its architectural details,” shared Will. Typical of the Italianate style, popular between 1840-1885, the residence features a square tower, wide overhanging eaves with decorative brackets, a wrap-around porch with turned wood balustrades and chamfered columns, paired front doors, two-story bay windows, and tall narrow windows.
The house is on the former land of John Clarke, who lived at 42 Circular Street and was the first to bottle and ship Saratoga’s spring water across the United States and Europe. Clarke bequeathed his land to his two sons and his son-in-law, Isaac T. Thayer, who was married to his daughter Eliza. Thayer acquired the vacant lot of 18 Park Place. Following Thayer’s death in 1852, the property was passed to his wife’s daughter by her first marriage, Louisa Maxwell. Maxwell sold the property in 1866 to Eugene Reeves.
According to the 1870 United States Census, Eugene was identified as half Indian and a bow and arrow maker. His wife Sarah was a basket maker. The 1867 and1868 tax rolls list Eugene Reeves paying taxes on one lot and four huts. The following year it shows that he paid taxes on one lot and house. On December 8, 1871, the Reeves, whose listed address on the deed was Quebec, Canada, sold the property to Walter Jennery.
On October 13, 1873, Jennery, a retail grocer who lived at the Broadway House, sold the property to Augustus Bockes, a prominent attorney and judge who lived at the northeast corner of Circular Street and Park Place, and David Winans, a wealthy, retired merchant who resided at 66 Franklin Street. The 1876 Louis H. Cramer Atlas shows vacant land at 18 Park Place. Two years later, Winans built the house that stands today in a style that was somewhat similar to his house at 66 Franklin Street that was designed by prominent architect J.D. Stevens. He and his wife, Sarah, resided in the house for six years.
In 1884, William Moser, a wealthy Prussian-born fur merchant who lived at 432 Fifth Avenue in New York City, purchased 18 Park Place. Moser had two sons with his first wife, Marie, William Jr. and Frederick. Moser’s combined net worth in 1870 was $390,000, equivalent to $9,387,000 today. In 1873, he married Helen, who was 22 years younger than him. Together they had two children, Edith and Arthur. A year after acquiring 18 Park Place,
Moser passed away. Helen and her family continued to spend summers at the residence. In 1905, Helen passed away. A dispute arose between siblings, Arthur and Edith, regarding the estate. The court ordered 18 Park Place to be sold at public auction. Arthur, who was living in London at the time was the highest bidder, acquiring the property for $4,100 in 1907. The following year, he sold the property to Joseph P. McGirr.
In 1909, Joseph McGirr, an Irish immigrant, founded J.P. McGirr & Co., a retailer of dry goods, women’s furnishings, and millinery store on Broadway. He and his wife Jennie had four sons – James Raymond, John Earl, Joseph Paul, and Frank W. Jennie passed away in 1913. McGirr and his four sons continued to reside at 18 Park Place. A Saratogian article dated June 7, 1930, described McGirr as “one of the outstanding merchants in this locality.” All four sons were involved with the business. Following Joseph McGirr’s passing on September 21, 1930, the sons transferred the title of the house to McGirr & Co. and rented the house to others including Bernard Kaufman who operated Kaufman House, a rooming house, from 1934 until 1940.
Matilda W. Morrow and her family purchased the property in 1944 and resided in the house for 20 years. In 1964, Robert and Catherine Blackburn of Brooklyn bought the house and used it as a summer residence and briefly operated it as Robert’s Guest House. After several different owners, the current owners, Meagan and Will Lyons purchased the house from Maureen Curtin in 2011.
Meagan is a local dentist, originally from St. Louis. After graduating from Kenyon College with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, she returned to St. Louis and worked for two years with her father, an orthodontist, during which time she decided to pursue a career in dentistry. She attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where she met Will, a fellow student who was born in Missoula, Montana and for a period of time grew up in Kansas City. Together they moved to the Bronx to complete their residencies at Lincoln Medical Center. Afterwards, Meagan worked as a dentist in and around the city while Will completed his two-year endodontic residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, now Rutgers University.
Upon Will completing his endodontic residency, he and Meagan were considering where to move. They were seriously contemplating Vermont, when Casey Walker, Will’s childhood friend from Montana who was living in Troy, suggested they consider Saratoga Springs. “We immediately fell in love the quaintness of Saratoga Springs,” said Meagan. “It took us several years to find the perfect house,” Will shared.
While the exterior attracted Meagan and Will to the house, the interior needed significant work. “Will was all in, but with two young boys, ages 3 and 1, I was skeptical of all the work the house needed,” continued Meagan. Rooms had dropped ceilings, linoleum tile floors, and unattractive fluorescent lighting. The kitchen was small and needed to be updated. The decorative moldings were missing in several rooms. However, being able to walk downtown helped to sway Meagan that it was the right house to raise their family.
“It became a labor of love,” said Meagan. Over time, Meagan and Will restored the exterior and renovated the interior to meet their needs, enlarging the kitchen and converting one of the bedrooms into a bathroom. They kept as many of the original details of the house as possible, including the original plaster moldings, wood floors, doors, and windows.
“My father instilled in me a love for old houses and their details,” shared Meagan. “When the dropped ceiling was removed from the dining room, we discovered that the original plaster medallion was missing and chose to restore it and the other moldings that were missing,” said Will. They have replaced the roof; installed new wiring, plumbing, and HVAC system; and restored the stone foundation, removing the inappropriate cement parging. “We can’t thank our friend Casey Walker, an architect/ contractor, enough for not only suggesting Saratoga Springs as a place to live, but also his guidance and hard work,” said Will.
They finished the basement to give their sons John and Dylan a place to watch movies and play games as well as a space to workout.
“The gym equipment was delivered the day everything shut down due to Covid. It was perfect timing,” added Will. Not long after, their son Joe arrived.
“While the projects never end, it has been the right house for our three sons, two dogs, and two cats,” said Meagan. “It is perfect for celebrating the holidays.” Cheers to Meagan and Will for your efforts to preserve 18 Park Place! SS
Brasserie Benelux
Satisfying Cultural Appetites in an Unpretentious Setting
Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing an early dinner with friends at Brasserie Benelux, a unique cultural haven located downtown on Broadway. Having visited the place five or six times before, I can attest to the consistently terrific experience it offers. The international flair, particularly the Central European cuisine, was what initially drew me in. As someone with German, Jewish, Austrian, and Swiss roots, the dishes my mom and Gram cooked were always a taste of home. I was curious to see if this restaurant could recreate that sense of comfort, especially since both my mom and Gram have passed, and I miss their company and cooking immensely.
The food, presentation, waitstaff, beer, and ambiance at Brasserie Benelux were all top-notch. The exceptional service we received made us feel truly valued and important. I was so pleased with my initial experience that I returned with friends from some of those same countries, and they were equally thrilled. The quality of the food and service here is exceptional, a testament to their dedication to providing a memorable dining experience for anyone wanting to dine there. For this visit, we (myself, Chris and Susan) all commented on the beautiful sparkling lights flowing onto Broadway and illuminating the interior– just charming! We were ushered to the back of the restaurant, to the intimate Saratoga Room, where the warmth of polished wood tables, twinkle lights – and the most beautiful track mural - enveloped us in warmth and comfort, making us feel… Welcomed. The privacy was delightful. We don't get to see each other often enough, so it was a joy to have a quiet place where we could share a meal and laugh (loudly at times!) while catching up with each other, of course by the end of the meal, this room was full with other diners and we were on our best behavior!
When Chris asked where the name of the restaurant came from (and how to pronounce it! Bruh – Seer, if you were wondering), our bartender explained how the word "brasserie" is derived from the French for "brew." It’s meant to describe a casual eatery that serves quality regional hearty foods and offers a selection of drinks - typically beer. (We tried two that were delicious, refreshing, and perfectly poured by long term bartender Jackie!) Benelux is used to pinpoint the European region comprising Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Lucky for me –the restaurant also highlights specialty foods from places like Germany, Poland, Austria, Czech, and Scandinavia, to name a few. YUM. “We wanted to have a name that would represent our cuisine, which features central Europe,” Chef Armand Vanderstigchel shared when he left the kitchen to visit our table and chat for a few minutes.
That was when we learned more about his nationally published cookbooks “Adirondack Cuisine” and “Chicken Wings Across America.” Chef Armand also told us he is a monthly writer for 518 Profiles Magazine, and his column “518 Culinary Destinations” (one of Chris’ favorites!) covers interesting culinary finds from a chef’s perspective. “It’s vital to recognize, as a restaurant owner and chef, how important it is to embrace other restaurants rather than view them as competition. A good cluster of great eateries in any town attracts people to visit, dine, shop, and stay there. It’s a win for everyone.”
We started with a variety of small plates we could pass around. Now, I’m not a fan of Pate, but I was willing to try the restaurant’s Pate Campagna De Poiure. Made with artisanal pork and duck, it was creamy and delicately flavorful. We spread it on warm Euro bread that came with the dish. Although I might not order it again, Chris and Susan raved about it and said it was one of the best they’d tried to date.
I’ll be the first to admit the Swedish Meatballs were better than my mom’s—by a lot! We learned they were made with a sirloin blend, mixed with ten different spices, and drenched in a delicious sour cream gravy. When we commented on the texture and how light and airy they were, Chef Tatiana explained it perfectly when she shared the recipe and how the way they were made helped them ‘breathe.’ She was correct; these piquant tidbits were not dense or heavy like other Swedish meatballs we had tried over the years.
One of our favorite appetizers was the Amsterdam Authentic Bitterballen, which arrived at our table in a small metal dish with a tiny country flag to show the recipe's origin. These popular, crisp shell croquette Dutch bar snacks are made with savory beef sirloin and Bechamel filling. The spicy mustard on the side is perfect for dipping. Honestly, it was hard to share them!
Another favorite was the Finger Lakes Salad – it was so refreshing and a great segue into the main dishes on their way from the kitchen. The salad was a bed of fresh wild greens, organic strawberries, the plumpest blueberries I’ve ever seen, juicy Cabernet Franc grapes, toasted walnuts, and a scrumptious Catskill Honey Cider Vinaigrette. The dressing was perfection as it drew out each flavor and never overwhelmed.
During our dining experience here at Brassiere Benelux, Chef Armand and Chef Tatiana, as well as the bartender and waitstaff, worked their way around the eatery, seating new visitors and checking in on other diners during their meals. We could hear their genuine interest in the patrons' day-to-day lives and their take on the menu. Their tone was warm and inviting from start to finish, and I think we all felt like extended family. We learned that they speak many languages at the restaurant – Dutch, German, Eastern European. I imagine patrons appreciate that unique interaction with this charming husband and wife team.
I was excited to have their world-famous Jager Schnitzel again and wanted to know what Chris and Susan thought of it. Firstly, the thinly pounded pork loin was lightly breaded and so generous in size, it draped over the side of the plate it arrived on! It was sizzling hot, so tender and flavorful, covered in a hunter mushroom sauce, atop tender pieces of potato, with a generous serving of red cabbage. Watching the faces of my friends when they took the first bite was
priceless. Eyes closed, they savored the meat and sauce briefly before commenting. Even though they used words like ‘tender,’ ‘delicious,’ and ‘never had better,’ most of the reaction was ‘ooooh’ and ‘ahhhh,’ which is always a good sign! The red cabbage was a taste of home for me – I wished my mom and Gram were at the table. They would have struck up a conversation with Chef Armand for sure.
The last dish we tried was their Choucroute Garnie Belgian style– comprised of artisanal locally smoked kielbasa, smoked pork loin, pork belly, Hunter Bigos cabbage, home fries, and Garnie. The kielbasa snapped when I bit into it! It was delightfully paired with the cabbage, which had a sweet and tangy flavor—another hit.
For dessert, we tried a toasted coconut carrot cake (airiest cake ever, so moist and light!!) and these fantastic strawberry mascarpone crepes. What can I say? Perfection! The European Pastry Chefs (Sisters Roxy and Oksana), as well as Tiana, create the most succulent goodies!
At the end of the evening, we all hugged Jackie - our very attentive bartender / waitress - feeling like we were saying good night to a family member. It felt like she had taken so much time to make us feel like we were the only ones in the restaurant – even though it was apparent she’d been slammed all evening. Chris, Susan, and I appreciate dining at a place where we might walk in as strangers but leave with a connection to the people and their backstories. Brasserie Benelux was that place. SS
Upscaledécorfarmhouse created in a polished, yet cozy, downtown Saratoga Springs abode.
Meet… Heather LaCoppola Hen Picked
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
Within walking distance of Broadway, in an award-winning home and studio, artist Heather LaCoppola surrounds herself with the things she loves. By adding neoclassical components to a new farmhouse design, Balzer & Tuck Architecture and Teakwood Builders have created an elegant space for Heather’s special architectural artifacts and treasured finds.
An avid antique-r, Heather’s new-but-old style favors simple, clean lines and standout pieces like the substantial barn door she acquired from Brimfield, Mass. that now serves as the backdrop to her growing collection of hand-painted nature-inspired pieces, such as honey bees, flowers, farm animals, and landscapes.
Many of these vintage pieces are distressed and bear a charming patina, adding depth and texture to the whimsical collection of farmyard characters found in Hen Picked, Heather’s line of textiles, cards, and prints.
“Every kitchen should have a chicken or two,” she said.
WHEN THE PICKIN’S GOOD
The inklings of Hen Picked originated in 2017 when Heather created a few paintings to “add fluff and prettiness” to her booth at the Round Lake Antiques Festival, she said.
Since then, she has attended a variety of local art shows; her “Winter Sheep” won second place in the 2020 New York State Sheep and Wool Festival logo contest; and her flower and bee sketch “Unleashing and Inspiring” was the third-place winner in the “Where Women Create” national magazine design challenge.
Today, after a decade as an elementary school teacher and with their two girls grown into adulthood, Heather said she and her husband, Eric, enjoy getting out of the city for Sunday drives through the country hills of Salem, Granville, and beyond.
PASTURAL BLISS
The remnants of America’s agricultural roots that Heather discovers on her travels brings her a sense of peace, she said. This feeling of tranquility and goodwill radiates from the idyllic farm yard animal paintings inspired by them.
Heather said she stays true to herself and her own aesthetic, painting what she wants to paint, whether it is an architectural rendering of iconic Saratoga buildings in a softer watercolor palette (imbuing an old-world charm) or her mod fox painted with the richer, bolder oil colors that make it a standout pillow on any sofa.
Working with archival paper, antique boards, vintage ornaments, and frames means that Heather’s originals are rarely a standard size. For example, rather than encasing them under glass, Heather used varnish to seal a selection of one-of-a-kind pastoral oil paintings beneath their three-inch round gilded frames.
FRESH FROM THE CITY IN THE COUNTRY
On one commission, Heather spent six weeks in her studio working on a 3’ x 4’ painting of a shaggy Shetland cow. Although she typically paints from morning to mid-afternoon, with the music of the Indigo Girls, Old Dominion, or Dave Matthews playing in the background, Heather said that one of the great things about her schedule is its flexibility.
A sheep with a woolen cap, a rooster in ice skates, and a moose with moss in his antlers are just a few of the whimsical characters that Heather whips up in her studio. Last year, the Hen Picked Holiday Open House, had approximately 75 people stop by to shop the tea towels, painted ornaments, original works, prints and more on display.
In the summer months, instead of in the studio, you’ll often find Heather in her garden’s annual, perennial, and vegetable beds. Combining these two passions, she held an inviting Art in the Garden event in July.
Heather’s artwork and eclectic designs can be found at The Beekman Street Art Fair, on Etsy (henpickedshop), at Impressions of Saratoga, Sugarbush Lane Mercantile in Charlton, and the Vischer Ferry General Store. For special sales, follow @hen_picked on Instagram.
In the coming months, Heather will have holiday open house events in her studio starting on Sunday, December 1st. Look for her garden on the Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour on June 29th, 2025.
FIBER ARTIST
Laurie Snell EXPLORES THE WHIMSICAL WONDERS OF WOOL
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
One of Snell's latest 2D mushrooms.
One of Snell's whimsical characters!
Since childhood, Northville fiber artist Laurie Snell has enjoyed doing all kinds of needlework, including counted cross stitch, needlepoint, beading, and her longtime favorite: knitting. But in 2018, while attending the annual Adirondack Wool and Arts Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds, a new form of needlework caught her eye.
“I was intrigued when I saw a booth with this totally different technique going on, something called needle felting. So, I bought a little kit and made a tiny owl—and I was hooked!” Since then, Snell has delved more deeply into needle felting and wet felting by
watching numerous YouTube videos and participating in online felting groups. “There is so much to learn,” she enthuses, “and there are so many great tutorials out there, available to everyone.”
Fiber art refers to artwork made by using natural or synthetic fibers or textiles to create pieces of art recognized largely for their aesthetic value rather than their utility. Felting is a technique by which wool fibers are tangled together, condensing them to a material which can range from wispy to sturdy. To felt, all that’s needed are wool, some sharp, barbed felting needles, and some sort of mat surface—like foam, sponges, or bundled layers of wool—to absorb the point of the needle.
Fiber artist Laurie Snell at the Northville Rotary Woodworking and Fine Arts Show.
Needle felting facial features is Snell's specialty.
Mrs. Claus and Santa
Wet felting involves using wool roving (unspun wool that is washed, carded, and ready to use), hot water, and soap. A variation of wet felting, called nuno felting, incorporates textiles like silk, linen, and open-weave fabrics into the process. Needle felting is a wool sculpting technique in which needlelike implements of different sizes are used to repeatedly stab and poke the wool roving, in the process gradually condensing the wool to create solid shapes. “I enjoy doing all kinds of felting,” Snell says, “but, currently, I seem to be doing more needle felting, which is very time-consuming. When making a doll, I often needle felt the body and face and, then, wet felt the clothing. Both techniques actually tangle the wool fibers to each other. In its natural form, wool is very puffy. It’s full of air. Both needle felting and wet felting basically remove the air from between the fibers, enabling the fibers to lock together to create a very dense wool.”
For years, knitting was Snell’s first love. “But knitting doesn’t have a lot of leeway. You follow a pattern, you count, and you keep track of your stitches. So when I started needle felting and wet felting, it was very freeing to me because there are no patterns, really. It’s all free form. I could mix colors by blending strands of different colored wool and mold the wool any way I wanted to. Felting really opened up a whole new world for me.”
Snell enjoys making highly detailed, quirky dolls and characters that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Loaded with personality, they tend to make you giggle. None of their facial features are painted on. Every last detail—every multi-toned eye, crow’s foot wrinkle, or blushing cheek— is achieved through the meticulous needling of multiple colored strands of wool, artfully locked together.
“Gratitude”
“My favorite part of doll-making is creating those fine facial details, especially on an elderly face. Making the wrinkles and doing the subtle shading is truly fascinating work. I make all of my dolls’ clothing as well, often embellishing with buttons and beads or pieces of vintage lace and linens.”
Snell may start out with a specific plan for a doll. “But as I progress, the wool will often take me in a different direction. The wool has a life of its own, really, which is why I think the faces are so intriguing. You can actually see the life in them. I used to get frustrated when, after investing a lot of time visualizing a character in a certain way, the wool would disagree with me and take me down a different path. But I’ve learned to step back from it. If I get to a certain spot where I start to feel things changing, I set it aside for a few hours or days. When I return to it, I often see things quite differently. Suddenly, the new direction will make sense.”
For Snell, needle felting is a time-consuming labor of love. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also very therapeutic for me. I love getting into that zone where I’m so immersed in it, I kind of lose track of the world around me. It’s a wonderful feeling! But I’m a slow worker, and finding large chunks of free time can be challenging. I’m raising my 5-year-old grandson, Merrick,” she beams, “so spending time with him is my top priority. If I have 20 minutes before Merrick gets home from school, I can’t
needle felt but I can do basic things like prepare some base forms, which goes quickly. To really get into my imagination, though, I need solid blocks of time.”
Merrick enjoys checking out his grandmother’s work area and watching projects evolve. “He makes suggestions, too,” Snell says proudly, “and sometimes I’ll follow his ideas. When that happens, we both feel a nice sense of joint effort.”
Snell loves making holiday-themed characters, Halloween in particular, and experimenting with totally new subjects. “The more I learn through tutorials and first-hand experience, the more ideas I come up with. Lately, I’ve been getting into the world of mushrooms, which is really fascinating to me. I’ve created felted mushrooms both as 3D statues and in 2D form, as more of a painting. There’s always something new to try. The possibilities are endless.”
This vibrant fiber artist has exhibited her work at several venues, including the Shaker Museum Craft Fair in Albany, the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts in Gloversville, and the annual Northville Rotary Woodworking and Fine Arts Show. And everywhere she goes people can’t help but stop and chuckle at her charmingly realistic characters. Without question, Laurie Snell proves that wool has a life of its own.
You may contact the artist at lauriesnell.fiber@gmail.com or 518-847-8851.
Fiber artist Laurie Snell holds a Christmas elf.
“Vivian”
MARISA LYNN Benoit ARTIST Ascending
Ever creative, when Marisa Lynn Benoit first gravitated from painting and the performing arts into the (then) new world of digital design, she put aside her paintbrush. For the next decade, Marisa dove into exploring the computer’s expressive potential. After graduating with a Studio Art and Computer Design Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Oneonta, Marisa’s work was published online and in print. Learning how to illustrate with a mouse and then a digital pen, she began creating unique company branding, animated photos, video, and social media content.
AN EXPERIENCED GUIDE
Marisa began working with Alex Grey, the visionary artist, who, along with his wife, Allyson, founded the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, an art community, gallery, and transdenominational church in New York’s Hudson Valley. As a graphic designer and manager of events, it was through Alex’s disciplined depictions of the anatomy, and his critiques, that Marisa was guided to strive for realism in her own work. Marisa’s portraiture, informed by the color values and brush strokes of Edwardian era master John Singer Sargent, capture character as well as likeness.
A SPIRITUAL REBIRTH
In 2009, Marisa again picked up a paintbrush while in Ceu do Mapia, a Brazilian Christian community in the Amazonian National Forest of Purus. In this remote village, there was little to no internet access, and Marisa was surrounded by a community of other artists.
Inspired by biblical illustrations and the mystical connection with the divine she discovered during the nearly eight years she spent in the forest, Marisa’s journey toward a spiritual rebirth continued when she returned to America.
Marisa’s unique appreciation for nature shines through her well-crafted artistic renderings of water, animals, and scenic landscapes. Some of her commissions have also included painting from vintage photographs, and pet portraits.
WHEN TECHNOLOGY MEETS TRADITION
Working from her home studio in Malta with Christian worship music playing in the background, Marisa merges painting and graphic design. During her two years working for Saratoga TODAY, she was the magazine designer for Simply Saratoga, her award-winning layouts were recognized by the New York Press Association, in their annual Better Newspaper Contest.
To complete a small oil painting, Marisa paints for an average of 20 hours. By incorporating digital design techniques (such as adjusting the lighting and vantage point) she creates reference images for her paintings. By superimposing layers of slightly different images together, a picture emerges that is almost multidimensional. While painting, Marisa will pause to take a photo of her work-in-progress, then superimpose it over the reference image to ensure that everything is correct.
A DIVINE CONNECTION
ART THAT UPLIFTS IN ALL ITS FORMS
When she paints, Marisa is guided by a biblical world view. “Stories out of the Bible have inspired my journey. By coming to Christ and being saved, I feel like He is always here with me. That I am His subject, and that it is through His life that I am here, doing what I do,” she said.
For commissions and to see more of her work, follow @marisalynnbenoit on Instagram and go to www.marisalynndesigns.com SS
VERSATILE Artist RON GEARY TURNS HIS
ATTENTION TO PASTELS
UPROOTED ON MASON POND
WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS BY RON GEARY AND WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH
The minute pastel painter Ron Geary spotted the quaint Northville garage on an online video, he envisioned that space as his future studio. “It’s the primary reason why I bought the house,” says Geary, who moved to the village three years ago with husband, Dave, and their two dogs, attracted by Northville’s growing artistic community and the region’s countless opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
“In my work, I tend to focus on nature and animals,” Geary muses, “things that I don’t think receive enough attention or respect in our human-centric world. Sometimes I’ll just take my bike and find a trail and start taking pictures with my SONY digital camera. Half the time, I don’t actually use any of the pictures in my painting, but you never know. Sometimes I’ll stumble upon a shot several years later and suddenly realize, ‘Oh, wow – this is great!’”
Although currently focused on pastels, the versatile artist also works in oils and acrylics. Impressionistic nature scenes, mundane moments in life, and portraits of beloved animals, dogs in particular, are among his favorite subjects. “In my paintings, I try to evoke some sort of moment that I’ve experienced. I try to evoke a sense—something seen, smelled, or heard—so that when
you look at a piece, it can remind you, too, of a moment that you’ve had in your life.
“One time, when Dave and I were sitting around a campfire, he started taking pictures of roasting marshmallows. I thought he was crazy! Eventually, though, I painted one of those roasting marshmallows, and every time I see it, it evokes that feeling of something I love: sitting around the campfire, smelling the burning wood, and hearing those crackling sounds.”
Art has always figured prominently in Ron Geary’s life. His passion for drawing, painting, and design began in childhood, growing up in Western Pennsylvania, and continued at the Savannah College of Art and Design where he studied Art History. But after earning his BA in Art and Architectural History, Geary found it difficult to find relevant employment. An avid gardener, he worked as a floral designer for several years, fusing his passions for gardening and creativity.
“But, eventually, I grew tired of being a florist and never having a holiday to myself. After going back to school and earning my MPA (Master of Public Administration), focusing on public policy and nonprofit management, I spent 15 years working in development and data management for several national nonprofit organizations.”
WATER LILIES
Pastel artist Ron Geary in his Northville studio
GEARY RON
Geary enjoyed the data management field, but his longterm goal had always been to establish financial security and, then, return to his true passion; art. In 2023, he began exhibiting his work again; and in June of 2024, he left his nonprofit position to become a fulltime artist.
Although painting is Geary’s first love, he enjoys the challenge of learning how to do different art forms and, then, fluctuating between several different mediums. “When I needed a break from the chemicals, fumes, extensive cleanup, and uncertain drying time of oil paints, I turned to woodworking and began making Shaker boxes. I’m the type of person who gets very tired of working in one medium, so working with a completely different material enables me to take my mind off painting for a brief period. Sometimes just taking a break and dabbling with a different medium recharges me and gives me the fresh perspective I need to return to painting.”
Eight months ago, pivoting again, Geary shifted his focus to pastels. “I used to hate pastels,” he candidly admits.
“They were dusty, messy, and I didn’t like the texture. It was chalk on a chalkboard to me. But now that I have this new work space where I can get messy, I’ve found that pastels are a great medium to work with. The pigments that you get are just incredibly vibrant, and it’s easy clean-up.”
ICE AND MOSS
Geary typically uses a combination of soft and hard pastels on a sanded paper that enables soft pastel particles to adhere better to the surface. “Initially, I use hard pastel to sketch things out and block out areas. Then, I’ll fill in with soft pastel and, later, for detail, I’ll come back in with hard. Soft pastel allows for layering and depth. If I’m after a blue sky, I’ll put down the complementary color first—an orange—and rub it very gently into the grit. Essentially, that is my underpainting. Afterwards, I’ll layer the blue over top of it.
“With pastels,” he adds, “there is no mixing of colors. That was the most difficult thing for me when I first started using them because I was still thinking in terms of mixing colors, as I would with oils or acrylics, and I was trying to do that with pastels—and it just doesn’t work! I could always create the exact color I wanted with oils. But with pastels, you never get the exact color, so you have to interpret. You have to compromise. Working with pastels is much more impressionistic.”
Whispering and shouting are two terms commonly used in pastel painting. “When you’re running pastel across the paper lightly, so you’re seeing the paper underneath, that’s called whispering. And when a pastel artist uses very bold strokes and grinds the pastel into the paper so that it takes up all the grit, that’s called shouting. I have a preference for shouting.”
In his first three months as a fulltime artist, this dynamic and personable artist created more than 30 new pastel pieces. “Right now, my intent is to keep the momentum going and build up a body of work. Then, I’d like to start doing more exhibitions, entering juried shows, and getting my work out there.”
Given Ron Geary’s passion for painting, infectious enthusiasm, evocative subjects, and vibrant use of color, we can’t wait to see what comes next!
To see more of Ron’s work, visit www.gearyfineartstudio.com or contact him at gearyfineartstudio@gmail.com.
CRANE MOUNTAIN POND
LATE WINTER, LAKE PLEASANT
The artist's beloved Boston Terrier
Home
Sugarbush Lane MERCANTILE
Meet… Carrie Shea
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER
While growing up in Clifton Park, Carrie Shea idealized the hamlet of Charlton - just 25 minutes away, yet a seemingly magical, faraway land.
“Charlton is so rich in history, and I love history!” said Carrie. “Character exudes from these homes and it just calls to me.”
After spending more than a decade working in Manhattan, she, and husband, John, chose Charlton to call home. They settled into the charming town in 2019 and have been raising their two sons in a circa 1791 historic farmhouse that, since late Spring 2023, has also been home to Sugarbush Lane Mercantile, an intentional collection of home goods celebrating American history, and the Charlton community.
PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
CAPTURING THE IMAGINATION
When Carrie Shea started furnishing 2022 Maple Avenue, she was not just building a home, she was creating a legacy. One that comes with her Nana’s vintage tea cart and a bench by the door welcoming visitors to Sugarbush Lane Mercantile. Here, the symmetry and enduring charm of colonial architecture is blended with a nostalgia for bygone eras that captures our imaginations.
Deeply rooted Americana, the mural flanking the central staircase, painted in 1995, features the local landscape and structures significant to the home’s previous family, including the house, Charlton Road to Maple Avenue, the Saratoga Race Course, and Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.
“They took such pride in the home and paid great attention to its preservation and restoration,” said Carrie. Built in three sections, the central structure is original, and the entire home exhibits original flooring, windows, and fireplaces spanning three centuries.
A MERCANTILE IS BORN
Appreciating the authenticity and enduring character of a historic home is something Carrie enjoys sharing with the community.
As she started putting the pieces together and her vision began materializing, Carrie “put the pedal to the metal” and in May 2023 was issued a stamp of approval to open her shop, just in time for the town’s annual Founder’s Day celebration.
Carrying a limited assortment of items until their grand opening in September, “by the grace of God” everything came together in time for the holiday season, she said.
THAT RARE FIND
Carrie has maximized the space in a way that appeals to contemporary sensibilities, and the shop’s arrangement promotes a flow that accommodates both daily life and special occasions. Prominent wooden furniture displays dressed in a marriage of high quality faux and locally harvested greenery, highlights a fully stocked pantry of local honey, syrup, handcrafted artisan goods, and tasty blends from Upstate Coffee Roasters and Saratoga Tea and Honey, crockery, custom gifts, vintage accents, tiny enchantments, and everyday staples. Carrie also enjoys sourcing from local family businesses such as the Ellms Family Farm and the Farm Store at Tiashoke for her seasonal outdoor displays.
From the brass bells to the wooden sleigh and skis, these pieces were chosen because they possess a story, functionality, and timeless design that captures the essence of America’s heritage.
“I’m an old soul with a sentimental heart that’s drawn to things –items, homes, and people – with a story,” said Carrie, something, she said, that “can be a lot more difficult to come by these days.”
In November, Carrie invited Pantry Hill’s Darien Rozell to share the special gift of her homemade vanilla extract - then to celebrate the holiday season - Carrie secured an antique one-horse-open-sleigh from the New York Catskills and parked it out front along with some oversized bells, as a jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” to passersby.
Keeping the magic of the holiday alive, Carrie opened the doors to the historic dining room and invited the community to “Storytime with Mrs. Claus,” providing a delightful opportunity to sit by the home’s huge hearth sipping hot chocolate and nibbling cookies.
Sugarbush Lane Mercantile, a family first business, is open Fridays 3pm – 6pm, Saturdays 11am – 5pm, and Sundays 12pm – 5pm. For more information, follow along on Instagram @sugarbushlanemerc, on Facebook @sugarbushlanemercantile, and online at sugarbushlane.com
Name that Mountain
WRITTEN BY ROBERT C. LAWRENCE
Part of the "WHAT'S WITH THOSE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN NAMES?" Series
While kayaking on beautiful Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, NY, one June day, my wife Carol Ann asked, "Where does Blue Mountain get its name?" So we visited the nearby Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake to buy a place names book. But there was no such publication. So… I wrote What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?
Burtons Peak
HAROLD (HAL) B. BURTON (1908-1992), a journalist, author, war hero, and Adirondack activist, once owned the Lost Brook Tract in Keene Valley.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hal Burton later studied journalism and became a writer for the Saturday Evening Post, Life Magazine, and the New York Daily News. He also published several books.
When not writing, he excelled in skiing, rock climbing, and outdoor pursuits, especially in the Adirondack Mountains. These skills were critical in his later life pursuits.
Hal Burton was a remarkable journalist and a man of extraordinary courage. His investigative reporting for the New York Daily News in 1940 led him to Mexico, where he uncovered a Nazi spy group causing him to flee for his life with another reporter.
During World War II, Burton joined a division that would become the renowned Tenth Mountain Division of the United States Army as an officer. This elite unit trained in skiing, mountain climbing, and surviving in cold weather. Burton, an experienced alpine skier and rock climber, was among the instructors who taught thousands of troops in these skills. In 1945, during the Italian Campaign, the Tenth Mountain Division played a significant role in the Allies' efforts to advance into Italy by capturing Riva Ridge in the northern Apennine Mountains. Burton's rock-climbing skills were crucial in planning this operation. On February 18, 1945, seven hundred men secretly scaled the ice and snow-covered ridge under cover of darkness and fog. They surprised the sleeping Germans, who had thought the ridge was impossible to climb. The successful capture of Riva Ridge remains the most daring raid in United States military history.
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort’s Chairlift, Mid 20th Century Photographed by Monroe Dixson, courtesy of Richard Dixson.
This is a view from “Amy’s Lookout” at the summit of Burtons Peak. Courtesy of Pete Nelson.
After the war, Hal Burton returned to journalism as an editorial writer for Newsday He also authored four books about the Walton Boys and their outdoor adventures. His most notable work, however, is the 1971 book 'Ski Troops.' This book describes the early history of skiing in the United States and the heroic exploits of the Tenth Mountain Division in World War II. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of skiing and the bravery of these soldiers.
Hal Burton's voluntary efforts were instrumental in creating the Whiteface and Gore Mountain Ski Centers in the Adirondacks. Established through constitutional amendments, these centers have become iconic destinations for skiing enthusiasts. Burton's vision and dedication to the outdoors have left a legacy we can all appreciate.
Hal purchased forty acres on a remote mountain in Keene Valley to have primitive Adirondack land to escape civilization. The land was surrounded by public land, making it difficult to survey. He named the property the Lost Brook Tract, and all he built on it was a lean-to. You can find the story of Hal Burton's land experience in "Forty Acres on a Mountain," published in the May-June 1953 issue of Adirondac magazine.
Pete Nelson, who purchased Hal Burton's property and sought and obtained approval for the mountain's name from the United States Board on Geographic Names to have the unnamed mountain on his forty acres, Burtons Peak, with solid support from local and state government agencies and Adirondack advocates. The mountain was officially named Burtons Peak, without an apostrophe, as geographic names cannot contain punctuation. Whether it is spelled Burton's or Burtons, it doesn't diminish Hal Burton's significance in the United States, especially in the Adirondacks.
At 3632 feet, Burtons Peak, situated in the town of Keene, Essex County, is a monument to a monumental man. Thanks to Pete Nelson (Board Chair, Adirondack Wilderness Advocates) for contributing to this story.
What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?
(The Troy Book Makers) is available at the following retail locations: Market Block Books (Troy), The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza (Albany), Open Door Bookstore (Schenectady), Friar Tuck Newsroom (Rensselaer), Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Outdoors (Saratoga), Adirondack Country Store (Northville), St. Andrews Ace Hardware (Queensbury) in many retail establishments in the Adirondack Park and on Amazon.com. SS
New A Journey Begins
WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY PATTY OLDER
While a hurricane compelled me to go on my last camping trip, my much-anticipated plans for a 4,200-mile Florida road trip in October to see family blew away with the winds of two others.
First Helene wreaked havoc in North Carolina the week prior to leaving, possibly closing roads I would have traveled, and Milton visited Florida the same night I was to depart, leaving in its wake devastating tornadoes and flood waters. With the family directly in Milton’s sights, I waited to see what would happen and then called off the trip altogether when several family members were still without power days later.
I faltered at what to do with my vacation time. I considered a drive to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which would have included the Blue Ridge Parkway, but members of a Facebook group I am a part of let me know the North Carolina portion of the scenic byway was closed due to Helene’s damage.
I considered a staycation – I do have a lot that needs to be done around the house –but on Wednesday, with my vacation time burning fast, I threw an imaginary dart at the road atlas – yes, I use a real atlas –and opted to head east towards Acadia National Park in Maine.
My Jeep was still packed from my aborted attempt the previous week, so I headed out that afternoon with the Outlaws, my dogs Bonnie and Clyde.
I can’t believe how much my mood was elevated by that decision, as random and last minute as it was. I had a plan. Albeit a haphazard, no-real-guide-plan, but it was a direction at least. I was chomping at the bit to be on the road again.
One of the things I love about my road trips are the people I meet along the way. As an introvert pretending to be an extrovert, during my first few excursions I met people I later wished I knew more about, so I made a conscious decision this year to try to get to know people better.
I am still perfecting the art of meeting new people, but I now can put names and stories to faces. There is Charlotte, the woman I met at a Maine gas station in June who was headed west to Arizona with her two Border Collies. She drove a van, a small Ford, that doubled as her living quarters. She was lively and quick-witted and told me nothing bad would happen to me because I had a good “aura.” I later wished we had exchanged contact information. There is also Bing, an elderly gentleman whose wife had passed away only three months earlier. He had come to a rest area that snuggled up alongside a picturesque river in New Hampshire where he often came to sit in quiet solitude. He was drawn to my pups and told me about his golden lab at home and how his dog gave him a reason to keep going every day.
I know the feeling.
My pups are great equalizers. People from all walks of life want to meet them and talk to me. They question my travels and marvel at what they perceive as my bravery. I ask them questions and engage in a conversation with them and usually walk away with a new-found friend. I learn a lot from these strangers turned friends and I hope they walk away from our encounters with good memories of me.
One of the most memorable people I have met was a young man during a Florida rest stop last year. I noticed him watching me as I walked the Outlaws and gave them water. I went into the store and as I waited in line, was startled when he approached me rapidly and raised his palm in my direction. It took a few moments for me to realize he was giving me a high five.
He was enamored by my gumption to be on the road and especially was struck by my wheel cover, which states simply, “Get Lost; Find Yourself.”
I have been lost quite a few times. All of maybe 30, his enthusiasm and interest for my journey stayed with me for days. While I did not ask him questions about himself, it was my encounter with him that helped shape my decision to find out more about the people I meet during my journeys. In hindsight, I wished I knew more about him.
On this most recent trip, I befriended Irving, the desk clerk at one of the hotels I stayed at, Bing, and George; a young man struggling with substance abuse who came to my rescue when I couldn’t figure out my TV remote. Each left me with fond memories, and I am grateful I talked to each of them for a few minutes longer.
In the end, like most people, I want to leave behind a legacy. I truly hope my legacy is the impact I leave on the lives of the people I meet along my journey, as they have left an impact on mine. I know I am a better person for knowing them and that counts for a lot.
PGS. 60-73
Julia is wearing:
Nils Skyler print jacket
Nils Hollister 1/4 zip top
Obermeyer Sugarbush pant
Bos. & Co. Ada boot
Mitchie’s heart knitted hat
Smith Liberty Helmet
Smith IO Mag Goggles
Other products shown:
Nordica Wild Belle 78 Skis
Niki Astis Mittens
Dakine boot pack
Dakine padded floral ski sleeve
Cozy Hats & Mittens
Marmot Gloves
Mitchie’s Fur-trimmed Poncho & Mittens
Obermeyer Ski Jackets
Youth Skiwear
Obermeyer Down
Krimson Klover Sweaters
Check off everyone on your holiday shopping list at Saratoga Outdoors! From cozy fleeces and flannels to reliable footwear and gear for any adventure, we’ve got it covered! Shop or gift our outdoor-inspired, earth-conscious products for the whole family today!
Plaid Life Upstate & Chill Chill Chaser
Shacket Season
Ignite the Moment All Wrapped Up
Pattern Play
Après Ski
All Buttoned Up!
Rails Zoey Sweater $248
Rails Rodeo Belt $158
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Kella Fair Isle Sweater $299 Clare V. Grande Fanny Bag $345
Free People Paris Faux Fur Jacket $148 Billini Kassie Pump $85
Randall Perry Photography
Architecturally
Architecturally SPEAKING
Randall Perry Photography
Tidings of Comfort
BY
WRITTEN
MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY STYLING BY ANGELA PACHAL OF DECK YOUR HALLS NY
& Joy
Seasonal sparkles and a cohesive color palette add an extra layer of coziness to this contemporary lakeside condo.
When you look, you find love all around a special home in the Southern Adirondacks.
Originally built in the mid-1970s, but when purchased in 2021, this well-loved 1,121 sq. ft. home carried decades of designs past.
Beginning in January, the turquoise carpeting, linoleum flooring, popcorn ceilings, Formica countertops, and dark, rustic furnishings were removed and replaced with new light - in a miracle makeover that was ready by Memorial Day.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
The relaxing atmosphere of this two-bedroom, two-bath lakeside retreat promotes balance and harmony in a place where new traditions take shape.
Because the existing porch windows blocked the view, it was impossible to see how incredible it really was. That is, until Eric and Matt Henry of E & H Custom Remodeling worked their magic. By removing the sliders that shuttered the porch off from the rest of the house, they added space to the living area and further exposed that vivid view.
Creating an ideal spot for soaking in the natural beauty of the lakeside locale.
Now, sitting back in an overstuffed chair, there’s a clear view of the sunrise glistening off the water as foxes, deer, and even baby bear cubs frolic near the forests’ edge.
In a cool, comfortable complement to the creamy, neutral palette, Angela Pachal, Owner of Deck Your Halls NY, dresses the picture windows in a garland of frosty evergreen stems, milky poinsettias, glittery golds, and douses of blue.
Shining Merry and Bright
With its abundance of recessed lighting, the great room befits a runaway for the brightest star, while dual control panels empower a more intimate atmosphere (when desired) in the dining and living areas.
Luminescent trees, rich with ribbon, golden fronds, and snowy baubles enhance the festive atmosphere. Large, showy hydrangea, magnolias, and roses add a touch of natural romance to the dark dining table, while fun snowflake placemats introduce a bit of playfulness to the elegant array.
To find just the right holiday theme to suit a space, whether residential or commercial, Angela looks to what her client already loves.
Here, her inspiration came from that spectacular view!
Randall Perry Photography
Wrapped in Warmth
In a “happy accident” the glowing bits of brass sprinkled throughout the space create harmony for the eye, balancing the dark tiled wood-burning fireplace (which is offset to allow for the chimney flue from the condo below to stretch to the sky).
Sophisticated quartz countertops grace the custom cabinets with enough storage to stash away holiday décor in the warmer months. A hearty dose of plush throws and holiday pillows make curling up on the couch extra-inviting.
Falling for the cozy feel, the holidays here are all about stocking the fridge with easy favorites from the local market and watching classics like “The Christmas Story” and “Love Actually” with a bowl of popcorn, a mug of spiced cider, or a cup of eggnog with a dash of rum.
Randall Perry Photography
On a calm winter’s night
Where today is a restful retreat, lies the story of a home built on faith.
Taking shape during the pandemic, this was a project that, in addition to experiencing substantial shipping delays, involved constructing a new galley kitchen, renovating the bath, adding heating and cooling updates, and element upgrades (including the refinement of Karastan flooring) along the way - inflating the renovation’s budget, like a Grinch’s heart, to three times it’s original size.
Serendipitously, it was finished in the nick of time.
Now, this divine space is filled with peace, happiness, and joy.
In the bedroom, the drama of royal blues and dark greys is softened by fuzzy, velvety texture and kisses of champagne golds.
In a sanctuary like this, one just might catch sight of the still moon’s twinkling light while drifting off to sleep on a cold winter’s night.
May all your days be happy and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.
Randall Perry 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.
Colleen's Picks
A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC
I’m so excited for our Christmas party and gift giving that I thought I’d get a jump start on my shopping this year before things got crazy around here!
Oh dear, pardon my manners, I forgot to introduce myself…Rudolph here…you know, from Santa’s Sleigh Team!! I’d love it if you came along to help me find the most special gifts for all the other reindeer. Don’t worry, I can take us all around Saratoga quite quickly in search of the perfect find! Ready?...Then let’s take to the skies!
EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE
1771 U.S. 9, Clifton Park | 518-383-2215 785 U.S. 9, Latham | 518-785-8555 EarlBFeiden.com
DARK HORSE MERCANTILE 445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs ImpressionsSaratoga.com | 518-587-0689
Susan Blackburn Photography
My first stop at EARL B FEIDEN’S is with Vixen in mind…quite the wine connoisseur! The new Liebherr Drop Door Wine Cooler would be the perfect gift! With the capacity to hold up to 18 bottles of wine, this Push-to-Open wine cooler installs flush with the cabinetry face…perfect for a bar or even the master closet I dare say! It’s luxury and elegance wrapped up in one for any beverage aficionado…creating an intimate experience with the option of a black or white exterior finish. Telescoping shelves and interior LED lighting across the top allows for the selection of “best paired wines with a charcuterie board” a tranquil undertaking. Now, Dasher is more of a connoisseur of spirits, who loves to find new ways of presenting guests with options to influence flavor, aroma and appearances of served cocktails. At THE DARK HORSE in downtown Saratoga, I found a Smoked Starter Kit for the bar! Never heard of it? Much like smoking food, you can smoke a drink…it’s easy…first, select one of the wood bricks. Then use a cocktail torch to burn the wood brick until it has an independent flame (about 30 seconds). Next, using an empty glass, turn it upside down and cover the flame. While the glass is smoking, craft your cocktail then strain it into your smoked glass with optional ice. It’s a whole new experience in tasting! I also found the Smoking Duo Kit which is fabulous for those aspiring bartenders in your life like Dancer! Included in the kit is a Smoking Saucer…once you’ve had the pleasure of its sophisticated addition to your beverage, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without it! You’ll also find elements from the Old-Fashioned Kit including two Sphere Ice Molds. By placing the saucer atop your poured beverage, you can encounter the smoking sensation as it unfolds… Magnifique!!
FINISHING TOUCHES HOME DECOR
450 E High Street, Ballston Spa
FinishingTouchesStore.com | 518-584-1490
GRANITE & MARBLE WORKS
8 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton GraniteAndMarbleworks.com | 518-584-2800
On the coldest of days, I know Cupid is a lover of a good wood burning fireplace; cozying up with his pipe and bathrobe after a long holiday dash. FINISHING TOUCHES just so happened to have this hand forged, Gold Branch Decorative Fireplace Screen in stock! The delicate detailing of hammered iron reminded me of the woods and the trails we travel during the warmer months when our schedules aren’t so busy! The reflective glow of the fire will be oh so relaxing on the bright gold leaf finish as well! It’s just the perfect size at 47 W X 32 H X 6 D… Sold! And for Donner, I just so happen to know that all sorts of boxes are top of the list! Always being a sport at the back of our pack, I thought it deserving to wrap up this Hippodrome Box as a special treat! The oblong metal container is crafted of steel with a highly distressed acid brass finish. The travertine honed top offers soft edges with a large racetrackshaped handle to compliment its overall shape. With a gorgeous black velvet interior, I know Donner will store his cherished gold whistle used for training the newbies for Santa’s team as he did for me all those years ago! Definitely a gift worthy of giving! For Comet, the view to earth from above is a love-language! I just so happen to take a peek into GRANITE & MARBLE WORKS to find the last of the Rainforest Green Soapstone available in inventory. It’s simply spectacular with its pretty greens and rich coloring running through it! The field of stone appears to mimic the Rainforest as seen from high above in the skies…I’m sure Comet will adore a new kitchen countertop from this slab… especially as its from Brazil, one of the warmer, favored stops along our holiday route!
For fun, I made a trip over to LAKESIDE FARM COUNTRY STORE where I reminisced about my youth and all the kids that would visit to feed me and say hello! The store was full of wonderful items to choose from! I know Prancer is a big collector of seasonal knickknacks and would adore this Lit Boy Reindeer Gourd decked out in a woolen scarf and snowflake cut-out detail on its belly! It can even be illuminated with the included electric light…Honestly…this little guy has some similarities to Prancer! HaHa!!
Now, there’s this new trend that’s soaring off the charts called Infinity Lights which I wanted to know more about. So, I stopped in at ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE to find out what they knew before the rush overtook us! Wouldn’t you know, there I found a brightly colored 12" Cardinal Indoor Tabletop Infinity Light that Blitzen would be excited to find on Christmas morning! What’s all the fuss…it’s the endless light array, echoing a never-ending, showstopper of holiday cheer! Simply explained, this optical illusion is created by concealing a standard mirror between two 2-way mirrors at an angle. LED strips are placed between these resulting in never-ending light bouncing off the sandwiched standard mirror, casting light into…infinity. I purchased mine, better get over here before you miss out!
And what would Christmas be without a gift for the two most generous people in the world…Mr. & Mrs. Claus! With a quick dash over to the lake, I headed straight to THE FURNITURE HOUSE to pick up this splendid Hand Painted
Nutcracker Decorative Pillow with a green ribbon knife edge. Mrs. C has a full ensemble of Nut Cracker elements and will cherish this new addition in her collection. For the Big Guy, he appreciates a long winter's nap after his big haul on Christmas Eve. I spied the perfect Eastham Throw in Sable to help him settle into his recliner in front of the fireplace… Phew…I think that’s it!
Aren’t you glad you came along with me now? Look at all the ideas you have for your own personal shopping! Be sure to take the time this holiday season to visit all the local Saratoga shops for all your stocking stuffers and underthe-tree goodies…Tell them all I sent you! I’m headed back north…but I’ll be sure to stop by on Christmas Eve with all my friends and our dear Santa! Don’t forget the carrots!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All!
Until next time my friends,
Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC
Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer
Certified Aging in Place
True Color Expert colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM SS
Honoring Yesteryear in Modern-Day Times DIY
THERESA ST. JOHN
T“Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.”
- THE HISTORY OF LOVE
here's a unique and personal touch that comes with DIY décor –and not everyone masters the art of it. I was lucky to meet two of these creatives – happily married and ecstatic about retirement. They have a blast following Pinterest and drumming up their own projects, combining cool items from yesteryear and today to make something unique that has their stamp on it.
I think almost everyone who wed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s can relate to this: married life starts out sparse. Furniture may be practical hand-me-downs from parents and grandparents, filling each room of newlywed apartments with nostalgic memories rather than high-ticket items from popular brands in an interior design shop.
“I guess you could say I was a hoarder,” Betsy laughs when she tells a few of her friends about the early years married to Kerry, her husband of nearly 48 years. Four or five of us mingle around a counter filled with Christmas foods, little welcoming treats we enjoy over a drink, and great conversation one winter afternoon at a small holiday party. “When anyone moved out of our childhood home, I shamelessly took what they left behind. Other things were handed down, and we even went dump-digging – which was a ‘thing’ back in the day!” You can sense the closeness between the couple, and I’m not surprised when Betsy reveals they got married on October 16th, 1976. “We chose that day because Hallmark said it was the ‘Sweetest Day of The Year’ – and we surely felt that way, blessed beyond measure.” Looking over at their wedding photo hanging on the wall of one room, we can almost feel the emotions of that long-ago day.
WRITTEN &
I learn that her father-in-law gifted items to the young couple, how Kerry’s aunt loved refinishing old, cast-off pieces of furniture and taught them how to do the same, and that there was a beloved business they frequented – the Henry Moak Antique Barn, where ‘boxed lots’ were auctioned off. They got many great items by out-bidding others.
“We didn’t have kids right away, and we didn’t have much money either,” Kerry tells me as we stand in the kitchen of their welcoming home. “But that didn’t mean Betsy couldn’t make great gifts for family and friends throughout the year.”
Indeed, she talks about being crafty, creating things with pinecones, baking delicious plates of cookies or other sweets, and making tons of presents with her infamous glue gun. “We put a lot of heart into everything we made and hoped family and friends could appreciate that.” Their sons Jonah (43) and Wesley (41) are married themselves and embrace how much fun mom and dad have with their DIY projects.
Betsy tells us that one of her favorite Christmas gifts to make was to take a pinecone, dry it out, and paint the underside. “They looked like mum plants, and everyone was thrilled to get them!”
Looking around the happy couple’s property set out in the lush green countryside, a picturesque landscape that must be dotted with vibrant wildflowers and towering oak trees during the warmer months, everything I see appears to have the past attached to it. Handmade ornaments, old-fashioned Santas arranged on the deep shelves of a wood cabinet, a collection of wellused rolling pins set off to one side of a table.
A beautiful woodsy theme stands proudly in the living room area. “Kerry took an old leftover log that we kept holding on to – for, I don’t know – two years maybe, hollowed it out, stripped off the bark, and made room for this succulent terrarium. I just strung the lights to liven it up a bit.” Betsy says. A few of us stand around it, oohing and ahhing over their ingenuity. Under a tree, Betsy’s Mom’s Baked Beans recipe is written out, sewn, and decorated with delicate crossstitching. So many things we spy seem reverent to family, home, and love.
Upstairs in the hallway, I look down and see the prettiest design working its way around the edge of the wood flooring. When I asked what it was made of and if Betsy had created it, she happily told me she had used napkins and decoupaged them to the floor. I grin and exclaim, “How on earth did you come up with that idea?” You guessed it—Pinterest. And Betsy ordered the napkins on Amazon. Man, things I’d never think of!
Their adorable pup, Bella, follows us around each room, even sitting in front of a set of doors showcasing curtains made from linen napkins sewn together in a colorful patchwork design. We wandered around this comfy, cozy home for a few hours, admiring the everyday decor and holiday decorations while enjoying platters of hot and cold food. It gave us ideas to work on to spruce up our own homes, but I wasn’t kidding myself. I didn’t have the creative knack Betsy and Kerry had, and I didn’t mind admitting out loud that it would never happen!!
Saying our goodbyes with hugs and laughter, ready to brave the freezing temps outside, we tucked the warmth of our holiday visit with us, waving from the car windows to the couple standing side by side, hugging in the doorway.
In the Kitchen
JOHN REARDON WITH
Hello my Foodie Friends!
‘Tis the season of giving, and there’s no better time to spread happiness and kindness than during the holidays! The holiday season is my favorite time of year – and gift giving is one of my favorite things to do!
Ah…having the opportunity to shower those I care for with gifts. Everybody knows that giving gifts is a great way to express your appreciation for others. Not only does it make the gift receiver happy, but it makes the gift giver happy as well. Giving gifts during the holidays also promotes greater connections with your loved ones. Gift-giving is something that comes from one’s heart. It does feel great to be on the receiving end, but there is a feeling of satisfaction when you are the one giving the gifts.
Christmas at my house was always a big event for our family. My mother’s family was very big, and we all traveled to each other’s houses for the holidays. Christmas day would always begin at our house opening gifts, and afterwards traveling to each cousin’s house. We all lived within five miles of each other, so it was not a long drive to get to each one. As I remember, there would be six stops that ultimately ended at my Uncle Woofy’s house. My mother’s family started in Sicily with the birth of my Aunt Ma’am Ma, who was ten years older than my mom (who was born in the USA). My aunt was the selfappointed head of the family, and my mom wasn’t happy about it. To me she was a wonderful aunt because I was her favorite. To my mom she was a bit bossy.
Every Christmas, my mother nervously awaited the arrival of her sister. There was a bit of a cooking competition between the two sisters. If you have been reading my articles, then you’ll know that my mom’s meatballs were legendary. All the cousins and other aunts and uncles’ families would stop over on days she made meatballs. However, this would not go over well with my Aunt Ma’am Ma. She would arrive with a lot of fanfare and people helping her carry in the gifts for the kids and - a 30qt stock pot - full of her meatballs. On the stove (of course!) was my mom’s 30qt stock pot full of her meatballs. When my Aunt Ma’am Ma would arrive, she would proclaim to everyone, “Here, get these heated up.” She would take my mom’s pot off the stove and put her stock pot in its place. As you can imagine my mom, by now was gritting her teeth and rolling her eyes. What was my Irish truck driver Dad doing at this point during the meatball competition? He would have a huge grin on his face every year and divert the focus to opening the gifts for the children. I was always first and I can still remember the first year of my Aunt Ma’am Ma’s special gift for me. It was an Avon aftershave cologne glass car! Remember the company Avon? As I opened the gift, I would excitedly say “Wow, it looks so cool!” I was six years old at that time, and my aunt said I could now shave. I immediately found a mirror and began my shaving gestures splashing the Avon cologne all over myself. Every Christmas for six years in a row, my aunt would give me a new Avon Cologne car. She would say, “Hold on to them Johnny, they’ll be worth something someday.”
Looking for that unique gift idea?
The best gifts for foodies often involve a gift that they would not often splurge on for themselves. If you need help with what to wrap up for the holidays, we’ve got some ideas that will please even the most discerning gourmands on your list.
Knives: Give the gift of high-quality knives during this holiday season to someone special. Gifting knives isn't just about cutting, it's about creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Whenever they use it, they will remember you with a smile. Surprise your loved one by gifting some amazing knives. A knife set is truly the ultimate gift for a friend or loved one. Barbecue and home-cooking aficionados alike can make use of a lovely, hand-forged knife set as a treasured kitchen tool for many years. From smaller chef’s knives to massive meat cleavers, we have a variety of beautiful options for the loved one who you want to honor with something special this year.
Cookware: Cookware might not seem like a glamorous gift but to anyone who loves cooking, a well-made, artfully designed piece of cookware is a dream gift. Cooking with exceptionally well-made tools is a transformative experience in every way; they speed up cooking time, cook things evenly and are endlessly durable. Treat the chef in your life to one of our cookware gems, you’ll reap the tasty rewards later.
Just a love for gadgets: Can’t decide on a gift for your favorite foodie? Perhaps a needed gadget such as a micro plane zester, a peeler, a whisk, mixing bowls, an electric tea kettle, pepper and salt mills, a mortar and pestle, cutting boards, BBQ tools, thermometers…the list goes on!
Not sure what to give this holiday season? Let us help you find that unique, unexpected gift for the person who already has everything at Compliments to the Chef; your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. We have a great assortment of kitchen accessories to get your young Foodies started. It is a gift worth giving. Stop in and ask me any questions you may have.
Oh, and I checked online what my aunt’s gifts are going for these days and they are selling for $29.99 but to me they are priceless. Also, I finally got the courage to ask my dad why he didn’t stick up for my mom’s meatballs when my aunt brought her meatballs knowing that my mom already had them. He said, “Son, who was number one and who was number two didn’t concern me because you never come between two Sicilian sisters when there is food involved. Besides, I was looking at 60 quarts of meatballs!” Each year when we froze the leftover meatballs, I ate like a king all winter.
Remember my Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”
Take Care & Happy Holidays! Treasure the memories. - John & Paula
Old World Authentic Italian Meatballs
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound ground chuck 80/20 mix
• ½ pound ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or ¼ cup dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 ¼ cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ cup milk
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add first 8 ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl and top with milk. Using your hands, mix all ingredients together for several minutes until well combined, then form into balls.
IF YOU ARE COOKING IN SAUCE:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in skillet. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, turning frequently to avoid scorching. Cook just until fully browned, then remove and cook in pasta sauce for at least 90 minutes, until fully cooked through.
IF YOU ARE BAKING:
1. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper and place meatballs on top of parchment paper. Bake in 400-degree preheated oven for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.
IF YOU ARE PAN FRYING:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add meatballs and cook, turning frequently to brown evenly and avoid scorching. Cook 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the meatballs, until internal temperature is 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.
NOTES: If the meat mixture is too dry, add another egg, or add milk or water by the tablespoon and mix in until it reaches desired level of moisture.
If the meat mixture is too wet, add breadcrumbs by the tablespoon and mix in until it reaches desired consistency.
Recipe courtesy of Nancy Blackstone at fourchild.com
Recipe Photo by Ashley Cuoco
Entertaining
RALPH VINCENT WITH
Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will love… and you will too!
Are you a SNOW BIRD
reading this from a warm sunny locale… …or preparing to leave soon?
Pack these Recipes! Vanilla Pear Buzz
Ingredients per drink:
• 4 ounces of pear nectar
• 2 ounces of vanilla flavored vodka
• 1 teaspoon of lime juice
• 2 dashes of aromatic cocktail bitters
• Thin pear and lime slices to garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Measure the first four ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice filled “low ball” glass or tumbler. Garnish with a pear and lime slice. Cheers!
As you know… I feel that a party, just isn’t a party, without a good drink or two, and in this case three! First up is my “Pear and Vanilla Buzz,” with only four ingredients it is a breeze to make. Lime juice and aromatic bitters balance this blend of pear nectar and vanilla flavored vodka. Second in line is “Snowbird Sangria.” Make by the pitcher full (!!) This wine-based drink is spiked with orange liqueur and sweetened with mango nectar and fresh fruit. Number three is my alcohol-free “Blueberry Breeze Mocktail.” Lime juice and aromatic bitters lend a cocktail like complexity to this refreshing drink. (Can you tell I was thinking of the beach as I was building these recipes?!)
Now let’s look at some delish party nibbles. Most of us don’t think of strawberries when we think of salsa, but that’s what you will find in my Strawberry Salsa Fresca. Fresh cilantro and flat leaf parsley contrast deliciously with sweet strawberries, while jalapeno pepper adds just enough heat to this novel take on classic salsa. My Apple and Honey Flatbread Pizza is sweet and savory with apple slices resting atop melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese and drizzled with honey. My Dill Pickle and Radish Spread is a crowd pleaser. Creamy and rich with crunchy pickles, and radishes, this spread will disappear quickly! I hope you enjoy these recipes. Have fun in your kitchen cooking (and making drinks!) for the people you love, and remember...
it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good!
• One 750 ml bottled of Pinot Grigio
• I cup of mango nectar
• ½ cup of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier of Gran Gala
• 1 ripe mango peeled and cut into slices or cubes
• 1 navel orange thinly sliced
• 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries
DIRECTIONS:
Place the fruit into a large pitcher. Pour the Pinot Grigio, mango nectar, and orange liqueur over the fruit and stir to combine. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. To serve scoop some of the fruit into a white wine glass and fill with the Sangria. Cheers!
Ingredients per drink:
• 4 ounces of blueberry juice
• 2 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail
• 1 teaspoon of lime juice
• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
• Fresh blueberries and thin lime slices to garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Pour the first four ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice filled red wine glass. Float 3 or 4 blueberries and add a lime slice to garnish. Cheers!
Snowbird
Sangria
Blueberry Breeze Mocktail
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
Dill Pickle & Radish Spread
• One 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup of chopped dill pickles
• ½ cup of chopped radishes
• ¼ cup of minced sweet onion
• 1/3 cup of brine from the pickle jar
• 1 teaspoon of dried dill or 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill
DIRECTIONS: Place the cream cheese, pickle jar brine, and dill into a medium size bowl and stir until combined and smooth. Stir in the pickles, radishes and onion. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors combine. Serve with your favorite crackers or vegetable dippers.
Apple & Honey Flatbread Pizza
• Two 7 ounce ready to use flatbreads, like Stone fire Artisan brand
• 1 large apple thinly sliced. I find Gala or Granny Smith apples work well in this recipe
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella chees
• 2 teaspoons of dried thyme
• 6 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS: Preheat your oven per the directions on the flatbread package. Spread 1 & ½ teaspoons of olive oil on both sides of each flatbread and place on a baking sheet. Combine the cheeses and thyme in a bowl and divide the mixture between both flatbreads. Arrange ½ of the apple slices on top of each flatbread and bake per package directions or until the cheese is nicely melted. Remove from the oven and drizzle each flatbread with 1 tablespoon of honey, and season with salt to taste. Cut each flatbread into quarters to serve.
Strawberry Salsa Fresca
• 2 cups of strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup of minced purple onion
• ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup of flat leaf parsley chopped
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or honey
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in the lime juice and the agave nectar or honey. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Serve with tortilla or pita chips.
The holidays are around the corner, and it’s time to get those special gifts for the homesteaders in your life! ‘Tis the season of giving, and the beauty of giving to your homesteader - is that they will more than likely give back to you and your community all year long!
Gifts for the HOMESTEADER
Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County has put together a list of our top gift idea recommendations to make your shopping season a little easier!
COMPILED BY GIANNA PENNACCHIA, NUTRITION RESOURCE EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
NUT MILK MAKER:
Fresh Homemade Plant-based milk in less than a minute
Making nut, seed, or grain-based milk is a creative and healthy way to customize your blend of milk and try other plant-based recipes. If you’re lactose intolerant or looking to incorporate different recipes like oat milk for instance into your diet, a nut milk maker can make the process incredibly efficient! In addition, store-bought plant-based milk can be thin, watery, and have additional gums like guar gum, gellan gum, xanthan gum, or locust bean gum to prevent separation and extend shelf life. Additional gums may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, bloating, or impacts on gut microbiome. Making your own nut milk ensures that only the freshest ingredients are found in your plant-based milk, without any additives.
The Almond Cow Milk Machine makes it easy to create delicious, homemade plantbased milk in just minutes. Simply add your favorite nuts, seeds, or grains, and let the machine do the rest. No mess or hassle, just fresh plant-based milk at the push of a button. Create your personalized recipes using your favorite wholesome ingredients, go from milk to nut milk in 60 seconds, and enjoy pure, plant-based milk without any additives. In addition, Almond Cow is a sustainable product where every homemade batch saves a carton from going into the environment. Visit Almond Cow’s Website and check out “The Milk Maker” which is now $50 off for a selected time, $199.95.
COMPLETE SOURDOUGH KIT:
Start making your own sourdough bread with this kit that has all a homesteader needs to get started!
Experience the health benefits of gluten-free sourdough bread with the homemade gluten-free sourdough starter kit, perfect for those looking to eat healthy and delicious sourdough bread! The Complete Sourdough Break Starter Kit features a glass sourdough starter jar with a tracking band and temperature strip, sourdough proofing baskets, silicone baking mat, whisk, bread scoring lame and scoring utensils, dough slicer and more! Recipe and guidebooks are also included to provide in-depth education on the art of sourdough bread making with step-by-step instructions, and delicious recipes! Purchase this kit on Amazon for $79.95 and enjoy having everything the homesteader needs to start making delicious and nutritious homemade sourdough bread.
COMPLETE DEHYDRATOR COOKBOOK: How to Dehydrate Fruit, Vegetables, Meat & More
Drying fruits for fruit leather, vegetables for veggie chips, or meats for jerky this season is always a valuable and beloved method of home food preservation amongst homesteaders. The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook: How to Dehydrate Fruit, Vegetables, Meats & More is the perfect present for anyone looking to learn more about dehydrating their favorite snacks! This all-in-one guide is easy, affordable, and costs just $9.18 on Amazon, and pairs delicious, dehydrated foods with easy-tonavigate guidance that will get you drying in no time. Whether preserving seasonal crops or making protein-packed camping snacks, this dehydrator cookbook takes you through the ins and outs of dehydrating, storing, and rehydrating a wide variety of foods. Brimming with 125 simple dehydrator recipes for everything from stews and curries to herbal teas and spice blends to ready-to-eat breads, crackers, and cookies, this cookbook is a great gift this holiday season!
FOR THE HOMESTEADER WITH LIVESTOCK CRITTERS...
COMPILED BY
NICOLINA VENTI,
AGRICULTURE EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
A LIVESTOCK FIRST AID-KIT
Now, when it comes to doctoring animals on the homestead, that can look very different from farm to farm as it depends on the animals, but the basic necessities to take care of the critters before the vet gets there are the same! Now, many of us have these items; however, they get used up, and it's not always on our mind to restock. This is a great gift as we all can use it… well, you know the saying you don’t need it until you NEED it, and when you do, it’s a lifesaver! 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 5 7 5 6
CONTAINER
You can use anything as a tool box... an old bucket, a backpack, a saddle bag, whatever fits the lifestyle of your homesteader! (for very large First Aid -Kits, suitcases are a great idea!)
Cost: $10-$50
IODINE
This is one of the best and most basic wound cleaners we use it from skin condition to hooves!
Cost: $12-$30
VET WRAP
From a dog's paw to an abscess in my horse's hoof, vet wraps’ uses are endless, and when you need to bandage anything, this is the best go-to stuff!
Cost: $2.99-$5
7
COTTON GAUZE
These are great to clean a wound or to pack and apply bandages. They do have washable wraps as well.
Cost: $10-$25
STETHOSCOPE
From respiration rate to heart rates to monitoring gut sounds, these are lifesaving to have on the homestead. I don’t recommend getting a super expensive one. They work great but a cheaper one will get the job done!
Cost: $20-$80
THERMOMETER
Now, if you have ever been on any farm or homestead, you know one thing: you should always have two thermometers. One is for the people, and the other for the livestock – and you ask which is which before using it! All kidding aside, these are great to have around and can help you get information to communicate with your vet. I like digital, but the old fashions work great, too!
Cost: $8-$20
GLOVES
A pack of sterile disposable gloves is great to have. This is one of those things not many people think to put int their first aid kit and as someone who has pulled theirs out a lot over the years, when you NEED gloves, you want gloves!
Cost: $20-$40
If you are making this first aid kit for your homesteader, feel free to add some human first aid supplies as well. I can tell you my animal's first aid kit is very wellequipped. As for the humans’… I have found the vet wrap and iodine get the job done for me too!
If you know your homesteader well, you can add animal-specific items as well. This was a gift I received a few years ago, and I have stolen the idea and gifted it to others. It's awesome. It's something we all need and use; it’s a good feeling to give someone something that is not only thoughtful but very practical as well!
THE WORDEN CORNER ON BROADWAY AT DIVISION STREET, LOOKING WEST, CIRCA 1905. Library of Congress image, control number 2016815215.
HISTORY
Dashing through the snow on evening community sleigh rides from the Worden Hotel to Saratoga Lake were a feature of the Winter Carnival of 1923 when this image was captured. Courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
Seasons Of The Inn
WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL
Division Street in Saratoga Springs is so named as it originally was the boundary between the founding Putnam and Walton family properties. Division Street terminates at Broadway, and this important intersection has long been the location of hostelries, which continues presently with the Spa City Motor Lodge.
This site had formerly been occupied by the Worden Hotel, one of the last old-style hotels in Saratoga, which opened in 1866 and was originally called The Marvin House, in honor of the mortgage holder. The name was later changed to The Arlington Hotel, until 1885 when the operation was purchased by William W. Worden. Mr. Worden’s House had a special distinction in the nineteenth century, a boiler and steam generated source of heat, humanizing upstate New York’s wicked winter weather. The proximity of the D&H Railroad tracks, and the coal storage bins under Division Street’s sidewalks made this possible. This was a distinction over nearby competitors at the Grand Union, United States Hotel, Congress Hall and the Kensington, which all operated on a seasonal basis and were mothballed during the frigid season.
In addition to overnight accommodations, this hotel had several public congregation rooms to stage events and a famous tavern grill, in rathskeller style.
The Worden became the gathering place for folks who lived in Saratoga Springs year-around, and complemented other four-season downtown establishments such as Convention Hall and the Saratoga Baths on nearby Phila Street. Winter guests arrived in town for ‘Saratobogganing,’ with the Worden providing sleigh transport to the slides.
The Worden was a prominent masonry structure, in the best Broadway Hotel style of Saratoga Springs. The elevatorequipped inn stood five stories tall, with the fifth floor being incorporated into a slate covered mansard roof and spiked with lancet dormers. The
columned two-story veranda faced Broadway, with the entrance to the rathskeller beneath that construction.
The Worden hosted many distinguished guests through the years, including an array of the legends in Thoroughbred racing. Mark Twain stayed at the Worden, when he arrived to see General Grant at Mount McGregor, in the former President’s final days. During the festive season, Santa Claus always stopped by.
The lobby of the Worden was lined with warm knotty pine wainscoting below patterned wallpaper, with builtin bookcases flanking one welcoming fireplace, with a second across a room of upholstered furniture. Each fireplace was near a lobby outdoor entrance, which during the holidays provided a congenial glow, circulated by fans extending from the tin ceiling. The Division Street side of the Worden building contained embedded storefronts, and that lobby entrance provided access to the Rose Room, which was popular for holiday season gatherings. Across Division Street from the Worden stood the renowned United States Hotel; the piazza along that thoroughfare was known as “Millionaire’s Row,” a famous physical feature of financial fitness.
W.W. Worden was a 77th Regiment Civil War veteran and former sheriff. He had other interests besides operating a major hotel, such as producing an open air theatre. He was a principal in Adirondack Trust and the Congress Spring Company, New York State Republican Party delegate, operated a mining company in Hadley, and became the Saratoga Springs Postmaster, appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Worden was an integral component of Saratoga Springs in all seasons.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of 1884, detailing the location of the then Arlington Hotel, later the Worden
Mr. Worden played a critical role in the 1900 sale of Saratoga Race Course, as he was a trusted go-between to both parties in the transaction. He would become a director of the Saratoga Association and sponsored a valuable stakes race, in the fine tradition of the Spa hotels.
Due to Mr. Worden’s diverse business interests, he hired Joseph E. Kelly to manage the Worden, and this gentleman would eventually purchase the hotel upon his predecessor’s retirement. Following his 1916 death, his widow, Anna Kelly, ran the Worden until 1918 when she sold it to the refined Edward C. Sweeny.
The new owner, who lived in the building, prided himself on the highest level of service and providing excellent cuisine. He began using the advertising mantra “modern, in every respect.” He made numerous improvements to the “New Worden,” focusing on the ambiance of the reception rooms and the grill, which remained a popular location for local holiday celebrations where food, drink and decorations added to the merriment.
Proprietor Sweeny commissioned artist Edward P. Buyck to produce several murals that gave the Worden Inn a distinctive atmosphere, which limned Saratoga Springs unique history. Mr. Buyck’s first love was a horse, as he had been a mounted hunter and polo player in his home country of Belgium. He found work with thoroughbred owner and breeder William Woodward, master of Belair Stud, whose white with red polka dot silks were carried by two Triple Crown winners. His position with Belair allowed him to visit Saratoga Springs at the time the turf was dominated by Willis Sharpe Kilmer’s Exterminator, and Sam Riddle’s Man o’ War, and he was on hand to witness Big Red’s triumph in the Travers Stakes of 1920. Naturally, this was the inspiration for the mural he created in the Worden rathskeller, depicting that exciting finish. Edward C. Sweeny died in 1945, and Saratoga lost a community champion. Besides operating the Worden, he was the lessee of the state-owned Gideon Putnam Hotel, and in 1943 was part of a group that purchased and re-opened the Grand Union Hotel. He was Vice President of the New York State Hotel Men’s Association, Vice President of Adirondack Trust, director of the Chamber of Commerce, Commissioner of Public Safety, served on the board of the Saratoga Hospital and was a charter member of the McGregor Golf Links.
Ownership of the Worden passed to theater magnate William E. Benton, and following his death in 1951, the hotel became a corporate entity. As track season was ready to get underway at the Spa for 1961, a very unfortunate occurrence took place. The Saratogian on July 26 reported, “Twenty-four guests escaped safely early today, when a smoky fire, causing an estimated $100,000 damage, broke out in the 122-room Worden Inn, a 95-year-old landmark in heart of Broadway. Three firemen were hospitalized. Management said the hotel will be closed for an indefinite period. Three valuable murals, hanging in the gutted basement bar and dining room, were destroyed. Heavy damage was reported to the first floor of the hotel, while the second, third and fourth floors were hit by some fire, but mostly water and smoke. . .The murals, painted by a Dutchman identified only as Byack [sic], had hung in the bar since the early Twenties. One painting depicted the famous Travers of 1920, showing Man o' War winning the race with John P. Grier second and Upset third. The other murals, management said, showed the original Worden Inn and High Rock Spring.”
All seasons advertisement from Saratoga Chips and Carlsbad Wafers by Nathan Sheppard, 1887
New Year’s celebrations went on for three days in 1916.
Nearby Pitney's Dairy donated gallons of milk to be served to courageous firemen, soothing their smoke irritated throats, and only minor injuries were suffered in the conflagration. Two days later the same daily publication reported the heartwrenching headline “Worden Inn Slated For Demolition.”
Some efforts were made toward saving the antique structure; however, preservation efforts in Saratoga Springs were not as robust as they are presently. Ellen Qua wrote in the Albany Times-Union,
“To be or not to be is the moot question regarding historic Worden Inn, victim of a $100,000 damage fire early the morning of July 26. Whether it will suffer the slings and sways of the demolishing hammer or resume its rightful place in the community is a question of dollars and sentiments.”
A faulty air compressor, or its wiring, in the below-grade tavern was found to have been the cause of the fire. As the unoccupied structure awaited its fate, a safety fence was erected around the building, which was assembled from the doors removed from the hotel rooms inside, sadly all still labeled with their room number. It took until the late winter of 1963 for all the legal hurdles to be cleared allowing the Worden Inn to be demolished, and construction started on the New Worden Motel, which became the Saratoga Downtowner.
There was much lament over the loss of the old pile, and this sorrow was recorded for years afterward in many publications.
On the pages of the July 27, 1969 New York Times, Frank Sullivan, Algonquin Round Table member and the Sage of Saratoga, gives us an idea how keenly the impact was felt,
“When we were a lad of 60, on the Sunday afternoon before the opening of the Saratoga meeting, the visiting firemen of the turf always gathered in joyful session at the bar of the Worden hotel, now defunct because of fire. Before filing so much as a comma for their journals, the turf writers and friends reported at the Worden bar for our annual Varnishing Day. Varnishing Day is, we hear, a rite observed by artists and has something to do with shellacking their various masterpieces before an exhibition. At our Varnishing Day, we boys shellacked ourselves and each other with liberal applications of Scotch or Bourbon, and without that Worden get-together the Saratoga meeting could not have been considered opened. It was like a college reunion. Racing writers who had actually not seen each other since the previous afternoon at Belmont embraced like long-lost brothers and varnished each other. It was a ceremony of warmth and it is gone, like too many other pleasant features of the past decades.”
The Yuletide custom of jollity at the Worden Inn was lost with that revered structure. There is a historic marker on Broadway that mentions the Worden, and the Bluebird Chain continues to carry on the hostelry trade at this site.
Antique postcard view of the Worden Hotel.
Rathskeller bar at the Worden Hotel in 1945 with the Edward P. Buyck mural on the far wall of Man o’ War disposing of Upset and John P. Grier in the 1920 Travers Stakes. An important element of this painting was that in 1919 Upset was the only horse to ever finish ahead of Man o’ War. Courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
The Rose Room dining parlor at the Worden Hotel which displayed murals created by Edward P. Buyck, is prepared for entertaining in this 1945 image. Courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection of the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
Christmas Dinner at “The Worden” was an annual tradition for decades; the terms Worden Hotel, Worden House and Worden Inn were used interchangeably through the years.
This photo from the George S. Bolster Collection courtesy of the Saratoga History Museum were taken when George Serrota leased the property from New York State.
Mittler’s Market and More
Life is coming full circle for me," said Steve Mittler, the owner of the new Mittler's Market at the corner of Phila and Putnam. Steve's inspiration traces back to his grandfather, William Walsh, who ran a grocery store in Troy. Now, Steve brings that same spirit to his market, which has its own eclectic charm. "It's a new beginning, not just for me, but for the whole neighborhood," he said.
As a Lake Avenue resident, Steve often found himself frustrated by the absence of nearby options for essentials like a bottle of water or some Advil. With the last of the local corner stores gone, he saw an opportunity to bring the idea back with a fresh twist— expanding from a grocery store complete with a candy wall and shelves of everyday sundries to an eatery with a player piano open to community members who want to perfect their craft. Mittler's Market is not just a place to shop but a unique community hub where you can find the unexpected and the delightful.
Steve Mittler enjoys a quick break from his 8 a.m.- 6 pm day at 33 Phila Street market, on the same spot as George Serotta sat 90 years ago
Photo provided
After completing the necessary renovations, Steve filled his restaurant with upcycled tables from the old Cantina/Professor Moriarty's/Lillian's at 432 Broadway and other furnishings on Facebook Marketplace.
Mittler opened his Market on June 1, 2024, joining a legacy of local entrepreneurs who found new beginnings at this historic corner in the heart of "The Gut," a low-laying area once filled with predominantly Jewish merchants who served visitors seeking our healing springs. Mittler's Market is not just a new business but a continuation of a rich historical tradition, a living link to the past that we can all cherish.
The property originally housed the laundry facility of the famous Saratoga Bath House at 25 Phila Street. Before 1863, Phila Street did not extend to Broadway. Instead, a covered walkway alongside the Bath House led people to the Broadway Arcade Building.
In the late 1920s, the corner of Phila and Putnam sat waiting for a new beginning. The Bath House was razed in 1928, and the State Reservation Commission took over the property that was once linked to the healing waters of Putnam Spring.
New York State Archives image of the Saratoga Baths, 25 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Identifier NYSA_14297-87_312
The bathhouse at 25 Phila Street was torn down in 1928. To the left of the bathhouse was a covered walkway that led pedestrians to the Arcade Building and onto Broadway. The map above indicates the laundry room was to the right of the structure, currently home of Mittler’s Market.
Meanwhile, two of Saratoga's newer residents were ready for a fresh start. George and Manya Serotta, Ukrainian immigrants seeking a new life far from their homeland's turmoil, arrived in the United States on the Fourth of July in 1921. Their journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of early immigrants. George and his wife faced many obstacles in obtaining the necessary passports and securing the money George's brother David sent to make the arduous trip from Ukraine. They were ready for a new beginning in Saratoga Springs.
Initially, George worked for his brother at Serotta's Grocery Store at 37 Phila St., which is currently Bailey's. Once Prohibition was lifted, George decided to open a more profitable liquor store across the street. He was lucky enough to procure a 20-year lease from New York State, which controlled the land where the bathhouse once stood.
In 1936, he built a one-story brick building with two commercial spaces, opening a liquor store on the Putnam Street side and renting out the Phila Street side to Tracy's Food Market. The Serottas’ immigrant story was aptly summed up in a July 1, 1949 Saratogian article, "Both Mr. and Mrs. Serotta have worked hard during the last 28 years to attain success in business, in the process of which they have earned the respect and admiration of their Saratoga Springs neighbors."
Mayna and George Serotta
This spot was also the beginning—an incubator — for two other beloved mom-and-pop staples in our community: Mrs. London's Bake Shop and Four Seasons Natural Foods. The bake shop delighted customers with their mouth-watering pastries at 33 Phila from 1977- 1985. A February 1983 New York Times article eloquently described this spot, "There is a landmark here known as Mrs. London's Bakeshop & Restaurant, a magnificently perfumed place where the aromas of vanilla and chocolate, almond paste and caramel, and jams and jellies intermingle."(Craig Claiborne, NYTIMES)
Subsequently, Four Seasons Natural Foods, a family-owned natural foods grocery store and café, moved to 33 Phila Street and flourished there for 30 years before expanding to a larger space on Henry Street. Their website describes their
effort to "create a warm and welcoming environment – call it 21st Century Hippie or relaxed or a California-ish store filled with natural, local and organic foods and products."
Next, 33 Phila Street opened its doors to Kristen Lambert, a former teacher, pursuing her dream of running a store. Her party supply store, Tailgate and Party, was an eye-catching addition to this corner. After a few years of long shop hours providing the community with fun products, Kristen decided to retire.
Steve seized the opportunity to follow the tradition of reinvention at this historic corner with Mittler's Market. I can't wait to see his store flourish on this corner of resilience and renewal, linking Saratoga Springs' past to its present.
Author’s note: Thanks to Mitch Cohen, Lisa Serotta Carrino, and Bill Orzell and Michelle Isopo for their assistance. SS
For many years, George Serotta rented out one side of his building to Tracey‘s Market.
The new eatery & bar area at Mittler's Market. Photos provided
Pete Milk Man the
WRITTEN BY GEORGE HANSTEIN
Ibelieve that there are people that you meet throughout your life that affect the way you view the world.
Pete, the milkman, was one of those people.
When I was a kid, my Dad worked for Curtis Wright. They built airplane parts. My dad started there after WWII and stayed until he was forced to retire at 65. He often worked the second or third shift. My dad was one of those guys that never missed a day of work. It was the kind of job that, back then, allowed you to raise a family, own a small house, and have one car. We were what you might call middle class. About once a month, we would go out, as a family, and have dinner at the local diner. We didn't have a lot, but we had what we needed.
The only downside of that type of job was that every so often, you would get "laid off." The worst part of layoffs was that the workers didn't know how long they would be out of work without a paycheck. Most of the time, my dad would be called back in less than a month, but I am sure that it caused anxiety. My parents never let me know of any problem, and things just seemed to go on as normal. The heat might have been lowered in the house a little, and we didn't go to the diner, but from my point of view, I liked it because my dad was home during the week.
When I was probably about 8 or 9, "the plant" had an extended layoff. I remember because my dad found other part-time work as a substitute guard at the jail and did handyman jobs for our neighbors.
A lot of people probably don't remember milkmen. We had an aluminum insulated box on our back porch. Pete "the milkman" (which is how we referred to him) would come in his milk truck twice a week and put two glass quarts of milk in the box. He was a friendly guy. He would arrive early and if I hadn't gotten up by the time he came with his delivery, I would be awakened by the clanging of the glass bottles and the slamming of the screen door on the porch as he left.
At some point during my dad's extended layoff, my dad asked Pete to deliver only one quart of milk twice a week. Things had gotten to the point, by then, that even as a little kid, I could feel a little tension in the house. I didn't fully understand, but I did know things were different. The next time Pete delivered, there were still two quarts of milk in the aluminum box. My dad approached Pete and inquired about it, wondering if Pete had forgotten. Pete knew about the layoff and told my dad that he was going to continue to
- Chris : )
deliver the same amount of milk as he always did and that my dad would not have to pay for it. My dad was a very, very honorable man and insisted that Pete only deliver what he could pay for. Pete agreed and then continued to deliver two quarts of milk twice a week.
After a while, my dad was finally called back to work. He had kept track of all the milk that Pete had delivered and paid him back every penny.
Some of this I write from memory, but some of it is because my parents told the story of "Pete the Milkman" often.
At some point, after I left home, Pete stopped delivering milk to my parents. It just became part of the past, but my parents would often talk about Pete and what a great guy he was. Eventually, my dad got Alzheimer's and forgot lots of things, but every once in a while, when I visited him, he would tell me the story of "Pete the Milkman." He forgot many, many things, but he never forgot Pete, and neither have I. Sometimes, it is the little things that mean the most.
I hope Pete's life ended up being a happy one. He deserved it.
I couldn’t resist adding a photo of one of my favorite milk bottles to this charming story.
When we first moved up from Long Island,we lived on Hunt's Dairy, and happening upon one of these old bottles while out “picking” is such a treat –bringing back such happy memories!
