Simply SARATOGA - Showcase of Homes Fall Edition 2018

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Fall 2018

SARATOGA Complimentary

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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

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Time is Money.

We Know You’re Busy...

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M A F

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It’s Time to Redefine the Family Drive.

• Mechanical Interior Exterior Safety • Mechanical • 2.0L Turbo DOHC with VVT engine • 250 hp • 295 lb-ft of torque • 8-speed automatic transmission • Smooth, effortless automatic shifting • Axle, 3.08 final drive ratio • Electronic locking rear differential with twin clutch • Advanced all-wheel drive system with active twin clutch • Adjusts torque to the wheel where slip is detected on slippery roads or around sharp corners

2018 GMC SIERRA, SCT PREMIUM PLUS

CREW CAB WITH SLT PREMIUM PLUS PACKAGE 5.3 V8 w/direct injection, variable valve timing Heated leather, heated steering wheel, heated mirrors Remote Starter Apple / Android car play Trailer package w/stability control, hill start asst., anti-trailer sway.

Bose stereo w/navigation.

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2018 REGAL TOURX LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN

A Buick unlike any you’ve ever imagined, the First-Ever Regal TourX is ruggedly styled to redefine what capability can look like. One glance at its design tells you it’s ready for adventure.

2018 BUICK ENCORE

2019 GMC TERRAIN

Stability control standard on front AWD Apple / Android car play Back up camera standard 4 yr/50K mile Buyer to Buyer Warranty on ALL Buick models 10 Airbags w/antilock brakes

SCULPTED TO STAND OUT EXTERIOR Twin clutch AWD w/driver select shift Touch button start and shift Stability control Apple / Android car play Capability to store something 8’ in length w/seating capability Back up camera standard

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LET US TELL YOUR STORY From layout and design to writing and photo editing our team does it all!

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Simply...

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell Creative Director & Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Magazine Designers Marisa Scirocco Kacie Cotter-Sacala Advertising Designers Morgan Rook Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers Samantha Bosshart Peter Bowden Colleen Coleman Jodi Fitz Carol Godette Anne Gordon Dennis G. Hogan Karen Krasny Charlie Kuenzel Emma LeMay Meghan Lemery Fritz Colleen Pierre Megin Potter Julie Maleski Putzel John Reardon Theresa St. John Pastor Jeff Stratton Jordana Turcotte Maureen Werther Ralph Vincent

Photographers

Susan Blackburn Alice Boardman Peter Bowden Colleen Coleman Brian Haynes Carl Heilman II Kaleb Ladd Cocca Megan Mumford Randall Perry Erin Reid Coker John Seymour Jaiden Wood Super Source Media

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Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487

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Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2018, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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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.

PETER BOWDEN Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years.

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

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.

JODIE FITZ Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club. She released two cookbooks in 2015; The Chaotic Kitchen; a collection of recipes to help make the lives of busy families just a little bit easier when it comes to mealtime & Cooking Up Fun; designed to get kids taste testing & experimenting with foods.

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

ANNE GORDON Anne Gordon is a Leisure Travel Planner with Live Life Travel who specializes in Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and Family Travel. She is a devout travel enthusiast with a genuine passion for helping and encouraging others. Her advice to start living your best life? Start thinking about your next vacation today by visiting her online: livelifetravel.world, facebook.com/livelifetravelnow, pinterest.com/livelifetravel1.

Email: aGordon@worldviewtravel.com

DENNIS G. HOGAN Dennis G. Hogan was born in New York City and his story is a common one: his dad took him to Saratoga Race Course as a boy and he’s returned every year since. He is a writer and photographer with an appreciation for Thoroughbreds. He has previously written for ThoroFan and is a regular contributor to Equicurean Magazine. He lives in Westchester County, NY.

KAREN KRASNY I am a mother, a grandmother, a widow, a photographer, a writer, a cancer survivor and the most organized person you will ever meet. I have been an office manager, an editor, and an executive assistant.

Born in Canada, I lived in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, New York City, Sanibel, Morristown, Rupert, and now Saratoga Springs.

EMMA LAMAY Emma LeMay is a junior at Marist College. She is a communications major and was the summer copy intern at Fingerpaint. Emma attended Emma Willard School before jetting off to Florence to spend her freshman year of college.

When she is not dreaming about pizza, the Duomo, and Chianti, she is studying, playing lacrosse, and searching for New York’s best latte. Email her at emmahlemay@gmail.com or visit emmahlemay.wordpress.com.

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MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ Meghan is a native of the Glens Falls Saratoga region.

Her passion is to provide her clients and readers with the tools necessary to live a life grounded in peace and emotional well-being. She is an author and writer for various publications in Upstate NY and State College, PA. She is also the co-host for a monthly radio segment focused on how to improve relationships. She currently resides in State College, PA where she enjoys spending time with her husband and son.

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.

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

JULIE MALESKI PUTZEL Julie Maleski Putzel is a published Interior Designer and owner of JMP Interiors. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, is an Allied member of ASID, and has over 17 years of Interior Designing experience. Julie’s client list has a national presence, and one of her most noteworthy projects was designing every major beauty salon on Boston’s famed Newbury St. She and her family reside in Clifton Park, NY.

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. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states "was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good.

JORDANA TURCOTTE Jordana Turcotte is a lifelong New Yorker and a Saratoga County resident since graduating from RPI. After staying at home for a bit with her children (now 10 and 8), she decided on the “rest of her life job” as Professional Organizer. Starting Simply You in 2008 fulfills a passion for organizing. When she isn’t organizing, you’ll find her volunteering at her kids’ school, being Mommy chauffeur or hanging out with her two rescue dogs.

MAUREEN WERTHER Maureen Werther is the owner of WriteForYou, a professional freelance writing service specializing in business writing, web and blog content, and creative non-fiction. Her articles, essays and white papers appear on the pages of businesses on the web and around the globe. She is also a regular contributor to numerous newspapers, magazines and journals throughout the Capital Region. She is the author of a soon to be published book, “Them That Has, Gets,” the story of historical 1790’s estate in Schroon Lake and the colorful history of its owners. Currently, she is working on a memoir detailing her roller-coaster adventures as owner of Pie ala Moe, a gourmet pie and tart company she started in 2008, in the midst of the recession.

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Complete Coverage!

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contents

Fall 2018

SHOWCASE OF HOMES Pages 1-65

HOME & GARDEN 99 Architecturally Speaking 112 Behind the Scenes… with two NEWSWORTHY local interior designers 68 Feast of the Fields 123 A Day in the Life of…

70 Design Build Group Saratoga an interior designer 72 Community Hospice Fundraiser – 131 New Column… Colleen’s Picks!

Touched by an Angel 135 Still Entertaining Outdoors? …YES! A GOOD READ 138 Jordana Turcotte 73 Meet… Randall Perry

simplifies our lives 78 Brunch at the Blue Hen, anyone?

139 New Book Alert!

82 Preserving Saratoga “Diamond Décor on a 86 Artist Spotlight: Pamela Stendardi Rhinestone Budget” by 88 For the love of coffee Morgan Piedmonte 127 Meet our newest contributor… Karen Krasny 140 Gardening with Peter Bowden 150 New Book Alert! “The Adirondack Guideboat, 141 Entertaining with Jodie Fitz its Origins, its Builders and the Boats” 142 In the Kitchen with…

by Christopher Woodward John Reardon 157 Oars in the Water 144 Meghan Lemery 170 Post Time Memories with Dennis G. Hogan gives good advice!

FASHION FALL IN LOVE WITH AUTUMN… 90 Sorry guys, this one’s for the ladies… so much to do, so many places to go!

148

158 163 164

Your guide to Apples, Pumpkins and Cider Donuts Ever thought of Sky Diving?!

Adirondack Balloon Festival Save the Date

HISTORY 171 Gone, but not forgotten …We love our history!

BEHIND THE SCENES

photo by Carl Heilman II, carlheilman.com

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V

n ew ho m 3 1 t es! isi

SHOWCASE OF HOMES TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome and Showcase Committee Members 24 Schedule of Events and Ticket Information 26 Driving Directions and Map 29-30

Showcase Builders and Homes Subcontractors and Suppliers Showcase Sponsors

35-59 60-63 66

SHOWCASE BUILDERS AND HOMES 1 Caruso Home Builders Kendra Estates 2 Heritage Custom Builders Timber Creek Preserve Phase 2 3 Malta Development Co. Inc. Lakeview Landing 4 La Femme Home Builders Heights at Brown Road 5 Belmonte Builders Sonoma Grove 6 Bella Home Builders Rolling Green Executive Estates 7 Bonacio Construction The Residences on Union Avenue saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

35 37 39 41 43 45

8 The Earth Source Company 43 Doten Avenue 9 La Femme Home Builders The Elms at Saratoga 10 Witt Construction The Elms at Saratoga 11 The Form Collaborative 5 Maddy Groves Road 12 Kodiak Construction Moss Creek 13 Blitman Saratoga Beaver Pond Estates

49 51 53 55 57 58

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Welcome... to the 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, now celebrating 23 years of exceptional homes! This spectacular annual event is the area’s premiere new home tour, one of the most wonderful traditions in the fabric of our fall season.

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

We are especially excited and proud to present 13 new homes in Saratoga County from 12 award-winning builders for your enjoyment over three weekends. As always, you’ll see the most innovative products, beautiful décor, creative interior design, professional craftsmanship and impeccable construction of each of these magnificent homes, inviting you through their doors.

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

The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities from this community event, and this year will be no different. Proceeds from this year’s Showcase of Homes will benefit two local worthwhile organizations: Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Both of these groups help give back to the community through improving the homes and lives of those in need. Many families in our area would never realize their dreams of home ownership or improvement of their living conditions without the efforts of these two incredible organizations.

Please take a moment to explore the pages of this official guide for lots of useful information on each builder and their homes, details about the event and to see what’s waiting for you this year at the 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.

Where else can you visit 13 brand new homes over three beautiful autumn weekends for just $20?

Keep a lookout for our classic orange signs guiding you along the tour route and thank you for your continued support!

BARRY POTOKER Executive Director, Saratoga Builders Association saratogabuilders.org • saratogashowcaseofhomes.com

SHOWCASE JUDGES PETER LOYOLA

CLA Site

KATELYN KOURY

The LA Group

GEFFREY REDICK

Redbud Development Inc.

ARTHUR ZOBEL

Zobel & Co. Kitchens

EVA ANDERSEN

Teakwood Builders

COLLEEN COLEMAN

CMC Design Studio L.L.C.

ANNBRITT NEWEY

ABN Design

SUE DAVIS

SD Atelier Architecture L.L.C.

NICK LOBOSCO

C.T. Male Associates

MATT WHITBECK

Whitbeck Construction

CHRISTOFER CONTE

Coldwell Banker Prime

CHRISTINE MARCHESIELLO

Enter The Winners Circle

MATT MCPADDEN

McPadden Builders

GET SOCIAL WITH US!

#SaratogaSOH Ticket information on page 27.

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM 24 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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SHOWCASE OF HOMES COMMITTEE DREW AIELLO Homestead Funding SHANNON MCCARTHY Keller Williams KATHY KEENAHAN Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties FRAN DINGEMAN Network Saratoga YVONNE MANSO Pallette Stone MARK HOGAN Saratoga National Bank & Trust MICHELLE LARKIN Executive Director for Rebuilding Together Saratoga County LISA LICATA Co-Chair - Julie & Co. Realty BARRY POTOKER Co-Chair & Executive Director, SBA PAM STOTT Curtis Lumber

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DATES FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

Every ticket holder receives a complimentary shoe tote bag at the first home visited.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Realtor & Judges Tour

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Awards Celebration Dinner at Vapor Club

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15–16 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22–23 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29-30 Showcase of Homes - 11 am to 5 pm

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE A SHOWCASE HOME!

PRIZE AWARDS All ticket holders are eligible to vote for the People’s Choice Award with the ballot on the ticket. You will be automatically entered into our drawing for these prizes:

GRAND PRIZE - A $2,000 VALUE!

ENJOY THE SUPERBOWL IN STYLE! Includes a 1-night stay in a Penthouse Loft Suite for six on Superbowl Sunday, February 3, 2019. Appetizers and specialty snacks for six from Fish at 30 Lake.

Three hair blowouts from Make Me Fabulous Salon & Spa. Breakfast platter and coffee from Blue Peacock Bistro the following morning. Complimentary valet parking for up to three cars.

2ND PLACE PRIZE $1000 VALUE Kohler Products from Security Supply.

$250 Visa Card

GIFT CERTIFICATES

3RD PLACE PRIZE - A $500 VALUE! Overnight stay for 2 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel and dinner at Morton's ($200 gift certificate).

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4TH PLACE PRIZE - A $250 VALUE!

Burger Fi Chic Underneath Courtyard by Marriott Cudney's Cleaners Curtis Lumber Dehn's Flowers Dunham's Bay Resort Embassy Suites Embrace the Race Feigenbaums Habitat for Humanity Hatties Restaurant

Holiday Inn Saratoga Impressions of Saratoga Lifestyles of Saratoga Mazzone Hospitality Racing City Brewery Rebuilding Together Saratoga Robert James Salon Saratoga Sundress Silverado Jewelry Spoken Boutique Spring Street Deli and more!

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TICKET INFORMATION 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes ...still only $20.00 each!

• Tickets available at Adirondack Trust, Saratoga National Bank, Catskill Hudson Bank & Trustco Bank locations; Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury; Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs; Rebuilding Together Saratoga County - The Store in Ballston Spa; Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Moreau and online at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/purchase-tickets or at the individual Showcase Homes.

• Showcase tour hours are 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM / Tickets are valid for all 6 days / Children under 12 are admitted free.

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

Enjoy the show and Thank You for your support of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes!

Over the past 22 years, this community event has contributed over one million dollars to our two local charities. Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties www.glensfallshabitat.org.

For more details on the 2018 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

Follow us on FACEBOOK and our BLOG for all the updates!

Showcase of Homes Proceeds benefit:

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READY TO GO? DIRECTIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE

BELLA HOME BUILDERS

THE FORM COLLABORATIVE KODIAK CONSTRUCTION

BELMONTE BUILDERS WITT CONSTRUCTION

LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS BLITMAN SARATOGA

BONACIO CONSTRUCTION THE EARTH SOURCE COMPANY

LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS MALTA DEVELOPMENT

HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS

CARUSO HOME BUILDERS

Visit our mobile-friendly website to view the interactive map and scenic house-to-house directions.

SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 29

2018 Showcase of Homes

DIRECTIONS 1 CARUSO HOME BUILDERS 6 Kendra Estates, 16 Kendra Drive, Clifton Park I-87 South to Exit 8, right onto Crescent Road, left onto Brighton Drive (Southwick Meadows), left onto Kendra Drive, showcase house will be first on the right as you enter new phase.

2 HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS Timber Creek Preserve Phase 2, 12 Ironwood Street, Ballston Lake (Drive time 15 minutes)

Right onto Brighton Drive, right onto Crescent Road, merge onto I-87 North to Exit 11, left off the ramp onto Round Lake Road, continue through 2 roundabouts staying on Round Lake Road, take left onto Ironwood Street (3rd entrance into Timber Creek Preserve Phase 2). Continue through stop sign down Ironwood Street, showcase home on the left.

3 MALTA DEVELOPMENT Lakeview Landing, 10 Americas Cup Ct., Malta (Drive time 15 minutes) Continue on Ironwood Street, left onto Forestbrook Drive, left onto Cypress Street, right onto Ironwood Street, right onto Round Lake Road go through 2 roundabouts, left onto I-87 North to Exit 12 stay right onto Route 67 East towards Malta, stay on Route 67 East through the roundabout, at next roundabout take the 3rd Exit onto Route 9N, right on Route 9P (Ripe Tomato), left onto Yachtsman’s Way, Right on Americas Cup Ct. 4 LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS Heights at Brown Road, 80 Brown Road, Saratoga (Drive time 12 minutes) Continue on Americas Cup Ct., At stop sign take a left onto Yachtsmans Way, left onto Route 9P, right onto Brown Road, at fork in the road stay to the left on Brown Road. Showcase Home on the right side.

5 BELMONTE BUILDERS Sonoma Grove, 4 Brentwood Boulevard, Saratoga Springs (Drive time 16 minutes) Continue on Brown Road, left onto Wright Road, Wright Road becomes County Route 71, right onto Route 9P, right onto Gilbert Road, left onto Lake Avenue to a quick right onto Weibel Avenue, right onto Louden Road, drive approx.. 3 miles to a right onto Brentwood Blvd. Showcase home on the left.

6 BELLA HOME BUILDERS Rolling Green Executive Estates, 4 Rolling Green, Wilton (Drive time 10 minutes) Lunch

Right onto Louden Road, at stop sign take a left onto Edie Road, at stop sign cross over Route 50 and continue on Edie Road, left onto Rolling Green Drive. Showcase Home on the right.

7 BONACIO CONSTRUCTION The Residences on Union Avenue, 46 Union Avenue Unit 104, Saratoga Springs (Drive time 15 minutes) Left onto Edie Road, left onto Ballard Road, left onto I-87 South to Exit 14 towards Saratoga Springs Route 9P North, go through 3 traffic lights, showcase home will be on the left 8 THE EARTH SOURCE COMPANY 43 Doten Avenue, Saratoga Springs (Drive time 5 minutes)

Left onto Circular Street, at stop sign stay straight onto Whitney Place, at stop sign take a left onto Lincoln Avenue, right onto Vanderbilt Avenue, at stop sign cross over Crescent Street to Doten Avenue, showcase home on the corner of Doten Avenue and Taylor Street.

9 LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS The Elms at Saratoga, 30 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs (Drive time 7 minutes) Turn onto Taylor Street, at stop sign turn left onto Jefferson Street, at stop sign turn left onto Crescent Street, at stop sign turn right onto South Broadway, at light turn left onto W. Fenlon Street, at light crossover Ballston Avenue onto New Street, right onto Empire Avenue, at fork in the road stay left onto Joseph Street. Showcase home on the right.

10 WITT CONSTRUCTION The Elms at Saratoga, 9 Persimmon Place, Saratoga Springs (Stay parked next house a few houses down)

Stay on Joseph Street, turn right at stop sign onto Persimmon Place.

11 THE FORM COLLABORATIVE 5 Maddy Groves Road, Greenfield Center (Drive time 10 minutes) Continue on Joseph Street, at stop sign take a left onto Circular Street, right onto West Avenue, left onto Route 9N (Church Street), right onto Locust Grove Road, left onto Maddy Groves Road. Showcase house on right in the Cul-de-sac.

12 KODIAK CONSTRUCTION Moss Creek, 2 Moss Creek, Greenfield (Drive time 10 minutes) Take a right onto Locust Grove Road, at stop sign take a right onto Daniels Road, at stop sign take a left onto Route 9N South, right onto Middle Grove Road, right onto Moss Creek Road. Showcase home on the right.

13 BLITMAN SARATOGA Beaver Pond Estates, 4 Pamela Lane, Saratoga Springs (Drive time 15 minutes) Left onto Middle Grove Road, right onto Stone Church Road, left onto Route 29, right onto Rowland Street, at traffic light take a left onto Geyser Road, right onto Annie Drive, at stop sign take a right onto Pamela Lane showcase home on the left.

Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. • P.O. Box 1063, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 • Tel. (518) 366-0946 • www.saratogabuilders.org 30 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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1 Caruso Home Builders

Anthony Caruso CARUSO HOME BUILDERS

KENDRA ESTATES, THE BIRCH 16 KENDRA DRIVE, CLIFTON PARK 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,555 SQ. FT. This beautiful craftsman style colonial make this home a delight to look at. The open floor plan combines views of four rooms; from the Dining Room to the Gourmet Kitchen, 2-story Great Room to the sunny dinette. The Master on the first floor includes a custom tile shower and big walk-in closet.

HOME FEATURES:

Custom Built-in Cabinetry Custom Kitchen Design Custom Trim Work Large Covered Rear Porch Two-Story Living Room

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES/ GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

REALTOR:

Keller Williams Capital District – Natalie Caruso

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Bellevue Builders – Bill Kanas

INTERIOR DESIGN:

In-House

Building and maintaining relationships has been at the heart of Caruso Home. Builders, LLC since its founding in 2008.

Providing high-quality, custombuilt from blueprint to beyond completion - Mr. Caruso brings vision and determination to every project Whether it is a spot lot development, building on your own land or in a subdivision, Caruso Home Builders is dedicated to excellence, commitment, and service.

CARUSOHOMEBUILDERS.COM 518-478-8596

LANDSCAPE:

Flood Landscaping – Jim

High Efficiency 96% Dual Stage Furnace Dual Zone Climate Control LED Lighting/High Efficiency Lighting

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1,635 SQ. FT.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN 1,255 SQ. FT.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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Call Today: Experience a Realtor® you can trust I will provide you with ALL the information and options you need to make your purchase and/or sale a smooth successful transaction.

Call me today for the results you deserve!

Tamara Valentine Associate Broker

RoohanRealty.com

518.573.7096 | tvalentine@roohanrealty.com 519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4500

36 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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2 Heritage Custom Builders

Geoffrey Brooks

TIMBER CREEK PRESERVE, ELDER 12 IRONWOOD STREET, BALLSTON LAKE 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS, 2,520 SQ. FT. The Elder is a two-story home which features traditional details blended with a touch of contemporary flare. The large first floor windows allow plenty of sunlight to stream in, making this a warm and inviting place to raise a family and entertain guests. Enjoy cozy evenings in the Family Room in front of the fireplace, prepare meals in the Kitchen and serve them in the adjacent Breakfast nook or in the Formal Dining Room. The two-car garage offers an entrance to the home, with a closet. There are four Bedrooms, Main Bath and a Laundry Room located on the Second Floor. The Master Suite has a large Walk-in Closet and a Private Bath with tile shower, soaking tub, commode and two separate vanities. The second floor is completed with three additional Bedrooms that offer ample closet space and share a Full Bathroom.

HOME FEATURES:

Kitchen with eat in Breakfast area Bonus Room upstairs that can be converted into a 4th Bedroom Study Room Formal Dining Room

IN THE EARLY 1950s,

Arthur J. Brooks began a business relationship by remodeling and restoring homes. Along with his wife Laurie and daughter Deborah; a truly family-based, quality-oriented building company was started.

Geoffrey C. Brooks continues his family’s tradition of building custom homes in the Capital District. Heritage Custom Builders, LLC has been built upon a tradition of quality, a dedication to excellence and commitment to fine detail.

BROOKSHERITAGE.COM 518.348.0931

REALTOR:

HOWARD HANNA – Richard "Rick" Gargiulo Cell: 518-369-7804 and Jaylene Leonbruno Cell: 518-744-0654

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Bellevue Builders – Mark Gates

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Classic Interiors – Lynn Ricci

LANDSCAPE:

Landscape by Hanson – Jeff

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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3 Malta Development

Thomas J. Samascott

LAKEVIEW LANDING 10 AMERICAS CUP CT., MALTA 3 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 3,536 SQ. FT.

This stately home from our Pinnacle Collection is situated on a prime lot with lovely views of Saratoga Lake. Such design items as an elegant Butler's Pantry; sweeping staircase with window seat on the landing; and soaring 10' ceilings combine to make this home a cut above the rest. The Master Suite is a true oasis. Enjoy morning coffee on it's private deck overlooking the lake and in cooler weather, relax in front of the gas fireplace, one of two in this home. Others features include a 1st floor Study/ Guest Room with coffered ceiling and Full Bath; 2nd floor laundry, convenient built-in cabinetry in the Mudroom, and 3-car, side entry garage. This home is Energy Star certified, National Green Building Standard certified, and is built with the quality craftsmanship that is the trademark of a Home by Malta Development. The Lakeview Landing subdivision also offers an Exterior Maintenance Plan to take care of all the yard work year round so that you can relax and enjoy your new home.

HOME FEATURES:

Master Suite w/ gas fireplace and private deck to enjoy views of Saratoga Lake 10ft ceiling, 1st floor, 9ft ceilings, 2nd floor 2-story Great-Room Spacious, well appointed Kitchen with large walk-in pantry Audio system in Kitchen to listen to music while relaxing or

entertaining Security system with motion detectors, glass break sensors, and video intercom

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

National Green Building Standard certified Energy Star certified Super-efficient Spray Foam insulation, the recognized gold standard in insulation High-tech ZIP system wall sheathing to reduce air infiltration and moisture-related issues

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

REALTOR:

Beth Smith Realty Ltd. – Beth Smith

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Curtis Lumber – Nicole Stack

THIS YEAR MALTA DEVELOPMENT is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Times have changed but one thing that has remained constant is the original vision of its President and founder Tom Samascott to deliver quality-built, innovative homes that exceed expectation, at a good value. Malta Development is a multiple Showcase of Homes award winner and in 2015 won a national award from the National Association of Home Builders.

Their latest communities, Lakeview Landing and Orchard Pointe have been features in Modern Home Builder Magazine and Professional Builder Magazine.

Their homes incorporate stateof-the-art technology with traditional elements to create unique homes that appeal to all age groups. Quality craftsmanship and the "Everything's Standard" standard features package are their trademark. Malta Development is the only production builder in the Capital Region whose homes are Energy Star certified, National Green Building Standard certified, and insulated with Spray Foam insulation, resulting in homes with substantially lower utility bills. In 2008, they broke ground on Winner's Circle at Saratoga, a luxury rental community in the town of Milton.

MALTADEVELOPMENT.COM 518.885.6420

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

In-House – Laural A. Samascott

LANDSCAPE:

New Dimensions Outdoor Services – Randy Countermine

SECOND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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FALL 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 39 FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 39

Build Your Dream Home with the builder of your choice

Build Your Dream Home with Build Your Dream Home with builder of your choice builder of your choice thethe

uild Your Dream Home with Build Your Dream Home with the builder of your choice choice the builder of your 8 Existing Homes from $600K - $1.2KK

• 4 lots Remain • 1.8 - 2.5 Acres • Wooded Lots • Secluded Road • 2500 Square Foot Min. • No HOA • Lot 10 includes Well • $100,000/Lot

Schuylerville Schools Owner Financing Available

Burgoyne Estates

For Directions:

Burgoyne Estates

8 Existing Homes from Please Refer to full $600K - $1.2KK Address: 2, 4, 6 or 11 Anthony Lane • 4 lots Remain Direct Access to Fish Creek: Saratoga Springs • 1.8 - 2.5 Acres Canoeing, Kayaking & more!

New York, 12866 lots 12, 11, 10 & 6

Owner Financing Available Burgoyne Estates Burgoyne Estates Schuylerville Schools

• Wooded Lots • Secluded Road • 2500 Square Foot Min. • No HOA • Lot 10 includes Well • $100,000/Lot

8 Existing Homes from- $1.2KK $600K - $1.2KK Direct Access 8 Existing Homes from $600K Directto Access to Fish Creek: Fish Creek:

• 4 lots Remain • 4 lots Remain - 2.5 Acres • 1.8 Acres • 1.8 - 2.5 • Wooded Lots Lots • Wooded Road Road • Secluded • Secluded Min. Square Foot Min. • 2500 Square • 2500Foot Gettings HOA • NoCourtney • No HOA Licensed RE Salesperson Well Well • Lot 10•includes Lot 10 includes C | (518) 421-6490 • $100,000/Lot $100,000/Lot • E | CGettings@kw.com New York State

& more!

Canoeing,Canoeing, Kayaking Kayaking & more!

Direct Access to Fish Creek: Canoeing, Kayaking & more!

Sam Palazzole

Saratoga Builders C | (518) 701-4885 E | sampalazzole@aol.com

Courtney Gettings SamPalazzole Palazzole Sam Palazzole Courtney Gettings Sam Courtney Gettings

LicensedLicensed RE Salesperson RE Saratoga Builders Saratoga Builders Licensed RESalesperson SalespersonSaratoga Builders C | (518) 701-4885 C | (518)C421-6490 CC | (518) 701-4885 C | (518) 421-6490 | (518) 421-6490 | (518) 701-4885 Copyright 2018 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not E | sampalazzole@aol.com E | CGettings@kw.com Copyright 2018 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

E | sampalazzole@aol.com E | CGettings@kw.com E |State CGettings@kw.com E | sampalazzole@aol.com New York intended as a solicitation.

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Equal Opportunity Housing Provider.

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Each office is independently owned New York and State operated.

rgoyne Estates

Schuylerville Schools Schools Schuylerville Owner Financing AvailableAvailable Owner Financing

Each office is independently owned and operated.

ting40 Homes $600K - $1.2KK | SIMPLYfrom SARATOGA | FALL 2018

Remain

New York State

Copyright 2018Copyright Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. If you haveInc. a brokerage relationship withrelationship another agency, this is not intended solicitation.

2018 Keller Williams® Realty, If you have a brokerage with another agency, thisasisanot intended as a solicitation.

All information All deemed reliable but not reliable guaranteed.

Equal Opportunity Housing Provider.

Each office is independently owned and operated. information deemed but not guaranteed.

Equal Opportunity Housing Provider.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Direct Access to Fish Creek: Canoeing, Kayaking & more!

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

4 La Femme Home Builders

Lisa Breen

80 BROWN ROAD, SARATOGA 4 BEDROOMS, 4 FULL , 2 HALF BATHROOMS, 5,400 SQ. FT. You dream it we can build it! This phenomenal, all stucco Georgian inspired home is truly a must see.

This unique custom home was designed by the homeowners with a modern flair and open floor plan.

It is truly an entertaining house with soaring 12' ceilings throughout the first floor including a stunning glass-enclosed wine room with wine tasting bar. The Wine Room features beautiful custom built-in cabinetry and racking to house nearly 2,000 bottles of wine. The Custom Kitchen was designed for the gourmet chef in mind. It was built with state of the art, high end appliances as well as an eat-in island that accommodates six people. You will not need (want!) to leave the luxurious Master Suite which features a breakfast bar, high end dressing area and large custom closet. The Master Bath features a freestanding soaking tub in front of a floating glass wall and curbless shower. You can cozy up to one of the three fireplaces including a masonry wood burning and modern linear gas fireplace while listening to the built-in ceiling speaker system throughout the house and outdoor spaces.

HOME FEATURES:

Custom built-in cabinetry 1st floor wine room with wine tasting bar and custom glass enclosure Custom designed coffered ceiling in family room 3 fireplaces, masonry, gas and modern linear designs Two tier Kitchen island with 3” thick solid black walnut counter top 12” crown molding and custom moldings throughout

LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS offers a unique and refreshing approach to home building, from a woman’s point of view. As a second generation home builder, its owner and founder, Lisa Breen, in collaboration with the area’s finest and talented craftsmen in their field, has created a company to design and build custom homes with a strong emphasis on quality, attention to detail and unique design.

Since 2001, Lisa Breen has been a leader in the real estate industry building, renovating, and selling homes in the Saratoga County market. After fifteen years and raising two beautiful children, Lisa merged her talents and passion for building into one company, La Femme Home Builders.

Lisa Breen is a member of the Capital Region Builders Association, Saratoga County Builders Association and Professional Women in Building Northeastern New York.

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Pella Architectural series windows with advance low-e glass Blown in cellulose attic insulation Lennox high efficiency 95% AFUE furnaces

LAFEMMEHOMEBUILDERS.COM 518.321.1535

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Curtis Lumber – Heather Bodnaryk

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Homeowner Interior Design and Decorating – Kitzi Taylor

BUILT INS

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

BUILT INS

MASTER BATH 20-7 x 10-4

FAMILY ROOM

LINEN

20-7 x 20-11

LANDSCAPE:

WINE CELLAR 15-5 x 13-6

DRESSING AREA

COVERED VERANDA 18-6 x 14-0

WALK IN CLOSET

Brookside Nursery – Ian Murray

8-10 x 16-9

DW

KITCHEN

3 CAR GARAGE

20-7 x 11-0

UP

WALK IN CLOSET

PAN.

GUEST SUITE

ICE CBNT

LAUNDRY

BENCH

SITTING LOFT 18-6 x 12-8

CBNT

DN

BUILT INS

WALK IN CLOSET

DN

13-6 x 16-1

W

MUD ROOM

PANTRY

28-6 x 27-1

AREA UNFINISHED & UNCONDITIONED

D D.W

BUTLER'S PANTRY

FORMAL LIVING ROOM

22-0 x 36-0

WINE

LANDING ABOVE

DINING ROOM 16-6 x 13-7

BEDROOM # 2 15-0 x 14-1

MASTER SUITE BEDROOM # 3

16-6 x 18-10

DN

LANDING

14-6 x 14-1

AREA OPEN TO ABOVE

AREA OPEN TO BELOW

COVERED ENTRY

FIRST FLOOR 2,941 SQ.FT.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR 2,083 SQ.FT.

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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5 Belmonte Builders

Peter Belmonte

SONOMA GROVE, CASTLETON 4 BRENTWOOD BLVD., SARATOGA SPRINGS (TOWN OF WILTON) 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 2,925 SQ. FT. This charming & surprisingly spacious ranch home features an open floor plan with a farmhouse look & feel. Lightly distressed 6” white oak wood flooring sets the tone of casual sophistication with its uniquely reclaimed look. The large Entry Foyer opens into a Great Room with ample space for entertaining and boasting a rustic, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. A wall of large windows provides an abundance of natural light for the Great Room, Kitchen and Dining Room. The Gourmet Kitchen enjoys an oversized island with seating for four and plenty of room for food prep. Details like a glazed tile subway pattern backsplash mixed with a warm, wood beadboard give the Kitchen an updated look with a hint of nostalgia. The Master Bedroom Suite grabs your attention with an eye-catching wallplank accent wall and oversized transom window. Two additional Bedrooms, a Full Bath, Laundry Room and Mudroom complete the main floor. A charming stairwell adorned with reclaimed windows leads to the garden level, look-out Basement opening into an inviting living space perfect for watching movies. An additional Guest Bedroom with large egress windows and Full Bath complete the Basement level.

HOME FEATURES:

BELMONTE BUILDERS has been a proud builder of high quality, new homes in the Capital Region for over 40 years. We take pride in building vibrant neighborhoods our customers are proud to call home. We start by securing the best locations. Next, we design a variety of floor plans and elevations to complement the neighborhood. Lastly, we work with our customers to personalize the floor plans to meet their needs and oversee every step of the construction process to ensure that we always exceed expectations!

BELMONTEBUILDERS.COM 581.371.1000

9 ft. ceilings 6” White oak wood flooring Floor-to-ceiling cultured stone fireplace Wallplank accent wall in master suite Side load garage

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Energy Star Rated Home Thermatru Insulated Entry Doors Energy Star Rated Windows Aprilaire Humidifier

REALTOR

Rob Rothschild

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Curtis Lumber – Heather Bodnaryk

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Liberty Design– Chris Kwarta

LANDSCAPE:

Capital District CPI – Chris Gennoy

FINISHED BASEMENT FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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6 Bella Home Builders

David DePaulo

ROLLING GREEN EXECUTIVE ESTATES 4 ROLLING GREEN DRIVE, WILTON 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,850 SQ. FT. This craftsman style home is nicely situated on a two-acre wooded lot in the wonderful subdivision of Rolling Green Executive Estates. As you walk up to this gorgeous home, you see the exposed rafter tails, crisp white board and pattern siding and black standing seam metal roof. You are greeted at the front door which has a custom Fine Paints of Europe Black Lacquer Finish. From the Cathedral Ceilings in the Great Room to the Master Suite, this home is custom throughout. A Coffered Ceiling in the Study, ship lap in the Foyer and custom built-ins in the great room are just a few examples of the beautiful millwork in this exquisite home. A Gourmet Kitchen with custom cabinetry and gorgeous counter tops along with the open floor plan, make family living and entertaining a breeze!

The landscaping is plush and features an in-ground swimming pool and hardscape. The colorful bushes and plants along with the privacy of the lot make for a great personal oasis.

HOME FEATURES:

Tiled Kitchen Backsplash with gold schluter strips Custom full panel glass shower and water closet in Master Bath Custom millwork throughtout Fine Paints of Europe Black Piano Laquered Front Door

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Anderson efficient windows Energy efficient appliances 96% efficient furnace

REALTOR:

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Saratoga Spa Realty – LLC Bob Scott

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Curtis Lumber Kitchen and Bath Design – Heather Bodnaryk

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Bennington Furniture Design Team – Kaitlynn Johnson, Andrea Chenier, & Jeff Ture

BELLAHOMEBUILDERSINC.COM 518.583.1833

LANDSCAPE:

GSL Landscapping & Nursery – Matt Baker

BELLA HOME BUILDERS

is an award-winning, family owned, custom home company that specializes in designing and building homes in the Capital region and surrounding areas. For over 20 years, founder Dave DePaulo and his team have set the standard for building one-of-a-kind custom homes for individual clients. Dave DePaulo believes every client should have the information they need to make smart, informative decisions about the type of home they want to build for their family.

Dave works with each client to establish expectations from the initial consultation and continues the company's commitment to strong communication, excellence in customer service, and attention to details. Bella Home Builders offers a full array of services every homebuilder needs to completely design, build and furnish their luxury custom home.

A full team of design coordinators, interior/exterior designers, client coordinators, project managers and quality control coordinators are available to work with each homeowner to customize their home to compliment their unique lifestyle and need.

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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7 Bonacio Construction

Sonny Bonacio

RESIDENCES ON UNION AVENUE UNIT 104, 46 UNION AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS 2 BEDROOMS (+ DEN), 2 BATHROOMS, 2,027 SQ. FT. Introducing a rare collection of one-of-a-kind 1-3 bedroom residences and townhomes. This stunning 5 building property features traditional Saratoga charm with sophisticated elegance and modern amenities. Perfect for the "Lock and Leave" lifestyle, The Residences on Union Avenue is walkable to the Saratoga Race Course, parks and everything that award-winning downtown Saratoga has to offer. The Residences luxury condominiums boast 9 ft ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, gas fireplaces, terraces, a gym and secured indoor parking.

HOME FEATURES:

Open floor plan Corner unit Great terrace space Gourmet kitchen Amazing in-town walkability to all that Saratoga has to offer!

REALTOR:

Julie & Co. Realty LLC – Julie A. Bonacio, Broker/Owner & Jane R. Sanzen, Associate RE Broker

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Designed by Michael Bannon, Supplied by Curtis Lumber – Michael Bannon

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Finishing Touches Home Decor & More – Shelly Walker

LANDSCAPE:

Galusha & Sons/Cloverleaf – James Williams

AS AN AWARD-WINNING

builder of residential and commercial structures since 1988, Bonacio Construction has worked on projects large and small and both grand and modest. Inside every structure you will discover the hallmarks of the Bonacio approach: value, integrity, and attention to detail. Our team approach including our in-house audiovisual division, plumbing & HVAC division, metal shop & design team bring out the best in all our buildings. Bonacio Construction brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to all that we do. Make The Residences on Union Avenue your new home!

BONACIO.COM 518.584.9007

DEN 13’ X 10’ +/-

FOYER LAUNDRY/ MECH

BATH KITCHEN 14’ x 15’ +/-

BEDROOM 2 12’ X 13’ +/WIC 6’ X 10’ +/MASTER BATH LIVING/DINING 22’ X 21’ +/-

MASTER BEDROOM 14’ X 14’ +/TERRACE

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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8 The Earth Source Company

43 DOTEN AVE., SARATOGA SPRINGS 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 2,982 SQ. FT. An urban oasis, nestled in Saratoga’s Southside, this custom home was conceived from the ground up to maximize the experience of fine living. The clever, energy-efficient site design maximizes openness and views while retaining ever-desired privacy. The layout of the interior evokes today’s trends of design yet still retains that cozy and homey feel. A spacious Great Room grounds the first floor with living and dining areas, presided over by a bold Professional Kitchen complete with walk-in Butler’s Pantry. The living space connects with floor-to-ceiling windows and a double sliding door to the rear patio, where tranquility awaits with mature trees and pleasant views. Rounding out the first floor layout is a sumptuous Master Bedroom Suite, complete with soaking tub and custom tiled shower.

Ascending the custom timber-framed staircase yields the second floor gathering room. The rooftop patio is easily accessed from there, providing three-directional views and a commanding presence over the neighborhood. The second floor offers yet another Master Bedroom Suite, plus two Guest Bedrooms and a third Full Bath. The finishes, furnishings and décor have been painstakingly curated from all over the world to give a timeless and well-traveled look. Glammed up to entertain or to relax and enjoy, this home has it all.

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

The Earth Source Company

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

The Earth Source Company

THEEARTHSOURCECOMPANY.COM 203-794-2301

COMP NY

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

THE

E RTH

Low-waste building practices Energy-efficient appliances, HVAC, windows, and doors Energy-optimized building design, minimized site disturbance Locally-sourced and reclaimed materials

REALTOR

Keller Williams – Wayne Perras

WHILE ONE’S QUALITY OF LIFE goes well beyond the quality of one’s home, an inspired dwelling serves as the foundation for a greater possibility. The Earth Source Company was founded with a motivation for providing ecologically responsible and sensible solutions to our modern lifestyle without compromising on the finer details. Residential design and build - one of the many facets of our budding venture - has long been a passion of this engineer/ architect, husband/wife duo.

SOURCE

HOME FEATURES:

Rooftop deck Both 1st and 2nd floor Master Suites Two-level Family/Living Room Custom timber-framed staircase Elevator ready

Ross and Anu Kenyon

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SECOND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

SARATOGASHOWCASEOFHOMES.COM

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9 La Femme Home Builders

Lisa Breen LA FEMME HOME BUILDERS offers a unique and refreshing approach to home building, from a woman’s point of view. As a second generation home builder, its owner and founder, Lisa Breen, in collaboration with the area’s finest and talented craftsmen in their field, has created a company to design and build custom homes with a strong emphasis on quality, attention to detail and unique design.

THE ELMS AT SARATOGA 30 JOSEPH STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS, 5,780 SQ. FT. This La Femme Home Builders’ 2018 Showcase Home is a stunner with the signature built-in cabinetry, custom millwork and finish details. An authentic Saratoga Style Bungalow with front and side porches, stone columns, standing seam metal, and a modern interior flair. The living room features beautiful built in cabinetry and fireplace mantle with granite stone veneer, vaulted ceilings and a curved balcony. The Kitchen is amazing and designed for the gourmet with high end appliances, beautiful inset cabinetry, custom designed island and cozy built-in window seat. The Mudroom area is highly functional and features a laundry room with dog shower and a walk-in pantry with walnut and butcher block counter tops. You can relax and unwind in the luxurious and comfortable Master Suite with custom backlight crown molding, custom tiled shower with all glass enclosure and large soaking tub. You won’t be disappointed with this artfully designed custom home by Lisa Breen and the talented team at La Femme Home Builders.

Since 2001, Lisa Breen has been a leader in the real estate industry building, renovating, and selling homes in the Saratoga County market. After fifteen years and raising two beautiful children, Lisa merged her talents and passion for building into one company, La Femme Home Builders.

HOME FEATURES:

Builder’s signature built in cabinetry with stone fireplace custom mantle design Wet bar with sliding door enclosures and hideaway shelving Custom curb-less shower and glass enclosure in Master Bathroom Signature molding applications with modern head casing design Solid black walnut counters and butcher block counter tops 2nd floor studio with Juliet balcony

BEDROOM #3

24-0 x 23-0

DN

UP

DN

LAUNDRY

BENCH

UP

W

MUDROOM 2-6

D STORAGE

PANTRY

KITCHEN 19-6 x 12-9

WALK IN CLOSET

Lisa Breen is a member of the Capital Region Builders Association, Saratoga County Builders Association and Professional Women in Building Northeastern New York.

LAFEMMEHOMEBUILDERS.COM 518.321.1535

WINDOW SEAT

MASTER BATH

15-5 x 23-0 (420 SQ.FT.)

STORAGE

2 CAR GARAGE

COV. PORCH

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Pella Proline windows with advance low e glass Lennox high efficiency 95% AFUE furnace

BUILT INS

WET BAR

15'-61 2"

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

MASTER SUITE

DINING AREA

BEDROOM #2

Columbia Cabinets – Amy Van Wie La Femme Home Builders, LLC – Jayne Christy, Pottery Barn

LANDSCAPE:

Brookside Nursery

BEDROOM #3

12-6 x 16-5

12-6 x 16-5

BENCH SHELVES

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

LINEN

18-1 x 12-10

15-6 x 16-9

COFFEE BAR UP

LIVING ROOM

SHELVING

17-4 x 17-6

LANDING

(OPEN TO ABOVE)

UP

DN

FOYER DORMER ABOVE

DN

COVERED PORCH

DORMER (OPEN TO BELOW)

FIRST FLOOR 1,875 SQ.FT.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1875 sq. ft

SECOND FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR PLAN 704 sq. ft.

704 SQ.FT.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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10 Witt Construction

John Witt

THE ELMS AT SARATOGA 9 PERSIMMON PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 3,356 SQ. FT.

Custom designed home for a young family who will enjoy the space for many years to come. This unique, mixed-materials home was designed for a West Side neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs. The house is set for privacy and entertaining with a large back porch that steps down to the backyard. Three finished levels in this home include Witt signature built-ins, three fireplaces and a lovely Mud Room. The staircase is open to all three levels. The Custom Kitchen includes a marvelous walk-in pantry. The second level is comprised of the Master Suite, with a walk-in closet and Bathroom; two additional Bedrooms, an office and a second Full Bathroom. The finished Lower Level of the home includes an entertaining area, Bathroom and large storage area.

HOME FEATURES:

Private Master Suite with Large Bathroom, beautiful tub & separate vanities Smart Home automation allows you to monitor and control thermostats

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Spray Foam Insulation Energy Efficient Pella Windows 95% Efficient Gas Furnace Smart Home Technology

HOME DESIGN:

Witt Construction, Inc. – John Witt

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

WITT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

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

WITTCONSTRUCTION.COM 518.587.4113

Witt Construction, Inc.

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

E Tanny Design – Elizabeth Tanny

LANDSCAPER

Sunny Hill Landscaping

LOWER LEVEL

FIRST FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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11 The Form Collaborative

Ryan A. Berry

5 MADDY GROVES ROAD, GREENFIELD CENTER 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 3,500 SQ. FT. A contemporary take on a one-story mid-century modern structure, No.1 is a hand-crafted piece that integrates with the landscape to create a terraced living environment with seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Perched on a knoll overlooking Saratoga Springs with sweeping mountain views, the piece nestles into a slope with cascading outdoor terraces that trickle down from the main/entry lawn and courtyard spaces to the lower hot tub garden and back lawn. The structure’s right angles and pitched roof lines juxtapose the natural landscape, yet its simplicity and use of natural tones and materials are an effortless compliment to the landscape. This creates a union where the living space and natural environment are balanced and work together to highlight each other. There is a minimal, simplistic flow to No. 1. Inside we have worked to minimize our patterns, color pallets and material pallets to reduce visual clutter and enhance the client’s quality of life through their interaction with the spaces that they live in. Open common space, long viewsheds, simple details and multiple indoor/outdoor connections make this house unique. From the piano stage that sets off the entry and hints at the owner’s interests to the shadow line and zero trim package at baseboards, windows and doors, to the large window wall providing access to the courtyard and modern fireplace flanked by towering windows, No. 1 is an impactful statement achieved through thoughtful minimalist details. As if that weren’t enough, the landscape is sophisticated working in concert with the house. Plantings and outdoor spaces near the house take on the geometric form of the house and subtly blend back to nature as they approach the perimeter of the property.

AT FORM, we believe building a well-designed home and grounds is an art. Our mission is to build artful custom homes. Each home should embody the interests and personality of its owner. We strive to create works of art with purity of design and quality of construction without compromising the integrity of either. Creating artful space, we are revisiting the composition of living.

Ryan Berry is a relentless, artistic multidisciplinary designer with a passion for pushing boundaries and over 15+ years in the design and construction industry. Ryan is a bit of a nonconforming anomaly. Structure, landscape, art, furniture; you name it and he will design it.

THECOMPOSITIONOFLIVING.COM 518-225-5670

HOME FEATURES:

Mid Century Modern – Contemporary Design Indoor-Outdoor connection with walls of glass and outdoor living space Piano Stage, Birch Ceilings in main indoor space Wet Room/Steam Shower Multi zone programmable thermostat

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Insulated Zip Sheathing Dense Pack Rockwool Insulation Passive Solar

REALTOR

Roohan Realty – Tara Garrett

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Columbia Cabinets – Sarah McDonald

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Susan Waldron Designs – Susan Waldron

LANDSCAPE:

Bayberry & Co – Justin White FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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12 Kodiak Construction

Jesse Boucher & Justin Sitler FOUNDED LOCALLY by Saratoga Springs natives Jesse Boucher and Justin Sitler, Kodiak Construction has been providing new construction, renovations, and home remodeling since 2004. We are a full-service commercial and residential custom builder. We serve clients throughout the Northern Capital District, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Lake George, providing new construction services that reflect our passion for detail. At Kodiak, we partner with you every step of the way to create your perfect home.

THE POINT AT MOSS CREEK 2 MOSS CREEK, MIDDLE GROVE 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, 3,028 SQ. FT.

Beautiful wooded 2-acre parcel in an established cul-de-sac, located just 5.4 miles from Broadway in Saratoga Springs. This homesite in The Point at Moss Creek offers expansive western mountain views and stunning sunsets. Two story home includes four spacious Bedrooms with adjacent Laundry Room. The Master Suite has a spacious walk-in closet, 8’ double-sink vanity, 4’ makeup vanity and ceramic tile walkin shower. First floor ceilings are 9’ tall and the Pella windows allow for an abundance of natural daylight and views throughout the day. Exterior finishes include James Hardie fiber cement siding, CertainTeed architectural shingles and standing seam metal roof accents. With an open floor plan, gas fireplace with stone surround and custom built-in in the Living Room, this home is perfect for entertaining. Walk out of the Living Room and onto the screen porch, finished with a low-maintenance, highly-durable stamped concrete floor. The Kitchen is complete with 42” tall upper cabinets, granite countertops and KitchenAid stainless steel appliances. The first floor has a stand-alone family work center which is well suited for an office, homework space, or craft area. Carpeted Finished Basement has a Full Bathroom, open Family Room, and large storage and mechanical area. Oversized 24’ x 27’ attached 2 car Garage enters into the Mudroom with bench, closet, and storage cabinet great for keeping pet food, toys and leashes.

KODIAKOFSARATOGA.COM 518.587.4847

HOME FEATURES:

Floor plan designed for western mountain views and stunning sunsets Outdoor entertaining space to take advantage of natural setting Granite countertops throughout Large walk-in pantry off the kitchen Dedicated family work center

TWO-CAR GARAGE

95% efficient forced air heating & cooling system with zone controls for even greater efficiency Spray foam insulation for critical areas that need tighter sealing High efficiency Pella windows and doors Blower door tested to minimize air leaks LED lighting throughout

BUILT-IN

BENCH

DOWN

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

STORAGE

23'-1" x 26'-6"

POWDER

MUDROOM UP

KITCHEN

14'-0" x 11'-6"

GREAT ROOM 15'-1" x 20'-1" (10' CEILING )

COATS

BEDROOM #4

PET STATION

11'-1" x 11'-6"

PANTRY

FAMILY WORKSTATION

SCREEN PORCH 12'-0" x 16'-0"

DINING

13'-1" x 10'-11"

CLOSET CLOSET

COVERED PORCH 20'-0" x 6'-0"

GUEST BATH

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

BEDROOM #3 12'-2" x 11'-2"

LAUNDRY

REALTOR:

UP

Roohan Realty – Darlene Chorman

LINEN

DOWN

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

RECREATION ROOM

GUEST BATH

BEDROOM #2 12'-4" x 11'-10"

MASTER CLOSET CLOSET

32'-0" x 19'-0"

MECHANICAL / STORAGE

Creative Designs Kitchens, LLC – Julia Day

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM:

Bennington Furniture Design Team – Kaitlynn Johnson, Andrea Chenier, & Jeff Ture

LANDSCAPE:

Brookside Nursery – Jesse Marco

MASTER BATH

MASTER BEDROOM 13'-1" x 17'-0" (9' CEILING)

VANITY

LINEN

BASEMENT PLAN

BASEMENT

SECOND FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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13 Blitman BlitmanSaratoga Saratoga

Howard Blitman

BEAVER POND VILLAGE, ROSEWOOD II 4 PAMELA LANE, SARATOGA SPRINGS 4 BEDROOMS, 4.5 BATHROOMS, 3,289 SQ. FT. Modern living requires flexible home design, and we have achieved that with this transitionalstyle home courtesy of the dual master suites. One is on the main floor; the second is upstairs -a perfect floor plan in Saratoga Springs, where guests and family will want to come and stay.

Double vanity sinks and marble countertops make these ensuite bathrooms spa-like oases.

A spacious foyer and study create a grand entrance, highlighted by 6 1/2” European Oak floors that sweep into the main living area punctuated by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with wrap-around mantle. Decorator finishes feature contemporary lighting, shiplap-accented walls and oil-rubbed hardware. This home also boasts a generous lower level that could become that home office, gym or home theater.

HOME FEATURES:

REALTOR

First and second floor Master Suites with Full Bathrooms 6 1/2” European Oak floors First floor crown molding and upgraded wood trim Finished Basement with Full Bathroom Optional maintenance free community

Keller Wiliams – Michelle DeCoteau ScottVarley.com

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES / GREEN TECHNOLOGY:

Stage to Move – Kara Woods

AO Smith gas fired hot water heater direct vent 92% AFUE direct vent furnace Low-e windows - Silverline by Anderson

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

KITCHEN DESIGN FIRM:

Curtis Lumber – Heather Bodnaryk

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM: LANDSCAPE:

Sunshine Landscaping – Richard Mollnow

BLITMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BDC) has been building high quality homes for over a quarter of a century throughout New York State, and takes pride in making these outstanding homes available at reasonable prices. This value is made possible by longstanding relationships with the most proven quality building professionals available. Our association with these tradesmen has spanned several decades and more than a thousand homes, ensuring that all of our homes consistently reflect the highest building standards. From exterior designs artfully married to their natural settings, to interior floor plans mirroring their owners' lifestyles, BDC selects materials to the most exacting construction standards. Over the years we've designed and built over 1,000 homes, all with the attention to detail that helped establish BDC as one of New York State's leading home builders.

BEAVERPONDVILLAGE.COM 518 584 9900

SECOND FLOOR PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN

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SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS

BELLA HOME BUILDERS, INC. 4 ROLLING GREEN Albany Marble/Hudson Valley Tile Albany Mechanical AJ Masonry Best Fire Hearth & Patio Bonded Concrete Capital District Stairs Curtis Lumber D & T Electric Floormaster/Carpet One GSL Landscaping & Nursery Hamilton Plumbing J.B. Asphalt Paving Lance Plumbing Legacy Timber Frames Inc. Marcella’s Appliances North Valley Construction PLP Development Precision Glass & Aluminum Inc Randall Perry Photography Rosick Well Drilling Saratoga Masonry Security Supply Thompson Flooring The Tile Man BELMONTE BUILDERS 4 BRENTWOOD BOULEVARD A.W. Hamel Stairs ABC Supply Adirondack Precision Cut Stone Albany Mechanical Services Best Fire Best Tile BLD Contracting Brower Electric CPI Landscaping 60 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

Artisan Engineering B&B Plumbing and Heating Balzer & Tuck Bast Hatfield, Inc. BCI Metals Best Fire , Inc Best Tile- Saratoga Bill Moore Builders First Sources C and D Painting, LLC C.T. Male Associates C&S Siding BLITMAN SARATOGA California Closets 4 PAMELA LANE Cellu Spray II Allerdice Building Supply Central New York Electrical CO Bellevue Builders Supply Champlain Stone Blooming Grove Stair Co. Crawford Window & Door Clemente Latham Concrete Curtis Lumber Co., Inc Curtis Lumber Dente Group Erie Materials DV Brown Floor Source, Inc. Dyer Works Granite & Marble Works Erie Materials John D. Marcella Appliances Floormaster/Carpet One Madsen Overhead Doors, Inc Freeberns Trim Works Northway Tile G&G Fitness Precision Glass & Aluminum, Inc Galusha & Sons Saratoga Sod Granite and Marble Works Security Supply Grimm Building Materials Sunshine Landscaping HARBROOK BONACIO CONSTRUCTION Jackson Demolition John D. Marcella 46 UNION AVENUE KAMCO A-VERDI Storage Container Kodiak Construction AFSCO Fence Matala Builders LLC Allerdice/BlueTarp Crawford Door & Window Curtis Lumber Curtis Lumber Floor Source Lill Overhead Door Marcella's Appliance Center Norm Carlson “The Tile Man” Perfect Painting PJ Baker Electric Precision Glass VP Supply

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Northeast Commercial Interiors Northeast Fire Protection Northeast Underlayments Northern Stud Welding LLC Northwoods Concrete OHD-GF OTIS Elevators Polcare Enterprises Safway Services LLC Signature Design Group Snyder's Drywall the LA Group The Mantel Shoppe Tompkins Bluestone Tri-point Stone Upstate Rock, LLC Weatherguard Zanetti Millwork CARUSO HOME BUILDERS 16 KENDRA DRIVE A.W. Hamel Absolute Tile Adams Heating and Cooling Alside Supply Center Bellevue Builders Supply Best Tile/Capital Stone Capital Lighting D&D Masonry E.H. Laier & Sons Floor Source HART Alarm Lill Overhead Doors NSE Precision Glass Riberty Contracting Rob Kneise & Son

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Schenectady Floor Covering Security Plumbing and Heating TP Masonry HERITAGE CUSTOM BUILDERS 12 IRONWOOD STREET Adirondack Overhead Door Appolo Heating Inc AW Hamel Stair Mfg Bellevue Building Supply Capital Plumbing Inc Clifton Park Glass & Mirror International Built in Systems Geovanny Marble and Granite John Marcella & Sons Schenectady Floor Security Supply KODIAK CONSTRUCTION 2 MOSS CREEK A&A Masonry & Construction Adirondack Paving Allerdice Glass & Mirror Adirondack Precision Cut Stone B&B Plumbing & Heating B&B Plumbing & Heating Best Fire Hearth & Patio - Albany Best Tile - Saratoga Broadway & Spring Restorations Brookside Nursey Crawford Doors & Windows Creative Designs Kitchens, LLC Curtis Lumber Denali Construction Doc Tile Doyle Security E&S Concrete Earl B Feiden FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 61

Continued from page 61...

Leise Well Drilling Erie Materials Everything Under Foot LLC Granite Excavating, LLC Gray Peek Construction Holcomb Construction Lifetime Seamless Gutters Inc. Modern Electric LLC Northeast Stairs, Corp.

O'Leary Overhead Door Saratoga Quality Hardware Saratoga Masonry Supply Security Supply Sherwin Williams Snyder 's Drywall, Inc Thompson Fleming Land Surveyors LAFEMME HOME BUILDERS 80 BROWN ROAD, 30 JOSEPH BDB Paving Beacon Supply Best Fire Hearth and Patio Brookside Nursery Chippewa Stone Curtis Lumber Dacosta Excavating Dyerworks GNH Lumber Habitat ReStore, Hart Alarm System J&R Propane James Hardie Building Products JFL Construction La Femme Home Builders, LLC Leise Well Drilling Lisa Breen

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Little Falls Lumber Northern Hardwoods Pella Crawford Windows and Doors Precision Glass Ross Concrete Schaldone Custom Carpentry Security Supply Shiloh Murray Carpentry Silverwood Home & Gallery Smero Construction Snyders Drywall Storied Boards TISA, LLC Vanguilder & Associates Winslow Painting Winslow Painting Witz Roofing Wolberg Electric MALTA DEVELOPMENT 10 AMERICAS CUP CT. ABC Supply Adirondack Plastic Laminates Appolo Heating Capital Stone Curtis Lumber D.S. DiGesare Plumbing & Heating, Inc. David-Louis Floors Form-It Construction, LLC International Built-In Systems M & R Coulombe Drywall New Dimensions Outdoor Services, Inc. Overhead Door Co. of Glens Falls Pallette Stone

Quality Hardware Ross Concrete LLC Security Plumbing Supply Sheft Electric Tiles by Giuseppe THE EARTH SOURCE COMPANY 43 DOTEN AVENUE 84 Lumber A W Hamel Stairs ABC Supply Adirondack Overhead Door Bonded Concrete Collins & co Earl B Fieden Home Depot / Lowes James Hardie Building Products M&E Plumbing & Heating Online Sources Saratoga Plumbing & Heating Sherwin Williams THE FORM COLLABORATIVE 5 MADDY GROVES ROAD Adirondack Peak Exteriors Adirondack Plumbing & Mechanical Allerdice Glass Bayberry & Co., Landscaping Brook Valley Appliances CALIFORNIA CLOSETS Columbia Cabinets Curtis Lumber R.K. DB Carpentry Dingman Construction Drywall Center

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Granite & Marble Works Harvest Homes Harvey Building Products J.Arnold Concrete Kueka Studios Miles Lumber Next Phase Construction Northern Hardwoods Overhead Door Company Point Source Group Inc Q.C. Concrete Red Maple Homewrights Sea-Nie Excavation The Green Cocoon Topnotch Builders, LLC. Traditional Hardwoods Wayne Grega Custom Painting WE Builders

Highland Heating & Cooling Jeff Arnold, Inc. Jimco Drywall JM Trackey Custom Finishes Lance Plumbing Ridgewood Cabinet Shop

Security Supply Steve Herman Stone Industries Witt Construction, Inc. Wolberg Electrical Supply WoodTrac Closets

WITT CONSTRUCTION 9 PERSIMMON PLACE ABC Supply Adirondack A/V Alden Floor Service Allerdice Glass & Mirror BCS Construction Best Fire Best Tile Builders Installed Products Capital Stone County Waste Crawford Door & window Creekeside Graphics, Inc Curtis Lumber D D Dyer Works Construction E Tanny Design Feidens Appliance Giuffre Contracting, LLC Glens Falls Overhead Door

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pg. 72

From The Editor As always, Saratoga TODAY is honored to be the “official guide” to the Saratoga Builders Association’s annual fundraiser; the Showcase of Homes!

I love working on this issue…

From seeing the floorplans to getting a sneak peek inside the showcase homes and hanging out with Liz Bishop and the gang - this is probably my favorite issue to build!!

Knowing this is undoubtedly the source for renovating / building / home décor ideas in Saratoga County, I’m always looking for swoon-worthy content, and you will love what I have for you!! …From a “a day in the life of an interior designer” (page 123) to a “behind the scenes” look at getting a condo ready for its new summer owners… this issue is full of beautiful design inspiration!

And it doesn’t stop there…

We’re bringing you a new feature starting with this issue where we show you how to incorporate the fabulous home décor items available in this area – from our advertisers – in your own homes!

See... you too can have a “showcase” home!! (page 131) As you know, we have our weekly paper, Saratoga TODAY, to cover the news of the area.

I get to cover the fun stuff and one of the coolest parts of this job is introducing you to some of my favorite people. Even though you’ve seen this man’s work for years (as the official photographer of the SBA’s Showcase of Homes!!) and the photographer who does the exquisite photos in

Architecturally Speaking in each issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine, I’ve never featured him before… till now.

Please Meet… Randall Perry (page 73) With the slower pace and cooler weather, I’m already thinking about all the “traditional” fun stuff that autumn brings – and some of these events are date sensitive, so flip to our Save the Date section first (page 164) – and mark your calendars – you don’t want to miss a thing this Fall!

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together and please keep those comments coming. If you know of people living interesting lives, living in amazing houses and doing awesome things, contact me cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com or (518) 581-2480 x201

pg. 86 136

134

pg. 140

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

Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine!

Consult them for your next reno, you’re holding the Saratoga County look-book of design / build businesses in your hands!

147 90

Enjoy the mag!

pg. 88

Chris

Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/ Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Simply...

Fall 2018

SARATOGA Complimentary

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THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

brought to you by

FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE, SEE PAGES 1-76

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FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 67

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018, 5:30-9 P.M. at the SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

On September 20th, come celebrate the bounty of Saratoga County’s Farms by joining us at Feast of the Fields 2018!

Tickets are only $100 and can be ordered online at www.saratogaplan.org or via phone 518-587-5554.

PHOTOS BY MEGAN MUMFORD

THE 13th ANNUAL FEAST OF THE FIELDS 2018 promises to be a fun-filled, delicious evening featuring top local chefs preparing small plates from fresh ingredients harvested by area farms. Local meats, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, prepared foods, beverages, brews, wines, and spirits are included. A silent auction filled with items and experiences from local businesses and artisans will round out the night.

Proceeds from Feast of the Fields help support Saratoga PLAN’s mission of Preserving Land and Nature in Saratoga County. To date, PLAN has protected more than 5,200 acres of open space, natural areas, and farmland.

68 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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In the last year PLAN has conserved 12 properties in Saratoga County, including 10 farms protected from development. Recent conserved farms include 220 acres of the Wildwood Farms in Northumberland, 405 acres on three adjacent and productive farm properties in the Town of West Charlton, and the 144-acre Fiddle-i-Fee Farm located on the Hudson River in Bacon Hill in the Town of Northumberland. There are currently seven other major farm protection projects in the works.

Saratoga PLAN is also a leader in protecting natural areas and creating trail networks in the county. On 10 different public preserves the public is welcome to explore 22 miles of natural trails maintained by experienced volunteers. PLAN

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

is an integral part of the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail, Champlain Canalway Trail, and Zim Smith Trail, and convenes the Countywide Trails Committee with representative from all trail user groups working together to create an interconnected trail system linking communities throughout Saratoga County.

The Palmertown Conservation Area is a contiguous natural area, stretching from Saratoga Springs north to the Hudson River. Partnering with local residents and municipalities, PLAN, the Open Space Institute and Alta Planning + Design, are crafting a community plan for the region, the plan is based on maintaining a working landscape that preserves water and habitat resources by building a viable economy based on outdoor recreation and forestry. SS

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 69

DESIGN BUILD GROUP SARATOGA, LLC offers Functionality with FORM, Beauty & Style WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED

A

nyone who knows her work knows that Leah Margolis, of Leah Margolis Design, has a sense of style and intuition that transcends the traditional and brilliantly infuses chic sophistication with form and function into every project she undertakes.

What everyone may not know is that Leah has recently launched a new business, Design Build Group Saratoga LLC, a full-service design-build company, focusing on functional design and client relations.

Leah has been working in design ever since graduating from Skidmore College, about 15 years ago. As she progressed in her career, she gained invaluable experience

70 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

working on both renovation and in new construction.

She also worked with her husband, who is in the construction business. After the couple moved to Saratoga, they set about completely gutting, restoring and re-designing their home and carriage house in Saratoga, work that was honored by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2014.

Leah’s design work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens’ Kitchen and Bath Makeover, and she has won the Saratogian’ s Reader’s Choice Awards every year since 2014. She has also been the recipient of several awards for her work in the Showcase of Homes and Capital Region Parade of Homes. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Leah credits her success to the lessons she learned from two well-known design firms in New York City.

forward with the creation of Design Build Saratoga LLC, which she officially launched in July.

A Skidmore graduate with a degree in studio art, Leah always knew that she wanted to go into design. After pounding the New York City pavement following college, and not taking “No” for an answer, Leah got her first big break working as a junior designer for Amanda Nisbet Design, and later working as senior designer for Rod Winterrowd, Inc.

Leah says that it has taken a while for her distinctive brand of NYC urban chic to catch on in the region. But, looking at her portfolio, it only takes a few minutes to recognize her obvious talent.

Leah credits the two design firms with teaching her everything she knows, learning from the ground up.

“It’s the best way to learn – jumping in and figuring it out.”

Leah and her husband moved to Saratoga in 2009 and her work quickly gained the attention and respect of the best builders and architects in the area. Since then, she has worked on projects from Albany to Lake George – as well as in Connecticut, Dallas and Palm Beach.

She has always loved architecture and she was already doing the interior door hardware, window selections, and other interior and exterior components of the homes she has worked on with local architects and builders. For Leah, opening the Design Group was the next logical step.

“Much of the new construction going on in different parts of the country is still just being introduced here. That’s what I’m hoping to do with this new business – make it more accessible to people.

“Generally, I have between 10 and 12 jobs going at a time, from doing entire houses from the ground up, to smaller projects like window treatments and room designs.”

No matter the size of the project, Leah continues to receive accolades from happy clients for her guidance, artistry and, most importantly, for listening to the needs of each client and incorporating them into the finished product. SS

BOOK NOW FOR

The Holidays SS

“Now, I’m hiring the installers, framers, etc., and I get to be really ‘hands on’ in terms of designing and overseeing the installation of built-ins and other features of the homes I work on.”

Leah is known for her contemporary interiors; but she also has a reputation for combining styles and genres to great effect. Her goal is to create functional interiors and she says, now that she is directly involved in the design-build process, she can now incorporate that functionality into the actual floor plans.

Leah says that she was already getting lots of requests from clients to manage renovations and new build projects. “So, I just decided, ‘Why not?’”

She had already begun working with clients on design for the past six months, and she decided to move saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 71

Touched by an

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

D

ealing with a serious illness is a daunting task that puts people in a physically, emotionally, and financially vulnerable position.

Angel Holding onto Hope

In February, Peca became the Community Hospice Foundation Specialist.

“When you open yourself up to being vulnerable, people respond to that in a warm and welcoming manner,” said Gina Peca.

“I am grateful every day that I was hired to do this job.

What I love about this place is that they are always working to improve and always seeking to meet the needs of families,” she said.

Peca witnessed unimaginable kindness when her family bravely experienced this type of vulnerability.

While organizing the 23rd Annual Touched by an Angel fundraiser, Peca has learned just how far-reaching the Hospice’s help actually is.

Bravery and Grace

“None of us knows what the future holds,” she said.

Peca’s 9-year-old daughter, Catie Hoch, died from cancer in 2000. Her husband passed away less than a decade later. Both times the Community Hospice of Saratoga and Washington Counties was there to help.

“There comes a point in treatment when you realize you’re at a crossroads and their quality of life might be paramount. Not being in a clinical setting helped both my husband and my daughter to be more relaxed. It gave us more freedom and control over the end of their lives,” said Peca.

Bringing the Light

An average of 130 to 140 people are helped everyday by the Community Hospice of Saratoga and Washington Counties.

Unique in their offering of palliative and end-of-life care, the organization also runs Camp Erin and the Wave Riders support group for grieving children.

“Kids are with children who have all gone through something similar. When you lose someone, it’s like all of a sudden you’re different. It’s very encouraging to be able to open up and be honest about your feelings. It lets you know you’re not alone and that’s very powerful,” said Peca.

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“Anybody you talk to has been touched by Hospice in one way or another. The “yes” comes out before you even ask the question – it’s amazing!”

Typically drawing in more than 400 people for the fun event, Peca hopes to raise $100,000 this year.

Mike Perkins and Tony Liquori will be performing throughout the evening while guests enjoy food from local restaurateurs including newcomers Salt & Char, Auggie’s and McGregor Links.

Appetizers, desserts and a selection of beverages are on hand for guests as they take advantage of the photo booth and enter to win a stay at Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake Inn. Intricate carved pumpkins sponsored

by Sunnyside Gardens will be available to take home just in time for fall front-porch decorating. SS The Hospice is still looking for pumpkin carvers. The 23rd Annual Touched by an Angel fundraiser will be held October 18th, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Dance. Tickets are $80/each and are available online at www.saratogaangel.org. For more information about becoming a carver, or the event, call Gina Peca at 518-581-9727.

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MEET...

RANDALL PERRY HUSB AND , FATHER , B R OTHER , SO N , FR IEND . . . a n d AWAR D - W INNIN G PH OTO GR APHER WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

S

killful photographers know how to make a place look great. It doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of lots of little decisions.

When you do something you love, it feels like life is a breeze. Randall Perry breathes this refreshing lightness into every picture he takes.

Wearing shorts, a polo shirt and boat shoes without socks, Perry’s windswept hair and tan highlight his easy bright-white smile as he opens the door on the corner of High Rock Avenue and York Street in Saratoga Springs where he shares a space with Equitas Realty.

His office is a meticulous reprieve from the harsh summer sun. It’s lit only by the many windows open on a large computer screen, the large illuminated photographs covering the walls and the red-shaded desk lamp that reminds you every-so-often of its embroidered detail.

Flipping on the overhead florescent lighting (normally such a mundane task) in this simple but expertly-crafted space, feels harsh and even harmful, so it’s never on while he is in the space.

Photo by Kaleb Ladd Cocca

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FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 73

AN EXPERT AT AMBIANCE “I just love to create an ambiance and setting,” said Perry.

Light is at the measured mercy of Perry’s informed decision-making, both in his work and at home.

“Whenever we host dinner parties or a soiree, I am the one who is setting the ambiance while my wife is focused on food and menu. My role has always been the perfection of the setting and the mood of the lighting.”

In the back section of the19-acre property he shares with his wife of 36 years, lies a historic Dutch cemetery.

During fall parties, with the music playing, you’d never know he uses a generator to fuel the light that is strung through the trees and directs his guests’ attention to the cemetery, highlighting certain historic grave stones.

Staging lights only accentuate the natural lighting in Perry’s photography of highend residential, commercial, hospitality and resort buildings. His family, which includes two sons, often witnessed Perry going out at all hours of the day and night – even on Thanksgiving – to take a photograph because the light would be “just right.”

“When you’re shooting at dusk -or dawnyou spend hours beforehand setting up and then, it’s here and gone,” he says with a snap of his fingers.

Private Residence, Naples FL 74 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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A PRECISION OF PLACE Movement flows through Perry’s still photography with an almost unfathomable vitality.

Given his first camera, a Polaroid, from his aunt at age 10, he was instantly enthralled.

“I enjoyed taking pictures with it and watching them develop before my eyes. It seemed like magic at the time,” recalls Perry.

Later on, he began studying photography and set up a dark room in his parent’s basement. He was bit by the travel bug while working as a fair roadie with his uncle throughout the Midwest and Canada. Upon high school graduation, Perry worked hard to obtain a position at a yacht brokerage firm in St. Petersburg, FL. before working on oil rig supply boats in the Gulf of Mexico.

“I loved the adventure of travel – the sights, sounds and lights. From far away, these places looked like cities on the water – it was absolutely fascinating,” remembers Perry.

It was his dad that helped him decide on a career.

“He said, ‘Whatever you decide on, you’re going to do it for the rest of your life, so it might as well be something you enjoy’.

I pondered and thought; the only thing I really like to do is to go boating and take pictures,” said Perry. His father told him to look into colleges that specialized in that and what better place than on the beach in Fort Lauderdale!

After attending the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and while at Randolph Technical College in North Carolina, Perry honed his skills lighting large room sets with such a unique style that one of the largest studios in the country hired him on to specialize in photography for the high-end furniture and home goods market.

He did the same kind of work closer to home in a New Jersey studio before establishing Randall Perry Photography in 1986. He has photographed properties from Maine to Florida and is grateful to have so many wonderful and appreciative clients who have hired them for so many years.

“I love everything about it,” he said.

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Wequassett Resort, Chatham MA

Private Residence, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH 76 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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A TRAVELER’S EYE

The winds of change touch you when you travel. The essence of other people and places inform your decisions with a sense of timelessness and universal relatability.

“It’s such good Chi for me –” said Perry.

During his 32 years in business, Perry’s clients have won hundreds of awards using his photographs. He gives the same attention to every detail in his shots, He gives exacting attention to every detail in his shots, which he owes to his years photographing for national furniture manufacturers for the High Point market.

“Often, I go in right when a building is being finished and my photographs are the first time people will have seen the building complete. Architects, builders and designers have not even seen it completed before this point, and I get to represent that. It’s a privilege and an honor, really,” he said.

Looking for interesting lines in the architecture, using light painting tools, cards and mirrors, centering the angle, spraying water on the sidewalk to create a reflection and adjusting the photo ratio to focus on a specific product are just a few of Perry’s exacting techniques.

Scouting out the location beforehand, he figures out just what lighting, time-of-day, propping and styling will best visually describe a location. It also helps him determine the budget, whether he’ll need his assistant, and how to give the client the “professional shot” he’s looking for.

Perry is striving to represent the best of what is in front of him, not to trick the viewer with a distorted lens angle into thinking the space is grander or differently shaped than it actually is.

Private Residence The Hamptons

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

As design has evolved over the years, so has Perry’s approach.

Since 1994, when Perry shot for the Capital Region Builder magazine (later to be called Capital Region Building and Design), consumer trends have gone through an interesting transformation. Using an 8x10 inch film camera in High Point to a 4x5 view camera in his own business for more than 20 years to finally switching strictly to digital was a huge adjustment.

One advantage he notes of the change was not carrying all the various film holders, and boxes of Polaroids when traveling on location. Splitting his time between Saratoga Springs and Naples Fl. since 1999, not traveling with all the extra weight and sensitive films made traveling that much easier.

What hasn’t changed is Perry’s enthusiasm and some of his great clients, who have trusted him to photograph their buildings for more than 30 years.

“These people are part of your life. They’re friends, colleagues and clients. Everyone is working together to make it happen”, he said.

Although he can’t ever imagine retiring, Perry said that if he does, there is one thing he won’t miss.

“Watching the weather - I won’t miss tracking the winds, the clouds or the rain. If it rains, it rains,” he said.

Until then, he says that he’s going to continue doing what he loves with the people he enjoys.

“The whole process, it’s stressful, but when it all finally comes together – it’s like ‘WOW! It all really did work’.” SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Villa Italia FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 77

brunch at

THE

BLUE HEN offers an unequaled

Sensory Experience

78 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

O

n a warm, sunshine-filled mid-morning in June, my friend and editor Chris Vallone Bushee of Saratoga Today, asked if I’d be free to meet her and photographer Susan Blackburn at The Blue Hen in the newly re-imagined and restored Adelphi Hotel for a leisurely brunch and food review. Although I was ensconced in a home painting project, I quickly agreed, showered off all but a few flecks of stubborn paint and tooled over to the Adelphi with the top down on my zippy little convertible.

I’d been wanting to sample the fare at The Blue Hen and have a close up look at the glass conservatory and stone patio beyond, and this was a perfect opportunity to see if all the things I was hearing about the restaurant were true.

Chris and Susan were already there, with Susan setting up her photography equipment to capture the scene before us, as only she can.

Perhaps it’s the avian appellation of the place, but walking into the glass conservatory, I felt as if I were entering an enormous and stunningly appointed birdcage. The sunlight glinted off the glass panes and the pale blue sky overhead was the perfect compliment to the striking cobalt blue-upholstered semi-circular booths and chairs framed in cane.

The crystal stemware also caught the rays of sunlight as they danced overhead, and the crisp white china with delicate Country French borders completed the look. Each table held a small crystal vase with sprigs of pink summer blooms and greens. Cushions in neutral and pale green hues lent just the right air of casual comfort to the room.

We were quickly ushered to a large corner booth near the entrance doors and we deposited our belongings there to venture beyond the conservatory to the spacious patio and courtyard beyond.

The space that was once a must-go-to destination for anyone wanting the full Saratoga experience, the rear patio and courtyard areas were a local icon in the original Adelphi. Many a celebration party or intimate tête á tête were held in the iconic space.

The current owners of the Adelphi have paid homage to that space, with panache and flair. The stone patio flooring is imported travertine marble in oversized rectangles and squares, forming a stunning neutral toned aesthetic. Large comfortable chairs and couches framed in wrought metal and cushioned in cool beige upholstery are positioned around coppery outdoor tables and topped with lemony yellow market umbrellas.

Beyond the patio is the outer courtyard, complete with a wrought-iron archway and mosaic-tiled travertine fountain, just perfect for tossing coins and making wishes come true. Effortlessly blending in with the neutral cushions and iron framed furniture is a large “farm” table made of wood, adding the perfect contrast to the space.

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The entire area is accented with yellow and pink hibiscus and large, broad-leafed fronds in portly ceramic pots and on the northern side of the courtyard is the original brick wall, a reminder of the Adelphi’s past glory.

Almost reluctantly, we return to our booth in the glass-enclosed space, chatting with staff along the way. Some people have come from long distances to work here, with many exchange students coming from Europe and beyond to have the experience of working in a world-class setting right in the heart of downtown Saratoga.

The Blue Hen serves breakfast and dinner, with an opulent brunch on weekends. David Burke, world -renowned chef and the only American to win the coveted Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, is the Culinary Director and he expects to spend 10-12 days per month on site. Chef Burke owns and operates several restaurants in New York and Chicago and he is also the youngest American chef to win a Michelin Star.

We make ourselves comfortable in the gorgeous setting as the staff brings out our entrees. We begin with feather-soft and airy beignets, lightly dusted in confectioners’ sugar with a perfect caramel sauce on the side.

After we have left no remnants of that superb example of patisserie perfection, the rest of our dishes arrive. It’s hard to know what is more arresting – the incredible mélange of tastes, or the remarkable presentation of the food. Director of Restaurants for the Adelphi Group, Loic Nguyen, works closely with Burke and head chef of the Adelphi Gardens, Chris Bonnivier, to offer something for every palate. But it is so much more than just satisfying palates. The beauty of the presentation is flawless, and the combination of flavors are a celebration for the taste buds.

If it’s breakfast with a southern flare that you crave, the Chicken and Waffles are a great choice. Tender and succulent chicken thighs are brined, poached and topped with shaved radishes, scallions and tiny chunks of sweet mango, with just a little “heat” in the form of sriracha, adding just the right kick to the dish.

The Sriracha is reprised again in some of the other dishes, including a Canadian bacon and egg entrée that is served with thick strips of candied bacon hanging by clothespins from the most adorable tiny clothesline, with a sriracha deviled egg seated beneath to finish things off. Each “clothesline” comes with its own little scissors to cut portions of bacon for sharing. The presentation is a touch of whimsical genius, patented by David Burke, and it is sure to be a smash hit at future brunches with family and friends.

As is our wont, the three of us put our heads together to determine what dish will be dubbed “Simply the Best.” This is a difficult choice, but we finally agree on the delectable “pastrami” salmon adorned with red onions and tiny delicate chunks of sriracha infused cucumbers. Burke has developed his signature method of seasoning and smoking salmon in the same way that pastrami is smoked. The end product is unlike any smoked salmon any of us have had the pleasure to sample.

As we finish our amazing repast and settle back into the soft cushions with freshly brewed coffee, we all agree that it has been a truly spectacular brunch experience. For my part, I can’t wait to be called back for dinner. SS

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124 Grand Avenue After Historic photo showing the house after windows and doors had been removed.

Photo Credit: George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum.

preserving

1888 L. R. Burleigh Bird’s Eye View Map showing the original appearance of the primary façade.

SARATOGA 82 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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Restoring FORMER GLORY:

124 Grand Avenue Before

15 FRANKLIN STREET WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART PHOTOS PROVIDED

“Nearly everyone we talked to told us not to take on this project,” said Liz Israel.

Well, I can tell you that the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is thrilled that she and her husband, Dave Hayden, did purchase 15 Franklin Street. The large Greek Revival style house was placed on the market not long after the 89 year-old owner, Harriet Watson, passed away on February 13, 2017. I received multiple calls from potential buyers who wanted to know if it would be possible to demolish the deteriorated house and carriage house and redevelop the site. I received no calls from anyone who was interested in preserving the house until Liz contacted me in December.

Thankfully, unlike the others who had called, Liz and Dave saw its potential.

The circa 1847 Greek Revival as it appeared when Liz Israel and Dave Hayden were looking to purchase the property.

Photo Credit: SSPF

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J. Ellsworth, a prominent attorney and developer, sold this lot and others on the west side of Saratoga Springs to Washington Putnam, son of Gideon Putnam, and Amos Stafford in 1844. By 1847 a house had been constructed and was occupied by David Franklin and his family. The 1850 U.S. Census listed David Franklin as “Mulatto” who owned real estate that was valued at $4,000, the equivalent of $125,000 today. He lived in the house with his wife Charity, his four children, and Elizabeth Franklin, who is believed to be his mother, who was listed in the U.S. Census as “Black” and 75 years old. David Franklin passed away on October 1, 1850.

Deborah Fuller, wife of George W. Fuller, acquired 15 Franklin Street through a series of real estate transactions starting in November of 1849 and had clear title by January 1854.

Deborah and George, a baggage master with significant real estate, resided in the house with their son George until 1861 when Orlando M. Bogart, a wealthy banker who lived in New York City, purchased the house and used it as his summer residence until 1868. The following owner, David McMaster, a boot and shoe dealer, and his wife Rachel resided in the house. In 1881, they defaulted on their mortgage and Mrs. Euretta Patrick, who appears to be a relative who periodically lived with the McMasters, purchased the property at a foreclosure sale.

By 1890, David had passed away and Rachel had relocated to Connecticut. It was during the McMaster’s ownership that a rear extension and the carriage house were built.

Between 1891 and 1900, Hugh McMaster Roosevelt, a relative who was chief clerk at various hotels periodically resided with Euretta until her passing in 1900 when she bequeathed the house to Hugh. That same year, Hugh and his wife, Carrie, converted the house into the Roosevelt Cottage, a boarding house. Hugh passed away in 1906 and Carrie continued to operate the Roosevelt Cottage until 1909.

Carrie remained living in the house until 1932 when she moved to New Jersey to live with her daughter, Blanche Dunham. That same year she conveyed the property to Blanche. Blanche leased 15 Franklin Street to Edward and Mary Delay between 1933 and 1942.

In 1936, Edward Delay opened E.V. Delay Manufacturing Company, which made undertaking supplies, in the carriage house.

In 1943, the Delays purchased the property and converted the house into apartments. In 1958, Mary Delay sold the house to Alvin Watson, who operated the Watson Inn at 66 Franklin Street (demolished in 2013). Alvin and his wife Harriet raised their family in the house, while renting apartments to others.

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The east façade after the aluminum siding was removed and the original porch columns were restored.

Photo Credit: Provided by Owners.

Dave Hayden, Mark Thornquist, contractor, and Liz Israel standing on the stairs that had been obscured by walls. Photo Credit: SSPF

The hidden tin ceiling that will be restored.

Photo Credit: Provided by Owners.

Evidence of the one set of French doors that were removed at some point.

Photo Credit: SSPF

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Original porch column under restoration by Bud Milks.

Photo Credit: Provided by Owners.

Over time the property fell into disrepair and insensitive changes were made. The house was clad in aluminum siding, windows and doors were removed or changed, and at one point the carriage house suffered a fire. In 2010, the Foundation was concerned about the condition of the property and listed it on its “Ten to Save” list. Following the listing, several repairs were made to the exterior.

Completed apartment living room with the restored original wood floors.

Photo Credit: Provided by Owners.

“We were looking for a rehab project and I could easily see the potential,” said Dave. It was with reassurance from Liz’s father, Bob Israel, who has completed several extensive rehabilitations - including the Woodlawn Row Houses following a devastating fire - and Mark Thornquist, a contractor who also worked on the Woodlawn Row Houses, that Liz and Dave had the confidence to take on the extensive project. The remaining challenge was the finances. With technical assistance from the Foundation, Liz and Dave are receiving state and federal rehabilitation tax credits, providing 20 percent of the rehabilitation cost in tax credits, which make the project possible.

“This project has been so exciting - we are always uncovering new things!” exclaimed Liz. In addition to finding evidence for the windows and doors that had been removed, they uncovered a tin ceiling that had been hidden and exterior details under the aluminum siding. Bud Milks, a skilled craftsman, has assisted with restoring the Doric columns and Chris Bennett (featured in my February 2018 article about 144 Spring Street) has been hired to replicate the missing doors and balusters.

Liz and Dave are focusing their efforts first on the main house and its extensions, which will be three apartments. Upon completion, they will turn their attention to the brick Gothic Revival carriage house.

Completed apartment kitchen.

Photo Credit: Provided by Owners.

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Be sure to watch the progress of the project unfold in the upcoming year!

SS

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 85

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

PAMELA STENDARDI

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” - Pablo Picasso WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED

S

he was only a toddler, maybe three or four years old when she discovered her love for coloring. By the time she was in middle school, she was drawing everything around her. And as she grew into her teenage years, she filled numerous sketchbooks with her keen interest in architecture; not only drawing buildings, houses, and other architectural structures but designing interior layouts of homes as well.

In fact, this artist might have pursued a career in drafting and architecture if not for a guidance counselor who tried to dissuade her from a profession he claimed was more suited to boys. At the tender age of 13, the young artist went with his advice, rather than her gut.

Today Pamela Stendardi smiles when she says that art discovered her, that it wasn’t the other way around.

“I’ve always loved drawing with a pencil - there’s just something about that medium.”

Pencils and sketch pads were easy to pack and unpack when inspiration struck in the early years. Later the pencil morphed into an inkwell and pen nibs. Pam admits the results were beautiful but that it took an exorbitant amount of time to render each drawing. She switched to technical pens while attending The Vesper School of Art in Boston and continued using them as she began landing commissions for private homes, and had deadlines to meet.

86 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

This soft-spoken artist enjoys drawing architecture, the graceful lines of antique furniture, landscapes, occasional portraits and most everything in nature. Details are what delight her.

As far as inspiration goes, she admits she’s always ready to draw. “I’ve heard people say that they need to be in the mood to draw.” She grins at the thought. “ Just draw, I say, the mood will catch up with you.”

When Pam travels, she always carries a sketchbook. On Martha’s Vineyard, where she spent her childhood years growing up and now enjoys the island with her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and friends, she feels compelled to draw. “The change during our four seasons here can be drastic, affording me all sorts of great new material to work with.” And because Martha’s Vineyard will always feel like “home” to her, there’s a warm rush of emotion behind each piece of art she brings to life - you can almost feel it.

Recently Pam traveled to Madrid, Spain with her youngest daughter. There was no shortage of things she wanted to sketch and photograph while the two were out exploring the city and surrounding neighborhoods.

Like many other artists, traveling to new places can ignite a creative spark, setting it on fire, as every little thing is new and fresh and exciting. “My most precious souvenirs from this trip, other than enjoying the company of my daughter, are the images I brought home to reference further in my studio.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

When talking about art shows, Pam reveals that she does one solo show a year, most times through the Saratoga Arts Center. Her artwork is also on display at different times on the walls of the Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake Library. She participates in the North Country Arts show, as well as the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, New York, where she does both solo and group showings of her framed pen and ink drawings.

She takes part in a group showing once a year at the Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, facilitates a group art show every summer at The Mansion Inn in Rock City Falls, and presents a framed Mansion Inn print to every bride and groom that marries there during peak season-a memento of their special day.

Pam works closely with local real estate agents, drawing homes for both the buyer and seller as gifts on the day of a property’s closing. Local businesses hang prints they’ve commissioned for advertising in their offices.

Her love for architecture shines through when she takes a contractor’s set of blueprints and draws the completed home to frame and sell alongside the new address.

Although the artist says she has no favorite drawing, her smile brightens when she talks about boating, salty air and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. The seashore is in her blood, like many others who crave as much time as possible wandering sandy shores and gazing at weathered homes on the island.

The artist is beginning to paint more, for the time being on small canvases - 4x4, 5x7, & 6x8.

Again, she believes the medium chose her, not the other way around.

Who’s to say? Both pen and paintbrush speak to those lucky enough to own a piece of her work.

People can get in touch with her by email at Pamela.Stendardi@yahoo.com, or call her at 518-466-8043. They can also visit her website, which gives more pertinent information about pricing and offers, at StendardiArt.com.

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Love

Take a break from smartphones and deadlines at these charming Saratoga Springs cafés.

THOSE COFFEE HOUSES

WRITTEN BY EMMA LEMAY PHOTOS BY JAIDEN WOOD

I

n an area known for SPAC performances and the Saratoga Race Course, it’s easy to overlook a Saratoga Springs treasure: coffeehouses.

Whether you crave a daily cup o’ joe or an afternoon pastry, Saratoga’s cafes never disappoint. You needn’t travel far to indulge in an unforgettable coffee culture with an upstate flair.

KRU COFFEE Impeccable latte art and homemade fare await just off Route 50. Although Kru was designed with California and the northwest in mind, the unfinished wood and farmhouse chic mason jar lighting create an Adirondack feel.

Kru is perfect for socializing. There’s plenty of room for laptops in the loft, and the community tables offer an ideal coworking space. Friendly dogs are welcome too.

Join Jim Cuggino’s “Good Will Network” weekday mornings at 7 a.m. for harmonious conversations. According to him, “Coffee is the least obnoxious addiction,” allowing people to reveal themselves in an accepting atmosphere.

Location: 46 Marion Ave krucoffee.com 88 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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MRS. LONDON’S One might mistake Mrs. London’s for a Parisian cafe. A glass case displays a medley of sweet offerings, such as, heavenly croissants, French Macarons, and Danish. The bakery also serves coffee and tea, sandwiches and salads, a tantalizing creamy tomato with cheddar soup, and more.

Mrs. London’s has been featured in the New York Times and Food & Wine Magazine. Come witness what the hype is about and snap a photo in front of the classic French boulangerie inspired wallpaper to channel your inner wanderlust.

Location: 464 Broadway mrslondonsbakery.com

SARATOGA COFFEE TRADERS A local favorite, especially among Skidmore students, Coffee Traders provides alternative vibes ideal for hanging out. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in August. The candy shelves in the back allow little ones to satisfy their sweet tooth while adults fulfill their coffee fix. Baristas often recall your usual order here.

Coffee Traders is home to Death Wish Coffee, the ‘World’s Strongest Coffee.’ This smooth, full body dark roast contains an average of 59 milligrams of caffeine per fluid ounce (a typical cup of coffee averages 12 to 16 milligrams). People hail from far and near for this ‘deadly’ yet invigorating fuel.

Location: 447 Broadway saratogacoffeetraders.com

UNCOMMON GROUNDS Arguably Broadway’s most lively coffee hub. The open layout encourages conversing with strangers. Admire Saratoga’s buzzing main street from the patio. Uncommon Grounds offers something for everyone: classic espresso drinks in addition to smoothies, bagels, salads, muffins, and more.

402 Broadway uncommongrounds.com

SPOT COFFEE Hit pause on Broadway’s hustle and bustle at SPoT. This coffee joint’s all-day breakfast, succulent plants, and natural lighting keep locals and visitors coming back for more. SPoT provides ample space to work, and the tables for two are quintessential for engaging conversations.

Location: 55 Railroad Place spotcoffee.com

STARBUCKS Although the addition of a global franchise on Broadway sparked controversy, Starbucks remains a popular destination for coffee and tea. It’s the go-to for a shopping break, coffee run, and meeting spot. After all, no one whips up a Frappuccino quite like Starbucks. SS Location: 351 Broadway starbucks.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Girls...

DO YOU NEED A

Getaway ?

WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON, LIVE LIFE TRAVEL, LLC, VIRTUOSO MEMBER PHOTOS BY BRANDO SUITE BORA BORA, INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA

e all talk about it, but we never get around to it.

W

(You know I’m right!)

We all really want to do it, but we get too busy or the wine buzz wears off. However, making time for your girls (and yourself!!) is essential!

Here are some great options and really easy ways that you and your besties, no matter what your age or the occasion (or simply for no reason at all!!) can start your tradition of doing at least one Girls Getaway per year.

EAU PALM BEACH RESORT AND SPA (MANALAPAN, FL) An oceanfront wonderland where you are greeted with a glass of champagne and Jonathan Adler designed rooms – reminiscent of Santorini meets Capri. With 2 oceanfront pools, a world class spa, mixology classes & tapas bar, champagne brunches, custom beach bikes, a private beach with yoga included and four (!!) restaurants, this place was made for a girlfriends’ getaway.

Did I mention that they have Margarita carts available for your cabana and that they also serve complimentary champagne in the adults-only pool (on a surfboard) during the day just for fun?

You can fly non-stop into Fort Lauderdale from Albany (45-minute drive from airport).

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THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH (HAWLEY, PA) An award-winning all-inclusive adults-only destination spa in Pennsylvania’s Lake Region. Your rate includes three crafted gourmet meals daily, MindBody classes and outdoor adventures. Enjoy their amazing pools with hydromassage waterfalls, indoor/outdoor Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, archery and even ice skating. They also offer guest speakers and workshops and feature creative arts and gourmet cooking demonstrations. And in the evening, relax by the fireplace with a glass of wine with your ladies. Only a three-hour drive from Saratoga Springs. Their sister resort, Woodloch Pines - a family resort (which is AWESOME!) is also in Hawley and totally worth the trip!

MANHATTAN Ladies, you can never go wrong with a Girls Getaway in NYC! We recommend taking Amtrak out of Albany in which case you will be in midtown in 2.5 hours. The best time to visit is the Spring and Fall with September being our favorite month of the year. With that said, we included a handful of hotels with pools below just for those fun summer months when the rest of Manhattan is out of town at the beach (the best time to visit is on the weekends).

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Here are some other things that we love about the city.

HOTELS – The Surrey*, Empire Hotel, Royalton Park Avenue*, The Stewart Hotel, The Four Seasons*, Sixty LES, Dream Downtown *Virtuoso Properties RESTAURANTS – Sorbillo NYC, Boat Basin, Bacon Bar, Uva, JG Melon, Lukes’ Lobster, Keste, Il Mulino, Central Park Boathouse WALKS – Central Park (The Ramble), Brooklyn Bridge, The High Line, Hudson River Greenway, St. Mark’s Place, Williamsburg Bridge OTHER NYC SUGGESTIONS - Brunch (More Brunch), Broadway, Shopping (SoHo), Rooftop Bars (230 Fifth), Wine tasting cruise (or the Circle Line or Staten Island Ferry), Soul Cycle, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Mani/ Pedis, Bagels (Essa, H&H), Spas (Great Jones, Mandarin Oriental), Cooking classes….

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UNICO 20º87º is our favorite new Adults Only “Unlimited Inclusions” Resort. It takes the “allinclusive” concept to a whole new level and puts a sophisticated spin on it all while drawing from the local culture. Your rate covers the usual PLUS excursions (tours, ziplines, etc…) and massages at the spa! They have exercise classes that will actually make you want to work out such as aqua cycling and floating yoga.

They cater to adults of all ages. They have a party pool complete with DJ (accompanied by a live musician) and oversized unicorn and rainbow floats that is absolutely rocking by the afternoon as well as a quiet pool that is super chill. The food was excellent, they offered mixology classes, tequila tastings and the entire place has a real authentic quality to it. Flights into Cancun are typically the easiest and least expensive flights that you can get to a tropical beach destination from Albany. Mexico continues to be one of our #1 recommended beach destinations and a great location for a Girls Getaway. SS

Live Life Travel’s GIRLS GETAWAY GIVEAWAY 2-night stay (for 2) at Eau De Palm & The Lodge at Woodloch Enter at LiveLifeTravel.world

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you go, it really matters who you’re with and that you make time for your girls. www. livelifetravel.world anne@livelifetravel.world

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454 Broadway, Suite #8 Saratoga Springs LuciaBoutique.com 518.587.7890 Sweaters and winter accessories at Lucia this season.

Tucker Sweater by Gentle Fawn

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SARATOGA SHOE COMANY 5 Spring Street Saratoga Springs SaratogaShoe.com 518.306.5161 Super comfortable Stylish Shoes For the modern woman.

A Charleston Shoe Signature Store. Â Great Shoes take you to Great Places!

494 Broadway Saratoga Springs VioletsOfSaratoga.com 518.584.4838 On Andrianna: Free People "She's So Cool" Tee in Ivory - $58 Paige "Hoxton" skinny jean in Midnight Slate Velvet - $239 JenniferHaley "One Arm Backpack" in Red Floral - $395 Sam Edelman "Kinzey" in Grey Leopard - $160 Deepa Gurnani "Belinda" Earring in Red - $55

On Hanna: Rails "Sloanne" top in Navy Polka Dot - $158 7ForAllMankind "Roxanne" Jean - $199 JenniferHaley "Fringe Large Sophisticated Shopper" in Grey - $450 BC Footwear "Ringmaster" in Blue Metallic - $89 Deepa Gurnani "Rain" Earring in Grey - $60

27 Church Street Saratoga Springs SpokenSaratoga.com 518.587.2772 Cozy weather is on it's way and this is one way to look not only warm but super chic!!

Pullover by Joseph Ribkoff

399 Clinton Street Saratoga Springs AlpineSportShop.com 518.584.6290 Snoskins ...Hi/Lo button shirt $137.95 Kuhl... Krush Pant $88.95 Michie's ...knit hat $39.95 Kuhl...Alaska Long Fleece Jacket Pistil ...It Girl Bag $67.95 Large snowflake crystal necklace $19.95 Alpine Sport Shop Camper Mug $12.95

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H&G Randall Perry Photography

Flip the page for the rest of the house!

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Archite Randall Perry Photography

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cturally SPEAKING FOLLOW US AS WE EXPLORE SOME OF THE AREA'S UNIQUE SPACES...

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Keepers of the Inn

Pass on the Torch p re p a re to

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen history professor Tillman Nechtman first discovered the historic home known as “Stiles’ Tavern” in 2005, he was immediately drawn to it. He had recently been hired by Skidmore College, and he and his wife, attorney Laura Greco, had spent several weekends searching for the perfect house for their young family.

Laura was in the midst of studying for the NYS Bar Exam and she couldn’t afford to take yet another weekend off from her studies to go house hunting. She relied on her husband to find the right home.

When Tillman saw the 1800’s home on the corner of Parkhurst Road in the town of Wilton, it was love at first sight, and Laura trusted his decision to purchase the home before she even set foot inside the door.

Stiles Tavern has a long history of offering hospitality and being of service to travelers and members of the community during most of its existence.

Randall Perry Photography

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The 210-year old four-bedroom, three-bathroom Colonial has only had four owners in all that time, a fact that speaks to the special quality of the home.

The Nechtman-Greco family moved into the former stagecoach stop in September of 2005 and have served as “Keepers of the Inn” ever since.

Now, as the family prepares to move on to another chapter in their lives, the historic home is available for the next family to serve as honored stewards of history.

“Historians have a tendency to want to control the past,” says Tillman, as we take a tour of the historic old home. But, it is another thing entirely when you are actually living in history. We want to leave the place better than we found it.”

And they have.

The stately white wood-frame Colonial is not the first house to stand on the property. The original home was built in 1789 by Benjamin Philips and it also served as a tavern.

1789 was a momentous time for our newly-formed country. In that same year, the Constitution of the United States of America took effect and George Washington become our first President.

Randall Perry Photography

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A little to our west, James Fenimore Cooper, the American author who would create the fictional character, Natty Bumpo, was born in nearby Cooperstown, and his romantic tales of the frontier and the American Indian would put the Adirondacks on the literary map. Tillman points out to me that the floorplan of Stiles Tavern is nearly identical to the well-known Bump Tavern in Cooperstown.

Even closer to home, Gideon Putnam built the first hotel for travelers to the area, who had heard about the wondrous qualities of the natural springs and began flocking to the region.

As we continue our tour, Tillman explains that the original house burned down sometime around 1800. The house that now occupies the property was built by Eli Stiles and sits on the original stone foundation, which Benjamin Phillips marked with a cornerstone, engraved, “BP1789.”

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Randall Perry Photography

Entering through the front door into the spacious foyer, my eye is immediately drawn to the expansive living room on the left and the beautifully appointed dining room to the right. Tillman explains that the dining room would have served as the original tavern and the living room most likely a public eating and drinking space. Some local history books say that it was used as the town of Wilton Court at one point.

The important historical features of the home, such as the period colors on the walls, the stunning fireplaces that serve as focal points, and the beautifully crafted built-in wood cupboards that punctuate the corners of the dining room have all been preserved and maintained. But there are ample modern amenities and additions to be enjoyed.

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The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops and ceiling height cabinetry. It leads to the charming four-season porch with a stone patio and in-ground pool surrounded by sheltering trees and a pristine white fence to ensure privacy and safety for children and pets.

The second floor remains true to the Colonial character of the home. As is true of many of the homes during this period, the upstairs was originally a large open space that would have been used for meetings, balls or other social gatherings, much the same as its “look-alike” counterpart, the Bump Tavern in Cooperstown.

Tillman explains to me that a section of the original house, which was destroyed by fire in the 1930s, would have been where the family sleeping quarters were located. The second

story bedrooms and the large family room that now exists was designed and installed by the Kark family back in the early twentieth century during a remodel under their watch.

The spacious and comfy secondfloor family room is a perfect place for playing board games, watching movies or doing homework.

My personal favorite room in the house is the library, located on the first floor to the rear of the living room near the side entry door. Tillman agrees it was the library that sold him on the house. When they first bought the home, the meticulously crafted ceiling to floor built-in bookshelves had been painted a hunter green, with matching carpeting on the floor. Now, they are painted in a shade of brown that would have been used during the nineteenth century. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

116 Union Mills Rd., Broadalbin – New on the market in the Broadalbin-Perth School District is this wonderful 3 bedroom Dutch colonial on 5 private acres. Great space on the inside and outside for large family & entertaining. Very spacious modern kitchen, family room, living room with fireplace and super deck. Private, peaceful setting… sets back off main road. $299,900.

134 First Ave., Gloversville - Spectacular totally restored Queen Anne Victorian.

Stunning original detailing, 4 fireplaces, new mechanical systems. New kitchen with granite counter, copper sink, chef’s stove & pot filler! Pretty outdoor space, 2 car garage, covered patio and deck. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Large walk up attic – perfect for studio or fitness room. $189,900.

110 Fairway Lane, Amsterdam - A gorgeous setting for this Brownell built Post & Beam!

The peace & privacy is almost unbelievable as it is just around the corner from shopping, hospital, golf course, & minutes to Thruway.

Multi level contemporary, plenty of room for entertaining & quiet time. Fresh paint inside & out. Kitchen has newer countertops & modern appliances. Living room has sliding doors on both sides to deck. New Price $224,900.

689 State Hwy 30N #1, Town of Northampton - Enjoy sitting on 1 of your 3 porches & relaxing in this contemporary cottage located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, w/ deeded rights & direct access to the Great Sacandaga Lake! 3 floors of living space, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, natural light & views of the lake. Hardwood floors, ceramic tile, granite counters & custom closets.

2 dock slips, extra garage unit. $369,900.

201 South Shore Rd., Peck Lake – Welcome to Peck Lake! This beautiful home has direct lake front and a gorgeous view. 2 completely separate living spaces… great for families. Recently remodeled… and some of the furnishings may stay!

The autumn season on this lake is breath taking… owner is motivated… come take a look now! $549,900.

Lana Ruggiero Licensed Real Estate Broker

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2 W. State St., Gloversville - 1863 Victorian is Gloversville’s crown jewel!

Original detailing throughout with 8 fireplaces! The parcel includes in ground pool plus a 3 unit rental with extra lot for plenty of parking. Perfect home for a health care professional… a short walk to Nathan Littauer Hospital! $349,900.

11 Forest Street (P.O. Box 1285), Gloversville NY 12078 Office: (518) 470-4738 | Fax: (518) 773-3805 www.ruggierorealtyllc.com | lanaruggierorealty@gmail.com

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Randall Perry Photography

Randall Perry Photography

The Rice family installed the bookshelves and transformed the room into a library/study during their tenure as owners of the Inn. It is likely, though, that the room was originally used by the Tavern Keeper. Its close proximity to the door would have made it convenient for him to tend to late-night arrivals to the Inn. The room now serves as Tillman’s office away from Skidmore and is a warm and welcome retreat for work, study and meditation.

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pristine white walls of the hallways that connect the rooms. These artifacts will remain with the house for the next owners to enjoy and enrich their experience of living in a piece of history.

Randall Perry Photography

While their goodbye to the home is somewhat wistful, Tillman and Laura consider themselves fortunate to have served as “keepers of the Inn” and their hope is that the next owners will cherish the home’s history and usher in a new generation of stewardship. The home is currently listed for sale with Julie McDonough of Select Sotheby’s International Realty.

See the inside back cover of this publication for more details. SS

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Welcome Home !

Now come behind the scenes and see how it all happens...

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

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The Designers are Approaching the Starting Gate...

Saratoga Springs is a town that doubles in occupancy when the track season begins in July. But what most local residents don’t know is the behind the scenes race to prepare the residence of countless horse owners, trainers and more, prior to opening day.

Recently Michele Ahl, of 2B Design, LLC, and I took on a project for one of these prominent horse owners. It all began on June 11th with an introduction from Kelly Zanella, of Howard Hanna Reality, to her clients, Everett & Jeanetta Dobson of Cheyenne Farms LLC, as they surveyed a condo in Park Place for purchase. Coming from Oklahoma, they had a few hours to walk the property, meet Michele and I and give us a few highlights of their taste and desires. With a potential closing date of July 16th, we secured an agreed budget for the project by the 18th and began sourcing major furniture selections, lighting and plumbing fixtures along with subcontractors and more in preparation for the move-in date of July 20th at 6pm. With such a tight purchasing time frame, we were at the mercy of the showroom floor selections. This is where our contacts, built over years of being in the design industry, came into play. Our sourcing took us to all corners of the Capital Region, from large furniture showrooms, to some of the more intimate shops in downtown Saratoga Springs. The local antique shops offered a touch of history while purchases online gave us instant access to spectacular designer selections only available to the trade in the timeframe we were seeking. Every detail had to be perfect, right down to the clients' favorite K-cups! Amidst all the shopping, we were meeting with the subcontractors to coordinate how we would all work together in one space. Who was where and when; items to be removed from the premises and donated, and the limited condo rules for construction noise. The logistics didn’t stop there, we had to work very closely with all the furniture stores to have our selections delivered just as the contractors were paring down with the renovation process. It was like a well-choreographed dance....After the closing, the subs would begin the renovation process and be finished by mid-day on the 18th. The majority of the furniture was scheduled for the 18th starting at 1pm. The 19th was cleaning day and the start of the decorating process. Move-in day was the 20th so we had most of the day to pick up last minute needs, fluff and be sure all the details were just so...Then came the news from the realtor, the condo closing was officially scheduled for June 18th at 11am, we just lost two days...

If this were HGTV, they would cut to a commercial break here....

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If this were HGTV, they would cut to a commercial break here....

More phone calls, furniture deliveries can’t be moved, everything will begin to arrive at the condo at 1 pm on the 18th along with our subcontractors! But this is why they’ve hired us; we’ve got this...The Dobson’s graciously agree to move-in on the 21st at 6pm...We’ve gained one day... hallelujah!

Closing day, July 18th arrives quickly...last minute requests for paperwork, more calls, emails, last minute schedule changes in our favor for two deliveries…

More phone calls, furniture deliveries can’t be moved, everything will begin to arrive at the condo at 1 pm on the 18th along with our subcontractors! But this is why they’ve hired us; we’ve got this...The Dobsons graciously agree to move-in on the 21st at 6pm...We’ve gained one day... hallelujah!

Closing day, July 18th arrives quickly...last minute requests for paperwork, more calls, emails, last minute schedule changes in our favor for two deliveries…

A PURE ADRENALINE RUSH!!

It’s getting close to 1pm and Kelly hand delivers the keys!

A text goes out to the team…

Aaanndd They’re Off ! !

There’s a surge of workers, machines and furniture into the condo, not what we planned but what we will work with.

The demolition begins, a little cramped but everything is on schedule until we are informed that the large screen TVs we purchased can’t be installed as sold to us. Michele and I have to reroute our game plan; we hire Tangora Technologies to install and program the TVs, came up with plan B and moved forward. Day 1 down, on schedule.

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The morning of the 19th, 8 am… all subs on deck, runners are now on site to help with miscellaneous tasks and escort subs & furniture deliveries into the building and up the elevator. Tangora Technologies installers have arrived… ...BUT WHERE ARE THE TVs?

By 10 am it is confirmed our TV deliveries were accidentally cancelled by the supplier. Think quick...the electrician offers to pick them up for us while he’s out for supplies! YES… two hours behind schedule but still humming along. TVs arrive, installation is on the way.

We are back in business!! Lights are being pulled and replaced, tile is being removed, the entry is getting a facelift and the painters are filling all the divots in the walls and updating colors as specified. The design changes are coming together, back on schedule....

TVs are not working...ALL THREE OF THEM...

COMMERCIAL BREAK! I can’t make this stuff up!!!!

Redirect...pack the TVs back up, grab a runner and scour the capital district for 3-55” ultra high definition TVs of the same brand AND within the approved budget! Three hours later, it’s 9pm and we are back with the TVs at the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

condo, which is coming along nicely under the direction of Michele. A few hours of cleanup, vacuuming and we are ready to start fresh in the morning. Back on schedule...

Friday the 19th…the subs are confident they will be done by the end of the day. TVs are installed AND working, the kitchen and bar backsplash are looking great, the painting is just about done and with the majority of the boxes cleaned up we are ready for the house cleaning team to come in!

Rugs go down, major furniture pieces are in place and the main portion of the condo is ready for tomorrow. It’s 2am on the 21st and Michele and I are choosing the last pillows and decorative pieces, assessing what is left to do for tomorrow and making a punch list.

We are in the home stretch !

Tiredly, we remind ourselves, this is why they’ve hired us!

See you in a few hours!

Saturday, July 21st...A few last minute touch ups, ironing of bedding and Michele is out making her last purchases to fill the gaps. With only an hour to spare, we polish the silverware, clean glasses, fold towels, hang pictures and mirrors and define our details. We are literally pushing the garbage out the back door as Everett and Jeanetta knock at the front door. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Welcome Home!

Their faces say it all! It’s a success!

Would we do it again…

Every minute of it!

Michele and I hope all of you in Saratoga Springs enjoy these photos as much as the Dobsons are enjoying their new home here in New York.

Until next time my friends….

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert

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Unique Interiors...

Creating Environments for LifeTM

CMC Design Studio LLC 518.312.3443 colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net www.cmcdesignstudio.net saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

2B D E S I GN

UNIQUE INTERIORS

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A day in the life of...

An Interior Designer WRITTEN BY JULIE MALESKI PUTZEL OF JMP INTERIORS PHOTOS PROVIDED

5:30 AM Wake up.

I set an alarm, but who needs an alarm when I have the sweetest little voice wake me up, at the same time, every morning. “Mommy, the sun is up; can you come downstairs with me?” I roll over and kiss my husband, then head downstairs. I start the coffee and put on our daughter’s favorite morning show. While waiting for my coffee, I check my social media streams and emails. After my husband and I have our morning coffee, I kiss our daughter’s forehead and head upstairs for a shower.

6:30 Call the Piilot.

I call Rick to make sure the flight is still a go. In our area, weather says thunderstorms later today, but Maryland looks great. He says we are on track to leave at 9am. “Wheels up at 0900” he says. Geesh, that will take some getting used to hearing. Me, regularly on a private jet?! I hate flying! Better double check I have Dramamine in my pocketbook. I text our sitter that the flight is still a go, and to please be here for 8:30. Tom will have a delayed start today, but its only one day. The kids will most likely ask him to make pancakes.

I finished getting ready, grabbed my Design bag, equipped with all basic needs; measuring tape, paint decks, graph paper, notebook and mechanical pencil. I head back downstairs, give the kids and Love a kiss, then head out for the hanger in North Adams, MA. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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6:50 Drive to hanger.

Leaving the house just a bit early because there is construction in Troy, and I can NOT be late for that plane. I thought I should also stop to grab a power bar and water.

I get on the highway and the calls start. Naturally it’s too early for most office hours, so I just leave messages. I call our dishwasher repairman, call to schedule the chimney and dryer vent person to clean and inspect those, and lastly confirm the cleaners for next week. I feel good!

8:10 Arrive at hanger.

I drive over to the parking area near TurboProp East and walk into the building and make my rounds saying “Good morning” to the staff, then head to the back office. I can see the plane from here, they already have it out. Rick, the pilot, is in the office and we have a quick chat about working for the client and how it all came to be. He leaves to check on the co-pilot and the weather radar. While he does, I check emails, and answer texts. I email my flooring vendor about a big carpeting project, the Carrera marble for a different project, and the flooring for a bathroom remodel project. Then I emailed my cabinetry vendor to check the status of the bathroom remodels’ vanity order to make sure everything is on schedule, as well as a kitchen layout and the pricing for a separate project. Next… I emailed my lighting vendor for an update on a ceiling fan quote, and to change the quantity of the wall sconces for a custom order that they quoted. After that I responded to three different, new client requests and emails. Sending them my new client questionnaire and answering specific questions. Then I answered four different emails from existing clients. Time for another cup of coffee!

9:00 Board private jet.

My client and his property broker are here, the plane is ready and it’s time to board. I have to say; the takeoff was quite smooth - maybe I won’t hate this as much as I thought I would!

We all make fun conversation for a good amount of time, and then discuss the four homes we are focusing on today. If the weather cooperates, we will also stop in West Virginia at another property there. At the Maryland development, two of the homes need to be refurnished top to bottom, and this will be my task. Did I mention, he wants two entire homes to be refurnished by NEXT Friday? Good Gravy!

10:10 Land in Maryland.

Once the plane lands, the sales manager picks us up from the airport and we ride to the office. After settling in, and making introductions, I am driven to the first model by an employee and the Designer from the local furniture company working with me to set up the homes. On the way to the first home, I tell the employee that I will need copies of all the construction drawings for each home. After receiving those, I will work with the furniture company’s Designer and send her my floor plans and selection ideas so that it is a seamless process to complete the job. We walk into the home and instantly I start rambling off where items will be going…a demi loon here, a chaise lounge there, etc.

The designer took notes as I dictated. She was very nice, I think we will get along very well.

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12:10 PM Get back to office.

Walking all four homes and reviewing ideas, taking pictures, took about two hours. We head back to the office and pull into the parking lot just as my client calls to see how much longer we will be. We sat down to have a working lunch and I discussed my game plan for each of the two homes being set up. The Designer and I talk about our system for working together to make sure all selections are approved by me before being brought onto the properties. And re-establish that these two models MUST be completed by end of next Friday.

The Designer assures me this will happen. We finish our lunches and make follow up plans. I confirm with the Broker that I will follow up with her Friday and again on Monday, after my call with the Designer. The pilot comes in and lets us know that the weather will be turning and that we must head back to MA. So, our trip today was cut short (not my work day, just the trip!)

2:15 Land back in the Berkshires.

On the flight back, we talk about the execution of the project, and the project management of it. We also discussed future plans to refurnish other models on other properties in Texas. Texas?! I make my professional good byes, followed by “You will hear from me Friday.” I then make my way through the labyrinth of hallways and offices to the parking area. I check my social media, and emails quickly, and text my sitter and Love letting them know I landed and that I will be doing other work this afternoon. Then I head back to Clifton Park.

3:30 Arrive back to office.

I follow up with any last-minute emails or calls that came through. Then get to work on furniture idea boards for the two homes that needed to be done for next Friday.

5pm-7:30 Head home for family time.

I worked on a few of the ongoing projects that are at various stages. The bathroom remodel, the kitchen gut job, two remote design projects, three new client meetings and confirming their times. Then we had dinner, snuggled, and I asked the kids about their day.

7:30 Night Night.

After the kids finish getting ready for bed I tuck them in and kiss them good night.

7:30-9:30 Not over yet.

Receive construction documents and begin working on furniture layouts for the Maryland properties while I enjoy a glass of wine with Love and we watch a few episodes of NCIS.

10:45 Turn In.

I leave all my plans and papers right on the dining room table, ready to tackle more in the morning, when that beautiful little voice wakes me up…

Every. Single. Morning. SS

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A new resident explains...

I

Why I chose Saratoga

WRITTEN BY KAREN KRASNY PHOTOS PROVIDED

discovered Saratoga Springs while driving from Vermont to Toronto on Route 29. For 18 years, I did that drive three or four times a year, admiring the old-world architecture of Broadway, stopping for coffee, gelato or a walk. The historical districts of Saratoga Springs remind me of the house where I grew up and the house we had when the kids were small.

Throughout my life, I lived in cities of all sizes and in houses or all types - everywhere from New York City to sleepy Sanibel Island (FL). I lived in old houses and new houses, and all different styles - Victorian, Modern, and Tudor, For the past 18 years, I lived in Rupert, Vermont in a Country Contemporary that my husband and I renovated.

All of our children are grown and have homes of their own.

Our home in Rupert was remote and on 18 acres on the side of a mountain - 7,000 square feet, 20 minutes from a loaf of bread and 45 minutes from a hospital.

In spring of 2017, my husband died.

Because it is just me now, it made no sense to keep the house.

I was also afraid of spending the rest of my life in bed with the covers over my head. In an effort to keep moving, I started looking for a smaller place to live.

My criteria included low maintenance and a sufficient population where I could volunteer or work, a place with enough diversity to make a whole new life for myself. My children drew a circle on the map. It could be no further for the daughters driving from Montreal and Toronto and not more than an hour for the sons in Manchester and Arlington, Vermont. My children’s other criteria - no more than 10 minutes from a grocery store and a hospital.

Saratoga Springs won. After lots of looking, I bought a townhouse in Interlaken on Lake Lonely. A neighborhood of 125 Victorian-style townhouses on 55 flat, walkable wooded acres. It has a pool, tennis court, putting green, play park and a beach for my grandchildren – and I don’t have to take care of any of it.

When I walked into the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhouse, I was time warped back to 1997 - closed off rooms, colored bathroom fixtures, a different carpet in every bedroom.

I closed in August and wanted to have it renovated by Christmas when all the kids and grandchildren came. I was used to lots of space in the kitchen and living room, so my challenge was to make it comfortable for just me and spacious enough to hold all 16 of us.

As anyone who has renovated knows, it always takes twice as long and costs twice as much. I have renovated six homes, so I knew. My goal for Christmas was clean, functional and safe for the new baby, the 3-year-old and the 4-year-old. It was a lot of work, but it kept me moving and it all got done.

Now, I am finishing up the details and looking forward to getting to know Saratoga Springs and all it has to offer.

126 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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And tells us about her first night in her new home

A

fter my husband, Jack, died, I moved from the house we built 18 years ago. We have six children, Michelle, her husband, Leo, and Andria are mentioned in this story.

At 5:26 November 14, 2017, I left Rupert Mountain House forever. Most of the feelings had been felt, so it was just getting the garbage in the dumpster, filling Michelle’s borrowed Subaru for the last time and driving away.

I was annoyed at the dinging the Subaru made because the front seat was loaded and the seat belt wasn’t buckled. It was constant. My new little Beetle convertible dings four discreet beeps, then stops. The Subaru goes on and on and on until you come to a complete stop or go insane, whichever comes first. Of course, I hadn’t thought to do up the seatbelt before I loaded the car.

For a little while, I sadly followed a brown Volkswagen sedan with Vermont plates. That was Jack’s car. During our 30 years together, I followed him many times on many trips where we needed two cars at our destination. I could imagine following him over to Saratoga Springs to begin our new life.

I started that morning in the dark and the lightly falling snow, with the first of three loads to Saratoga Springs. I did a load in the early afternoon and I noticed that, at Rupert Mountain House I had to wear my jacket and gloves and the snow was staying on the ground, while in Saratoga Springs, I could be in my sweater and there was no snow. I like that.

In bed that night I was disturbed by the rumbling of trucks somewhere and light from the street lamp shining in my dining room windows. I am not used to seeing a light or hearing anything except the occasional coyote, owl or the peepers on the pond in early spring. My furnace was also a bit noisy.

We designed Rupert Mountain House so that you didn’t hear a furnace or a dishwasher and we replaced the clothes washer because it had a slightly airplane sound, which we deemed unacceptable. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 127

I see people all the time now too – and I am working on my wave, nod and big friendly smile – well – a smile, anyway. I am only slightly jealous of the couple down the road who bought in October and are settled already – Don and Tracy, who I ran into a few times as we walked out to get the mail.

In Rupert, my new neighbor – one of three on our dead-end road, who moved in 2016 - has never stopped to say hello despite my welcoming stop and note. I have only ever seen her twice, once when they moved in and I dropped the note, and the second time that last night as I was loading the car for the final time and she got out of her car and said ‘have you seen a springer spaniel.’ When I replied negatively, she hopped back in her car without a word.

I still don’t know her name.

Michelle messaged me that she was adopting a dog the next day, so I told her I would be done with her car that night and we could trade back. I was tired as I had loaded and unloaded alone. I thought the renovation guys would be at Saratoga Springs when I arrived, but they weren’t, so I had to do it all myself. Where were my six children?

Michelle and Leo went to Target to buy dog supplies and I stopped at K-Mart to buy an electric kettle. My kitchen cabinets were still in boxes in the living room and I was chilled and wanted a cup of tea. I also had to buy the mug.

We met around 7 for Japanese food – 5 minutes from my new house. That was nice. There was nothing 5 minutes from the old house. As soon as I sat down, my whole body seized up and I had trouble moving after that. When I am tired, I also have trouble seeing and can barely read a text message (is there a setting on your iPhone to increase the size of type – I bet there is). Michelle signed my name to the 128 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

check and added the tip so I didn’t have to strain to see or get my reading glasses from somewhere in the car. After dinner, they came over and helped me unload and Leo did the running up and down the stairs.

The townhouse is one story in the front and two in the back, with the tiny lawn sloping down. The garage opens out the back and connects into the finished basement. I removed a wall down there, so I could fit the 12x20 oriental carpet Jack bought before we were married. None of the kids had space for it and I found I couldn’t part with it.

When we arrived, the plumbers had locked the inside door from the garage to the basement to which no one has a key, so Michelle had to run around to the front door to let us in.

The contractors kept the outside garage door locked and the inside one was usually left unlocked. After Michelle let us in, I purposefully unlocked the inside door. All of these eventually had keypads – but the weren’t installed yet.

I emptied all my pockets in the upstairs bedroom. Every single key was upstairs. I even picked up the hidden key from outside – the one left there for the contractors. When Michelle and Leo left, I didn’t go down with them and they, of course, locked the inside garage door which is one of those heavy doors that closes itself, like an apartment door.

I was so tired. Everything ached - my left knee (where I had my meniscus removed five years before) and my left ankle (which I shattered the year before, requiring two surgeries), as well as my left arm and breast which were still tender from the cancer surgery four months before I shattered my ankle, and my lower back for no reason other than age and too much packing and moving.

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They had only been gone for two minutes when I remembered that I had used a dirty nightgown and bra to wrap around the coin jars which were now in the garage.

I didn’t want one of the contractors to see that (as if they would even know what it was or even look in the bag), so I went down to the garage.

I returned Andria’s phone call on my way down. And yes, you guessed it, I went out the garage door and it slammed shut. There I was, standing in my cold garage, locked out of the house. I don’t know if I burst into tears, but I wanted to.

I quickly (and probably rudely) hung up from Andria and called Michelle to tell her to come back. I thought Leo could climb in a window.

They were already on The Northway (what, we Saratogians call Highway 87) and were between exits, so it would take a while to turn around. I carried a ladder to the lowest window hoping that Leo could break the screen and that the hardware hadn’t been put back on the window yet. It had, I checked later, but it wasn’t locked. Since I shattered my ankle, my children deemed me too old to climb a ladder.

And, at that moment, I agreed with them. The windows looked very high up.

I walked around the house realizing that all the windows are too high for a ladder. Michelle later pointed out that was a good thing. I checked the front door and the porch door – all locked up tight. I thought about going to my neighbors to see if the old owner had given them a key, but I was too tired to speak. Michelle thought she was going to take me

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home and we would get a locksmith in the morning. I wasn’t thinking. I was cold and tired and my brain didn’t feel like it was working at all.

I was standing in the garage, chilled, tired, and feeling very alone, when I had a vague memory. I remembered seeing the plumber in the furnace closet off the bathroom and walking into the garage and seeing the hot water tank closet door open. A hazy memory, but something was twigging. Was it possible that the utility closet in the garage was connected to the furnace room that opened into the bathroom? It was pitch black and I didn’t think to use the flashlight on my phone, but with a tight shimmy and squeeze around the hot water tank and another around the furnace, I found the bathroom closet door – and - I was in the house!

Tragedy averted.

The next morning, while changing the band-aid on my thumb, I discovered a Ferrero Rocher sticker underneath. A good omen? Or too much chocolate? Without heated floors anymore, I don’t have to worry about chocolate melting as it sits on the floor among all the unpacked boxes and bags.

Was that the day I was too tired to go out and drank warm bottled water and ate chocolate all day? SS Check back to hear more of Karen's "Settling In" experiences next issue of Simply Saratoga due out November 9.

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Colleens Picks ’

A carefully curated selection of

HOME DÉCOR ITEMS to add

an Autumnal touch to your home!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN GROUP LLC Colleen Coleman is the Principal of CMC Design Studio LLC located at 6 Franklin Square 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.

Ah, the fall season… full of colorful leaves, a cool breeze and cozy evenings around the fireplace with family & friends reminiscing over fun Saratoga memories of the summer. You look around and realize your home needs a few Autumnal changes.

Here’s what I found as I drove far and wide (not really, just sounded good!!) in search of treasures for my readers.

Now if you’re looking for unique items to start your décor shopping, take a short jaunt up the Northway where Finishing Touches resides within an old church just off exit 16. The owner just acquired these hand welded tables made from old garden gates. Add a piece of glass and you’re ready for hours of coffee and conversation on the front porch in the refreshing fall air.

Hand welded tables made from old garden gates

On the way down to the lower level of the shop, I spied these delightful brass leaves matted on woven cloth and framed in gold leaf. A spectacular accent for a large wall that needs some love.

Brass leaves matted on woven cloth and framed in gold leaf.

FINISHING TOUCHES HOME DECOR INC.,

And what did I find within the foundation of this lovely shop? …Twin green side chairs upholstered in brown and cream cowhide. Step out of your design rut, people, and grab a pair!

217 Ballard Rd Wilton FinishingTouchesHD.com (518) 584-1490

I just had to photograph this authentic Stag Horn Carving Set. One of a kind… distinctive enough to add a vintage vibe to a modern home…and perfect for your roast beef dinner with friends!

One of my favorite Items in this eclectic shop is this colorful pheasant! Stunning yet delicate, bold enough in fall colors to ignite a desire to redecorate for the upcoming season! Love that red eye, don’t you?

Twin green side chairs upholstered in brown and cream cowhide.

Authentic Stag Horn Carving Set.

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Colorful pheasant

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 131

Colleens ’ Picks

Off to the lake to visit The Furniture House where I discovered more items perfect for your home, like this space saving Murphy bed with a built-in desk. Perfect for everyday use, and when guests arrive for leaf peeping, simply pull down the hidden sleeping quarters. There are many different finishes to choose from and the side cabinets are optional. Low ceilings, no problem…install the horizontal fold down option for restricted spaces. A very smart solution for our older camps and carriage houses!

Murphy bed detail

THE FURNITURE HOUSE 1254 Route 9P Saratoga Springs TheFurnitureHouseNY.com

Another walk through of the showroom floor revealed a wide variety of live edge table tops. Locally crafted, with stunning bow tie details and distinctive elements only nature can produce over time.

Choose your base, tree stump or steel, and enjoy nature's beauty all year round.

Murphy bed with a built-in desk

On this magnificent September day, I took a drive out to Pattersonville Furniture, located at 1664 Main St, half way between Schenectady & Amsterdam. A destination for well-crafted Adirondack furniture like this Marshfield sofa, detailed in wonderful lodge motifs. The wood trim and feet declare “I love the Adirondacks!”

And if you admire a solid Amish piece, you will find an array of dressers, tables and beds throughout the store.

All hand crafted by Borkholder in quarter sawn oak. Stunning pieces to pass down through the generations! These selections are perfect for setting up your fall camp!

Let me know when I’m invited.

Table detail

Live edge table tops

Marshfield sofa

PATTERSONVILLE FURNITURE

Marshfield sofa detail

1664 Main Street / Rt. 5S Pattersonville, NY 12137 pattersonvillefurniture.net 518.887.2741

Amish dresser

132 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

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It’s exhausting visiting all these amazing store owners and reviewing what’s in fashion for the fall season, but I love it anyway! Off to some of my Saratoga favorites like Impressions on Broadway which recently brought in this stunning collection of Tuscan seeded glass with a hand-made pewter emblem uniquely crafted for Saratoga Springs. Mix up hot cider with a touch of Fireball and spread the cheer!

Jockey bottle openers

Tuscan seeded glass with a hand-made pewter emblem

Continuing the bar theme, I couldn’t help but fall in love with these jockey bottle openers. Such a simple statement to our town's history yet treasured when the boys come over for an evening of cards. What a great collection for your bar!

And who can’t resist a little prosciutto on a sliced baguette with hard cider – such a great combination – display your culinary skills on this hand-crafted cutting board of selected hardwoods, complete with a horseshoe motif to boot!

Let’s not forget adding a touch of artwork to the bar area with these majestic, original paintings by Melissa Crase. Her unique style brings grandeur to your home in these intimate 4” x 12” pieces.

How many of us have looked through the windows of Curtain & Carpet Concepts and thought “I need pillows” Not many… Well, get yourself into the shop and take a look at these spectacular textural pillows fit for any space. Texture is so important, especially today, as we use more clean lined selections like all white quartz counter-tops and slab fronted cabinets. Fall is all about texture & color, so pick up a few of these to change out the look of your seating in seconds!

Want more drama? Add a metallic accent to your walls while again injecting texture with this organic grass cloth wall covering collection

by Candice Olson…magnifique!!

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IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 1368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs ImpressionsSaratoga.com 518-587-0666

Hand-crafted cutting board Original paintings

by Melissa Crase

Textural pillows

CURTAIN & CARPET CONCEPTS 146 Marion Avenue, Suite 7 Saratoga Springs CurtainToCarpet.com 518.886.1389

Organic grass cloth©PhotoAndGraphic.com wall covering collection by Candice Olson

FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 133

Colleens ’ Picks

OK friends, listen up, infuse a touch of glamour by reupholstering a chair in your office with this outstanding metallic cowhide! Now that says success!

CURTAIN & CARPET CONCEPTS 146 Marion Avenue, Suite 7 Saratoga Springs CurtainToCarpet.com 518.886.1389

And of course, the shop has amazing hand woven, 100 percent, natural New Zealand wool rugs! A splendid touch of warmth moving into the fall season!

One last stop at 23rd & fourth, located on Excelsior Ave. Even before I got in the door, I was raving about these chairs! The polished nickel buckle and festive range of leathers to choose from entices you to acquire these must-have pieces with curated lines and optional tufted back!

100 percent natural New Zealand wool rugs Metallic cowhide

Looking for a cabinet with geometric flare to break up the solids and prints elsewhere in your home? This stunning 8 ½-foot tall cabinet offers adjustable shelves for storing just about anything!

Its stature works well in homes with high ceilings and open floor plans, drawing your eye up to the splendor of your space.

Leather chair

If you enjoy a more intimate living area yet still need additional storage, try folding your spare blankets into these luxurious, woven grass baskets with leather details (and canvas interiors!) for use on those cool fall evenings.

And to top off my shopping for September, I found these fun antler ottomans with lamb skin atop.

They beckon you to run your fingers through the fine wool. Set beside your favorite chair or place two in front of your fireplace to soften the hard edges of the brick or stone. Their juxtaposition will add a modern flare to your historic Saratoga home. SS

Enjoy the leaf peeping my friends...

Woven grass baskets

8 ½-foot tall cabinet

23RD AND FOURTH

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC AKBD, CAPS & True Color Expert 134 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

130 Excelsior Ave Saratoga Springs 23rdandFourth.com 518.584.3700 Antler ottomans with lamb skin atop.

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CELEBRATE FALL WITH A

Cocktail Party …IT IS NOT TIME TO HEAD INDOORS YET!

WRITTEN BY RALPH VINCENT

Traditionally Labor Day marks the

official end of summer - well at least as far as the calendar is concerned. Fortunately, this date does not trigger the end of warm weather, and the month of September can be a summer-like interlude before the onset of fall’s cool temperatures and dropping leaves.

September days are shorter, but the heat and humidity of summer are usually ebbing away, which makes this month a perfect time to host an alfresco cocktail party.

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My philosophy about throwing a cocktail party -at any time of year - is this… relax and keep things simple. Begin by selecting a date and time for your party. Choose an outdoor location with enough space and seating so your guests will be comfortable, be it a deck, porch, patio, or even the lawn. Now that you have these details settled, it is time to think about what you will serve.

Remember, you want to enjoy your party, and not be stressed out mixing cocktails and serving hors d'oeuvre. Here are some ideas to help you remain stress free and afford your guests with drinks and finger foods they will enjoy.

The simplest way to provide drinks is with a selfserve bar. Set up a table with glassware and cocktail napkins so your friends can serve themselves.

Arrange bottles of warm weather appropriate white and rose’ wines, kept chilled in a bucket of ice. Provide single serving sized soft drinks, seltzer and bottled water, kept cool on ice as well. As for cocktails it is perfectly acceptable to limit your offerings. Provide ingredients for a simple gin or vodka and tonic. You can mix other cocktails such as margaritas in batches and keep them frosty in a pitcher over ice.

Providing cocktail fare for your guests can be simple and hassle free as well, if you serve ready-to-eat items. Set out bowls of premade humus, salsa, and olive tapenade with crackers and veggies for dipping. Supplement your offerings with a few of your own creations you can prepare yourself with minimal effort. I like to serve grilled pizzas at warm weather parties. Cut into small servings, they are easy to eat, and simple to prepare. I prepare my ingredients ahead of time and quickly assemble the pizzas just before grilling. One of my favorite grilled pizzas to serve at parties is one I call “Spanakopizza”. This pizza makes for an appetizing cocktail party nosh, and combines Spinach and feta cheese, the main ingredients found in the traditional Greek dish Spanakopita.

Even though September has arrived, there is still time to enjoy hosting an alfresco cocktail party.

Do not put your outdoor furniture away yet. Gather your friends and celebrate this special time of year before we are inundated with all things Pumpkin Spice!

136 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

“Spanakopizza” Grilled Pizza Recipe

Steven’s sister Jean Anne provided the inspiration for this recipe.

As we planned dinner one afternoon, she suggested topping a grilled pizza with spinach and feta cheese. “Spanakopizza” was the delicious result of her splendid idea!

Ingredients:

“Boboli” whole wheat pizza crust 5 oz baby spinach, chopped.

4 oz crumbled feta cheese.

1 cup shredded pizza blend cheese or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

4 tablespoons of olive oil.

I clove of garlic, minced (or more to taste). ½ teaspoon of salt. ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives (optional).

B

rush the Boboli pizza crust with the olive oil, place on a pizza pan and set aside. In a medium sized bowl mix the chopped spinach, 2 oz of feta cheese, minced garlic, salt and pepper.

S

pread the pizza blend cheese over the crust. Cover the pizza with the spinach mixture up to about 1 inch from the edge.

Sprinkle with the remaining 2 oz of feta cheese. Top with the Kalamata olives if desired.

P

reheat a gas grill for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully slide the pizza from the pizza pan onto the grill rack and close the lid. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Carefully slide the pizza back onto the pizza pan and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. A pair of kitchen tongs or metal spatula can help you slide your pizza on and off the grill rack but be very cautious to avoid burning your hands.

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The Christina Bushee Sparkler

Chris Bushee has been an inspiration for me as an editor and friend. I may be a huge fan of Simply Saratoga magazine, but I am an even bigger fan of this wonderful and very talented woman.

I have created a cocktail in Christina’s honor.

My recipe is based on Chris’ favorite combination of cranberry juice and vodka. Grapefruit and Rose vodka is mixed with cranberry juice and further enhanced with Grand Marnier. Finally, a splash of prosecco makes this cocktail sparkle like the lady it is named for. Here’s to you Christina!

1 oz Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose vodka ½ oz Grand Marnier 2 oz cranberry juice cocktail.

Prosseco Spumante or other sweet sparkling wine.

C

ombine the vodka, cranberry juice cocktail and Grand Marnier in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Cover and shake until well chilled, and strain into a champagne flute.

Fill the rest of the champagne flute with prosecco and garnish with a thin slice of lemon or orange zest and enjoy. SS

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Overhauling Your Home WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE

Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Your home being remodeled and decorated to your envisioned perfection will take longer than a day too. Whether it is a long-time residence or new to you, it takes time, planning and money to carry out all the changes you desire.

Like any item to be done, you first have to write it down.

The first part is planning. Go through every room or space and make a complete list of all the things you want to change. Paint, closet doors, new carpet, new furniture, etc.

Be very specific. Star each item that is truly a must, due to safety or for actually being broken. These things should be done before decorative changes.

Once you have gone through each area, make one complete list of all the safety/broken items to start with. Mark the ones you can do yourself with an “Us.” Be careful on marking “Us” if you work long hours and have kids in sports, etc. Time is limited. Jobs that are more than 1 full weekend of 6-8 hours each day may not be worth you conquering your own.

Proceed to estimate as best you can the cost of each; $ under $100, $$ under $1000 and $$$ big items. The ones you have no idea and can’t do yourself will take formal estimates from contractors; start to acquire those.

Once costs are identified, prioritize each item by importance and cost and put them in order, 1 – X. Decide how much money you want to spend each year on improvements and then get started!

Now that your home is safe and in working order (I may be fast forwarding a year or two), you can do the same 138 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

procedure with the other items – the fun ones! New paint, furniture for the living room, new cabinets in the mud room and the like. Prioritize based on what would make the most impact in your life – if creating a home office would launch your business; that is it. If you host major holidays, updates in the kitchen if needed make sense.

Again, prioritize and budget.

Lastly, another important factor is life span of items within the home. An example would be moving into a 30-year-old home and it having the original roof or furnace. You know those will need replacement pretty soon. Get costs on those and put those in the year you should do them, before the fun improvements. Planning for those replacements zaps the budget but worse is waiting too long and having an urgent catastrophic replacement.

Remember… organizing is FREE! Letting go of things you don’t use or love and organizing and displaying what is left will improve the room greatly. Tweak the furniture placement and you may have enough of a change to enjoy your space(s) once again!

Park all your lists, estimates and more in one folder of “Home Improvements” and use it yearly to organize all the projects. When a project is complete, move to a file for completed projects with any warranty info and receipts to prove when done.

A home is probably your biggest investment. Making it your own is the best part. Make it an organized and productive endeavor! SS

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making it

Marvelous WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

W

hen you buy things with money you don’t have, the main thing you end up with is stress.

Buying and decorating a home can be one of life’s most stressful experiences.

The financial strain can leave a scar on your bank account that pollutes your mental health for years.

“It’s something I do to decompress from the day,” she said.

Piedmonte gathered her best tips and tricks for finding and refurbishing bargains in a new guide, Diamond Décor on a Rhinestone Budget.

Instead of trying to crawl out of a pit of debt, there are ways to sidestep falling in. “These are fun things and so cost effective that anyone can Rethink, Reclaim, Recreate do them,” said Piedmonte.

A year ago, Morgan Piedmonte and her fiancé Michael Przekop had a mess In with the Old on their hands when they bought Projects in the book include fashioning an 18-year-old foreclosed home in a table from a trunk and porch railing Saratoga County. Making it livable and legs, creating lanterns from picture beautiful quickly became a challenge. frames, and adding a stained wood The design and décor Piedmonte found accent wall. in Pottery Barn and Magnolia fit into the farmhouse chic style she was going for but not into her budget. At first, she was a bit shocked and dismayed at how quickly the costs were adding up.

Piedmonte has a Master’s Degree in mental health and knows the damage that financial burdens can inflict.

Instead of wallowing in feelings of discouragement, Piedmonte turned to Pinterest and learned how to repurpose items she found on sale, online and for free by the side of the road. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Piedmonte shares how they saved space and created pet-friendly living areas by utilizing the empty room under the stairs for their Great Dane, Frank and a Doxen named Oscar.

Their 50-gallon fish tank was placed in a hole cut into the wall.

Sharing the specific tools she uses for her projects, trial and error taught Piedmonte which glues worked best, how to build a budget and the reselling tips she relies on to make items more appealing to potential customers.

“If I see something, I grab it, I never thought I could make an extra income from it,” she said.

Optimizing Opportunities The nuts and bolts of what makes this guide different is how it incorporates buying, creating, selling and enjoying repurposing items as an opportunity to improve your mental health.

Reinventing the experience of losing her wallet into a learning opportunity, Piedmonte describes the value of thinking things through instead of acting impulsively and not feeling obligated to buy something you’re unsure about.

“Not everyone is going to like your style,” she also advises.

Bonding during the home projects they worked on as a couple, she and Przekop strengthened their relationship, she said. Their DIY approach is now expanding to include items for their fall wedding.

“It’s good for your mental health to find activities to do together where you are taking care of yourselves,” said Piedmonte.

The self-published, 24-page guide; Diamond Décor on a Rhinestone Budget is available at www.amazon.com. SS

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Gardening WITH

PETER BOWDEN

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY PETER BOWDEN

THE JOYS OF AUTUMN

T

here's no place on earth that provides a better show of autumnal awesomeness than the northeastern United States. We have the good fortune to be right in the middle of an area well known for fine foliar flourishes. Leaf peepers from across the country come here while all we need to do is wait for the color to arrive in our own neighborhood.

So why the grand show at the end of the growing season? Where do all these colors come from? For the most part, they were already in the leaves, but we couldn't see them. While the leaves are growing, the elements that show themselves in fall are masked by the green chlorophyll that converts sunlight into food and energy for the tree. When the days get short enough, the tree stops creating chlorophyll and as the green fades, the underlying color of the leaf finally gets a chance to strut its stuff.

Carotenoids are responsible for the yellow and orange foliage we see.

As the name suggests, carotenoids are also what makes carrots orange.

Carotenoids color maples, ash, hickory, birch, shadblow and many other trees that display yellow in fall.

Anthocyanins can claim credit for most of the red and purple. In fall, anthocyanins tint oaks, some maples, dogwood and others. Trees will often have both carotenoids and anthocyanins present in their leaves and will display stunning combinations of color.

It would seem that there could be nothing easier than taking a great fall foliage photograph. I've spent years in the area, and I have to tell you that it isn't as easy as it seems. It is a spellbinding experience, but it's difficult to capture

140 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

the essence of it in a photograph. I’ve travelled miles seeking the perfect vista with little to show for my effort. Over the years I’ve discovered that when photographing fall foliage, the delight is in the details. Moving in closer allows us to capture more intimate autumnal moments in a way that we actually experience when we walk through it.

On a walk through an autumn forest, our eye is often drawn to the beauty of individual leaves. When the sun shines through the leaves, they glow in the backlighting. I became fascinated trying to capture that glow in extreme close-up images or macro images. Naturally this was very difficult since the leaves are in constant motion.

I started collecting the best of the brightly tinted leaves to bring them inside to photograph them. I have a small light table I’ve used in the past for looking at old negatives and slides.

I discovered that I could get great results by placing a leaf on the light table under a small pane of glass to photograph. You could also use a tablet computer with a blank white screen.

This eliminated any motion and allowed me to move in very close with the camera in its “macro” setting. Suddenly a whole new way of seeing fall foliage opened up.

These days, most of us have a camera on our phone capable of taking close up images. Even entry level digital cameras have a “macro” setting that will capture images that once required expensive equipment to get the same results.

These days, all you need is a light source and a little imagination. Have fun and enjoy this season's display, and don’t forget to bring your camera along!

Thanks for the read.

SS

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ENTERTAINING Made Easy!

HI, I’M JODIE FITZ!

I’m so excited to be sharing some of our family favorites with the readers of Simply Saratoga magazine!

I have spent the last six years traveling in SIX (!) states cooking with kids & families…I can relate to the BUSY COOK : ) As my recipe collection continues to grow,

I am starting to share some of the recipes that you will find at our house for meals… Enjoyed by both family… and friends!

I am always experimenting & creating tasty bites, finding the simplest way to do it & love sharing great flavor and time saving finds along the way.

APPLE PIE PARFAITS Ingredients • 2 apples (your favorite) • 3 tablespoons water • 1 tablespoon brown sugar • ½ teaspoon cinnamon • Greek vanilla yogurt • Granola (your favorite)

Directions

1. Wash, peel, core & dice the apple.

2. Place the diced apples, water, brown sugar & cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook the apples over medium to low heat. Stir frequently and cook until the apples are softened.

3. Let them cool completely.

4. Layer your parfait with Greek yogurt, the cooked apples and your favorite granola.

Repeat one more layer and serve! storage container with waxed paper in between layers for storing.

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

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

“Life is a Combination of Magic and Pasta” ~Federico Fellini

Hello my Foodie Friends! Autumn is here and the cooler weather often triggers our desire for pasta. There is something about eating carbohydrates, creamy sauces, and earthy autumnal vegetables that makes the autumn season ideal for pasta consumption. No matter what they contain, fall pasta dishes must be warm, they must be hearty, and, above all, they must be deeply satisfying. My love for pasta stems from growing up in an Italian-American household where pasta was always a staple in many of the meals we had. I often times reflect on the joys of growing up with an Italian family such as: when your friends came over and they were asked -no fewer than six times- if they wanted something to eat; Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin was playing in the background while everything was being cooked; leftovers were stored in Polly O ricotta containers; and, yes, we were all guilty of talking with our hands. One of my favorites is remembering when I was little… mine, and my four other sibling’s favorite way to help-out was making home-made pasta with Nonni (my grandmother). After we washed our hands we were allowed to help -if we were quiet and didn’t fight with each other – which was very hard!

The luckiest kid got to guide the pasta as Nonni rolled the pasta through the machine. Stirring her secret pasta sauce with the wooden spoon was a close second. I am certain you can visualize what the kitchen smelled and looked like during this process. Once the pasta was made, the dish created, and all were seated, it was always a struggle

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getting Nonni to actually join the table and eat. I’ve tried to carry on these traditions with my own children.

Making homemade pasta is a fun event to get the entire family involved in. One important tool to have when making homemade pasta is a Pasta machine. A pasta machine is used to create laminated pasta. They typically consist of two stainless-steel rollers with adjustable settings, which knead and stretch the pasta dough. Pasta machines are often sold with an additional removable cutter that creates pasta shapes such as spaghetti and linguini. There are also many different attachments available, from different-shaped cutters to attachable motors.

Consider pasta as a meal that brings you together as a family from start to finish. We’ve learned from our older generations and teach our younger generations. No matter what you’re looking for, pasta and noodles have become entwined with culture, history, and more importantly our lives and families. Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. We carry all types of tools to assist you with making your pasta: Pasta machines, pasta drying racks, ravioli stamps and forms, pasta rollers, pastry cutters, pasta pots, and so much more. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.” Make those magical culinary moments happen.

Take care, John and Paula

SS

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How to use a Pasta Machine • Rolling the dough is a process– you need to make several passes, throughout each thickness setting for the best results.

Start with the biggest setting (usually 5 or 6), run it through once or twice there, then gradually adjust the settings to be thinner and thinner until you have the perfect sheet of golden pasta.

• Between each pass, fold the strip into thirds. This helps square up the edges and keeps things even. Then simply roll it through the cutting side of the machine to slice into spaghetti or fettuccine. From here, you can either cook your pasta right away (3-4 minutes in boiling water) or dry it for later.

Homemade Pasta Recipe Yield: approximately one pound 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 3 large eggs Combine the flour and salt.

Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs.• Gently begin to mix the eggs, gradually drawing in flour with each stroke. Eventually a stiff dough will form.

Knead the pasta dough for 8-10 minutes.

•

If the dough is too dry and won’t stick together, add 1/2 teaspoon of water. If it is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Keep in mind this dough will be much stiffer than traditional bread dough.

However, the longer you work it, the smoother and more pliable it will become. We are looking for a smooth, satiny consistency, which will develop the longer you knead.

• Cover the well-kneaded dough

tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for around 45 minutes. (This resting phase is super important, as it gives the dough time to relax.

Otherwise, you’ll fight it the whole time you are rolling it out.)

• After the resting period, divide

the dough into four portions and roll into a small, flat circle. Now comes the cool part!

(Here is a delicious Autumn Pasta dish)

Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese and Sage Pasta Pile-up Pile up some sweet potatoes with savory goat cheese and some fresh sage and you get a party on a plate! This is one of those 30-minute meals that’s sure to dazzle!

Serves: 8 2 sweet potatoes 8 ounces goat cheese 1 bunch sage

½ pound lasagna noodles (homemade) ¼ cup butter Salt and pepper to taste

Bring two pots of water to boil, meanwhile scrub the potatoes and stab them with a knife. Once the water is boiling, toss in the potatoes and cook until easily impaled. This should take around 20 minutes.

Once the potatoes are done remove them from the heat, for a quick cool down, run cold water over them. Put the lasagna noodles in the other pot of boiling water and set the time for about 10 minutes

Once the potatoes are cooled pinch off their skin. Cut them into small pieces and mash them up with the goat cheese. (Note if you want them creamy heat them up a little while you are doing this). Salt to taste.

In a sauce pan heat the butter on medium-low. Add the sage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.

Drain the lasagna noodles. Place a few noodles on a plate and scoop some of the sweet potato mixture around them. Repeat this until all the noodles and mix are used up.

Crack some pepper on top and devour!

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HOW TO RESTORE BALANCE IN EVERY DAY LIFE? MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. for more information: email meghanlemery@yahoo.com

A

s the end of summer comes to a close and we enter the autumn season of crisp cool air and the beautiful vibrant colors of the leaves, I am always inspired to de-clutter my home and get ready for a new season. The process of cleaning out drawers, closets, attics and basements can be a daunting one and it's easy to procrastinate and put the task of clearing out the clutter on the back burner.

Research shows a cluttered living space increases anxiety levels, stress, risk of obesity and fatigue. Have you ever been in an attic cluttered with furniture and junk and you begin to feel claustrophobic and anxious?

Don't wait until moving day to make your living space one you can enjoy and relax in, take the time at the start of a new season to clear the old and make room for the new.

Instead of dedicating a weekend to clearing out cluttered spaces, make this process easier by picking one drawer to go through a day, or every few days.

Even this small act can increase your motivation to be consistent in clearing out your space. Just taking this process room by room, or even drawer by drawer, will help lessen the anxiety you may feel about getting started.

Whenever I have felt emotionally stuck my Mother has always given

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…Clean out your Closet! me the same advice, "Clean out your closet!" Sometimes when we find ourselves unable to move beyond sadness, resentment, anger or grief the best thing we can do is clear out a closet. Uncomfortable feelings can make us feel out of control and fearful, the concrete exercise of clearing out and organizing a closet can help restore a sense of emotional well-being and control.

If you find yourself feeling anxious about the future or have an impending sense of doom, instead of trying to pinpoint where the turmoil is coming from, stop and do a concrete task of organizing a cluttered space.

Seeing things in order and organized will help you gain clarity into the anxiety you feel.

An expression that I always go back to when I feel overwhelmed is, "How do you eat an elephant?" "One bite at a time."

This helps me gain some perspective and enables me to take a small action step to gain a sense of control and order in my life.

Don't get lost in the clutter of your living space or your emotions, eat the elephant one bite at a time and restore order and balance into all areas of your life.

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

SS

SS

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Fallin love with Autumn.... photo by John Seymour

There's so much to do! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Pumpkins,Donuts &Apples OH MY! photo by John Seymour

SUNNYSIDE GARDENS 345 Church St A, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-1034 * sunnysidegardensllc.com We want to make your Sunnyside experience one you’ll always remember. Each year, we Create amazing one-of-a-kind displays and fill our patch with locally-grown pumpkins of every shape and size. You’ll notice the intoxicating scent of freshly-made cider donuts as soon as you step out of the car. And don’t forget our main attractions: our tractorpulled hay rides and the areas only ride-on train.

SARATOGA APPLE 1174 NY-29, Schuylerville, NY 12871 (518) 695-3131 * saratogaapple.com Saratoga Apple is an orchard and farm market open 7 days a week, 12 months a year, offering Pick Your Own during harvest months.

We offer a wide variety of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cider, fresh baked goods and produce. We also stock an assortment of local, natural and healthy food and gifts. Apple cider donuts are made daily all year round.

LAKESIDE FARMS 336 Schauber Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 (518) 399-8359 * lakesidefarmscidermill.com Take home a bag of apples today! The Apple Barn has a large variety of harvest vegetables and decorations to complete your shopping trip.

We have a wonderful selection of indian corn, gourds, pumpkins, wreaths and dried flowers for colorful fall decorating. You will also find a large variety of fresh fall vegetables such as squash, beans, corn-on-the-cob and potatoes for that special fall dinner. All are found in the Apple Barn. And, on special weekends in the fall, watch out for the Cider Witch as she makes her "spooky" appearances above the entrance to the main store! Before you leave…Don’t forget the Cider! Nothing goes better with some fresh, hot Apple Cider Donuts!

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KNIGHT ORCHARDS 325 Goode St, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 (518) 399-5174 * knightorchards.com We will have a variety of fresh apples, pears, peaches and plums throughout our fall and winter season. We offer freshly pressed cider, homemade pies, tea breads, locally produced maple syrup, honey and gift baskets.

CHARLTON ROAD ORCHARD 140 Charlton Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019 (518) 399-3427 DE VOE'S RAINBOW ORCHARD 1569 U.S. 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518) 371-8397 * devoesorchards.com DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards is a family-owned apple orchard and country store in Halfmoon, NY. From acres of fields and orchards producing fresh fruits and vegetables to our general store and so much more! During your visit, you and your family can browse our general store and enjoy a meal or dessert at our ice cream shop. During apple season you can even pick your apples!

RIVERVIEW ORCHARDS 660 Riverview Rd, Rexford, NY 12148 (518) 371-2174 LINDSEY'S IDYLLWOOD ORCHARD 267 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford, NY 12148 (518) 371-5785 * lindseyscountrystore.com Lindsey's Idyllwood Orchard was the very first "Pick-Your-Own" apple orchard in the area. We offer over 40 varieties of apples throughout the season as well as farm-grown vegetables and our own farm-raised beef and pork, delicious apple cider donuts, signature muffins, homemade pies, or pastries.

The orchard is open seasonally from the last Saturday in August thru the beginning of November. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

photo by John Seymour

BOWMAN ORCHARDS 141 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford, NY 12148 (518) 371-2042 * bowmanorchards.com We invite you to enjoy nature's beauty on ninety-eight tree-filled acres. Over 46 varieties of apples being grown with new ones each year. Most are available for your family to enjoy picking. We also have strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, pears, peaches, blackberries, and much more!

HICKS ORCHARDS 18 Hicks Rd, Granville, NY 12832 (518) 642-1788 * hicksorchard.com Whether you're picking your own fruit on our farm, tempting your taste buds with hot cider donuts, watching apple cider being pressed in our cider mill, partaking in a guided tasting of our award winning hard ciders and Ice Ciders in Slyboro Ciderhouse,, visiting the barnyard animals or enjoying a fall wagon ride through the orchard, Hicks Orchard has something for everyone.

LIBERTY RIDGE FARM 29 Bevis Rd, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 (518) 664-1515 * libertyridgefarmny.com Liberty Ridge Farm’s 100 acres offer Fall Fun for the whole Family. Farm Discoveries include an 11 Acre Corn Field Maze, Pumpkin Picking, Pig Racing, Cider Donuts, Shows, and more with plenty of space to accommodate families, friends and groups of any size.

EAGLE MILLS CIDER COMPANY 383 County Hwy 138, Broadalbin, NY 12025 (518) 883-8700 * eaglemillsfun.com Eagle Mills is a perfect place for family and friends to spend a safe, stress free and funfilled day enjoying old fashion family activities or just appreciating the beautiful outdoor scenery showcased on our property. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Adirondack Mountains on 85 spectacular acres in a pristine, park like setting, Eagle Mills contains a beautiful mill pond, covered bridge, antique cider mill, gift shop and bakery. Your family will also enjoy exploring our many other fun attractions including: Gem Mining, Dino Dig, Pedal Cart, Train Ride, Bounce House, Screamin' Eagle Slide and more! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

DOUBLE M HAUNTED HAYRIDES 678 NY-67, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 (518) 884-9122 doublemhauntedhayrides.com Double M Haunted Hayrides has been creating fear for over 25 years in Upstate New York! Scary Harry, the iconic ghost cowboy of Double M, has a horrifying experience awaiting you yet again this year. Your journey will begin with a true Haunted Hayride on a tractor-drawn wagon, winding through the dark woods that are rumored to be filled with spirits and creatures of unimaginable beings. At the conclusion of the hayride, your journey will continue on foot into the Walking Undead where you will enter the zombieinfested prison – can you escape? Beyond Walking Undead is Brutality, the deep woods compound of a tortuous family. Next up is Martin’s Motel, a residence that is known for a disappearing guest or two and a vicious staff. Your final destination is Outage, a total darkness experience where you must rely on all of your senses to navigate and survive. The fun continues in our midway area with The Schadenfreude Circus, a side show that is sure to impress you and probably freak you out.

SCHUYLER FARMS 1124 NY-29, Schuylerville, NY 12871 (518) 695-5308 * schuylerfarms.com Every season there is something new to discover at our family farm.

The Fall brings our premier attraction. The Fall Festival, featuring our 7-acre self-designed corn maze, will have you coming back time and time again to "Get Lost"! There is something to do for everyone in the Fall. In addition to getting lost in our maize maze, you can pan for real fossils and gemstones in our mining sluice, or visit our rock shop to find some unique items. You can take a hayride to pick pumpkins, pet and feed our farm animals, grab a bite to eat at the cornfield cafe', and so much more! If you are really brave you can dare to enter our 'Field of Screams' Haunted Maze on select October nights! Enjoy our website and learn more about Schuyler Farms and the other attractions we have to offer!

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Whispers from the WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY ALICE BOARDMAN

Wild...

“The Adirondack Guideboat, Its Origins, Its Builders & Their Boats is like a time capsule. Open it up and you’ll find a treasure trove of information about this region’s unique and iconic water vessel, an illustrated glossary of boat terms and builder biographies.”

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W it h i n a fo r e s t of towering peaks, an oar swiftly cuts into the glossy lake. Water slaps against a boat so revered for its beauty that it sparks an epic romance.

Echoes of appreciation and praise are met with years of longing as one man embarks on a gallant search through the enormous wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains in an uncompromising quest for the truth.

“He was just taken by these boats. He had a great respect for them and was just fascinated by these boats. He persisted (with dogged determination) to find out everything he could about them. He just had fallen in love,” said Adirondack guideboat builder and expert Christopher Woodward.

Diary of the Vigilant

It was nearly 40 years after he had first experienced the Adirondacks’ cool mountain breezes and wealth of water that Dr. Stephan Sulavik first walked into Woodward Boat Shop. He was inquiring about the boat he’d just ridden in, wondering if there was any way to identify who made it.

It was a meeting that would be followed by many others in Dr. Sulavik’s decades-long project to put together the pieces and chronicle the history of the Adirondack guideboat.

After his death, Dr. Sulavik’s research was compiled into a triumphant book due out this October. The Adirondack Guideboat, Its Origins, Its Builders & Their Boats is like a time capsule. Open it up and you’ll find a treasure trove of information about this region’s unique and iconic water vessel, an illustrated glossary of boat terms and builder biographies.

Photographs by Seneca Ray Stoddard and paintings by Winslow Homer accompany regional maps and facts, giving readers a valuable resource and an unparalleled look at the place where this quickly vanishing woodcraft once thrived. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Chris Woodward in his boatshop

Lower Au Sable Lake

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Lower Au Sable Lake

Parsons guideboat at the Adirondack Experience

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“The shape of the boat is so aesthetically pleasing. Done in wood and varnish, it’s absolutely gorgeous. The reflection of white on the water is spectacular to look at. They’re ten times nicer in the water than any other boat. They are so soft in the water, so responsive to the oar – quick and easily maneuverable,” said Woodward.

Revisions and additions to The Adirondack Guideboat were provided by Christopher Woodward and historian Edward “Ted” Comstock, Jr. Woodward acquired his boat building knowledge and skill from generations of masters practicing the craft of building and repairing Adirondack guideboats.

“I’ve been immersed here in the business all of my life,” he said. Willard Hanmer started the shop in the 1930s and taught his traditional techniques to Carl Hathaway, who then instructed Woodward. He took over the business in the 1990s and has seen hundreds, if not thousands of guideboats in his lifetime, said Woodward.

thin slats of the boat’s body were so tightly spaced they didn’t leak and the ribbing was carved to follow the natural curve of the spruce tree’s roots.

Although there are thousands of interconnected lakes, ponds and streams in the Adirondacks, the longest stretch of water is just 14 miles. Long Lake, also known as “Wide River” gave birth to a crop of boats that could cut through the waves, while those from the Saranac Lake area were constructed to turn smoothly across its winding routes. Dr. Sulavik identified these characteristics and many others to determine who built which boats.

“This was the only place this boat was built and the only time it would have evolved,” said Woodward.

“I never wanted to be a businessman, I just wanted to build a boat for myself,” he said.

Relics from a Solitary Breed

Behind nature’s curtain of foliage, there are men who know what they seek. They are given the freedom to breathe in a solitude unencumbered by civilization’s trappings.

“The whole reason I go out is to get away from people – that’s the whole point of it,” said Woodward.

Yet, when he does, people are often drawn to him out of sheer curiosity.

“They come clattering across the lake to say, ‘What a beautiful canoe you have,’ and want to know all about it,” he said.

The Adirondacks’ challenging environment was tamed in the 1800s by a group of men who Ralph Waldo Emerson calls “the doctors of the wilderness” in his 1858 poem, “The Adirondacs”.

These were the guides, mountain men skilled in survival, who whipped the surface of the waters with their fly-fishing lines and kept their rifles at the ready.

Their boats were handmade to glide through the water and then easily carried across the land. The

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The Waves of Change

The turn-of-the-century elite visited the Adirondacks for leisurely pursuits, to escape the uncomfortably hot Augusts in the city and to take in the pure mountain air. A swift fleet of boats carried them here.

1. See description below

2. See description below

Rustic bachelor chanteys were replaced by opulent hotels suitable for families. Women and children wanted to go out on day trips, so the boats became more refined to accommodate them.

After World War II, wooden boats were replaced by cheaper and easier-to-build aluminum boats.

As a recreational activity, interest in rowing fell behind horseback riding, biking and the automobile.

“There won’t be any more old time shops, you can’t make a living doing this,” said Woodward.

It takes him 12 weeks to build a single wooden boat using the same methods as they did in the 1880s during their peak of popularity.

Willard and Pauline Hanmer in Willard's shop

1.The Seeber & Parsons boat shop circa 1892. Left to right: Ira Parsons, Len Ingersoll, Theodore Seeber (seen over the raised guideboat), RileyParsons (in the foreground), and Ben Parsons. The two guideboats in the foreground were evidently built during the partnership’s early period (1890–1891),before they had settled on a final model, since they have only two pairs of ribs beneath the decks—one scribe and one footed. The raised guideboat in the center is in the process of being planked. The label in the upper left reads: “Harold D. Ross, Photo Artist, Old Forge, N.Y.” (Courtesy of Adirondack Museum) 154 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2018

2. “At Martin’s, Saranac Lake, Sept. 21st, 1876,” a photograph by S. R. Stoddard. Four of the five boats at the shore appear to be transom-built; the other is a double ender, like the boat in th foreground. All have smooth-skin hulls.

(Courtesy of Edward Comstock, Jr.)

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On average, a new guideboat built the traditional way costs from $12-to-$15,000, but Woodward has seen them sell for as much as $25,000. Requests for new boats come rarely though and often only from those who have a sense of nostalgia attached to the memory of one.

Martin's Hotel, Saranac Lake

Most of Woodward’s business is for restoration and repair work.

“These boats lasted 150 years after being built with this kind of technique and care, why would I do it any differently than they did?” he said.

Unless future generations learn the old ways, there will soon be a time when traditional Adirondack guideboats will simply stop being built. When that happens, no one will be able to experience what ignited Woodward’s own love for this unique craft.

“Going out into the middle of the lake when it’s windy and there’s two-or-three-foot white caps; I’d get out there and dance on the waves. That was always a fun thing to do.” SS

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WHY I LOVE THE SPORT OF CREW AND I’M GLAD THAT WE STILL HAVE…

Oars on Saratoga Lake WRITTEN BY PASTOR JEFF STRATTON, CLASS OF 1974 CREW MEMBER FOR F.D. ROOSEVELT IN AN 8-MAN BOAT. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM

R

owing on Saratoga Lake and the sport of Crew is both historical and current. As the sport continues to grace the local waters - rowing’s past is built on strong traditions.

According to “THE REGATTA” dated June 15, 1875, a collegiate regatta started on Saratoga Lake in 1870. Crew teams from Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, Harvard and others lined up just south of Snake Hill. The race course continued the entire length of the lake finishing near Point Breeze Marina before the Route 9P bridge. After the winners were awarded trophies, the teams found lodging at various lake houses. Only imaginations can wonder the celebrations that must have occurred.

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HARPER’S WEEKLY of July 25, 1874 states: “No course within reach, it is believed, offers so many advantages and is subject to so few objections as this charming sheet of water…”

A spectator would view boats vying for position until the finish line established the winner. Amidst the cheering and encouragement, each contributed their all with each stroke. Exhaustion at the end would mean hard work and working together. Countless hours of training and practice on the water prepared these crews for a first-place win.

In 1976 at the Olympics in Montreal, I was that spectator.

The women’s 8, coached by Harry Parker from Harvard, won a bronze medal behind the East Germans and Russians. Rowing in the bow that day was my cousin, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The passion for rowing continues as it has for those who have seen racing from inside a boat. My view from 1972-1974 was not as a spectator, but as a rower, first in a four, then in an 8-man boat with a coxswain (the one who steers the boat). Being from Hyde Park, New York, I rowed for the F.D. Roosevelt crew team on the Hudson River.

To appreciate the dynamics of a crew team that pursued Olympic Gold, I recommend THE BOYS IN THE BOAT: NINE AMERICANS AND THEIR EPIC QUEST FOR GOLD AT THE 1936 BERLIN OLYMPICS.

By Daniel James Brown.

For those who keep rowing on Saratoga Lake, this link is possible. I found great resources at the Saratoga Springs History Museum, at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. An authentic collection of period rowing art plus an oar from one of the boats at POINT BREEZE MARINA, whose owner, Tom Caringi, is an avid collector. Tom Frost, an architect from Saratoga, brought life to the Saratoga Rowing Club and with his colleagues established the HEAD OF THE FISH which has become a premier race each Fall at the North End of the Lake on Fish Creek.

Whether you are a spectator or participant, it’s my conviction that Saratoga was and is, enriched by the sport of crew. SS For more information on the Tail of the Fish (9/29) and the Head of the Fish (10/27) see Save the Date, starting on page 164.

Gail Ricketson Halford. My cheers have echoed through the years. Gail rowed for the University of New Hampshire and was recruited for the women’s team that made it to the Olympics. After winning the bronze medal she trained in a skull (a one-person boat) for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Those Olympics were cancelled, largely motivated by political decisions. She has since settled in Poultney, Vermont and has continued racing in senior races or “Masters” as they’re called today.

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MY THOUGHTS ON

SKY DIVING AND MY COMFORT ZONE

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN PIERRE PHOTOS PROVIDED

“DO YOU WANT TO GO SKYDIVING THIS THURSDAY?” This was a question my new boss asked me on my second full Monday in the office.

There are three typical responses to a question like this.

1. Hell no. No way. Never. (blood pressure = normal) 2. I’m intrigued by it, but I’ll pass. (blood pressure

spiked a little at the thought, then goes back down to safe zone)

3. Yes. Let’s do it. Bring it on. (blood pressure spikes, palms get a little sweaty, nervous energy abounds)

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I-

I wasn’t a 1. Though skydiving wasn’t on my bucket list, it was only because I hadn’t ever thought much about it.

2-

would have been the safe choice. Admitting to myself that yes, I was brave enough to do it, but not this time.

3-

was the boldest choice of all. Going all in. Ascending in a perfectly good plane and coming back down another way entirely.

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It was Monday morning, and I barely had enough coffee to function at baseline yet. “I need to give the final count to Skydive Saratoga by end of day,” Craig said. “Ugghhh, okay. Errrr, ummmm, I’ll let you know,” I replied, ineloquently. Craig Skevington was my brand-new boss at my brand-new job with STEADfast IT. I poured myself more coffee.

share business cards and network like at any other event but with one major difference: in a few hours I was going to jump out of a plane. NBD.

The reason behind this whole skydiving thing was that Craig was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at a New York BizLab entrepreneur luncheon that coming Thursday in Schenectady. His talk was going to be about the inherent problem with staying too focused on your plan and never stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Two brave women from opposite sides of the room cautiously but affirmatively raised their hands - Erica Stoeckeler and Brittany Moore. At the close of the event, we threw away our typical Thursday afternoon plans and all headed up to Skydive Saratoga.

Craig intended to wrap up his talk by offering two people in the audience the chance to remember that day for the rest of their lives; by leaving the event and immediately heading up to Skydive Saratoga in Gansevoort with him, two STEADfast colleagues, and …. me?

Back to Monday where the words “stepping outside your comfort zone” were heavily on my mind. With my second coffee down the hatch, a brief moment of bravery swept through my body.

I popped into Craig’s office and said: “I’m in.”

“Great! I’ll give them the final count,” Craig replied.

And just like that, my Thursday fate was sealed.

As expected, Craig finished up his talk by inviting the first two people to raise their hands the chance to join Craig, myself, and two other colleagues from STEADfast IT to go skydiving!

Upon arriving, I saw a very small plane (a 1958 Cessna 182 to be exact) and soon discovered that was the vessel that would be taking us 9,500 feet off the ground only to have its little door creak open and release me into the sky. Oh crap.

We went inside the building and all huddled around to watch the safety VHS from circa 1975 featuring the inventor of tandem skydiving himself, Bill Booth. We met our tandem master, a tall and sturdy ex-military guy named Brock with a great sense of humor, signed a small pile of waivers and releases and then determined the order of jumpers.

At the lunch event on Thursday, I looked calm and collected on the outside, but inside I was a ball of panicked nerves. Trying to make small talk,

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My colleague Mike Hatalla was first up. Mike was pumped. Turned out he had jumped hundreds of times in college. Granted that was a couple decades ago, but still, compared to us, he was a pro. He confidently boarded the plane with Brock and about 15 minutes later upon ascending to altitude, the two made the fall back down; happily, and without a hitch!

Our recruit Erica from the business luncheon was up next followed by my colleague Bernadette from STEADfast. Both came back down beaming with joy and pride.

After a brief intermission for packing the parachutes and refueling the plane, it was finally my turn. My safety harness was on tight and triple checked and at this point, I was much more excited and eager than scared. Brock and I made our way to the tiny plane and hopped in. The 15-minute plane ride up was beautiful. The day was crystal clear, and you could see for miles.

About a minute before hitting our 9,500 feet altitude, things started to get real. Brock fastened every safety harness tighter and got us into position to jump. He quickly went over the plan of action: doors open, his leg goes out, then mine, then his, then mine. He signals a thumbs up, then we freefall for about 30 seconds, and then he opens the parachute and we glide on down.

In tandem skydiving, the diver is connected to a harness attached to a tandem instructor. The instructor guides the student through the whole jump from exit through the freefall, piloting the canopy, and landing.

Let me tell you, it is a very surreal experience sitting there on the step of the plane with the door open about to jump.

And then…. before your good judgement talks you back inside, you’re exiting the plane. It’s loud, it’s cold, your face is fluttering, your senses can’t seem to adjust, and your tendency might be to just curl up in a fetal position and ride it out.

But then it gets a whole lot quieter and you realize the parachute has deployed and you are safe. You finally are able to take in your surroundings and begin to enjoy the freedom of soaring through the sky. The parachute ride down lasted about 6 minutes and then we landed with total ease, safely on the ground in exactly the spot we were intending to.

There were six of us (four from STEADfast IT) that jumped that Thursday; Mike Hatalla, Bernadette Nastasi, Craig and myself, and our two new friends from the luncheon, Erica Stoeckeler and Brittany Moore.

SKYDIVE SARATOGA 288 Brownville Rd, Gansevoort, NY 1283 info@saratogaskydive.com 518-895-8140 www.saratogaskydive.com

The crew at Skydive Saratoga were amazing and I can’t thank them enough for making this such a wonderful experience.

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Skydiving truly enables you to experience a full range of emotions including fear and panic, awe, euphoria, relief, joy and finally, pride.

I’m proud of our group for stepping (jumping!) out of our comfort zone.

We couldn’t have planned a better day or a better group of people to be with. This was certainly a Thursday afternoon we will all remember for a very long time. SS

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Adirondack Balloon Festival 2018

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

CRANDALL PARK 600 GLEN ST, GLENS FALLS

FLOYD BENNETT MEMORIAL AIRPORT, 443 QUEENSBURY AVE, QUEENSBURY

4:15-6:15 p.m.

Musical Performances 5:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies 5:15- 6:15 p.m.

Flight of up to 20 balloons 6:00-9:30 p.m.

City of Glens Falls Block Party featuring Walk-about balloon, balloon baskets on display, car show, and kid’s activities!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 FLOYD BENNETT MEMORIAL AIRPORT, 443 QUEENSBURY AVE, QUEENSBURY 3 p.m.

Gates Open, Craft Fair hosted

by ZONTA, kid’s activities, Band Performances and Food Vendors open for business 5-6:15 p.m.

Flight of up to 80 balloons including special shapes

5-10 a.m.

“Big Balloon Breakfast” – Airport Hangar $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children 5 a.m.-7 p.m.

Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 40+ vendors, Kids activities, including bounce houses, crafts, games, aircraft static display 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Flight of up to 100 Balloons, including special shapes 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Musical Performances 5 -6:15 p.m.

Flight of up to 100 Balloons, including special shapes 5-7 p.m.

Musical Performances 8 p.m.

“Lighting Up the Night” Airport Moonglow featuring 30+ balloons. Bring your flashlights!

PHOTOS BY ERIN REID COKER

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 FLOYD BENNETT MEMORIAL AIRPORT – 443 QUEENSBURY AVE, QUEENSBURY 5-10 a.m.

“Big Balloon Breakfast” Airport Hangar $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children 5 a.m.-12 p.m.

Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair hosted by ZONTA with 30+ vendors, Kids activities, including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, aircraft display 6:30 -7:30 a.m.

“Walter’s Mass Ascension” simultaneous Flight of up to 100 balloons and shapes 8 a.m.

Catholic Mass in the Entertainment Tent 9 a.m.

Protestant Sunday Service in the Entertainment Tent CRANDALL PARK 600 GLEN ST, GLENS FALLS 2-5 p.m.

Musical Performances by Across the Pond 5 p.m.

Launch of 20+ balloons

FLIGHT TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE, AND ALL ACTIVITIES ARE WEATHER PERMITTING Please… No smoking… No Dogs…. No drones or remote-control aircrafts allowed

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SEPTEMBER 7 – SEPTEMBER 9 SARATOGA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Various locations in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Performing Arts Center is pleased to present the 18th Annual Saratoga Wine & Food Festival on September 7-9, 2018. www.spac.org/promo/ saratoga-wine-and-food/ SEPTEMBER 8 2018 INSANE INFLATABLE 5K RUN Ellms Family Farm, 468 Charlton Rd., Ballston Spa, 8:30 a.m.

Get ready to experience the most fun, wild and insane obstacle run in the world. Get “pumped up” for a course filled with the world's largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever produced. Register as a team and get your family, friends, and co-workers involved! Pick from 12 waves, the first beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the last at 11:30 p.m. To register: https://www. eventelf.com/events/54/login.

SEPTEMBER 9 ANNUAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS CYCLE FOR LIFE Saratoga Polo, 2 Bloomfield Rd., Greenfield Center, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Each year, thousands of riders join forces in the fight against CF, pedaling along scenic routes and across multiple distances in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Registration fee: $45.

Fundraising minimum $150. www.fightcf.cff.org/saratogacycle

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SEPTEMBER 9

SARATOGA GRANDPARENTS DAY Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 1 – 4 p.m. Create lasting memories through activities for all generations to enjoy! All proceeds from this event will benefit The Wesley Community.

For more information, visit thewesleycommunity.org/wesleyfoundation/special-events/ saratoga-grandparents-day.

SEPTEMBER 15 NATUREFEST Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will bring together a host of environmentalists, and naturalists to educate the community. All activities will be at the park. All donations collected will go to The Friends of Moreau Lake (nonprofit). For further information call the park at 518-793-0511 or check out the Website: Friendsofmoreaulake.org.

2018 IRISH 2000 FESTIVAL Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Offering a unique lineup of Irish music including everything from Celtic punk and jam music to traditional. This year we are going back to our roots and doing the whole show in one day. Cost is $16 for advanced ticket or $20 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free. For schedule, visit irish2kfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 15 – SEPTEMBER 16 SARATOGA SHOWCASE OF HOMES - see page 23 Various locations throughout Saratoga County, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tour the beautiful homes with the latest in high-quality furnishings and fixtures as you explore the latest building techniques and products.

Then you can cast your votes for the best homes in the people's choice awards. The tour continues for two more weekends… September 22 – 23 and September 29 – 30.

Tickets are $20, valid for all six days. Children 12 and under are free. Currently on sale online at www. saratogashowcaseofhomes. com. Also available at Adirondack Trust, Saratoga National Bank, Catskill Hudson Bank & Trustco Bank locations; Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa and Queensbury; Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs; Rebuilding Together Saratoga County - The Store in Ballston Spa; Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Moreau and will be available at any showcase home during tour hours.

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SEPTEMBER 16 HISTORIC HOME TOUR IN WILTON Various homes in Wilton.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fall will provide the perfect setting to explore a collection of historic Wilton homes. A self-guided tour map will take you from home to home where guides will show you around each residence and share the significance it holds in the history of Wilton. For more information, visit www.wiltonbicentennial. com/events/historic-home-tours.

LET US HAVE PEACE Grant Cottage, 1000 Mt. McGregor Rd., Wilton, 1 – 2 p.m.

At the conclusion of his 2nd inaugural address, President Lincoln urged Americans "to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." Lincoln recognized that international and domestic peace are threads of a single tapestry.

General Grant recognized the same truth. In fact, he had thought a great deal about how societies and individuals might contribute to peace-making.

Today he will share some of those thoughts and explain why Let Us Have Peace became the cry of his heart. This program is inspired by World Peace Day, which is on September 21.

Grant Cottage tour guide Steve Trimm will portray General Grant.

Suggested donation - $5/person.

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SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 21 – OCTOBER 28

FEAST OF THE FIELDS see page 68 Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 5:30 - 9 p.m Join Saratoga Plan for the 13th Annual Feast of the Fields, an event that promises to be a fun-filled, delicious evening featuring top chefs preparing small plates from fresh ingredients harvested by local farms, along with enticing products and drinks from local producers. A silent auction filled with items and experiences from local businesses and artisans will round out the night. Purchase your tickets at saratogaplan. org/2018-feast-fields-form.

GHOSTS IN THE YADDO GARDENS TOUR Experience the Spirits of the Gardens. Feel the energy and creativity of the forces of the Earth. Share in the spiritual intrigue from Native Americans, Edgar Allan Poe, the Trask family and other contemporary visitors!

Docent led tours begin at the Yaddo Garden parking lot and last for approximately one hour. This is a tour of the Yaddo Gardens and does not include the Yaddo Mansion. Tours are held on Friday and Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Private docent led ghost tours may be arranged at a date convenient to your group. Cost is $10 per person, under 12 free.

Contact Yaddo at 518-584-0746 or yaddo.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 20 – SEPTEMBER 23 ADIRONDACK BALLOON FESTIVAL – see page XX Glens Falls and Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport, Queensbury Hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky at the 46th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival. There will be balloons of all shapes and sizes.

Watch from the ground as they take off into the sky or go for a ride and see a view you won't soon forget. Visit adirondackballoonfest.org for the 2018 schedule.

SEPTEMBER 22 CLUE - MURDER MYSTERY EVENING Inn at Saratoga, 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 9 p.m.

Saratoga Children's Theatre, Inc will be hosting our second annual event Clue - A Murder Mystery.

It is sure to be an evening of suspense, dining, and lots of fun!

There will be cocktails, live music, silent auction and of course the LIVE game of Clue. Cost is $100 per person. For more information call 518-430-7423.

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SEPTEMBER 22 ART IN THE PARK Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Art in the Park is a one-day art show in Saratoga Springs' historic downtown Congress Park, curated and presented by Saratoga Arts. For additional information or questions, please contact Saratoga Arts at 518-584-4132. The rain date for the event will be Saturday, September 29, 2018.

SEPTEMBER 22 – SEPTEMBER 23 29th ANNUAL HUDSON MOHAWK ANTIQUE TRUCK SHOW Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, Gates open 8 a.m. Admission is $1 per person and children under 12 are free. There will also be a large flea market and swap meet during the show. Rain or shine.

ADIRONDACK WOOL & ARTS FESTIVAL Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich, 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.adkwoolandarts.com.

SEPTEMBER 23 19th ANNUAL LAKESIDE FARM ANTIQUE SHOW Lakeside Farm, 336 Schauber Rd., Ballston Spa, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The 19th Annual Lakeside Farm Antiques Show features 60+ vendors with a full range of goods. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ lakesidefarmantqiuesshow.

SEPTEMBER 23 TASTE OF WILTON Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Rd., Saratoga Springs, 1 – 4 p.m.

In honor of the Town of Wilton’s Bicentennial year, the Taste of Wilton will showcase a collection of local farms, restaurants, wineries and distilleries under the tent at Gavin Park, rain or shine. Enjoy restaurant tastings utilizing fresh produce from farms paired specifically with them, live music by Larry Hooker, and artisan beverage makers. Food tickets are $1 each. Restaurant samples are priced in food coupons and range from $1 to $6. For more information, visit wiltonbicentennial.com/events/ taste-of-wilton.

SEPTEMBER 28 HARVEST PARTY AT DOUBLE M HAUNTED HAYRIDES Double M Haunted Hayrides, 678 Rout 67, Ballston Spa, 7 – 11 p.m.

Must be 21 years old to attend.

No admission without proper ID. There is a rain date of September 30. Cost is $30. For more information call 518-884-9122.

SEPTEMBER 29 TAIL OF THE FISH REGATTA Saratoga Boat Launch, Fish Creek, Saratoga Springs, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The 'Tail of the Fish' Regatta is the fall season’s opening regatta.

Free to spectators.

SEPTEMBER 29 – SEPTEMBER 30 WARRENSBURG GARAGE SALE - THE WORLD'S LARGEST GARAGE SALE! Various locations throughout Warrensburg, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

With over 500 vendors stretching the length of Main Street and throughout many of Warrensburg’s residential neighborhoods, the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce presents the 39th Annual World’s Largest Garage Sale.

For more information, visit warrensburgchamber.com/ events/garage-sale.

26th ANNUAL TASTE OF THE NORTH COUNTRY Glens Falls City Park, 29 Maple St., Glens Falls, Sample a variety of foods from the North Country's Best Restaurants. Participating restaurants are from the Glens Falls Region, as well as Lake George and surrounding towns.

Food coupons are $1 each.

For more information, visit glensfallstaste.com.

All events are weather permitted. Please no dogs or drones!

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SEPTEMBER 30 9TH ANNUAL NICK'S RUN TO BE HEALED 5K The 9th Annual Nick’s Run to be Healed 5K is in honor of Ali Bawla. Ali is an active 7-year old who was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in May 2017. Ali is one of approximately 90 children in our area who are diagnosed every year. For more information on this foundation and how to register for this event, visit fighttobehealed.org.

OCTOBER 3 SARATOGA JOB FAIR THE CAREER BUILDING EXPO Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find jobs in Saratoga Springs, NY and the entire Capital Region of Upstate NY. For more information and a list of employers that will be present at the job fair, visit capitaljobdevelopmentgroup. org/saratoga-job-fair. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 11 GIRLFRIENDS HELPING GIRLFRIENDS Longfellows Hotel & Conference Center, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 6 – 9 p.m. Join us for a fun night filled with shopping, a fashion show, food, drinks & more. All proceeds raised will be used to help support Wellspring's programs and services. Cost is $50 in advance, $75 at the door, $100 honorary committee.

To order tickets call 518-5830280. For more information, visit wellspringcares.org/donatewellspring/events.

OCTOBER 13 YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Home Made Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, 7:30 – 10 p.m. From the creators of the Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes Mel Brooks’ monster musical comedy, Young Frankenstein. October 13-28.

Tickets are $29 for adults and $26 for students and seniors 65+. For more information, visit homemadetheater.org.

OCTOBER 15 FASIG-TIPTON: THE SARATOGA FALL SALE Fasig-Tipton’s Humphrey S. Phinney Pavilion, 415 East Ave., Saratoga Springs. Thoroughbred horse auction. For more information visit fasigtipton.om

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TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL The National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 6 – 8:30 p.m. The Community Hospice of Saratoga is hosting its 23rd Annual “Touched by an Angel” event. This reception, attended by over 550 guests, is the premier social event of the fall season. To purchase tickets, visit the website: givetocommunityhospice.org.

OCTOBER 26 BATCHELLER MANSION TOUR Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, 1 – 3 p.m.

Experience a first-person tour of this historical mansion, led by George and Catherine Batcheller. The entire Victorian experience takes about 90 minutes and allows participants to appreciate what it was like to live and be entertained in the house The New York Times called “Saratoga’s Crowning Glory.” Built at the beginning of the Gilded Age for a cost estimated at $100,000, construction on the Batcheller Mansion was rushed to completion to host a reception for President Grant. Eventually, it served as a boarding house and was abandoned a hundred years later in 1974. Owners since that time have dedicated significant amounts of money for restoring the mansion to reflect its previous grandeur.

Located one block off Broadway, on one of the most utilized routes to the track, the restored mansion became the unofficial emblem of the city. Cost is $35. Please note: The mansion has stairs only; there is no elevator. Parking is on the street. Preregistration required. Call 518-743-2238 or email conted@ sunyacc.edu. For more information, visit batchellermansioninn.com.

OCTOBER 27 & 28 HEAD OF THE FISH REGATTA Saratoga Boat Launch, Fish Creek, Saratoga Springs, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., both days. Free to spectators.

One of the largest regattas in the country, attracting over 160 teams and 1600 crews from across the Northeast.

OCTOBER 27 SARATOGA DBA FALL FESTIVAL Downtown Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bring the whole family to celebrate the fall season with fun and games. Young and old alike will find themselves rediscovering all there is to love about the fall season at this funfilled free event. Some activities include, a rock-climbing wall, music performances, magic shows, trick or treating, petting zoo and pony rides, photo booths, costume parade and more. For further information, contact the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association at 518-587-8635. saratogaspringsdowntown.com OCTOBER 30 HALLOWEEN GHOST TOURS OF THE CANFIELD CASINO The Saratoga Springs History Museum, Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 6 p.m. Reservations for time slots are strongly suggested. Tours begin at 6 p.m. with a new group beginning every 15 minutes. The last group steps off at 8 pm. Each tour last 1 hour and is limited to 15 people. Come and see who haunts one of Saratoga most treasured landmarks. $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 -17, under 6 is free.

NOVEMBER 4 THE THIRD ANNUAL VETERANS BALL The Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, 5 – 9 p.m. The Third Annual Veterans Ball is a forum to honor our veterans. $100 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit veterans-ball.info.

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Pumpkin Festivals VERMONT PUMPKIN CHUCKIN' FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 30 · 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Held at Stoweflake Mountain Resort in Stowe, Vermont, this festival presents the challenge of building the ultimate trebuchet, the modern catapult. Adults and kids are invited to test their intellectual prowess or to come and watch pumpkins get launched and smashed. vtpumpkinchuckin.blogspot.com PUMPKINTOWN USA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 31 · 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Connecticut's premier "Not Scary" fall celebration is a small village by the name of Pumpkintown, where its inhabitants are over 70 Pumpkinheaded people and animals. Find out what life in Pumpkintown is like while on a hayride through the forest and explore their old fashioned village which includes a post office, saloon, church, and more! www.pumpkintown.com JACK-O-LANTERN SPECTACULAR OCTOBER 4 - NOVEMBER 4 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo is celebrating 30 years of Halloween magic.

Called EXTRAORDINARY by both CNN and USA Today, this year’s show includes more than 5,000 intricately carved pumpkins featuring scenes of wizards, fairytales, and the luminaries of great myths and legends, alongside superheroes, and historical figures who changed our world. Revel in the sights and sounds of the season and celebrate this otherworldly experience. www.rwpzoo.org/jol NEW HAMPSHIRE'S 27th GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL OCTOBER 13-14 A two-day, community-based, family-oriented Spooktacular that celebrates artistry and creativity the autumn way featuring a 34’ tower of JackO-Lanterns. Get your Zombie on! Show off your Zombie Garb in the Zombie Walk. Stroll over and meet some of the lurkers, creepers, geeks, monsters or roamers to join the walk! Haunted attractions and amusement rides will also be there for fall celebration! www.nhpumpkinfestival.com

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(cw from left.) Barry A. Bornstein, © Janet Garaguso; Saratoga sunrise, Diversify wins the Whitney © baBornstein.

Hawk’s Nest

“A velvet hand and hawk’s eye -

these we should all have…" wrote renowned French photographer Henri Cartier - Bresson, whose work for Life magazine featured world events and portraits of the famous; though he may be best remembered for his candid work detailing the day-to-day doings in and around Paris.

Recognized as the father of ‘street’ photography, his advice to aspiring shutterbugs: work silently, be observant, and like the hawk: strike at the ‘decisive moment.’

Well, the backstretch of historic Saratoga Race Course is a far cry from the ChampsElysees, yet it is a magnet for some of America’s finest equine photographers - and one who has caught my eye for a number of years is Barry A. Bornstein.

As a facebook friend I have enjoyed a countless number of Barry’s fabulous posts illustrating the intensity, beauty and serenity of Saratoga Race Course.

"Ever since high school I’ve been involved with photography,” said Barry. “When I got out of college I freelanced for newspapers and magazines, though I’ve always viewed photography not necessarily as a way to make a living, but something to help maintain my sanity. It’s great therapy; even if I’m feeling ill - when I’m shooting I can forget it all and feel good.”

Barry and his wife Val split their time between Saratoga Springs and Aiken, South Carolina. And his work in Aiken really fills up his calendar.

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Post Time Memories with Dennis G. Hogan

“I’m the official photographer for the Aiken Training Track, and the Aiken Trials - though Aiken is not just horse racing: there’s steeplechase, carriage driving, horse shows and every other endeavor of the equine world.

a bundle. I use digital now, of course, but what I sometimes do is limit myself to 36 exposures, and I can use only what comes out of that 36. It’s a great exercise and it brings me back to a time when you had to be right on target.

“One of my relationships is with the Aiken Standard (Aiken’s local newspaper.) Many of the horses that train there ship to Saratoga, and I’ll photograph them and their connections for the paper.”

“I use the Nikon D500, and I get everything I want out of it with just a few lenses. For post-production I use Photoshop and a few other things. Some may disagree with using software to enhance the work but if it satisfies me - that’s what counts.

In early August, Barry’s work graced the ‘Standard’s front page, as his long-time friend and associate Cot Campbell was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in the category of Pillars of the Turf, the ‘Hall’s most prestigious designation.

“Someone once said to me, ‘I can tell your pictures - any place, any time, because you have your own style.’ Well, years ago I tried painting - but I can’t use a paintbrush - yet if I can use the camera as a paintbrush then why not?”

Barry approaches each new year at Saratoga with a clear goal in mind.

I asked Barry for a few tips, and he was more than generous.

“I’m now 75, and thankfully I’m in good health. I have the energy to get up in the morning and be there in the afternoon if I have to cover races. My goal? Well, I look around and say ‘I’ve done this, and I’ve done this,’ so I ask ‘How can I do things differently?’ That’s the challenge. I just try to find a new look.”

“People have approached and asked ‘Will you teach me? Can I hire you?’ And I tell them it’s not necessary. You just need to learn a few things about light, exposure and shutter speed - like so many other things: technology has made it so much easier.

Barry counts himself a student of Bresson’s method and he’s been influenced by others from the school of ‘street’ photography. He looked back on his career and shared his thoughts on the craft.

“So learn the basics and don’t be afraid to experiment - you can fit a lot of shots on these cards. Most of all - and it’s not really a tip as much as a practice - respect your subject: the horses and the people around them. Get your image but always respect your subject, be it equine or otherwise.”

“I grew up in film and a roll of Tri-X was a few dollars and you tried to do everything within 36 exposures, which is a lot different from today. With digital you can shoot from now until forever and it’s not going to cost

More of Barry’s work can be found at www.babornstein.smugmug.com, and on facebook at TopOfTheStretch. Until next year, keep silent, keep shooting and always anticipate that elusive decisive moment. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

HISTORY

Our

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION FOR MORE ON THIS PHOTO SEE PAGE 174.

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THE GRAND UNION HOTEL:

The Day the Music Stopped

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

D

uring the last eighteen years my business partner, visitors at any one time. In 1874 the Grand Union was not only Dave Patterson and I have operated the tour company, the largest hotel in the city, but also the largest in the world.

Saratoga Tours. During that period, we met and The eventual “world-class” Grand Union Hotel was started educated thousands of visitors to the great history of as a rather humble structure in 1802 and evolved to be the Saratoga Springs. One of the most common questions asked world’s largest hotel in a short 70 years. Built by Gideon and is “What happened to all the grand hotels of the 1800s”? Doanda Putnam and named Putnam’s Tavern and Boarding The answer is that during the apex of our years as number House with an initial capacity for 70 people it grew to be one tourist destination in the country, we had four very large called the Grand Union. The mere size and dimension of hotels in operation and three were eventually torn down in the Grand Union Hotel and its operation amazes everyone the 20th century, while one, the Grand Central, burned in that understands it. The Grand Union was built on a lot October of 1874 and was never rebuilt. that measured about seven acres with two miles of interior The summer of 1874 was the last time all four grand hotels corridors. The hotel offered visitors almost 900 rooms and operated during the same summer. The Grand Union, Grand cottages in which to stay. The construction of the hotel used Central, Congress Hall and the United States were the big 1,474 doors, 1,891 windows, two acres of marble countertop four, and the Grand Union was the largest of those four. The and 12 acres of carpeting. On one day in August 1873 the city also had many smaller hotels and boarding houses, with hotel’s 35 cooks and 200 waiters served the hotel guests an estimated capacity to accommodate a total of 26,000 a total of 1,200 quarts of milk, 1,500 pounds of beef, 800

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chickens and 250 quarts of berries with countless amounts of fish, bread, potatoes and a variety of vegetables and baked goods. The Grand Union offered activities both daily and weekly with speeches, performances, dances and summer parties that were the height of social status, especially when the famous Victor Herbert was the music director for the hotel. After this success it’s hard to believe that in about 80 years the hotel would be gone from the landscape of the city.

When Gideon Putnam died in 1812 from injuries from a fall during construction of another hotel, his wife ran the business until her death in 1836. Upon the death of Doanda Putnam, her sons Washington and Rockwell continued the family business until 1853. During the years of ownership by the Putnam family, the size of the original Tavern and Boarding House grew by construction and acquisition of nearby property. They also renamed the hotel, Union Hall. A social writer visiting the Union Hall commented in saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

her column that she wondered if the name “Union” was to represent the union of the original thirteen colonies or the strong operation of the family in the business. That comment is a true testament to the family structure that was fostered

by Doanda especially after Gideon’s death. After ownership by the Putnam family, many other owners made changes and ran Union Hall until the Leland Brothers went bankrupt and sold to A.T. Stewart in 1872. Stewart was made wealthy as a pioneer in the development of the department store concept. He made huge revisions to the structure as well as re-naming it the Grand Union Hotel. It was now the largest hotel in the world.

The long story of Saratoga Springs as a town and then a city, has been a roller coaster ride of good and bad economic times. The Grand Union Hotel enjoyed tremendous success in the 1800s but the hotel suffered its first downturn during the 1911-12 period when a state-wide ban on horse racing FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 173

was imposed and the final closing of the Canfield Casino.

Property values dropped, and tourism faltered leaving the Grand Union’s ownership to sell the hotel for a mere $100,000.

As we went deeper into the 20th century, the automobile had a tremendous impact on the large hotels. During the 1800s the journey of visitors to the city was slow and arduous. These travel hardships ensured that visitors who made the long trip would then stay for a longer time period and the city therefore needed an enormous amount of hotel rooms to fill the need for long-term visitors. When use of the automobile became widespread in America, visitors could split their vacation time with many locations and we found we had overbuilt the number of hotel rooms for the demand. Eventually the big hotels could not survive and were razed.

The story of the end of the great Grand Union Hotel begins just after the end of World War II. After the end of the war the lower demand for hotel rooms forced the Grand Union’s management to only operate the hotel for about 6 weeks every summer - centered around the race meet at the Saratoga Race Course. The handwriting was on the wall for the large hotels. With lower occupancy, there was lower income and economic problems grew. The first week of September 1952 many newspapers reported that the Grand Union Hotel had been purchased by the Grand Union Food Stores Corporation and had targeted the property for sale of the contents and the eventual demolition and removal from the site of all debris to allow for construction of a new Grand Union shopping mall. The Grand Union Corporation announced that the new shopping mall would be “one of the most modern shopping areas in the East.” The services

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of H.R. Siegel, auctioneer, was retained by the Grand Union Corporation for the purpose of selling the huge collection of antiques, furniture and furnishings of this giant hotel.

Everything in the hotel including lighting fixtures, plumbing, brass fixtures and dimensional lumber recovered from the demolition was sold. It was estimated that one thousand people jammed the old hotel to buy a piece of history.

On April 1, 1953 the Saratogian announced that the grand hotel was razed except the last wall that was adjacent to the Bethesda Episcopal Church. That wall would be removed by hand to prevent damage to the church. The month of April 1953 was used to level the site and removal of any rubble still on the site. The end had come. The great Grand Union Hotel was gone. Major publications across the country all ran stories about the end of the Grand Union. Life magazine ran a story entitled “Grand Union Checks Out.” The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a story entitled “A Landmark Passes.” So much attention was given this great landmark of America by writers who remarked on the great history of the Grand Union Hotel and the impact it had in the life of so many summer visitors coming to Saratoga. The remembrance of summer guests like Harry Sinclair, Commodore Vanderbilt, Victor Herbert, John “Bet A Million" Gates, Pierre Lorillard, Sam Hildreth, Jesse Lewisohn and even actor Monty Woolley who grew up as the son of one of the Grand Union Hotel managers. Woolley once remarked that summer in Saratoga had, “a wonderful slow tempo to life. Even the weather was warmer. God, what a lovely time to live.” Some of the summer magic left Saratoga when the Grand Union disappeared from the landscape of this great city, but the stories live on. SS

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Rarely Seen Photos of OLD SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL, IMAGES FROM THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

LOBBY OF THE GRAND UNION HOTEL 1895 In 1872, The Grand Union was the largest hotel in the world. The hotel was located on the west side of Broadway, stretching from Congress Street north to Washington Street. Occupying almost 7 acres of land. It had a dining room that could feed about 1,400 people at one time. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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UNITED STATES HOTEL ON BROADWAY 1889

The world famous United States Hotel on the left of this image as we look north on Broadway. In 1889 the streets were still cobblestone and filled with horse drawn carriages. Notice how Broadway bends slightly to the right as it continues north, like it does today. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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UNITED STATES HOTEL DURING THE FILMING OF THE MOVIE “SARATOGA” Parts of the movie “Saratoga” were filmed near the United States Hotel. This romantic comedy of 1937 featured Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. This image was given to George Bolster as a gift from the crew for his help with the filming in Saratoga Springs. Jean Harlow passed away during filming and a stand-in was used to complete the film.

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ORIGINAL UNITED STATES HOTEL The United States Hotel was located on the west side of Broadway on the south corner of Division Street and Broadway. This was one of the original “big four” hotels of the city. The original hotel burned on June 18, 1865 and was replaced with a bigger and more eloquent structure that opened in 1874 and was finally razed in 1946.

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WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED Photo provided by Doug Lake

Dining Out Hattie Mosley in front of the original "Hattie's Chicken Shack" on Federal Street. Opening in 1938, Hattie operated at this location for 30 years. After urban renewal, Hattie relocated to the current location at 45 Phila Street.

Hattie welcomed all, tirelessly cooking delicious food and graciously giving back to the community that embraced her.

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in

th

Beth and Jasper Alexander continue to honor her legacy today at 45 Phila Street.

Century

Saratoga Take a tour with us through Saratoga's old eating establishments as Carol Godette features a different one in each issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine - Enjoy!

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D

ining out or plating in? This option wasn't available for Saratogians of the '60s and '70s. Recently a friend boasted that although his wife didn't cook, she "plates a beautiful dinner" - referring to her ability to transform local take-out specials into artistic creations. The popularity of “Take out Tuesday” offerings has helped sustain year-round business and is a relatively new aspect of our local culinary scene. Although this particular phenomenon isn’t unique, Saratoga Springs’ mom-and-pop restaurants have had a rich history - from the purported invention of both the potato chip and the club sandwich to the famous and infamous clientele that have savored their cuisine.

Perhaps due to zoning laws that limit fast food chains with large footprints or the discerning tastes of the racing crowd and resident summer artists, local mom-and-pop restaurants have been the rule rather than exception within our city limits- a double edged sword for many mom and pop operators. Along with many choices comes stiff competition -within the last few months three once popular restaurants in the downtown area closed- One Caroline St, Park Side Eatery, and The Merry Monk.

Today, sidewalk cafes are essential elements of our local restaurant scene. This was not the case for the eateries listed in the Saratoga Springs 1963 Chamber of Commerce's Centennial brochure.

City Hall first approved an outdoor patio for Broadway's Triple Crown Restaurant in 1977.

Permit laws loosened in the 1980s, paving the way for other restaurants to construct the patios we now associate with our local favorites.

In the "pre-café" days of the 1960s, dining at a full-service restaurant was a rare treat for the average family. I remember what a special occasion it was every year when our family celebrated my parent's anniversary at The Trade Winds. Each of us dressed in our Sunday best.

If a fellow patron neglected to wear a sport coat the Trade Winds staff was instructed to ask, "May I lend you a dinner jacket?"

For many locals of 2018, dining out is no longer a yearly or even monthly event etched in our minds. This series will focus on some of the mainstays of our local mom-and-pop full service restaurants. Each issue this year will explore a beloved establishment of yesteryearthe Ash Grove Inn, Lillian's, Lou's Luncheonette, Ma Demartino's, Mother Goldsmiths - and will finish with two remaining veterans - Pennell's and The Olde Bryan Inn.

Author’s note: “Restaurants” in this series are defined as full service, sit down meals with wait staff service.

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Settle in and be prepared to once again enter into the world of the sparkling French-paned windows of the Ashgrove Inn, the Sy Wallick lined caricatured walls of Mother Goldsmiths, and the stone covered, cave-like walls of the Trade Winds' vestibule. SS

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LILLIAN’S

430 AND 408 BROADWAY WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE PHOTOS PROVIDED

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Fun Factoids About Lillian’s Restaurant

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Tiffany styled lamps and a tin ceiling helped recreate the atmosphere of the Victorian era honoring the restaurant's namesake Lillian Russell.

Lillian’s Restaurant was a mainstay of downtown Saratoga Springs for 40 years. Ray and Tina Morris were the quintessential “mom and pop” owners and operators, tirelessly giving back to our community. Much has been written about this eatery but perhaps you will discover a few things you didn’t know… saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Originally named Lillian’s Steakhouse, Ray Morris was inspired to open a steakhouse after training in the management program of Albany’s Barnsider Restaurant. His Albany roommate Mark Strauss (founder of Mabou) alerted him that the “Squires East” building at 430 Broadway was available for rent.

The original location opened in January 1974 at 430 Broadway with 12 tables and a peanut shell strewn bar that quickly became popular with the Skidmore crowd.

(NYS drinking age was 18 at the time).

The recipe for their signature French Onion Soup came from L’Auberge restaurant in Albany.

Ray drove to Granville, New York for slate, which formed the base of their first menus. One side of the slate featured food and the other drinks. When dropped, the slate often broke.

Ray created his signature Catalina House Dressing with the help of a few employees. Although many former customers wish he marketed the unique dressing for distribution, he still makes it for friends on request.

Well known returning customers included: Al Roker, James Earl Jones, Mary Tyler Moore, Rudy Guiliani, the Pointer Sisters, and NY Giants Coach Bill Parcells.

In its 40 years of business, Lillian’s had 5,000 employees.

Ray often hired 14, 15 and 16 year old high school students who began as bussers and remained on as employees through their college years. Many went onto successful careers as lawyers, business owners, corporate executives and communications directors.

Love abounded at Lillian’s! Susan and Jeff Halstead shared their first kiss while enjoying an evening at a bar table. So much so, that Jeff fell off the stool! Many of their subsequent wedding anniversaries were spent at Lillian’s reenacting that magical moment.

The Halsteads even named their dog Lillian after the restaurant.

Countless other couples met, got engaged and even married there. After Diamond Jim’s opened upstairs in 1986, many couples held their wedding rehearsal dinners at the 408 Broadway location. Weddings took place on Saturdays.

Lillian’s participated in Downtown Saratoga’s Chowderfest from its inception. They won the coveted title “Most Chowder Sold” in Chowderfest’s second year.

After 10 years at 430 Broadway, Ray had the opportunity to purchase the former Starbuck’s Department store from David Carr just down the street at 408 Broadway. Ray says, “Typically when a restaurant changes location they lose a lot of clientele. Since we remained in the core of downtown, that wasn’t the case for us.” The Cantina Restaurant followed their exact pattern this past June – relocating from 430 Broadway to the former Lillian’s space at 408 Broadway – and rebranding as Cantina 2.0. SS FALL 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 183

Behind the Scenes LOCATION As you can see by these BTS pics taken at Bonacio’s Showcase entry The Residences on Union Avenue (#7 on the tour) - this home is pure “full house” luxury with a dynamic downtown location! (…and NO, I did not want to leave!!)

Mike Adamec from CBS-6

Fall 2018 Cover Shoot

GUEST STAR Liz Bishop HAIR & MAKE UP Professional Hair & Make Up

by Diane Palma WARDROBE Lifestyles of Saratoga INTERIOR DESIGNER Shelly Walker of Finishing Touches Home Decor Inc. FRESH FLOWERS Balet Flowers and Design PRODUCED BY Chris Vallone Bushee COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Randall Perry Photography

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Thank You

everyone

for another great Showcase of Homes cover!

Back row: Barry Potoker, Maxwell Reagan, Lisa Licata Front row: Chris Vallone Bushee, Liz Bishop, Randall Perry, Shelly Walker, Lindsay Phillips, Diane Palma, Eli Conklin

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