Simply Saratoga Summer 2024

SARATOGA

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Summer 2024

Simply SARATOGA

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Chad Beatty

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chris Vallone Bushee

GUEST MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Samantha Nock

MAGAZINE DESIGNER

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

...Still out on Maternity Leave

Look at Blakely Grow!!

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Kelly Schoonbeck

ADVERTISING

Jim Daley

Cindy Durfey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Samantha Bosshart

Colleen Coleman

Taylor Flynn

Nicolina Foti

John R. Greenwood

George Hanstein

Wendy Hobday Haugh

Field Horne

Robert C. Lawrence

Kristen Moras

JPV Oliver

Bill Orzell

Megin Potter

John Reardon

Jim Richmond

Ralph Vincent

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erin Baiano

Karen Banovic

Jason Bell

Sharon Castro

Francesco DAmico

George Hanstein

Paul Kolnik

Ken Marcinowski Sr

Randall Perry

Rafa Pineros

Carrington Spires

Rob Spring

PUBLISHED BY

2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-581-2480

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SimplySaratoga.com

contributors

SAMANTHA BOSSHART

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

COLLEEN COLEMAN

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

ROBERT LAWRENCE

Robert Lawrence, a retired elementary, middle, and college educator, authored What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? (The Troy Book Makers), which describes over one hundred mountain place name origins. Bob, a Saratoga County resident, enjoys many outdoor activities with his wife, Carol Ann, and their wire-haired Dachshund, Adi (Adirondack). Contact: adkmountainnames@gmail.com

JOHN GREENWOOD

John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga Springs milkman who loves capturing stories about the people and places that surround him.

John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. The couple recently retired and are looking forward to having more time to enjoy the nooks and crannies of the surrounding area. You can explore more of John’s writing at rainingiguanas.com, where you will find the glass half full and the weather mostly sunny.

GEORGE HANSTEIN

George Hanstein was a photographer in New York City and New Jersey for 20 years. He decided that he had enough of city life and built a small house in the Adirondacks near The Great Sacandaga Lake, in pursuit of a quieter life. He worked in a local school district there, teaching photography to High School Seniors. Since retiring, he has filled his days spending time with his Golden Retrievers, doing photography, taking road trips and writing about things that spark his interest.

WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

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

BILL ORZELL

Bill Orzell is a retired Geographic Field Analyst and Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic. A fervent sportsman, who resides in DeRuyter, New York, he has a lifelong appreciation of the economic, political, social, and sports history of the Empire State, with a special appreciation of the unique equine, human and geographic narrative which defines the Spa as the place to be.

MEGIN POTTER

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

JOHN REARDON

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

NICOLINA VENTI

Nicolina Venti is the Farm to School grant coordinator and agriculture educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County. She has a B.S. in Agriculture and Sustainability from SUNY Empire. She lives with her husband in Galway, NY where she grew up on the family farm. There she developed a love of horses and other farm animals. She says it’s extremely fulfilling to work in agriculture, helping farmers in this important Saratoga County industry.

RALPH VINCENT

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

SCAN & SUBSCRIBE

PUBLISHER OF...

Simply Saratoga

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

Saratoga Bride

Saratoga Home & Lifestyle

Welcome Home

Equicurean

Saratoga Christmas

from the editor

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

Welcome… and Happy Summer!

Whether you’re here for vacation or are lucky enough to live here…

You’re in for a wonderful time!

We know why you’re here (The Track, SPAC, Downtown!!) – Speaking of “Downtown” – Did you see that shot on the cover (and below!) of the crowd that kicked off Belmont on Broadway – Yes, the fun started a little early this year!

In addition to what’s new at the track, (even more farm tours!) and who’s at SPAC, (John Legend I love you!!) There is so much to enjoy in this area, and so much I want to tell you about. I’m hoping there is something for everyone in this issue (fashion, people, architecture, books, food…) and…this is our largest HISTORY section ever – at over 30 pages!

PS… Don’t pass up any opportunity to hang out on a porch, by a pool, or eat outside. We have a short season up here in the Northeast – enjoy every moment of it! Happy Summer! NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

You may know this already, but Saratoga is the “City in the Country” and I LOVE taking you outside city limits to explore the surrounding

countryside. In this issue we visit Northville – totally worth the drive northwest along the Great Sacandaga!

As always, THANK YOU! to our advertisers for helping us provide these beautiful informative magazines – free of charge! They not only enable us to print and distribute but provide YOU with an abundance of cool places to visit!

Saratoga TODAY was built on the premise of being able to provide local news - for free - and we couldn’t print our publications without our advertisers, so please mention us by name when supporting them… Simply Saratoga, the Saratoga TODAY magazine.

PHOTO CREDIT: THOMAS DIMOPOULOS

113 Bill Orzell

Starting on Page 118 – Simply Saratoga Brings you TEN PAGES of Historical Photos of Saratoga Springs!

Saratoga …The Turning Point

Saratoga County 250

Crossroads: Vischer Ferry

Tales of Old Buildings

reading suggestions (for the whole family!) including our own

Godette’s first book… On This Spot! FASHION (begins on page 75!) Pink Paddock, Violet’s Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Outdoors, Dark Horse Mercantile, Impressions of Saratoga and Embrace the Race

Favorite

...

Breakfast & Breeding FARM TOUR

with expanded days and partners!

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) expands the fan-favorite Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour (featuring breakfast at the track and tours of breeding farms) to four days weekly and includes a third participant, Sugar Plum Farm, to complement incumbents Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

Thanks to overwhelming interest from fans, Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours will now be offered Wednesday through most Saturdays, plus select Sundays, beginning Friday, July 12 through Saturday, August 31.

Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 years of age and under, and are available on a firstcome, first-served basis at NYRA. com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests.

Tours will be available weekly as follows: Wednesdays and Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and, new this year, six Saturdays and two Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast at Saratoga Race Course from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. against the backdrop of world-class Thoroughbreds during morning training. At 9:45 a.m., fans board a CDTA Trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for a short ride to the day’s breeding farm. Upon arrival, fans will enjoy a 60-minute guided tour with the farm’s owners and expert staff before returning to the track for an afternoon of live racing.

“Thanks to our friends at NYRA and CDTA, the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours have quickly become an important part of the complete Saratoga experience for racing fans and newcomers to the sport alike,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “These tours showcase the importance of the New York State breeding industry, and demonstrate the care, dedication and passion that breeders bring to their craft. Each of these three farms embodies the spirit of the Thoroughbred breeding community.”

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to be involved with NYRA's breeding farm tours. They give us a chance to meet new people and introduce them to another facet of the Thoroughbred world," said Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm Owner and Breeder. "Everyone loves to see where a racing career begins and following a tour, people leave with a greater appreciation and a more holistic understanding of the Thoroughbred industry."

Located just minutes from Saratoga Race Course, owners Robin and Tony Malatino have operated Sugar Plum Farm since 2005. More information is available at sugarplumfarmsaratoga.com.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in Mechanicville in 2005. Song Hill joined the Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours in 2023. More information about the expansive 100-acre horse farm can be found at jamesbondracing.com/song-hill-thoroughbreds.

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique Thoroughbred-breeding operation in nearby Stillwater that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. The farm helped launch the Breakfast and Breeding Farm program in 2022. More information is available at oldtavernfarms.com.

Highlighted by the 155th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 24 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 3, the annual 40-day summer meet will open Thursday, July 11 and continue through Monday, September 2.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2024 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. SS

SARATOGA SEASON PASSES

RETURN TO STEWART’S SHOPS!

Season Passes for the upcoming summer meet at Saratoga Race Course are now available at Stewart’s Shops throughout the Capital Region. The 40-day summer meet begins Thursday, July 11 and concludes on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.

NYRA Bets Gift Cards are also available at participating Stewart’s Shops and will remain on sale at Stewart’s Shops through Sunday, Sept. 1.

For a complete list of participating shops, visit StewartsShops.com.

“We are proud to again partner with NYRA by offering NYRA Bets Gift Cards and Season Passes to Saratoga Race Course as a convenience to our loyal customers,” said Gary Dake, Stewart’s Shops President. “Fans can stop by any one of our Stewart’s Shops in eight counties to get ready for this year’s historic racing season highlighted by the first-ever running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.”

Season passes are on sale at Stewart’s Shops through opening weekend of the Saratoga summer meet for $90, a savings of $5 off the regular price. Fans can also purchase their season pass online for $95 at NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Season passes provide admission for all 40 days of the summer meet, including DraftKings Travers Day.

“ Stewart’s Shops are a staple of upstate New York and a longstanding partner of NYRA and Saratoga Race Course,” said Pat McKenna, NYRA Vice President of Communications. “Stewart’s broad and expanding network of Capital Region stores will again provide racing fans with access to NYRA Bets Gift Cards, Season Passes and Post Parade programs throughout the spring and summer. NYRA looks forward to an incredibly exciting season at Saratoga.”

NYRA Bets Gift Cards can be used to fund both active and new NYRA Bets accounts to bet hundreds of racetracks across the United States. They are available in $50 denominations at Stewart’s Shops (cash only; credit cards not accepted). There are no processing fees or premiums applied when purchasing or using NYRA Bets Gift Cards, and they do not expire.

NYRA Bets is the official advance deposit wagering platform of Saratoga Race Course. The NYRA Bets app is available for download in the App store or for Android devices at NYRABets.com/ App. Registering for a NYRA Bets account is free at NYRABets.com.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga SS

ZWILLING BBQ+

5-pc Grill Tool Set

Essential Charcoal-Hued Grill Tools for Outdoor Grilling

• Set includes: Grill Spatula, Grill Tongs, Grill Fork, Basting Brush, Chef's Wrap

• Tools made from durable and corrosion-resistant stainless steel

• Travel friendly, easy-to-clean waxed canvas chef’s wrap

$139.99

Compliments to the Chef LLC

33 Railroad Place Suite 104, Saratoga Springs saratogachef.com

Handmade replica of a racing quarter post Perfect for your desk or mantle! $24.95

Crafters Gallery

427 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

CraftersGallerySaratoga.com 518.583.2435

make it a SPAC SUMMER

New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and superstar guest artists John Legend and Yo-Yo Ma visit Saratoga’s iconic venue

Swan Lake

Photo © Erin Baiano

Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a unique ecocultural destination, a perfect confluence of humanmade and natural beauty, enriching the cultural life of the region from its home in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park. Nestled among the hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs, SPAC draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer seeking world class artistic experiences and performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, and best-in-class artists across virtually all genres of music.

Angélique Kidjo

John Legend

Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Photo © FrancescoDAmico

Yo-Yo Ma

Photo © Jason Bell

Among the highlights of this year’s festival is a 75th anniversary celebration of New York City Ballet featuring Balanchine masterpieces Jewels, Swan Lake and Stars and Stripes; a celebration of contemporary choreography, and the return of their more intimate “behind the curtain” experience, NYCB On and Off Stage, which includes a celebratory after party with fireworks, dancing and a live DJ.

The Fabulous Philadelphians return to their summer home in Saratoga for a three-week residency led by Music & Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, featuring appearances by 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend (AUG 7), the incomparable cellist Yo-Yo Ma (AUG 16), beloved violinist Gil Shaham (AUG 14), and African icon Angelique Kidjo (AUG 2).

Times Are Racing

Photo © Paul Kolnik

2024 SUMMER SEASON

FREIHOFER’S

SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL

June 29 & 30

NEW YORK CITY BALLET

July 9: NYCB On and Off Stage

July 10 & 11: Jewels

July 11 & 13: Contemporary Choreography

July 12 & 13: Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

July 31: Tchaikovsky Spectacular

August 1: Rhapsody in Blue Celebrates 100

August 2: Angélique Kidjo with The Philadelphia Orchestra

August 3: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert

August 7: An Evening With John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories with The Philadelphia Orchestra

August 8: Yannick Conducts An Alpine Symphony

August 9: An Evening of Brahms with Fabio Luisi

August 10: Carmina Burana

August 14: Gil Shaham Performs Bates

August 15: Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony

August 16: Yo-Yo Ma Plays Dvořák

August 17: Disney’s The Lion King in Concert

BEETHOVEN FOR THREE:

Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma with special guest Antoine Tamestit

A Benefit Concert for Spa Little Theater

August 25

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER

June 16: Romantic Masterpieces

June 23: Musical Mosaics

July 14: Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Brahms

July 21: Enchanting Winds

August 11: Beethoven, Ravel, and Schumann

August 18: The Carnival of the Animals

Visit SPAC.org for the full season schedule and tickets.

Iconic masterworks featured include a 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Marcus Roberts Trio (AUG 1), in addition to Carl Orff’s Carmina burana (AUG 10), returning to SPAC for the first time in over 15 years with Albany Pro Musica.

The popular film nights will also return to delight audiences of all ages as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert (AUG 3) and Disney’s The Lion King in Concert (AUG 17), are projected on the screens in HD, while the Orchestra performs the scores live.

“SPAC has become a destination stage for many of the greatest artists in the world and our 2024 season is no exception. From our great Philadelphia Orchestra featuring appearances by Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend, to our incredible New York City Ballet dancers, this year’s programming offers something for everyone,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President & CEO. SS

Catching up with Cassandra Kubinski

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

WWith the release of her two highly anticipated singles and a hot lakeside show on the local calendar, this summer season sizzles for songwriter Cassandra Kubinski.

On the heels of “The Saratoga Sessions” EP release and several sold-out shows last winter, Cassandra Kubinski gave an unforgettable opening performance at the Eddies Regional Music Awards at Proctor’s Theater in April, then rocked women’s worlds with the May release of the Mother’s Day tribute song, To Her.

Now, she’s following it up with the release of a country-pop

crooner, Comes Down to You, a song that contemplates the complexities of commitment. After performances in NYC and California in June, Kubinski returns to the area for the Lake George Summer Fest Concert Series at the Shepard Park Amphitheatre on July 10th, from 7pm-8:30pm.

“It’s going to be a beautiful, fun, elevating night out on the lake,” she said, of the show featuring a mix of folksy, pop, and jazz songs from her current and past catalog (including choice covers from musicians Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac).

Late Summer is slated to see a new version of Kubinski’s

darkly cinematic 2021 hit Burn It Down, this time with Sawyer Fredericks, winner of NBC’s 8th Season of The Voice.

By working with producer and Caffe Lena Board Chair Emeritus James Mastrianni, the song has been stripped down to its roots and reimagined as a gritty, soulfullysmoldering, acoustic duet.

“Sawyer is a hardworking independent voice in the Capital Region. He was amazing to work with and our chemistry was great; easy and fun,” said Kubinski.

Fredricks is the latest in a line of luminaries to have collaborated with Cassandra Kubinski, including innovative artists like the Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Botti, and the 10,000 Maniacs. She has also had her songs in many international TV programs including Lifetime’s “Dance Moms,” NBC’s “Real Housewives,” and ESPN’s “First Take.”

To get on the list for Cassandra Kubinski releases, performance schedule, and news, visit https:// www.cassandrakubinski.com SS

CREDIT: CARRINGTON SPIRES

the Boys of Summer WELCOME BACK

WITH

A FRESH NEW LOOK, THE RACING CITY CHORUS GALLOPS INTO OUR HEARTS.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Letting the good times roll, the Racing City Chorus has been a Saratoga Springs tradition since 1956. With a tip of their straw hat and a shine on their shoes, today, the 30 member men’s a cappella chorus sings a medley of modern and classic pole cat songs in four-part harmony.

Performing old favorites, contemporary classics, patriotic ballads, and holiday songs, under the direction of Richard Gervais, year-round, throughout the region, Racing City quartets and very large quartets (VLQs) appear at sporting, corporate, non-profit, and private events.

This summer, those keen to take a trip down memory lane with this truly American genre can look forward to seeing them at the Saratoga Race

Course on Belmont Sunday, June 9th; at the Town of Clifton Park July 4th Celebration; Schuylerville’s Turning Point Parade on August 4th; and the Saratoga International Flavorfest on October 5th.

During the racing season, Racing City Chorus will continue their popular “Barbershop on Broadway” street performances. On select Thursdays, you can catch them singing their hearts out at three venues each night.

“We’re getting out there and having a great time. There are not too many choruses that do what we do,” said longtime member John Senecal, Racing City Chorus Vice President of Marketing.

After more than a decade, this year, the Racing City Chorus has also refreshed their logo to reflect the group’s vibrancy as they make strides towards growth. Comprised primarily of amateur singers from around the Capital Region and North Country, Racing City Chorus is the local chapter

of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), a nonprofit organization with approximately 25,000 members worldwide.

Racing City Chorus is continuing to recruit new members. Men (18 and over) who like to sing great music are encouraged to call 518-504-SING (7464).

Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7:30pm, at the PBA Clubhouse, 5 Bliven Way, Saratoga Springs (except on the 4th Tuesday of each month when they are at St. Edward’s Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road). SS

For more information, follow Racing City Chorus on Facebook and go to http://www.RacingCityChorus.org

BreakfastBrunch,& Bakeries

BARE Blends

18 Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 886-1426

15 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 280-9815 BareBlends.com

Bowled

1104 Ellsworth Boulevard, Malta (518) 289-5212 BowledCo.com

Bread Basket

Bakery: 65 Spring Street, Saratoga

Cake Shop: 3 Hampstead Place, Wilton (518) 587-4233 SaratogaBreadBasket.com

Broadway Coffee Co.

493 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 450-1036

BroadwayCoffee.co

Coffee Planet

100 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 884-9913

Comfort Kitchen

454 Broadway, Lower Level, Saratoga (518) 587-1234 ComfortEats.com

Compton’s Restaurant

457 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-9632

Country Corner Café

25 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 583-7889

CountryCornerCafe.net

Darling Doughnuts

441 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 430-2018

DarlingDoughnuts.com

Hattie’s

45 Phila Street, Saratoga (Weekend Brunch) (518) 584-4790

3057 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 226-0000

HattiesRestaurants.com

Henry’s Tavern (Weekend Brunch)

19 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3584

HenrysIrishTavern.com

The Hideaway (Weekend Brunch)

35 Gracemoore Road, Saratoga (518) 306-1900

HideawaySaratoga.com

Horseshoe Inn Bar & Gril l (Weekend Brunch)

9 Gridley Street, Saratoga (518) 886-8086

HorseshoeSaratoga.com

Indulgence Bakery

63 Putnam Street, Saratoga (518) 212-7269

ShopIndulgenceBakery.com

Iron Roost

36 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3535

IronRoost.com

Kaffee House

120 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 729-8480

KaffeeHouseSaratoga.com

The Kettle Restaurant

445 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 584-9734

TheKettleRestaurant.com

Kru Coffee

46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga (518) 444-4158 • KruCoffee.com

Lakeside Farms (Seasonal)

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359

LakesideFarmsCiderMill.com

Leah’s Cakery

3 Curry Road, Round Lake (518) 899-5324 • Leahs-Cakery.com

The Little Market at Five Points

42 Park Place, Saratoga (518) 450-7068

TheLittleMarketAt5.com

The Local Pub and Teahouse (Weekend Brunch)

142 Grand Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-7256

TheLocalPubAndTeahouse.com

Max London’s (Daily Brunch)

466 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-0505

MaxLondonsRestaurant.com

The Merc (Daily Brunch)

430 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 886-8479

TheMercSaratoga.com

Mom & Pop’s Café

885 NY-67, Ballston Spa (518) 885-1549

MomPopsCafe.com

CHECK

FLYNN

Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro at the Adelphi Hotel

(Daily Breakfast and Weekend Brunch)

365 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 350-7945

MorrisseysLounge.com

Night Work Bread

3 Science Street, Ballston Spa (518) 769-5858

NightWorkBread.com

Prime Restaurant at Saratoga National

(Weekend Brunch)

458 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-4653

PrimeAtSaratogaNational.com

Ribbon Café

11 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa (518) 288-3040

RibbonCafeNY.com

The Ripe Tomato

(Sunday Brunch) 2721 US-9, Malta (518) 581-1530

RipeTomato.com

Route 50 Diner

2002 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 490-2521

Russell’s Deli

303 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 885-3354

RussellsDeli.com

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods

176 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-6565

SaratogaGlutenFreeGoods.com

Scotty’s Restaurant

(Breakfast 24/7)

215 Ballard Road, Wilton (518) 584-1444

ScottysTruckStop.com

Shirley’s Diner

74 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4532

ShirleyDiner.com

SPoT Coffee

55 Railroad Place, Saratoga (518) 306-5323

221 Glen Street, Glens Falls (518) 223-0192

SPoTCoffee.com

Sweeney’s

106 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-5169

Sweet Mimi’s Café and Bakery

47 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 871-1780

SweetMimisCafe.com

The Sweetish Chef

76 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3180

Sweetish-Chef.com

THORN + ROOTS

46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga (518) 212-7235

ThornAndRoots.com

Triangle Diner

400 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-6368

The Twisted Bagel Company

15 Kendall Way, Ballston Spa (518) 808-9478

The Ugly Rooster Café

2476 US-9, Malta (518) 899-5099

312 North 3rd Avenue, Mechanicville (518) 664-2769

TheUglyRooster.com

Uncommon Grounds

402 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-0656

9 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 280-2404

UncommonGrounds.com

Walt Café

20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 682-3602

WaltAndWhitmanBrewing.com

(CHECK

Summer

1456 NY-9P, Saratoga (518) 587-7316

210 South Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-9525

504 NY-9P, Saratoga (518) 587-7153

30 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 584-9556

402 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-2045

521 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-5380

87 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-9930

3-11 Maple Dell, Saratoga (518) 584-9768

4208 NY-50, Saratoga (518) 580-1487

2907 US-9, Ballston Spa (518) 581-1200

2951 US-9, Ballston Spa (518) 587-2921

801 NY-67, Ballston Spa (518) 885-3943

165 Northline Road, Ballston Spa (518) 885-5439

170 Church Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 885-9458

448 Geyser Road, Milton (518) 885-7519

StewartsShops.com

Ben & Jerry’s

34 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-3740 BenJerry.com

Cookies & Cream

450 East High Street, Ballston Spa (518) 584-1490

Dairy Haus

476 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 450-4040 DairyHaus.com

Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-In 882 NY-29, Saratoga (518) 584-8562 FarmersDaughtersDriveIn.com

Humpty Dumpty Ice Cream 70 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4682

The Ice Cream Man

417 NY-29, Greenwich (518) 692-8382

JJ’s Snack Bar

2 Saratoga Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 885-7900

Kaleidoscope Café

588 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 450-1616 KaleidoscopeCafe.com

Kilwins

420 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 682-3500 Kilwins.com

King Brothers Dairy 329 King Road, Schuylerville (518) 695-6455 KingBrothersDairy.com

Martha’s Dandee Creme 1133 US-9, Queensbury (518) 793-0372 MarthasIceCream.com

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 3076 NY-50, Wilton (518) 282-6030 Menchies.com

Mr. Bill’s Carhop 1720 US-9, South Glens Falls (518) 793-1566 MrBillsNY.net

Saratoga Gelato 458 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 691-6000 SaratogaGelato.com

Ugly Ice Cream 511 NY-9P, Saratoga (518) 212-7676

UglyIceCream.com

The Wind-Chill Factory 3 Trieble Avenue, Ballston Spa WindChillFactory.com

SARATO GApreserving

THE BELMONT LEGACY: SARATOGA RACE COURSE

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

PHOTOS PROVIDED (UNLESS NOTED)

History was made on June 8, 2024, with the first running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sports venue in the United States. While everyone is familiar with the iconic spires of the historic grandstand, many may not know about the former private stable of August Belmont Jr.

Historically, several prominent families owned private stables adjacent to the Saratoga Race Course – Dupont, Madden, Sanford, and Belmont. All these properties were acquired over time. Today, Saratoga Race Course encompasses over 350 acres with more than 200 structures. One of the more visible private stables is the former stable of August Belmont Jr., named “Surcingle,” which is a leather strap used to accustom young horses to girth pressure.

August Belmont, Jr.

Photo credit: National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame

Historic photo of the Belmont Cottage with lookout tower and tennis court in the foreground from the “50th Anniversary

The Saratogian 1856-1905 Souvenir”

August Belmont, Sr. was a German immigrant who established the banking house, August Belmont & Co., in 1837. He became a wealthy financer and prominent figure in the development of Thoroughbred horse racing in the United States. In 1866, Leonard W. Jerome and Belmont Sr. funded the construction of Jerome Park Racetrack. The following year, Belmont financed the first Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest of the three classic horse races that constitute the Triple Crown. In 1890, Belmont, Sr. joined Senator George Hearst, A. J. Cassett, W. J. Arkell, and others to form a new Saratoga Association that was most likely short lived due to Belmont, Sr. passing away on November 24, 1890, and Hearst passing away on February 18, 1891.

August Belmont Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps. Immediately upon the passing of his father, Belmont took control of August Belmont &

Co. and purchased seven of his father’s mares at a dispersal sale. In 1894, he was one of the founding members and first president of The Jockey Club, a role he served until his death. Belmont was also one of the nine founding members of the National Steeplechase Association, established in 1895, and served as the chairman of the first New York Racing Commission.

In 1902, Belmont founded the Interborough Rapid Transit

Company to finance and operate the first line of what is now the New York City Subway. That same year, Belmont and William C. Whitney, along with other investors, purchased the land to build Belmont Park, named in honor of Belmont’s father. In 1905, Belmont Park opened and hosted the Belmont Stakes, which had previously run at Jerome Park and Morris Park.

In 1900, a reborn Saratoga Association that included William C. Whitney, Richard T. Wilson, Belmont,

The Belmont Cottage today

and others acquired Saratoga Race Course from the infamous Gottfried Walbaum. Under the leadership of Whitney, the Saratoga Association made significant improvements, including rotating the track 25 degrees and moving and expanding the Grandstand. In 1902, as a result of the rotation of the track, the original Belmont Sr. stables were relocated, and Belmont built new private stables that today are visible from Nelson Avenue.

A June 1, 1902, New York Times article described the many improvements made at Saratoga Race Course and noted that Belmont Jr. “proposed to make Saratoga his northern headquarters and with this end in view has expended $75,000 on his property… He has constructed a private practice track, which encircles his residence and stables, moved from the farm north, where they

were situated a year ago.” Today, $75,000 is worth an estimated $2.7 million.

On the new 13-acre site south of the newly rotated main track, Belmont built a comprehensive stabling facility that included a residence, stables, and structures to serve as a kitchen, blacksmith’s workshop, and dwellings for employees. The buildings were encircled by a private exercise half-mile track. His two-story, shingle-clad residence, which was referred to as a “cottage,” had a lofty outlook tower that gave Belmont a commanding view of the entire training track and was surrounded by lush gardens and a lawn tennis court.

A tunnel was constructed at the cost of $10,000 so that Belmont could reach his residence without having to disrupt the horses on the training track. The same

Top: Historic photo of one of the Belmont stables from the “50th Anniversary The Saratogian 1856-1905 Souvenir.” Bottom left: The same stable today. Bottom right: The tunnel that Belmont built so he could access his residence without disrupting horses on the training track.

1902 New York Times article described the tunnel as being “10 feet square, with square arches and macadamized flooring. It will be lighted by electricity.”

According to the 50th Anniversary The Saratogian 1856-1905 Souvenir, the stables were “constructed with as much care as the ordinary dwelling” being built of the “best materials, by the most skillful workmanship, and is a model home for the horse. Mr. Belmont is a great lover of the horse, and he has certainly erected for him here some of the most luxurious homes ever prepared for this noblest of the friends of man.” He built stables for both Thoroughbred racehorses and polo ponies. The Souvenir continued, “One of the sights to see of this handsome park is to see the Belmont polo ponies, some fifteen or twenty of them filing out of their luxurious quarters, in charge of some half dozen attendants, and starting for the grounds at the Saratoga Polo Club on the other side of the village.”

Two of the stables are single-row with 24 stalls with a distinctive gable slate roof with a wrap-around shed roof to allow for horses to be walked under cover. The vertical tongue-and-groove clad stables have rounded corners and chamfered posts intended for horse safety while using the sheltered walking ring. The stables have a full attic loft for storing hay that can be accessed by wall ladders. In addition, a barn was constructed solely for the stabling of driving horses and carriages. The carriage stable with its large double doors is flanked by six horse stalls with a cantilevered roof on each side.

Belmont died on December 10, 1924. The Times Magazine, dated December 22, 1924, wrote, “He is credited with having saved Thoroughbred racing when it was at its lowest ebb in the East, after the repeal of the racing law in New York State.” In total he had bred 129 stakes winners, including the great racehorse Man o’ War and six other champions.

At some point after his death, the private Belmont property became part of Saratoga Race Course. Surcingle was later renamed Clare Court in honor of Tom and Anne Clare who served as successive superintendents of the track from 1924 to 1960. The stables

and small cottages are still used today. Belmont Jr.’s cottage currently serves as a women’s dormitory. Unfortunately, over time the front porch and the large tower that provided Belmont with views of his property were removed. The New York Racing Association plans to rehabilitate the cottage. The rehabilitation plans include the restoration of the front porch, but not the tower.

The next time you drive along Nelson Avenue, be sure to look east to catch a glimpse of August Belmont

Jr.’s former property, Surcingle. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of Saratoga Race Course that will include this area and many others on Tuesday, August 20. To learn more and register, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. SS

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

Artist Spotlight karen BANOVIC

WATERCOLOR ARTIST KAREN BANOVIC CAPTURES THE WONDERS OF NATURE

WRITTEN

BY

WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KAREN BANOVIC

After witnessing the haunting beauty and idyllic elegance of Karen Banovic’s watercolor paintings, one might easily assume the Ballston Spa artist has spent a lifetime perfecting her craft. But, incredibly, Banovic only began painting, matting, and framing her work after retiring from a 34-year career as a Ballston Spa Middle School science teacher in 2004.

“I’ve always loved art, all kinds of art,” says Banovic. ”Before I started painting, I did a lot of basket weaving and quilting. I’ve always been interested in the use of color and contrast. I tried oils and acrylics but couldn’t stand them. They were too tedious for me. But I absolutely loved watercolors! The loose way the colors blended together seemed to work best with my personality. I’m not a rigid or controlled person. I let things happen and can adapt to things pretty easily.”

Throughout her lengthy teaching career, Banovic’s adaptability served her well. “I always tried to work with my students’ individual personalities to find creative ways to spark their interest in science and the natural world. I really enjoyed the energy of middle school students. They could be a pain sometimes, sure, but I really liked their spirit and always tried to keep them active. They loved doing hands-on activities, so we did a lot of outdoor experiments. For example, I’d have them measure and map the stream that ran alongside our school, even measuring the rocks and the heights of trees and mapping them to scale. I enjoyed going outside with the kids and trying to involve them in different aspects of nature.”

Whether capturing the majesty of a mountain range, the mystery of our ever-changing seasons, or the delicate beauty of potted flowers, Banovic’s love of nature shines through in all her paintings. As she writes on her website, “Inspirations for my artwork often come from the natural world, music, social settings, and my imagination. The painting process can begin with a look out a window, viewing my photos, or letting my imagination take over. I visualize an emotion that I would want to convey in the final product.”

Watercolor artist Karen Banovic at the Gore Mountain Harvest Festival.

Karen Banovic grew up in South Glens Falls, the eldest of seven children. “My grandparents had a farm in Gansevoort,” she recalls, “where we spent a lot of time growing up. From an early age, I was interested in anything to do with science and nature.”

She graduated from South Glens Falls High School and attended Plattsburgh State College, where she majored in biology and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education. Upon graduating, she accepted her first, and only, teaching position at Ballston Spa Middle School and attained her permanent teaching certification through graduate work at Union College, Albany State, and Plattsburgh State. Later, after earning earth science certification from the College of St. Rose, she also taught NYS Regents Earth Science to accelerated middle school students.

An avid traveler, Banovic has journeyed throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. “My husband was in the special forces during the Vietnam War,” she explains, “so we wanted to go back and revisit that country.”

Inspired by her mother, who grew up in Norway, Banovic has been a lifelong skier. An avid hiker, she has hiked the 46 Adirondack High Peaks and

the Northville-Lake Placid Trail. “My husband and I did the High Peaks with our two children when they were young. Later on, when I was teaching, toward the end of the school year I’d bring my earth science students on hikes in the Adirondacks. I figured they could learn more by hiking than they could in the classroom. Then, after retirement, my husband and I hiked all over Europe, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Norway, and France.”

Without question, Banovic’s memories and photographs of these amazing global adventures have provided endless inspiration for her work. The artist has held numerous solo exhibits, and her paintings have placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Southern Saratoga Art Society’s juried shows and in juried shows held in Speculator and Hagaman. Over the years, she has participated in countless craft fairs and festivals as well.

“Gore Mountain’s Harvest Fest is one of my favorites,” she says. “I’ve participated in that one for years and done very well because people who know and love the area for its skiing and hiking often enjoy taking home a visual reminder of their experience.”

In September of 2023, Banovic established a website to serve as a storefront for displaying and

Towards the Sun

Stark Beauty

selling her art. Over time, chronic hip pain had made it increasingly difficult for her to travel to her many shows and manage the arduous work of carrying and assembling her heavy tent and exhibits, then dismantling everything soon afterwards. Since skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities she enjoyed were also negatively impacted, Banovic decided to undergo hip replacement surgery in February of 2024.

“Having my own website allows me to exhibit my work without all the heavy lifting. It also motivates me to keep producing new paintings. In starting up a website,” she adds, “I had so much to learn! It was like getting my college degree all over again.”

Whether at home in rural Ballston Spa, visiting her lakeside camp in Newcomb, or traveling the globe, artist Karen Banovic immerses herself in the natural world, savoring its many moods, capturing its ever-changing beauty, and inspiring others through her stunning art. “To this day,” she admits, “it still takes me by surprise whenever someone asks me if I’m an artist. I always have to stop and think about it a minute before replying, ‘Yes . . . I guess I am.’” SS

Visit Karen Banovic’s gallery at www.karenbanovic.com or contact her at kbanovic46@yahoo.com

Another Reason to Ski

Random Harvest

Posts from PETE & POP’S ADVENTURES

WHERE EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY

WWRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When a photographer can’t find a North Myrtle Beach rental willing to allow pets, he posts a picture of his dog, Pete, pleading for a place. The playful ploy not only landed the man and his dog pet-friendly lodging, it also launched an online travelogue that people just love.

“Pete,” an 8-year-old golden retriever, is the type of dog that attracts affection wherever he goes. Kids run over when they see him, exalting his cuteness and proclaiming how they always wanted a dog like this. People love having their pictures taken with them and share pictures of their own pets. Last year, a Facebook page, Pete & Pop’s Adventures, launched. In just a few months, it has attracted 3,000+ followers, and spurred a surge of positive sentiments on the site.

“People really, really love this dog, the pictures, the story – the whole megillah. He has a real fan club and every day there is a story,” said Pete’s Pop, George Hanstein.

Puppy Love

As an only child growing up in Paterson, NJ, George Hanstein talked with his dog “Tippy” about everything. He learned that dogs are great listeners. He’s had 10 dogs since, six of which were golden retrievers. When his dog “Jake” was 12 years old, George found “Pete” among a litter of nine.

“He picked me, I didn’t pick him,” said George. The puppy ran up to him, so he picked him up, flipped him over on his back (to ensure he’d be submissive)

he explained, then said, “That was it. We became best friends on the spot.”

Since then, the two have been inseparable. Last year, six years after retiring from working in the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District for 22 years, George began searching for a winter escape in North Myrtle Beach. Posting a picture of Pete in a trapper’s hat on the North Myrtle Beach Local page garnered so many responses that the page administrator contacted Pops and suggested he start his own page for him and Pete. Most posts on the page are told from Pete’s point of view.

“Pete writes, I just type,” said his Pops. Pete is well-behaved, and rarely growls, snaps, or is mean to people or other dogs. “He just wants to hang out and on Facebook (which can be such a mean place generally) people are responding with kindness.”

Finding Connection in a Dog-Eat-Dog World

In the canon of publications about dogs, works about how to choose, train, and care for them once dominated the landscape, but now, in a subtle, but important shift, we have begun exploring animal’s minds.

By using the anthropomorphism commonly deployed in fairy tales, fables, and children’s stories, Pop is creating a phenomenon that has people of all ages running out to greet Pete on the beach

at sunrise. Pete & Pop’s Adventures have appeared on stickers, and t-shirts (with much of the profit from sales of the shirts being donated to no-kill animal shelters). Pete and Pop have also appeared at fundraisers for Kind Keepers Animal Shelter and the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society. They hope to do more of this kind of work.

Jubilant and entertaining, through the simple, childlike playfulness of these interactions, readers experience a range of emotions and an overarching enthusiasm for life.

“Our connection with dogs is an ethereal thing,” said Pop.

For 20 years, Pete’s Pops was a professional photographer working in New Jersey and New York City, shooting portraits, fashion, commercial, and product photography. Often, subjects would bring dogs to their shoots.

Today, Pete is a natural in front of the camera and he likes being rewarded with Stewart’s Shops’ cheeseburgers. He has a growing collection of outfits (that he dons for photo shoots) and between 20-30 bandanas.

Wherever they go on their adventures, there’s one thing Pop and Pete never leave home without – the love a man has for his dog.

For more, follow Pete & Pop’s Adventures

The Romantic Movement on Phila Street

WRITTEN BY JPV OLIVER, GENT | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Among Saratoga’s charms are the surprises it holds, even for longtime residents. For instance, there’s a direct link to the 19th Century Romantic Movement on Phila Street - and it’s likely you’ve visited it more than once.

It’s called the Lyrical Ballad Bookstore at Number 7 (“Fine Books & Old Prints”) and it’s long been one of the city’s most elegant and quirky gems.

In 1798, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge published a collection of their poems entitled Lyrical Ballads and it changed the course of English literature because their work in part gave new, vibrant voice to the poor who hitherto were ignored.

It’s a landmark in the canon and remains the first major element of the Romantic Movement in art, literature, music, and intellectual thought that swept Europe in the 1800s.

Exactly 173 years on, in 1971, Troy native John DeMarco, a newly minted college graduate, snagged 70 boxes of used books at an auction, but he had no place to put them. Being an enterprising sort, he rented what had been a tack shop on Phila and opened a bookshop.

A fan of Wordsworth and Coleridge, DeMarco chose an elegant name for the new business, Lyrical Ballads Bookshop. He hired a sign painter who’d done work at Cole’s Woodwind Shop just down the street and the gold leaf lettering was exactly what DeMarco had in mind for his front window. He gave the painter explicit instructions and motored off for an afternoon of errands.

On his return, John was aggrieved to discover the guy got it wrong – he left the “S” off Ballads and it would be another 50 bucks to correct the mistake. Thus it was that The Lyrical Ballad Bookshop was born.

from their thousands of loyal customers.

John DeMarco owned and ran the shop for nearly 50 years along with his wife, Jan. When he died in 2019, Lyrical Ballad was at a crossroads. Was there somebody with the drive to keep this extraordinary enterprise a going concern, somebody who understood the magic?

Turns out there was.

Jason Zerrillo loves the idea of bookshops and always has. In fact, while still a student at Skidmore, he became the inventory manager at Borders in Saratoga, but ultimately found a home at the Lyrical Ballad, where he worked for 17 years before buying the place.

“Keeping the shop going is the best tribute we can possibly make to the memory of John DeMarco,” he says with evident affection.

It’s the very quintessence of what a perfect bookstore should be; there’s more than a little magic about the place.

It’s the very quintessence of what a perfect bookstore should be; there’s more than a little magic about the place.

It has more than 200,000 volumes of used and rare books, warrens of rooms – one more charming than the next - and, just when you think you’ve seen it all, you discover yet another hallway to wander down. Lyrical Ballad is the antithesis of the modern, antiseptic chain bookstore. To visit it is to delight the senses.

As you’d expect, such places are themselves on the endangered species list, so Lyrical Ballad has gained an international reputation for its size and collection. Even now, its social media footprint is slight, the owners preferring word-of-mouth and direct visits

Not surprisingly, he and co-owner, Charlie Israel, who works in his family's real estate and property restoration firm, are appropriately bookish. Israel joined Lyrical Ballad in 2021 and found the opportunity irresistible.

“I’ve just never encountered such a wonderful business anywhere in the world,” he says with a smile.

“Saratoga is so very lucky to have such a perfect specialty shop.”

True, the emphasis at Lyrical Ballad is on used books, but there are rare ones too. They’re kept in a locked, vaulted room because many are fragile as well.

One of the store’s most exotic items isn’t even for sale - a signed copy of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. On learning this, the question naturally arises, “Is the shop haunted?” It isn’t, most likely.

The store’s connection to the arts isn’t limited to the written word.

They’ve sold several volumes to production companies, books which have appeared in TV shows such as Succession and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. It’s cheaper, easier, and quicker, Israel says, to buy old books to use as props than to reproduce them.

As you’d expect when it comes to books about horse racing, Lyrical Ballad does not disappoint.

The selection is large, but one of the shop’s most popular volumes addresses the city’s extraordinary architectural history. “That book’s a consistent performer for us,” Zerrillo notes.

It may not be widely known, but Saratoga Springs has a vibrant literary scene, and the Lyrical Ballad is a vital part of it. “Our city has a strong literary itch,” Zerrillo says, “and we play a big role in that.” It’s key to the plans that he and Israel have for enhancements to their enterprise.

What comes across when you chat with Jason and

Charlie is, of course, their evident love of old and rare books, but their affection for the clientele is greater still.

“That’s why our social media footprint is so limited,” Jason says. “We have a lot more fun meeting our customers in the store. They always have terrific stories to tell.” SS

JPV Oliver’s memoir, I Know This Looks Bad, is available in all the usual places and his writing is published at LoucheLife.substack.com.

Compassion C

Knows No Borders

HOW A GROWING GLOBAL MOVEMENT OF THOUGHTFUL, COLLECTIVE GIVING CREATES CHANGE.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When confronted by tragedies, we have choices.

In 2005, visionary Mark Bertrand and his wife, Kelly, chose to start The Giving Circle in response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Through partnerships, they began repairing the world. Other projects followed, including building a school for girls in Afghanistan, and helping those at home.

“It’s very apparent that Saratoga Springs is a community both with great wealth and a substantial amount of poverty. The levels of income inequality are very high, and we see a great need in the community for assistance,” said former Treasurer Ron Deutsch, a volunteer since the group’s inception and its president for a decade.

Serving Saratoga

When people are out of options and can’t get help

elsewhere, they can turn to The Giving Circle. With hundreds of volunteers on their roster and donors from across the country, The Giving Circle is guided by their founding principles of kindness and acceptance.

Among their many assistance efforts through the years, The Giving Circle’s Saratoga Outreach Team has worked with the Franklin Community Center’s Adopt-a-Family program; partnered with the Saratoga Senior Center to perform home repair, improvements, and maintenance for the elderly; come to the rescue for a local family after a fire; and helped to settle Ukrainian refugees.

On Thursdays, The Giving Circle joins with RISE Housing and Support Services to provide free community dinners, and during the holidays, caravans congregate for caroling to homebound seniors.

“It’s fun, under the radar, but important, so people don’t feel like they’ve been forgotten,” said Carl Korn, Vice President of Communications.

Uganda Calling

Straddling the equator at the mouth of the Nile River, Uganda receives ample sun and little fluctuation in temperature through its dry and rainy seasons, averaging 80-degree days and 60-degree nights.

Fresh pineapple, banana, and mangos are sold at the popup roadside markets, along with coffins, couches, and Rolex stalls (not the watch, but omelets or “rolled eggs,” hence the name).

Driving the red dirt roads, the fields of eucalyptus trees give way to sugarcane plantations and Kagoma Gate, once home to “the forgotten people – the poorest village in Uganda.”

Giving Every Child a Chance

Populated by refugees from Congo and Sudan, the average life expectancy in Kagoma Gate, near Jinja, is just 54 years old. When Mark Bertrand first arrived here, there was no sanitation or clean water. People were living in mud huts, illiterate, and haunted by witchcraft.

The Giving Circle installed water filtration systems, latrines, and built the Kagoma Gate Friendship School where today, nearly 250 students enjoy a shared meal and invigorating curriculum, including a chess program.

Along with the Capital District Teacher Center, The Giving Circle provides teacher training opportunities, and supports the Busoga Junior School. Here, orphans and those rendered deaf from malaria are taught sign language. Graduates have gone on to enjoy successful employment.

“Empowering children with education is giving them hope for the future, of having a career, helping themselves, and supporting their families,” said The Giving Circle President Joyce Rice.

Healing a Nation

In 2019, The Giving Circle built the Koi Koi school residence and began work on the Mitzen Medical Clinic in Mutai.

Here, those dying from treatable illnesses, like diarrhea and infections, are given the chance to live. Vaccinations are dispersed, women are given birthing kits, and marginalized girls are provided with reusable absorbent pads so they can attend school while menstruating.

When Dr. Kim Poli visited with her children, in addition to working at a pop-up clinic, her family met orphans Fred Tusubira and his sister, who they’d sponsored since 2010. No longer living on the street, because of their support, Fred grew into a successful artist. In 2023, there was a wellreceived exhibition of his pieces at Saratoga Arts.

Being the Change

When The Giving Circle arrives in Uganda, they are greeted warmly by a community dressed in their finery, singing, and dancing.

“Who are we to deserve a hospital?” they ask.

By sponsoring a child with The Giving Circle for just $35/ month, they are afforded health care and the opportunity to go to school in a place where just $200 can mean the difference between life and death.

“When you see progress and how much your dollars mean to people, it can’t help but touch your heart,” said Carl.

The Mitzen Clinic needs $25,000 to be fully operational (equipped with solar panels and a generator to provide power for lights, refrigeration, and supplies).

To donate, volunteer, and find out more, follow TheGivingCircleNY on Facebook and go to https://www. thegivingcircle.org. SS

WHERE WILL

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY SHARON CASTRO

MEETS A WAY After the Races NY

or horses, fatal injuries can happen in seconds, their heavy bodies and delicate legs making one false move, or misplaced step, lethal.

When Will came to live at After the Races NY, a boutique Thoroughbred retirement program near Saratoga Springs, he had injured his ankle (a sesamoid fracture) that most horses would not have survived from.

THE COURAGE TO TRY

Will (racing name WHATSINITFORME) was born in 2017, sired by TEUFLESBERG. He is a gorgeous 15.3 hand dapple grey gelding who trained under multiple graded stakes winner Domenick Schettino. He had nine career starts and placed third at best.

Injured when he was four years old, Knotty Dawg Racing chose to bring him to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga so he could begin the long path back to health. Will endured a year of being at stall rest. While his leg was healing, his spirit was not. That’s when Anna Hollander, a former jockey (who has gone through the agony of major injuries and recovered, as well) was asked to introduce Will to After the Races NY, located on the 11-acre Swedish Hill Farm.

“It was like he didn’t know how to be a horse anymore. Will was lost. It was almost like he was back to being a foal, acting very shy around other horses. He didn’t eat any

grass. He was walking around, pacing, and showing signs of stress,” said Anna.

“I couldn’t turn him out with the herd (with the four other Thoroughbreds I have) so I turned him out with two ponies. Ponies are calming for Thoroughbreds. He liked them and still does. They were like his security blanket and taught him how to stand up for himself,” she said.

AN INDOMINABLE WILL

Will had developed potentially fatal bacterial abscesses in four feet so veterinarian, Dr. Michael Galvin, voluntarily visited numerous times a week and cared for Will — without charge.

For three months they battled, soaking Will’s feet twice a day in Epson salt baths. There were days when he just laid in his stall, unable to walk, rising only to soak his feet. To protect them, Master blacksmith Gavin Clark donated hoof care, shoes, and smithing.

It was touch and go, but he had a will to live, said Anna, naming him William (Will) was only appropriate.

Then, Will started eating the farm’s top-notch recipe of hay, grass, grain, and his favorite — sweet peppermint candies. He began playing with “Market Impact,” the leader of the herd, and went on a trail ride with other horses.

“I watched him gradually change — going from almost a lost soul, he just blossomed. We taght him how to be a horse again. It’s a beautiful thing,” said Anna.

STRENGTH THAT GETS YOU TO THE FINISH LINE

According to the state gaming commission, during the 40-day Saratoga meet last year, 14 horses died, 12 from musculoskeletal injuries.

“I think for everyone that’s been to the races, it is extremely upsetting to see a racehorse break a leg. I’m happy Will survived, is healthy and sound, and can move on to a second career. It shows what’s possible after horses have a bad injury, when there’s the support of the right people, and he’s given the right care,” said Anna.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Inc. founder Erin Christopher-Sisk was in tears at the heart-warming sight of Will racing around and socializing during After the Race’s annual Kentucky Derby party in May.

“I’m happy to do it. It’s so rewarding to see horses like Will, who go from where he was, to where he is today. The hardest part, for me, is having to adopt them out so I can help save more horses. I cry every time,” said Anna.

After the Races NY, Inc., a local, all-volunteer-based nonprofit Thoroughbred retirement program accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, relies on donations and fundraising support.

For details and more information about their annual fundraiser with jockeys bartending at Bailey’s Café, 37 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, follow After the Races NY on Facebook, Instagram and visit https://www.aftertheracesny.com SS

Camp Stomping Ground Building on Imagination

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

After grassroots efforts last year, Camp Stomping Ground raised $400,000 to expand their facilities and programming, giving 160 more kids annually the chance to unleash their instinct to play.

The circa 1820’s Greek Revival house at the forefront of Camp Stomping Ground’s 70 acres, located along a tributary of Kayaderosseras Creek in Middle Grove, was built a century before the property became the site of a Boy Scout camp.

By the 1940s, the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the brook that formed the camp’s two lakes, which today, along with the Downtown Stomping Ground’s games, pavilion, pirate ship, and imaginative play spaces, have become the “heart and soul” of this camp in the summer.

From Solid Foundations

Camp Stomping Ground, a local, independent, nonprofit sleepaway summer camp, was founded nearly a

decade ago by Laura Kriegel and Jack Schott.

The concept of the camp’s approach - focusing on radical, collaborative imagination - blossomed out of Camping Coast to Coast, Kriegel and Scott’s epic crosscountry adventure visiting 100+ camps. Observing best practices and tough challenges first-hand helped to inform their philosophy of the kind of place camp can be for kids.

“Children come up with the most spectacular projects together when you trust them to try, and give them the room to make mistakes. They learn best how to make decisions by making them,” said Kriegel.

After visiting camps that, while well-intentioned, were instituting more skills-based assessments, badges, and honors that categorized and isolated kids, the duo was disillusioned by standardized systems and determined to co-create something different.

“It doesn’t need to be that way. Summer camp should be a sacred place. We’re at the other end of the spectrum, offering kids more autonomy,” she said.

With the Freedom to Fly

Emphasizing empathy and resilience, Camp Stomping Ground is a respectful, tech-free community where fun feels fulfilling. By infusing the landscape with unbounded

creativity, kids ages 6 -16, a handful of year-round and 60+ seasonal staff form friendships and memories while enjoying a range of activities.

In The Barn’s makerspace, artists of all kinds let their ideas fly into fruition, while upstairs in the library, children perch on each couch cushion or oversized bean bag chair with a curated collection of books.

The camp’s two basketball courts, athletics field, two gaga ball pits, and free-play zones are great places to get energy out, while canoes and swimming lets them cool off with a lifeguard present. This supportive environment, brimming with possibilities, is further enriched by colorful murals, “Wendy,” an intelligent and affectionate fouryear-old Bernese Mountain dog, three cats, and a cackle of chickens. The quiet donor patio (paved with bricks engraved with the names of camp supporters), the sensory and vegetable garden, and ‘The Getaway’ medical center provides kids areas of respite and care.

Two huge stone fireplaces welcome campers into the dining hall, where Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake Central School District chef Jalena Davis cooks up wholesome, kid-friendly food from scratch while accommodating any allergies and special dietary needs.

Breaking New Ground

With a 70 percent retention rate and a growing waiting list, Camp Stomping Ground decided to expand this year with the construction of four more cabins and a second bathhouse, thanks to the support of the Dake Foundation for Children, Christopher Dailey Foundation, Nordly’s Foundation, Business for Good, Saratoga’s Children’s Committee, The Charles L. Touhey Foundation, Curtis Lumber, DA Collins, Palette, and others.

For more information, go to https://campstompingground.org

Kriegel said she also feels extremely lucky for John Munter, Sr., founder of Munter Enterprises, the property’s previous owner, for remaining involved in its rejuvenation. He has been like the camp’s guardian angel, she said, especially during the pandemic, when renovations were particularly difficult.

Fees for the two-week camp are determined by a trustbased sliding scale. As much as $300,000 in scholarships are awarded annually. Sessions start June 30th and registrations are accepted until September. SS

Name that Mountain

WRITTEN BY ROBERT C. LAWRENCE

Part of the "WHAT'S WITH THOSE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN NAMES?" Series

Mount Marcy

While kayaking on beautiful Lake Durant near Blue Mountain Lake, New York, one June day, my wife Carol Ann asked, "Where does Blue Mountain get its name?" The next day, we visited the nearby Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake to buy a place names book. But there was no such publication. So, I wrote What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?

In January 2004, N.A.S.A. (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) landed the robotic rover Spirit on Mars. Spirit relayed the planet's images to scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The scientists from the laboratory gave names of rocks found on Mars. One such rock, with its distinct pyramid shape, resembled Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the Adirondack Range and New York State. This unique geological feature led the scientist who had summited Mount Marcy to name the rock "Adirondack."

In 1837, a group of scientists led by Ebenezer Emmons, the state-appointed geologist responsible for Northern New York State, emb arked on a geological expedition to the Adirondack Mountains. Their mission was to

locate the source of the Hudson River and explore the region's geological wonders. This task would lead them to the highest peak in the area, which the scientists would name Mount Marcy in h onor of the sitting New York Governor Marcy.

William Learned Marcy (1786-1857) was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, Worcester County. He received his education at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Following graduation, he taught school briefly in Newport, Rhode Island, before relocating to Troy, New York, to study law. He eventually was admitted to the New York State Bar.

William Learned Marcy was a significant figure in the history of New York State. Before his three terms as governor from 1833-1838, Marcy served the state in various capacities, leaving a lasting impact. He joined the 155th New York Regiment and was crucial in several army engagements during the War of 1812. He also held key positions in the New York State government, including State Comptroller and the New York State Supreme Court associate justice.

Marcy's service extended beyond the state to the federal level, where he served as a United States Senator

Panther Gorge and Mount Marcy from Haystack Mountain. Courtesy of Ken Marcinowski, SR from his book MAY THE MOUNTAIN SPEAK TO YOU

One of the first winter ascents of Mount Marcy. Courtesy of the Adirondack Research Library of Union College, and Protect the Adirondacks! Inc.

before becoming governor. Following his tenure as Governor, Marcy continued his federal service level in two presidential cabinet posts.

Under President James K. Polk, he served as Secretary of War (1845-1849), where he oversaw the Mexican-American War and helped to end it by negotiating a treaty with Mexico in which the United States paid 15 million dollars to Mexico for the lands north of the Rio Grande River.

During his service as Secretary of State (1853-1857) under President Franklin Pierce, Marcy negotiated more than twenty treaties, including the Gadsden Purchase with Mexico, acquiring lands in present-day Arizona and New Mexico.

He left office in 1857 and died suddenly four months later on July 4 at his home in Ballston Spa, New York. Marcy's final resting place was in the Albany (N.Y.) Rural Cemetery on a site where he often read and contemplated.

Despite his many achievements, Marcy never climbed Essex County's 5,344-foot peak that bore his name. He might have traveled near the mountain while serving in the army during the War of 1812.

William Learned Marcy's influence extends beyond the peak in the Adirondacks. He also has a New York State town and hospital in Oneida County and a public housing complex in Brooklyn named after him, further demonstrating the breadth of his impact on New York State history.

WHAT'S WITH THOSE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAIN NAMES?

(The Troy Book Makers) is available at the following retail locations: Market Block Books (Troy), The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza (Albany), Open Door Bookstore (Schenectady), Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Outdoors (Saratoga), Adirondack Country Store (Northville), St. Andrews Ace Hardware (Queensbury) in many retail establishments in the Adirondack Park and on Amazon.com. SS

“Adirondack” Martian Rock. Courtesy of N.A.S.A.of Union College, and Protect the Adirondacks! Inc.

NORTHVILLE Road Trip to ...

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY

GEORGE HANSTEIN

AA lovely little town about 25 miles northwest of Saratoga Springs is worth an afternoon’s drive.  Northville sits on the banks of The Great Sacandaga Lake. There are numerous ways to get there, but the drive around The Great Sacandaga is very scenic. Bring your camera. If you take that route, you will most certainly use it.

Besides being a quaint town for a stroll, Northville offers some unique shopping experiences. The Northville 5 & 10 is the oldest operating 5 & 10 in the country! The 5 &10 provides an eclectic shopping experience. There is something for everyone in the

store. The 5 &10 has fresh homemade fudge, gifts, clothing, an old-fashioned candy counter, and many items for everyday use. You probably don't need it if you can't find it in the Northville 5&10. There is also a specialty gift shop a short walk up the street, The Adirondack Store specializes in Adirondack décor and offers everything Adirondack. Many of the items here are created by local artists. Northville also has The Flower Barn Gift Shop, a charming clothing boutique, and numerous shops to peruse while in town.

There are several galleries in Northville. The William Coffey Gallery is a place to go if you

like Adirondack Furniture. They also often have paintings by local artists displayed in a beautiful space.

Northville is the home to The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network. This organization, comprised of local artists and those interested in the arts, is very active and organizes many events in the area. They have a gallery space on Main Street that is well worth a visit when in town. Here you can see the work of local artists on a rotating basis. Saturdays during the summer, The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) offers The Northville Waterfront Park Concerts just off Main St. Here you can hear a different group each Saturday. It is a relaxing and pleasant way to end a Saturday. Remember to bring a lawn chair if you plan on attending! You can find the summer music schedule at svanarts. org. Another unique event sponsored by Sacandaga Valley Arts Network is Art Trails. This year on August 17 and 18 many local artists will open their studios and galleries to the public. Stop by Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, on Main Street and pick up a map. You can spend the day visiting artists and seeing all types of beautiful creations.

Your visit to Northville will not leave you hungry. There are quite a few wonderful places to satisfy your culinary desires. You might want to start your day with breakfast at Four Corners Diner in Edinburg on your way to Northville, or at Klippel’s Kozy Korner Café in town. Both are local favorites. There are a couple of lunch options, Village Pizza or The Local are both good choices. The Local is also a great option for dinner as is The Timeless Tavern. The J&F Farm Store is also an option to please your palate. This unique store offers fresh produce on one side of the store and breakfast and lunch on the other side. Everything is fresh and most of what they offer is grown locally. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there is The Village Scoop ice cream shop. If after a few hours of enjoying

William Coffey Gallery

Sacandaga Lake

Northville 5 & 10

The Village Scoop

Inn at the Bridge

J&F Farm Store

Northville, you feel the need for a pick-me-up. You can stop at ADK Blend for a smoothie. They also offer some very good baked items!

There is plenty to do and see in Northville. Just a walk around town, you will see lovely old homes. Many of the buildings in town have historical signs describing the history of the building. It is fascinating to see the many different businesses that the old buildings housed throughout their history.

For more information on many (if not all!!) of these businesses, search for them on SimplySaratoga.com or simply type in…. Northville. SS

Victorian House

ON THIS SPOT: SARATOGA SPRINGS

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

Join Carol Stone Godette, a native of Saratoga Springs, on a captivating journey through the city’s evolving landscape as she shares her observations on the significant transformations it has experienced during her lifetime. In her narrative, Godette weaves a rich tapestry of cherished memories, focusing on the unique mom-and-pop businesses that contribute to Saratoga Springs’ charm.

This compelling account is further enriched by the inclusion of historical photographs from the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s George S. Bolster Collection. Adding depth to her exploration, Godette features two contributions from Craig Wilson, a former Columnist for The Saratogian.

W“As your guide, Godette delves deep into the heart and soul of Saratoga Springs. Savor every word of On This Spot – it is a journey through the remarkable evolution of Saratoga Springs, offering wisdom and insights for those who seek to know more.”

Helen S. Edelman, journalist and dedicated Saratogaphile

city becomes simply a story – one that local native and author Godette has been chronicling in Simply Saratoga magazine for the past eight years.

Native Saratogian Carol Godette, a retired fifth-grade teacher from the Saratoga Springs School District, has spent the last eight years captivating readers with her historical insights through the column On This Spot, featured in Simply Saratoga Magazine. In recognition of her writing, Carol’s column secured the prestigious second place for Best Column in the 2021 New York Press Association Contest.

Beyond her written contributions, Carol has passionately shared her knowledge through many historical programs for nonprofits. In 2022, she was honored as one of the recipients of the Saratoga County History Award, further cementing her dedication to preserving and promoting the rich history of the region.

In addition to her literary and historical pursuits, Carol is a co-owner of Saratoga’s Ben & Jerry’s, adding a sweet touch to her multifaceted contributions to the community.

Now, these stories of transformation are the basis of her new book, Spot: Saratoga Springs Book Makers, 2024) with nostalgia, fascinating interviews, and historical research that illuminates the special place these establishments hold in people’s hearts.

“This is a nod to the past. The community is what it is, and the city (culturally and economically vibrant) because of all the hardworking mom-and-pop businesses and the challenges they faced. This is a tribute to them,” she said.

A celebration of place and the resilient spirit of its people, On This Spot includes histories of once beloved local landmarks including Pepper’s Market at 173 Lake Avenue, which operated continuously as a meat market for nearly a century before the building was finally demolished during the pandemic; and the love story of Bernie and Caroline Serotta, proprietors of Farmer’s Hardware, a one-of-a-kind department store specializing in art supplies and gifts; among others.

City sites with the most sentimental

value to Carol appear in fun, colorful cover art designed by daughter-in-law, illustrator Dominika Godette. In addition to its winding narrative, On This Spot also features enlightening interior photos from The George S. Bolster Collection, contributions from Craig Wilson, former columnist for The Saratogian, and a letter Carol wrote to her 18-year-old self, regarding the passage of time.

Join Carol Stone Godette, a native of Saratoga Springs, on a captivating journey through the city’s evolving landscape as she shares her observations on the significant transformations it has experienced during her lifetime. In her narrative, Godette weaves a rich tapestry of cherished memories, focusing on the unique mom-and-pop businesses that contribute to Saratoga Springs’ charm.

This compelling account is further enriched by the inclusion of historical photographs from the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s George S. Bolster Collection. Adding depth to her exploration, Godette features two contributions from Craig Wilson, a former Columnist for The Saratogian.

“As your guide, Godette delves deep into the heart and soul of Saratoga Springs. Savor every word of On This Spot – it is a journey through the remarkable evolution of Saratoga Springs, offering wisdom and insights for those who seek to know more.”

Helen S. Edelman, journalist and dedicated Saratogaphile On This Spot

many historical programs for nonprofits. In 2022, she was honored as one of the recipients of the Saratoga County History Award, further cementing her dedication to preserving and pro- moting the rich history of the region. In addition to her literary and historical pursuits,Carol is a co-owner of Saratoga’s Ben & Jerry’s, adding a sweet touch to her multifaceted contributions to the community.

Saratoga County History Center and the SoBro Conservancy, and is an active Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation volunteer.

“We are living tomorrow’s history, today,” she said.

Carol Godette is a former 5th grade teacher who retired from the Saratoga Springs City School District after 31 years. She is also the co-owner of Saratoga’s Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop. Carol was the 2022 Saratoga County History Award recipient. She currently serves on the board of the

On This Spot: Saratoga Springs is available at Northshire Bookstore and on Amazon. SS

Native Saratogian Carol Godette, a retired fifth-grade teacher from the Saratoga Springs School District, has spent the last eight years captivating readers with her historical insights through the column On This Spot, featured in Simply Saratoga Magazine. In recognition of her writing, Carol’s column secured the prestigious second place for Best Column in the 2021 New York Press Association Contest. Beyond her written contributions, Carol has pas- sionately shared her knowledge through

Saratoga Springs

ABELLA AND THE ALMOST RACEHORSE

Based on a true story…almost!

In Abella and the Almost Racehorse, the sixth book in the popular series by award-winning children’s book author Zane Carson Carruth, a curious tooth fairy, Abella, and her best friend, Darcie, meet a horse yearning to become a racehorse.

When he can’t eat because of a toothache, Abella introduces this nervous Nelly, and children ages 3-12, to a new experience while reinforcing the message that it’s essential to care for one’s teeth. On their adventures in Tulip Hollow, we learn how kindness helps others build the confidence to overcome obstacles and reach big, almost impossible, dreams.

“This book is about being brave and powering through. Sometimes what looks like a set back is just a little speed bump,” said Carruth.

Abella and the Almost Racehorse is based on an experience Carruth had last year at Stillwater’s Irish Hill Century Farm when an abscessed tooth took her fouryear-old gelding, THATSMYBOXER (sired by stallion BIG BROWN) out of training for six months.

Capturing the hearts of children worldwide, Abella, the World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever, has starred in an animated series, video game, and this spring, appeared on a billboard in NYC’s Times Square.

A SPECIAL READING AND BOOK SIGNING of both Abella and the Almost Racehorse and the latest book in the series, Abella and the Haunted House, with author Zane Carson Carruth, will be held at 10:30 am, July 19th, at Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Fresh off the presses! In Abella and the Haunted House, children go along with the tooth fairy and her friends as they investigate a scary structure. The story is inspired by a brick colonial building in Carruth’s own Houston neighborhood. Vacant but still full of old-world charm, if the house were haunted, she wondered, would that save this stately home from being torn down?

Find out more about this, and all Abella’s adventures by visiting https://worldsfirsttoothfairy.com SS

MAY THE MOUNTAIN SPEAK TO YOU

A Collection of Snapshots and Quotations

n this captivating, raw, and almost entirely unaltered collection of images, Ballston Spa author and Adirondack 46er Ken Marcinowski, Sr., celebrates the lasting beauty of the Adirondack Park.

Connecting insightful quotations and heartfelt poetry with snapshots in time spanning the last 30 years, May the Mountain Speak to You (The Troy Book Makers, 2023) captures indelible scenery that speaks to the heart.

The serenity of the mountain range, in its grandly wild way, shines sublime in Marcinowski’s memory. Through his photographs and the written passages from avid outdoor enthusiasts, activists, writers, and poets, he hopes to create a connection that inspires others.

“It’s the solitude of nature speaking to you. These are snapshots from the trail. Hiking was my main concern. I wasn’t going to stop and wait for the light to be just right.”

Inspired by The Indian Pass (1869), written by New York State Librarian and author Alfred Billings Street about his famous expeditions into the mountains, Marcinowski carved a collection of walking sticks with the phrase “May the Mountain Speak to You” before using it as the title for his book.

Featuring great vistas seen from high peaks including the Algonquin, Cascade, and Saddleback mountains, as well as vignettes from lesser-known locales, along with rushing waterfalls, pristine lakes, and a variety of

w

ildlife, this book speaks volumes about the importance of maintaining wild spaces.

Although more crowded than in 1997 when Marcinowski became an Adirondack 46er, hikers are more respectful of the trails today than they were then, he said. Capturing images of now extinct features including Marcy Dam, along with the funny, sad, relatable stories that hikers once chronicled in waterproof trail canisters, he has created a collection of a time that no longer exists but will always be calling.

May the Mountain Speak to You: A Collection of Snapshots and Quotations is available at Saratoga’s Northshire Bookstore, other select local retailers, and online on Amazon. SS

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN MORAS

ADIRONDACK FIRE TOWERS: THEIR HISTORY AND LORE

BY MARTIN PODSKOCH

Near the elevators on the first floor of Northshire Book Store sits the “local section.” Here you will find a collection of local histories across the Saratoga and Adirondack region, as well as a shelf dedicated to showcasing the talented writers, both fiction and nonfiction, who still reside in the area. There lies a shelf in this cozy corner labeled “Travel Photo Essays,” which holds up an array of publications that, together, produce an all-encompassing portrait of our unique and beautiful region. My personal favorite of this collection is Adirondack Fire Towers: Their History and Lore, written by Catskills native Martin Podskoch. While reading through these pages, you can’t help but to feel as if you are right alongside Podskotch, exploring the old fire towers atop the Adirondack mountainsides and listening to the older generation locals recount harrowing tales of these cliffs and slopes from “back in the day,” ranging from fire rescue to bear encounters. Many of these local voices are from the former tower watchers and fire rangers themselves, with photographs of these brave men on-duty from 50, 60, 70 years ago. A rich and vibrant history of these mountainsides is portrayed within these pages, using the fire towers atop them as the focal point. It makes for a fun and productive read as well as providing the inspiration and destination list for an epic Adirondack adventure!

BURGOYNE AND THE SARATOGA CAMPAIGN

BY DOUGLAS R. CUBBISON

One cannot truly understand Saratoga for all that it is, without stepping back in time 250 years ago to

the Revolutionary War’s turning point, the Battle of Saratoga. Cubbison will help you do just that with this thorough rendition of the British defeat that took place in the peaceful, rolling hills a few miles East of Saratoga. See those hills through the eyes of General Burgoyne, as you read his letters to the British parliament outlining his plan of attack against the American rebels. Cubbison’s own narrative, woven between Burgoyne’s letters, paints a vivid image of the British soldiers trampling through the treacherous terrain of the Adirondack mountainsides on their way down to Albany, a stark contrast to the mild and cultivated lands of Europe that they were accustomed to. Take a peaceful stroll on a walking trail at the Saratoga National Historical Park, and see where Burgoyne’s army, many of whom still lie in those hills, were ambushed by the cunning and agile local rebel troops whose sole mission it was to stop those British soldiers from reaching Albany. This book will give the out-of-town reader a comprehensive insight into this singular, month-long event that led to the creation of our beautiful National Park, the erection of the 155 ft. tall Saratoga Monument in Schuylerville, and the story behind the naming of every Burgoyne Rd. you drive on, or every Burgoyne Burger you bite into while you are here in town.

SALT FAT ACID HEAT BY SAMIN NOSTRAT

Calling all food enthusiasts! This staff recommended pick will certainly help you fine-tune your culinary senses, thereby giving you the confidence to pair unlikely ingredients together to create something unique and jaw dropping. Do not expect page after page of recipe how-to’s, bookended by a table of contents and glossary. Rather, in the first half of this book, you will be immersed in the depth and intricacies of the culinary elements: salt, fat, heat, and acid. Nosrat manages to disguise the fact that you are learning a great deal of information, by dazzling your senses with

his descriptive prose and making you smile to yourself with his light-hearted anecdotes. Though learning you are, and once you graduate from the first half of the book and step into the second half, you are in for a real treat. This is where you will get to use your newly acquired elemental knowledge and try your hand at creating dishes, both traditional and contemporary, while following Nosrat’s savvy advice. From duck confit to beer battered fish, Nosrat takes your hand and leads you gently on your way to building your culinary skillset, while pointing out the beauty and sensual delights of the ingredients you are using along the way. It’s a read that has its practical uses, propped up on the counter while you drop fresh basil leaves into the blender as you follow Nosrat’s basil pesto recipe, yet also providing a text to relax with next to the pool, giggling as you read about the chef who long ago forced young Nosrat to create his basil pesto equipped only with mortar and pestle. Nosrat’s words will echo through your mind as you prepare your own dazzling dish, or as you savor the creation in front of you prepared by one of our many talented, local chefs. A deeper appreciation for food is an inevitable outcome after reading through this one-of-a-kind cookbook.

LUCKY’S ADVENTURE IN SARATOGA

BY ELIZABETH MACY

If you make your way up the beautiful wrought iron staircase at Northshire, you will find yourself standing in the middle of the vast, yet charming, children’s section. Upon a quick glance to your right, you should see a brown leather chair, maybe empty or maybe stuffed to the gills with a pair of little ones flipping through a picture book together. In the cozy little nook where this comfy chair sits, you will find three shelves displaying children’s books, for varying reading levels, created by local authors and illustrators. My favorite of this collection is inspired by a true story, Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga. This beautifully illustrated picture book would make for a great read aloud for children ages one to five. Toddlers will love following along on Lucky’s expedition through the city, on his quest to reunite with his beloved owner after he broke free from his collar and found himself lost and alone. He just so happens

to stumble upon a few of the city’s greatest attractions, including SPAC and the track, meeting some sweet little friends along the way. Reading through this story would be a great way to help your little one get acquainted with Saratoga and could even lead to your own little scavenger hunt adventure, retracing Lucky’s route through the city from start to finish! Have no fear, there will be no sad tears at the conclusion of this book, for the ending is a happy one!

SPECTACULAR BID

BY PETER LEE

We all know the stories behind triple crown winners Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and Affirmed, but what about the fourth super horse to come out of the 1970s… Spectacular Bid? Simply because he didn’t take the title for all three races, his story was never repeated and mulled over incessantly, making it a legacy to withstand the test of time. Peter Lee takes us back five decades, shining the spotlight back on this forgotten Thoroughbred, to argue that Bid would have been a triple crown winner had he not stepped on a safety pin the morning of the Belmont Stakes. Lee, being a former journalist, does a fantastic job of laying out all the evidence to prove his point, while also using his gift of story telling to engage the reader in not only Bid’s journey, but also his trainer and jockey’s equally dramatic experiences as well. This harrowing tale is equal parts riveting and tragic but concludes optimistically by recounting Bid’s recovery and subsequent rise to dominance in the racing world again. It is a read that creates that fiery, nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach and a craving to overcome a difficult task. Inspiration to take with you to the races! SS

CHARMING CONFECTIONARY Comes to Broadway

Two immigrants from war-torn Ukraine start over in Saratoga with the opening of Sweet Balloon Party, offering unique treats, lovely packages, and party supplies unlike anything the city has ever seen.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Opening on the first floor of the historic Arcade building this summer, Sweet Balloon Party, 376 Broadway, creates beautifully crafted confectionary flowers, wrappings, and more - nice gifts for that special person in your life who has everything.

Like little kisses of fluffy sweetness, these charming edible flowers are made from organic apple or cherry puree, egg whites, and natural gelatin. Fun and fanciful, these tasty delights have the consistency of marshmallows and the flavor of fruit. Decorated with natural vegetable dye and a sprinkling of sugar, edible novelties like these are popular in their home country of Ukraine, said shop owners, Yuliia Lantsedova and Lieniie Cherniak.

Lieniie and her husband ran similar shops for years and arrived in America with their two boys in April. Yuliia was a Criminal Law Professor in Ukraine. In New York since October 2022, along with her 17-year-old son and 15-yearold daughter, Yuliia now works across the street from the new shop at Saratoga’s Frivolous Boutique.

“In Ukraine we just learn about America from movies and books. America is a country where you can become your dream and the people in Saratoga have been so helpful. Many people here support us Ukrainian people. I’m so happy we stayed in this area, I feel the people are so kind, and the economy is good here,” said Yuliia.

Starting the store with their savings and support from locals willing to help with the complicated process involved in opening your own business, Yuliia said she appreciates the opportunity she’s been given.

“It’s not like we forget what’s happening in Ukraine. I talk with my family there every day. How we can help them is by doing this. Our independence and success here will give us the opportunity to help even more. We can work hard to enjoy people here by sharing a little piece of our heart with them,” said Yuliia.

For updates, find Sweet Balloon Party on Facebook and Instagram @edible.fruit.flowers. SS

FASHION

PGS. 75-84

Rails Maxine Top $138, Agatha Skirt $228

Bella Dahl Ombre Maxi Dress $238

Susana Monaco Poplin Puff Sleeve Top $158

Marie Oliver Elena Dress $398

Clare V. Sandy Beach Bag $145

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Harla Tank $78, Amelia Skirt $260

Free People Wistful Daydream Top $78

Seychelles Light Up Sandal $149

Show Me Your Mumu, Meg Mini Dress $228

Billini Taya Sandal $70

Randall Perry Photography

Architecturally

Architecturally SPEAKING

Randall Perry Photography

Focus on Function

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

When mid-century modern meets the elemental beauty of Nordic design, the formula for a compelling lake house becomes clear.

Situated on a steep embankment along the shores of Lake George, this 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath home has a fresh, inviting, custom design that maximizes natural light without sacrificing utility.

Built over the span of several years (due to pandemic supply chain shipping delays) the solid lines of this home’s exterior introduce the natural appeal of iron, wood, and stone to the ingenuity of a durable engineered wood siding (LP Smartside).

Designed by Timothy Wade, Owner of Verdant

Architecture, constructed by The Summit Group, and with interiors by Erika Gallagher, co-owner of Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design, this house puts a premium on its lakeside locale. Taking advantage of that stunning view from every angle, the four intimate, yet inviting, stacked seating areas in the rear of the home provide all the options.

By following the meandering stairs down to the water, you’ll find a dual dock and boathouse with an expansive sundeck that makes both lounging and launching boats easy-breezy.

Purposeful Placement

The functional, clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal ornamentation of the home’s interior creates an open feel.

To achieve the look, Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design’s Erika Gallagher pairs organic and geometric shapes with pops of color to create eye-catching contrast and statementmaking focal points.

In the living area, the free-standing, locally harvested Adirondack granite fireplace anchors the room, while the exposed chimney pipe gives it an industrial edge. The side-byside carved niches provide equal footing to the television and the fireplace, so they need not compete for attention - an arrangement that offers the best of both worlds.

Maximizing the views while providing ample space, the slick sophistication of live-edge tables (with their perfect imperfections) nestled on narrow iron legs, elevates their weightiness, allowing for the airiness of being on the lake to flow through room.

An Infusion of Local Flair

With a focus on craftsmanship, it’s easy to feel right at home, resting and recharging, in the bedroom among the simplicity of a Nordic environment infused with a hint of rustic Adirondack elegance.

Layered wood stick furniture, woven textures, and stripes of color are homespun details that offer a subtly soothing reference to place.

Allowing the outdoors in, while adding a dash of grey, the blinds practically disappear from sight when not in use for an unobstructed view.

Bold & Beautiful

Retreat to the bathroom for a cooling blend of the natural mixed with the modern.

Here, a useful floating double vanity is hung several inches higher than standard. To keep the eye moving through the space, the cabinetry is made from walnut wood with a grain that runs horizontally. Opting for recessed finger pulls level ups visual interest while also attracting attention to a rectangular upper window that lets light pour in unimpeded from above.

The wonderful variety of the natural world is reflected in the vanity’s quartz countertop embedded with a glistening spectrum of different minerals. Similar excitement is mimicked in the shower flooring, while the wide, ripple-grooved porcelain tile on the walls makes this experiment in mixing materials …quite a success! SS

Susan Blackburn Photography

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

Colleen’s Picks

A Carefully Curated Selection of HOME DÉCOR ITEMS

WRITTEN BY COLLEEN COLEMAN OF CMC DESIGN STUDIO LLC

What a fantastic start to our Saratoga Summer with the Belmont Race kicking off our Season! An outstanding crowd of pomp and circumstance…a fantastic celebration of our history in horse racing and the shared excitement of hosting one of the Triple Crown Thoroughbred Races! And many thanks to all my readers for stopping in at Jacobsen’s Rugs to say hello at the Kick Off Celebration downtown! I loved meeting each and everyone of you! Now that we have a slight pause from all this excitement, let’s be sure to finish up our To-Do list before the Saratoga Racing Season begins! I absolutely have some impressive pick’s for you this Summer!

Let’s get right to grilling. If you’re like my family, this form of cooking doesn’t cease at the first snowflake… oh, no…that’s what a shovel is for! We live by our grill, so a great grill is just as important as our wall oven or cooktop! At Marcellas Appliance, they’re featuring the KONNECTED JOE™ DIGITAL CHARCOAL GRILL AND SMOKER. You heard it here…this grill is the ultimate hands-free summer experience for all you backyard entertainers out there! Simply ignite your charcoal with the Automatic Firestarter (AFS™) button, set your desired cooking temperature with the digital Kontrol Board™ or the Kamado Joe App and let the Kontrol Fan™ do the rest. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to give up all “Kontrol”, you can use the traditional Kamado experience. Mind you, this app is quite impressive with capabilities to monitor temperature and time, meat probes and encounter new recipes! And when that dome is opened or closed, you’re reassured your cooking won’t be disturbed as the Kontrol Tower™ top vent maintains consistent air settings.

At Finishing Touches in Malta, they just brought in a new collection of Photography on Canvas by Skip Dickstein. Skip has been a staff photographer with the Albany Time Union for 30 years and the Director of the Photojournalism section of the Churchill Downs Journalism Workshop. His photography has earned him numerous awards including the prestigious Eclipse Award for Excellence in Thoroughbred Photography in North America. His ability to capture “that moment” in time which reflects a glimpse of history in the making is astounding! On the store floor, now, are two such pieces, I call one “Horse Lovin” and the other “Backstretch Beauty” as Skip does not officially name his pieces. If you’re looking to add a little horsing around to your décor, don’t miss your opportunity to own these pieces before the races begin!

MARCELLA'S APPLIANCE

15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park MarcellasAppliance.com | 518-952-7700

Colleen Coleman is the Principal of CMC Design Studio LLC located in Saratoga

ACCENTS AT ALLERDICE

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

COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF

33 Railroad Plce, Saratoga Springs SaratogaChef.com | 518-226-4477

SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY

398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs SilverwoodGalleries.com | 518-583-3600

Just down the road, you may be surprised to know that your hometown Ace Hardware, Allerdice, has the best hidden gem in town… Accent at Allerdice shop…just follow the footprints to the rear of the store…you’ll be glad you did! Last issue, I introduced you to artisan, Aaron Jackson, and his metal work. Once again, Aaron has impressed me with his Flying Butterfly Stallion as a statement piece for any home in the Saratoga Springs surrounding areas. This rough metal sculptured horse is delicately made yet strong as the stallion it represents. Standing at approximately 28” high, this three-dimensional piece of artwork would display nicely on a console table surrounded by framed photos of family or friends at the track from prior years. I could even see him in the corner of a guest room, greeting your summer company as they retired after hours of Saratoga fanfare! He’s a one-of-akind piece…be sure to gallop over before he’s scooped up by another lucky shopper!

On Railroad Place in downtown Saratoga Springs, you need to stop into Compliments To The Chef for all your grilling accessories like these Henckels ZWILLING BBQ+5-pc Grill Tool Set which includes a Grill Spatula, Grill Tongs, Grill Fork, Basting Brush and an easy to clean, waxed canvas Chef's Wrap to keep all your tools ready to go for each grilling adventure! Each piece features a triple-rivet design and are crafted from durable and superior corrosionresistant 18/10 stainless steel. Perfect for a house warming gift or just as an update for a seasoned grill master. In either case, these quality tools will last a lifetime and have a warranty to back it up! Dishwasher safe to boot! And to “compliment” your new grilling tools, be sure to pick up a set of these NORPRO Stainless Steel FLAT Skewers, set of 6. How many times have you prepared your skewers only to have veggies turn and tear off round, thin skewers. Not any more…these smooth metal surfaces support thick kabob meat and vegetables, allowing YOU to turn your gourmet spears as needed without loosing plump tomatoes to the grill pit.

On Broadway, Silverwood Antiques always has something for everyone! Be sure to pay a visit to appreciate this fine Linen Table Runner with Snaffle Bits. The lush green background sets the stage for punctiliously crafted snaffle and buckle print in a classic white and black. A true nod to the poise and tradition of the equestrian stage set here in Saratoga. Measuring 14” W x 108” L, this table runner is sure to be an eye pleaser during summer celebrations with track friends! And be sure to pick up the new Mini Saratoga Places Sign, now in a 12” W x 24”H size! The larger framed sign was a big hit, but for those smaller spaces, there’s no need to walk away empty handed!

Lastly, Earl B. Feiden is ready to get your summer party flowing with this DCS 24" Outdoor Beer Dispenser, Dual Tap, available in right or left hinge. Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect pour. With a frost-free operation, you can be sure your beer is kept at your preferred serving temperature, reducing foam! And two types of beer on tap is better than one! Don’t fret spills, the integrated drain system keeps this under control and removeable components preserves your time keeping the dispenser clean to a minimum. Likewise, keep your mind at ease knowing if the door is left open or temperatures change from your optimal setting, you’ll hear an audible alert. And with the rise of outdoor kitchens, the door lock safeguards your beer until the last drop! For the interior, if you’ve wanted that professional refrigerator but only had the space for a free-standing unit, wait until you see this. Signature Kitchen Suite has announced its 36-INCH COUNTERDEPTH FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR… yes, free-standing! With 26cu. Ft capacity, this sleek refrigerator showcases a charcoal gray, Cool Guard interior for a premium look. And why not spoil yourself with 4 types of ice…cubed or crushed from the door, or from within the freezer, mini cubed ice which creates a quick chill or their exclusive slowmelting, round Craft Ice®. With WI-FI ThinQ® technology, controlling your refrigerator is as easy as choosing your next song on your cell phone. A prefect upgrade to ensure your home performs like a professional kitchen!

I love shopping the local stores to discover what’s new. I must admit, I do my fair share of buying at these stores and I love how each piece reminds me of the best place in the world that I call home, Saratoga Springs NY! Cheers to the start of another stellar horse racing season! Enjoy your visitors and those who come from far away to be a part of what we call home! To my out-of-town readers… Welcome Back!

Until next time my friends,

Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC

Designer

EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE

1771 U.S. 9, Clifton Park | 518-383-2215

785 U.S. 9, Latham | 518-785-8555 EarlBFeiden.com

SARATOGA SIGNATURE INTERIORS

36-INCH COUNTER-DEPTH

82 Church Steet, Saratoga Springs SaratogaSignature.com | 518-581-0023

FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR

In the Kitchen

JOHN REARDON WITH

“Spirit of America”

Hello my Foodie Friends!

Happy 248th Birthday to the greatest country on earth! Do you remember summers as a child? I loved summer time. Probably because there was no school and summer seemed to go on forever. Before technology, my parents were challenged to find ways to keep five children active during the summer months.

Often times, we would find our own ways to stay entertained.

Growing up in the early 1960s was a special time and having two brothers meant we were always up to something. Do you remember the rocket car called “Spirit of America” that broke the world land speed record? This was very exciting for the Reardon boys, inspiring us (naturally!) to break our neighborhood go-kart speed record. We had no idea how to do it, but we were not held back by something as trivial as that.

During one Fourth of July afternoon, my brothers and I discussed how we could make this happen. Brother Dan (age 8) was our engineer, brother Billy (age 7) was the gopher and would gather the tools and materials we guessed we needed. Myself being the oldest (age 9), I was in charge. As we created a design, I knew we needed a long support beam because this go-kart had to be the biggest of all time. I asked Billy to recruit help and spread the word around the neighborhood. Also, we would need help to carry our support beam. It wasn’t long before the phone started ringing asking my mom what was going on? Mom would look outside the window to see that her angelic little boys were very quiet and busy sawing and hammering away. There was no one screaming, fighting or crying. Believing that all was well and under control, my mom invited all the other moms over for some cool cocktails to savor this unusually calm holiday. Billy went and recruited more friends, Johnny (Babs), Ricky (Smiley) and Karl (Sobie).

While we accumulated our “staff,” my dad was at the hardware store picking up supplies for our new family room remodel. While looking around for items to build our kart, my brother Bill found a ten-footlong oak beam in the back yard that we had not seen before, and we thought “How lucky!” He was the hero and he and the neighborhood boys helped us carry it, because boy was it heavy! My brother Dan decided that we would need three seats for this vehicle. The set-up was that I would be in front and steer, then Dan would be in the middle and be the brakeman. Billy would be in the rear and throw the parachute when I gave him the signal. We got the wheels from donations from other kids in the neighborhood. In the 1960s every little kid had a wagon and usually at least one wheel was broken leaving two or three for us to use for our cart. We needed six wheels; we got six wheels. We would borrow all the materials this way. We needed tools though, and there was only one Dad in the neighborhood that had every tool you could think of, and it was our Dad! One problem was that he had one big rule, John, Danny or Billy were never allowed to touch his tools. My Dad went to great lengths to make sure we didn’t take them. He would warn the three of us often about this, but there was one family member he never gave that order to, our little angelic sister Patty (age 5). We sent her to grab the tools. She loved being included.

Our house was located near the end of the street at the bottom of a very steep hill. Once we completed putting the gokart together, we named it the “Spirit of America.” We pushed the “Spirit of America” (with the help of ten little kids) up to the top of the hill. We made sure we positioned it on the side of the road and not in the middle. It was safety first, and our moms who seemed quite giggly, were sitting in chaise lounges watching their boys make history. Billy was ready in the back with the parachute made from

his pillow case. Dan was ready on the brake and I had the old bike handle bars ready to steer us to victory. Patty had a flag and called out “go!”

With a big push from all the other kids who knew they would get their turns, we were off down the hill. The “Spirit of America” was a lot faster than we thought it would be, and we were flying.

Just then the only car we saw all day was slowly driving past us. It was my dad who seemed to turn his head in slow motion with a look of disbelief as he watched his handsome little boys careening down the street riding his new family room center beam. We saw him and I thought that we were making him proud. As we were in sight of the end, I called out to Dan to “start braking.” The moms were raising their glasses, we were heroes.

Then Dan tapped me on the shoulder holding the detached brake stick in his hand and said “sorry.” I then called out to Billy to throw the parachute behind him, and he did. As the parachute bounced on the road harmlessly, we realized no one attached the chute to the cart. Our moms stood up in horror while I skillfully steered us through our front yard, through my mom’s flowers and hydrangeas, hitting my dad’s white picket fence which brought us to a halt. Glancing over at my dad, I saw his muscles were ripping through his shirt like the hulk as he raced to grab his boys. Dad asked if we were ok while I quickly responded, “we are awesome!”

We were very lucky to be physically OK. For the rest of the summer, we were given very strict guidelines on what types of projects we were going to be allowed to work on.

My mom did keep the other moms entertained with summer cocktails through the rest of the afternoon. This was a story for the neighborhood record, still being talked about today with my brothers and sister as we reminisce about summers of past.

Summertime calls for delicious foods, amazing drinks, and wonderful company. Refreshing summer cocktails are the perfect way to stay cool. However, before you can entertain your guests with a refreshing pineapple margarita or a strawberry mint Moscow mule, you’ll need the right tools to make them. Be prepared this summer by checking out these must have tools to make the perfect summer drink!

An essential tool to make a Mojito is a “muddler.”

The muddler is basically the stick you use to smash your ingredients in the glass. It is used like a pestle to mash or muddle fruits, herbs, and spices. The classic muddler is a rod with a slight flare on one end and a flat surface or teeth on the other side. Both the flat surface and the teeth surface are appropriate for “muddling.” The purpose of “muddling” is to release fresh flavors to the liquid that will enhance your drink. Bartenders use a muddler to crush ingredients such as lemons, limes, and mint against the glass before pouring ice in. The muddler can also be used to stir a drink.

Cocktails are fun to make, especially when it comes to the SHAKE. Cocktail shakers are crucial in crafting your summer cocktails as all ingredients need to be muddled, poured and mixed with ice inside.

Another important tool is the bar spoon. With its tall handle, a bar spoon is specifically designed to stir and mix various drinks by fitting all types of cocktail glasses. Its spiral handle works well when layering drinks and makes for a classy look.

The presentation of your drink is just as important as the quality of its flavor. Pouring your summer cocktail into a stunning glass and adding the appropriate garnishes will make for a picture-perfect cocktail you can enjoy poolside.

To make any cocktail worth the sip, you must measure. Mixology is about precision, and you’ll want the proper ratios (whether you're looking to make a quick cocktail for one or a big pitcher of frozen drinks to share). This is where the jigger comes in— a double-sided measuring tool that measures your favorite spirits, before being added to your favorite cocktails.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are the perfect addition to any lazy weekend afternoon. There are plenty of options for every taste, depending on what you're looking for. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place for the accoutrements you need for entertaining and having those delicious summer cocktails! Sit back and relax with something refreshing as you entertain this summer. Make summer memories that you can share for a lifetime. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula SS

Mojito Diablo Recipe

(variation of the classic Mojito)

INGREDIENTS

White Tequila, Crème de Cassis, Lime, Mint, Soda Water, Brown Sugar:

• 1.5 oz white tequila

• 0.5 oz creme de cassis

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 lime wedges

• 12 leaves fresh mint

• Soda water

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Muddle sugar, mint and squeezed lime wedges in mixing tin until mixture smells like spearmint gum.

2. Fill with ice, add tequila and cassis, shake until the tin is icey to the touch.

3. Pour into a Collins glass, top with soda and garnish with a sugarcane stick and fresh mint.

Recipe courtesy of BEVVY at bevvy.co

Entertaining RALPH VINCENT

Ideas for relaxed entertaining your guests will love …and you will too! WITH

Hamburgers and Highballs!

SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING, and I am LOVING spending time outside. I’m gardening, walking my four furry little ladies and of course entertaining! As you know I like to keep entertaining simple and stress free, especially when it comes to hosting a casual outdoor gathering such as a backyard cookout.

Last summer I wrote about a fun and easy grillside plant-based hot dog bar. This year I’m taking that same idea and swapping out the “pups” for plant-based burgers. There are some excellent meatless burgers that work well for grilling. My fave is Beyond Cookout Classic Plant Based Patties.

Serving burgers this way is sooo easy. You just set up a table with fresh rolls and all your toppings, grill the burgers and let your guests have fun assembling their own creations. Of course, you will want to offer all the traditional burger toppings like ketchup and mustard, but you can make it even more fun by adding some interesting toppings. Have some “store bought” offerings on hand too, like “Wickles Spicy Red Sandwich Spread,” or “Mt. Olive Mild Pickle Salsa.” You can even make some yourself in advance, like my Roquefort Cheese Burger Butter, or Quick Pickled Purple Onions.

Of course, you will want to serve a fabulous cocktail to liven things up. I have just the thing for a summer gathering, my Lavender and Lime Gin Rickey. The Gin Rickey is a time-honored tall drink or “highball” traditionally made with gin, lime juice and club soda. In my version I add some lavender syrup which pairs nicely with the lime juice, making this libation even more refreshing. I also swap out the club soda for seltzer.

I hope you enjoy these recipes. As I always say, have fun in your kitchen (or backyard) cooking or making drinks for the people you love, and remember… it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good! SS

Cheers!

The Lavender Lime Gin Rickey

These are the amounts I like to use but feel free to add more lime juice or lavender syrup to your taste. You can make your own lavender syrup but there are some very nice brands out there. My preference is made by Portland Syrups.

• I.5 ounces of premium gin. I love Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin for this drink.

• ½ ounce of fresh lime juice

• ½ ounce of lavender syrup

• Plain or lime-flavored seltzer

• Lime slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Pour the gin, lime juice and lavender syrup into an ice filled “highball” or “Collins” glass and stir. Pour in the seltzer to fill the glass and garnish with a lime slice or two. Cheers!

Burger Bar Topping Ideas

Here’s a list of my favorites to get you started;

Avocado slices or guacamole, pickled jalapeno slices, sliced tomato with basil pesto, Siracha flavored mayo, sautéed mushrooms, a platter of various cheeses. Oh, and Roquefort Burger Butter and pickled purple onion!

Quick Pickled Purple Onions

• ½ cup of apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon of agave syrup

• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

• 1 medium size purple onion peeled and thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl mix the first three ingredients until the salt has dissolved. Add the onion making sure all the slices are covered. Refrigerate for at least an hour or until serving. Drain the onions before using.

Roquefort Cheese Burger Butter

• ½ cup of softened plant-based or non-salted dairy butter

• ½ cup of crumbled Roquefort cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 small garlic clove minced

• ¼ teaspoon of salt

• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

In a small bowl, mash all the ingredients together until well combined. Scoop the mixture onto one side of a piece of parchment paper and roll into a log shape. Twist the ends and refrigerate until firm. Cut into slices to top your burgers as they come off the grill.

HomesteadBio-Security

WWRITTEN BY NICOLINA VENICE FOTI, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

hen it comes to agriculture and farms, biosecurity is something that is always on our minds and should always be taken seriously. We have been doing this long before COVID and with the recent influx of Avian influenza A (H5N1), we are reminded of what can happen when biosecurity is lax. We typically see biosecurity procedures on large farms. When it comes to small homesteads, it’s not something we think about planning for… until we have a problem.

Typically, on small farms and homesteads, if you do not have livestock moving on and off the farm often or if you (the homesteader) are not frequently visiting other farms and having direct contact with your own animals you won’t usually have any problems. However, even if you don’t usually have problems, it is a great idea to create a biosecurity plan to protect yourself and your homestead or small farm. Implementing simple biosecurity measures into everyday practices can prevent these larger issues.

WHY HAVE BIOSECURITY MEASURES, AND WHEN DO WE NEED THEM?

We have them to stop the spread of disease among a herd on one single homestead/farm but also to prevent the spread from one homestead to others. A biosecurity procedure should be implemented in our daily chore routine to keep our animals healthy. There are other situations that call for biosecurity procedures:

• Getting a new animal on the farm.

» You don’t know if that animal was exposed to other sick animals before you picked them up. While they may appear healthy, they can be carriers and get your animals sick. Isolate them for at least one week to observe their health and behavior.

• Returning with your animals from off-farm activities.

» Taking livestock to shows or events with other people and animals creates an opportunity for exposure. Isolate them for 3-5 days for observation.

• Something just seems off about an animal.

» As a homesteader, if you have animals, you get to know them very well, like members of our family. Because of that, we can notice small changes in behavior. These changes in behavior can be a result of their health, so if something seems off, separating them in isolation early can stop the spread to other animals on the homestead. Keep everyone safe until a veterinarian can identify the issue and clears them to be back with their friends.

WHAT

ARE SOME BASIC

SOPS

(STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES) FOR BIOSECURITY THAT YOU CAN IMPLEMENT INTO YOUR DAILY CHORE ROUTINE?

• Avoid cross-contact between outside animals and yours. If you visit another farm, or go to an auction or fair, when you return home to take care of your animals, wash your hands, and change your clothes and shoes. Many diseases are passed from animal to human to another animal. Many times, what is being spread does not affect humans, but we act as carriers and are able to spread disease to livestock.

• Have barn boots you only use at your farm!

• Or incorporate a Boot dip station.

Our shoes and barn boots can be the biggest spreaders for biosecurity. Why is that? Well, we wear boots because they get dirty with mud and, of course, poop! Think about it, how often do you disinfect your boots? Go ahead, think I will wait... Yeah, like never, I know! It seems silly to disinfect something that gets covered in poop daily. And if it's your animal poop all day, every day, typically, that is no issue. But if you wear them to your neighbor's farm to help with chores and come home and run to the barn quick and you walk into your hay storage, whatever is or could be on those boots is now in your hay. Whether you use it as feed or bedding, that hay will contact your livestock. The other animals didn’t make contact, you didn’t make contact, the contaminated boots did!

Boot Dip: A boot dip is a solution of disinfectant in a bucket or shallow tub, that we step in (step, step, splash!) and step out of, then continue our day. Large farms will incorporate them between different barns or arenas to help with on-farm biosecurity.

SEASONAL BIOSECURITY PRACTICES

I like to have seasonal whole-farm disinfecting days. I take everything myself- or the animals- use or encounter (especially things in the barn that don’t get out into the elements often). I take it out, wash with a disinfectant, and put it away. While cleaning tools, buckets, and equipment are important, we tend to forget the big things like the barn itself. In the spring, I take everything out of my barns, pens, coops, (whatever you have that houses your animals), then I spray EVERYTHING with disinfectant, let it sit for a while, and hose it all down.

PLAN TO ISOLATE OR HANDLE

A BIOSECURITY ISSUE.

If you end up having a situation where you need to isolate an animal from others on your homestead, you should be aware of the following.

• Tend to the sick, isolated animal last. If you were to handle the sick or isolated animal first, even with biosecurity measures in place, you run the risk of transmitting things to other animals. When you are done with chores, remove all clothes and put them directly into the wash. Clean or disinfect your shoes, and clean and disinfect yourself.

• If using a communal feed-storage area, bring the feed to the isolated animal. Do not bring it back.

• Animals in isolation should have their own feed and water buckets.

• Anything that is used with or on the animal in isolation should not be used with any other animals until it has been fully disinfected.

• When filling water buckets, keep hose-ends out of buckets.

• The animal needs to be isolated. They should not share anything with any other animal - domestic or wild.

• Lastly, do not share any barn cleaning equipment from the isolation area with other areas. Not until the isolation period is over and everything has been fully disinfected. SS

CCE Equine? What is

CWRITTEN BY NICOLINA VENICE FOTI, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY

CCE Equine, or (Cornell Cooperative Extension –Equine) is a division of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. CCE Equine was established in 2006 through funds provided by the New York Farm Viability Institute. The program was created due to a need for equine education for adults in Saratoga County.

We provide educational workshops and one-on-one visits with individual horse owners to discuss horse health, pasture management, forage quality, business planning, marketing, and basic management practices.

We have held workshops in equine liability, succession planning, pasture management, and equine business management. Moreover, we also host clinics of all disciplines; these clinics are held across Saratoga County at different Equine facilities in addition to our 4-H Training Center in Ballston Spa.

Providing education, whether it is one-on-one or in a classroom/workshop setting, is one of the ways we strive to provide opportunities for our equine community. We also understand the value of connecting all our equine professionals and personal horse owners. Moreover,

CCE Equine also puts together networking events. These events are designed to be a fun celebration of everything equine involving personal horse owners, veterinarians, farriers, trainers, barn owners, feed dealers/reps, and outside businesses that support the equine industry. Working together as a community makes us more informed and stronger.

Follow us on Facebook to stay informed on what CCE Equine is up to and the programs we are offering, but also to get information on real questions and the issues that affect our day-to-day equine activities. If you have a question about your pasture, hay quality, farm management practices, or you are looking for equine professionals and services in the area, (or anything horserelated!), give us a call or email!

CCE Equine is here to help whether you are a personal horse owner or a professional in the equine industry. Our goal is to provide opportunity and growth for our equine community, in addition to making us all greater horsemen. SS Phone: 518-885-8995 • Email: nvf5@cornell.edu

https://www.facebook.com/cceequine

HISTORY

WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

Charles Reed’s famous “timber topping” thoroughbred Trouble, illustrated clearing a fence by C. Lloyd in Famous Horses of America by Porter and Coates 1877. Pat Meaney was the Reed stables regular jockey.

Spa Legend:

Charles Reed

Everyone knows a little city in the foothills of the Adirondacks is possessed by a poetic prestige which is compellingly alluring, and has forged the charming chains which secure Saratoga Springs in its distinct history; the personalities who fashioned these splendid links provide fascination. One person from the halcyon “razor-stropping” days of the Spa was Charles Reed, a Connecticut Yankee who during the Civil War found himself in opportunistic adventures

way down south in New Orleans, and later Cuba. After the conflict he made his way to New York, and along with Albert Spencer began operating gaming houses in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. Spencer and Reed’s investment as gamesters grew and they joined with John Morrissey’s operations in New York City and also Saratoga Springs, in a time when the arts counted their best patrons as gamblers, with their betting parlors elegantly adorned.

The Saratoga Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses was originally incorporated by eleven

WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

OPPOSITE PAGE:

The Reed House on Union Avenue from the Combination Atlas of Saratoga and Ballston, published by J.B. Beers & Co. 1876. On the block between Regent and Clarke (Clark) Streets.

sporting gentlemen that operated the race track, along with what was known as the Saratoga Clubhouse, which functioned as a casino in present day Congress Park. As the ranks thinned of shareholders, management changes took place. By the later 1870s the operation was leased to John Morrissey, with Charles Reed and Albert Spencer as his partners. No changes were made in the racing, which continued under the control and authority of the Saratoga Association. The junior partners had an easy synchronicity as Spencer concerned himself with the gaming house, and Reed, who had always had an affinity for Thoroughbred horses, operated the track. After the death of Mr. Morrissey in 1880, Messrs. Reed & Spencer became the lessees of the valuable properties in Saratoga, the dueling ground for seekers of fortune on the track and at the tables.

guests. Everybody connected with racing at Saratoga went to the sale, and there was champagne enough to go around and plenty to spare. Not much was spared, however, and one result was that when the Reed horses were put on sale there was congregated about the sales ring the most enthusiastic body of horse fanciers ever gathered at a similar occasion.”

The following year a large number of guests were handsomely regaled by Charles Reed with a dinner spread under a tent on the lawn at his attractive residence on Union Avenue. The ornate bill-of-fare was in character, and served with the hospitality for which the generous turfman was well-known.  The auctioneer was none other than the author of the American Stud Book, Colonel Sanders D. Bruce.

Following the 1887 summer racing season Charles Reed decided to focus on his own horse racing and breeding interests, centered at an 1,800 acre breeding farm named

“Uncle Charlie” as he was called by associates, captured in caricature at the track in Saratoga, marking his race program. Jesse Sylvester “Vet” Anderson created this illustration for the New York Morning Telegraph August 24, 1904, and always included his sobriquet as the tail feathers of his rooster signature.

Charles Reed bred horses and they raced in his cherry and blue silks, finding success both on the flats and over the jumps. He saw Saratoga Springs as a garden spot and purchased a home from Cornelius Sheehan on Union Avenue, and the entire block from Regent to Clarke Street. He sought to reconstruct the house in brick, through multiple additions, sparing no expense to build his showplace with some of the furnishings having belonged to Marie Antoinette and Napoleon. Charlie Reed frequently would boast that the house was like a geography lesson when considering where the various components originated. He had an affinity for dogs of all breeds, being the first importer of the French poodle, and fenced his property so his fondness did not disturb the neighbors. Charlie Reed had a booming voice, and he enjoyed fine attire; he was noted for a square bell top hat from his own special block and plaid-checked waistcoat, lavish jewelry and spats. His wife, Ann Jane Reed, was a cigar smoking native of Erin also well known in Saratoga Springs, and said to have coined the term “Horse Haven,” for the practice facility and stables opposite the main track.

Mr. Reed built a breeding farm on Saratoga Lake, near Snake Hill, which he called Meadow Brook Farm, and his sale of yearlings at the Spa in 1881 may have introduced that long-standing splendid tradition. Charles Reed realized there was no better way of keeping spirits up, than by pouring spirits down, and this absolute has been observed from the earliest yearling auctions. Many years later the New York Times would recall Mr. Reed’s first great sale at his Union Avenue home,

“A feature of the first sale of Reed bred yearlings was that the breeder gave a lawn party to prospective bidders before the horses were offered, and champagne made up a large part of the refreshments that were offered to

Fairview that he purchased in Gallatin, Tennessee.  He disposed of his interest in the Saratoga Racetrack and Clubhouse to his longtime partner Albert Spencer. Charlie Reed found great success with his racing stock, and he pursued broodmares and sires from around the world to continue and expand the more profitable pursuit of breeding valuable yearlings for the sales ring.

A vendue which has long been remembered was held to settle the estate of August Belmont, Sr., to disperse all his horses at auction, conducted by Tattersall’s in New York. Noted auctioneer William Easton conducted the October 1891 event, attended by one of the most notable gatherings of not only prominent turfmen, but also financial brokers and investors ever brought together for such a purpose in America. The feature of this sale would be the eleven year old Epsom Derby winner, St. Blaise, who had already proven himself as a worthy sire. Opposite the pulpit of the auctioneer sat a gallant old sportsman who nonchalantly enjoyed his cigar, casually containing his excitement and his intension. He wore a plaid-checked waistcoat, spats and a square bell topper tilted over a mop of curly locks which had aged to gray. When St. Blaise was led into the sales ring there was only one bid for the noted stallion, but it was a magnificent bid which no one challenged; Charles Reed offered $100,000. Auctioneer Easton, as startled as everyone else in the hall, brought down his gavel, which created a new sales record for turf history, and St. Blaise was relocated to Fairview Stud. Afterwards, asked to explain his betting strategy, Charlie Reed offered, “I earthquaked ‘em, that’s all, just earthquaked ‘em.”

Hanford

BOTTOM:

Ambrotype of Ann Jane Reed made March 3, 1864 in Havana, Cuba. Courtesy of the Sumner County (TN) Historian. She coined the term “Horse Haven” for that important Saratoga Springs location.

Following the summer race meet in 1894, Charles and Ann Jane Reed decided they would become lessees in their future travels to Saratoga Springs and sold their residence at 116 Union Avenue (house number revisions on

TOP:

Image of Charles

Reed taken September 10, 1861. Courtesy of the Sumner County (TN) Historian.

Union Avenue would re-identify the structure as #40). Their block from Regent to Clarke Street was divided into eleven parcels, going to three different buyers, with nine parcels going to Edward Kearney, president of the Saratoga Association.

Charles Reed, after the death of Ed Kearney and sale of the Saratoga Race Course by Gottfried Walbaum in 1900 to a consortium chaired by William C. Whitney, made another important contribution to Spa traditions as his sale of yearlings developed. The Daily Racing Form of August 21, 1902 reported,

“The officers of the Saratoga Racing Association are seriously considering an innovation which may result in bringing to Saratoga the annual yearling sales of the great breeding establishments of Kentucky, Tennessee and California.”

William C. Whitney and his brother officers in the management of Saratoga’s racing enterprise had recently purchased the facility, and were looking to return the track to national prominence after several years of mismanagement by Gottfried “Dutch Fred” Walbaum. The yearling sales were viewed by Mr. Whitney as a successful experiment which could add greatly to the attractiveness of the Saratoga meetings, and the location was the natural regular meeting place of western stables with those of the east. The same DRF article concluded,

“There is nothing to do here of mornings except to drink water, and as water drinking sometimes becomes monotonous, Mr. Whitney believes that all Saratoga would turn out to attend yearling sales. Saratoga has not as many side attractions as New York to divert the attention of buyers.”

Charlie Reed continued to be a fixture in Thoroughbred racing well into the twentieth century, and was a frequent visitor to all the New York tracks every season, even being part of the first opening day at Belmont Park in 1905. Like many turfmen with racing interests in the Empire State, Charles Reed’s operations were

their corporate identity suffered a typographical error.

damaged and curtailed during the restrictions placed on horse racing when Charles Evans Hughes was elected governor in 1906.

Following Charles Reed’s death at Gallatin, Tennessee in 1914, Schenectady Gazette sportswriter Frank G. Menke wrote,

“Charlie Reed died the other day, but the memory of his fifty years of helpful connection with the turf history of America will live for always. It was Reed who first recognized that Saratoga was one of the garden spots of the world. It was he who boosted most for Saratoga and it was his money that helped to make Saratoga home of the greatest

racing centers in the world.”

The former Reed House on Union Avenue had several subsequent owners and while it stood, the present day Alumni House at 28 Union Avenue, and Salisbury House at 48 Union Avenue were built as residences. The Reed House was demolished in 1929, shortly before the Stock Market collapse. Many ornate components were salvaged and distributed to other residences in Saratoga Springs. All of the 11 lots on the block between Regent and Clark Streets, which once belonged to Charles and Ann Jane Reed, were recombined into Skidmore College dormitories, and again divided when the school abdicated its original location. SS

The 1902 vendue which began the annual and much anticipated tradition at the Spa, the yearling auctions, were initiated by Charles Reed, published in the Saratogian August 15, 1902. With Fasig-Tipton as a new player at Saratoga,

An Unexpected Discovery

During work on the vast archive of the Saratoga Springs History Museum in 2016, a group of fifteen mounted photographs of Broadway businesses turned up in a box of random papers. There was no clear evidence of their provenance, but they may have been collected by photographer George S. Bolster (1913–1989). They carry no photographer’s stamp but a handwritten legend on one mount suggests they were taken by Patrick H. McKernon.

Born in Ireland about 1829, McKernon was in Saratoga Springs by 1860 when he was called an “artist.” In 1867 a reporter noted he “did a small business” and was considered honest; in the following year he had a studio at 130½ Broadway. The site is now 378 Broadway, occupied by the Funding Store. By 1876 he had moved to Fort Edward, but soon returned to Saratoga Springs.

The photographs provide us with an unparalleled look at the quotidian act of shopping in post-Civil War Saratoga Springs. From internal evidence we know they were taken in 1867 or 1868. All the businesses save one advertised in the Weekly Saratogian and/or the street directories. Many details were obtained from the R.G. Dun Credit Reporting Ledgers in the Baker Library, Harvard Business School, Boston.

1

L.L. BRINTNALL GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS 220 BROADWAY [NOW 472, MENGES AND CURTIS]

Lorenzo L. Brintnall (c.1834–1890) came from Townshend, Vermont, opening his grocery store in the spring of 1867. Later in life he ran the Waverley Hotel, a flatiron-shaped structure at North Broadway and the present Arterial.

On the building’s upper floors was the furniture warehouse of George K. Krigger (1831–1889). By 1880 Krigger had removed to Chicago.

2

PALMER AND WATERBURY, DEALER IN GROCERIES & PROVISIONS 208 BROADWAY [NOW 444, WHEATFIELDS]

Hiram Palmer (1825–1909), a Malta native, lost an earlier store to fire in the summer of 1866. He entered into partnership with John Armstrong Waterbury (1839–1916) and soon reopened a new store. The two men were reported to be “men of intelligence and business experience” with a net worth of $26,500, equivalent to $540,000 today. In 1871 Waterbury decided he did not like the business and sold out to Palmer. Waterbury became a musician.

WRITTEN BY FIELD HORNE | CURATORS RUBY MARCOTTE & SUSAN MCGRATH

3

F.W. FONDA & CO., DEALERS IN STAPLE AND FANCY DRY GOODS

200 BROADWAY [NOW 436, LIFESTYLES]

Saratoga native Ferdinand Wiggins Fonda (1839–1919) was in business by the late 1850s but in 1861 speculated in oil, losing big within a year, so he sold out to Wescott and Smith in 1863. By 1867 he was back in business and in 1874 was “doing the best business in town.” He later moved to New York City and died there.

4

WESCOTT & SMITH, STAPLE & FANCY DRY GOODS BOOTS AND SHOES AND GROCERIES

188 BROADWAY [NOW 424, NORTHSHIRE BOOKS]

Warren B. B. Wescott (1820–1899) and Adam A. Smith (1842–1904) were clerking for F.W. Fonda when he failed, so in 1863 they bought out his stock and entered business. Smith was reported to have “extraordinary business capacity and his character for probity is notorious.” In 1867 they were “doing a fair village and country trade.” They were out of business by 1876.

5

JOSEPH G. COOKE, HARDWARE, TIN AND STOVES

166 BROADWAY [NOW 404, N. FOX JEWELERS]

Joseph Gardiner Cooke (1834–1886) was a native of Milford, Otsego County, and was brother-in-law of prominent Saratogian Charles S. Lester, president of the Commercial National Bank. In 1867 Cooke bought out his partner Henry R. Benedict; in the following year he bought the businesses of both Benedict and Terwilliger and knocked out a wall combining two storefronts. He was reported to be a “good businessman, the best hardware dealer in Saratoga Springs,” with net worth of $44,000 in 1874, equivalent to $1.25 million today. He erected a new building in 1873 but between 1875 and 1880 moved to Washington, D.C., where he died.

6

A. HARTWELL, DEALER IN HARNESS TRUNKS & SADDLERY

172 BROADWAY [NOW 408, CANTINA]

Austin Hartwell (1824–1890) was in business here by 1850. He was reported to be a “hardworking man” who was “tolerably honest but is encumbered by a large family and his prospects are not very promising.” He advertised “Saratoga Trunks made to order,” but was out of business by 1870, living in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Note the second-floor sign for the law office of George S. Batcheller who, five years later, built the extraordinary Batcheller Mansion on Circular Street.

7

D.M. MCMASTER, BOOTS, SHOES & RUBBERS

176 BROADWAY [NOW 410, CANTINA]

David M. McMaster (b. ca. 1827), from Geneva, Ontario County, had been a canal captain, but opened his Broadway store shortly before March 1863. In 1870 he was reported to be “well insured and not overstocked.” His rubber boots were a relatively new invention, developed by Hiram Hutchinson after he bought the use of Charles Goodyear’s patent for vulcanizing (hardening) rubber in 1853.

J.W. PITNEY GROCER BRANDIES GINS AND WINES 164 BROADWAY [NOW 402, UNCOMMON GROUNDS]

Jacob W. Pitney (ca. 1817–1894) came from Arlington, Vermont. His brother Jonathan Pitney came as well, establishing a boarding house with a farm to supply fresh produce; today it is Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Jacob was out of business by 1872.

A.R. BARRETT HAT STORE 148 BROADWAY [NOW 392, SARATOGA SADDLERY]

New Hampshire native Artemas Raymond Barrett (1815–1904) had been in business on his own since 1844, “a married, honest, prudent businessman” who did “a safe, snug business.” In 1870 it was “the best in his line in the town.” In 1874 he was rebuilding his store “in elegant style.”

E.W. OUDERKIRK FURNITURE AND UPHOLSTERY 171 BROADWAY [NOW 431, PUTNAM MARKET]

Edward W. Ouderkirk (1831–1874) started his business around 1863, described in 1866 as “a small trade.” He was reported as “character and habits good but has a crazy wife.” He took a new “stand” in 1869. Later “occasional sprees” were reported, but under-insured, he lost thousands in an 1872 fire.

C.R. BROWN JEWELER AND OPTICIAN 71 BROADWAY [NOW 297, VISITOR CENTER]

Charles R. Brown (1843–1882) came from Otsego County in 1859 and was soon in business selling jewelry and fancy goods and repairing watches. He also operated the Park House but was burned out in 1864. Brown was a “cripple” and “goes about town in a velocipede,” a primitive bicycle that operated like a scooter with a seat. By 1869 he owned an entire business block on Broadway. In 1871 he built the Park Place Hotel but it burned soon after the season ended. The following year he built a new hotel, the massive Grand Central, on the same site, but it, too, burned after the 1874 season ended.

M.N. MCGUIRE MERCHANT TAILOR AND CLOTHIER

134 BROADWAY [NOW 380, THE FUNDING STORE]

Irishman Michael N. McGuire (ca. 1822–1870) was in business by 1848. In 1867 he was reported to be “very intemperate and does not attend to his business at all regularly,” but soon was “reformed and doing better.” He failed at business, and it was sold at sheriff’s sale late in 1868. He died of typhoid fever a year later.

13

JAMES H. WRIGHT, MERCHANT AND DEALER IN GENTLEMEN’S FURNISHING GOODS 117–119 BROADWAY [NOW 365–367, THE RIP VAN DAM HOTEL]

James Hewlett Wright (ca. 1830–1891) came from New York City in 1855 and worked for Chauncey Hathorn and A.F. Brown for several years. Brown failed in business and Wright took his “stand” in 1858. He was said to be “a very steady and industrious man and an excellent mechanic.” His business was largely made-toorder; in 1865 he reported producing 500 vests and 300 coats worth $15,000 ($278,000 in 2023 dollars), employing five men and four women. He served as village president in 1870 and county treasurer 1875–78. He left Saratoga in 1878.

15

F.T. HILL AND COMPANY, WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRUGGISTS & APOTHECARIES 162 BROADWAY [NOW 400, UNCOMMON GROUNDS]

Franklin T. Hill (1819–1875) came from Woodbury, Vermont, and was in business here by 1850. He was reported to be “a strictly honest upright man . . . a man of good repute steady temperate and doing good business.” He also sold U.S. Revenue Stamps, a Civil War-era tax assessment; in 1872 he purchased a soda fountain for his drugstore. When he died he was succeeded by his assistant, T.H. Sands Pennington, an African American druggist who was long a respected Broadway businessman.

A.S. HAYS CONFECTIONERY AND ICE CREAM SALOON 165 BROADWAY [NOW 425, IRUN LOCAL]

Galway native Alexander S. Hays (1825–1899) was in business on Broadway by 1860, an “honest, sober, industrious, attentive, prudent prompt businessman.” His shop may have operated seasonally for the tourist trade as an 1877 report noted he had “suspended trade until the next season.” SS

THIS COLLECTION IS A TREASURED PART OF THE SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM’S COLLECTION, ON EXHIBIT AT THE SARATOGA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER (BROOKSIDE MUSEUM) IN BALLSTON SPA, THROUGH NOVEMBER 2024.

SARATOGA in the Spotlight

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

A new independent feature film project Saratoga: The Turning Point, is gaining traction on its journey to becoming a major motion picture masterpiece, with an acclaimed director, first-rate talent, breath-taking cinematography, and an ethereal soundtrack.

Not afraid of an uphill battle, US Army veteran Mark O’Rourke began this project in 2012 to remind the nation that when its people are willing to pay any price, bear any burden, and endure any hardship, they can change the world.

with the next generation,” he said.

A STORY SO RICH…

“The nation is at a crossroads. It is vitally important that America’s youth understand the immense courage, grit, love, sacrifice, and wisdom it took to gain our independence. We are passing on the torch of the sacred fire of liberty to them. So, we simply must share this compelling story with the widest possible audience. Love of country matters. We must use this moment in time to share this crucial history

This screenplay, informed by what O’Rourke calls a “dream team” of historians (including James Kirby Martin, PhD and US Army Col. (Ret.) Kevin Weddle, PhD) is the story of America’s stunning victory at Saratoga. This “ace-in-the-hole” put Benjamin Franklin in a position where he was able to secure the support of the French crown for the American cause, changing the course of the war and, ultimately, of world history.

The script was created by feature film writer and producer Robert Burris (who has worked on a number of successful projects including the popular Warner Brothers television sitcom, Growing Pains, which ran for seven seasons in the 1980s). Shooting is expected to take place at multiple locations in the area, including Lake Champlain, Lake

George, and on the grounds of (or as near as possible to) the Saratoga National Historical Park.

“In the military, our ethos is to accomplish the mission,” said O’Rourke, who is hoping to raise $75 - $125 million to fund the film. Since launching fundraising initiatives in October last year, 200+ companies and organizations have signed on as “Friends of the Film.” and social media for the project has already garnered 30,000 followers, a number O’Rourke hopes will grow to 100,000+ over the next year.

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Taking part in, and re fl ecting on our past, while looking toward the future, this film promises a renewed spirit of patriotism, fueled by a unity of purpose among our fellow Americans.

O’Rourke fondly remembers being deeply moved by the significance of the country’s bicentennial celebrations in 1976, when he was just six years old. Now, as the country prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, and the stirring American victory in Saratoga, O’Rourke said that every effort will be made to ensure that the film is ready for this milestone. It is widely believed that without the consequential victory at Saratoga, there would not have been the culminating victory at Yorktown, the triumph that led to the war’s end and the Treaty of Paris.

Keeping the light of liberty burning brightly, O’Rourke said this motion picture will serve as a vehicle to elevate the nation’s awareness of it’s past, and the singular significance of Saratoga as the decisive turning point in the Revolutionary War, well into the future.

For more information about Saratoga: The Turning Point movie, and to donate, go to https://1777.org Follow the film’s progress on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Tik Tok @77TurningPoint SS

Promoting HOW SARATOGA SHAPED A NATION

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

The tenacity of Patriots during the Battles of Saratoga led to their decisive victory here, known as the Turning Point of the American Revolutionary War.

America’s Turning Point is Saratoga County’s official commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

Revolution on the Hudson Summer Speaker Series 2023

Photo Credit Saratoga County

“Knowing Revolutionary War history, and the role Saratoga played in it, definitely contributes to pride of place,” said Lauren Roberts, county historian and Chair of the Saratoga County 250th Commission of the Anniversary of the Revolutionary War.

“It’s important to know where we came from, how we started, and what struggles there were,” she said. “We are telling the stories that have not been heard before.”

ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

Established in 2021, America’s Turning Point, under the guidance of the Saratoga County 250th Commission, holds events and hosts educational opportunities supported by the Campaign for Saratoga 250, a 501c3 organization. Their mission is to promote historical preservation, educational enrichment, and heritage tourism.

“The commission sparks interest and drives tourists to these destinations to put their feet on the ground in the places where history happened,” said Lauren.

In January, at Bound By Fate in Schuylerville, there was a screening of Lauren’s appearance with Emmy-nominated travel host Darley Newman and a panel of guests from New Jersey, Virginia, and South Carolina, for a discussion about the American Revolution at The Smithsonian Institute.

That spring’s showing of Revolutionary Road Trip, the 12th episode in the 11th season of the PBS program “Travels with Darley,” highlighting local history and businesses, attracted a large crowd to the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, as well.

SIGNIFICANT LOCAL EVENTS

In April 2024, the Commission marked patriot burial sites in Greenfield, Charlton, and Stillwater.

More than 1,300 visitors came out in the rain during their annual Saratoga Siege Weekend (an I Love NY Path Through History event) to the Saratoga National Historical Park’s Visitor’s Center, Schuyler House, and Blockhouse Museum to learn about 18th century life.

Turning Point Tea Party Program 2023

This May, the 3rd Annual Women in War Symposium and Bus Tour was held, attracting speakers from across the Eastern Seaboard.

FAR-REACHING IMPACTS

Planning has already begun to expand the Commission’s regional reach in 2025. By collaborating with six states

and Canada, they will continue to promote existing events while expanding and adding others.

This summer, Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Historian for Saratoga County, will be helping area campers put themselves in the shoes of those living in the years before the Revolution and facing America’s first great civil war.

This fall, their Surrender Day programing, for Schuylerville Central School’s 5th graders held at Fort Hardy Park, will include even more students.

While the America’s Turning Point augmented reality app is still being developed, a free download (where visitors can preview initial characters) is available in the Apple and Google Play store. Additional funding for this landscape-activated interpretive software is still needed for its completion.

By 2027, the Commission plans to add more cultural events, music, and art to their programming. They are still searching for a location to hold a military reenactment. SS

To learn more, make a tax-deductible donation, or volunteer, follow them on Facebook @ BattlesofSaratoga250, on Instagram @Saratoga250, and go to https://saratoga250.com

Schuyler House

Vischer Ferry

WRITTEN BY JIM RICHMOND

Musing down memory lane my mind goes back to Sundays, about 60 years ago. Back in the day, my parents and I, joined by my Uncle Frank and Aunt Bea, would climb into our old Plymouth and venture forth on that classic tradition of the 1950s - the Sunday Afternoon Drive. Riding along the backroads of Saratoga County and beyond, my uncle, who was unable to drive, would call out the signs he’d see along the roadside - every eatery, church, and small business caught his attention. One time, driving south along the Mohawk River

we heard him shout out “general store!” and “Amity Church!” We were in Vischer Ferry.

Over the years since I had rarely passed that way again, except for travels to the nearby Bowman’s Orchard during the fall apple picking season or a bite at the VFGS. Little did I know that I would come back and see it in a whole new way… and become immersed in its charms.

There is no better way to describe “the Ferry” as local residents call this quaint hamlet, than to refer to the two official names associated with the area. The Vischer Ferry Historic District, and the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve.

Together they describe the unique characteristics of this community.

PAGE:

“Historic” certainly describes Vischer Ferry. Long before the Dutch arrived, Native American tribes of the Mohegan and Iroquois nations fished and hunted along the banks of the Mohawk River for hundreds of years. Dutch settlers arrived in the mid1600s, establishing first farmland and then homes on the north side of the river. The area became kn own as Vischer’s Ferry, named after one of the first families to settle along Stony Creek.

Three-hundred years later the community still lives, having passed through many eras. Each pause in its passage through time was renewed by new opportunities, sometimes a result of external serendipitous events, other times by the imagination and just plain hard work of the hamlet’s leading citizens.

In the 1 820s Vischer Ferry came to life when the Erie Canal was dug on its doorstep, bringing canal boats and canallers from near and far. At

its peak 300 canal boats traveled through Lock 19 every day! John Woodin, born in 1890, who served as the last lock tender on the old canal captured the excitement of the times. “There were blacksmiths, there were boatbuilders and I remember my father telling me that when he went to school it was like music to his ears to hear those hammers on the anvil.”

The canal was the lifeblood of the community for over 100 years, bringing enterprising craftsmen and businessmen that erected the Greek Revival homes that radiate out from the corner of Vischer Ferry and Riverview Roads, the hub of the hamlet. However, the construction of the railroads along the river, in the years after the Civil War provided an alternative means of travel for both people and freight. The canal now brought visitors eager for a day away from their work in the factories sprouting up in the growing cities of Schenectady, Albany, and Troy. Vischer Ferry turned to tourism for several decades around the turn of the 20th century, welcoming families to travel by boats along the canal, or by railroad terminating

Picnickers along the Canal 1891 Town of Clifton Park History Collection

OPPOSITE

Vischer Ferry Landing Courtesy of L.F Tantillo

with a short ferry ride across the Mohawk. Upon arrival they might enjoy a picnic along the banks of the canal. Even this pleasant era passed when the automobile provided weekend vacationers the freedom to choose their own destinations.

Many small hamlets across the nation essentially disappeared when first the railroads and then the interstate highways passed them by. Saratoga County was not spared from this development and many former thriving crossroads now only

live on in photographs or our imagination. Vischer Ferry was not entirely immune from this trend, but it survived and now thrives as a small but vibrant community.

How did this happen? First Visher Ferry retained its backbone – Amity Dutch Reformed Church founded in 1802, the mid-19th century Greek Revival homes, the Vischer Ferry General Store -newly revived but built on the site of the first store serving the community since the 1790s.

Vischer Ferry Preserve at sunset Courtesy of Jon Tario

Even the “new” Vischer Ferry Fire Company serves the area from its building on the location of the tavern and hotel built in 1795.

However, the revival is not just due to the survival of the old buildings. Generation after generation, the community’s enterprising residents deserve much of the credit. Recently, four members of the Vischer Ferry Association came together to reminisce about their efforts in the 1970s to revitalize the community once again.

“There were blacksmiths, there were boatbuilders and I remember my father telling me that when he went to school it was like music to his ears to hear those hammers on the anvil .”

— John Woodin ”

Amity Reformed Church Courtesy of Thomas Meyers

The group formed both the Vischer Ferry Historic District and the Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve alongside the old canal. John Scherer, longtime Clifton Park Town Historian summed up their accomplishments. “When you look at it, it was amazing that this group of people came together, a group of people with a lot of talent, and they really created something special.” That special community still lives on. SS

Jim Richmond is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and recently directed the film Vischer Ferry – A Forgotten Crossroads.

ABOVE: Chris Nafis' Greek Revival home, built 1833

Photo by the author

LEFT: Vischer Ferry Street Scene ca 1910

Street Annoyances, Hot & Cold Running Water and an Affray

The Tales Old Buildings Tell

WRITTEN BY JPV OLIVER, GENT | PHOTOS PROVIDED

If you're lucky enough to live to old age, you haven't lived one life exactly, you've had several - you play different roles along the way. That's true of old buildings, too. In Saratoga Springs, you expect marquee names to have rich histories and they don't disappoint. You have to dig only a little.

The Canfield Casino, for example, is where the club sandwich was invented (The Union Club of New York begs to differ).

Since gambling was illegal (ahem) when local luminary John Morrissey opened it in 1870, it was called The Saratoga Club (versus casino, a no-no). Now, of course, the Canfield Casino is home to the Saratoga Springs History Museum and is a venue for weddings, parties, receptions and the like.

In its time, Broadway’s posh Adelphi Hotel saw more than its share of A-list celebrities. It still does.

It’s where, in 1878, a year after the Adelphi opened, Morrissey died of pneumonia. A celebrity himself, he lay in repose in the second-floor parlor that opened onto the piazza. Such was his renown, the State of New York closed its offices and flags flew at half-staff. The entire State Senate attended his funeral in Troy and 20,000 mourners lined the streets to pay their respects. He was 47.

William McCaffery, a former conductor on the Rensselaer & Saratoga Railroad, inherited the Old Adelphi Hotel from his wife, Anna Perry, in the mid-1870s.

He set about remodeling the facility and, in 1884, a flyer proudly announced, "The Adelphi has a large piazza, three stories high, fronting on Broadway, and elevated far above the street to command a fine view of Saratoga's most brilliant

thoroughfare, and at the same time shield guests from street annoyances.

“The rooms are large and very liberally furnished, and some are arranged in suites for family use, with every modern convenience, marble basins, hot and cold running water, clothes presses, closets, etc.”

Now revived, The Adelphi is expanding with condos, event spaces and still more rooms.

Citizens and visitors alike in the 19th century complained about soaring hotel and restaurant prices, just as they do now. The costs, of course, didn't deter anybody from enjoying the town, just as they do now.

The Batcheller Mansion on Circular Street has stories as well.

In 1873, George Sherman Batcheller, a Harvard-educated lawyer, commissioned an Albany architectural firm to create the magnificent mansion at 20 Circular Street, which he named Kaser-el-Nouzha - Arabic for palace of pleasure.

Built at a cost of $100,000.00, its three floors contained eleven bedrooms, five bathrooms, two steam-vapor furnaces, a music room, and a library and was fully illuminated by gas light. Dumbwaiters sent food from the large basement kitchen to the butler’s pantry off the formal dining room.

Plans for the house were so astonishing and its modern features so effective they were copyrighted.

One of the home's first guests was none other than President Ulysses S Grant. As he was being greeted with appropriate ceremony at the front door, carpenters, plumbers and painters were tumbling out the back.

Now, of course, the Batcheller Mansion

is an up-market inn. It's exterior, one of the city's most extravagant, is an elegant jumble of High Renaissance Revival, Italianate and Egyptian influences. Somehow it all works.

Though not as glamorous, 42 Park Place at Five Points has a rich history too. The building's home to The Little Market, a deli; Callista & Co, a salon; and Dirty Dog, a pet groomer, and the whole thing’s situated bang in the middle between downtown and the Track.

Its past, of course, is quite different.

The early history is murky, but it may have started life as a boardinghouse. We know for sure in the 19th Century it was a swank hotel, first the St James, then The

ROB SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY

Beckmore, catering to racegoers and tourists.

The restaurant could accommodate 30 diners for posh candle-lit meals featuring the latest “modern cuisine.” Attire for guests was, of course, bib and tucker and ball gowns, as you’d expect at a proper hostelry in one of the nation’s premier resorts.

42 Park Place caught my eye because from the front it suggests Manhattan’s Flatiron Building in miniature. I worked there for a time, so my curiosity was piqued.

Circa 1900, the edifice at Five Points was crowned with a majestic dome which, in retrospect, seems a lot in a humble residential neighborhood. Still, Saratoga Springs makes money on glamour and fin de siecle 42 Park Place was no exception.

In 1916, a fire tore through the hotel, a common occurrence for the era. The only thing that saved the building was its brick exterior. A haunting, grainy black and white photo shows the aftermath, ghostly icicles hang from wires. The dome was destroyed, never to be rebuilt.

42 Park Place suffered other indignities as well.

On July 16th, 1903, bartender Marty Coyne was cut in the neck during “an affray,” missing his jugular by an inch. No slouch, Marty was back behind the bar the next day. The Daily Saratogian reported, “It was impossible to obtain further details of the fracas, because of the refusal of persons at The Beckmore to answer questions over the ‘phone.”

In May 1915, a fellow who’d rented the place for the summer nearly got arrested when he tried to enter. James Magee of Schenectady failed to pay village taxes on the building, so Saratoga took ownership for the tidy sum of $928.63.

Today, The Little Market is still going strong under new management with a new menu and new dishes to try.

JPV Oliver’s memoir, I Know This Looks Bad, is available at the Northshire Book Shop and all the usual places.

The Adelphi Hotel, The Batcheller Mansion and 42 Park Place are again living different lives – just as they’ve done for decades – and that, I think, reveals something about the relentless energy of the Spa City. SS

Duck Hunting

Ispent two days duck hunting in May. Even though duck season starts in the fall, and I don't even have a hunting license, the hunt proved successful.

It all started when Mrs. G. asked me where "Gus the Duck" was. Gus was a ceramic birthday gift from our three youngest grandsons last spring. He spent the summer of 2023 welcoming visitors to the backyard with his cheerful personality. The 2024 flowers were filling up the yard, and Gus was nowhere to be seen. My mission for the day was to locate the little guy, give him a quick duck bath, and put him to work, welcoming the Amazon drivers, robins, squirrels, and other visitors entering the backyard.

The problem was finding Gus. I can lose my car keys minutes after I park the car. How can I remember where Gus spent the winter? Mrs. G. thought I swaddled her new best friend in bubble wrap last fall, but neither of us could recall where he ended up, so the search began in the most likely place, the garden shed; nope, no duck there. How about the shelves in the back of the garage? No duck there either. Check Shed #2. Negatory. Scan the cellar at least three times… Still no duck-luck.

How hard can it be to find a shin-high duck? Answer: Very hard.

The hunt bled into day #2, and I started panicking. I have a terrible habit of making things disappear that I assume aren't being used anymore. On more than one occasion, I've broken cardinal marriage Rule #1- Ask your wife before you throw anything out. Could I have sent Gus packing by mistake? My eye was starting to twitch, and I was getting queasy. If I didn't find Gus soon, I'd be taking his place in the backyard. Time to get serious and birddog this duck.

One last inch-by-inch scan of the cellar led me to our shelving wall filled with bins of holiday dishes, decorations, centerpieces, and seasonal whatchamacallits. There beneath Rack #2, I spotted a cardboard box marked with the words "Gus the Duck" and "Butterfly.” A two-for-one discovery! Not only did I find the "Holy Grail," but I also found birthday gift #2, a solar-lit metal and glass butterfly we'd both forgotten about. It was like Christmas in May. I don't know who was happier, Mrs. G., me …or Gus.

I know I was the one most relieved!

In the end, summer is here, a duck and a butterfly were rescued, and a husband's life was spared.

Whew, another close one… SS

WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Dad’s Shirt

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORGE HANSTEIN

My dad had a camp shirt with fish on it. He only wore it once a year, when we went on vacation to Wildwood, NJ.

My dad was 51 when I was born. I have often wondered if that is what made him such a great dad. Perhaps by the time I was born, he had done all the things that distracted many of us from being the perfect father. He worked in a plant that made airplane parts. It was one of those secure jobs that were around in the 50s and 60s. I don't think he made much money, but I never remember wanting for much. I do remember those times when we had to "cut back" when he was temporarily laid off. Those times were few and far between and we always got through without too much of a problem, at least that I was aware of. He also did odd jobs around our neighborhood. He could fix just about anything or if you needed your house painted, he was your man.

Once a year my dad took my mother and me to Wildwood, NJ for a week. This was in the 50s and early 60s. It was the event of the year in my house. Dad would ask my mom more than a few times if she had packed his "fish shirt.”

We always stayed in the same place; it was an old hotel about 3 blocks from the beach. We had a small room with

twin beds for my mom and dad and a cot for me. The bathroom was down the hall and was shared by half of the guests on the floor that we were on. The other end of the same floor had a bathroom for the guests on that side of the hotel. The name of the hotel was "The Elbron.” It was clean and the owners were very nice. I remember the big wooden benches hanging from chains on the huge front porch. You could sit on those swinging benches and swing gently while watching people walk by. The hotel served two family-style meals a day; breakfast and dinner. Lunch was usually a hot dog on the beach.

Our arrival at The Elbron was the same every year. We would pull into the parking lot and my mother would tell my dad that he had to bring the bags up to the room before anything else. He would tell her that he and Pal (that was me) had to go look at the ocean first. She would complain but to no avail. He and I would walk up to the boardwalk to sit on a bench and look at the ocean while Mom sat on one of those big swings on the porch. After a while, he would always say, "I think we have time for one round of miniature golf but don't tell your mother.” When we got back to the hotel she would always say, "You played golf, didn't you.” I would look up at him and see a 60-year-old man who looked like a kid who got caught with his hand

in the cookie jar. My mom would just shake her head and we would all laugh. The week that we spent in Wildwood every year was always great. We would walk the boards, go on rides, play games, and sit on those swings after dinner.

Well, now I am at the age that my dad was when I was 12 and I am feeling a little nostalgic, so I just made reservations to spend a few days in Wildwood. I am sure that it has changed a lot, but so have I. The Elbron is gone and so are my Mom and Dad, but I am sure the ocean is still there and when I get there I will sit on a bench and look at it. I might even play a game of miniature golf.

Tomorrow, I think I will go shopping for a shirt with fish on it.

What I learned from my trip to Wildwood...

1. You can never go home again.

2. Wildwood is best for young people.

3. I am not a young person.

4. Not every woman should wear a bikini.

5. Not every man should go shirtless (I include myself in this group)

6. Although tanning may be unhealthy, everyone looks healthier with a tan.

7. Boardwalk pizza is still great.

8. Riding bicycles on the boardwalk is fun no matter how old you are.

9. Balding men can get a sunburn on their heads. (Ouch)

10. Although Wildwood has changed, I have changed more.

11. Wildwood was more fun for my generation because, when we walked the boardwalk, we saw things other than our cell phones.

12. Wildwood has the best used bookstore that I have ever seen.

13. Cape May is still beautiful.

14. Polish water ice is as good and refreshing as Italian ice.

15. Always, "Watch the tram car please.” SS