Issuu

Simply...

SARATOGA ®

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Complimentary

FALL 2026

Celebrating

30 YEARS

OF EXCEPTIONAL HOMES!

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Simply ...

SARATOGA

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Vallone Bushee MAGAZINE DESIGNER Kacie Cotter-Harrigan ADVERTISING DESIGNER Madison Teator ADVERTISING Thomas Beaury Jim Daley Cindy Durfey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Samantha Bosshart Colleen Coleman Jodie Fitz Carol Godette John R. Greenwood Wendy Hobday Haugh Robert C. Lawrence Eamon Ó’Coileáin Bill Orzell Megin Potter John Reardon Theresa St. John Ralph Vincent Maureen Werther PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristi B Photography Susan Blackburn Photography Alexandria Bushee Candids With Emily Rose Adam Desantis, ROOST Five Oceans Photography George S. Bolster Collection Wendy Hobday Haugh Megan Mumford Sheila Myers Randall Perry Photography Megin Potter Jacques Ridel Elisa Sheehan Spa Art Theresa St. John Super Source Media Studios PUBLISHED BY SARATOGA TODAY 2254 Route 50 South Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SimplySaratoga.com Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2026. Saratoga TODAY Newspaper.

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contributors Search for them on SimplySaratoga.com!

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.

ROBERT C. LAWRENCE Robert C. Lawrence, a retired educator of 42 years at the elementary, middle, and college levels, is the author of What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names? (The Troy Book Makers). His book explores the origins of over 100 Adirondack mountain place names. Bob, a Saratoga County resident, is a member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association and the Adirondack Mountain Club. He shares his passion for the outdoors with his wife, Carol Ann, and their wire-haired Dachshund, Adi, short for Adirondack. Contact: adkmountainnames@gmail.com

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.

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.

EAMON Ó’COILEÁIN (ED COLLINS) Ed Collins writes a captivating All Aboard for the Adirondacks! His many other works include stories about: early Adirondacker legacies; surviving a life-threatening health crisis; completing 40,000 daily walking miles (far more than Forest Gump!); the life-value of avocations; the early covid pandemic months; Irish history and culture – including producing, directing and co-writing a documentary Irish Hands That Built America working with narrator William Devane, an Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominee Irish-American. He is completing a new Adirondack tale and has published poetry and photography – his forever-wild Adirondack lake photo graces a magazine cover.

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!”

JODIE FITZ Jodie Fitz is the creator of The Better Bites Bunch and a mother of three with nearly two decades of experience developing health and wellness programming for children and families. Her experience includes the creation and licensing of two previous programs including a Kids Cooking Club, where she traveled in six states for over 13 years cooking with children and families. She is also a children’s author, blending storytelling with real-life lessons to inspire confidence, curiosity, and positive choices. JOHN R. 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.

THERESA ST. JOHN Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good, she says.

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

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Susan Blackburn Photography

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.

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. MAUREEN WERTHER Maureen Werther is a local author and longtime resident of Saratoga County. She recently retired as Communications Director for a national association management firm and is happy to return to her role as a freelance writer and editor.

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from the

editor-in-chief

COVER PHOTO BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY See how much fun we had doing the cover shoot on page 78!

CHECK OUT ALL OUR PUBLICATIONS HERE!

As I was giving this issue a final review before it went to press, I pulled up last year’s fall issue. I can NOT believe our house shoot was just a year ago! My husband and I bought a second home in Greenwich (which we love!) and that is making him think… it’s time to sell the farmhouse in Stephentown (which I love, and don’t want to leave!). This is the first home we created together, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it – but luckily – I’ve been distracted over the last couple months looking at all these beautiful homes participating in the 30th Anniversary of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes! Maybe our next home should be… New construction?!! If you are a regular reader, (which I hope you are!) you know we LOVE helping promote the Showcase of Homes each year, and I love working with Liz Bishop, the “Face of the Showcase” – and I’m thinking she really loved our cover location this year! Check out the Behind the Scenes pics on page 78! This issue has always been meant to be kept after the Showcase… dog ear those pages, make notes, call those vendors you like. This magazine is the LOOK BOOK for the building industry in Saratoga County, or the Academy Awards of Saratoga’s Construction Industry, one might say (read more about this on page 74). So enjoy these beautiful photos, floor plans, builder info, (and the vendors they choose!) informational stories, and all the ADS. Yes, the ADS, these are the businesses that you need to plan that reno, build your dream home or have those repairs done… and dare I say DECORATE!! : ) Thank you, Saratoga Builders Association, for letting us be a part of your annual fundraiser each year - it’s our honor.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE

PUBLISHERS OF...

Simply Saratoga Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Saratoga Bride Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Welcome Home Equicurean Saratoga Christmas

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I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together and please keep those comments coming, I love hearing from you : ) I always end with a big Thank You! to all our advertisers, because without them, Saratoga TODAY couldn’t continue to offer these beautiful publications free of charge.

• XO,

• Chris

Chris Vallone Bushee, Editor in Chief cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com 518-581-2480 ext. 201 SimplySaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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contents

106

PHOTO BY ADAM DESANTIS, ROOST

FASHION

Be Inspired...

109

30th Anniversary of the Showcase of Homes Information starts on page 17, but the inspiration starts at our cover!

OUT + ABOUT

This issue is a MUST HAVE for the Saratoga County Homeowner!

A GOOD READ 74 83 86 92 98 100 102 104 106

Looking Back… 30 Years of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes! Preserving Saratoga

Restaurant Feature… Spargel on 9

Looking Back… 85 Years of the Alpine Sport Shop! Meet… Elisa Sheehan

14 Pages of Fabulous Fall Fashions! Alpine Sport Shop, Caroline and Main, Impressions and Dark Horse Mercantile, Lifestyles, Saratoga Outdoors, Union Hall Supply Co. and Violet’s

124 128 132

Seasonal Fun at… Lakeview Orchard Bring the Family to… The Wild Center Road Trip to… Woodstock, NY

H&G 135 150 154 158 160 162

Architecturally Speaking Colleen’s Pics DIY DIVA In the Kitchen with John Reardon Entertaining with Ralph Vincent The BETTER BITES BUNCH with Jodie Fitz

Meet… Lauren Magina

HISTORY

Meet… Bradley Chance Hays

167 172 176

Meet… Lynda Naske Name That Mountain

Bill Orzell Looking Back at a SS FAVE… Carol Godette Eamon Ó’Coileáin's (Ed Collins) Final Installment of… All Aboard for the Adirondacks!

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Saratoga

Showcase OF HOMES 2026 October 3-4 & October 10-11

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SHOWCASE BUILDERS & HOMES

Welcome to the 2026 Showcase of Homes!

2026 Showcase of Homes Judges

Kohler Homes 5 Wyatt's Way, Wyatt's Way, Clifton Park

Ticket Information

Talarico Construction 33 Cambridge Avenue, Oakbrook Estates, Clifton Park

People's Choice Prize Awards

Barbera Homes / Park West LLC 27 Concord Drive, Park West, Clifton Park

Showcase of Homes Map

Builder Subcontractors & Suppliers

Spa City Builders 76 English Road, Round Lake

Celebrating 30 Years!

Homes by Malta Development 9 Kenzie Court, Legacy Woods, Ballston

Behind the Scenes

Amedore Homes Inc. 2 Reeds Hollow, Reserve at Winding Brook Condominiums, Saratoga Springs

Witt Construction, Inc. 6 Phyllian's Bluff, Phyllian’s Bluff, Stillwater

Urvalek Builders 403 Grange Road, Greenfield Center

Belmonte Builders 1 Wistmans Way, Forest Grove, Saratoga Springs

Belmonte Builders 21 Angeles Avenue, Forest Grove, Saratoga Springs

BT Land Development 13 Cannon Royal Drive, Grande Highlands, Saratoga Springs

Trojanski Builders 36 Cannon Royal Drive, Grande Highlands, Saratoga Springs

Kodiak Construction 5 Kerr Drive, Burnham Hollow, Wilton

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL HOMES! SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Welcome to the

2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes now celebrating its 30

Anniversary!

This spectacular annual event is the area’s premiere new home tour, one of the most wonderful traditions in our Fall season. On behalf of the Saratoga Builders Association and the Showcase Committee, we would like to thank all the corporate and media sponsors for their generous support. Special thanks to all our amazing and talented builders for their commitment to this popular event. Applause to the countless volunteers who staff the homes to help provide for a truly memorable experience. Lastly, we are so very grateful for the tremendous public support through ticket sales - each and every year! We are excited and proud to present thirteen homes in Saratoga County from our area’s award-winning builders over two weekends. As always, you’ll see the most innovative products, beautiful décor, creative interior design, professional craftsmanship and impeccable construction of each of these magnificent homes, inviting you through their doors. In addition, visit the Trojanski Builders House #12 on Saturday, October 3 from 10 AM – 12 NOON to see local students build beautiful wooden planter boxes led by Whitbeck Construction. Sponsored by the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. Visit the Homes by Malta Development House #5 to tour the CTE Construction Trades/BOCES Victorian inspired Greenhouse built by trade students. This will be on display all four days. Best of all, the proceeds from this event go back into our community. The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed $1.8 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities from this community event, and this year will be no different. Proceeds from this year’s Showcase of Homes will benefit two local organizations: Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. Both these groups help give back to the community through improving the homes and lives of those in need. Please take a moment to explore the pages of this official magazine guide for lots of important and useful information on each builder and their homes, details about the event and to see what’s waiting for you this year on the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes tour.

HONORING THE PAST – BUILDING THE FUTURE! We are celebrating 30 years of exceptional homes. Keep a lookout for our classic orange signs guiding you along the tour route and please use our QR Code for easy directions to all these incredible homes (see page 27).

Enjoy the show!

- BARRY POTOKER, - LISA LICATA, Showcase Co-Chair & Showcase Co-Chair, Executive Director, Sterling Real Estate Group Saratoga Builders Association

Showcase of Homes Proceeds Benefit:

2026 Showcase of Homes Committee BARRY POTOKER SBA Executive Director & Showcase Co-Chair LISA LICATA Sterling Real Estate Group, Showcase Co-Chair DREW AIELLO Annie-Mac Home Mortgage KARI FARRELL Arrow Bank MARCI FILA Real Estate Digital Designs JENNIFER FORTUNE Fortune Realty Group SHARON HORTON Habitat for Humanity JENN HOWARD Arrow Bank JEANA LABAS Kodiak Construction MICHELLE LARKIN Rebuilding Together Saratoga JAYLENE LEONBRUNO Tailored Real Estate Group CLARICE NICHOLS Rebuilding Together Saratoga ANNETTE QUARRIER Saratoga Living PAMELA STOTT Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition MARCI ROBINSON Witt Construction JOVITA WENNER

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

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Rebuilding Together Saratoga County rtsaratoga.org

MATT WHITBECK Whitbeck Construction

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Showcase Judges

Each Showcase home is judged by these industry experts in seven different categories. Look for these builder awards for "Winner" and "Runner-Up" while touring the homes! • Exterior Design • Interior Decorating • Kitchen • Interior Floor Plan • Landscaping • Primary Bath • Workmanship

Get Social with us!

#30YearsofShowcase #SaratogaSOH

SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com

ARCHITECTS JAMES M. CRISP, AIA Crisp Architects crisparchitects.com MICHAEL R. DAVIS, AIA Michael Davis, Architects & Interiors michaeldavisarchitects.com BUILDERS JOHN LECLERC Cascade Builders of the Adirondacks cascadebuildersadk.com ERIC MOSS Ridgeview Designer Builders ridgeviewdesignerbuilders.com INTERIOR DESIGNERS LINDA ALOISIO Uniquely Yours Interiors uyinteriors.com ANN STILLMAN O'LEARY Evergreen House Interiors, Inc. annstillmanoleary.com MONAI VATH-JONES Monai Interiors monaiinteriors.com KITCHEN & BATH DESIGNERS BOB RYAN Fahy Kitchens & Baths fahykitchens.com MARK MUTZ Kitchen Concepts and Design kcadesign.com LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS MARIANE WHEATLEY-MILLER ANTHONY JAMES MILLER A. J. Miller Landscape Architecture PLLC ajmillerla.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Saratoga

Showcase OF HOMES October 3-4 & 10-11 The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on four days over two spectacular weekends this fall on October 3-4 and October 10-11 featuring the region's finest, award-winning builders showcasing their new construction. This year’s edition has 13 locations from 12 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County. Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event are: Amedore Homes, Barbera Homes / Park West LLC, Belmonte Builders, BT Land Development, Homes by Malta Development, Kodiak Construction, Kohler Homes, Spa City Builders, Talarico Construction, Trojanski Builders, Urvalek Builders, Witt Construction. Now celebrating its 30th year, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes annual community event has contributed over $1.8 MILLION DOLLARS to local charities Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

Ticket Information Saratoga Showcase of Homes tickets are $25 each and are available at the locations listed below. TOUR HOURS: 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

• Adirondack Trust Branch Locations SCAN ME • Curtis Lumber Locations: FOR TICKETS 885 State Rt 67, Ballston Spa 460 Big Bay Road, Queensbury • Arrow Bank: 171 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs • Habitat ReStore, Moreau • Rebuilding ReShop, Ballston Spa • Roohan Realty: 519 Broadway, Saratoga Springs • Showcase homes during tour hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Online at: SaratogaShowcaseofHomes.com/tickets TOUR DETAILS: • Tickets are valid for all 4 days. • Children under 12 are admitted free. • Please keep your ticket until you have seen all the houses. Homes are numbered to help you find them and may be toured in any order. • Every ticket purchased will be entitled to receive one free Showcase of Homes shoe bag/tote at the first home you visit while supplies last! • Shoes will not be permitted in these new homes so please wear comfortable, easy on/easy off shoes and be prepared to remove them upon entering the home. Socks or bare feet are preferred by the builders. 22 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

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Prize Awards

People's Choice Award

All ticket holders who visit 10 homes are eligible to vote for the People’s Choice Awards with the ballot on the ticket. You will be automatically entered into our drawing for these prizes:

GRAND PRIZE

$1,000 LANDSCAPE DESIGN PACKAGE FROM PEAK ENVIRONMENTAL

SECOND PRIZE

OVERNIGHT STAY WITH DINNER & BREAKFAST AT THE INN AT SARATOGA

PLUS GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM: • Bocage • Cudney’s Cleaners • Curtis Lumber • Dom’s Pizza • Dona Federico Photography • Dunkin Donuts • Gaffney’s • Habitat ReStore • Hannaford • Hello Nails • Henry Street Taproom • Holiday Inn • Homewood Suites • Inn at Saratoga • Kindred • Little India • Mama Mia’s • Olde Bryan Inn

• Open Door Mission • Pizza Palace • Price Chopper • Rebuilding ReShop • Red Front Pizza • Saratoga Auto Museum • Saratoga Dry Aged Cuts • Saratoga YMCA • Silverado • Standard Fare • Stewart’s • The Bunker • Thirsty Owl • Tip Top Nails • Tru Pickleball • Whitman Brewing • Wishing Well • AND MORE!

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, subcontractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County. For more information, please visit their website at saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org

For more details on the 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, please visit SaratogaShowcaseOfHomes.com. Follow us on FACEBOOK and our BLOG for all the updates! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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2026 Showcase of Homes

Tour Map

SCAN ME: SCAN ME INTERACTIVE MAP Visit our mobile-friendly website to view the INTERACTIVE MAP and scenic house-to-house directions: saratogashowcaseofhomes.com or scan this code.

OCTOBER 3-4 and OCTOBER 10-11

Look for the orange signs!

Don’t Miss These Events on the Tour! Trojanski Builders House #12 Saturday, October 3 • 10 AM – 12 PM See local students build beautiful wooden planter boxes led by Whitbeck Construction. Sponsored by the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. Visit the Homes by Malta Development House #5 to tour the CTE Construction Trades/BOCES Victorian inspired Greenhouse built by trade students. This will be on display all four days.

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1 The Adams The Adams by Kohler Homes is a thoughtfully designed custom residence that combines timeless architecture with modern luxury and exceptional craftsmanship. Offering more than 3,200 square feet of finished living space, this home was designed to maximize both everyday comfort and elegant entertaining. The open-concept main level seamlessly connects the gourmet kitchen, dining area, and expansive great room while creating distinct spaces that feel warm and inviting. Premium finishes are featured throughout, including Cambria quartz countertops, engineered hardwood flooring, custom millwork, designer lighting, and carefully selected wallpaper accents that add warmth and character. A custom-built mudroom bench creates an attractive and functional everyday entry, while a built-in serving bar between the kitchen and dining area provides the perfect gathering space for entertaining family and friends. The finished daylight basement expands the home's living space with a full bathroom and oversized egress windows that flood the lower level with natural light, creating an inviting extension of the home rather than a traditional basement. Every aspect of The Adams reflects Kohler Homes' commitment to superior craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and lasting quality—creating a home that is as functional as it is beautiful. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Custom built-in entertaining bar connecting the kitchen and dining area. • Finished daylight basement featuring oversized egress windows and a full bathroom. • Custom mudroom with built-in bench, storage, and upholstered seating.

• Designer interior finishes including Cambria quartz countertops, engineered hardwood flooring, decorative wallpaper, and curated lighting selections. • Spacious open-concept design with a luxurious primary suite, bonus room, private study, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.

KOHLER HOMES

900 Route 146, Clifton Park • 518-376-4872 • ekohler@kohlerbuilders.com Erik Kohler's passion for homebuilding began at an early age, inspired by his grandfather, a respected custom home builder. After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 2002, Erik founded his own framing company, building homes for many of the Capital Region's premier builders and developing a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Erik Kohler

In 2013, Erik established Kohler Homes, LLC with a vision of building custom homes that reflect exceptional quality, thoughtful design, and lasting value. Today, every Kohler home is built with a commitment to superior craftsmanship, trusted trade partners, and a personalized building experience, ensuring each home is as functional as it is beautiful.

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Wyatt's Way 5 Wyatt's Way, Clifton Park 3,201 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY OnPoint Design REALTOR Diane Van Alstyne, Lic. Associate RE Broker Coldwell Banker Prime Properties 433 Loudon Road, Loudonville C: 518-858-3218 • coldwellbanker.com dvanalstyne@cbpp.com LANDSCAPER Jim Flood, Flood Landscaping 5 Schuyler Lane, Watervliet 518-365-2408 floodlandscaping003@icloud.com INTERIOR DESIGN Paula McCormick, PMI Interiors 10 Starbuck Drive, Suite 102, Troy 518-986-1196 • pmyinteriors@yahoo.com paulamccormickinteriors.com KITCHEN DESIGN Heather Lust, Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-490-1397 • curtislumber.com heather.lust@curtislumber.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Energy-efficient Low-E insulated vinyl windows. • LED lighting throughout the home for reduced energy consumption. • High-efficiency heating and cooling systems designed for year-round comfort. • Quality construction techniques focused on durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 29

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2 Whole-Home Renovation Oakbrook Estates 33 Cambridge Avenue, Clifton Park This whole-home renovation showcases the transformation of an existing residence into a thoughtfully designed, modern living space. The project blends timeless finishes with functional design, featuring custom millwork, premium materials, and carefully crafted details throughout. From structural improvements to the final finishes, every aspect of the home was completed with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and lasting value. This home reflects Talarico Construction’s commitment to creating beautiful spaces that are tailored to the way families live today.

UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Chef’s kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, a spacious walk-in pantry, and a built-in warming drawer • Spa-inspired primary suite with heated tile floors and a customdesigned luxury tile shower • Extensive whole-home renovation blending modern functionality with timeless craftsmanship • Custom millwork and premium finishes throughout the home • Completely redesigned exterior featuring James Hardie® siding for lasting beauty and durability

TALARICO CONSTRUCTION

7 Pond View Drive, Clifton Park • talaricoconstruction.com 518-542-0742 • info@talaricoconstruction.com

Vincent Talarico

2,744 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms

HOUSE DESIGN BY Talarico Construction LANDSCAPER Otilio Martinez, R&M Landscaping 32 River Street, Troy 518-605-8956 rmlandscaping871@gmail.com rmlandscapingny.com INTERIOR DESIGN Kennedy Taylor, Studio K 18 Division St, Ste 103, Saratoga Springs 518-932-3902 kennedy@studiokinteriordesign.com studiokinteriordesign.com

Talarico Construction is a full-service residential builder and remodeling company proudly serving New York’s Capital Region. We specialize in custom whole-home renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and thoughtfully designed living spaces. Our experienced in-house team performs the majority of the work on every project, allowing us to maintain exceptional quality, communication, and attention to detail from start to finish. We are committed to delivering outstanding craftsmanship and a seamless building experience while creating homes that are both beautiful and built to last.

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Artist Rendering

The Overlook combines contemporary architecture, professionally curated finishes, energy-efficient construction, and low-maintenance living to create a home that balances comfort, functionality, and everyday ease. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES

• Great Room Defined by Light and Connection - With soaring 18-foot • Comfort Beyond What You Can See ceilings, abundant natural light, and an Fresh air ventilation and carefully open loft above, the dramatic great room engineered mechanical systems work serves as the architectural centerpiece of together to promote healthier indoor The Overlook. The kitchen and café flow air quality, improved comfort, and a naturally into the space, creating a bright more enjoyable living environment. and connected setting for both everyday • Built for Long-Term Comfort living and memorable gatherings. and Efficiency - Advanced insulation, • A Main-Level Primary Suite - Designed air sealing, ENERGY STAR® certified for comfort and convenience, the maincomponents, high-efficiency level primary suite offers privacy, natural mechanical systems, and waterlight, generous walk-in closets, and a saving fixtures are thoughtfully thoughtfully designed bath with a curbless integrated to enhance comfort, shower. In addition, an illuminated reduce utility costs, and support niche, double vanity, and custom glasslong-term performance. front linen cabinet with display shelving • Construction Designed for and generous drawer storage, create a Lasting Performance - Built using furniture-inspired focal point that adds advanced materials and proven both function and character to the space. building practices, The Overlook • A Room Designed to Linger In - The study incorporates high-performance offers a quiet retreat for work, reading, structural systems, moisture creativity, or reflection. Floor-to-ceiling management technologies, fire built-in bookcases, a window seat, crown protection systems, and indoor molding, and picture lighting create the air quality measures designed to character of a timeless private library while improve durability, safety, and longsupporting the flexibility of modern living. term ownership satisfaction. BARBERA HOMES / PARK WEST LLC

14 Wade Road, Latham • barberahomes.com 518-690-0777 • fbarbera@barberahomes.com

Frank Barbera

For more than 40 years, the Barbera family has helped shape communities throughout New York’s Capital Region, guided by the belief that exceptional homes begin with thoughtful planning, quality craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of how people live.

3 The Overlook Park West 27 Concord Drive, Clifton Park 2,201 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms + Loft 2.5 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY C2 Design Group INTERIOR DESIGN Meghan Baltich & Thomas Burns, Blairhouse Interiors Group 14 Wade Road, Latham 518-396-8331 • blairhouseinteriors.com mbaltich@blairhouseinteriors.com KITCHEN DESIGN Andy Nolan, Builders Kitchen Inc. 1220 Central Avenue, Albany 518-438-0323 • builderskitchens.com andy.nolan@builderskitchens.com LANDSCAPER Michael Scaringe, Skyview Landscapes Inc. 450 Hudson River Road, Waterford 518-433-0293 • skyviewlandscape.com mscaringe@skyviewlandscape.com REALTOR Terry Jean Little, Lic. Associate RE Broker Maureen Iglewski, Lic. Associate RE Broker Coldwell Banker Prime Properties 621 Columbia Street Ext, Suite 200, Cohoes C: 518-858-2306 • coldwellbankerprime.com terry.little@coldwellbankerprime.com

Building on that legacy, Frank Barbera founded Barbera Homes & Development with a vision of creating contemporary homes where thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and everyday livability come together. Today, with more than 1,600 homes delivered, that vision continues to guide every decision we make for the homes and communities we create. A respected leader in the building industry, Frank has been recognized five times as Builder of the Year by local building associations and has received the Empire Housing Champion Award from the New York State Builders Association. These honors reflect his longstanding commitment to advancing the industry through education, innovation, and professional leadership, while continuing to deliver homes designed for the way people live today.

Co-Sponsor: Route 146 & 146A Properties, LLC 3506 Bailey Road Franklin, TN 37064 Co-Sponsor: Park West CP, LLC 14 Wade Rd., Latham NY 12110 Park West Condominium Clifton Park, New York saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

This advertisement is not an offering. It is a solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made until an offering plan is filed with the New York State Department of Law. This advertisement is made pursuant to Cooperative Policy Statement No. 1, issued by the New York State Department of Law. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 35

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4 This custom modern farmhouse blends timeless charm with clean, contemporary design. A crisp white board-and-batten exterior, standing-seam metal roofing, natural wood accents, and dramatic architectural rooflines create a distinctive first impression. The welcoming covered front entry features exposed timber detailing, while oversized contemporary garage doors and expansive windows add a modern touch. Inside, the thoughtfully designed single-level floor plan centers around an openconcept kitchen, dining, and living area, creating an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen features a generous island and is positioned to connect seamlessly with the main living spaces. A private primary suite and well-planned secondary spaces provide both comfort and functionality. One of the home's defining features is its extensive outdoor living space. The rear of the home opens to a large, covered elevated porch designed for relaxing, dining, and entertaining while enjoying the surrounding wooded setting. Warm timber columns and natural materials continue the home's architectural character outdoors, creating a private retreat that beautifully connects indoor and outdoor living. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES

• Onyx & Tile Showers

• Open Concept Kitchen, Dining, and Living Room with vaulted ceilings, creating an expansive central gathering space.

• Standing Seam metal roof

• Covered Front Porch and an expansive covered rear porch accessed through a 6-foot sliding glass door

• Timber Framed Entry • Board-and-batten siding • Contemporary Garage Doors REAR PERSPECTIVE

• Attached two car garage with additional storage rooms • Large walk-in pantry adjacent to the kitchen • Wine Cellar • Walk-out basement

SPA CITY BUILDERS LLC

82 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa • Web 518-209-6633 • dougwinters@spacitybuilders.com

Doug Winters

With decades of experience and an intense attention to detail, the team at Spa City Builders is elite when it comes to home construction and remodeling. We are a location, small-town group of professionals that provide high-end construction services to homes around Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs. With a skillset equipped to handle jobs large and small, you can trust us to be “an honest, fair, and tremendous partner for any sort of project in your home.

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Modern Farmhouse 76 English Road, Round Lake 1,584 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

HOUSE DESIGN BY Nolan Engineering PLLC LANDSCAPER Linda and Darrell Everts Homeowners INTERIOR DESIGN Jill Norton, J. Norton Co. 60 Woodlawn Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518-852-1603 Jill@jnortondesign.com KITCHEN DESIGN Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-5311 curtislumber.com SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Ring Cameras

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5 The Dogwood The Dogwood is a thoughtfully designed four-bedroom ranch from the Legacy Collection by Homes by Malta Development, offering spacious single-level living with a floor plan designed for both comfort and functionality. At the heart of the home, the kitchen features a generous corner pantry and flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas, creating an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. Just off the dining area, a covered porch extends the living space outdoors—perfect for dining al fresco, entertaining guests, or simply relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. Four well-appointed bedrooms provide plenty of flexibility, with the fourth bedroom ideally suited for a private home office, guest room, or additional living space. A thoughtfully designed laundry room with a convenient utility closet adds everyday practicality, while the adjoining mudroom features classic wainscoting and hooks to create an organized and welcoming transition into the home.

Legacy Woods 9 Kenzie Court, Ballston 1,926 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY Homes by Malta Development

With its spacious ranch design, flexible living spaces, and thoughtful details throughout, the Dogwood blends style, comfort, and functionality for effortless modern living.

REALTOR Sarah Samascott, Lic. RE Salesperson Samascott Real Estate Team at KW Platform 935 New Loudon Road, Latham C: 518-928-3057 • samascott.kw.com samascott@kw.com

UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • 10 foot ceilings • Corner pantry in kitchen • Walk in closet in primary bedroom

LANDSCAPER Brian Phillips, The Lawn Guy Landscaping and Hardscape Solutions 518-581-2655 • lawnguylandscape.com lawnguy006@gmail.com

• Covered back porch • Walk in tile shower in primary bath

FLOOR PLAN

HOMES BY MALTA DEVELOPMENT

464 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs • homesbymaltadevelopment.com 518-885-6420 • info@maltadevelopment.com

Wayne Samascott

Founded in 1988 by Tom Samascott, Homes by Malta Development has been building quality homes and thoughtfully planned communities throughout the Capital Region for nearly four decades. From the beginning, the company was founded on a simple philosophy: build better-quality homes through thoughtful planning, efficient construction, and a commitment to lasting value.

That approach has helped establish Homes by Malta Development as a nationally recognized, award-winning builder, with communities featured in Modern Home Builder Magazine and Professional Builder Magazine. In January 2025, the company entered its next generation of leadership when Wayne Samascott became President and owner, succeeding his father, Tom. Having grown up on Malta Development job sites, Wayne learned the homebuilding business from the ground up and carries forward the experience, relationships, and values established by his father while bringing his own forward-thinking approach to the company. A Certified Green Professional (CGP) through the National Association of Home Builders, Wayne places a strong emphasis on quality construction, energy efficiency, comfort, and longterm value. As a hands-on builder, he works closely with the company’s team, subcontractors, and trade partners throughout the planning and construction process. Today, Homes by Malta Development remains rooted in the same principles on which the company was founded while continuing to evolve for the future. With the same experienced team and a new generation of leadership, the company looks forward to creating new communities and quality homes designed to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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INTERIOR DESIGN Dave LaMar Real Estate and Design 518-410-1409 • dlamar221@gmail.com KITCHEN DESIGN Nicole Johnson, Curtis Lumber 885 State Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-5311 curtislumber.com/project-centers/kitchen nicole.johnson@curtislumber.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Open Cell Spray Foam- a high performance insulation in all walls. Cellulose insulation in ceiling. (Made from recycled paper content, cellulose insulation is carbon Negative material) • Water saving plumbing fixtures throughout • Low VOC materials throughout • High Efficiency HVAC system designed by a HVAC professional per home • National Green Building Certified homes certified by a third party. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 41

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6 The Leland offers 1,424 square feet of thoughtfully designed, single-level living with two bedrooms, two full baths and a private study. The open-concept kitchen, dining area and spacious living room create an inviting setting for everyday living and entertaining, with direct access to a covered patio for comfortable outdoor enjoyment. The private primary suite features a generous bedroom, dual closets and a wellappointed bath with a seated shower. A second bedroom FLOOR PLAN and full bath provide welcoming accommodations for family or guests. Additional highlights include a covered front porch, private entrance, pantry, dedicated laundry and utility areas, a modern 55" fireplace and an attached one-car garage. The Leland combines comfort, convenience and refined low-maintenance living in one beautifully planned home. ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES

• Sealed ductwork designed to minimize air leakage

• Energy-efficient stainless-steel kitchen appliances • Water-saving plumbing fixtures designed for everyday efficiency

AMEDORE HOMES INC.

1900 Western Avenue, Albany • amedorehomes.com 518-456-1010 • info@amedorehomes.com No matter where we come from, some values are universal. Family is one of them—the relationships that connect us, shape us and endure for generations. Home is another. It is where life unfolds, milestones are celebrated and everyday moments become treasured memories.

The Amedore Family

From family portraits displayed with pride to the pencil marks that record a child’s growth, a home tells the story of the people who live there. It is the heart of family life and the place where traditions begin, memories are made and legacies are passed from one generation to the next.

At Amedore Homes, we build homes for those moments. For more than five decades, we have created homes of lasting quality, comfort and value. Our story began when George Amedore Sr. started his career as a carpenter, mastering his craft while embracing the principles of integrity, dedication and honest hard work. Building methods and technologies continue to evolve, but our values remain unchanged. Those values became the foundation of a family-owned company that now spans three generations. Today, we continue to pursue innovative ideas, thoughtful designs and better ways to serve our homeowners—without compromising the craftsmanship and integrity that have always set us apart. Generation after generation, the Amedore family remains committed to building exceptional homes and lasting relationships. When you choose Amedore Homes, you are choosing a builder—and a family—you can trust.

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Reserve at Winding Brook Condominiums 2 Reeds Hollow, Saratoga Springs 1,424 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY Amedore Homes, Inc.

• High-efficiency electric heat-pump heating and central air-conditioning systems and Clean, all-electric utilities, including a 50-gallon electric water heater • Low-E windows and sliding patio doors that help reduce heat transfer

The Leland Condominium

REALTOR Anthony Amedore, Lic. RE Salesperson Amedore Homes Inc. 1900 Western Avenue, Albany C: 518-312-2183 • amedorehomes.com aamedore@amedorehomes.com LANDSCAPER Justin Staucet, Staucet's Landscaping & Nursery 617 State Route 146, Altamont 518-902-0844 • staucetslandscaping.com staucetslandscaping@gmail.com INTERIOR DESIGN Lauren Klender, Amedore Homes Inc. 1900 Western Avenue, Albany 518-456-1010 • amedorehomes.com lklender@amedorehomes.com KITCHEN DESIGN Jacquelyn Norris, Builders Kitchens Inc. 1220 Central Avenue, Albany 518-438-0323 • builderskitchens.com jacquelyn.norris@builderskitchens.com UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Low Maintenance Living • Single Level Living • Private Primary Suite • Covered Patio Retreat • Open Concept Gathering Area

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7 Nestled within the natural beauty of Phyllian’s Bluff, the California Cottage is thoughtfully designed for effortless luxury and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by forever protected woodlands and open space, this home offers a peaceful retreat where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. The private first-floor primary suite occupies its own wing overlooking the preserved landscape and features dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bath with an expansive walk-in shower. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen is complemented by a spacious walkthrough scullery, providing exceptional prep space and storage. The kitchen flows into the dining and family rooms, where a striking natural stone gas fireplace, beamed ceiling, and custom architectural details create a warm and inviting gathering space. Sliding French doors open to a screened porch featuring a builtin outdoor kitchen and grill, extending the living space for effortless entertaining. The walkout lower level offers two private ensuite bedrooms, a spacious recreation area with a custom bar, wine room, game space, fitness studio, and custom sauna. An oversized two-car garage and thoughtfully designed mudroom with rear yard access provide everyday convenience. The exterior is carefully composed of cedar shakes, natural stone, and clapboard siding, selected to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. A handcrafted copper cupola provides a distinctive architectural focal point, while every detail reflects Witt Construction’s commitment to timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and homes that celebrate their natural setting. LOWER LEVEL

FIRST FLOOR

California Cottage Phyllian's Bluff 6 Phyllian's Bluff, Stillwater 4,891 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY John Witt, Witt Construction, Inc. LANDSCAPER Sands & Cowley, Inc. 120 Grand Street, Altamont 518-861-6717 INTERIOR DESIGN Maxwell Tyler Reagan, Maxwell Tyler Interiors 368 Broadway, Ste 12, Saratoga Springs 518-812-7247 max@maxwelltyler.com maxwelltyler.com INTERIOR & KITCHEN DESIGN John Witt, Witt Construction, Inc. 563 N Broadway, Ste 1, Saratoga Springs 518-587-4113 mrobinson@wittconstruction.com wittconstruction.com UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Private screened porch to backyard

WITT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

563 N Broadway, Suite 1, Saratoga Springs • wittconstruction.com 518-587-4113 • mrobinson@wittconstruction.com

John Witt

Witt Construction, Inc., has built hundreds of award-winning, custom and semi-custom homes in historic Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region. Founded by John in 1987, Witt Construction has earned industry, peer, client and popular acclaim for his striking designs, commitment to energy efficiency, attention to signature details and exceptional client services. The gracious homes have become iconic residences, each one uniquely situated in its natural surroundings.

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• Sweeping arch with reclaimed header between dining room & living room • 1st Floor Primary Suite • Seamless indoor/outdoor living

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8 Custom Home 403 Grange Road, Greenfield Center 3,150 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Tucked away in a beautiful wooded setting, this home perfectly blends clean Scandinavian design with smart, efficient living. The exterior pairs modern stucco with dark, charred Shou Sugi Ban wood siding and a durable metal roof, making a sleek statement against the forest backdrop. Inside, polished concrete floors and minimalist door and window trim give the space a sharp, unfussy feel, while large European sliding doors bring in tons of natural light and woodland views. Best of all, the entire house stays effortlessly warm thanks to geothermal radiant heating built right into the floors, creating a quiet, comfortable, and stylish forest sanctuary. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Polished Concrete Floors • European Sliding Doors • Geothermal Heating and cooling • Stucco & Shou Sugi Ban Siding • In-slab ducted Cooling

.ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Geothermal • Zip R system • Spray Foam Roof • Rock Wool Insulation • Geothermal via Energy Catalyst

HOUSE DESIGN BY AJA Architecture LANDSCAPER Mandy Springs Nursery / Canopy of Saratoga 697 Saratoga Road, Wilton 518-749-3700 canopysaratoga.com INTERIOR DESIGN AJA Architecture 9 Broad Street, Glens Falls 518-792-1651 ajaarchitecture.com KITCHEN DESIGN Dawn Zarillo, Zarrillo's Custom Design Kitchens 1700 Duansburgh Road, Duansburgh 518-355-4446

URVALEK BUILDERS

8 Wiebicke Court, Saratoga Springs • urvalekbuilders.com 518-222-9630 • office@urvalekbuilders.com With a passion for crafting dream homes tailored to our client's unique visions, we bring expertise and a commitment to excellence to every project. Whether you're seeking to construct your dream home from the ground up or breathe new life into your existing space, our dedicated team guides you through every step of the process. From conceptual design to the finishing touches, we pride ourselves on delivering Mike Urvalek & family unparalleled craftsmanship, attention to detail, and personalized service. Let us turn your dreams into reality, creating spaces that reflect your style, enhance your lifestyle, and inspire for years to come.

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9 Cypress Twin Home 1 Wistmans Way showcases the Cypress ranch, Belmonte Builders’ best-selling twin home, offering the ease of single-level living without sacrificing space. With room dimensions comparable to those found in a single-family home, it delivers an open, spacious feel throughout.

Forest Grove 1 Wistmans Way, Saratoga Springs

From its Craftsman-inspired exterior and welcoming covered entry to its sophisticated interior finishes, this twin home makes a memorable impression. Hardwood floors flow through the main living areas, while the open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room create an inviting setting for everyday living and entertaining.

1,970 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

The beautifully appointed kitchen pairs warm taupe cabinetry with a contrasting stained wood island, complemented by Borghini Gold quartz and Champagne Bronze fixtures. The adjoining great room adds warmth and architectural character with a gas fireplace and elegant coffered ceiling.

HOUSE DESIGN BY Belmonte Builders

A private study and screened porch extend the home’s versatility, while the spacious primary suite offers a peaceful retreat with a cathedral ceiling, custom walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath. Thoughtful details—including upgraded closet systems, a custom mudroom bench and a dedicated laundry folding area— complete the design. With the space and livability of a single-family home and the advantages of twin-home living, the Cypress challenges expectations and offers a beautifully designed place to call home. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES

FLOOR PLAN

• Best-selling Cypress twin home with spacious room dimensions comparable to single-family homes • Craftsman-style elevation with windows on three sides • Open-concept ranch design ideal for easy, singlelevel living

• Screened porch extends the living space outdoors • Private study with closet and French doors

• Forest Grove amenities including pool, fitness center, pickleball courts, community center & 7+ miles of trails

BELMONTE BUILDERS

1743 Route 9, Clifton Park • BelmonteBuilders.com 518-371-1000 • sales@belmontebuilders.com

Peter Belmonte

Belmonte Builders has been building high quality custom homes in the Capital Region for almost 50 years. A family-owned business, Belmonte takes pride in working closely with each and every customer to personalize their home to meet their unique needs. Visit any Belmonte model home to see the flow of the floor plan, the quality of the fixtures, the integrity of the construction and the loving attention to detail. These are the building blocks that our success stands on today.

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REALTOR Sharon Byrne, Lic. Associate RE Broker Howard Hanna Forest Grove Sales Center: 2 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs C: 518-527-4914 • sharonbyrne.com sharon@belmontebuilders.com LANDSCAPER Chris Gennoy, CPI Services PO Box 540, Clifton Park 518-383-6385 • cpilandscaping.com cdcpi@nycap.rr.com INTERIOR DESIGN Denise Rappazzo, Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design 51 Ash Street, Saratoga Springs 518-306-5283 • plumandcrimson.com info@plumandcrimson.com KITCHEN DESIGN Michelle Bucciero, Builders Kitchen Inc. 220 Central Avenue, Albany 518-438-0323 • builderskitchens.com michelle.bucciero@builderskitchens.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Energy Star Rated Home • Whole house Aprilaire humidifier • Thermatru© Insulated Entry Doors with adjustable threshold • Insulated, Low-E Argon gas filled windows with grills between the glass • High efficiency gas furnace FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 53

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10 The Mayfield Welcome to 21 Angeles Avenue, where thoughtful design and elevated finishes transform single-level living. One of Belmonte Builders’ newest ranch floor plans, the Mayfield offers 2,380 square feet of spacious, single-level living. At this Showcase home, an additional 1,160 square feet of beautifully finished lower-level space adds even more room to relax and entertain, with a game room, additional bedroom, and full bath. Designed with privacy and everyday living in mind, the main level features two spacious guest bedrooms and a shared bath in a private wing off the foyer. At the rear of the home, a secluded study with French doors and backyard views is tucked between the great room and luxurious primary suite. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen, dining area, and great room flow together in an expansive open-concept design. A coffered ceiling and striking 42-inch fireplace with charcoal RealStone surround add architectural character, while the chef-inspired kitchen features custom cabinetry, a contrasting maple island, floating shelves, and premium appliances. An oversized screened porch with cedar ceiling and wood-burning fireplace opens to a spacious paver patio with an outdoor kitchen, creating a seamless setting for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The primary suite provides a peaceful retreat with a cathedral ceiling, generous walk-in closet, and spa-inspired bath. Direct access from the primary suite to the laundry room is one of several thoughtful details that make the Mayfield as functional as it is beautiful. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES

• Screened porch with eye-catching cedar ceiling & wood-burning fireplace

FLOOR PLAN

• Outdoor entertaining with large paver patio & outdoor kitchen • Chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops & premium appliances • Custom pantry with wine refrigerator

• Primary suite with direct laundry-room access • Private study with peaceful backyard views

• Forest Grove amenities including community center, outdoor pool & pavilion, fitness center, pickleball courts, trails & more

BELMONTE BUILDERS

1743 Route 9, Clifton Park • BelmonteBuilders.com 518-371-1000 • sales@belmontebuilders.com

Peter Belmonte

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Forest Grove 21 Angeles Avenue, Saratoga Springs

The Mayfield Ranch: 2,380 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms Lower-Level Addition: 1,160 Square Feet 1 Bedroom • 1 Bathroom HOUSE DESIGN BY Belmonte Builders REALTOR Sharon Byrne, Lic. Associate RE Broker Howard Hanna Forest Grove Sales Center: 2 Daintree Drive, Saratoga Springs C: 518-527-4914 • sharonbyrne.com sharon@belmontebuilders.com LANDSCAPER Chris Gennoy, CPI Services PO Box 540, Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-383-6385 • cpilandscaping.com cdcpi@nycap.rr.com INTERIOR DESIGN Kaitlynn Johnson, Old Brick Furniture 17 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park 518-394-6500 • oldbrickfurniture.com kjohnson@oldbrickfurniture.com KITCHEN DESIGN Heather Lust, Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-5311 • curtislumber.com heather.lust@curtislumber.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Energy Star Rated Home • Whole house Aprilaire humidifier • Thermatru© Insulated Entry Doors with adjustable threshold • Insulated, Low-E Argon gas filled windows with grills between the glass • High efficiency gas furnace and hot water heater FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 55

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11 Custom Home Grande Highland Estates 13 Cannon Royal Drive, Saratoga Springs

This residence is a thoughtfully designed luxury ranch that combines timeless architecture with modern amenities. The open-concept floor plan is centered around an expansive great room and gourmet kitchen, while private living spaces are carefully separated for comfort. Extensive garage space, sophisticated entertaining areas, and premium custom details make the home equally suited for elegant gatherings, everyday family living, and showcasing a collector’s automobile collection. The result is a distinctive estate home that balances warmth, functionality, and luxury on every level. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Warm board radiant heat throughout the home • 1,500 sq-ft. Gallery Garage: More than just parking, this climateready show garage is designed to showcase an automobile collection. It’s a rare feature that transforms the garage into a destination rather than simply a storage space.

• Carchitecture modern trendy blend of car and architecture design movement where a luxury home is built to showcase a car inside the living space. • 12' ceilings through out the home • 18‘ x 10‘ accordion style patio door • Engineered timber, strand wood use through the complete home including all framing, and the two garages

BT LAND DEVELOPMENT

1224 Duansberg Road, Rotterdam • btlanddevelopment.com 518-858-1983 • btland28@aol.com For over 24 years, BT Land Development has been a trusted leader in commercial and residential land development throughout New York. Our reputation has been built on integrity, vision, and a commitment to transforming raw land into home communities and successful commercial destinations. Michael Giorgio

From site selection and due diligence to planning, entitlements, infrastructure, and construction, we manage every phase of the development process with precision and expertise. We specialize in identifying high-potential properties and creating value through thoughtful planning, strategic partnerships, and quality execution. BT Land Development has successfully developed projects for nationally recognized brands while also helping create residential neighborhoods that enhance the communities we serve. Our experience, strong municipal relationships, and deep understanding of the development process allow us to navigate complex projects efficiently from concept to completion.

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4,705 Square Feet 2 Bedrooms 3 + 1/2 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY KPB Architecture & Michael Giorgio REALTOR Sarah Trojanski, Lic. RE Salesperson Sterling Real Estate Group 1487 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa C: 518-616-8428 • sterling518.com sarah@trojanskibuilders.com LANDSCAPER Jake Olsen, Olsen Services 2356 Giffords Church Road, Schenectady 518-881-8012 • Giorgiodevelopment.com Olsenservices17@gmail.com INTERIOR DESIGN Maxwell Tyler Reagan, Maxwell Tyler Interiors 368 Broadway, Suite 12, Saratoga Springs 518-812-7247 • maxwelltyler.com max@maxwelltyler.com KITCHEN DESIGN Executive Group 5 Schuler Street, Amsterdam 917-522-9706 • executivegroupinc.com lanceorcutt@executivegroupinc.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Close and open cell spray foam throughout the house and garages • R 50 ceiling rating • R 24 walls • Control 4 smart technology system • Blower Door Test one of the highest rating in the area 1.1 • Marvin single casement - energy efficient doors FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 59

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Experience exceptional luxury in this one-of-a-kind custom estate by Trojanski Builders, thoughtfully designed with timeless architecture, elevated finishes, and resort-style amenities. The main residence showcases meticulous craftsmanship throughout, featuring soaring ceilings, expansive living spaces, designer lighting, custom millwork by Justin Steinberger, a chef’s kitchen with premium finishes, a stunning Bostonpub-inspired bar, and spa-inspired bathrooms that each tell a unique design story inspired by destinations from around the world. Every detail has been carefully curated to create a home that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Stepping outside feels like arriving at a private luxury resort. The professionally designed outdoor living space centers around a spectacular in-ground swimming pool and an integrated hot tub featuring therapeutic red-light technology, creating the perfect place to relax day or night. Completing the backyard oasis is an impressive 1,600-square-foot pool house, designed for year-round entertaining. It features a full kitchen, custom bar, spacious gathering area, and a full bathroom, making it ideal for hosting family and friends or enjoying quiet weekends at home. Beautiful landscaping, multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living make this estate truly unforgettable. Every inch of this property was designed with luxury, comfort, and entertaining in mind, offering a lifestyle rarely found in the Capital Region. This is more than a home — it’s a private retreat where every day feels like a vacation. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES

• Soaring 15-foot first-floor ceilings with coffered, beam, wood, and hand-painted curved foyer ceilings. • Designer Chef’s Kitchen – A stunning 14-foot marble island, custom marble range hood, and 12-foot custom inset cabinetry. • Exceptional Craftsmanship – Luxury finishes throughout, highlighted by five custom fireplaces featuring marble, stone, and brick.

• Luxury Lifestyle Amenities – A private home theater and fully equipped fitness center. • Travel-Inspired Interior Design – Each bathroom is uniquely inspired by one of the homeowners’ favorite travel destinations, creating distinctive spaces with their own story and personality. CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETRY DESIGN Kennedy and Justin Steinberger

TROJANSKI BUILDERS

627 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs • trojanskibuilders.com 518-350-6644 • dave@trojanskibuilders.com

Dave Trojanski

Trojanski Builders is a premier custom home builder based in New York’s Capital Region, specializing in luxury homes and thoughtfully designed communities. Known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and meticulous attention to detail, we create homes that reflect each client’s unique lifestyle while delivering lasting quality.

From custom estates to carefully planned neighborhoods, every Trojanski Builders home is built with superior materials, timeless architecture, and a commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves on providing a personalized building experience, guiding homeowners through every step of the process with transparency, integrity, and unmatched customer service. With a reputation for creating distinctive homes that blend beauty, function, and enduring value, Trojanski Builders is dedicated to building more than houses—we build homes where families create lasting memories for generations.

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Custom Home

Grande Highland Estates 36 Cannon Royal Drive, Saratoga Springs 9,614 Square Feet 4 Bedrooms 5 Full + 2 Half Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY James Fahy Design REALTOR Sarah Trojanski, Lic. RE Salesperson Sterling Real Estate Group 1487 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa C: 518-616-8428 • sterling518.com sarah@trojanskibuilders.com LANDSCAPER Charles Sableski, CCS Design 6 Leeward Lane, Saratoga Springs 518-859-2305 • dave@trojanskibuilders.com INTERIOR DESIGN Maxwell Tyler Reagan, Maxwell Tyler Interiors 368 Broadway, Suite 12, Saratoga Springs 518-812-7247 • maxwelltyler.com max@maxwelltyler.com INTERIOR & KITCHEN DESIGN Kennedy Taylor, Studio K 18 Division St, Ste 103, Saratoga Springs 518-932-3902 • studiokinteriordesign.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • Control4 Smart Home Automation with LED lighting throughout and dual HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems for energyefficient lighting, advanced indoor air quality, and whole-home smart control. • 20-SEER, 4-Zone High-Efficiency Heat Pump System providing customized climate control and exceptional energy savings throughout the home. • High-Efficiency Radiant Floor Heating throughout the lower level, first floor, and garage for superior comfort and efficient, even heat distribution. • High-Efficiency Boiler supplying both domestic hot water and the radiant heating system for maximum performance and reliability. • Full Spray Foam Insulation Envelope creating a tightly sealed, energy-efficient home with enhanced comfort, sound reduction, and lower utility costs. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 61

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

13 The Carter This beautifully designed 2,100 SF ranch offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a dedicated home office, and an open-concept floor plan perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The stunning kitchen showcases custom 1951 series Cherry Clove soft-close cabinetry, MSI Solitaj quartz countertops, GE stainless steel appliances including a gas range and stainless chimney hood, oversized center island, and a custom California Closet walk-in pantry. The spacious great room is anchored by a Heat & Glo gas fireplace with a custom wood trim mantel and natural stone surround, creating a warm focal point for gathering. Throughout the home you'll find Provenza Affinity series engineered hardwood flooring, solid core interior doors, designer lighting, Delta plumbing fixtures in Champagne Bronze, and thoughtfully selected finishes that blend timeless style with modern functionality. Retreat to the luxurious primary suite featuring an ensuite bath with a dual sink vanity, custom tiled walk-in shower with a bench and niche completed with a glass shower enclosure. A beautifully appointed guest bath, custom California Closet mudroom bench with cubbies and coat hooks, thoughtfully designed laundry room, and dedicated office provide exceptional everyday convenience. The exterior is equally impressive with Owens Corning Onyx Black architectural shingles, Norandex Cedar Knolls “Firebrick” red siding, stamped concrete front porch, walkway and rear patio, Therma-Tru entry door with sidelites and transom, and two-car attached garage. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES • Gas fireplace with a custom wood trim mantel and natural stone surround

FLOOR PLAN

• Custom mudroom bench from California Closet Company • Crown trim in the main living area and foyer • Ceramic tiled primary shower with full length niche and quartz bench • Covered rear porch with cable rail enclosure overlooking the backyard

KODIAK CONSTRUCTION, INC.

740 Route 9, Wilton • KodiakOfSaratoga.com 518-587-4847 • info@kodiakofsaratoga.com

Jesse Boucher & Justin Sitler

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Founded locally by Saratoga Springs natives Jesse Boucher and Justin Sitler, Kodiak Construction is celebrating 22 years as a new home builder in 2026. We are a full-service residential custom builder, serving clients throughout the Northern Capital District, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Lake George, providing new construction services that reflect our passion for detail. At Kodiak, we partner with you every step of the way to create your perfect home.

Burnham Hollow 5 Kerr Drive, Wilton 2,100 Square Feet 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms HOUSE DESIGN BY Kodiak Construction and A Solid Build REALTOR William J. Chase, Lic. Associate RE Broker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Blake REALTORS 376 Broadway, Saratoga Springs C: 518-584-0060 • wchase@bhhsblake.com bhhsblakerealtors.com LANDSCAPER Jesse Marco, Brookside Nursery 824 State Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-885-6500 • brooksidenursery.com jmarco@brooksidenursery.com INTERIOR DESIGN Kaitlynn Johnson, Old Brick Furniture 17 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park 518-394-6500 • oldbrick.com kjohnson@oldbrickfurniture.com KITCHEN DESIGN Heather Lust, Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa 518-490-1397 • curtislumber.com heather.lust@curtislumber.com NEW HOME SELECTIONS Denise Rappazzo Plum and Crimson Fine Interior Design 518-306-5283 • plumandcrimson.com denise@plumandcrimson.com ENERGY EFFICIENCIES, GREEN OR SMART TECHNOLOGIES • 95% efficient forced air heating and 14 SEER central AC with flow through humidifier • LED lighting throughout • Energy efficient VWD windows and sliding door • Air sealed exterior penetrations • Blower door tested at completion of construction FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 63

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FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 65

2026 Showcase of Homes

Subcontractors & Suppliers 1

KOHLER HOMES Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany Adirondack Concrete Technologies 1 Second Street, Gansevoort Appolo Heating 868 Burdeck Street, Schenectady

Ballston Lake Gutters 457 Devils Lane, Ballston Spa

Marcella's Appliance Center 560 Broadway, Schenectady

Capital Plumbing & Heating 1580 Columbia Turnpike, Building One, Suite 1A, Castleton

Northeast Stairs Corp. 1029 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake

Capitol District Supply 252 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs Clifton Park Glass and Mirror 2035 Route 9, Round Lake

B.D.B. Paving & General Contracting 831 NY-67, Building 39a, Ballston Spa

Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Tpke, Rensselaer

TALARICO CONSTRUCTION

Kitchen, Pantry & Bathroom Countertops / Cabinetry Kitchen Express — Latham

Appliance Supplier Earl B. Feiden Appliance — Latham Garage Door O’Leary Overhead Door Garage Epoxy Flooring Garage Tech Interior Design Firm Studio K Kitchen Cabinets & Hardwood Flooring ProSource — Albany

3 BARBERA HOMES /

Landscaping R&M Landscaping Paint Supplier Colorize — Clifton Park Benjamin Moore Paint Self-Performed Construction & Finish Work Talarico Construction — In-House Craftsmen

PARK WEST LLC

Excavation Quinn Hauling and Excavation, LLC

Appliances Marcella's Appliance Center

Exterior Materials Erie Materials

Architect C2 Design Group

Faucets and Shower Trim TwinD Associates

Bath and Closet Accessories Turnpike Glass & Closets, Inc

Fireplace Best Fire Hearth & Patio

Ceramic Tile Installation Absolute Tile Company

Framing Material Bellevue Builders Supply

Ceramic Tile Material Best Tile Albany

Interior Design Group Blairhouse Interiors Group

Custom Cabinetry & Countertops Urban Furniture Company

Interior Rail & Stair Northeast Stair Company

Drywall & Installation Builders Installed Products

Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry Builders Kitchens Inc.

Energy Star Rater The Pakatar Group

Landscaping Skyview Landscapes, Inc

Engineers Lansing Engineering PC 66 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

PMI Interiors 10 Starbuck Drive, Suite 102, Troy ProSource 110 Railroad Avenue, Albany Thermally Yours 149 Plant Road, Halfmoon

Siding, Decking & Building Materials Lowe’s — Halfmoon Stairs & Railings A.W. Hamel Stairs Tile Supplier Best Tile — Schenectady Window Supplier Pella

Light Fixtures Wolberg Lighting Design & Electrical Supply Luxury Vinyl Planks and Carpeting TPL Flooring Overhead Garage Doors Lill Overhead Doors, Inc Painting Alpha Painting Plumbing Supplier Central Plumbing & Heating Supply Solid Surface Countertops Empire State Stone Surveyors Gilbert Vanguilder & Associates Technology /AV System Tech Solutions Windows & Patio Door Andersen Windows and Doors

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SPA CITY BUILDERS LLC 84 Lumber 2403 US-9, Ballston Spa Advanced Spray Foam 464 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs Allerdice Building Supply 41 Walworth Street, Saratoga Springs Ballston Carpet & Tile 2130 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa BKS Construction 71 Old Schuylerville Road, Saratoga Springs

HOMES BY MALTA DEVELOPMENT ABC Supply Co. 12 Setina Drive, Albany Appolo Heating 868 Burdeck Street, Schnectady ASF Insulation 464 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs BDB. Paving & General Contracting 831 NY-67, Building 39a, Ballston Spa Best Tile 4295 NY-50, Saratoga Springs Capital District Supply 252 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Cement Works 194 Bogdon Road, Broadalbin Duell Plumbing & Heating 46 Maple Avenue, Unit 1, Schenectady Distinctive Surfaces 155 Ushers Road, Round Lake Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany Granite Excavating 740 US-9, Wilton

Highland Heating & Cooling P.O. Box 2317, Wilton Irish Drywall P.O. Box 3, Middle Grove MG Electric 149 S Line Road, Middle Grove

Hamel Stairs 3111 Amsterdam Road, Schenectady

Overhead Door Company 15 Corporate Drive, Clifton Park

Capital Stone 4295 NY-50, Saratoga Springs

The Lawn Guy 9 Smith Bridge Road, Saraotga Springs

Clifton Park Glass and Mirrors 2035 Route 9, Round Lake

Marcella's Appliance Center 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park

Core Building Materials 117 Karner Road, Albany

Overhead Door Company of Glens Falls 72 Co Rd 53, Greenwich

Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Saratoga Quality Hardware 110 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Curtis Lumber Kitchens 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

She Lighting 1726 USD-9, Clifton Park

David Louis Flooring 646 Plank Road, #103, Clifton Park

Sheft Electric PO Box 1063, Saratoga Springs

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Subcontractors & Suppliers... 6

AMEDORE HOMES, INC.

Clifton Park Glass 2035 US-9, Round Lake

Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany

Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Ext, Rensselaer

Schenectady Floor Covering 1910 Mason Road, Schenectady

Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Staucet’s Landscaping & Nursery 617 NY-146, Altamont

Empire State Stone 2053 Central Avenue, Colonie

Wolberg Electrical Supply 35 Industrial Park Road, Albany

WITT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Dyer Drywall, LLC

Ross Concrete - Mechanicville

Adirondack Audio & Video adkav.com

DyerWorks Construction, LLC Saratoga Springs

S&S Premier Painting sspremierpainting.com

ADK Precision Cut Stone adirondackgranite.com

Earl B Feiden Appliance earlbfeiden.com

Saratoga Fireplace saratogafireplace.com

Allerdice Glass & Mirror allerdice.com

Elevation Builders

Saratoga Flooring

ET O'Connor

SBC Cedar sbccedar.com

Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Albany Builders Kitchens Inc. 1220 Central Avenue, Albany Central Plumbing & Heating 143 Freemans Bridge Road, Schenectady

Alton Enterprises, Inc Architectural Depot architecturaldepot.com BCS Construction Ballston Spa BDB Paving bdbpaving.com Best Tile besttile.com Capitol District Supply capitoldistrictsupply.com The Closet Shop closetshopny.com Classic Wall Finishes classic-wall-finishes.com

Highland Heating & Cooling highlandhomeheatingcooling.com JMK Industries - Malta Kelly Construction Kornerstone Roofing kornerstoneroofing.com Lance Plumbing lanceplumbing.com M-Brothers Remodeling, LLC Mastroianni Stone, LLC Maxwell Tyler Interiors maxwelltyler.com

County Waste county-waste.com

Pallette Stone Corp. dacollinscompanies.com

Crawford Door & Window pellabranch.com/upstate-new-vork

PFB Electric

Curtis Lumber curtislumber.com/store/ballston-spa

Pinecrest, Inc. Precision Concrete Pumping, Inc. precisionconcretepump.com

Dura Supreme Cabinetry durasupreme.com

Floormaster Carpet One floormastercarpetone.com

URVALEK BUILDERS 84 Lumber 2403 US-9, Ballston Spa All Phase Complete Fire and Chimney

RJ Powers & Sons, LLC Saratoga Springs

Stone Industries stoneindustries.com Storied Boards storiedboards.com Thermally Yours Timberbuild, Inc. timberbuild.com Valley Engineering, LLC Guilderland Van Dusen & Steves Land Surveyors vandusenandsteves.com Vintage View Wine Racks vintageview.com VP Innovations innovationsbyvp.com Winchip Overhead Door winchipoverheaddoor.com Wolberg Electrical Supply wolberg.com

Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 New Loudon Road, Latham

Northern Hardwoods 2302 State Highway 9N, Lake George

Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany

Original Concrete Design

Best Tile 2241 Central Avenue, Albany

European Stucco and Stone

Capital District Stairs 135 N Central Avenue, Mechanicville

Gimondo Epoxy and Concrete 428 Suits Road, Duanesburg

Capital Plumbing and Heating 1580 Columbia Tpke, Castleton-On-Hudson

Hanks Flooring 28 Elm Street, Glens Falls

Capitol District Supply 252 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs

Mandy Springs Nursery / Canopy 697 Saratoga Road, Wilton

68 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

Sherwin-Williams Co. sherwin-williams.com

Fiacco Brother Flooring

Round Lake Forge 4615 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa S&S Premier Painting sspremierpainting.com Winchip Overhead Doors P.O. Box 378 Glens Falls Zarrillo's Custom Design Kitchens 1700 Duanesburg Road, Duanesburg

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

9 BELMONTE BUILDERS -

1 Wistmans Way, Saratoga Springs ABC Supply Co. 95 Van Guysling Avenue, Schenectady

Adirondack Precision Cut Stone 536 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury Albany Mechanical Services 15 Albany Avenue, Green Island A.W. Hamel Stairs 3111 Amsterdam Road, Scotia Barbera Concrete PO Box 475, Guilderland

Best Fire 1760 Central Avenue, Colonie

Bonded Concrete 248 Watervliet Shaker Road, Watervliet Brower Electric 41 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs Builders Kitchens Inc. 1220 Central Avenue, Albany

Capital Plumbing and Heating 1580 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton-On-Hudson CPI Services PO Box 540, Clifton Park

Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Ext, Rensselaer Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

Funiciello Tile 2503 Balltown Road, Niskayuna Floor Source 1466 Route 9, Clifton Park

Harrison Drywall 262 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa

Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer Marcella's Appliances 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park

Morin Construction 2 Greenfield Manor, Porter Corners

PJ Baker Electric 242 S. Central Avenue, Mechanicville Plum & Crimson Fine Interiors 51 Ash Street, Saratoga Springs

Sheft Construction 420 Bockes Road, Porter Corners Stone Industries 4305 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Town & Country Painting 8 Marcel Road, Clifton Park

Towne TV 3125 Carman Road, Schenectady

Ultimate Roofing 207 E. Campbell Road, Schenectady VP Supply 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Subcontractors & Suppliers... 10 BELMONTE BUILDERS -

Brower Electric 41 Joseph Street, Saratoga Springs Capital Plumbing and Heating 1580 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton-On-Hudson CPI Services PO Box 540, Clifton Park Crawford Door & Window 529 Third Avenue Ext, Rensselaer Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa Funiciello Tile 2503 Balltown Road, Niskayuna Floor Source 1466 Route 9, Clifton Park Harrison Drywall 262 W. Milton Road, Ballston Spa Lill Overhead Doors 142 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer

Marcella's Appliances 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park Morin Construction 2 Greenfield Manor, Porter Corners Old Brick Furniture 33 Warehouse Row #37, Albany Perfect Painting 9 Natalie Court, Schenectady PJ Baker Electric 242 S. Central Avenue, Mechanicville Stone Industries 4305 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Towne TV 3125 Carman Road, Schenectady Ultimate Roofing 207 E. Campbell Road, Schenectady VP Supply 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake

11 BT LAND DEVELOPMENT

Excavating D/N Excavating Finish Carpentry Kyle Strube Garage Floors Northeast Paint Works Alex Sommer Glass Clifton Park Glass HVAC North Country Heating and Cooling Interior Design Maxwell Tyler Interiors Landscape Designer Olsen Services, Jake Olsen

Painters Michael W Jessup Painting Strube Works Plumbing Pat Cherko & Associates DiGesare Group Radiant Heating Technician Tom Sheppard Roofer Ultimate Roofing Custom Kitchen Cabinetry The Executive Group | Lance Orcutt

12 TROJANSKI BUILDERS

Framers KGD Holding | Matala Builders Garage Doors Lil Overhead Doors Generator Guerin Generator Services Glass Doors Solid Surface Craftsman Gutters Lifetime Seamless Gutters HollowCore Planks Boccella Precast HVAC Albany Mechanical Services Insulation Thermally Yours Interior Designers Studio K Max Tyler Interiors Landscape Designer Charles Sibelski Landscaper Sunshine Landscaping Light Fixtures Wolberg Electrical Lumber and Windows Curtis Lumber Masons Adirondack Concrete Technologies Barbera Concrete | Creative Stone Patrick Tirado Concrete Outdoor Pool House Cabinets \Werever Products Painting Winslow Painting | Perfect Paint Paver BDB Paving Plumber Capital Plumbing Plumbing Fixtures FW. Webb | VP Supply Pool and Hot Tub Concord Pools & Spas Pool House Cabinets & 2nd Story Vanities Builders Kitchen Inc. Pool House Trimming Coastal Creations

Porta Johns Stone Industries Roofer Ultimate Roofing Security ITZ Security Sheetrock Morin's Construction Shower Paul Perry Kitchens Doors and Mirrors Sider KC Entities Siding ABC Supply Co. Special Lumber Northern Hardwoods Speciality Staining Northeast Wood Coatings Speciality Wall Finishes Donna Mock, Classic Wall Finishes Stair Manufacturer A.W.Hame Stairs Steel JMK Industries Stone Supplier Erie Materials Surveyors Gilbert VanGuilder Thomas A Elliott Tile Best Tile Tile Installer Empire State Tile Trimmer Bill Ippolitii Construction Wallpaper C aleb LaRue Fine Interior Finishes Window Cleaning Clearview Exterior Solutions Wine Chiller WhisperKool Wine Rack Wineracks.com

21 Angeles Avenue, Saratoga Springs ABC Supply Co. 95 Van Guysling Avenue, Schenectady Adirondack Precision Cut Stone 536 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury Albany Mechanical Services 15 Albany Avenue, Green Island A.W. Hamel Stairs 3111 Amsterdam Road, Scotia Barbera Concrete PO Box 475, Guilderland BCH Builders 50 Pepperbush Place, Ballston Spa Best Fire 1760 Central Avenue, Colonie Bonded Concrete 248 Watervliet Shaker Road, Watervliet

Appliances Marcella's Appliances Architect Keith Buff Audio Video Towne TV Countertops Elite Counter Tops Lance Orcutt Custom Kitchen Cabinetry The Executive Group Drywall Roger Morin Electrician Granito Construction

Appliances Marcella's Appliances Architect James Fahy Design Audio Video Towne TV Beams Figliozzi Potter Group Closets Closet Shops Concrete Pumping Nordic Concrete Pumping Concrete Supplier Bond Concrete Construction Dumpsters County Waste Countertops Capital Stone Curtains Curtain & Carpet Concepts Custom Cabinetry & Built-Ins Steinberg Woodworks Dampproofing J-Nine Inc Drywall Drywall Center Electrician Granito Construction Engineer Lansing Engineering Excavating D/N Excavating Exterior & Interior Doors Harbrook Fine Windows and Doors Exterior Railings Round Lake Forge Fence Precision Gate & Fence Fireplace Best Fire Floating Shelves Hudson River Carpentry Flooring Floor Source

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

13 KODIAK CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Custom Decorative Concrete 86 York Road, Corinth

Old Brick Furniture 17 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park

David-Louis Floor Covering Corp. 867 Albany Street, Schenectady

O'Leary Overhead Door 1316 Saratoga Road, Gansevoort

Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 New Loudon Road, Latham

Plum & Crimson Fine Interior Design 51 Ash Street, Saratoga Springs

Erie Materials 99 Railroad Avenue, Albany

Pregent Paving 116 Citation Way, Ballston Spa

Best Fire Hearth & Patio 1760 Central Avenue, Albany

Flores Mello Construction Corp Saratoga Springs

Rainbow Sprinklers 18 Fonda Road, Cohoes

Best Tile Saratoga 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs

Granite Excavating PO Box 657, Saratoga Springs

Randall Perry Photography Schroon Lake

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake REALTORS 3 Winners Circle, Albany NY 12205

Granito Construction Ballston Spa

Snyder's Drywall 1555 Saratoga Road, Fort Edward

Highland Home Heating & Cooling PO Box 2317, Wilton

Thompson Fleming Land Surveyors 12 Lake Avenue, # 1, Saratoga Springs

J-Nine, Inc. PO Box 452, Guilderland

Upstate Dumpsters 3984 Lewis Road, Ballston Spa

J & R Peek Construction Northville

Van's Plumbing Lake George

JRS Cement Works Corp. 194 Bogdon Road, Broadalbin

VP Supply 43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake

Moutaintop Seamless Gutters 200 Hayes Road, Schuylerville

Wards Fine Finish Home Improvements Northville

Northeast Stairs, Corp. 1029 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake

Winslow Painting, LLC

A Solid Build Mechanicville

ABC Supply Co. 12 Selina Drive, Albany Allerdice Glass & Mirror 120 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Brookside Nursery 824 State Route 67, Ballston Spa California Closet Company, Inc. 16 Petra Lane, Albany Capital Stone Saratoga, LLC 4295 Route 50, Saratoga Springs Creative Stone Designs, LLC 218 Gilchrist Road, Argyle Curtis Lumber 885 Route 67, Ballston Spa

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A LOOK BACK 30 Years

OF THE SARATOGA

Showcase OF HOMES WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

A fall family tradition,

the Saratoga Showcase of Homes Tour has become the Academy Awards of construction industry. This historic building competition celebrates ingenuity, engineering marvels, and the community’s generosity – raising $1.8 million since its inception. 74 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

BUILDING A LEGACY

After hearing a fellow National Association of Home Builders 20 Club member from Raleigh, North Carolina talk about their Parade of Homes tour, in 1995, while serving as the Saratoga Builders Association (SBA) President, John Witt proposed a similar event, across multiple sites and days, in Saratoga and appointed Jim McGlagen as the first Saratoga Showcase of Homes chair.

John Witt

1995 Saratoga Showcase of Homes ticket

Thirty years later, this aspirational event has showcased the work of industry professionals in an entertaining way that stimulates the local economy and turns visitors on to possibilities they never imagined. In 2009 the SOH was not held, but returned reinvigorated in 2010 with Barry Potoker as Executive Director of the Saratoga Builders Association and Lisa Licata as cochair of the Showcase. Thanks to Showcase sponsors (many whom have been supporters since the beginning, including Curtis Lumber, Adirondack Trust, Drew Aiello and Saratoga National/ Arrow Bank), all proceeds from the event are donated to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. “We had nothing like it up here and since it was very successful down there, I was sure it would be very successful here too,” said Witt, a Saratoga Springs native and former professional freestyle skier who thrives on the friendly competition. Since launching Witt Construction, Inc. in 1989, it has distinguished itself in the industry, entering a house in the Showcase every year since its inception, and winning every award, in every category, at least once. “We all want to win; it’s just the way we are,” said Witt. “The Showcase of Homes is an opportunity to show off our product and what we can do.”

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A SPECTACULAR SHOWING

Displaying some of the best expertise and ideas in the industry, the Showcase is an example of a commitment to excellence shown by all the builders each year, at all different price points, in single-family and custom luxury homes, townhouses, condominiums, and near-new remodels. “There’s something for everyone,” said Showcase Co-Chair Lisa Licata. Lisa began working with Witt Construction in 2003 and joined the SBA Showcase of Homes a couple of years later. Now, with two decades of experience under her belt, Lisa, a Sterling Real Estate Group Licensed Associate Broker and Branch Manager, said, “Without the volunteer committee members and the support of our sponsors, builders, and all of the volunteers who put so much into this event, the Showcase simply would not be possible.” Planning begins in January for the approximately 3500 visitors and 150+ volunteers that attend annually each fall. Originally launched with eight homes the event has swelled to include as many as 18. The judges tour the homes, followed by a Realtor Tour a few days before the Showcase opens to the public. This year, from 10am – 4pm, on October 3-4, and October 10 -11, the public is invited to visit 13 stops on the tour. Additionally, there is a heartwarming awards ceremony for participants. 76 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

Barry Potoker Photo provided

Lisa Licata Photo provided

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…

Since the beginning, builders have been making the impossible happen, calling in favors and working extra-long hours to finish building, decorating, and landscaping homes in time. This year, the SOH Judges’ Tour is on September 28th. Lisa expects to see what she usually does… “People coming in the front of the houses just as others are leaving out the back. They are there getting the homes ready until the very last minute.” Everything changes so quickly in this industry, it’s fun to see what’s new and trending in the world of paints, wallcoverings, kitchen appliances, flooring, finishes, and more at the Showcase of Homes, an event that itself has changed with time.

During the mid-2000s, the hottest tickets in town were the 200 sold for the SOH Chef’s Night, an exclusive in-home tasting event that continued for several years. In 2020, the SOH was shortened from three weekends to two, without a dip in total attendance. In addition to the homes, each year the Showcase also highlights the work of groups inspiring the next generation of youth pursuing the trades, including WSHWE BOCES and the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition. Barry Potoker, as Executive Director of the Saratoga Builders Association joined Lisa Licata as co-chair of the Showcase, and launched an extensive marketing and promotional campaign. Saratoga TODAY came aboard, publishing the area’s only comprehensive guide to the show in our fall issue of Simply Saratoga magazine, and a historic collaboration was born! SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Behind the Scenes! FALL 2026 COVER SHOOT We could've stayed all week!

The Crew!

LOCATION This year’s Showcase of Homes COVER was shot in the South of France. Only kidding (slightly!) as the Trojanski SOH entry felt like we were all at a luxury resort…in the South of France! This extraordinary 9,600-square-foot home with four bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths, sets the tone for an unparalleled luxury living experience! Beyond the main residence lies a remarkable 1,600 sq. ft. pool house, complete with a full kitchen, bar, bathroom, changing area, storage, and a full basement. The pool house also features its own fireplace and an adjacent wood-fired pizza oven. The property is nothing short of a private resort, with 8,000 sq. ft. of pavers, an in-ground pool, two fire pits, and lush landscaping designed for both relaxation and entertainment. This property is a true statement of elegance, innovation, and comfort—crafted for those who demand the very best in Saratoga living. GUEST STAR The “Face of the Showcase” retired CBS6 News Anchor Liz Bishop HAIR & MAKE UP Anjel Ruth of Crown Salon WARDROBE Lifestyles of Saratoga, Styled by Stacey D’Andrea INTERIOR DESIGN AND SET STYLING Maxwell Tyler Interiors BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHY Alexandria Bushee

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SHOOT ASSISTANT Lydia DeLano SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION Mary Cummings of Blueprint Real Estate

PHOTO ABOVE: Back Row, From Left: Barry Potoker, Alexandria Bushee, Elizabeth Guerin, Mike Krajeski, Stacey D’Andrea, Jared Paratore, Lisa Licata Middle Row, From Left: Lydia Delano, Mykala Ashline, Randall Perry, Chris Bushee, Liz Bishop, Lindsay Butler Front Row: Dave and Sarah Trojanski Not in photo: Maxwell Tyler Reagan

Barry to the rescue!

COVER PHOTO Randall Perry Photography COVER SHOT PRODUCED BY Chris Vallone Bushee Thank You EVERYONE for another great Showcase of Homes cover! - Chris Vallone Bushee, Creative Director / Managing Editor of Saratoga TODAY’s Magazine Division

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Where the magic started... at 8am!

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A Good Read

Photo Credit: Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation

preserving

SARATOGA 122 REGENT STREET: ONE BUILDING, MANY USES WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

From a carriage house for horses and automobiles to classrooms, laboratories, and offices to a church to now condominiums, 122 Regent Street is a perfect example of how buildings can adapt and change over time and stand as a reminder of our community’s history. 82 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

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Historic photos of 122 Regent Street and Stoneleigh, 2 Union Avenue. Photo Credit: George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum

The building at 122 Regent Street was originally associated with Stoneleigh, the grand mansion at 2 Union Avenue that Douglass W. Mabee acquired in 1898. Stoneleigh was built at the southeast corner of Circular and Union Avenue in 1886 by Harry S. Leech, who was from New York and summered in Saratoga to attend the races. The beautiful Queen Anne residence was designed by prominent local architect S. Gifford Slocum and reported to have cost $250,000 at the time it was built, today $8.8 million. Two years after Leech passed away in Paris, Douglass W. Mabee acquired Stoneleigh in 1898. The 50th Souvenir Edition of the Saratogian 1853 – 1903 noted several Saratoga Summer Cottages, including Stoneleigh. It described Mabee as a “Captain of Industry whose vast undertakings and colossal enterprises have revolutionized the world's business in our time. He has for many years been identified with one of the most extensive manufactories of Manila Paper and Paper Bags on either continent.” His “Wide experience and sound conservative judgment have made his services much sought after in banks and trust companies.” On February 14, 1902, the Troy Times reported that Mabee acquired the Oakwood House property at the corner of Regent and White Streets and that in early May he will “begin a number of improvements to the property and he will also erect a large barn.” On May 1, 1902, Mabee saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

posted an ad in The Saratogian seeking bids to remove two dwelling houses located at 122 Regent Street by May 31st. The Saratogian reported on May 22, 1902 that Mabee hired prominent local architect, R. Newton Brezee, to design a stable that was in-keeping with his residence. By that time, S. Gifford Slocum, who built Stoneleigh, was no longer practicing in Saratoga Springs. The same article reported that the contractor was W.S. Robertson and it would cost $17,000, today $660,000, to build the “large and handsome stables.” It “will be of brick to the first full story, above which it will be worked out in stucco and shingles to agree with the Mabee mansion.” The article goes into great detail The front portion is 47 by 42 to be given up to a carriage room, harness room, office, shower, bath, toilet, hot water heater, cleaning room, elevator, and coal bins. This connects with the rear portion 65 by 35 through the center of which runs a cleaning corridor 13 feet wide. There will be four box stalls 10 by 11, six single stalls 5 by 11, and two stalls in the rear 6 by 11. On the second floor over the stall portion will be the hay and straw lofts and grain bins, latter of which will connect directly with the elevator and will accommodate two car loads. In the front part will be a store room and a five-room flat for the coachman. A third story over the front will be low ample room for storage purposes. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 83

Waldorf High School Classroom Photo Credit: Roohan Realty

Original Mabee weathervane placed on the garage of Unit 2. Photo Credit: Kristi B Photography

Living room of Unit 3. Photo Credit: Kristi B Photography

The 50th Souvenir Edition of the Saratogian also described Mabee’s new building - “Upon those ample grounds stands an extensive garage for although Mr. Mabee is a true friend and an ardent admirer of the noble horse, he is strictly up to date, in his pleasure riding as in everything else and the garage contains 3 automobiles of the latest and swiftest patterns one of them is an electric machine one of the very few driven by the kind of power that have been seen in Saratoga.” William H. Smith, who was listed as coachman and later chauffer in directories, and his wife Amelia lived in the apartment at 122 Regent Street from the time it was constructed until shortly after Mabee died in 1929. Mabee left his entire estate to his wife. On July 1, 1930, The Saratogian announced that Skidmore College acquired the Mabee residence, the caretaker’s house, a large garage and a smaller garage, and that the main house was to be used as a dormitory for 30 students. The large garage, “an unusually well-built and commodious brick building, will probably be remodeled into a building for the department of secretarial science which is now 84 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

Kitchen of Unit 4. Photo Credit: Kristi B Photography

housed in very cramped quarters.” In agreement with the expressed wish of Mr. Walter Mabee that some part of the present campus keep the family name of the old estate, it was proposed that the garage building be named “Mabee Hall” while the residence was named South Hall, which sadly burned in December 1937. The August 8, 1930, Times Union reported that work was under way and that the contract calls for completion of work within 40 days. Secretary of Skidmore College, Kathryn Starbuck, wrote “remodeling garages has become a Skidmore habit, and we now have 5 good usable classroom buildings and studios.” Secretarial science was an important major at the time. A young woman in the program would graduate with very competitive skills. She would be able to type 50 words a minute, take shorthand at a rate of 125 words a minute, and possess basic knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting. The building would later house other departments. By 1970 it contained business and psychology classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

In October 1961 Skidmore Trustees voted to build a new campus on North Broadway. Verrazzano College purchased the Skidmore properties, including 122 Regent Street, in 1972. However, the college was short-lived. It opened in the fall of 1974 and declared bankruptcy in June the following year.

and placed in storage. “It was a nice ode to the history. Julie loves doing things like that, similar to when she found an original Grand Union Hotel Chandelier and installed it at the Park Place condo building lobby,” said Sonny. “The project was named ‘The Waldorf’ to honor that part of the building’s history,” added Julie.

In 1975, a new church was established at 122 Regent Street, today the New Covenant Community Church in Greenwich. The building was used for services, bible school, and apartments. On July 14, 1994, Waldorf School acquired the property for $210,000 with 10 families guaranteeing the loan from the Adirondack Trust Company. It later became home to Waldorf High School. In 2023, the Waldorf School announced it would graduate its last high school class.

Monica and David Biggs of Troy, New York, purchased the condo unit with the garage that features the weathervane. “We were blown away by Saratoga Springs – the older homes and vibrant downtown,” said Monica. “We were attracted to the building, the location in a residential neighborhood, and that it felt like a single-family residence without the maintenance” she added. They appreciated the masonry, the red tile roof, and the weathervane. It was a perfect fit for David, an engineer who has taught lectures on adaptive reuse of historic buildings for Cornell University and University of Pennsylvania preservation master’s programs. “I was able to practice what I preach,” laughed David.

In 2024, the property went on the market and within 24 hours, Sonny and Julie Bonacio were under contract. “We loved the amazing architecture, the story of the Mabee carriage house, and the location – close to downtown and the track,” said Sonny. “It was an opportunity to do a unique project with five low-maintenance private units with garages – allowing people to have a lock and leave lifestyle,” added Julie. Tim Mabee, the great grandson of Douglass Mabee, caught wind of the project and called Sonny and offered to return the original weathervane that had been removed

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Three condominiums are available for anyone who is interested in living in a piece of Saratoga Springs’ history. Please contact Julie & Co. Realty for more information. On September 17, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will recognize 122 Regent Street with an Adaptive Reuse Award at its Annual Meeting and Preservation Recognition Awards. SS

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A Good Read

RESTAURANT FEATURE

SPARGEL ON 9

Easily Earns a 10… While Honoring Roots Generations Old

WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN | PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

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“Respecting the dignity of a spectacular food means enjoying it at its best. Europeans celebrate the short season of abundant asparagus as a form of holiday. In the Netherlands, the first cutting coincides with Father’s Day, on which restaurants may feature allasparagus menus and hand out neckties decorated with asparagus spears.” - BARBARA KINGSOLVER

You know how, sometimes, you can

walk into a place and instantly feel at home? That’s how it was for me, Susan and Chris, when we opened the doors and stepped into Spargel on 9, located in Queensbury, NY. Tripp, the friendly gentleman at the front desk, greeted us warmly and led us to our table in the open-air restaurant, which seats 230 people and is staffed by 30 part-time and full-time employees. “Naming the Restaurant was harder than I thought,” Christian Raeth, owner of Spargel on 9, tells us, smiling. “It would’ve been easier to call it something like 'Queensbury Brauhaus' or 'Old Munich '- but those names would have put the restaurant in a box, one that I didn’t want to be in.” Christian explained that he didn’t want to be known as just another German ‘heavy gravy place’ with tons of Beer steins and cuckoo clocks arranged on the wall. “There’s so much more to Spargel,” he continued. “We are truly trying to touch all of Germany’s culinary spectrum.” Spargel means asparagus in German, and people there love the vegetable.

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“It has a short growing season – from mid-April to around Father’s Day,” he shared. “Listen, apples might mark the autumn season, but there’s nothing like the treasured white stalks of asparagus in the spring!” While sipping on their chilled Raspberry Spritz cocktail, (made with Schladerer Raspberry Liquor, Prosecco, club soda, and mint), envisioning a sunny 85 degree day by a pool, and thinking - it doesn’t get any better than this. A tray of glistening amber glasses of foamy beer appeared and the beer was… fabulous! Recognized for the traditional Bavarian styles and world-renowned for its Oktoberfest beers, Paulaner, founded in 1684, brews all beers according to the Bavarian purity laws from, get this – the year 1516! We tried the Müchner Gold, a rich, golden-colored lager with hints of nectarine and raisin. Here at Spargel, they serve six amazing Paulaner beers. (Which means we’ll have to come back and try more!) Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we tried the accompanying appetizer – a Bavarian pretzel stick, with a beer-cheese dip and hot honey drizzle (oh my!!). FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 87

Now onto the appetizers… Cream of yellow Chantrelle mushroom soup – made bowl by bowl. The flavor was a delicate balance of earthiness and nuttiness, sometimes with a slight hint of fruity apricot. “Yellow Chantarelles have to be foraged; they cannot be 'greenhouse' grown and are actually part of the tree's root system,” Christian said. “This week, they came from a specialty vendor from Lithuania. We’ve gotten them from Ukraine as well. Yellow Chantarelles are a next-level mushroom that deserve all the respect we can give. That’s why we make it to order. I believe cooking is like a relationship. You put good things in, and good things will come out of it.” We couldn’t agree more. Next were mussels in Riesling wine broth. The stainless-steel pot came to the table piping hot, steam rolling up and out from under the lid, with the freshest mussels packed with flavor from the wine, root vegetables, and herbs they were cooked in. Each morsel was mild, tender, and full of that ‘sea flavor’ I always look for. Their Backers Mit Apfel Sauce boasted three perfectly crisped potato pancakes with a side of applesauce – every bite reminded me of home - family tradition, and laughter around the tables where I ate dinners like this growing up. German food is hearty and the best in comfort food – I think so, anyway. I could almost hear my great-grandmother saying “Guten Appetit!” and smiling at all of us around her table. Chris, Susan, and I chatted, taking our time with each dish and catching up on grandbabies, new moves, and more travel.

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I’d never tried herring before. When Christian brought his “Hausfrauen Art” to the table, its presentation was so pretty it made our mouths water. “What is this?” we asked in unison, and Christian laughed. “It’s our pickled herring topped with an apple, onion, and sour cream sauce.” We loved the dish – it was mild and slightly salty, and the herring’s texture was soft and tender. The cream sauce was delightfully light and added a unique note to the overall taste. (Can I tell you that every dish was so beautiful, Susan had fun photographing them all?) While we were there eating this fantastic food, we all noticed how the staff helped each other handle the tables, bringing food out if they had a free moment, or clearing tables if they noticed a guest had finished their appetizer, entrée, or dessert, even if it wasn’t in their assigned area. When Susan asked Christian about his staff and how close they seemed, he agreed. “I'm happy to say we’re a very tight-knit group of crazy and professional people. I'm truly fortunate to have such an amazing staff – they step up to any task when needed without being asked. At the end of the day, they’re the ones who make this restaurant the success that it is.”

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We learned he was an apprentice at one time in his career. “My apprenticeship lasted 3 years; it felt more like 10 to me.” He grinned. “From 1984 to 1987, I had the pleasure of working for one of the best restaurants in my hometown. Many things have changed in the industry since then, but I clearly recall taking home a whopping $200 per month in my first year, $250 the second year, and $350 in the 3rd for working 60-hour weeks.” YIKES…Talk about dedication to learning from the best! “And indeed, I learned a ton, but not just about cooking. My whole attitude towards my profession and the will to keep going until the work is finished- those roots were deeply planted over those three years, building the foundation on which I still stand to this day.” Being voted "Best Overall Restaurant" by the Post Star was a huge honor for the team – especially since they are a niche restaurant and haven’t even been open three years yet. “The ideas, procedures, and focus for Spargel are ours, yes, but without the right team, none of this would be possible.” I looked over at Chris and Susan, who were enjoying every word Christian said. “My wife Courtney is my Rock.” He says with a grin. “None of this would be possible if not for her. She keeps so many things off my back and mind, letting me concentrate on the green beans.” We couldn’t help but laugh at that. “She works in the Health Insurance business but usually stops every night to offer support. I believe she got bitten by the restaurant bug and truly enjoys the hustle and bustle of the industry. We met the only place two super busy, devoted professionals can meet – Online.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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The Rabbit Loin ‘Spargel’ was boneless rabbit stuffed with asparagus and wrapped in a ribbon of crispy applewood smoked bacon. Each medallion was pan-seared and served atop potato gnocchi pasta drenched in a creamy gorgonzola sauce, with tender peppers and tasty spring onions. It did taste similar to other white meats, but a little sweeter and with a firmer, leaner texture. I’d never had that before and thought it was wonderful. My favorite dish was the Erlanger Sauerbraten – marinated for one week in a special brine of red wine and vinegar. It’s slow-roasted and topped with a sweet-sour sauce, served with potato dumplings and savory red cabbage my family would be proud to serve. The desserts we tried were Black Forest Cake, a trio of dark, white, and nougat mousse, and their Vienna-style apple strudel, loaded with apples, with a side of vanilla ice cream and warm vanilla sauce. All three desserts were fresh and light, and each bite tasted like heaven. Our last question to Christian was what his favorite dish was. His laugh came from the belly. “That’s the easiest one you’ve asked,” he said. “I’m the one who created the menu – I love everything on it!”  Their events sound wonderful, and we all marked our calendars! They host two "Halfway to October Fest" events with live music and two "October Fests" in September. Check out their website (Spargelon9.com) for more information about the restaurant, its extensive menu and their schedule…see you at Spargel! SS

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A Good Read

ALPINE SPORT SHOP 85TH ANNIVERSARY!

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Mountain FLYERS WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

Alpine Sport Shop Celebrates

85 Years in Business

In 1969

, Saratoga High School ski team sweethearts, Cathy and Jack met while they were on the Alpine Ski Team together. “Jack is the real ‘Mr. Alpine,’” said Cathy, whose parents, Thurlow and Dorothy “Dot” Woodcock, purchased Alpine Sport Shop three years earlier, in 1966, from Edwin Taylor Jr. and his wife Josephine, the founders of the Alpine Meadows Ski Area in Corinth, NY. Ed and Jo started Alpine Sport Shop on Spring Street in 1941. Ed’s white skis (from the time he served in the United States Army 10th Mountain Division during World War II) are now placed near the hand carved signs that Jack made. They simply display ski destinations of trips hosted by the shop. In the 55 years since Jack and Cathy were married, they have skied most of them with their customers and friends. In the early days of the sport, skis were made of wood, but other materials were introduced in the 1940s, like the metal ones placed on the shop’s far wall today. “These silver skis once belonged to Pete.” Meaning Newman “Pete” Wait; president of the Adirondack Trust Company, and the father of the Hays’ Saratoga ski team classmate, Charles Wait. He, like so many others, became one of Alpine Sport Shop’s many generational customers, who have brought their children, and now their grandchildren, to the store for their winter sporting needs.

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SLICES OF A STORIED PAST

Originally located within the downtown Skidmore College campus (when it was only for women and girls), Alpine Sport Shop began primarily selling ladies sportswear and had a small selection of skis available for sale in the basement. When Skidmore College transitioned to their new campus on North Broadway in 1970, however, Alpine Sport Shop followed, relocating to the distinct “chalet style” structure that Thurlow designed and built at 321 Clinton Street, and that has been their home since. Evolving with the times, as 25 other shops (catering exclusively, or in part, to skiers) have come and gone, Alpine Sport Shop has carved out their legacy as a landmark in New York skiing history. At Alpine Sport Shop, boot fitting was elevated to an art form. Staying current in the mid-1970s came in an exciting new form when the gas crisis left drivers without an affordable way to get to the mountains. In response, Alpine Sport Shop installed an indoor ski deck, encouraging skiers to take to the slopes -without ever leaving the store- from 1974 until 1981. Learning to ski while staying warm was a boon for the shop thanks to Thurlow’s introduction of very short, Graduated Length Method (GLM) skis that allowed skiers to start with short, easy-to-turn skis, and “graduate” to full length skis. Hundreds of new skiers learned on these unique skis, shaped and baked in Thurlow’s home oven. These fun trainers started at just 50cm long, then graduated to 65 cm, and then 100 cm (or just larger than 3 feet in length) and eventually appropriate “regular” length skis.

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WANDERING OFF THE TRAIL

In the 1980s and 1990s, advancements in ski helmets and equipment made skiing safer. The wooden skis of the past were traded in for those being designed and built from state-of-the-art synthetic materials. This is also when snowboarding really began to take off, said Jack, which is why he built “Al’s Snowboard Shop,” a small building with a pinball machine at the back of the store, that sold snowboarding gear and became quite the gathering spot. For five years in the mid-1990s, they began selling bicycles in the summer months. There was too much overlap in the cycling and skiing seasons, however, remembers Jack, making it impossible to do both effectively, so, in 1997, they stopped carrying bicycles. The decade brought another enterprising addition to the business, however. In 1994, Alpine Sport Shop invited 85 people to take a trip with them to the stunning alpine destination of Innsbruck, Austria. It was a voyage that would kick off an annual tradition of weeklong adventures, both domestic and abroad. In February 2027, they’ll be embarking on their 50th trip, traveling to Switzerland with 43 people. Tickets sold out in just 10 days.

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THE SNOWBALL EFFECT

In 1995, Terri-Lynn Pellegri, a former Saratoga Springs shop owner who discovered skiing while in her 30s, came to work at the store, and has been integral to its success since - something that has been “one of the biggest surprises of my life,” she said. She’s also helped to facilitate a powerful 20-year advertising relationship with Saratoga TODAY Magazines. Working with the publication has been a comfortable fit for their family-friendly brand, said Cathy. While the Hays raised their two girls, Jessie and Julia, Alpine Sport Shop became like an extension of home, with its neighbors often babysitting the girls when they got off the school bus. Through the years, family members, including Cathy’s sister, and her niece, Dottie Pepper, have worked at the store. Today, Jack and Cathy continue at its helm while grooming Julia to manage operations one day. Theirs is a legacy that Cathy thinks her father would be proud of, “He’d be pleased that we continue to be a driving force in the ski community …and it’s all because of that man I married,” said Cathy while looking at Jack, her smile wide to match his own. In addition to introducing their own family to the sport, Alpine Sport Shop’s equipment leases and donations (to places including the Wilton Wildlife Preserve), have afforded thousands of new and young skiers the opportunity to discover gliding through the snowy mountains. In the last few years, another 32-year tradition -airing the newest Warren Miller Ski Movie- has drawn in a sold-out crowd of 800 people each fall. All event proceeds are donated to local charitable causes. “It’s still a classic. It’s one of those events no one wants to miss,” said Jack.  Alpine Sport Shop, a longstanding member of Saratoga’s business community, has been inducted into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry and will mark their 85th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 10th. For updates, visit @AlpineSportShop on Facebook, Instagram, and attalpinesportshop.com SS

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A Good Read

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Born through the chance discovery that eggshells make eager canvases, Elisa Sheehan’s oneof-a-kind ethereal fine art and site-specific installations embrace the naturally imperfect life. Building on her successful career in graphic design, Massachusetts native Elisa Sheehan moved to Saratoga and formed Lis Design in 2004. Now, in addition to creating large-scale abstract botanical paintings, for nearly a decade Elisa has also been working with eggshells and eggshellshaped pottery.

The Emergence of the Almighty Egg

By hand-painting, sealing, and encasing thousands of chicken, emu, and ostrich eggshells in low-glare, UV resistant, museum-quality glass boxes, each fossilized surface sings with life. These are pieces that invite attentiveness. “I’m just scratching the surface. I feel like I’m just beginning,” said Elisa. “Each one I turn over and look at; I find there is something new to expand upon.”

Through a glistening symphony of color and shape, artist Elisa Sheehan brings forth the beauty that remains once life is broken open.

MEET...

ELISA SHEEHAN WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY MEGAN MUMFORD

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BREAKING THE MOLD

After being inspired by the Eastern philosophy of Kintsugi, Elisa started using 24K gold leaf to highlight and celebrate the eggshells’ scars (rather than trying to conceal them). Working with real shells gave birth to creating eggshell installations with ultra-thin layers of clay through a molding technique called “slip-casting.” Finding the water-based method inconsistent and laborious, last fall, Elisa began making fired porcelain treasures from the studio of her rural, circa 1840, “Easton Pond” home. Elisa lets each shell’s unique lines guide her hand, and the goat hair paintbrushes held within, that her children, now 16 and 14, made with hair from their two goats; Barley and Beanie.

"SEEKING" Photo: Elisa Sheehan

Working with color swatches and fabric samples to create commissioned pieces and residential installations that waft across 30ft expanses, Elisa’s elegant eggshells have also sparked conversations in gallery exhibitions and graced the halls of Saratoga Hospital’s emergency department. This spring, her work was splashed across the pages of Art for Everyone, a vibrant new book by gallery-owner Liz Lidgett that encourages art collectors from all echelons to indulge in the passion. INVITING ACCEPTANCE

Each season brings new life to Elisa’s studio. In the fall, she harvests the magic and beauty of warm, mellow, and richly jeweled tones that hint at the secrets of the egg’s ancient wisdom. In the winters, she immerses herself in the cold, crisp pearly white light (and warms up by jumping on the studio’s trampoline - an exhilarating routine that gets her creativity flowing on frozen winter mornings). With the spring, comes soft, watery hues and the welcome promise of renewal as the earth awakens, heralding new beginnings. Radiant colors emerge amid the summer’s dappled sunlight, bursting forth from her brush as Elise cranks up the high-energy beats.

"KINTSUGI" Photo: Elisa Sheehan

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In every season, Elisa knows some shells inevitably may break, which is why she paints twice as many as she anticipates needing for each piece. “It’s all part of the process. It’s ok to move on. You just have to be flexible and let it go,” she said. For more, follow @elisasheehanart on Instagram and visit elisasheehan.com SS

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A Good Read

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO BY MEGAN MUMFORD

If these walls could talk… Lauren Magina’s illustrations of Saratoga’s buildings, facades, hobbies, and horses create connections to the past and to this place. What started out for Lauren Magina as a form of creative expression has turned into a personalized statement piece in homes across the region. Custom wallpaper bearing Lauren’s illustrations of Saratoga landmarks and local gems tell stories that go beyond the objects themselves. This high-quality traditional wallpaper honors the ideas and memories that these structures embody, as well as the past, present, and future that they represent.

MEET...

LAUREN MAGINA WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY FIVE OCEANS PHOTOGRAPHY

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The brainchild of Interior Designs Atelier’s Diane Meyer, the collaboration began as a project for the powder room of an approachably elegant Circular Street home built by DSG Builder Group and was slated for the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes tour. After the SOH appearance didn’t happen, we were able to show a glimpse of this exquisite home in the Holiday ’25 issue of Simply Saratoga.

Scan to look back at Simply Saratoga Holiday 2025

Images of the navy wallpaper (with its repeating pattern of a dozen, or so, distinctive white images of Saratoga’s iconic places) really helped the product take off, said Lauren. In addition to exhibiting Lauren’s intimate understanding of space and scale in residential applications, this paper, completely customizable and available in a variety of colors, makes for a notable conversation piece on public walls, like those in Broadway’s Bear’s Cup Bakehouse, as well.

Mangina and her daughters at Bear’s Cup Bakehouse

Showcase house!

DESIGNING A SARATOGA STYLE STATEMENT

Lauren started sketching, both digitally and with paper and pen, as a creative outlet. In 2016, after helping to develop advertising with The Coca-Cola Company, Lauren, an Atlanta, GA native, and her husband, moved to Saratoga, where she started LC Magina Designs. Developing logos, branding, and package designs for global corporate brands, which led to her work being published by Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times, among others. Not bad for someone who started sketching, both digitally and with paper and pen, as a creative outlet. During the pandemic, however, Lauren began scaling back her corporate work to focus on raising their two children. After taking photos and drawing the quick doodles onsite that give life to her images, Lauren hones her digital sketching skills and refines the images in her home studio. When working with clients, Lauren encourages them to choose an average of 15 local landmarks from a long list that she’s compiled (but adds they are open to include images of spots special to them). After approving the digital mock-up, clients can purchase samples, and work with Interior Designs Atelier experts for professional installation. SHARING THE SPIRIT

In addition to engaging audiences with wallpaper, Lauren’s illustrations are featured in Saratoga ABC’s, a rhythmic board book published last year born from an alphabet poster she designed for her children’s room. Happy to sketch all day, Lauren also completes commissioned residential architectural and pet portraits in her signature style. The unique spirit of Saratoga is also featured on Lauren’s clothing line. Fashioning matching ‘Toga Kids Club t-shirts bearing the logo, “Jockeys & Juice Boxes,” and ‘Toga Moms Club shirts emblazoned with the tagline “Running Horses & Households,” this is apparel that highlights the strength of moms and the joy of children in this unique region. Get inspired by Saratoga’s special charm by following @lcmagina on Instagram. Shop online at lcmagina.com SS Photos provided

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A Good Read

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Mastering the Magic of Colored Pencils

MEET...

LYNDA NASKE WRITTEN BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LYNDA NASKE

You only need study a few of Lynda Naske’s

compelling colored pencil paintings to realize that the Johnstown still life artist is, at heart, a storyteller. “I like to arrange items of interesting shape or color in a little group that says something I want to say,” Naske muses. “My favorite subjects are odd, interesting or vintage things, arranged playfully with a touch of whimsy.” Naske often includes shadows and reflections in her arrangements, treating each shadow shape as an additional object in the scene. Often, she will manipulate the shadows to enhance what she seeks to say in her still life arrangement. “Sometimes I photograph at night using a flashlight. Then I can easily place the shadows exactly where I want them rather than being limited to where the shadows

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might naturally fall from a lamp or window. Other times I like the light and shadows at a particular time of day, and I’ll wait to photograph my group of objects until the exact time that the window light is creating the effect I want.” The artist’s home is decorated throughout with small antiques and curiosities, placed together in intimate groups on different surfaces. “I find these arrangements pleasing and beautiful. I like walking among them in my daily life and noticing their different moods at different times of day as the light plays across them. I find it endlessly fascinating to watch how the brightness of the sun from one window will bounce on one little group and then travel along dancing into my China closet and on to the next area. I hardly ever change my arrangements because I just love them. I simply never tire of them.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Lynda Naske’s love of all things vintage goes back to childhood, growing up in the 1950s next door to her grandparents’ Broadalbin farm. She and her siblings and cousins never tired of exploring the old farm machinery rusting away in the fields or scouring the different farm buildings for exotic finds. Everywhere Naske looked, a treasure trove of intriguing old objects sparked her imagination. A line of old draft horse harnesses hanging in a barn, a Hoosier cabinet filled with knickknacks and curiosities, an Orphan Annie decoder ring long abandoned in a cellar... an endless supply of things to wonder about. Thinking back, Naske can’t remember a time when she wasn’t interested in art. She didn’t attend art school, but her self-driven art education began early in life. “As a kid, I was always taking art books out of the library. I liked studying the work of old magazine and book illustrators like Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyatt, and Alphonse Mucha. That’s really how I got my art schooling: by studying those masters and copying the art I found in library books.” Many years later, Naske bought herself a box of colored pencils. “At that time, my two girls were active in sports. Since I spent a lot of time trapped in my car waiting for practices or games to end, I started bringing my pencils with me. I’d prop up a drawing board on the steering wheel and copy wildlife photographs I’d collected, just practicing my drawing skills and learning how to use colored pencils.” Naske’s main media are colored pencil and pastel pencil on colored pastel paper. “I like the delicacy of a pencil tip,” she explains. “The feeling of gently working on the paper with a little pencil is very intimate, almost sensuous to me. It’s a really slow process and takes a long time. I don’t just sit down and draw, start to finish. I focus on one section at a time, working intuitively, interacting with the image. Pastel paper is very delicate, so you can’t really erase. You have to proceed with caution.” The artist usually begins working on a painting by noting the scene’s brightest and the darkest areas. “By finding the brightest thing—a highlight or something—and putting a little

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color there, and then doing the same with the darkest area, that kind of sets the parameters for the light. Everything else has to fall in between those light and dark markers.” Because pastel paper is textured and colored pencils are just pencils, the subtle bumps are a part of colored pencil paintings, giving them a uniquely grainy appearance. “The pencils don’t really color over bumps,” Naske explains, “so a delicate textured appearance just goes with the territory of working with colored pencils. Artist-grade colored pencils are either wax or oil-based, so they can blend much more easily than a regular pencil and create many beautiful soft effects.” Naske didn’t grow up in a home stocked with art supplies. Back then, she fondly recalls, art was that magical thing you did at school. Fortunately, however, her home never lacked one precious commodity: pencils! “Once, when I was young, I was at a family friend’s house playing. There was a bunch of kids there, so I said, ‘Let’s draw!’ They managed to find some paper, but they couldn’t find a single pencil—and I was shocked!” she laughs. “What kind of a house has no pencils? How could a family survive without pencils? To me, it was almost obscene, as bad as a house without books.” Over the past 20 years, Lynda Naske’s paintings have won many juried awards. She belongs to five different art associations, exhibits regularly at the Micropolis Cooperative Gallery at 30 N. Main Street, Gloversville, and had her own solo show at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, this past July. Thinking back over her lifelong love of art, Naske is grateful for the art education she acquired at her local library. “It pushes you harder when you have to teach yourself,” she muses. “You have to figure out your own mistakes. For me, those library books were a godsend. If you want to be a good artist, look at good art. Look at the work of good artists and figure out what they did.” Feel free to contact the artist at naskejlynda@hotmail.com with questions or comments. SS FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 103

A Good Read

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

All in Good Time Bradley Chance Hays is a Western vanguard showman frequenting places where people herd. Throwing himself into the fray, he pulls out vibrant gems, transforming each experience into a stroke of color on his original canvases

Professional tie-down calf-roper and classically trained expressionist painter, Bradley Chance Hays’ inked outlines, in oil, pastel, and watercolor, are painted plein air, as he takes in their inspiration. By using unexpected media, a splash of coffee, or by cutting off the ends of Uni-ball gel pens and draining them of their magenta and turquoise hues (a process he initiated while growing up in Bristow, Oklahoma among a uniquely creative family), Chance lassos fate by the horns.

MEET...

As a young’un, Chance’s mom, Melissa Jan Hays, a greeting card artist, elementary and middle school art teacher, committed impulsively experimental acts, like throwing salt onto her canvas, while simultaneously frying up spam and eggs for breakfast. Chance’s dad, a professional rodeo cowboy, taught him how to ride the range on horseback. Chance ate up all his upbringing and exhibits both sides through brilliant LeRoy Neimanlike paintings that capture nomadic man at his leisure.

BRADLEY CHANCE HAYS WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SPA ART (UNLESS NOTED)

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Photo by Megin Potter

Chance’s grandmother, a Cherokee ceramicist and quilter, impressed upon him the value of artistic endeavors by staying up all night to lay out elaborate squares of quilting fabric. Continuing her example, Chance stays true to himself today, and oddly enough, lives the life of honesty and trust that he says he does, experiencing how “less is more, and more is less.” A pinnacle moment in Chance’s artistic life came at age 12 when he was selected to illustrate the book “Dragonfly” by a publishing company specializing in books for children, by children. That boy and his dragon then went to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, graduated from Oklahoma State University, and earned a master’s in fine arts from West Texas A & M University. Chance took to Montana’s oil and cattle country, wrangling 5,000 cow ranch herds while becoming “one of the most well-respected western artists of the times,” according to Cowboys & Indians Magazine, and selling his work to prominent Thoroughbred owners and breeders including Marc Holliday; Chairman of the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) Board of Directors. A MOUNTAIN MAN IN THE MAKING

After art school, Chance took to the road, traveling coast to coast painting live at the nation’s horse capitals, Manhattan jockey clubs, LA hotspots, and luxury resorts including Canada’s Fairmont Tremblant Hotel. Saratoga’s primely-positioned platform for both painting and roping lured Chance into cultivating a small herd of cows, a pack of eight dogs, and nine horses while alternating between his Stony Creek and Owl’s Head camps, simultaneously capturing the vastness of the West and the Adirondack Mountains. “This is horse country. You have all kinds of room to roam, and that changes the game,” he said.

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FROM UNDERDOG TO TOP DOG

As an underdog, Chance traveled the rodeo circuit out west, along the East Coast, from Canada to Florida, emerging from “The Big Show” as a tie-down calf roping national champion. In the 2020s, Bradley was scooped up by brands including Rolex and Wrangler (and featured in Wrangler’s “The Art of a Cowboy” campaign, an artisan showcase spotlighting Western art aesthetics, traditional horsemanship, and the rugged craft of working with horses, cattle, and dogs). Now with Lake George’s Painted Pony Rodeo, Chance’s paintings have evolved into dynamic explosions of color that have been featured in Spa Fine Art Gallery’s rotation of works on display for nearly a decade. Chance also revels in live painting on Broadway, acting as a bridge to the precious, unseen source pushing the public forth to experience his work, and helping to demystify art for the young and old alike, he said. “I believe in people, respect all people, and think they know that” said Chance, who invites his dog, Jengo, to jump up on his chest before giving him a prime spot in the shade. “Dogs and horses do all the talking for us,” he says. Chance lets his watercolors drip some before catching them, experimenting with negative spaces, and allowing the viewer to fill in what he leaves out with their own imagination, transforming them from observers to participants in the piece. “You are who you are when no one is watching” he quotes on one of his original works above his distinctive signature – which travels along an invisible line, like his eyes do, as they trail off into the horizon. “It’s all part of the show,” he explains before moving his logoemblazoned pickup truck for the second time in an hour to get a prime parking space right in front of the gallery. Original commissions are completed in one to six months. To see more of his work, follow @bradleychancehaysofficial on Instagram, and visit Spa Fine Art, 376 Broadway in Saratoga Springs or online at spafineart.com. SS FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 105

A Good Read

Mountain SIMPLY SERIES

N A M E T H AT

Whiteface Mountain Whiteface Mountain from Connery Pond

WRITTEN BY ROBERT C. LAWRENCE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM DESANTIS, ROOST

Part of the "What's With Those Adirondack Mountain Names?" Series

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

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Whiteface Mountain sits in the town of Wilmington and is the fifth tallest of the 46 High Peaks. It is the most wellknown mountain in the Adirondacks. Its rock is mostly anorthosite, a type also found on the moon. The name Whiteface first appeared in Horatio Gates Spafford’s 1813 book, A Gazetteer of the State of New York. Historian Russell Carson, in Peaks and People of the Adirondacks, says Professor Ebeneezer Emmons, a New York State geologist, likely gave the first modern explanation for the name Whiteface. In a New York State

Assembly document from February 1, 1837, Emmons wrote, “Whiteface is a high mountain in the north part of Essex County, which receives its name from the circumstance of a slide having on one side, laid bare the rock, which has a grayish white appearance.” Researchers have also studied Native American names for Whiteface Mountain. The Algonquin name, Wa-ho-par-te-nie, means “it goes upward” or “it is white.” The Mohawk name, Thei-a-no-gu-en, means “white head,” referring to the mountain’s white summit rock.

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The Cloudsplitter Gondola offers a fifteen-minute scenic ride through the Adirondack Mountains, transporting visitors from the base of Whiteface Mountain to the peak of Little Whiteface Mountain. The lift operates from summer through early fall.

Stone Castle at the Whiteface Summit in Winter

Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

One of the best-known features of Whiteface Mountain is the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, a scenic road that brings visitors close to the summit. Open from late spring through fall, the road offers views of the Adirondacks. At the top, you can hike a short, steep trail to the summit or take the Whiteface Castle elevator. There, you’ll find a stone castle built of stone from the summit and panoramic views in every direction. The idea for the highway came from Colorado’s Pike’s Peak Carriage Road. Construction began in 1929, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was governor of New York, and finished in 1935. The first dedication was on September 14, 1935, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the road to the Fallen Soldiers of World War I. In 1985, Governor Mario Cuomo rededicated it as

Whiteface Ski Area opened in 1961 and hosted all six alpine ski events during the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Since then, many have called Whiteface Mountain “The Olympic Mountain.” Today, you can ski the same runs, including the men’s and women’s downhill on the Skyward Trail. Whiteface is one of three ski mountains owned by New York State. The other two are Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks and Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills. Whiteface Mountain is known for its height, striking appearance, and rich history. From its Native American names and unique geology to its role in science, honoring veterans, and Olympic history, Whiteface is a celebrated landmark in the Adirondacks. Author’s Note: Thank you to Adam Desantis, Director of Economic Development at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in Lake Placid, for the photos.

the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway, expanding its purpose to honor all veterans. This made the site both a scenic spot and a place to remember those who served. Whiteface Mountain also served as a real-world laboratory for the State University of New York. Dr. Vincent Schaefer, a chemist and meteorologist at General Electric in Schenectady, helped set up the lab. He held several patents and invented cloud seeding. His team included atmospheric scientist Bernie Vonnegut, meteorologist Ray Falconer, and others. The site became the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center’s Whiteface Mountain Field Station, where people like Ray Falconer gave weather forecasts. Scientists from around the world came to study chemistry, acid rain, red spruce decline, and similar topics.

Winter View from the Top of the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway of Lake Placid. People ski on the highway throughout the winter.

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

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FASHION FA L L 2 0 2 6

PGS. 110-123

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Jessie is wearing: Kari Traa Tirill Thermal Jacket Kari Traa Long Sleeved Top Kari Traa High Waist Pant Pistil McKinley Hat EMU Blurred Teddy Boots

PHOTO BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA STUDIOS

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Cozy Hats

Astis Mittens

Krimson Klover Sweaters

Kuhl Fashions

Obermeyer Ski Jackets

Youth Skiwear

Fall Fashions

Dale of Norway Sweaters

Bos. & Co. Boots

321 CLINTON STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.6290 ALPINESPORTSHOP.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Shoulder Season

Sign Me Up!

Texture Sandwiching 101

Chocolate. Latte. Caramel.

Meet Us on the Corner

Accessory MVP

Fall's Coolest Boot

Channeling Our Inner RL

Vintage Vibes

438 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.450.7350 • CAROLINEANDMAIN.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Our Fave

Autumn in Saratoga Picks

Dark Horses of Saratoga Doodle Collection

Saratoga Laser Engraved Wood Maps

Hen Picked Painted Totes

Saratoga Pines Pocket Crew

Brass Woodland Animal Home Decor

Dark Horse Youth Polos & Caps

Dark Horse Leather Bags & Accessories

Handpainted Polish Horse Pottery

Howdy Horse Kids Lunch Gear

368 & 445 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-587-0666

ImpressionsSaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Don't Stop Be-Leafing

Darker Denim Days

A Little Drama

The Cream of the Crop

Style for Life

The Cardigan Comeback

Not Your Average Loafer

Pulls It All Together

MVP: Cherrywood

436 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.4665 • LIFESTYLESOFSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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490 Broadway | 518-584-3500 The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and it’s the perfect time to update your fall wardrobe. Whether you’re hitting the trails or just walking around town, we’ve got everything you need to stay comfortable and stylish this fall.

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

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The New Prep School

Checks All the Boxes

Stacked in His Favor

What Legends Are Made Of

Good Style Lives Here

The Catch of the Season

Sweater Weather. Handled

Coffee Run, Upgraded.

Built for What's Next

437 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.450.7025 • UNIONHALLSUPPLYCO.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Marie Oliver Kim Top $275, Shiloh Skirt $350

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French Connection Herringbone Suit Jacket $198, Shorts $118

Rails Blake Jacket $278

Clare V. Petit Moyen Messenger $425

Pistola Melika Tee $78, Dakota Bootcut Jean $198

LAMARQUE Colette Trench Coat $375

AGOLDE Saige Tee $148, Lana Leather Pant $308

Bella Dahl Long Sleeve Crew Tee $150

Marc Fisher Ander Boot $325

Free People Lana Loafer $168

494 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS • 518.584.4838 • VIOLETSOFSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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w e i v e k a L d r a h c r O Out + About

SEASONAL

Apples Galore & Room To Roam! WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED (UNLESS NOTED) BY WENDY HOBDAY HAUGH

A roadside stand on Route 30 marks the turnoff to Lakeview Orchard.

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Enjoy a picnic lunch in the orchard.

Cider, maple syrup, homemade baked goods, and an ‘apple buffet’ await you at the Lakeview Orchard store.

othing says autumn in Upstate New York like the simple joy of apple-picking. When you find yourself craving fresh-picked apples, cider, and homemade baked goods, fresh from the oven, head to Lakeview Orchard, just off Route 30 in Mayfield. Perched on an idyllic foothill overlooking Great Sacandaga Lake, this time-honored orchard is the perfect place to spend an hour or two, or even an entire day. More than just an orchard and farm store/ bakery, Lakeview offers an invigorating outdoor experience. Picnic tables and benches dot the property, and visitors are encouraged to pack a lunch and picnic among the apple trees. Two wide, grassy trails—one a quarter-mile long, the other one shorter—are kept mowed to enable visitors to stroll the rolling fields beyond the orchard. A park bench halfway through the longer trail provides the perfect place to relax and savor the picturesque views. A giant pumpkin patch adjacent to the orchard offers visitors, young and old, the chance to choose their perfect pumpkin. “This is our fifth year running the orchard,” says Joe Amell, who co-owns the 28-acre farm with wife Kim Remington Amell,

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brother Wallace Amell, and sister-in-law Maureen Dignon. “Kim is our number one baker. She loves to bake and uses an old family recipe from her grandmother to make all our pie crusts. When my brother and sister-in-law come down from New Hampshire, Maureen helps out with the baking, too. A degreed baker who used to work for a Boston food company, Maureen comes up with a lot of different recipes, like our apple cider donut muffins and our apple cider donut bread pudding. My daughterin-law, Rebecca Nichols, designed our business emblem. She also came up with the idea of creating walking trails.” Lakeview Orchard offers nine varieties of older-style apples, including Macintosh, Macouns, Northern Spies, and Rhode Island Greens. After stopping at the roadside store to purchase a peck, half-peck, or bushel bag, apple-pickers drive to the upper parking lot, grab a cart, and get started. A detailed sign shows where each variety is located. “If visitors don’t want to pick, or cannot manage walking in the orchard, we have what we call an ‘apple buffet’ set up in the store: bushel baskets filled with our different varieties. People can pick and choose the apples they’d like.”

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Joe Amell admits he knew nothing about farming when he took over the orchard. “I was a mechanic, not a farmer. I’d worked at John Deere for 35 years, first as a mechanic and, then, as service department supervisor. I had no idea what I was doing, but my brother, Wallace, knew a lot about gardening and planting. The folks at Cornell Cooperative Extension were a big help, too. They’d come right out here, study the trees, and advise us on how and when to trim them, how to ward off destructive insects and fungi, and when and what to spray.” Amell decided to purchase the orchard in 2022 after his neighbor, Pastor Albert Adamkoski—Lakeview’s former owner—died while saving his daughter from drowning in Great Sacandaga Lake. The orchard and farm buildings had been neglected for decades when the Adamkoski family took over. But under Albert’s steadfast care, things were beginning to turn around.

In 2024, Lakeview Orchard owners Wallace Amell, Maureen Dignon, Kim Remington Amell, and Joe Amell were recipients of the FultonMontgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award. Photo by Candids With Emily Rose The writer enjoys an autumn hike.

“Albert was a really great guy,” Amell muses. “When he began clearing the property, I helped him out a lot because I can do almost anything: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fixing things at his house down the road, keeping his farm equipment running. We turned into really good friends. But the orchard still wasn’t up to par when Albert passed, and I realized no one was going to take it on. There was way too much work involved.” Fearing the rambling farmland might be sold for development, Amell decided to talk to his wife, brother, and sister-in-law about purchasing the property jointly. “I knew there was no way I could do everything myself,” he says. “This really is a team project. Everyone helps out.” Over the past five years, the owners have worked hard to create a family-oriented place where people can enjoy a relaxing day outdoors, homemade baked goods, and fresh produce—all without an outrageous price tag. In addition to apples, Lakeview grows tomatoes, cukes, cantaloupes, broccoli, peppers, sweet corn, Indian corn, and six varieties of squash. And each November, Kim, Maureen, and a crew of loyal helpers bake non-stop, filling Thanksgiving pie orders for Lakeview customers. “We close the store after Thanksgiving,” says Amell. “Then, I get to work trimming the apple trees. I need to get the barns repaired, too. Looking ahead, we’ve been clearing a spot on top of the hill because we’re thinking of holding events up there, like weddings and family reunions. It’s a future plan at this point, but the hilltop overlooking the lake would be a great spot for special events.” On many a day, Joe Amell practically lives in the orchard, tending apple trees, clearing fields, and weeding around saplings. But the rewards, he says, are many. “It’s really peaceful up there, and there’s plenty of wildlife. I can be working for hours, and the deer walk right up to me. A fawn will be running around, frolicking, while the deer eat apples off the trees. I yell at the deer, but they just look at me—and keep eating.” This fall as you venture out leaf-peeping in the Southern Adirondacks, why not visit Lakeview Orchard and see what it’s all about? A wholesome and fun adventure for all ages, you’ll be happy you stopped in. 126 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

Gradually, older barns are being renovated.

LAKEVIEW ORCHARD: 133 County Highway 123, Mayfield, NY Fall hours: 9-4; closed Wednesdays. (518) 613-4070; lakevieworchardsny.wixsite.com/lakeview-orchards or check them out on Facebook! SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Out + About

“

FAMILY

Go out, go out, I beg you, and taste the beauty of the wild. Behold the miracle of the earth with all the wonder of a child.” - UNKNOWN

Dambo’s Trail of a Thousand Trolls Comes to Life at

Wild Center The

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

DAY TRIPPIN' WITH JUST2FEETANDACAMERA.COM

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When I was a kid, my sisters and

I explored the 18 acres of fields, forests, and ponds on the land where we grew up. We spent hours outdoors in nature, inventing places we called the ‘Mystery Forest’ and ‘Fairies Forest.’ There were spaces where you could talk, shout out, and laugh, and other sections where you had to be completely silent, or the forest witches would grab you and spirit you away, never to be seen again. We loved creating our fairy-tale world and couldn’t wait to share it with our small neighborhood friends. It sure was a hit! I learned about Dambo’s Trolls from a post on Tupper Lake’s Wild Center’s website – named “Best Science Museum” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024. I’ve been there several times to cover stories and knew right away I’d need to go back to see this unique exhibition. It certainly called to the child in me; at 68, I sometimes forget about her. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Basse Buller

Thomas Dambo is widely regarded as the world’s leading recycled-art artist, known for his installations worldwide. From a very young age, his parents instilled in him the value of recycling. Thomas saw this as an opportunity to gather free, discarded materials for building, playing, and imagining. I saw six of his larger-than-life trolls one year in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and was excited to see another collection here in New York State. Dambo’s Save The Humans trolls on display at The Wild Center have become aware that the ‘little people’ – that would be you and me – are more disconnected from nature than ever before and that we’re actually doing more harm than good to the planet we call home. This exhibit showcases two elements central to Dambo’s story. In 2006, he began making bright, colorful birdhouses to create street art in a positive way. They’ve become part of Thomas’s signature and represent harmony with nature. I was delighted to learn that the birdhouses would be part of the landscape I’d visit and that even one of his trolls at the center, Ibbi Pip, would use the primary-colored houses to communicate with humans around her. She’s optimistic and filled with hope for the earth. She’s also a great friend to all animals. Ibbi Pip knows we like to build birdhouses ourselves, hoping the winged creatures will come closer to us, rather than fly away in fear. I found myself grinning at the heavy sack of birdhouses slung over her shoulder, and at the sun-kissed cheeks she showed me as she towered over so many things in the wooded area where she stood.

Rosa Sunfinger The other element is the little red car that Dambo’s trolls always seem to find and play with. Rosa Sunfinger is an introverted troll who loves caring for plants and other green, leafy creatures with her pudgy little hands. I laughed when I caught up with her, tucked into a corner of the parking lot. Everything around her was lush and alive. What you and I might call weeds, she tends with love and gentle care. I could almost picture her looking up at me, encouraging me to tend to things I might otherwise forsake and forget during my busy mornings. I couldn’t help but stare as a young toddler raced up to Rosa, waving and blowing her a kiss. It was precious to see. I open my map to see where all the trolls are. I read that Dambo personally visited The Wild Center and chose where they should be stationed on the 31-acre property. That impresses me. These larger-than-life trolls welcome me into the main building, peek out at me from a copse of trees, call to me from an open area in the woods, and encourage me to listen to the world around me.

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They seem to have taken on a life of their own and have become a global hit. There are many organized groups out there that look for trolls and post photos of them on social media. At the moment, there are over 100 trolls worldwide, and I can’t believe I’ve only seen 12 of them! My next visit will be to Rhode Island, where I hear there are more. It’s fantastic how they’re all about teaching humans more about sustainability and stewardship of our planet in a creative, interactive way.

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Ronja Redeye believes she should help the humans understand that actions have consequences, but that the ‘little people’ can do better. She has a way with words, and when this troll speaks, everyone seems to listen. She might be the smallest of the trolls, yet she has a mighty voice and truly wants to save the humans from themselves most of all. She holds up a flag with a symbol mark on it – a birdhouse. “Let’s teach the humans to be careful not to crush ants, just like we are careful not to step on them. We can also teach them to make room for the birds that live among us by making them homes in the trees.” When I reach the place where Basse Buller is, I see he’s surrounded by youngsters crawling all over him. I’m not sure this is smart, since the art is outdoors, and I’m wondering if the kids can break him. I hear he’s a wild child at heart and expresses himself through symbols and shapes, using natural things like rocks, leaves, sticks, and anything else he can find. Whenever he starts his ‘mud-painting’ projects, he finds peace and calm inside and around him. I learned that he becomes funny, loud, and spreads his muddy paint everywhere in his attempts to lead humans on the right path. My kind of troll, for sure!

Kamma Can

Ronja Redeye I come across Kamma Can in a small clearing and burst into laughter. She is sitting kinda-sorta in the Indian style and wearing jewelry she’s made from things we throw away as trash. But she always sees potential in the world around her and loves to create things from, well, everything and anything. From what I hear, humans confuse her; what we consider useless garbage, she considers a treasure. I sit in a swing made from wagon wheels found on the property, and I find myself picturing Kamma Can swinging there herself after the park is closed and all the ‘little people’ have gone home for the day.

Sofus Lotus

I think Sofus Lotus is the troll that moved me the most. His ear was pressed to the earth. I could get really close to him, and I thought he was sleeping. But the map explained that he was listening – that he could tell something was wrong with the world, that nature was changing its rhythm and ways – for the worse. I felt as if he was asking me to do whatever I could in my own life to help recenter and heal the planet. “If we’re going to save the humans,” Sofus says to his friends, “We should teach them to listen; then they’ll hear when nature talks.” I want to listen. The Wild Center will have Dambo’s exhibit, “Save the Humans,” through the end of October. I hope you and your family make time to experience it yourselves. SS

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Out + About

ROAD TRIP!

Spend a Relaxing Day... or Two Exploring Tinker – The Heart & Soul of

Woodstock, NY WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY THERESA ST. JOHN

DAY TRIPPIN' WITH JUST2FEETANDACAMERA.COM

Three Days of Peace & Music – So Many Years Later

It’s artsy and super-chill, a laid-back

street in a small town showcased in the Hudson Valley - where charming restaurants, candle and guitar shops, art venues and theaters, spiritual and botanical stores abound. Vintage postcards? They’ve got ‘em. Juice bars, breakfast shops, ice cream stands, vegan bakeries, flea markets and craft pubs? Yup, they’ve got ‘em. You can almost feel the pull of yesteryear’s magic here, wandering in and out of the myriad of places dotting the landscape on Tinker Street. When the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair happened in nearby Bethel, New York, I was only 11. I’ve read that the age range of attendees was 16-25, with the concentration between 18 and 22. (I was a few years off, darn it.) Watching movies and reading articles about that celebration makes me think I would’ve loved being part of that movement. ICONIC TINKER STREET

The Tinker Street Cinema is a place where visitors can take a break in the day’s activities and watch a film in a – get this – pre-Civil War church that was transformed in 1961. The next movies playing are a secret horror movie from director Dario Argento, and a bizarre lost gem, titled Carnival Magic, which stars a carnival magician and a talking chimp named Alex. Not your typical movies, that’s for sure. And the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild is a center for arts and crafts, highlighting artists in the Hudson Valley. When I visited a few weeks ago, I was thrilled to find this place open, featuring a family of artists who’ve woven their fascinating stories and impressions into each of their paintings. It was an enchanting gallery show, for sure. There’s also a small gift shop in the building with very unique pieces for sale; I was happy to spend time looking around. 132 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

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HISTORY ISN’T ALWAYS ABOUT EVENTS – SOMETIMES IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE

Allison's Restaurant TAKING TIME TO ENJOY LUNCH SPECIALTY SHOPS EVERYWHERE

In Candlestock, I found every sort of candle imaginable. There was a selection of yummy-smelling healing candles, several beeswax choices, pretty greeting cards, and trinket trays. The scent of the candles was heady, following me throughout the shop and back out into the stifling air afterward. In the back area of the store, they have an enormous ‘Drip Mountain’ that dates back to 1969, when the shop first opened. It has a curious back story, so I’m not going to say too much here, as I want to write about it shortly. But look through their photos – crazy cool item and conversation piece for sure.

Candlestock

I stopped into Allison’s Restaurant and found myself pleasantly surprised with the short rib sandwich they suggested. It was made on grilled sourdough bread, and the short ribs were slathered with melted cheese, a special sweet-spicy sauce, and fried onions. Oh-My-Gosh, yummy. The meat was sooo tender, and the sauce was a perfect match. My waitress also suggested a blueberry lemonade. So refreshing. I found myself wishing there was a shot (or two) of rum mixed in. I was driving, so I nixed the idea, but sipping it through lunchtime gave me an idea to try at home. The restaurant was buzzing – one waitress running from table to table, staying calm and taking orders. Whoever was in the kitchen handling all the tickets she delivered worked quickly and got every order right. I would highly recommend a meal here and hope to visit again to try another tempting item or two from their expansive menu.

Bread Alone is just down the street from the restaurant. It looks like such a small space from outside. Once you walk inside, though, it’s quite cozy and offers up so many tasty treats; you can’t help but bring a bag or box home with you. They feature artisanal breads, muffins, sweet loaves, coffees, and other specialties. When I arrived, there was a line out the door, but it was well worth the wait. The family has been in business for 40+ years, and their mission is simple: “Work hard to serve folks simple, honest breads and foods that speak to the best in us.” Their first organic sourdough loaf was baked in 1983! Long before ‘organic’ was even a certification! This café (they have a few others in different locations) has been a village staple for nearly 20 years. They offer breakfast, lunch, and brunch 7 days a week in a warm, welcoming environment.

Bread Alone

A FINAL NOTE

I could go on and on about all the wonderful places I discovered on Tinker Street. The crazy 3-D art pieces that made me stop and think a bit, the bright and colorful street art on the side of old buildings that made me smile, and meaningful signs and statues expressing beliefs and opinions of people who not only live and work in Woodstock, but also live and work all over the world, made me feel hope. I love visiting Woodstock, and I sure feel lucky that it’s only a short drive from Saratoga. I can jump in my car whenever I want to, really, and see the village in every season. It’s quirky, eclectic, filled with imagination and creativity. The place inspires me. Hopefully you’ll visit and find it inspires you, too. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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C E L E B R AT I N G

20 Years of Saratoga TODAY, 30 Years of Showcase of Homes and 40 Years of Randall Perry Photography

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Let Us Show You Around... Randall Perry Photography

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cturally SPEAKING saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Where More Home Happens WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

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On the northwestern shores of an Adirondack Lake, a well-composed multi-generational home takes advantage of its sloping locale for entertaining that exceeds expectations.

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Randall Perry Photography

ell-integrated into the landscape, a modest-seeming Shingle Style home saves its playful volume for its lake side. Maximizing indoor and outdoor living with a wide, solid balcony and generous verandas, its classic contours invite smooth sailing - from stem to stern.

Replacing a patchwork seasonal log cabin that stood further away from the lake for thirty years with a 9,000 sq. ft. home that pours itself into the available space was a monumental undertaking that began in 2020 (when the pandemic had shipping materials delayed to a standstill). In it for the long haul, distinguished architect Michael Tuck, a partner at Balzer and Tuck Architecture, sailed close to the wind, using the property’s full width to create an impressive 6-bedroom, 6.5 bath home ideal for entertaining. Equally comfortable, whether hosting an informal barbeque or a picnic for 40-50, this is a whole lotta house, from top-to-bottom and end-to-end.

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Mooring the Mainstay The generous great room takes its cues from Dutch sailing heritage with a luxuriously lofty ceiling. It’s subtly curved edges and paneled core is moderated with thick beams that evoke the image of an inverted boat hull. A careful study of the natural light bathing the space is evident through the use of a complimentary color palette, textured wall and window coverings, and classically molded built-ins that don’t compete with the lake views, said Elizabeth Tanny, principal designer at E Tanny Design, LLC., which specializes in clean, crisp, coastal-inspired interiors.

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Two seating areas furnished with custom pieces, including highly desirable swivel chairs covered in performance fabrics, and reclaimed hemlock end tables add character while cozying up the space (which is partitioned with area rugs and a daybed squarely positioned to facilitate conversations stemming from either direction).

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Randall Perry Photography

Snagging Sufficient Leeway Captaining both intimacy and warmth, the unassuming dining room, anchored by a 72” round table scaled to seat 8-10 people, is oriented in a way that unites the great room, the outdoors, and the restaurant-style kitchen with ease. Honed, locally sourced silver-grey granite countertops lend weight to the bright kitchen’s ample space. A response to a practical need, here is where big, boiling cauldrons of red sauce and large sheets of pizza dough are prepared. Under the range hood, heat lamps reappear to keep food warm, a throwback from the days when people used to entertain differently, said Tuck. In the corner, a collapsable cased window folds fully open to facilitate an easy transfer of food to this home’s 1,240 feet of porches and outdoor living spaces. Promoting privacy without sacrificing functionality, the ground floor primary suite is situated at the opposite side of the house and includes a marble porcelain tile shower that borrows daylight from the space surrounding its large alcove.

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A Generational Presence Upstairs, at the end of a long hallway (with doors leading into the plentiful guest bedrooms, an exercise studio, and a bathroom) Tuck has introduced a sculptural relief, housing a beautiful bunk room that sleeps 5-7 people. In what would traditionally serve as an attic space, he’s created multi-generational sleeping arrangements with an adventurous dual twin over queen bunk room setup excited by non-slip climbing ladders and portals that encourage the imagination. A thick queen-sized foam bench offers extra sleeping space with storage underneath, easing the clutter that comes with communal living. This home is also equipped with an elevator that services all three floors, a fully accessible second primary suite, and an oversized window seat - a spot that’s equally comfortable for reading or looking out at the lake.

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Randall Perry Photography

Smooth Sailing Ahead By continuing the fantastic paint color, Anew Gray by Sherwin Williams, from the walls onto the ceiling, Tanny has accentuated the warmth of the basement level’s natural wood bar (made with planks salvaged by the homeowner from an old barn). A sectional sofa, convertible end tables, and swivel chairs make it just as fun to watch a rousing game of darts or shuffleboard at one end of the room, as it does to watch the large television at the other.

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This home’s well-manicured landscape, engineered by the Environmental Design Partnership and designed by Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architects, is filled with native plantings and pollinator gardens that create habitats for birds and small animals, perfectly priming it for the nature photographer that wants to capture all the life there is to find in and around this fantastic lake house. SS

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H+G

FOR YOUR HOME

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

Oh, how these cool autumnal days awaken my senses to this season’s beauty of color and the commencement of flourishing holidays.

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

COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF 33 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs SaratogaChef.com | 518-226-4477

It’s a time to reflect and be thankful for the bounty of the year mingled with celebrations abounding in family and friends. Pumpkin patches to be scoured, perfect barrels of mums and of course, a change of décor to usher in the Fall season on the interior! What a better way to get started than to show you what our local shops have to offer to bring your home into the Fall season…

To start your day, let’s not simply brew any cup of coffee… why not let your coffee brew in a statement piece that says café’! At Compliments to the Chef your perfect cup of coffee awaits with the SMEG 50’s Retro Style Espresso and Cold Brew Coffee Machine currently available in black at the shop! It has all the goodies…a tamper, 15-bar pump pressure, bean grinder, dual espresso and cold brew coffee functions, an integrated pressure gauge and stainless steel steam wand for frothing…all wrapped up in nostalgic package of versatility that brews a cup like your favorite barista…Enjoy!!! 150 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

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SILVERWOOD HOME & GALLERY

DARK HORSE MERCANTILE

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

445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs ImpressionsSaratoga.com | 518-587-0689

IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway, Saratoga Springs ImpressionsSaratoga.com | 518-587-0666

Leather and fall nights around the fireplace… combine the two with Dark Horse Mercantile’s Equestrian Leather Wrapped Bar Glassware. Create a sophisticated look displaying your favorite bourbon in the Liquor Decanter while serving beverages to guests in Professional Bourbon Taster Glasses. Mixed drinks, no problem! Look your best with a 1oz. Shot Glass… perfect for any bar…especially your Saratoga home bar! Just down the street at Silverwood Home & Gallery, cozy up your space for the winter months with the Bruges Sofa by Rowe. Make it your own with a multiple of selections to fit your home’s décor with overall fabric selection, individualize your kidney pillow fabrics, choose your cushion type, wood finish, nail heads, leg style and even add more pillows if desired! Let the wonderful team at Silverwood assist you with all your choices. And to add some fun and a bit of mood lighting, visit the shop to see their variety of Light Up Signs that will make a great addition to your bar or add fun to any living space.

And look at what I found at Impressions of Saratoga… a Stirrup Handle Long Tray to dress up your firepit S’more presentation! I love preparing kits for our S’mores with graham crackers, a wedge of dark chocolate and two marshmallows ready to go for each guest. Line the tray with festive cupcakes or if your more into crackers and cheese than sweets…buy all means stack and slice away! For those of you who love brass, check out their Stirrup Votive Holder! Create a soft mood along a sofa console or add in an entryway or guest bedroom for wayfinding to sleeping quarters. Just because the racing season is over doesn’t mean we Saratogians bale on equestrian go-tos…

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

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

FINISHING TOUCHES HOME DECOR 450 E High Street, Ballston Spa FinishingTouchesStore.com | 518-584-1490

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So, let’s talk cooking! Oh, yeah…we’re back to the big pot dinners, stews and making grandma’s homemade sauce! To prepare your culinary adventure with a bit more stirring this year, let me introduce you to the Monogram 36” Induction Professional Range found at Marcella’s Appliance. What can’t it do… On the cooktop, you get five induction elements — they heat quickly and evenly, ranging from a dedicated "Keep Warm" setting all the way up to a full boil. Two elements can be synchronized to create a large surface for a griddle, and everything is regulated through glide touch controls with 19 heat settings — no knobs make for easy cleanup. For safety, it has hot surface indicator lights and a cooktop lock for little helpers or aging parents that need a little monitoring. The oven itself is generous at 5.75 cubic feet, with self-clean, steam clean, and a Hot Air Fry mode. It also offers precision cooking modes (these are a dream) that automatically track progress and adjust time and temperature, and an ergonomic detail…the 7" LCD control screen swings out toward you when in use, then sits flush when you're done. You'll also get convection, proof mode, and Sabbath mode. The SmartHQ app allows you to remotely preheat and check progress with Chef Connect integration and access future upgrades over time. PLUS…and this is a very cool feature…a customizable LED accent light just under the cooking surface lip so the range’s upper front panel will illuminate in full spectrum color to best coordinate with your kitchen's aesthetic or holiday theme. If you’re looking to upgrade your range…you’ll definitely feel like you’ve moved in with the Jetsons! In Malta, you’ll find Accents at Allerdice with all sorts of Fall festivities to choose from. Some of my favorites were geared to my football fan readers with this Melamine Touch Down Tray and Football Spatula Kit. How fun is this for crafting, searing and serving your favorite sliders during a weekend game! The tray cleans up easy so keep the eats coming throughout your cheering! Going to the game…bring along this festive Tailgate Chenille Blanket to keep you warm with its football detailing and simple striping. Fashioned of 100% ultra-soft polyester knit, you’ll find yourself snuggled in warmth the hole game through! With a hop down the Route 9, you’ll find Finishing Touches filled with goodies for your home and palate. To heighten all your autumnal senses, don’t miss out on the Apple Cinnamon Harvest Candle with hand-poured premium natural soy wax in rustic wooden bowl. The crackling wooden wick offers the relaxation of a miniature fireplace topped in dried apple slices, dried orange, cinnamon sticks, and star anise…creating the perfect centerpiece for the holiday season. It’s also a perfect hostess gift for those opening their homes for the family gatherings this year! And just for fun…Pick up one of their unique Metal High Healed Planters to add a touch of whimsy for a girl’s weekend filled with lotions, make-up cloths and chocolate to end the day! Or place atop a stack of books bursting with faux flowers to add seasonal color and texture. You can even line it with parchment paper then fill with goodies like chocolate covered pretzels to add height and delight to any spread… Be creative! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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

max burner…that’s the equivalent of a 72,000 BTU gas burner, that’s powerful. Simultaneously, it has Precision Temperature Control Cook with single degree-level temperature control from 68°- 482°F. That’s more precise than an oven! The intuitive Interface has a 12.8-inch display providing a clear view of the cooking mode you’re using. This cooktop packs a punch and keeps your kitchen running full steam even when Mother Nature decides differently! With all that said…get out there and update your home’s decor or appliances for the Fall at all our wonderful local shops! When we support each other, our community grows together! Be sure to let the shops know you found your favorite items in Colleen’s Picks!! Until next time my friends,

One last final item from Earl B. Feiden’s Appliance… a new way of thinking about energy use in the kitchen…may I introduce the 36” Zephyr Hypercore Induction Cooktop. It can be set to charge at night…yes I said “charge”…and due to the integrated 3 kWh battery, the cooktop can be plugged into a 120V or 240V outlet, no electrician needed for easy installation into existing countertop openings. And if you lose electricity in a storm, you’re one of the few still making your Jambalaya for the family dinner! You can also customize the wattage and Fahrenheit temperatures on each 10,000 watt

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Colleen Coleman of CMC Design Studio LLC National Award Winning Designs Contributing Interior Design Editor, Saratoga Publishing  colleen@cmcdesignstudio.net  @cmcdesignstudiollc “Creating Environments for Life” TM

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DIY DIVA

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER | PHOTOS BY SUSAN BLACKBURN PHOTOGRAPHY

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I have fond memories of my mom’s formal living rooms

growing up. We moved a few times during my childhood, and I vividly recall her changing tastes and decor in each new home. In the midsixties, we had a gold brocade sofa and side chairs, which were always covered in plastic to guard against stains. It was particularly awful during the summer months, when my chubby little thighs would stick to the plastic and make a squeaky sound as I unstuck myself from the cushion. By the 70s, her tastes had evolved from brocade and plastic to velvet and lovely dark wood. The couch and side chairs were now a shade of lemon-y gold, and way more comfortable. By then, Mom had thankfully discarded the plastic chair covers and allowed us to sit on them unprotected. What a treat! When I initially moved into my home in the village of Ballston Spa, everything was very neutral - and very dull. My furniture was a nondescript dark gray, and the lighting in the living room - as with the rest of the house - was also an issue. While this room does get a lot of morning and midday sun, on cloudy days the room becomes dark and dull, with no overhead lighting or bright spots. I decided that blue was the perfect choice for this part of the house. My goal was to recreate the tranquility and calm I’d been treated to on a recent visit to the lovely Spa Mirbeau in Hyde Park, NY, which had the most gorgeous shade of blue on the ceiling of my bedroom suite. I also wanted to highlight a uniquely lovely lamp that I purchased years before, which was in disrepair and sitting in a corner of my pantry. Luckily for the residents of Ballston Spa and Saratoga, we have a beautiful little shop in the village, Two If By Sea antique gallery and lamp repair shop. I was able to get the lamp repaired for a very reasonable price, and I even purchased a ‘like new’ shade for it across the street at ReShop for a whopping $5!!!

On the walls, I opted for a soft white paint with just a hint of pale pink to add warmth and dimension. On cloudy days, the rosiness comes through ever so faintly and picks up the pinks and creams in the rug. The satin-finished ‘Chantilly White’ paint on the trim adds a cool brightness. Thanks again to my friends at the paint counter in Curtis Lumber for their expert advice on shades, finishes, and using the right equipment. The big question for me when painting the ceiling was: To Tape or Not to Tape! While it was a challenge to paint a straight line between the ceiling and the trim, I chose to “eyeball” it. The result was better than I expected, especially when you consider the roughness and unevenness of the walls. One of the really cool things about decorating this room was how I was able to pull all the disparate pieces of furniture and accessories together to create something. Most of the pieces in this room were either given to me or they were purchased at ReShop, which is part of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County. Everything in the store is donated, and the profits go toward helping people in the community improve their homes. The final challenge in the “blue room,” as with every other room in this house, was the lack of overhead lighting. Once again, I solved this problem using wireless LED lighting scattered throughout the room. The “uplit” effect adds real warmth and highlights the terrific blue accent pieces and art that I was also able to pick up at ReShop for “pennies!” While nothing I did in this room involved any physical construction, it was still a challenge to pull together. The lath and plaster walls made it very difficult to drill neat holes for picture hanging, in addition to the problems with painting in a straight line. Despite those minor annoyances, I am so happy with the results. While there’s a TV in just about every other room in the house, this is my “moody blues” space for reading, writing, doing jigsaw puzzles, and just enjoying some much needed tranquility. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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FOODIES

In the

Kitchen WITH

Hello my Foodie Friends!

JOHN REARDON PHOTOS PROVIDED

Back to school time brings back memories of my childhood and the chaos of getting five children to do their homework, eat dinner, brush their teeth and get to bed every school night. I often reminisce about the work my mother had in raising three boys and two girls. The family dinner was a very important mealtime during my childhood. Especially with going back to school, my mother was insistent that we were home and ate as a family. She often had to explain why she chose a particular meal choice or why she wanted us to wash our face, hands, neck and ears before dinner. My mother was very patient but always used her standard answer to any of these questions; “I’m your mother that’s why.” The biggest thing for my mom was to have the whole family eat dinner together. Even if Dad had to work late, she would have us wait. To tide us over she would let us snack on a glass of milk or some fruit. We would have an apple, pear, peach or plum. No crackers or bread. Having dinner with freshly washed kids and a great meal ready for my Dad was a sense of pride for her. Dinnertime was special. During dinner, there was not a lot of conversation but my father would look at my mother with a very tired smile and say “you are the best.” I think about these meals we had together often.

Whether it is to make those hearty soups and stews, tender roasts, or cozy desserts and treats, there is no end to the joy this time of year brings to cooks, both novice and professional. Having the proper tools will make your time in the kitchen even more enjoyable and easier is important. There’s nothing better for enjoying this season than being well equipped. Here are the essential tools for cooking your autumnal delights. Dutch oven: I have made countless recipes with my Dutch oven and it truly has paid for itself over time. Its versatility allows you to move from stovetop to oven effortlessly. The lid is heavy and provides a tight seal that’s ideal when using the oven. It’s a must if you love soups and stews. Digital instant-read thermometer: In all my years of cooking, I have found this thermometer to be the most efficient way to ensure temperature accuracy when cooking products. I use this tool all the time; it is essential in my kitchen, especially this time of year.

I know it’s maybe not popular but if I was asked, what’s important for the American family, I believe it’s sitting down and having that meal together every night. Chances are, when you think “family dinner” you imagine hearty, hot, home-cooked meals, served nightly. Perhaps rethink out your expectations and take some of that pressure off. Maybe you commit to gathering for a meal once a week, possibly every Friday evening. The point is to eat together — regularly. I can honestly speak to this challenge. My wife and I were two ships passing in the night. Our lives were filled with long days, and the balance of sporting events and after-school activities for our children. Dinner time was very much a challenge. Look at your family’s schedules – is there one night that looks more manageable than the others? If so, make that “family meal night.” Put it on everyone’s calendar and plan on being home at a certain time. 158 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

Parchment Paper: With all the baking and roasting that goes on in the Fall, parchment paper is a must. Parchment paper creates a non-stick surface and allows for easier clean-up. You can cut the rolls of paper to fit a baking sheet or baking pan. Baking sheets: I use baking sheets all the time and for so many different recipes. Consider adding a baking grid that can be used as a cooling rack for cookies - and is also great for using in tandem with the baking sheet for crisping bacon, draining fried food, or making wings. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Mandoline Slicer - Why you need It: A mandoline slicer is perfect for quickly preparing fall favorites like apple crisps, vegetable gratins, and salads. This tool allows you to slice fruits and vegetables with precision, ensuring even cooking and a professional presentation.

Turkey Pot Pie

Chef Knife: A sharp knife is a true kitchen essential. Well-balanced options make chopping, slicing, and dicing effortless, saving time and frustration. Potato Ricer: If you are looking for smooth mashed potatoes like the pros make, you need a ricer. It gives the fluffiest spuds with the least handling, and you do not even have to peel your potatoes first. Once you try it, you’ll want to make mashed potatoes all year long. The Smooth Operator/ an Immersion Blender: Say goodbye to awkwardly transferring hot soup to a regular blender! An immersion blender allows you to purée soups directly in the pot, creating velvety smooth textures for creamy tomato soup, butternut squash soup and more. It’s also great for making quick sauces and dips. With the right kitchen essentials, fall cooking feels less like a chore and more like a joy. A few well-chosen tools can transform everyday meals into something memorable. We all know that families should eat together, but sometimes it’s tough to find the time. Work, school, sports practices and other obligations all seem to get in the way. As we all are working through our hectic schedules, remember that family time is the most important time. Eat together as a family, share stories, talk about your day, listen to each other, enjoy good food, and remember to compliment the chef. Bring your family together for at least an hour a day. Mealtime is family time. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to get the cool tools you need for your family dinners.

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

Take Care, John & Paula saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen at pauladeen.com

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup milk

• 1 large skinned, cooked, boned and cubed turkey

• 2 (11 oz) cans condensed cheddar cheese soup

• 2 cups cooked diced butternut squash

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry • 1 beaten egg

• 2 medium diced onions

• 2 (10.75 oz) cans cream of celery soup

• 2 cups cranberry sauce to taste • Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. 2. To make the crust, dust surface with flour. Cut 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry into 1-inch strips, 8 inches long. On a large cookie sheet, weave strips into a lattice large enough to cover each pot pie. Mix egg and milk together and brush onto each lattice square. Bake for 5 minutes. Dough will rise and turn light golden brown. Set aside until ready to assemble pies. 3. In a large saucepan heat the milk and soups. Stir in turkey, onion, squash, cranberries and salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil. In an oven-proof pot, fill with mixture and top with the pre-cooked lattice square. Bake at 350 °F for 5 minutes until bubbly and puff pastry is deep golden brown. Cook’s Note: Cutting the puff pastry with a fluted-wheel creates elegant edges.

Good substitutions for cheddar cheese soup are cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 159

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ENTERTAINING

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

Entertaining WITH

There is sooo much to love about Halloween! Every Fall I look forward to all the scary decorations, candy, and of course the trick or treaters. That said, what I love most about Halloween are the parties! While Halloween parties are a fun time for our little ones, they can be just as enjoyable for adults. A Halloween celebration for grown-ups can be a blast to host, and even better you can do so without stressing yourself out! So, if you plan to host your own spooky soiree come along with me for some entertaining tricks, and recipes that truly are treats. For a Halloween themed party you can go as far as you want with food, drinks, creepy decor, and costumes. However, you can still provide all the spooky fun and atmosphere and keep things simple as well. Start out with a few well-placed Jack-o-lanterns and some candlelight. Then throw in some fun background

RALPH VINCENT

music, tunes like “Monster Mash" and Michael Jackson's “Thriller" for example to set a spooky mood. Then all you need are some ghoul-pleasing and delish, drinks and nibbles... Let’s start with my latest libation creation, the Haunted Orchard Spritz. Apple cider and Aperol liqueur pair deliciously in this drink, and a splash of Prosecco adds fizz and fun! My "Monsterey" Jack-o-Lantern Cheese Ball is filled with spicy deliciousness and is as much fun to make as it is to eat. To add some sweetness, check out my Halloween Candy "Spook-cuterie" Board. Just add some ready-made dips, cheeses and some heat-and-serve finger foods and you are ready to party! I hope you and your guests enjoy these recipes! And as I always say, have fun in your kitchen making food (and cocktails!) for the people you love. Remember...

it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to taste good! SS

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The Haunted Orchard Spritz

• 3 ounces of apple cider • 1 & 1/2 ounces of Aperol • 1/2 ounce of lime juice • Prosecco • Thinly sliced orange and apple slices for garnish. Be sure to sprinkle the apple slices with some lemon juice to prevent discoloration. DIRECTIONS: Measure the first 3 ingredients into an ice filled shaker, secure the lid and shake it like crazy. Strain into an ice-filled wine glass and top off with Prosecco. Garnish with the apple and orange slices if desired. Alternatively you can make this cocktail in batches. Just measure the first three ingredients in amounts for the number of drinks you want and chill in the fridge. To serve, line up your ice filled glasses, fill about 3/4 full with the cider mixture and top off with Prosecco, garnish if desired. For a mocktail version substitute orange juice for the Aperol and sparkling water for the Prosecco. Cheers! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

"Monster-ey" Jack-o-Lantern Cheese Ball

Halloween Candy "Spook-cuterie" Board There really is no definite recipe for this board. You want a nice selection of candies with contrasting colors and flavors. And there are so many to choose from, like Reese’s Pieces and mini peanut butter cups, licorice ropes, bite size wrapped candy bars, and of course candy corn. I like to add some color with orange slice jelly candies and spearmint leaves and whatever else I can find. And check out the internet for some fun retro candies that are being reproduced. To put your board together use some small bowls to hold some of the loose candies and curve some of the others around them. Fill in the spaces with more candy keeping in mind color, texture and flavor and you are ready to go.

• 1 large stemmed jalapeno pepper • Two 8 ounce packages of reduced fat cream cheese, softened • 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided • 1 teaspoon each, onion powder and garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper • Halved black olives for the eyes and mouth DIRECTIONS: Carefully cut the top off the jalapeno pepper leaving the stem intact and the pointed tip of the pepper as well, set aside. Slice the jalapeno in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Mince enough of the jalapeno to make 1 tablespoon or more to taste. (Be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water after and don't touch your eyes!) In a mixing bowl combine the minced jalapeno, cream cheese, 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack and the seasonings. With scrupulously clean hands form the mixture into a ball. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on a plate and gently roll the cheese ball in the cheese to coat it in orange color. Place the cheese ball on a serving plate and gently press the reserved pepper stem and top into the top of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Press the reserved tip of the pepper onto the face for a nose. Use the black olives to make 2 eyes and a mouth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve with your choice of crackers. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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HEALTHY HABITS

Building SMART Routines with the Better Bites Bunch™ WRITTEN BY JODIE FITZ, BETTER BITES BUNCH™ CREATOR AND FOUNDER | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Healthy habits don't have to be complicated. For children, some of the most meaningful wellness lessons can begin with simple, everyday routines; taking a drink of water, getting up and moving, adding a fruit or vegetable to a meal, getting enough rest, or being willing to try something new. The key is helping children understand that they can participate in their own wellness. When healthy choices are presented in a way that is positive, interactive, and age-appropriate, children have opportunities to build familiarity, confidence, and independence around everyday habits. Instead of making wellness feel like a list of rules, families can make it part of the rhythm of the day. WHY ROUTINES MATTER

Children thrive on routines because routines provide structure and predictability. They also create repeated opportunities to practice a behavior until it becomes more familiar. A routine doesn't have to be complicated. It might be as simple as offering water throughout the day, encouraging movement between activities, adding colorful produce to meals and snacks, establishing a consistent bedtime, or inviting a child to help prepare a new food. Participation matters, too. When children are invited to help wash produce, choose a fruit at the grocery store, fill their water bottle, plant a seed, prepare a simple recipe, or decide how they want to move their bodies, they aren't just learning about wellness — they are experiencing it. And making these experiences fun can make a difference. Games, stories, characters, hands-on activities, and playful challenges can help children become more familiar and comfortable with healthy foods and behaviors. FIVE SIMPLE ROUTINES FOR EVERYDAY WELLNESS

At the Better Bites Bunch™, we call these our SMART Routines™. These five simple ideas give children language they can remember and use throughout their day:

SIP WATER

Hydration is an important part of helping children feel and function their best. Rather than making hydration complicated, families can create simple opportunities for children to drink water throughout the day. MOVE YOUR BODY

Movement doesn't have to mean organized sports or a structured workout. Dancing, walking, playing outside, riding a bike, stretching, jumping, playing a game, or simply getting up and moving between activities all provide opportunities to be active. ADD FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Instead of focusing primarily on what children should not eat, try focusing on what you can add. Adding fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks gives children more opportunities to see, smell, touch, taste, and become familiar with different foods. Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables can all be part of a family's routine. REST & RECHARGE

S M A R T Sip Water

Rest & Move Add Try Recharge Your Fruits & Something Body Vegetables New

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Wellness isn't only about food and physical activity. Children also need time to rest, recharge, sleep, play quietly, and take a break from the stimulation of their day. Creating consistent routines around bedtime, quiet time, reading, and unplugging can help children recognize that rest is an important part of taking care of themselves. Rest is not the opposite of being productive — it is part of being well. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Trying something new can happen in many ways. It might be tasting a different vegetable, choosing an unfamiliar fruit, learning a new movement, planting a seed, helping prepare a recipe, visiting a farmers' market, or simply asking a question and being curious. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is exploration. When children are given permission to explore without pressure to be perfect, they can begin to build confidence in making choices, experiencing new things, and listening to their own bodies. MAKE WELLNESS A FAMILY ACTIVITY

One of the simplest ways to encourage healthy routines is to invite children into the process. Take them grocery shopping and let them help find fruits and vegetables. Cook together. Grow something. Go for a walk. Play a movement game. Fill water bottles together. Talk about how everyone needs rest. These don't have to be elaborate activities. In fact, some of the best learning can happen during ordinary moments of family life. SMART Routines™ are not about perfection. They are about participation. When children are given simple language, positive encouragement, and opportunities to participate, wellness can become something they understand and practice—not simply something adults tell them to do. BRINGING SMART ROUTINES™ TO LIFE

This philosophy is at the heart of the Better Bites Bunch™, created by children's wellness educator Jodie Fitz. Through colorful characters, books, curriculum, school programming, community events, hands-on activities, gardening, food exploration, movement, and family resources, the Better Bites Bunch™ makes wellness education engaging and approachable for children. The first book in a new Better Bites Bunch™ book series; SIP and the Hydration Helpers, introduces children to the importance of hydration while exploring how fruits and vegetables can contribute to our overall well-being. The book is part of a larger vision: helping children build healthy routines through literacy, play, participation, and real-world experiences. Interested in bringing Better Bites Bunch™ programming to your school or community? Contact Jodie Fitz at jodie@betterbitesfoundation.org to learn more about books, curriculum, and community experiences. SS

Small choices can become SMART Routines, and SMART Routines can become habits that help children grow, learn, and thrive. - JODIE FITZ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Looking Back: Fall

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The People, The Places, The Lifestyle 1. First issue of Simply Saratoga Fall/Showcase of Homes edition! Simply Saratoga Fall 2011

Scan to see all of our past issues!

2. First year Liz Bishop became our Showcase of Homes COVER GIRL! Simply Saratoga Fall 2015 3. One of the EARLY mags when each issue had a different SEASONAL name! Autumn Lane 2010 4. Inside the home of Arthur and Ginny Zobel of Zobel & Co. Kitchens. Photos by Randall Perry Photography. Simply Saratoga Fall 2020 5. Saratoga Showcase of Homes 25th Anniversary! Simply Saratoga Fall 2021

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7 6. Contributor Colleen Coleman wraps up her first year of bringing us Colleen's Picks! Simply Saratoga Fall 2019

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7. Architecturally Speaking spotlight on Witt Construction. Photos by Randall Perry Photography. Simply Saratoga Fall 2022

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HATHORN SPRING, SARATOGA SPRINGS C. 1904 PHOTO COURTESY OF DETROIT PUBLISHING COMPANY PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

HISTORY

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History

Driver from the Hackett-Lowther Unit, decorated with the war cross, poses in front of her ambulance bearing the same decoration. © Jacques Ridel/ECPAD/Defense

Florence Hathorn and the Great War WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

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lorence Hathorn was born in early April of 1890; in a home her parents had built in the previous decade at 740 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Her mother, Kate, was originally from Louisville, Kentucky while her father, Frank Hathorn, was a fixture in the community. His father had built the Congress Hall Hotel in 1848, and subsequently the Hathorn Spring, managing two operations at the core of Saratoga’s success.

Frank Hathorn graduated from Yale with the class of 1867 and returned to Saratoga to assist his father in his operations, with a scientific understanding of hydrology and business. There is no doubt that young Florence grew up in a privileged environment, and as an only child, she was afforded tremendous learning opportunities, such as attending the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904 which may have piqued her sense for travel and adventure.

Passport photo of Florence Hathorn. Her grandfather, Henry H. Hathorn had served with the 77th Regiment during the Civil War.

Frank Hathorn sold Congress Hall to concentrate on bottling and distribution of his mineral waters, while also publishing the Saratoga Sun and Ballston Daily News. Frank Hathorn was also very concerned by the commercial exploitation of Saratoga’s springs and was part of the movement to reverse that impact. Florence Hathorn took an interest in social issues, becoming a financial manager at Hawley Home for Children as she began taking over the responsibilities of the household. Her mother had developed infirmities, and she was assisted by Mary Delaney, who had come from County Limerick, Ireland and into the Hathorn’s employ about the time of Florence’s birth. Only days after leaving for Bryn Mawr College, in January of 1910, Florence was recalled to the Spa due to the unexpected death of her mother. Florence held a strong interest in the out-of-doors. She was an automobile enthusiast, joined a trap-shooting club and hunted regularly. She enjoyed fishing, and during her winter vacations in Florida, she caught a few deep-sea trophies to adorn her North Broadway home.

A youthful Florence in front of the Hathorn Family home at 740 North Broadway. Supplement to the Daily Saratogian 1898.

Postcard view of Congress Hall. "Congress Hall looms up on high. Majestic, spacious, grand; 'Tis Hathorn's and our village pride, unequalled in the land; To go up stairs you take the car, and seated there at ease. By steam you're quickly borne aloft, to any floor you please.”

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The election of Governor Charles Evans Hughes in 1906 ushered in a reform movement which sought to abolish all forms of gaming, which he considered a disgrace. The Canfield Casino was shuttered in 1909, which allowed the Village of Saratoga Springs to acquire this magnificent property in 1911 at a fraction of its value. The gambling ban which prohibited horse racing in New York during 1911-12 caused the Congress Hall Hotel to fail and default on village taxes. This longtime Saratoga hostelry was razed in 1913, and the property on which it stood was combined, along with the casino, into the expanded Congress Park, becoming the site of the Spirit of Life sculpture. The Grand Union Hotel on Broadway, which filled the entire block framed by Congress, Federal and Washington Streets, was in similar dire straits due to the racing ban. Frank Hathorn, in an act of civic chivalry, purchased the Grand Union in November of 1912, to prevent the loss of this iconic structure. Before the Grand Union Hotel could reopen under his management, Frank Hathorn passed away in late March of 1913.

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Lady Columbia, cloaked in an American flag, fends off skeletal death with her right while shielding an injured soldier with her left, in this ambulance recruiting poster created by illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Library of Congress.

That August, racing returned to Saratoga Springs, and Florence embraced it, mixing easily with luminaries of the sport, after witnessing what the imposed absence had wrought on the Spa. She also was fully engaged in the social activities through the entire year. A young man, originally from Montreal, was employed at the Saratoga Sun, and Florence was impressed with his wit and charm. His name was Reginald W. Durant. In addition to his duties at the local daily, Mr. Durant became part of Florence’s management team at the Grand Union in 1914, and as track season was starting that year, a crisis erupted in Europe, where military alliances cascaded into a war on the continent. Florence was fully enmeshed in the society of Thoroughbred racing, Palm Beach and Saratoga societies, where the geographies changed, but the personalities remained constant. She embraced the craze that winter of 1915 at Palm Beach, where women were wearing 'zebra' stockings on the beach, and walking the palm dales wearing the imperative striped dress. Returning to Saratoga Springs, Florence Hathorn volunteered with other young women like Blanche Nolan as well as her lifelong friend and neighbor Elizabeth Houghton, in Red Cross booths seeking donations set up in Army tents in front of the local Post Office. Florence staged many other fundraisers in the Grand Union’s Crystal Room. All efforts redoubled when the United States entered the war in April 1917. In August, Florence entered thoroughbreds at the Saratoga track under the name of Reginald Durant, who had been dispatched to France with the Aviation Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces.

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Female Red Cross ambulance drivers ready to drive Ford Model T ambulances, July 1918. From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

In the United Kingdom two women, Norah Hackett and May Lowther, wanted to aid the Allied war effort in some way other than nursing, but were refused by the British Army. Norah Hackett had been a journalist before hostilities and May Lowther was a competitive fencer and champion tennis player who used the nickname “Toupie,” a French term describing a whirling top. These partners envisioned a privately funded, all-women corps operating an ambulance and canteen unit at the battleline. Toupie Lowther’s involvement in fencing and tennis had introduced her to people of a more privileged class, and when war broke out, she was able to appeal to these connections to purchase some trucks, but mostly touring cars, which would be modified with an ambulance body. These ambulances, serving the front lines, would be driven and maintained by women. With the military engagements in heated combat in France and Belgium, the British and Americans would not consider woman near the battles, yet the French Army defending their homeland welcomed the courageous volunteers, especially after the Russian Revolution eviscerated the Eastern Front. Initially Hackett-Lowther’s patrons were able to provide 22 vehicles and 30 female drivers, recruited from across the United Kingdom, France and the United States. Some of these women drivers were married, but for the most part were daring single young women, with some background in operating automobiles. These women were mostly from the privileged class of their various societies, and had the wherewithal to decide for themselves to join an adventurous, albeit risky, motor ambulance operation under female direction.

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Drivers maintaining their HackettLother ambulances in the field. Le Monde Illustre September 7, 1918.

The ambulances were painted a nondescript gray, emblazoned with a large Red Cross, and the HackettLowther name as well. Because the vehicles were donated, no standardization of types were planned, which must have made operations more difficult, with the women needing to understand many designs from Chalmers, Daimler, GMC, Mercedes, Vauxhall, Wolseley and the ubiquitous Ford Model T.

near constant dysentery, viewing the most horrific injuries and maimed corpses resulting from trench warfare, and the perpetual presence of rats.

Red Cross responsibilities increased for Florence Hathorn for the rest of 1917, and near the end of the year she purchased a Ford Model T, fitted with an ambulance body, and had it shipped to France. Along with her lifelong friend Elizabeth Houghton Don, they trained with mechanics at the Saratoga dealership to understand everything required by the vehicle, which had revolutionized the American road and was fondly known as the “Flivver.” Early in 1918 they sailed together for Europe, where they would drive the ambulance.

Besides being capable mechanics, the Hackett-Lowther drivers also did some heavy lifting in transporting the wounded on stretchers. Les mesdames routinely drove without lights through the night on combat damaged and fog shrouded winding roads which were also being used by troops with equipment and horses, littered with trees and every manner of debris, and across damaged bridges. C'est la guerre.

They joined the Hackett-Lowther Unit, and thereby the French Army, where Miss Hackett and Lowther were commissioned as Sous (Second) Lieutenants, and the drivers as soldiers with the rank of private, or poilus. The primitive nature of their automobiles led to much effort for the Hackett-Lowther drivers. The chassis required daily lubrication; when operating in freezing conditions the radiators needed to be drained after each shift and replenished before starting the next; since, along with antifreeze, the electric starter was in the future, the ambulance cars needed to be hand-cranked. All maintenance needed to be performed outdoors, despite the vagaries of the weather. Rest was nearly impossible due to constant shelling and air raids, with the skies raining shrapnel. Sanitation was non-existent. Florence and the drivers learned to live with quick naps, being always “on-call,” meager rations and saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

They wore uniforms; tunics with square pockets and leather belts, matching skirts coming below the knee, breeches underneath, a flannel shirt with silk tie all khaki color, high trench boots, a gas mask bag supported by a strap around their neck, and an Adrian “tin-hat” helmet.

An armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, ending hostilities, and the combative forces began to disband. Florence and every member of the Hackett-Lowther unit were awarded the French Croix de Guerre. The French city of Tours was the headquarters for supplying American forces during the war, and the site of the wedding of Florence Hathorn to Reginald Durant in late February of 1919. The couple returned to Saratoga Springs in April. The nineteenth amendment, giving women the right to vote, was newly enacted, and party leaders saw Florence, due to her publishing background and patriotic service, as a wonderful candidate for state office, which she declined. Times change; places change; and people change, and in 1923 the Durants divorced. Florence would remarry to Sidney J. Smith in 1926 and continued to be a presence in the Spa community. She sold the Grand Union to a NYC syndicate in 1943. Florence owned 740 North Broadway until her passing in 1971. SS FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 171

History

On This SPOT..

The well- stocked store carried everything from ice, to lottery tickets, cigarettes and beer.

173 Lake Avenue Pepper’s Market WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE | PHOTOS PROVIDED (UNLESS NOTED)

“Our store is gone. It’s just a story now,”

A LOOKING BACK FAVE!

This originally ran in Simply Saratoga Winter 2021, But we loved it so much, it’s making an appearance during our 20th Anniversary Year Long Celebration!

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states Marcia Hellwig, co-owner of Pepper’s Market from 1978-2001. November 23, 2020 signaled the end of the neighborhood landmark – Pepper’s Market ( a.k.a. Moby Rick’s Seafood). The white clapboard structure was demolished, leaving many old-time Saratogians heartbroken. A pile of rubble, all that was left of the 100-plus-year old store, saddened passersby as they stood on the corner of Lake Avenue and Warren Street. Many gathered to reflect on their fond memories of the once-beloved store.

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Spencer and Marcia Hellwig, owners of Pepper’s Market for 22 years. Customers and neighbors became extended family such as nearby neighbors John and Sharon Kirkpatrick.

Although Spencer Hellwig had previously worked as a branch manager for AVCO Securities, he grew up around the meat business. Shown is his grandfather’s market on the corner of Lake Avenue and High Rock. The store is on what now serves as parking area for City Hall. Note the ironic slogan in this 1941 photo- “Meeting place of all friends and neighbors.” Photo courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection.

The property was originally owned by Judge William Lafayette Warren,for whom Warren Street was named. Warren sold the land in 1866. The Saratoga Springs City Directory’s initial entry for a grocery store at this location, run by John Gillespie, appears in 1872. After his death in 1886, the Gillespie family continued to run the store until 1889. A series of stores, including Haights Market and Lake Avenue Market followed. In January 1937, butcher Victor Pepper and his wife, Blanche, purchased the market. Victor died only 7 years later. Blanche remarried, yet the name “Pepper’s” lived on. “You don’t change the name of a successful business,” notes former store owner Spencer Hellwig. For much of my adult life, Pepper’s Market defined the neighborhood. It was more than a place to get the best potato salad or baked beans in town, it was an early morning coffee club; a well stocked newsstand; an unofficial historical center; an unofficial breakfast spot for kids as they waited to walk to nearby Lake Avenue School; an extended family; a pizza parlor; and a place where you were always treated with warmth and respect. For me, the name Pepper’s was synonymous with Spencer and Marcia Hellwig, who owned the store for 22 years. Most recently the 50 by 70 foot lot housed Moby Rick’s Seafood. But for the better part of 100 years, the city directory categorized the business under “Meat and Provisions.” Pepper’s was the oldest continually operated meat market in Saratoga County. Each owner adapted their wares over the years to fit the times. When competition from larger markets became a challenge, the deli aspect of the store became featured. The most recent owners to operate under the Pepper’s nameDamien Haas and Christopher Pringle- featured takeout meals, such as chicken parm.

In September of 1978, unbeknownst to his wife Marcia, Spencer Hellwig purchased Pepper’s in a foreclosure sale. Spencer must have foreseen the long hours of work ahead of the couple. He sent friend, the late Carol Tarantino, to break the news to Marcia. Spencer and Marcia soon found out they had to wear many hats. Spencer excelled in hand stuffing sausage and pounding veal into scallopini. Monday through Sunday, he worked 10-hour days. When the Hellwigs first took over the store, opening time was 7 a.m. Retired postman John Armstrong, nicknamed “Army,” entered one morning and declared,” What’s wrong with you people? You open too late.” Spencer tossed over the keys to the store to Army and said, “If you wanna open early, here you go.”

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Army opened the store every morning at 6 a.m for 22 years. He organized The Saratogian, New York Times, Daily News, Gazette, Times Union and the Racing Form. He made coffee for Judge Michael Sweeney and Nate Goldsmith, regular morning visitors. Army became an integral fixture at the store even though he never was on the payroll. “We didn’t make much money on the newspapers, but you could lose a lot of money if you didn’t keep track of inventory. John was very good at this,” remembers Marcia. There were no pretenses at Pepper’s. Splintered wooden floors and simple wooden shelves lined the walls of the one-roomed space. And that was part of its charm. It didn’t matter if you were Alfred Vanderbilt, a famous jockey, or a neighborhood child with five cents to spend on Swedish Fish - everyone was treated with the same warmth and kindness. Customers were the number one priority and the Hellwigs quickly became known for their specialized service. "If a customer came in for an item we didn’t have, Spencer would say, ‘Come back in an hour and I’ll have it for you,’” recalls longtime employee Mary Beth Moran. Instacart could have taken lessons from Spencer. This store mastered home delivery.

John Armstrong “on duty” as he tries to pick a winner on August 12, 1984. Photo provided by Jack Armstrong. Recently, the Saratoga Springs Preservation used this photo to advertise their Sunday summer stroll “Mom and Pop stores of the Eastside,” and elicited 78 comments on Facebook. Most lamented the loss of the beloved icon.

“I was always impressed with the way that Spencer and Marcia rolled with the times, adding things like a pizza oven,” states daughter-in-law and long-time employee Debbie Hellwig. When Spencer could no longer get bread from Vita Rich Bakery, he took classes at Schenectady Community College and learned how to bake it himself. Pepper’s soon became known for their bread, a key feature of their mouth-watering sandwiches. Neighbor Deb Reed would often go to the store just to buy Spencer’s bread. “I loved it when they added pizza to the menu. They used quality ingredients for everything. Nothing since has ever matched that pizza,” remembers a wistful Debbie Hellwig. The Zanetti family were frequent pizza customers and Marcia was fond of their children. She knew Shane didn’t like red sauce on his pizza so when Marcia boxed it, she made sure there was always one slice with no sauce. As life long Saratogians and parents of three sons, the Hellwigs were heavily invested in the community and local economy. Marcia made sure to stock local corn from area farmers, meat from Double A in Glens Falls as well as Al Polacsek, and milk from Price Dairy. John Greenwood, owner of Price’s Dairy, reports, “I delivered 18-20 half gallons of milk to their stand up cooler every Mon-Sat. morning for 10 years. It was always one of my favorite places on my route because I never left there without a Saratoga history lesson. They knew everyone. It was the quintessential family-run store.” Pepper’s was also “the August place to be.” After morning workouts, horse trainers, jockeys, and stable boys headed straight down Ludlow Street for an early lunch or groceries. At 10 a.m., the lines would be five deep at the counter.

Employee Debbie Moran who later married son Spencer Hellwig.

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“Our first year we never imagined what August would be like. We never would have imagined over 50 percent of our year’s gross was done in just one month - August,” reports Marcia. In the late 70’s grocery stores did not accept credit cards. Instead, racing households set up their own local charge accounts.

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“We would sell to the big houses on North Broadway and around town. The cooks would call and I would sit down with a legal pad and write up their lengthy orders for delivery. They would often request specialty products like Major Grey’s Chutney and we would find a way to supply them with it,” says Marcia. August required extra help and college-bound neighbors were hired. Mary Beth Moran, Jen Ross, Debbie Moran and Adam Britten became an extension of the Hellwig family. “It did not feel like a job, I loved every minute of working there. The lessons I learned from Spencer and Marcia stayed with me my whole life,” says Mary Beth. The long hours began to take a toll on the Hellwigs.

Many memories lie in the pile of rubble left behind at 173 Lake Avenue. The building was reportedly was an auxiliary structure of the fire house on Lake Avenue.

In 2001 chef Damien Haas expressed interest in buying the store. Spencer, tired from a long August of nonstop work, said, “I’m going on vacation. Call my lawyer.” Damien and partner Chris Pringle soon took over the operation. They were able to preserve the same family feel of the store for the next 11 years. In 2012, Moby Rick’s Seafood arrived, bringing daily fresh fish. They were an instant success. In 2017, Gordon and Mary Sacks, of Schuylerville-based 9 Miles East Farm, eyed Pepper’s corner for a neighborhood market featuring homemade pizza and carefully selected local farm products. Sacks loved the location for its history and character. Then property owner at that time, Tom West, envisioned a neighborhood market featuring Moby Rick’s Seafood and the produce of 9 Miles East. But the original structure, towed from Lake Avenue Fire Station, was in disrepair. There was no foundation and no way to make all the necessary improvements to the building. “It had no bones,” reports Tom, an environmental attorney. Through the lengthy variance process Tom believed, “We need to support neighborhood markets. They are an important part of the fabric of our community.” However, after a few long years of waiting for approval, Tom decided to sell the property.

Moby Rick’s Seafood in its final hours. This popular seafood market was at 173 Lake Ave. from 2012-2020. It has since relocated to Congress Plaza.

“Although we had lots of support, we met a small amount of opposition. It took a longtime to get clearance,” Sacks says. Meanwhile, 9 Miles East was able to acquire Sid Stark’s garage on Excelsior Avenue, a short distance from Pepper’s. “We’re very happy to still serve the neighborhood from a slightly different location,” stated Sacks. Moby Rick’s has relocated to Congress Plaza. Samantha Bosshart of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation comments, “Pepper’s fate is a good reminder. If the building is not in a historic district, you have the potential to lose it and with that you lose an aspect of a community’s social history.” However, a little bit of Pepper’s will still live on. Anthony Caruso, owner of Caruso Home Builders, hopes to incorporate salvaged shiplap from the original structure in an accent wall of the new townhouse on this site. His building plans call for a 2200 sq. ft. unit facing Lake Avenue and a 2000 sq. foot unit facing Warren St., which was designed to look like a single family home.Caruso also pulled up the original sidewalk bricks to be laid back down. Oh, if those bricks could talk, what a story they would have to tell!

Caruso Home Builders. 173 Lake Ave Rendering

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Author’s note: Thanks to Marcia and Spencer Hellwig, Debbie Hellwig, Mary Beth Moran,John Greenwood, Jack Armstrong, Mitch Cohen, Samantha Bosshart, The Saratoga Room, Gordon Sacks, Tom West and Anthony Caruso for their contributions to this article. SS FALL 2026 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 175

History

SIMPLY SERIES - FINAL INSTALLMENT

All Aboard for the Adirondacks!

Of Saratoga Springs, Thomas Durant, Railroads, The Great Camps and The Irish A SARATOGA STORY TOLD IN THE GRAND IRISH SEANCHAÍ STORYTELLING TRADITION | PART 5, FINAL WRITTEN BY EAMON Ó’COILEÁIN (ED COLLINS)

Before Thomas Durant died at his beloved Gables in North Creek on October 5, 1885, he had lost much of his wealth, fittingly so, as many would claim, because it was wealth that so many accused him of accumulating deceitfully. A local man’s personal journal recorded a brief entry on October 6, 1885, about North Creek’s mourning the magnate’s death: “T.C. Durant is dead. The great railroad king of North Creek. The engine is draped in mourning, as is the depot. A great parade because he had a big pile of money, which is not of the least use to him now. He has gone where he cannot take it with him. Neither could it save his life.”

Exterior view of The Gables showing the road. Durant purchased the residence in 1871. He died there in 1885. The structure burned in 1959. Photo courtesy of Adirondack Experience

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His family transported his body on the very train service he established, returning him from North Creek to Saratoga Springs and then on to New York City’s Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn where he was interred in a grand stone mausoleum, as magnificent as his stately home in the Adirondacks. Durant’s beloved mansion in North Creek, “The Gables,” survived well into the 20th century until a fire consumed it on an extremely cold morning in March 1959. In a newspaper account of the conflagration, a small boy, who stood bundled up out in front of the inferno and witnessed so many firemen armed with hoses pouring water on the fire, was quoted wondering aloud, “How can there be ice?” as imposing icicles the length of stalactites formed from cascades of dripping, freezing water around the smoldering manse. The icy scene served as an ironic ending to a story of an ambitious man whose apparently cold, calculating heart created great personal family wealth at others’ expense.

Thomas Clark Durant's residence, known as "The Gables," in North Creek. Photo courtesy of Adirondack Experience

Orson Welles, in describing his movie Citizen Kane, widely acclaimed to be one of the greatest motion pictures ever made, explained, “I wished to make a motion picture which was not a narrative of action so much as an examination of character.” The most famous line from Welles’s masterpiece is perhaps a one-word mysterious last-breath utterance by Kane at his life’s end, “Rosebud.” Welles stated that “Rosebud,” the name of Kane’s childhood sled, was a symbol: “It was one of hundreds of objects of art, objects of sentiment, and just plain objects which could stand for a public career and a private life. I wished to represent the very dust heap of a man’s life. There was no way for me to do this except to make my character, as I have said, a collector, and to give him a great house in which to keep his collections. The house itself occurred to me as a

literal translation in terms of drama of the expression ‘ivory tower.’ ” The fictitious Citizen Charles Foster Kane, supposedly modeled on powerful newspaper publisher and politician William Randolph Hearst, could be said as well to be a character study of tainted Thomas Clark Durant and his magnificent stately home “The Gables” with all of his gilded collectibles, paid for by wealthy travelers to and through Saratoga Springs. As one visits The Durant Mausoleum, one can almost imagine hearing echoes inside the cold granite facade of the old railroad financier’s voice as the dying Citizen Durant lay in his North Creek opulent mansion whispering his last words in a gruff low, hushed tone, in the spirit of Charles Foster Kane, lamenting for his beloved home in the Adirondacks, “Oh . . . My Gables.” - An Deireadh ("The End") - SS

Thomas C. Durant Mausoleum, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn. Photo by Sheila Myers.

Thomas Clark Durant, M.D. (1820-1885), Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad. From an engraving by Robert O'Brien based on a photograph by Matthew Brady. c 1865-70

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One Last Thing...

Saratoga Dairy A Tribute

Aerial View June 25, 1983

WRITTEN BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD PHOTOS PROVIDED

Dake Milk Plant circa 1940

Gone but not forgotten is the Saratoga Dairy. When the city of Saratoga Springs built its new water treatment plant at 111 Excelsior Ave in 1935, the original 1871 Pumping Station, just 100 yards south of it, was sold to Charles V. and Percy Dake. The building was modernized and repurposed into the Saratoga Dairy. The dairy operated from that location from 1938 through 1994, when Stewart’s moved dairy operations to their distribution plant in Greenfield. According to Roohan Realty’s webpage, the current site at 131 Excelsior Ave will be called North Spring Run, a luxury 102-unit apartment complex. I spent the majority of my 20s and 30s in and around the Saratoga Dairy. Every time I drive down Excelsior Ave, I feel a responsibility to pay tribute to the place that had such a profound impact on my life. I’m certain there’s others out there who feel the same. Saratoga Dairy is where names like Barton, Reid, Clark, Stevens, Dahl, Staulters, Fitzgerald, Hyde and Price became my mentors. These names barely scratch the surface when it comes to naming the hardworking and dedicated men and women who taught me the value of a hard day's work done the “right” way. My first adult wake-up call took place less than a year after I graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1973. It was day one of my new job as a milk receiver at Saratoga Dairy. Ed Stevens, 178 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2026

a supervisor of the highest caliber, asked if I had taken algebra in high school. Although the answer was yes, panic set in. You know that one course you hated and questioned why you waste your time on something you’ll never use in a lifetime? Thankfully, Ed was the ultimate teacher and sensed my discomfort. As he patiently walked me through the formula needed to standardize whole milk, I began to regret replacing homework with Wednesday pitcher nights at the Hub. After washing a few weeks' worth of truck tankers and milk tanks, I began to realize that maybe when Bill and Charlie Dake offered to send me to college months earlier, my answer of, “No thank you, I want to work with my hands,” may have been premature. I’m now in my 70s, and in retrospect, I can confidently say I have zero regrets in my decision. The life lessons, friends, experiences, and stories I’ve collected in my blue-collar journey are priceless assets that I cherish daily. I performed every job that building threw at me. I was a milk receiver and a machine operator. I bagged milk powder and ice cubes. I made and boxed 1lb., 2lb. tubs, and 64lb. blocks of butter, then wheeled them into a walk-in freezer set at ten below, wearing paper-thin, perspiration-soaked dairy whites. That job was a true character builder. I became skilled with hand trucks, pallet jacks, and dairy hooks. I washed more equipment than any dishwasher in an August restaurant

could wash in a lifetime. I learned how to make vats of chocolate milk, eggnog, buttermilk, and New Country Yogurt. One of the dirtiest and most dreaded jobs occurred when the plant’s conveyer/chain would jump out of its track due to being overloaded or iced up. The chain was the heart of the plant and moved stacks of milk and empty crates from the filling machines through the storage cooler, and out to the loading dock and back into the plant. When the chain was down, everything came to a screeching halt. The stacks of milk that were on the chain would have to be pulled off with a dairy hook. If the maintenance men in blue were in another part of the plant, anyone brave enough would jump down into this smelly grease pit where the chain’s driver motor was. You’d have to loosen the chain just enough to slide it back into the channel. Once the chain was back on and tightened, you’d emerge from the pit with your dairy whites covered from head to toe in black grease and shivering like a wet Chihuahua. A circle of coworkers would cheer sarcastically because now they had to pull all those milk stacks back on the track and start all over. Those were the days that kept the frustration level high and common. Working weekends, holidays, nights, and long hours were the norm; easy days a rarity. I was barely twenty when I got careless one day and lost my right index finger in a 1940s butter churn that resembled a civil war cannon. The experience left me with the nickname “Johnny Nine Fingers” and paved the way to a career preaching driver and work safety to the hundreds of truck drivers that I trained in my 35 years in the Stewart’s Hauling Department. The purpose of this tribute is to acknowledge every person that crossed my path at the Saratoga Dairy. They provided me with a life filled with friendships, camaraderie, laughter, mechanical skills, work ethic, scars, and a deep appreciation for the working man or woman. I may have retired white-collar, but I will always be blue-collar from the tip of my steel-toed boots to the top of my bump-capped, hair-netted head. RIP SARATOGA DAIRY. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. - “Johnny Nine Fingers” SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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