simply saratoga march 2011
DESCRIPTION
Simply put, the magazine is ‘Simply Saratoga’ which debuted with our holiday 2010 issue. Simply Saratoga Magazine You will find the regular features you have come to expect, and many more. With high quality glossy photos, dynamic layout and in-depth features about the people, places and things that make our region great. ‘Simply Saratoga’ will tell the stories behind the headlines. You could say we are simplifying our lives… with Simply Saratoga!TRANSCRIPT
Simply Saratoga | 3
4 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 5
Pg 36Pg 8Reviews
8 Lake Ridge Restaurant
Big cuisine magic in a very small town
32 The Frozen Rabbi
Steve Sternrsquos most recent novel
Home ampGarden
36 Unique Places ampCreative SpacesA place in the country-
in Saratoga Springs
42 The RightApproach toInterior Design
Blairhouse Interiors Group
50 Spring Dorsquos and Donrsquots
For the gardener
58 Exterior andStoneworkIllumination
Enjoy your space
66 PlayhousesMake a childrsquos
dream come true
74 Not yourGrandmarsquosKitchenAdirondack Applicance
talks kitchens
Pg 14Things
to Know14 Bottle Notes
Organic but not green
22 Protecting YourRetirement
Something not to lose site of
30 Women Takethis Warning toHeart
Heart Health
34 Simple TruthsHow is your
mental state
Pg 12Things to Do
12 Maple WeekendsToo sweet to miss
16 Save the DateFor these great events
Contents
Pg 19Prom Style
Pg 24SummerCamps
March April 2011
Seasonal
VIEWON-LINE
flip through the pages of this
magazine and link to
the advertisers websites at
SaratogaPublishingcom
Cover Photo by Samu Studios
Simply Saratoga is brought to you by SaratogaPublishing LLC Saratoga Publishing shall make everyeffort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims anyresponsibility should they occur No part of this pub-lication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval sys-tem or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout prior written consent of the publisherCopyright (c) 2010 Saratoga Publishing LLC
OwnerPublisherChad Beatty
General ManagerRobin Mitchell
Creative DirectorChris Bushee
Art DirectorTiffany Garland
EditorArthur Gonick
WritersYael Goldman
Daniel SchechtmanHelen Edelman Michael Okby
Patty NovoAndrij O BaranKerry Mendez
Meghan Lemery
AdvertisingCindy Durfey
Jim Daley
Pre-Press CoordinatorSam Bolles
Copy ProofreaderAnne Proulx
Contributing PhotographersCreative Photo amp GraphicStock Studios Photography
PrintingFry Communications
Published bySaratoga Publishing LLC
Five Case StreetSaratoga Springs NY 12866
tel 5185812480fax 5185812487
SaratogaPublishingcom
Photo by MarkBollescom
6 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 7
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
4 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 5
Pg 36Pg 8Reviews
8 Lake Ridge Restaurant
Big cuisine magic in a very small town
32 The Frozen Rabbi
Steve Sternrsquos most recent novel
Home ampGarden
36 Unique Places ampCreative SpacesA place in the country-
in Saratoga Springs
42 The RightApproach toInterior Design
Blairhouse Interiors Group
50 Spring Dorsquos and Donrsquots
For the gardener
58 Exterior andStoneworkIllumination
Enjoy your space
66 PlayhousesMake a childrsquos
dream come true
74 Not yourGrandmarsquosKitchenAdirondack Applicance
talks kitchens
Pg 14Things
to Know14 Bottle Notes
Organic but not green
22 Protecting YourRetirement
Something not to lose site of
30 Women Takethis Warning toHeart
Heart Health
34 Simple TruthsHow is your
mental state
Pg 12Things to Do
12 Maple WeekendsToo sweet to miss
16 Save the DateFor these great events
Contents
Pg 19Prom Style
Pg 24SummerCamps
March April 2011
Seasonal
VIEWON-LINE
flip through the pages of this
magazine and link to
the advertisers websites at
SaratogaPublishingcom
Cover Photo by Samu Studios
Simply Saratoga is brought to you by SaratogaPublishing LLC Saratoga Publishing shall make everyeffort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims anyresponsibility should they occur No part of this pub-lication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval sys-tem or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout prior written consent of the publisherCopyright (c) 2010 Saratoga Publishing LLC
OwnerPublisherChad Beatty
General ManagerRobin Mitchell
Creative DirectorChris Bushee
Art DirectorTiffany Garland
EditorArthur Gonick
WritersYael Goldman
Daniel SchechtmanHelen Edelman Michael Okby
Patty NovoAndrij O BaranKerry Mendez
Meghan Lemery
AdvertisingCindy Durfey
Jim Daley
Pre-Press CoordinatorSam Bolles
Copy ProofreaderAnne Proulx
Contributing PhotographersCreative Photo amp GraphicStock Studios Photography
PrintingFry Communications
Published bySaratoga Publishing LLC
Five Case StreetSaratoga Springs NY 12866
tel 5185812480fax 5185812487
SaratogaPublishingcom
Photo by MarkBollescom
6 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 7
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 5
Pg 36Pg 8Reviews
8 Lake Ridge Restaurant
Big cuisine magic in a very small town
32 The Frozen Rabbi
Steve Sternrsquos most recent novel
Home ampGarden
36 Unique Places ampCreative SpacesA place in the country-
in Saratoga Springs
42 The RightApproach toInterior Design
Blairhouse Interiors Group
50 Spring Dorsquos and Donrsquots
For the gardener
58 Exterior andStoneworkIllumination
Enjoy your space
66 PlayhousesMake a childrsquos
dream come true
74 Not yourGrandmarsquosKitchenAdirondack Applicance
talks kitchens
Pg 14Things
to Know14 Bottle Notes
Organic but not green
22 Protecting YourRetirement
Something not to lose site of
30 Women Takethis Warning toHeart
Heart Health
34 Simple TruthsHow is your
mental state
Pg 12Things to Do
12 Maple WeekendsToo sweet to miss
16 Save the DateFor these great events
Contents
Pg 19Prom Style
Pg 24SummerCamps
March April 2011
Seasonal
VIEWON-LINE
flip through the pages of this
magazine and link to
the advertisers websites at
SaratogaPublishingcom
Cover Photo by Samu Studios
Simply Saratoga is brought to you by SaratogaPublishing LLC Saratoga Publishing shall make everyeffort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims anyresponsibility should they occur No part of this pub-lication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval sys-tem or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout prior written consent of the publisherCopyright (c) 2010 Saratoga Publishing LLC
OwnerPublisherChad Beatty
General ManagerRobin Mitchell
Creative DirectorChris Bushee
Art DirectorTiffany Garland
EditorArthur Gonick
WritersYael Goldman
Daniel SchechtmanHelen Edelman Michael Okby
Patty NovoAndrij O BaranKerry Mendez
Meghan Lemery
AdvertisingCindy Durfey
Jim Daley
Pre-Press CoordinatorSam Bolles
Copy ProofreaderAnne Proulx
Contributing PhotographersCreative Photo amp GraphicStock Studios Photography
PrintingFry Communications
Published bySaratoga Publishing LLC
Five Case StreetSaratoga Springs NY 12866
tel 5185812480fax 5185812487
SaratogaPublishingcom
Photo by MarkBollescom
6 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 7
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga is brought to you by SaratogaPublishing LLC Saratoga Publishing shall make everyeffort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims anyresponsibility should they occur No part of this pub-lication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval sys-tem or transmitted in any form or by any meanswithout prior written consent of the publisherCopyright (c) 2010 Saratoga Publishing LLC
OwnerPublisherChad Beatty
General ManagerRobin Mitchell
Creative DirectorChris Bushee
Art DirectorTiffany Garland
EditorArthur Gonick
WritersYael Goldman
Daniel SchechtmanHelen Edelman Michael Okby
Patty NovoAndrij O BaranKerry Mendez
Meghan Lemery
AdvertisingCindy Durfey
Jim Daley
Pre-Press CoordinatorSam Bolles
Copy ProofreaderAnne Proulx
Contributing PhotographersCreative Photo amp GraphicStock Studios Photography
PrintingFry Communications
Published bySaratoga Publishing LLC
Five Case StreetSaratoga Springs NY 12866
tel 5185812480fax 5185812487
SaratogaPublishingcom
Photo by MarkBollescom
6 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 7
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 7
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
8 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 9
Making a new friend when you least expect it is a surpris-
ing pleasure ndash and thatrsquos the good feeling we came away
with after dining at Lake Ridge restaurant Tucked into his-
toric picture-perfect Round Lake ndash about 15 minutes from
Saratoga Springs off Northway exit 11 ndash Lake Ridge is the
gracious good-looking reliable insightful host yoursquoll want
to sit down for a meal with again and again
Saratoga Lake resident Bob McKenna is co-owner of the
eatery with Chef Scott Ringwood of Malta Ringwood is
formerly of The Old Dater Tavern in Halfmoon Also co-
owner and general manager of New Country Toyota
McKenna underlines the philosophy that has propelled the
restaurant through its first decade of success and accolades
ldquoWe love to please people and to create a great event
whether itrsquos a special evening out for a couple an office
gathering a rehearsal dinner date night or a business
lunch We want our customers to have a comfortable
rewarding experiencerdquo
A squarish building constructed in the 1870s the struc-
ture previously housed a general store and a bakery Vastly
updated by McKenna and Ringwood - without compro-
mising the aesthetic of the community - Lake Ridge is an
asset to the unique village of just over 600 neighbors
Founded in the latter half of the 19th century as a pros-
perous and naturally beautiful outpost of the Troy
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Round
Lake is an oasis off the beaten path The business sup-
ports community preservation by improving the proper-
ty is a taxpayer and employer and is a good neighbor
sponsoring a softball team and donating food to various
community events and organizations
Long-time Round Lake resident Susan Stratton is
enthusiastic about the presence of Lake Ridge which she
can walk to easily ldquoBesides the obvious ndash the food is
yummy ndash we welcome having such a cooperative flour-
ishing business in our communityrdquo she says
The restaurant thrives in the summer catering to sea-
sonal visitors but tables are set for lunch and dinner
every day except Monday year-round Burgeoning busi-
ness in Malta has driven a noon crowd to Lake Ridge for
unhurried salads soups burgers pasta and sandwiches
while in the evening some people make reservations for
Story By Helen Susan EdelmanPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
Food for Thought
big cuisine magic in a very small town
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
10 | Simply Saratoga
their next dinner on the way out mdash especially wise
for Saturdays when all 80 seats are often occupied
Informal and genial as it is Lake Ridge is defi-
nitely a ldquofine diningrdquo destination complete with
tablecloths and elegant touches such as silverware
changed between courses Worth noting is the
physical comfort afforded by commodious furni-
ture eye-pleasing deacutecor and an intelligent floor
plan that affords privacy and mellow lighting The
restaurant features three lovely and distinctive din-
ing rooms a former deck enclosed with large win-
dows a warm center room that can accommodate
couples or groups and a small dining area up front
ideal for an intimate tecircte-a-tecircte A few years ago
the restaurant added a glistening mahogany bar
with high stools and a TV The handcrafted show-
case - designed milled and constructed by
McKennarsquos high school buddy Judd Storm and his
partner Bill Tedesco of Marketplace Millwork in
Troy - boasts an exceptional selection of red white
and sparkling wines and scotches bourbons and
beers in which the owners take special pride
Key to smooth operations is manager Diana
Murphy of Wilton who has been part of the busi-
ness since its inception six days a week She is clear
about her mission ldquoThink about the guests
whether you are adding a menu item putting flow-
ers on the table suggesting a wine or choosing wall
artrdquo
McKenna emphasizes Murphyrsquos critical input
ldquoShersquos been there since the beginning and we could-
nrsquot do it as well without herrdquo he says ldquoShersquos smart
and she pulls it together whatever it takesrdquo
The team commitment shows in every aspect of
the restaurant from the imaginative menu to spe-
cial events like wine dinners that keep Lake Ridge
exciting On center stage is the generous scrump-
tious food something for every palate ndash light appe-
tizer-size portions with sophisticated flavors or
hearty soul-satisfying repasts
Appetizers are taken seriously (shrimp and avo-
cado artichoke souffleacute eggplant Napoleon and a 4-
ounce filet mignon) but thatrsquos just the beginning
McKenna points particularly to the exceptional
entrees herb-crusted swordfish veal Jacqueline
(with mushrooms and crabmeat) and the enormous
pecan pork chop as customer favorites but the
menu extends far beyond these top picks with sea
bass (delicious) salmon rack of lamb rosemary
chicken steak duck and a roster of pastas
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 11
(Companion had a fabulous linguini tossed with ample
seafood) There are four crispy salads that incorporate
local ingredients when possible and a lineup of irre-
sistible desserts Sneak a peek at wwwlake-ridgecom
for the complete menu and prices
Itrsquos no surprise that Lake Ridge was voted Best
American Cuisine in the Capital Region by Metroland
readers in 2006 and that McKenna and Ringwood
were named Entrepreneurs of the Year by Southern
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2005
But the highest praise of all comes in the form of a
loyal following and I can see that Companion is join-
ing the fold Succinct by nature he declares ldquoIrsquoll go
back for morerdquo
And Irsquoll go with him
Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Ave Round Lake (Northway exit 11)Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch 1130 am - 230 pm dinner 430-845 pm Sunday dinner 3-8 pm (518)-899-6000wwwlake-ridgecom
sect
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
12 | Simply Saratoga
March 19 - 20 andMarch 26 - 27
2011
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 13
T ired of being lsquocooped uprsquo
with all the cold weather
and snow this winter
Why not go visit a maple produc-
tion facility to see first-hand how this
yummy syrup is made and sam-
ple some sweet delights
The Annual Maple
Weekend(s) are the last two
weekends in March and
there are numerous produc-
ers participating this year
Maple syrup is the first crop
and harvest of the year and of
course one of the sweetest Unlike most farming the crop or
maple trees doesnrsquot have to be re-planted every year Maple
producers literally lsquotaprsquo into the sap that starts moving up the
tree in the spring to nourish the branches to produce buds
When the weather gets warmer into the 40rsquos during the day that
is the signal that the sap is running Hard freezes at night are also
an important factor as that causes the sap to flow back down to the
roots at night This movement of sap can occur for upwards of six
weeks depending upon the weather
Tapping into the sap doesnrsquot harm the trees itrsquos like giving
blood But tapping trees that are too small can stunt their growth
It takes forty gallons of the sap to make only one gallon of maple
syrup As harvests go thatrsquos a very small ratio of raw material to
finished product
It may surprise you to learn that the only place in the world
where maple syrup is made is here in the northeastern United
States and in eastern Canada Take a quick trip this maple sea-
son to sample some pure delight here in the surrounding
Capital District area and celebrate this sweet harvest
For Maple Weekend information contact New York
State Maple Producerrsquos Association website at
wwwnysmaplecom or for a complete list of maple produc-
ers participating in Maple
Weekend visit
mapleweekendcomSubmitted byCaroline Foote Co-ownerMaple Hill Farm Cobleskill NYwwwMaplehillfarmsbiz(518) 234-4858mhfarmvcrbwildbluenet
sect
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
14 | Simply Saratoga
NopehellipIrsquom not suggesting you dye your wine green in honor
of St Paddyrsquos (although that might be fun) Irsquom talking about
ORGANIC wine What exactly makes a wine organic
Andhellipwhy should you try it
Strictly speaking an ldquoorganicrdquo wine is one crafted from organ-
ically grown grapes This is to say the grapes in the bottle have
been grown without the use of pesticides herbicides chemical
fertilizers or synthetic chemicals of any kind These chemical
agents are not allowed on the grapes or the soil in which the
grapes are grown What used to be termed ldquoorganic winerdquo is now
termed ldquowines made from organic grapesrdquo The distinction is
confusing to most including many of the winemakers In addi-
tion most consumers are led to believe that all wines made from
organic grapes do not contain any sulfites This is inaccurate The
fermenting yeasts which are present on ALL grape skins gener-
ate naturally-occurring sulfites in varying amounts So wines
COMPLETELY devoid of sulfites are an anomaly and are not
the wines you see on the shelf of your local wine shop Wines
LOW in sulfites or free of ADDED sulfites are what you will
find instead These wines will conform to the standards of organ-
ic practices and will not contain sulfites in an amount greater
than allowed by the USDA For those who are sensitive to sul-
fites or prefer to sip organic wines as a matter of philosophy
there are hundreds of organic wines that will satisfy Okay
enough of the chemistry lesson
More and more winemakers are embracing the idea of con-
forming to organic practices when creating their wines For
these farmers and winemakers maintaining a healthy and
active soil for the grapes to grow in is the key Farming and
cultivating using these methods encourages biodiversity
which also aids in regulating the soil In turn these meth-
ods protect both the environment and the workers in the
vineyardshellipcertainly not a bad thing So while just a few
years ago your options were a bit limited if you wanted to
ldquodrink greenrdquo now there are hundreds of options to choose
from At the forefront of this movement is a winery thatrsquos
located right in New York State In fact it is the first organic
winery in North America and is located right on the western
B ttle N tes
By Patricia Novo
Photos by Mark Bolles
GreenhellipGreenhellipWine
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 15
shore of Seneca
LakehellipFour Chimneys
Organic Winery
Established in 1980
Four Chimneys was
green before being
green was cool In addi-
tion to crafting their
wines in accordance
with the standards for
organic wine estab-
lished by the NOFA-
NY Certified Organic
they also do not utilize
any animal products in
their wines For these
reasons many vegetari-
ans embrace the Four
Chimneys wines as well and have contributed to their enor-
mous popularity Four Chimneys offers several interesting
wines ranging from dry to sweet and also features several
fruit-based wines that are extremely popular For those who
love Pinot Grigio their ldquoKingdom Whiterdquo is worth sampling
This is Four Chimneyrsquos driest white and is an ideal accompa-
niment to light seafood preparations ldquoKingdom Redrdquo also a
very dry wine is similar in texture to a Merlot and will please
Merlot drinkers offering full and rich berry and plum flavors
on the palate For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their
wines their ldquoEye of the Doverdquo is a slightly sweet Cabernet
Franc based red which is best served with a slight chill This
wine makes a lovely accompaniment to barbecue and other
dishes with a bit of smoke and heat Even sweeter on the scale
are their ldquoFirst Loverdquo and ldquoEye of the Beerdquo wines ldquoFirst Loverdquo
is most reminiscent of Riesling although it is based on the
Vidal grape This very fragrant wine is quite refreshing and
offers up aromas of fresh white peach and honey Their most
popular wine is ldquoEye of the Beerdquo a semi-sweet rose-colored
wine whose flavors and aromas mimic those of freshly picked
grapes off the vine Their offerings of fruit wines also are quite
popular These combine organically grown grapes with organ-
ically grown fruits from their farm With names like
ldquoHoneydew Moonrdquo ldquoCelestial Peachrdquo ldquoStrawberry
Meadowsrdquo and ldquoRaspberry Sunrdquo these sweet fruit wines
would make an interesting choice with your dessert and are
also delightful served alongside some soft ripened cheeses such
as Brie and Camembert and fresh fruit
This is just a small introduction to the world of organic
wines For additional information or if you have specific ques-
tions about the differences among organic wines please stop in
and chat with me about this very popular subject I am more
than happy to answer any additional questions that you might
have Cheers sect
Patricia Novo is the owner of Crush amp Cask Wine and Spirits at170 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs She holds anAssociates Degree in Culinary Arts from SCCC and also serves ontheir Advisory Board Patricia also has certification in Wine andSpirits from the WSET as well as an Aficionado of WineCertification from the Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly WineProgram She is pursuing her Sommelier certification in Winter2011
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
16 | Simply Saratoga
Savethe
DateHomemade Theater Presents HARVEY
Homemade Theater Spa State Park South Broadway Saratoga SpringsElwood P Dowd is a gentle soul ndash kind hearted and
loving He has only one flaw ndash his invisible six foot-tall rabbit companion Harvey His family convincesElwood to commit himself to a sanitarium Then thelunacy really begins Multiple mistaken identities lotsof laughs and Harvey is on the loose Does the worldneed more lsquonormal peoplersquo Will you see Harvey
April 22 23 29 30 amp May 6 7 at 8 pm and May1 and 8 at 2 pm Tickets are $23 and $26 Visit home-madetheaterorg for more information
Celebrate Earth Week Recycled Art Show
Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32Stillwater
Weekend-long exhibit beginning on Friday April15 through Sunday April 17 with original works ofldquorecycled artrdquo with each piece containing at least50 reclaimed or recycled materials For more infor-mation please visit npsgovsara or phone (518) 664-9821 ext 224
Easter Egg HuntMalta Community Center 1 Bayberry DrFrom 10 to 11 am on Saturday April 16 please reg-
ister by April 8 by calling (518) 899-4411 Residentsof Malta $6 non-residents $7 Please bring your ownEaster basket to collect your eggs
Washington County Farm and Fiber Tour
On April 24 and 25 bring the family to this freetour to visit alpacas bunnies goats sheep and lambsllamas and meet the farmers and their familiesWatch spinning knitting weaving and felting demon-strations Learn about raising the livestock and petsthat we cherish For more information visitwwwwashingtoncountyfibertourorg
Geocache Easter Egg HuntGalway Preserve 2519 Crane RdOn Saturday April 30 find some eggs find some
caches and find some friends (or make new ones) asyou and your children search throughout the preservePrizes for found eggs will include candy toys geo-items and more Drinks and snacks will be availableThis event will be led by Chris Parker Preserve stewardand geocacher extraordinare For more informationcall Saratoga PLAN at (518) 587-4555
Hadley Maple FestivalHeld on Rockwell St on Saturday April 30 this
event runs all day from 8 am to 4 pm Bring the fami-ly for everything maple Visit wwwhadleybusinessas-sociationnet for more information
MapleWeekendsMarch 19-20th
amp 26-27th
See Pages 12-13
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 17
Saratoga Springs Mardi Gras FestivalHeld at various locations downtown Saratoga on
Saturday April 30 this event benefits Saratoga EOCand the Giving Circle For more information visitsaratogamardigrasorg
British Army Spring Training DaySaratoga National Historical Park 648 Rte 32
StillwaterOn May 7 from 10 am to 4 pm The cold winter has
ended and a new campaign season begins Soldiersdrill camp followers mend clothes and the armyprepares to quell the American ldquorebellionrdquo See thetroops and decide the outcome of a re-enacted courtmartial
St Clements Horse ShowYaddo grounds next to Oklahoma TrackHeld May 3 to May 8 and May 11 to May 15 This
is one of the largest horse shows on the east coastFor more information visit saintclementshorse-showcom
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
18 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 19
Prom
T h i s W a y
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
20 | Simply Saratoga
Glamor
ous
Daz
zling
Elega
ntFlir
ty
Gor
geou
s
Girls
itrsquos
Show
time
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 21
Web
Extras
See
the
pics tha
t didn
rsquot
mak
e it in
the
Mag
azine
on
SaratogaB
ridalEXPO
com
Grecian
God
dess
Athe
na
Classic B
eaut
y
Holly
wood
Glamou
r
Wild
and
Untam
edElega
nt
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
22 | Simply Saratoga
The current economic and market environment has prompt-
ed many Americans to rethink their retirement strategies If
you are experiencing a job transitionmdashparticularly if the tran-
sition is unplanned and unexpectedmdashsuch a reassessment may
be particularly important for you While it may be tempting to
focus more on your immediate needs you should not lose sight
of long-term goals especially your retirement strategy
Some Basic Decisions Your employer-sponsored retirement plan is likely to be a
key component of your retirement strategy Because it repre-
sents a key source of future retirement income it is important
to carefully consider your alternatives for administering these
assets During a job transition you will usually have three
options take a lump-sum distribution leave your assets in the
employer-sponsored plan or move your assets into a Rollover
IRA
Taking a direct lump-sum distributionmdashWith this
option the assets in your plan are distributed directly to you in
a lump sum which provides you with immediate access to
your funds Depending on your short-term needs that may
appear to be an attractive alternative However a distribution
will likely result in substantial federal and state income taxes
and a 10 percent IRS penalty tax which can significantly
reduce the amount of the distribution Because you will be
receiving the distribution directly the plan administrator must
withhold up to 20 percent of the value of the distribution for
federal income tax purposes Moreover you will lose the ben-
efit of the tax-deferred status of these assets which could
reduce the amount ultimately available to you at retirement
The status quo optionmdashYou can decide to do nothing
leaving your assets in your former employerrsquos plan That will
protect the tax-deferred status of your assets and allow you to
transfer the account assets at a later time to a new employerrsquos
retirement plan that accepts rollovers But you may be limiting
your investment choices and control because employer plans
typically have a restricted investment menu and require the
consent of your spouse before you can name someone else as
a beneficiary
Establishing a Rollover IRAmdashA Rollover IRA simultane-
ously addresses the issues of taxation flexibility and control
and may hold significant benefits for you as a result
Submitted by H Michael Okby Wealth Advisor
Fin
ancia
l Protecting Your RetirementInvestmentsDuring a JobTransition
If your distribution is transferred directly to a custodian rather than
to you the Rollover IRA eliminates the withholding requirement and
penalties that may result from a lump-sum distribution
The entire rollover amount can be investedimmediately according to the strategy youspecify bull Your assets and any earnings continue to have the potential to
grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking withdrawals
bull You may gain access to a wider range of investment options and
more retirement planning and distribution flexibility
bull You can name any beneficiary including a trust without
needing the consent of your spouse (although special rules may
apply in community property states)
For example investment products in an employer plan are usually
limited to mutual funds and company stock With a self-directed
Rollover IRA you can work with your financial professional to struc-
ture a portfolio using stocks bonds annuities and other investments
utilizing an asset allocation1 that is customized to help you meet your
retirement investment objectives And your retirement strategy can be
further tailored with a wider range of beneficiary selection and distri-
bution choices
Consider Consolidation This may also be an excellent time to deal with multiple IRAs you
may have opened over the years and with account balances you may
have left in the plans of former employers Together these assets may
represent a significant sum There are good reasons to consider con-
solidating them all in a Rollover IRA
Comprehensive investment strategymdashIt can be difficult to main-
tain an effective investment strategymdashone that accurately reflects
your goals timing and risk tolerancemdashwhen assets are spread among
multiple financial institutions When you consolidate your financial
professional can help you ensure that these assets are part of your
overall asset allocation strategy that is reflective of your current
financial situation and long-term retirement goals
Greater investment flexibilitymdashA self-directed IRA generally
offers you the ability to choose from a wide range of investment
products including stocks bonds mutual funds annuities and more
Simplified trackingmdashIt is easier to monitor your progress and
investment results when all your retirement savings are in one place
because you will receive one statement instead of several That sim-
plifies your life while protecting the environment
Lower costsmdashReducing the number of accounts may also reduce
your account fees and other investment-related charges
Dealing with one account rather than several also simplifies
the distribution processmdashincluding complying with complex min-
imum distribution rules when you reach age 70 And you avoid the
risk of losing track of your retirement accounts or access to the
account assets should your former employer merge with another
company or go out of business Your financial professional can help
you assess your alternatives so you can make decisions based on
whatrsquos best for you You may find that this time of transition holds
benefits for your retirement assets
For more information please contact H Michael Okby at (518) 583-5601
sect
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 23
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
24 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 25
Summer camp is a place wherelifelong memories are made
This is where our children learnto cultivate their interests andordiscover a world of new activities tohelp their young minds grow andfor them to become physically fit
Even though there may be snowon the ground when you read thisit is never too early to think aboutyour childrenrsquos summer fun Weare blessed in this region with avariety of destinations providing awealth of activities
And while there is something foreveryone early planning is a mustto assure your child has a spot inone of these great places At theend of a long winter seasonthoughts of summer camp arerejuvenating for adults as well
Summer Camp Guide 2011
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook
NdakinnaNdakinna Education Center located in
Greenfield Center offers a wide variety of
summer camp programs and activities that
will provide campers with a greater
respect and understanding for the natural
world as well as the Northeastrsquos rich
Native American history Hosted by
renowned author and wilderness and sur-
vival expert James Bruchac these pro-
grams are ideal for children with a sense
of adventure and natural wonder Summer
programs are divided into two groups
children ages three to eight and older
campers ages nine to fourteen Programs
range in duration from one to two weeks
26 | Simply Saratoga
YMCA Camp Chingachgook located on beauti-
ful Lake George has three camping options sleep-
away camp day camp and adventure trips
Summer sleep-away camp is the experience of a
lifetime The camp is divided into junior and sen-
ior boys and girls units junior campers between
the ages of seven and 12 and senior campers are 13
to 15 years old All Chingachgook counselors go
through extensive two-week training and prepa-
ration prior to the beginning of the first session
Campers will enjoy a full schedule of skill
classes which they can choose on their own
and special events and programs Campers can
choose from swimming water skiing canoeing
nature arts outdoor living skills theater news-
paper riflery archery dance guitar outdoor
cooking sports zone water world woodwork-
ing softball soccer tennis photography sail-
ing high ropes mountain biking and rock
climbing Each camper sets up their own daily
schedule of four skill classes at the start of the
session
Two-week camp sessions at Chingachgook
also include a three-day hike which allows
campers to get out and experience the wilder-
ness in a fun and safe atmosphere
Chingachgook also offers a variety of unique
adventure camps for children looking to explore
unique destinations and experience a whole new
level of fun options like sailing kayak-
ing boat building rock climbing canoe-
ing community service white-water
rafting hiking and backpacking bicycle
touring and mountain biking Adventure
campers will benefit from activities with
smaller coed groups of ten or less
Day Camp at Chingachgook is a fun
option for children ages five to ten
Campers will enjoy a full day of fun
activities from 930 am to 430 pm The
Day Camp program is divided into eight
one-week segments with the first session
starting on June 28 and the final session
starting on August 16 Each session has
a different theme
Spaces are limited at Chingachgook
so be sure to sign up as soon as possible
For more information to sign up for a
tour or to register for camp visit
wwwcapitaldistrictymcacom or call
(518) 656-9462
each covering a different skill or activity such
as animal tracking basic wilderness survival
skills and shelter building Native American
storytelling and games and nature-based arts
and crafts projects will teach campers to have
fun in the great outdoors Each camp program
promotes team building natural awareness
patience and confidence
Ndakinna also offers family camp pro-
grams which allow children and their parents
to experience the outdoors together Family
programs can accommodate children ages one
to 14 These programs offer the
same skills training and team-
building activities To view the
finalized calendar of programs
and events visit
wwwNdcenterorg
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Cutting Edge Martial ArtsCutting Edge Martial Artrsquos A+ After
School and Summer Camp Program is a year-
round child care solution that provides a pos-
itive structured environment for children
after school and during the day in the sum-
mer During the school year we pick chil-
dren up directly from the local elementary
and middle schools and provide an hour les-
son that starts with our ldquoMat Chatrdquo a ten
minute character education lesson for the day
followed by a full 50 minute martial arts
class Parents have a window between 5 and
545 pm to pick up their children while chil-
dren have the opportunity after class to get
their homework started
During the summer children get all the
benefits of our A+ Program but on a grander
scale We offer nine weeks of full day camps
and have no minimum or maximum number
of days per week or number of weeks that a
student can attend Each week of camp we
have a curriculum of character education
lessons fun games and a one hour martial
arts class every day We watch a movie in
the afternoons twice a week have a video
game morning on Fridays and take all our
campers on an educa-
tional outing on
Wednesdays and a
fun and exciting out-
ing every Friday
Our average camp
size is 20-25 stu-
dents and we have
three full time staff
graphed by Sarah Sutliff
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre also offers a one-
week camp at the end of the summer ldquoMaster
your Auditionrdquo This camp will help your child
get ready for fall and winter auditions These
audition workshops have been very popular and
sell out quickly Any child at any skill level with
an interest in performing arts is welcome to join
in on the fun Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Executive Director Meg Kelly aims to give each
camper the most rewarding and enjoyable camp
experience and every camper will get to perform
The Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre hires profes-
sionals to help your child gain the most from
their summer camp experience
The cost for a two-week session is $450 and
$250 for the one-week session For more infor-
mation visit wwwsaratogachildrenstheatreorg
or call (518) 580-1782
For kids who have a passion for per-
forming arts Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
summer camp is a dream come true
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre offers per-
formance camps which means each
camper will be working on a full-fledged
production throughout their session
Campers will learn all aspects of perform-
ance and will have the opportunity to per-
form in two shows at the end of camp a
matinee and an evening show are both
open to the public Campers will perform
on stage at St Petersrsquo Auditorium
Saratoga Springs Camp hours are 9am-
3pm Performance camp is divided into
two age groups
Ages 6-9 will participate in one week
camps These camps will include Disneyrsquos
Sleeping Beauty kids Cinderella kids
Aristocats kids 101 Dalmatians kids and
Lemonade These camps will be directed by
Megan OrsquoSullivan a local elementary school
music teacher and assisted by Karey
Trimmings also a local elementary school
music teacher
Ages 10-18 will participate in two-week
camps Each camp will practice and perform a
different show These
camps include
Thoroughly Modern
Mille Jr Cinderella Jr
Fiddler on the Roof Jr
and Once on this Island
Jr These camps will be
directed by Michael
Lotano local actor and
elementary school music
teacher and choreo-
Saratoga Childrenrsquos Theatre
Simply Saratoga | 27
working with our students
Our goal is to provide a family-friendly
and fun environment that feels like a home
away from home Our students have fun
learning skills that can be used every day of
their lives and we try to provide memories
that will last a lifetime For many our
summer camps are a wonderful introduc-
tion to martial arts
For more information visit
wwwsaratogamartialartscom
or call (518) 587-5501
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
28 | Simply Saratoga
Saratoga Independent SchoolSaratoga Independent School hosts a variety of summer
programs split into two age groups three to eight year-olds
Wilton Recreation CampWilton Recreation offers a full-day summer
camp program for children in grades one
through nine With available pre-camp and
post-camp care working parents can ensure
their children are having fun in a safe environ-
ment before and after the camprsquos regular 9 am to
3 pm hours Parents who register their children
for before and after camp care can drop off their
children prior to camp opening at 830 am and
can pick them up at 530 pm Bussing is avail-
able for Wilton residents who register for regu-
lar camp hours (9 am to 3 pm)
Wilton Recreation Camp offers a full sched-
ule of daily onsite activities themed events and
exciting trips for kids who register for off-site
adventures Daily on-site activities include arts
and crafts sports playground fun and other
organized group games This yearrsquos scheduled
field trips include Million Dollar Beach in Lake
George movie days at Proctors Theater
Saratoga County Fair bowling white water
rafting and at least two swimming days per
week at Peerless Pool
The Summer 2011 camp will open on
June 27 and run until August
12 Registration begins
March 14 at Gavin Park and
will close on June 3 As
there are only 300 spaces
available be sure to mark
your calendar Camp
registration forms are
available online at
wwwtownofwiltoncom or
can be picked up weekdays
at Gavin Park 9 am to 5 pm
For any other questions
please call the park office at (518) 584-9455
and seven to 14 year-olds The weeklong programs run from July 5
to August 19
Saratoga Independent School summer programs are staffed large-
ly by their own teachers so parents can rest assured their kids are
supervised in a safe environment with experienced teachers who are
knowledgeable about child development and hands-on
programming
For the younger group weekly themed programs run from 9 am
to noon (early drop-off at 830 available) The staff-to-camper ratio
is one to six for children ages three and four and one to ten for chil-
dren ages five to eight Themed programs include ldquoCooking with
Curiosityrdquo ldquoHawaiian Hullabaloordquo ldquoHands-On Science Funrdquo
ldquoHoliday-A-Dayrdquo ldquoGood Versus Evil Imaginations Run Wildrdquo
ldquoDinosaur Discoveryrdquo ldquoIn the Jungle the Mighty Junglerdquo
Activities take place both indoors and outdoors
The selection of enrichment programs for older children is even
more extensive this year than in the past Some programs will take
place in the mornings others in the afternoon Age ranges will vary
depending on the subject matter These specialty programs give chil-
dren an opportunity to develop new interests and expand on existing
skills Programs include ldquoCartooning and Morerdquo ldquoImprovisationrdquo
ldquoKnittingrdquo ldquoOpen Art Studiordquo ldquoYou Can Do Magicrdquo ldquoGet Up and
Dancerdquo ldquoRoaring into Robots Whatrsquos Nextrdquo ldquoArt in the Ancient
Worldrdquo ldquoMad Sciencerdquo ldquoComputer Video Game Creationrdquo
ldquoAdvanced Robot Challengesrdquo and ldquoArt-Math Connectionrdquo
Registration has already begun and the programs fill up quickly so
visit wwwsiskidsorg for more information and to secure a space
for your child
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 29
Are your kids looking for an adventure this summer The
Saratoga Regional YMCA has two exciting day camps available
Camp Starhitch held at the Wilton Branch which engages children
with a multitude of fun activities and a trip each week and Travel
Camp where participants meet at the Saratoga Springs Branch and
then travel off to fun and thrilling places each day
Camp Starhitch is for children having completed Kindergarten
through entering fifth grade Campers will participate in games
sports crafts nature activities trips swimming archery and more
Each week is planned around a theme and includes a trip For exam-
ple during ldquo70rsquos Flashbackrdquo week campers will go roller skating
during ldquoThe Wild Frontierrdquo week kids will have the opportunity to
go horseback riding and during ldquoTropical Paradiserdquo week partici-
pants may ldquocatch a gnarly waverdquo at an outdoor water park
Travel Camp is definitely for the action seeker and for those who
like to be on the go This program for youth entering fifth through
tenth grade provides campers an opportunity to travel each and every
day to fun-filled locations Participants explore different summer
activities that include amusement and water parks outdoor sports
fairs and horseback riding This year the trips include a visit to Hunter
Mountain Six Flags New England Tubing on the Battenkill NY
Mets game at Citi Field the NY State Fair and more
Camp Starhitch and Travel Camp both run for nine one-week ses-
sions You may choose to attend camp for one week or any combina-
tion of weeks Experienced counselors supervise children and a ratio
of 110 ensures a safe quality camping experience CPR and First Aid
certified camp staff will be present on all trips At Travel Camp
campers will be grouped according to age and are supervised by expe-
rienced adult staff
Camp Starhitch has two day camp options for your child Option A
allows for your child to be dropped off at 9 am and picked up at 4 pm
and Option B has a 7 am drop off time and a 6 pm pick up time
Travel Camp runs from 9 am to 430 pm and extended hours are
available at no additional cost This year transportation will be provid-
ed in both directions between the Saratoga Springs and Wilton
branches Pickups will be as early as 815 am and drop-offs will be
as late as 5 pm Both camps try to cater to working parents
In addition the Saratoga Regional YMCA is committed to provid-
ing a safe and welcoming environment for all campers by incorporat-
ing the YMCAcore values of caring honesty respect and responsibil-
ity in daily activities To promote safety and comfort for all individu-
als are asked to act appropriately at all times when at the Yrsquos facilities
or participating in Y programs All campers are required to read and
sign a contract of understanding in reference to the Code of Conduct
We expect persons using the YMCAto act maturely to behave respon-
sibly and to respect the rights and dignity of all othersmdashall while
having a good time
The Y also has opportunities available for those who may not have
the resources to send their children to camp The Y provides scholar-
ships for those who qualify Scholarships are made possible due to
the generous donations of Y members the community and businesses
to the ldquoWe Build Peoplerdquo scholarship campaign held by the Saratoga
Regional YMCA each year Scholarship applications are available at
all Saratoga Regional YMCA branches and online at wwwsaratogare-
gionalymcaorg
Registration is currently ongoing and fills up quickly Registration
forms are available at any of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Branches
or at wwwsaratogaregionalymcaorg For more information about
these day camps please contact Ilene Leverence at (518) 583-9622
ext 103 for Camp Starhitch and Patti Laudicina at (518) 583-9622
ext 110 or Paige Minear ext 116 for Travel Camp
Saratoga YMCA
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
30 | Simply Saratoga
Ask women about the greatest threat to their health and most will
respond incorrectly with the words ldquobreast cancerrdquo While breast cancer
certainly is of concern the truth is that women are 10 times more like-
ly to die from heart disease Breast cancer kills 1 in 25 women heart
disease claims 1 in 2
The most recent statistics available indicate that cardiovascular dis-
ease causes the death of 500000 women per year ndash more than ALL
forms of cancer combined This is a rate of epidemic proportion
Little or no warning
Two-thirds of women die suddenly from heart disease without expe-
riencing any warning symptoms The majority die before they even
reach the hospital and before any attempt at treatment is possible Early
screening and the detection that leads to prevention offer the only hope
of reducing these deaths
Women who do develop heart disease tend to fare worse than men
One reason is that on average heart disease peaks 10 years later in
women than in men At this older age women are less able to withstand
the stress of the disease The proof can be found in a disturbing statis-
tic One year after their first heart attack 44 percent of women are dead
compared with 27 percent of men
Clearly for women preventing that first heart attack would make an
enormous difference
Know the risks
What can be done to prevent and detect heart disease in women
Of foremost importance is to reduce ndash or if possible eliminate ndash the
conditions that cause or accelerate the growth of blockages in the arter-
ies of the heart These conditions known as risk factors include high
Women Take this warning to heart
Story By Andrij O Baran MD
blood pressure diabetes genetic high cholesterol a high-fat
diet an inactive lifestyle smoking and cocaine use
Some damage the lining of the heartrsquos arteries speeding the
buildup of cholesterol Others raise blood cholesterol Both
smoking and cocaine use speed blood clotting They also can
cause sudden cramps or spasms in the coronary arteries cut-
ting off the entire blood supply to portions of the heart even
without a cholesterol blockage
A woman who has one or more of these risk factors should
ask her doctor how best to control them She also should ask
about further screening and testing such as stress testing
The sooner the better
Lifestyle changes and medications can have a dramatic
impact on reducing the incidence of heart attack provided cho-
lesterol blockages are detected early ndash before damage to the
heart has occurred In fact drugs that lower cholesterol alone
have been unequivocally shown to reduce the risk of heart
attack and death by up to 50 percent
When added to a program of low-fat diet exercise control
of high blood pressure and diabetes and above all else no
smoking the benefits are magnified many times over Keep in
mind of course that these drugs work only if they are taken
and taken appropriately
By knowing and changing their risk factors all women can
ensure themselves of a longer and more vibrant life
Andrij O Baran MD FACC is the Medical Director of
Cardiology Services at Saratoga Hospital
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 31
A c t F a s t D u r i n g H e a r t A t t a c k s According to the American Heart
Association clot-busting drugs can stop
some heart attacks in progress reducing
disability and saving lives They work best
given within one hour of when heart
attack signs begin Thatrsquos why itrsquos impor-
tant to recognize the warning signs of a
heart attack and act right away
Warning Signs
bull Pain or discomfort in the jaw
neck or back
bull Feeling weak lightheaded or faint
bull Chest paindiscomfort
bull Paindiscomfort in the arms or
shoulder
bull Shortness of breath
If you think that you or someone you
know is having a heart attack call 911
immediately
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
32 | Simply Saratoga
Who would believe that a rabbi from Eastern
Europe frozen for 150 years in a block of ice could
be transported across time and space to Memphis
where he thaws then becomes a spiritual guru to
baby boomers Arguably nobody But Steve Stern
the author of ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo his most recent
novel isnrsquot asking readers to believe it so much as
to let the characters tell their story Besides the plot
may be far-fetched but he already has a buyer for
the movie rights
Writer-in-residence at Skidmore College Stern is
a genius at creating human beings in fantastical cir-
cumstances who seem more like eccentric neigh-
bors than artifacts of science fiction Some fly
some inhabit other peoplersquos dreams some are res-
urrected and some travel through time Whatever
their superpowers or frailties the heroes and vil-
lains tricksters and innocents and witnesses and
bystanders in Sternrsquos short and long fiction deserve
attention and evoke compassion in their quest for
connection and redemption - or at least food and
shelter From within an inexhaustible vein of
Jewish folklore and oral history his characters
emerge into a lucid fictional universe that embraces
both magic and the mundane Dialogue is ironic as
often as it is mystical and the most ordinary days
serve as backdrops for incredible events
ldquoMiracles are commonplacerdquo says Stern a
Ballston Spa resident ldquoI donrsquot write in metaphors
and symbols deliberately Writing is a visceral
experience for me I read with interest what review-
ers say about my repetitive themes and ideas but I
am driven by images and characters Irsquom a compul-
sive storytellerrdquo
Steve Stern A Lyrical Voice in the Ghetto
B
o
o
k
m
a
r
k
Lean bespectacled and haloed in dark curls Stern
is a Memphis native who grew up in a home bereft
of music books and art in a city made famous by
Elvis Presley (who used to drive through Sternrsquos
neighborhood) and Martin Luther Kingrsquos assassina-
tion He remembers himself as ldquoa mediocre adoles-
cent without confidence or spiritual antennardquo first
stirred to write poetry in high school which he read
aloud for attention
ldquoI was surprised people liked itrdquo he says ldquoAnd I
liked writing it even though it embarrassed me But
I was encouraged to go on and later to try proserdquo
The allure of the late lsquo60s and early lsquo70s was not
academic After college Stern wandered through
Europe then worked as a butcher on a hippie com-
mune in the Ozarks raising pigs and eating off the
land ldquoI slept under five blankets and two dogsrdquo he
recalls (The incarnation has been memorialized in a
comic strip by Sternrsquos girlfriend Sabrina a cartoon-
ist and set designer for Saturday Night Live)
The commune was not too far from the University
of Arkansas where Stern attended graduate school
and played volleyball with Bill and Hillary Clinton
ldquoI hoped he would mention me in his inaugural
addressrdquo Stern sighs
With an MA Stern found teaching gigs at vari-
ous colleges but the work dried up forcing him to
take a job at a folklore center in Memphis first tran-
scribing stories about the black community then
launching a life-changing project to preserve the
stories of the fading Jewish population in a desolate
Memphis ghetto known as ldquoThe Pinchrdquo where
many of his stories are set
Story By Helen Susan Edelman
ldquoBernie scrunched his face in thought Gone was his waryimpulse to keep everything secret and there were times of latewhen he felt almost reckless almost ready to tell the world whileon the other hand he suspected he may have already confided toomuch ldquoI thinkrdquo he said after some consideration ldquoIrsquom startingto outgrow myselfrdquo
mdash Steve Stern ldquoThe Frozen Rabbirdquo
Photo by Josh GerritsenSteve Stern
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 33
ldquoIt was intoxicatingrdquo says Stern ldquoI became obsessed with
itrdquo Indeed his work is infused with the folklore images lan-
guage archetypes settings rituals and values embedded in
the memories he recorded and in the vast Jewish and Yiddish
literature he has studied since
A non-observant Jew Stern had no relationship with his
religion so the introduction to his exotic legacy was both
anchor and springboard for a prolific new consciousness
ldquoThe floodgates openedrdquo he says ldquoSuddenly this world
began to materialize for me What had been barren neighbor-
hoods I could see vividly as tenements and shops a town
square street traffic merchants pawnbrokers rabbis chil-
drenhellipimmigrants from Eastern Europe looking for a homerdquo
Stern is comfortable writing about transcendent wisdom as
long as itrsquos his characterrsquos voice
and not his own
dispensing the
insights The
frozen rabbi in
the book of the
same name for
example ldquoradiates
within his zone of
influence and is a
spiritual catalyst
for anyone who
encounters himrdquo
says Stern ldquowhere-
as I am a clicheacute a
Jew who grew up
without an identityrdquo
A winner of both
Guggenheim and
Fulbright fellowships
as well as the National
Jewish Book Award
the Pushcart Prize an
OrsquoHenry Prize and the Edward Lewis Wallant Award Stern
is working on a new novel and rereading Faulkner Tolstoy
Dickens and Joyce
He views each new writing project as ldquoa riskrdquo Experience
last summer also reminded him of the evanescence of popu-
larity he gave two readings one in Memphis which drew
such a crowd that doors had to be locked and one in St
Louis where he commanded an audience of four
ldquoJust like the characters in my storiesrdquo Stern observes ldquoI
encounter conflicts look for a way to escape and face mixed
consequencesrdquo sect
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
How is your mental state these days Are
you experiencing peace and joy in every-
day life or frustration and impatience Are
you living your life ldquoon purposerdquo or going
through the motions feeling numb and dead
on the inside How is the garden of your
mind Are you tending to your garden or letting
the weeds take over
When I lived in Boston I lived next door to an elder-
ly woman who had a beautiful garden Every morning my
neighbor was outside in her floral moo moo (circa Mrs
Roper from Threersquos Company) tending carefully to each
plant and flower She would spend hours walking around her
garden joyfully humming and making sure her flowers were
strong and healthy Many mornings I would sip my coffee
and watch her peacefully pulling out the weeds and tending
to her precious flowers To this day I remember how tall and
lovely her sunflowers were I think our mental state can be
compared to tending to a garden do we have beautiful sun-
flowers of joy and peace or toxic weeds of bitterness and
guilt
The weeds in your heart and mind are feelings of bitterness
anger guilt self-loathing and negativity Do you spend your
days reviewing the list of those that have offended
you Do you beat yourself up daily for past mis-
takes or regrets These are the weeds that can
take over your mind and lead to racing
thoughts a dark depression constant
anxiety or physical illness and
chronic pain If you are someone
that is easily frustrated impatient
and critical you can be sure you
34 | Simply Saratoga
Tending to theGarden of Your MindDealing with the Weeds in your Life
Simple Truths
have some weeds to deal with
The only path to peace and joy in your everyday life is to
pull your weeds out from the root and confront the issues
Holding on to your weeds only makes you ill and deadens
your heart Did you know that people who are full of bitter-
ness and resentment appear older and are not as physically
attractive as people who are full of peace and love The
weeds in your heart and mind can actually make you ugly
Likewise a mind that is content and peaceful gives us a
sparkle and light in our eyes that people are automatically
attracted to Forget the anti-wrinkle cream and Botox Fill
your heart and mind up with the best kept beauty secret
around love and forgiveness
Forgiveness is not about letting the person who hurt you
off the hook Forgiveness IS allowing light into our hearts
so that we can heal and move forward It takes the heavy
burden of offense and resentment off of our hearts and
minds while preparing the ldquosoilrdquo for new growth and
experiences
When possible confront the people you need to forgive
so that you can have closure and move on If it is not pos-
sible to confront the person that is the weed in your life
write them a letter expressing your hurt and anger (not to
send but in a private journal) This is a wonderful way to
give yourself closure and put your feelings out on the table
More often than not the person we have to forgive or con-
front is ourselves If you are constantly beating yourself up
and feeling guilty about your past make a choice to forgive
yourself
Donrsquot be lazy about your weeds Dig deep and pull out
your weeds so that you can make room for peace and joy
We all desire to feel love and be accepted That accept-
Meghan DLemery LCSW-R
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 35
ance starts with you Begin to focus on peaceful loving joyful
thoughts Keep a gratitude journal of what you love about your-
self or the loved ones in your life Practice planting seeds of joy
by giving acceptance and love to everyone around you
Take time to practice patience and kindness to your family
friends colleagues and that slow cashier at the grocery store Go
out of your way to help others in any way that you can All of
these acts of kindness plant the seeds of peace love joy and
abundance
As we approach the new season of spring take some time to
tend to the garden of your mind
Wishing you love self-acceptance and peace this spring and
always
Ms Lemery is a psychotherapist practic-ing in Saratoga Springs and QueensburyShe can be reached at meghanle-meryyahoocom
Her first novel will be pub-lished this Spring TitledldquoPlease Pass the BarbieShoesrdquo it is a hilarious heart-warming story that will haveyou feeling inspiredand empowered
sect
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
36 | Simply Saratoga
Living Room The custom-designed leather couch chair andottoman come from Suttons The stucco fireplace was inspired by theCollinsrsquo travels through the Southwest and Colorado (ldquowe wanted to avoida traditional river rock fireplacerdquo) and provides a heat source as well asbeauty The original structure was built for passive solar design no airconditioning is needed in the summer A wood stove is the primary heatsource radiant heat with natural gas was also added during the renova-tion
The front door as well as all the interior doors was custom-made fittedand replaced by Tom Zanetti Hickory wood floors were also installed dur-ing the addition A hanging stained glass chandelier is a stock itemobtained from a leading home supply retailer ldquoIt captures the sunlightbeautifully along with providing brilliant nighttime illuminationrdquo Tedsaid ldquoItrsquos an eclectic mixrdquo
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 37
Today we look at a creative space that is set into a special place
In 1993 Ted and Susan Collins purchased a seven-acre property
with a 1986 Timberpeg designed home that has all the qualities of
a place in the country ndash yet many would be surprised to learn that
it is actually located on the border of Saratoga Springs near the
Alpine Shop on Clinton Street After a number of years living in
apartments on Union Avenue and Franklin Square enjoying the
proximity to downtown and the track they couldnrsquot resist a spot
that was close to town but yet had lots of land
Their overall vision was for an interior space that was in accord
with the outside ndash the wildlife gardens and the sustainable philos-
ophy embodied in the original buildingrsquos passive solar design
ldquoEverything we do embraces the goals of staying true to the orig-
inal structure having an open welcoming interior and being in
harmony with the outdoorsrdquo Ted said
Inspired by travels in balance with the land
Story By Arthur GonickPhotos by copystockstudiosphotographycom
These principles guided a major transformation of the interior
space in 2006 The key element was an addition to the home that
enabled the living room kitchen and upstairs bedroom to be
expanded allowing space for the installation of a downstairs bath
as well
Susan and Ted led this transformation - visualizing an addition
that incorporated equilibrium of size location and overall propor-
tion They went through several iterations with Rick Deforest of
Heritage Timberframes
Even though much of the interior decor came from travels in
Africa the South Pacific and Colorado the building materials and
craftsmen are all local The timbers and wood flooring were milled
in nearby Kingsbury ldquoWe enjoyed working with professionals who
are also friends like Rick Deforest Tom Zanetti and Mike
Roohanrdquo Ted said ldquothe house now feels complete in balancerdquo sect
Unique Places and Creative Spaces If you would like to nominate a unique
or creative place to be featured emailentertainmentsaratogapublishingcom
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
38 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen A wall was taken out that afforded space to add an eat-in island area and
open up the space Custom cabinets are by Tom Zanetti Stonework andappliances were added Both the kitchen and bathroom have granite table-tops (from Mike and Margaret Roohan of Granite and Marble Works)New appliances include a Bosch stove (with a built-in microwave drawer)and an Amana stainless refrigerator
Bathroom The bathroom ceiling is pine The showerarea was designed and built to the Collinsrsquo specifications andfeatures a bench 4 shower heads PLUS an extra hand-held one(ldquoItrsquos a human car washrdquo) The stone tiles on the sides and floorin the shower were installed by Best Tile the plumbing in theshower comes from Aird Dorrance as does the sink ndash which sitson a granite top from Granite and Marble Works The windowleads out to the north side of the house with privacy blinds insidethe window panes One thing you donrsquot see ldquoSince the room ison display in the center of the expanded first floor we wanted thecommode to be mostly hiddenrdquo Ted said
Unique Places and Creative Spaces
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 39
Living RoomA reading nook sits upon the bathroom addition ldquoThere was no full bathroom on the first
floor and with a post and beam construction we had to be creative You get outstanding viewsof the property pond and stream when viewed from the nookrsquos perspectiverdquo The ladder canswing out on a track making it more like walking up a staircase ndash this was also designed andinstalled by Tom Zanetti The table in the nook is actually a working African drum with a glasstable top added
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
40 | Simply Saratoga
Bedroom In the second-floor master bedroom moving the dormer brought in extra light and space and
also brought the roofline together with the original structure and first-floor additions The floorand ceiling are made of rough-cut pine planking The bed is also constructed of pine and comesfrom Suttons The window in the upper left was cut during the addition It faces west for extra day-time light
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 41
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
42 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Yael Goldman Photos by Samu Studios and Randall Perry Photography
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 43
orking with the
right interior designer
turns listless decision making
into an enjoyable and productive
process that avoids costly mistakes
and delivers exceptional results
Designing a room or an entire home is a
big project no matter how strong your tastes are
The decisions are endless ndash what color should I paint the
walls What flooring is most aesthetically appealing and
dog-friendly Should I choose a furniture set or choose
individual pieces Do I want curtains or shades Do I
decorate with knick-knacks or artwork
But with all the unique self-questioning that surrounds
an interior design project most homeowners share angst
in asking themselves one specific question where do I
start
Itrsquos at this point ndash when stress level increases enjoy-
ment-driven projects turn deadly and money has been
wastefully spent on all the wrong things ndash that you long
for the help of a professional if only you could afford it
Well the truth is you can
Creating the right space can be expensive but is only
more so if you make mistakes and have to go back and
fix them If you do it right the first time therersquos no cost
associated with do-overs
With nearly 100 years of experience between them all
four members of Blairhouse Interiors Group have
worked with more than enough unhappy do-it-your-
selfers to tell you yoursquore not alone
Photo by Samu Studios
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
44 | Simply Saratoga
The four-member designproject therapy team which recently
opened a studio in Saratoga Springs has a long history of help-
ing home and business owners create their ideal spaces and
atmospheres the right way Their exceptional work is celebrated across
the Capital Region including Saratoga Springs where the Blairhouse
look is prominently featured in a handful of Park Place condominiums
and the incredible Saratoga National Golf Club
Thomas R Burns Meghan Baltich Dominic Carota and Patricia
Richards the highly skilled and charismatic force behind Blairhouse
Interiors Group promise an experience that is personal because itrsquos all
about your needs ndash and thatrsquos what is important
Blairhouse offers full-service interior design services space planning
project management hand-picked merchandise patience and an uncan-
ny ability to create a
look that is always
fresh sophisticated
and comfortable
ldquoThe style that we
gravitate toward is
unique cutting-edge
and modern not dic-
tated by corporaterdquo
said Meghan Baltich
pointing to a ldquovery
propitiousrdquo Keith Fritz
table at the center of
the studio
Photo by Randall Perry Photography
If you do it right the firsttime therersquos no cost
associated with do-oversPhoto by Randall Perry Photography
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
One glance at the Park Place showroom ndash of the selective furnishings carefully showcased along
the periphery ndash and it becomes clear why Blairhouse an award-winning team gets the job
done
Their creativity focus and immaculate sense of direction bring objectivity to the scene helping you nar-
row down all of the tedious and overwhelming choices that make do-it-yourself decorating an exercise in
unclear thinking
ldquoPeople are overwhelmed by all the choices it can feel like theyrsquore in a paralyzed blurrdquo said Thomas
Burns who finds that a great vision can be impossible to imagine and create without eliminating all of
the distractions
A vital step in getting focused is creating a
comprehensive plan based on individual
needs wants and style that addresses all
aspects of lifestyle and taste and suggests
tactful solutions and fresh approaches to new
and existing spaces
They help you identify what you like
forcing you to hone in on what you want and
need to compliment and enhance your
lifestyle
ldquoWe ascertain the clientrsquos goal and
lifestyle to convey their visionrdquo said
Dominic Carota explaining that the intended
outcome of creating or reinventing a room is
often strictly tied to how you want to live in
it
ldquoWe have to know how they functionrdquo he
said
An interior designer is an asset in the func-
tion-meets-style equation
Dominic explained that a couple starting a family will have far
different needs than empty-nesters looking for a change They may
have the same stylistic goals but their execution will differ based on
how their lifestyle exists within the space
When revamping a single room the majority of your focus is ded-
icated to that individual space making it easy to forget that the rest
of the house is attached Establishing connectivity between rooms is
a challenge but an important part of executing a project the right
way
Sometimes one wrong detail no matter how small can be incred-
ibly impactful and difficult to avoid on your own
ldquoIf yoursquore working on a new addition or renovation we ensure it
flows that therersquos balance between the existing part of the living
space and the new additionrdquo Meghan Baltich said explaining that
it just doesnrsquot make sense to put in a great new kitchen if itrsquos dis-
jointed and out of place from its surroundings
Another common novice mistake is the trendy retail store fallacy
that you can order a full room from a catalog or pick a fabulous and
unique design from a floor plan
Blairhouse clients learn the difference between ldquocookie-cutterrdquo
and ldquocustomrdquo and they are never concerned with picking the wrong
piece for the wrong room
Simply Saratoga | 45
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
ome customers will come to us after going into a Pottery Barn and buying stuff that just didnrsquot workrdquo Baltich said giving the
example of an individual who purchased an enormous sectional for a tiny room ldquoWe scale into the clientrsquos space taking func-
tion and proportion into considerationrdquo
Exceptional listening and observation skills are the designerrsquos
unsung attributes and greatest assets Blairhouse experts engage
with their clients to gain a true understanding of what they want
In turn the design process becomes an eye-opening experience
customers are introduced to colors and concepts they would
never think to consider
ldquoEach client trusts us to create their environment and we
enable them to make informed decisionsrdquo Patricia Richards
said
And sometimes that requires bold suggestions and collabora-
tion or looking at all of the possibilities even the ones ldquoyou
would never have been brave enough to do on your ownrdquo
In the end the experience of working with the experts is
enjoyable stress-free and cost-effective From concept to com-
pletion the result is just what you want and need ndash a fabulous
marriage of function and aesthetic that wonrsquot have you coming
back for more (because you did it right the first time) sect
ldquoS
46 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 47
For a taste of Blairhouse Interiors Grouprsquos distinctive work stop into their Park Place studio located at 262 Broadway Suite 204 in Saratoga Springs For further details visit wwwblairhouseinteriorscom or call (518) 786-7800
From left to right Dominic Carota Meghan Baltich Patricia Richards and
Thomas R Burns (The designproject therapy team of Blairhouse Interiors Group)
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
48 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 49
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Dorsquos and Donrsquots
50 | Simply Saratoga
Story Written by Kerry Ann Mendez Perennially Yours bull wwwpyourscom Photos Provided
SpringDorsquos and Donrsquots
SpringDorsquos and DonrsquotsDorsquos and Donrsquots
Spring
for your Gardens
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
s
Simply Saratoga | 51
ssts
SPRINGis right around the corner and gardenersare pawing at the ground ready to explodethrough the garden gate As a passionate perennial gardenerI am right there with you But before launching into another flower-filledseason letrsquos go through a spring checklist of dorsquorsquos and donrsquorsquots to makesure we make the most of the race and have the best finish ever
Photo by GardenersSupply Company
apply a granular fertilizer to your perennial beds while they are still lsquoasleeprsquoDepending on the winter wersquove had this may be anytime from mid-Marchto mid-April Donrsquot worry if there are already lsquoearly risersrsquo visible like springblooming bulbs or woodland ephemerals I recommend using 5-5-5 5-10-5 or
5-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 2 pounds per 100 square feet Cast the fertilizer just before it is about to rainto make sure fertilizer is watered into the ground and washed off any existing leaves You can give otherplants in your yard this treat as well including floweringshrubs groundcovers climbing vinesand roses
DONrsquoTput fertilizer on top of the snow or on ground that is
still frozen You want to make sure the fertilizer disap-pears into pliable soil and to waiting roots otherwiserunoff can occur And donrsquot think more is better Youcan stress or even kill plants by over-fertilizing espe-cially in spring when leaves are not fully developed toutilize nitrogen in the fertilizer If you are going to errless is better
DO
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
prune once-b l o o m i n g
roses such as Heirloom or Old GardenRoses when the Forsythia is blooming
Any rose that blooms onceusually in late spring forabout three weeks is in thiscategory Many times theseroses are quite fragrantWait to prune these rosesuntil right after they flower
DONrsquoT
prune most roses whenForsythia is in bloom Pruneshrub roses back by half to
23 their height This is assuming you did not prunethem last fall If you did then next year wait until latewinter or early spring Prune Teas and Grandiflorasback to 18 - 24rdquo For climbing roses prune branchesemerging from the main canes back to within 3 - 4rdquoof the cane
DO
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
apply corn gluten tolawn areas yoursquoveseeded (or over-seeded) or to gar-dens where youwant biennialsperennials or annu-als to reseed andflower Corn glutendoes not distinguishbetween lsquogoodrsquoand lsquobadrsquo seeds
apply a pre-emer-gent weed killerand fertilizer toyour lawn A lushhealthy lawn
makes a beautiful frame for gardens Myfamily walked away from lawn chemicalsfive years ago And our lawn has neverlooked better Corn gluten is a big part ofthis transformation Corn gluten is a by-product of milled corn It will not harm chil-dren pets or wildlife Heck you can eat it ifyou want (but it tastes yucky) Corn Glutenis high in nitrogen and commonly used as alawn fertilizer But it is also a pre-emergenttargeting seeds as they germinate Youcan put corn gluten down at any point inthe spring BUT if part of your mission is toeliminate crabgrass then there is a narrowwindow of attackApply it whenForsythia is in fullbloom and beforeits leaves appearThe Forsythia is asoil temperatureindicator that cor-responds to whencrabgrass seedsstart to germinate More garden centersare now carrying corn gluten productsYou just need to ask and follow the appli-cation instructions on the bag Make sureto water in the corn gluten after applyingIt will remain effective for five to six weeks
Simply Saratoga | 53
DONrsquoT
DO
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
step on soil as you maneuver around thegarden to cut back Lavender and therest of the gang For that matter youshould never be tromping through yourgardens compacting soil This breaks
down air and water channels as well as making it tougher forroots to spread Instead reach into beds from existing paths orplace stepping stones in discreet spots where only your eyes cansee or lsquowalk the plankrsquo on a board to reach plants fartherlsquoadriftrsquo
54 | Simply Saratoga
cut back Lavender Russian SageMontauk Daisy Butterfly BushChrysanthemums and ornamental grass-es These are best left untouched in falland whacked in spring Many folks make
the mistake of acting too gingerly with pruners Let lsquoem fly Theresult will be more compact neater plants that will bloom just fineTrust me If it helps wait until yoursquove had a bad day at work withthe kids or in traffic
DONrsquoT
DO
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
divide Peonies German Bearded Iris orOriental Poppies in spring These are bestdone in late summer Also tap-rootedplants (those with a carrot-looking root)cannot be divided Think about it These
are usually propagated by seed stem or root cuttings Someperennials that fall into this category are Malva Butterfly WeedBalloon Flower Oriental Poppies and Lupines
Simply Saratoga | 55
DONrsquoT
divide plants in spring This is an optimumtime to divide most perennials Yes evenspring bloomers Wait until these haveflowered and then shear off the spentblooms and get to business Most sum-
mer and fall blooming perennials can be divided prior to mid-Junewithout disrupting their performance
DO
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
apply a time-released fertilizersuch as Plant-Tone(organic) orOsmocote to heavy
feeding perennials five to six weeks afterthe earlier granular fertilizer applicationMost plants do not need as much fertilizeras we are led in advertising to believe I amstingy with my money and maintenancetime so only a handful of plants get thisbonus feed Astilbe Delphinium Liliums (ieAsiatic Oriental Trumpet) Clematis androses If I am feeling generous I will putsome on my Bigleaf Hydrangeas next to theroses Call me heartlessJust scratch fertilizer intothe top couple inchesof soil around theplantrsquos base and waterin well They will enjoy anutritious snack forthree to four months
apply mulch ongarden beds toreduce weedsconserve moisture
reduce erosion minimize soil temperaturefluctuations and enhance the quality ofthe soil Some mulching materials includeaged manures compost shredded wood(not dyed) leaf moldand cocoa hulls Putthe mulch down 2rdquo to3rdquo thick around plantsincluding floweringshrubs
build up mulchagainst plant stems
And please please donrsquot create volcanomounds around trees Please This is awfulfor them The only ones that benefit fromthis are the people selling the mulch
56 | Simply Saratoga
DONrsquoT
DO
DO
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
rubber band orbraid the foliage ofspring bloomingbulbs after they fin-ish flowering You
want as much leaf surface exposed to thesun as possible to increase photosynthesisYou can press the leaves down next to thesoil so they are less noticeable
Simply Saratoga | 57
sect
And finally DO have a great year in
your gardens and DONrsquoT forget to
take time to smell the roses
DONrsquoT
DONrsquoT
cut off the spentblooms and stems onspring blooming bulbsafter they have flow-ered so energy is redirected to the bulbsversus seed productions Keep the leaves inplace until they have browned and ideallycan be pulled from the ground by hand
put time-released fertil-izer on perennials thatprefer lean dietsRicher soil just upsetstheir vascular systemsThey will get leggy flop and not perform tosnuff Yarrow Coneflower Catmint RussianSage Linum Sea Holly and Silvermound are inthe group
DO
For more information contact Perennially Yours at pyourscom
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
58 | Simply Saratoga
Ill mination
Exterior Stonework
an
d
Story Written by Arthur Gonick Photos Provided
u
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 59
To develop and implement an exterior vista that maximizes your enjoyment To have a backyard landscape that is warm inviting and uniquely yours
These are goals that many homeowners have when they first move onto their property But unless you are trained in the variety ofmaterials and options available the task of getting past the point of comparing possibilities to completing and actually enjoying yourbackyard paradise can appear to be a long daunting road
For Carl Trinkle a landscape designer for ten years with the Gallivan Companies of Troy one of the key elements in a successfultransformation is utilizing a professionalrsquos expertise to articulate goals and develop a plan
ldquoThe most important thing we do when we first meet with a client is to get them to discuss their basic needs and aims and encouragethem to formulate an overall vision for their property An initial consultation sets the tone we make an initial visit on-site to look overthe property so we can have an idea as to where things might be placedrdquo
ldquoDuring this intake process we actually encourage people to show us photos of their friendrsquos property that they like or perhaps froma magazine It helps most people to articulate the goals of what they would like to see as a finished projectrdquo Trinkle said ldquoEven if they are looking to do things in phases we find that it is most important to develop a comprehensive site planrdquo This eliminates the need to revise original phases of work to accommodate those that come in the future
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
60 | Simply Saratoga
that Mr Trinkle finds potential customers identifying with aredesigned to extend the outdoor season ldquoA few extra weeks outside isa lotrdquo he said
add-ons also extend outside activity each day Low voltage lighting is still the most popular but recently LED lighting with longer-lasting bulbs that involve less maintenance and are cost-efficienthave become more fashionable
The latest trends
stations fire pits and waterenhancements such as ponds andwaterfalls are the most frequentlyrequested items that broaden theoutdoor use season
Outdoor grill
Exterior lighting
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 61
And of course swimming pool projects have always been a most-requested
item Fifty percent of allthe projects Mr Trinkleworks on involve a pooleither a completely new installation or enhance-ments to existing poolsGallivanrsquos long-standingrelationship withConcord Pools has beena hallmark in assuringthat customers are satis-fied when their pool isput in the ground
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
62 | Simply Saratoga
In most cases a comprehensive plancan be developed for any project in about a period of twoweeks Complete drawings and cost breakdowns are provid-ed as well as the projected phases that can be completed injust a few months or on larger projects can be scheduled insegments over a few years These are reviewed in personwith the customer again the goal being to have a plan thateveryone buys into
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 63
ldquoWe have had projects where the customer has wanted tohave a lot of input and we welcome that But we also hadone where the client was out of town and we built a firepit and slide for his wife and kids and our only instructions were to dazzle themI remember it as a most satisfying experience and we ended up winning awards for that onerdquo
- Carl Trinkle Landscape DesignerThe Gallivan Companies
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
64 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 65
ldquoI get to work using my creativity with talented people Some of the most talented are those
I meet as customersrdquo sect
For more information or to schedule aconsultation phone Gallivan Companies at(518) 271-6100 Gallivanrsquos website iswwwGallivanCompaniescom
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
66 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 67
Buying a playhouse for your child is an excellent investment
They promote imaginative play and spending time outdoors and
double as storage space when no longer used for recreation
Denise Woodcock owner of Versatile Sheds in Wilton has
been helping parents and grandparents customize their childrsquos or
grandchildrsquos dream playhouses for years
ldquoThey make great gifts especially for grandparents who want
their grandkids to have their own place to play when they visitrdquo
she said
Playhouses are a great addition to a childrsquos outdoor world
They come in all shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-
built or finished if you donrsquot find exactly what yoursquore looking for
in a catalog or on the lot
Every child is different and has their own preferences for color
size and function boys and girls often have especially different
requests for their play space as do younger and more mature chil-
dren so therersquos a lot to consider
Denise knows how even the finest detail can be all it takes to
make an outdoor structure feel like a childrsquos own personal space
While it may seem superfluous to address every minor demand
the truth is a playhouse is more than just an expensive toy itrsquos an
investment The more your child connects with their space the more
use theyrsquoll get out of it ndash and according to Denise that means your
money is well spent
Smartest WayThe
playhouse for your kidsto buy a
Photos by MarkBollescomStory by Yael Goldman
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
68 | Simply Saratoga
With this in mind prospective buyers should first consider
who will use the playhouse and for how long as well as what
happens when the structure is no longer used for recreation
Versatile Sheds can help even the most discerning parent or
child find what theyrsquore looking for Every playhouse is hand-
built by Amish craftsmen who can accommodate almost any
special request at an additional cost so the possibilities are
endless inside and out
Cedar shingle or vinyl siding wood stone or brick ndash if you
can use it on the outside of your regular home it can be inte-
grated into your playhousersquos design Playhouses can be built
to look like a miniature version of your home which is an
excellent touch for parents that are particularly concerned
with aesthetics Porches shutters flowerboxes unique doors
chimneys and exterior lighting are just a few of the touches
that can brighten and personalize the exterior
Individualizing your childrsquos playhouse doesnrsquot stop at the
front door There are just as many interior features to choose
from ndash you can let your imagination run wild
For starters you have the option to order the playhouse
with a finished or unfinished interior The unfinished version
looks a lot like the inside of a regular home before you move
in paint the walls and furnish the rooms
Buying an unfinished structure is a great way to cut costs
and even bring the family together over a weekend decorating
project The possibilities are endless depending on how handy
you are otherwise a few coats of paint and a bit of carpeting
will surely do the trick
Although a bit pricey purchasing a playhouse with a fin-
ished interior ensures that your child gets exactly what they
want right off the bat They can pick everything from the paint
color to the flooring so the playhouse is move-in ready on the
day it arrives
Playhouses can also be insulated and wired for electricity
You can install lighting electrical outlets even heat or air-
conditioning to make your childrsquos outdoor space as comfort-
able as possible
And the options donrsquot end there Traditional sheds also dou-
ble as playhouses For some parents purchasing an adult-size
shed for their children is an ideal way to get the best return on
their investment Once their children grow out of it the struc-
ture can be used for outdoor storage With just as many styles
sizes and materials to choose from you can customize the
interior and exterior of your shed just as you would a play-
house but without all of the more frivolous features
ldquoAny shed can be a playhouserdquo Woodcock said explaining
how a custom paint job or flowerbox can transform a typical
storage unit into childrsquos outdoor activity haven
For example if purchasing a wood shed the exterior can be
easily painted and repainted when making the transition from
playhouse to storage space
For Denisersquos customers getting their moneyrsquos worth should
not have to mean making sacrifices
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 69
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
70 | Simply Saratoga
When Debby Trainor made the decision to buy her grand-
daughter Chezneyrsquos dream house she wanted it to have all the
bells and whistles She met with Denise to go over all the cri-
teria the goal was to buy the perfect gift for Chezney while
staying within her budget
The eight-year-old Greenwich girl wanted her own pretty
pink palace where she could play and imagine Debby wanted
it to be a cozy and safe place for her to play year-round
Customization and interior decoration helped make
Chezneyrsquos playhouse feel like her own little kingdom
ldquoWe made it look like a cute little dollhouserdquo she said ldquoWe
put furniture inside and a little stove fridge heater and TV
itrsquos just perfectrdquo
With the structure built to their liking Chezney and Debby
could enjoy decorating the inside to personalize the playhouse
For many customers putting on the finishing touches means
making the playhouse feel like home ndash you can add curtains
hang pictures buy furniture and appliances and landscape the
perimeter to make the outdoor space feel like a home away
from home
When the child grows out of their playhouse these items
can be easily removed to accommodate a secondary use for the
space
ldquoThe best thing that Denise did for me was explain how we
can use the playhouse for storage for stuff out in the yard after
Chezney has grown out of itrdquo Debby explained ldquoAlthough
she is only eight and will be using it for quite a few more
years this really makes it a good investment and looks
great in the backyardrdquo
Whether you choose a customized playhouse or a tradi-
tional shed thinking toward the future also ensures the
safety and longevity of the structure
Denise explained that placement is an important thing to
consider as you want to make sure the structure is in a safe
place and on an appropriate surface Most importantly the
playhouse must be built on a level even surface that isnrsquot
too high off of the ground
ldquoYou want it on a nice platformrdquo Denise explained
ldquoSome people use concrete but stone is better because it
allows moisture to seep down into the ground and away
from the structurerdquo
Most parents prefer that their playhouse is in the back-
yard where itrsquos easy to see from a window Placing the
structure in a shaded area is also a good idea it will be
cooler in the summer and less susceptible to the elements if
partially protected by trees
Debby had Chezneyrsquos playhouse built right next to her
swing set where she can be easily supervised
One last thing to consider when purchasing a playhouse
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 71
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
72 | Simply Saratoga
or shed for your child is how much effort
you want to put into maintaining it The
more ornate the structure the more care it
may need
Woodcock advises parents to preserve
their investment and treat the playhouse
like a miniature home
Think of it as a miniature house ndash the
structure requires regular maintenance
and upkeep to ensure your child will be
safe while enjoying years and years of
imaginative fun
With so many features and styles to
choose from yoursquore sure to find the best
for both you and your child
For more information about Versatile
Sheds or to set up a time to meet with
Denise Woodcock call (518) 584-7924
or stop by 669 Route 9 in Wilton sect
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 73
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
74 | Simply Saratoga
Kitchen
Not Your
Grandmarsquos
Story Written by Daniel Schechtman Photos Provided
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoAs you
walk into the kitchen
of the future LED
light projections adjust
to your mood - it will
know if you have a
hangover via sensors
that will read your
b r a i n w a v e s
Aromatherapy infused
walls will be synched
to your calendar calm-
ing you before a big
meeting or energizing you before a gym session The fridge will have selected some breakfast options identifying the essen-
tial vitamins for your day via sensors When you get home a hologram chef will be on hand for recipe inspirationrdquo
Alright so maybe your kitchen canrsquot do all of these things quite yet ndash but believe it or not wersquore getting there This is tomor-
rowrsquos kitchen a kitchen where your appliances donrsquot just store your food or wash your dishes ndash they talk to you providing you
with integral information on how to
best store your fruits and vegetables
letting you know if the refrigerator
door is open for too long or when a
part will soon need replacing
Simply Saratoga | 75
ldquoScience fictionrdquo I hear you say
Guess again Quoted from a report released by The Future Laboratory
who was commissioned by IKEA to determine what a modernkitchen in the year 2040 could conceivably look like
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
76 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoOne technology that really stands out to me is the
Miele Appliance Company Right now theyrsquore using a
program called lsquoremote visionrsquo On select applianceshellip
is a wireless card that clicks into a port on the back of
the appliance You synch it up with your home network
and it basically emails the technician and the owner
when itrsquos broken when you need to clean your condens-
er change your water filter or schedule a routine serv-
icerdquo said Tom Thibeault owner of Adirondack
Appliance Repair Inc located at 67 West Ave in
Saratoga Springs ldquoMaybe somebodyrsquos been opening the
[refrigerator] door for too long or the door was left open
ndash it will email you and tell you that your door is left
openrdquo
This is not your grandmarsquos kitchen This my friends
is the kitchen of the future and itrsquos available now
The 36 inch bottom-mount Miele refrigerator boasts a
striking interior featuring LED lighting running along
the sides from top to bottom stainless steel accents and
exteriors with control systems that would be comfort-
able alongside the captainrsquos chair on the Starship
Enterprise
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 77
ldquoThe controls in the Miele really stand out
Looking at the controls theyrsquore just a glass piece and
then once you touch it you see a few options for the
different compartments Then you touch the compart-
ment and the temperature is displayed so itrsquos kind of
like a Star Trek controlrdquo Thibeault said
And thatrsquos just the refrigerator
Adirondack Appliance has also seen brands such as
Wolf (a company owned by the same people who own
Sub-Zero) grow in popularity when it comes to their
range stoves and ovens The dual convection oven
works to eliminate cold spotting and provides consis-
tent even temperatures and even allows for unique
options such as proofing ndash used best when baking
homemade bread
ldquoIt also has a temperature probe you can plug into
things like a turkey or roast so you can see the temper-
ature while itrsquos still inside the machine It has
hydraulic hinges halogen lit interiors everything is
composed of stainless steel and itrsquos by far one of the
best lines on the marketrdquo Thibeault said
A new line coming to Adirondack Appliance that
features some amazing technology is a series of Pro-
Style Ranges produced by industry giant Jenn-Air
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
ldquoThat actually has an LCD touch
screen like an IPAD for the controls The
temperature is set by sliding your finger
along the controls Itrsquos all color backlit and
absolutely amazingrdquo Thibeault said
ldquoAnother thing we have to that same
effect are some of the hoods which have
really been getting pretty out there as far as
design We have one on our floor [by Miele]
that has an LED bar on the front which
changes in phases between 196000 colors
Itrsquos a very delicate change very pretty and
coolrdquo Thibeault said adding ldquoor you can set
it to any color in that spectrum yoursquod like to
accent your cabinetryrdquo
When it comes to dishwashers Thibeault
can attest to the quality of both the Asko and
Miele brands both of which he uses in his
own home And good news for Saratoga
Springs residents ndash
ldquoIn our market in
Saratoga we have a
very hard water base
whether yoursquore on a well
system or city waterrdquo
Thibeault said ldquoSo you
get a lot of minerals in
the machine With the
stainless steel interiors it
eliminates a lot of prob-
lems generally seen with
plastic interior tubs and
usually they are the best
life expectanciesrdquo
78 | Simply Saratoga
Asko and Mieleare practically custom made to handle the
arearsquos typicallymineral rich water
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 79
The Asko brand dishwasher takes things one step
further including two pumps in the washerrsquos system
The first pump filters the water cleansing it of poten-
tially harmful minerals while the second pump recircu-
lates the water ensuring that the machine is never
blasting your dishes with food debris or dirty residue
With Miele the design features a built-in water sof-
tener perfect for dealing with the Saratoga water
system
ldquoTypically the Miele is going to do a better job with
tougher baked in stainsrdquo said Thibeault ldquobecause itrsquos
got the softener in it and a little bit longer pots and pans
cyclerdquo
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
80 | Simply Saratoga
Adirondack Appliance Repair Inc is a fami-
ly-owned business since 1929 and the last inde-
pendent appliance retailer of its kind in Saratoga
Springs With $6 billion of buying power behind
their name (a benefit of being part of the Nation
Wide Appliance Buying Group) Thibeault
promised ldquowe can actually price match the box
stores and everybody else around all while pro-
viding you with better service and better
productsrdquo
For more information on AdirondackAppliance or the products they sell you mayvisit their showroom located at 67 West Avenuein Saratoga Springs for live demonstrationsThey can also be reached by phone at (518)587-6640 or you may visit them at their newwebsite wwwadkappliancecom where cus-tomers can browse through the storersquos entirecatalogue of appliances
sect
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
Simply Saratoga | 81
82 | Simply Saratoga
82 | Simply Saratoga