GREENWICH – Bob Gustafson was 38 years old when Macaulay Culkin stared back at him from the video store shelves, a look of shock on the child’s face after being accidentally left “Home Alone” by his family on their Christmas vacation.

Gustafson, who today is 67, is old enough to remember when the Video Home System videocassette format – that is, VHS – was first introduced in North America and the subsequent VHS vs. Betamax format wars that followed.  During his time in the industry, he’s seen the bricks-and-mortar retail delivery of movies accompanied by the advent of things like Netflix and YouTube, Hulu and Amazon Prime, Thumb Drives, DVDs, Blu-ray, Digital Download, Cable TV’s Video-on-Demand, and a myriad of other movie streaming services.

“In June it will be 30 years since I started this,” says Gustafson flanked by the 10,000 or so titles inside his shop, Video Korner II. He estimates those titles are pretty evenly split between DVD’s and VHS tapes, which he still rents as two movies for two days at a rental cost of two dollars.  But, the clock is ticking; those days coming to an end.

After 30 years, he says, “I’m going to retire.” He was asked if he’s got any set plans following his retirement.  “Not a ding-dang thing,” he says with a laugh. “I’m going to take it easy for a while.”

Gustafson anticipates soon putting the store and the land he owns which it sits upon up for sale. He says he’s already got a person who is interested in the property, and that the proposal does not include the continuation of a video store.  

Gustafson first got in to the business in 1990 when he and a partner opened a 500-square-foot store at the far end of the village in Greenwich. The partners started their business with 500 movies and built our own shelves. A few years later, Gustafson bought his co-owner him out of the partnership and has been operating the business on his own ever since. In 2000, he relocated the business to Main Street, bought the land and constructed a free-standing building more than six times the size of the original store. He re-named it Video Korner II. Business was booming, and he says he paid off his 20-year mortgage in 4-1/2 years.   

“How many video stores are even left in this country today?” Gustafson asks. 

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In July 2000, Billboard Magazine reported there were nearly 28,000 video rental storefronts in the U.S. By 2004, video rental lender Blockbuster was at its peak, boasting about 9,000 stores globally. Today, a Blockbuster store in the city of Bend, Oregon is the only one which remains. In December 2017, financial news and opinion company 24/7 Wall St. published an article on rapidly changing industries, and reported that about 86% of the 15,300 video rental stores that were operating in 2007 had, by a decade later, been shuttered.

 “I have people tell me they watch them on their telephone. How do you compete against that?” asks Gustafson, who despite the changing video retail industry says the state of the industry has nothing to do with his moving on. Simply, the time has come for him to retire.

“It’s time. It’s been the best job I ever had; there’s nothing like being your own boss.”  

As far as the movie titles and all those VHS tapes, Gustafson says he’s not sure what will happen with the inventory. For now, he’s letting his customers know of his future plans are and putting together a list of titles they’re interested in purchasing when a sale of the location is finalized.   

Video Korner II is located at 40 Main St., Greenwich, and is open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Having exceeded its phase-one fundraising goal of $175,000, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs (UU Saratoga) is stepping up its effort to establish a new home.

“We’ve reached a point in our development where we feel it’s time to move to a larger space that better reflects our spiritual openness and commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Sue Bender, chair of UU Saratoga’s Capital Campaign Committee.

Increasingly cramped on its current campus at 624 North Broadway, UU Saratoga now seeks a property of approximately three acres to accommodate a sanctuary that seats at least 150 and will serve many more families with children through its religious exploration programs. The site also should allow parking for at least 70 cars.

“We have looked at several locations that may meet our needs but are continuing to explore other possibilities,” said Bender. She noted that a property owner who donates a site or grants one at a reduced cost to UU Saratoga, a tax-exempt organization, would be eligible for a substantial tax credit.

Founded in 1998, UU Saratoga purchased its current building in 2001 from a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The sale of this building – which occupies one-third of an acre of prime real estate on North Broadway — will generate additional funds for the construction of a new meeting house.

“We’re especially appreciative of a foundational gift made early in the project by UU Saratoga members Eric and Beverly Lawson,” Bender noted. “Since last summer, more than 70 member households have contributed an additional $197,000 in capital funds, bringing the purchase of a new property within range.” 

While membership in most religious denominations has declined in recent years, many Unitarian Universalist congregations are expanding. The denomination grew nationally by 15.8 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. UU Saratoga has been attracting new members under the leadership of the Rev. Joseph Cleveland, whom the congregation called in 2014.

“We think our open-minded faith has a bright future in our community,” said Pam Collins, president of the UU Saratoga Board of Trustees. “Instead of a common theology, we have a set of common values that start with the worth and dignity of every human being and support a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We’re individuals finding our own path and we’re doing it in community.”

A retreat aimed at engaging all UU Saratoga members in the process of visioning and planning a new home has been set for Saturday, May 2. All who may be interested in the congregation are invited to learn more at www.uusaratoga.org. 

BALLSTON SPA — Seven members were added to the Saratoga County Historical Society’s Board of Trustees at its first meeting of 2020 on Jan. 21. These individuals came forward as part of the outpouring of support for the society and Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa after the announcement last October that the institution had run out of funds. To date, a campaign mounted to raise $100,000 by March 31, 2020, to provide the Society with funding as it reorganizes, has reached 85% of its goal.

The new members of the Saratoga County History Society Board of Trustees are:

Jere Blackwelder, a native of Georgia, the Director of Byran, TX’s Habitat for Humanity “Restore” Operation before retiring to the Town of Ballston in 2011. He has taken leadership positions in the Rotary and Ballston Spa Business and Profession Assn. His focus is public relations and communications, skills which he will bring to the forefront in his new role.

Mark Blech, a painter and sculptor, and the organizer of Ballston Spa’s annual Holiday Displays and Bird House competitions. In 2019, he designed the exterior chicken exhibit at Brookside Museum. Prior to relocating to Ballston Spa in 2014, he designed and fabricated props for the movie and ad industries in Los Angeles and Atlanta. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Irvine and undergraduate degree in Ceramics from Alfred University. He hopes to make the arts and arts education integral to the mission of the Museum.

Isobel Connell, of Clifton Park, who earned her PhD in Theoretical Mechanics from the University of Nottingham, England and came to this country in 1986 and was an engineer at GE for over 25 years. She has been active in youth activities, a founder of the Sherwood Forest Civic Assoc., and a Brookside Museum volunteer.

John Cromie, the Historical Society’s first paid employee in the museum’s early days. He served as President of the Society’s board from 1982-83. A local attorney and historian, he has also holds a Master in Public Administration from the Maxwell School, and has been on numerous local and regional non-profit boards.

Michael Landis, who holds a PhD in History from George Washington University and has taught at colleges in Connecticut, Texas, and New York. Specializing in the Antebellum and Civil War periods, he is the author of Northern Men with Southern Loyalties, a Choice Magazine selection for Outstanding Academic Title. A resident of the Town of Milton, he hopes to tie Historical Society’s programs to college curricula.

Nora Osuchowski, the Executive Director of the Ballston Area Recreation Commission, where she works with parents to provide programs in athletics, education, and the arts for area youth. Prior to her position at BARC, she directed and coordinated services for individuals with disabilities.

Maureen Walsh, a Milton resident since 2000, is an Enrolled Agent and Associate Financial Advisor at Canty Financial Management, Inc.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History/Geography from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She has more 30 years experience in the tax industry including 18 years in the Financial Services Industry focusing on Investment Advisory.

“The goal of the Board of Trustees is to reevaluate the operations of the Historical Society and integrate its resources with the needs of Saratoga County residents, as a way of assuring its future economic viability,” noted K. Michelle Arthur, Executive Director at the Brookside Museum. “I am looking forward to working with this expanded Board of Trustees to reach our immediate funding goal—and to launching new, exciting, and meaningful programs that serve our community.”

The Brookside Museum, located at 6 Charlton Street in Ballston Spa, has a mission to keep history alive through interactive educational programs and innovative exhibits that engage the community. Recent exhibits have highlighted unsung parts of the community, notably, last summer’s CHICKEN! exhibit, which drew a record number of families to the Museum, and told the story of Saratoga County poultry farms.

Dining with Diabetes, an educational program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Tuesdays, February 25th, March 3rd and 10th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Pre-registration is required: call 518-885-8995. This free program is sponsored by the Schuylerville Lions Club.

Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe demonstration and samples provided. For program details call Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518-885-8995.

Made from rugged, waterproof, high-performance Nomex fabric, these coats and pants are super strong.

Matt Varner, a 27-year veteran firefighter with the Schuyler Hose Company, is giving decommissioned personal protective equipment a second life by repurposing it into custom-made tool bags, backpacks and more. 

“We had an abundance of leftover gear and I said, ‘Give me a chance to see what we can do with this’”, said Varner.

2nd Due Turnout Accessories was born. 

Tried and True

With his mom’s help, in June 2019, Varner began making tool bags and donating them to his fellow firefighters to use on the job. 

“I never thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would be sewing and designing,” he said. 

People were happy with the products he made
and began asking him to create more items from their old gear. 

Now Varner makes just about anything imaginable.

Whether aprons and oven mitts standing up to the heat in the kitchen or as a backpack loaded up to get through a tough school day, when it comes to everyday use, this high-tech fabric is second-to-none.

“The durability of the fabric is the best part of it,” said Varner. 

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Statement-Making Styling

When it comes to creating new items, the distinctive emergency-gear style elements that make first-responders easy to recognize, like light-reflective striping, offer an array of design possibilities.

Varner’s designs cleverly incorporate features like these in everything from wallets to dog harnesses. Every bit of the original garment can be reimagined into something new: including zippers, pockets and even pant suspenders that are remade into pack straps. 

When requested, firefighters’ nameplates and numbers are given a place of honor on these pieces, as well.

“People are excited to see their gear and to be able to use it again on a regular basis as something new. It’s really cool to be able to do that,” said Varner.

Heavy-Duty Everyday

Officially launching his business in September, Varner’s work was mainly known only to others in the fire service until this winter when the 2nd Due Turnout Accessories Facebook page and shop was opened. 

Now, the public can order a variety of products online at reasonable prices, in an assortment of styles and colors. 

“This is a blue-collar product made for a blue-collar customer,” said Varner.

To find out more about what Varner is creating
or to place an order, find him on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/2ndDueTurnoutAccessories.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 22nd annual gathering of Chowderfest was staged Saturday, Feb. 1. The event featured 93 vendors – including 11 first-time Chowderfest contestants.  More than 140,000 bowls of chowder were served, and over 30,000 people attended the event, according to Discover Saratoga. 

Event-goers sampled a variety of chowder from participating vendors for $1 and voted for their favorite. Winners were chosen in 10 different categories. 

The 2020 Annual Chowderfest winners are as follows:

• People’s Choice 500 bowls or less:
  Ribbon Cafe, Southwest Shrimp Corn Chowder with tequila bacon

• People’s Choice 501-750 bowls:
  Bentley’s Tavern, Sweet Harvest Chorizo Chowder

• People’s Choice 751-1,000 bowls:
  The Mill on Round Lake, Davey Jones Seafood Chowder

• People’s Choice 1,001-1,500 bowls:
  Solevo Kitchen & Social, Clams Casino Chowder

• People’s Choice 1,501- 2,000 bowls:
  The Wesley Community, Smokey Shrimp and Grilled Andouille Sausage Chowder

• People’s Choice 2,001-3,000 bowls:
  Courtyard by Marriott, Smoked Buffalo Chicken Chowder

• People’s Choice 3,001-4,000 bowls:
  The Parting Glass, Luck of the Irish Seafood Chowder 

• People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls:
  Dango’s, Chicken Wing Chowder

• Best Dessert Chowder:
  Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery, Tiramisu Dessert Chowder

• Saranac Cup:
  Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn, Saranac Lager Philly Cheesesteak Chowder

There’s something special about dining in the Adirondacks. 

Home to agricultural and culinary traditions that are deeply rooted – not only in the soil of our farmland but also in our heart and soul.  Regional chefs are known for drawing on the inspiration and imagination of nature’s bounty, creating dishes that pair flavors of local harvests for unique dining experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

Andy’s Adirondack Grille at Malta Ridge is a perfect example of dining in the Adirondacks, from the moment you step inside to sit at the bar with friends, to dine alone, or grab a few tables with family and children in tow. 

The walls are warm, knotty pine. Large picture windows let in plenty of sunlight.  Dining tables with charmingly mismatched chairs invite guests to sit down and enjoy a meal by the stone fireplace on a cold Winter’s day, or by windows in the porch area, located in the front section of the restaurant.

Once known as Bentley’s, Andy Bentley – the owner – renamed the restaurant a few years ago. Determined to consistently improve the quality of food and service provided to guests, he didn’t want it to be known only as Malta’s ‘pizza joint,’ either.

“I love the new name we decided on. I mean, we’re located in the Southern Adirondacks, stand in my parking lot and look North – beautiful! The place has the feel of the mountains, lakes and wildlife – everything that symbolizes the area. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Andy is married with two children – a boy and girl, eight and ten years old. He hopes they grow up to love the business. “They’ll have hands-on training here, that’s for sure,” he grins at the thought. “I think everyone should have to work in the restaurant business at some point in life. You learn a lot about people.”

Executive Chef Tina Marie Clements knew she wanted to be a chef as early as the sixth grade. She attended Johnson & Wales, earning degrees in both culinary and hotel/restaurant management. She’s well-known throughout the Capitol District as well, working at various establishments over her 30 years in the industry.

The time she spent working on Saratoga Lake, at Panza’s Restaurant, brings back sweet memories. “I learned so much while I was there. My hands-on training taught me more than any textbook ever could have,” Tina recalls. 

Whenever someone asks what brought her to Andy’s Adirondack Grille in May 2018, the chef laughs. “It was something new for me. And I wanted to work less, maybe just two or three shifts a week.” Tina chuckles. “It didn’t work out that way.” Instead, she fell in love with the restaurant and in helping Andy refine – not re-invent – the extensive menu already in place.   

The bartender makes every drink under the sun – we try a refreshingly tart, green apple martini, and a silky-smooth chocolate martini that feels more decadent with every sip. Not surprisingly, local craft beers are served here as well. Our pick, Adirondack Brewery Bare-Naked Ale, a medium-bodied amber ale with a toasty-fruity flavor. 

Tina’s Thai Shrimp is delectable, freshly grilled, tender, and tossed with a sweet-spicy glaze. It has a small green salad off to one side, a perfect-sized appetizer for two. 

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When our waitress, Lisa, walks over, presenting our next dish, we’re pretty sure we’ve died and gone to heaven. The menu’s Caldwell-style little-neck clams – simmered with chopped clams, white wine, garlic, and herbs tastes scrumptious, especially with the thick garlic toast-points we happily dip into the seasoned broth. 

“We always bring spoons with this dish,” she says. “People love to empty the bowl – spoons are easier than slurping.”

Later, when we grab a few moments to visit with Chef Tina, we ask what’s in the Caldwell broth, there’s a flavor that we can’t quite place. She grins, shaking her head back and forth. “Now, now,” she laughs. “I can’t give away all my secrets.” 

If you’re in the mood for handcrafted, gourmet pizza, this restaurant serves three sizes and six varieties. There’s a selection of flavorful toppings listed on the menu. We choose ‘The Godfather,’ a combination of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, prosciutto ham – topped with fresh basil, a savory balsamic glaze, and white crust. 

Andy’s Adirondack Grille serves four soups every day. White clam chowder, a soup-of-the-day, a savory French onion, and a lobster and shrimp combo. We choose the French onion – a hearty beef-based broth layered with bubbling Swiss cheese that’s melted and oozing over the sides of each crock. 

Don’t judge me when I say we made sure to eat every bit of cheese!

With seasonal menu changes – some heartier choices are now available. One of them, known as Prime Rib Day, is offered on Wednesdays. Guests can order three different sizes. 

Are you kidding?

The slab of marbled meat is thick and juicy. It cuts easily and is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Tina hand-cuts onions into super-thin slices, breading and frying them to serve alongside the rib. It comes with a side of horseradish sauce and au jus gravy. 

Not just the décor has an Adirondack feel, but the menu also… with choices like Cedar River Chicken Parmesan, Minerva Chicken Marsala, Friend’s Lake Alfredo, Long Lake Lasagna, and Sagamore Pasta, you get the full experience. Never forgetting they’re located in Saratoga, (just off Exit 13N, minutes from downtown) their nod to the track is the delicious ‘Whirlaway’ Chicken, which honors an American champion Thoroughbred racehorse who won the US triple crown in 1941. Tina cooks a panko crusted chicken breast, drizzles a maple Dijon sauce with Applewood smoked bacon over the top, then serves it on a bed of fluffy rice seasoned to perfection – divine!

Vegetables at Andy’s are fresh, perfectly cooked and delicious – we dig into mashed potatoes, grilled carrots, peppers, and colorful, buttery squash. 

During our time here, tables fill up with couples, families with teenagers, others with small children. We catch snippets of conversation and laughter around us as we end with dessert – a rich and creamy vanilla pumpkin parfait with more than a hint of cinnamon whipped cream– just like our moms would’ve made. The mingling of voices makes it sound very homey here – as if there are no strangers under this roof.

“We love kids,” Andy tells us. “It’s nice to serve families. Listening to them chat over lunch or dinner is a pleasure. As you can see, we have crayons and paper for the little ones to color with while they wait.” 

We watch as Tina walks from table to table. Even Andy is out on the floor, visiting with guests – most they know by name – making sure everything’s to their liking. “Every guest is our favorite,” he tells us when he comes over to say good night. 

We leave the restaurant feeling full, carrying doggie bags to the car, promising ourselves we’ll be back soon.

As part of its observance of American Heart Month, Saratoga Hospital will offer heart scans at the discounted price of $99 in February. The simple, painless test—also known as a cardiac calcium scoring exam—can detect heart disease even before symptoms begin. Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer of men and women alike. Every year, 1 in 4 U.S. deaths is caused by heart disease. When discovered early, heart disease can be treated—with great success. Cardiac calcium scoring uses a CT scan to detect and measure calcium deposits (also known as hard plaque) in the coronary arteries. Over time, these deposits can build up and block blood flow to the heart. The test may make sense for individuals who have any of the following risk factors: · Diabetes · Family history of heart disease · High blood pressure or high cholesterol · Overweight by 20% or more · Sedentary lifestyle · Tobacco use · Men over 45 · Women over 55 or women over 40 who have gone through menopause or had their ovaries removed and are not taking estrogen As with any test, individuals should discuss their situation with their healthcare provider first. A physician referral is required. The exam often is not covered by insurance. For more information or an appointment, call 518-580-2232.

GLENS FALLS — The North Country Toastmasters Club #6295 would like to congratulate two of its members, and servant leaders in the community, who recently completed the requirements to earn their Distinguished Toastmaster Award.  The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. Less than one percent of all Toastmasters ever earn this status. North Country is one of five clubs locally in Area 74, which extends south from Saratoga/Malta region, up north to Plattsburgh, NY. District 53 is comprised of over 140 clubs throughout Connecticut, eastern New York and western Massachusetts. 

Terry Goodemote joined Toastmasters in April 2015 and was awarded his DTM December 24, 2019.  Terry retired as Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of Arrow Financial Corporation (Arrow) after 25 years of service to the company. Prior to joining Arrow, Terry worked in public accounting for many years as a Certified Public Accountant. He is a coach, mentor and role model who serves on many committees for the Turning Point District of the Twin Rivers Council BSA, is the Charter Partner Representative for BSA Troop 16 and Cub Scout Pack 16, is an active member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, is the current President of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation, serves on the Adirondack District and Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) for the Upper NY Conference of the United Methodist Church and actively serves in many leadership roles for the United Methodist Church of Queensbury.  With the skills acquired in Toastmasters, Terry served as a summer enrichment instructor for SUNY Adirondack in a junior Toastmasters class specifically designed to encourage youth to serve with passion, lead with conviction and communicate with confidence. Terry is the current Club President and has served several other roles in the Club, Area 74 and District 53.

Steve Miller joined Toastmasters in July 2014 and was awarded his DTM January 11, 2020.  Steve retired in 2018 after more than 36 years as a letter carrier with the US Postal Service in Saratoga Springs.  He is a past president and member of the International Coleman Collector’s Club, is a member and serves on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls and is an active member with the United Methodist Church of Queensbury.  Steve currently serves the club as Sergeant at Arms, and has also served as Past Club President as well as other leadership roles in the Club and District 53.

The Distinguished Toastmaster distinction involves not only speeches (about 50) but altruistic servant leadership at the Club and District Level, and demonstration of teamwork and leadership skills. Both Steve and Terry are well known throughout our community for being generous with their time and energy to mentor and encourage all members to pursue their goals and strive for excellence. Hardworking and dedicated, they are also two of the nicest guys you will ever meet, which makes their tremendous success all the more special. We are so proud of them for being recognized with this incredible honor.

As part of the Saratoga County Roundtable Oral History initiative, members of the Rutgers University Oral History Team will present a program entitled “Creating Oral History” on Saturday, February 22, 1-3 PM at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa. Since 1994, the Rutgers Oral History Archives has achieved an impressive record of success with more than 2,000 interviews conducted to date. Topics will include identification of prospective interviewees, interview preparation and techniques, as well as information on posting interviews on-line. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate as interviewees or interviewers during the program. For more information on this and other upcoming 2020 SCHR programs visit saratogacountyhistoryroundtable.com or contact Jim Richmond at SaratogaCoHistoryRoundtable@gmail.com