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A Chat With SPAC’s Elizabeth Sobol

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SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol in quarantine

Elizabeth Sobol is the President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. She is also a voracious reader, champion of the cultural arts and lover of the natural world. She recently posted an eloquent letter about life during a pandemic and the impact of Beethoven’s music on our world in the year of his 250th birthday. You can read that here.

We just knew she’d have some great insight and advice for us during New York’s Shelter In Place orders. Please enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth Sobol.

ACE’s Rachel Dunn interviews SPAC’s Elizabeth Sobol

Elizabeth Sobol’s Favorites:

  • Saratoga PLAN – Saratoga PLAN is dedicated to preserving the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County and provides information on County parks and trails. Includes information on Hennig Preserve.
  • SPAC “Sparked By Beauty” Facebook Page – Saratoga Performing Arts Center has created an online forum for the sharing of poetry, art, music, dance – things of beauty that bring you joy and light under the dark clouds of uncertainty.
  • Elizabeth’s Reading List:
    • Brian Greene’s Until The End of Time – “It’s a huge book in scope – and he is really looking at both the history of the cosmos – as well as the history of human thought and experience. Kind of like “from the Big Bang to Beethoven”. It sounds daunting, but it is so precisely and beautifully written that it is very gripping. “
    • Erik Larson’s The Splendid and The Vile – “[This] is basically a history of Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister – and also the first year of WWII and the Blitz.  It’s a timely and powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit – and the importance of honest, powerful oratory – in leading people through times of crisis.”
    • Irina Ratushinskaya’s Grey Is The Color of Hope – “A memoir about her many years in the gulags of Russia and how she maintained hope and sustenance through the clandestine writing of poetry on matchbooks.”
    • Tracy K. Smith’s Life on Mars – “Our immediate past US Poet Laureate and an extraordinary human being. She also has her own poetry podcast called “The Slowdown”. I listen to it at night when I can’t sleep.  It is magical.”
  • Favorite Beethoven recordings:
    • “Because I was an aspiring pianist in a distant past, I always gravitate to [Beethoven’s] piano music. Any recording of any of the 32 piano sonatas performed by Richard Goode, Jonathan Biss or Igor Levitt (representing three different generations of pianists).”
    • “Jonathan Biss is also a great writer and has a terrific Kindle Single called ‘In Beethoven’s Shadow’.”

Cap Region Road Trip – Lake George

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By: Rachel Dunn

Despite all of our restrictions, we are not without options – and no, we don’t mean Netflix vs. Hulu. The great outdoors are still open, and Lake George — the “Queen of American Lakes” — is one of the crown jewels of the Capital Region . Whether you stay in your car or take a safe, COVID-compliant hike, this is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake and the stirrings of Spring. You’ll enjoy vast history, trails and beautiful architecture all along the way. Depending on how interactive you want to be, your trip can last a couple of hours or a whole day. Please consult NYS Parks Department COVID Guidelines before leaving home.

Lake George Google Earth Map

We’ve created an interactive Lake George Map using Google Earth, with links, stops and information to help you with your drive. If you aren’t able to leave your home, you can use this map to go on a virtual drive. Access the interactive map HERE.

The Lake George Drive

Million Dollar Beach, Lake George
  • Start by exiting the Northway I-87 at Lake George Village (Exit 22) and make a left onto Route 9N, which will lead you through Lake George Village. Lake George makes small appearances throughout the village drive, and its beauty is spectacular. If open, take a detour down Beach Road and take in Lake George and the Adirondacks from “Million Dollar Beach,” at the southern end of the lake.
  • Follow Route 9N through Lake George Village to the end of town, and keep right and continue on 9N along Lake Shore Drive. You’ll see some of the inns and resorts that make Lake George a thriving tourist destination in the warmer months.
Lake George Village
  • A little further along the route, we came upon the charming Diamond Point Community Church, a historic church dedicated in August, 1879. You can take a virtual tour here. 
Sabbath Day Scenic Outlook
  • Continue north toward Bolton Landing, a village with lots of nearby hikes (the family-friendly trails at Up Yonda Farms are open, but the educational facilities are not), and the gorgeous Sabbath Day Scenic Lookout, which has two spots to pull over where you can take the opportunity to eat some lunch, breathe in the fresh air and take in the incredible views of Lake George. During our drive, it was so quiet that we could hear dogs barking on the other side of the lake.
  • If you’re getting hungry, there are a few options nearby. You can order takeout Wednesday-Sunday at Bolton Landing Brewing Company (518) 644-2739), or get a curbside delivery of some locally made wine and liquor at Huddle Bay Wine and Spirits, (518) 644-2111. I included a couple of options on our Google Earth map, but you might want to plan ahead and pack a lunch or some snacks.
Valley View Memorial Chapel
  • Further along the drive, you’ll get a closer view of Lake George as the road meets the shore, and you’ll pass Silver Bay and the sprawling YMCA Family Retreat Center on the way to the town of Ticonderoga. As you approach Ticonderoga, you’ll find the quaint and historic Valley View Memorial Chapel, an iconic structure set atop a hill in the Lord Howe Valley. The chapel was dedicated August 25, 1901.
  • You can now choose to turn around and head back south along the lake, or you can drive around the entire lake by crossing through Ticonderoga and heading south on Route 22. Detailed directions here.

If you feel like stretching your legs during your drive, there are several hiking trails that offer extraordinary views of the lake, many with streams, ponds and falls along the trails. You can find a list of trails on the Lake George website. We recommend that you check ahead of time to make sure they are open to the public.

If history’s your thing or just want a little extra info along the way, you can check out The Warren County History Mapper where you will find a comprehensive list of historical sites around Lake George.

Please note that there are several spots throughout the drive where there is little to no cell service. If you are looking for historical markers, hiking trails or to order takeout, make sure to plan ahead by downloading information or calling businesses ahead of time. 

Please follow the DEC and CDC guidelines to adhere to social distancing while hiking and recreating outdoors during this public health crisis. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and flatten the curve. 

Creatives in Quarantine: Hassan Eminyawi

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Meet Hassan Eminyawi, Owner of Urban Aftermath Books, an online book business with a warehouse in Menands and a physical shop in the City of Albany. ACE asked him about life and business during the COVID crisis,

What’s your quarantine workspace like, and is it working for you?

My workspaces are really extensions of me and my thought processes. The Bookshop is super eclectic/organic with beautiful copies of the classics, curated artworks, and other items that align with my design aesthetic. The warehouse on the other hand is literally organized chaos. We have 30,000 items in stock with each item having been carefully reviewed, graded, listed for sale, and safely filed away for purchase. This setup is working, though one thing I think would bring this business to another level is integrating the shop and warehouse into one space.

How are you coping with this new reality?

It has been difficult to stay optimistic. Our physical bookshop is currently closed. Sales are down across the board and I’d been sadly resigned to falling behind & giving up… But then again, I am reminded of one of the greatest rules of small business ownership: Innovate or Perish. So I’m doing what I can to increase online sales and offer new ways to allow people to shop our physical storefront virtually.

Have you started adapting and/or innovating your business model to operate under these conditions?

Definitely. We have refocused much of our attention to online sales and are offering customers a “literal window shopping” experience at our shop. Simply put…every item in our window is $5 and every item can be purchased remotely and picked up at the shop or shipped to your home. The display currently has an array of good books, vinyl, and vintage toys for sale, though we intend to change the selection weekly.

How have you seen the local creative community band together to support one another?

I have seen plenty of evidence of unity though I really am concerned how certain businesses (including my own) will pull through this. Many small businesses are owned by passionate people who have sacrificed a great deal to open up and do operate on a month to month basis.

Are you thinking about ways that you’ll change the way you do business in the future?

Of course, I have always attempted to incorporate the Japanese word “kaizen” into my business philosophy. Kaizen means “change for better” or continuous improvement. I intend on consolidating the business to become more agile and light footed. I am taking a serious look at our spatial footprint and hope to be able to buy a building to house both aspects of the business. Processes that can be moved to the virtual realm will be while we expand our sales channels and further develop/promote our social media presence.

Do you see any long term changes to the way people work coming out of this situation?

I believe there is going to be widespread acceptance of a work from home / remote work culture. People who own small businesses that survive are much more likely to downsize physical storefronts and continue to operate on a more virtual/grab and go/take-out/delivery basis.

Hassan, is there a piece of positivity you’d like to leave with our readers?

Small businesses are inherently unique and care tremendously about the community they reside in. I believe that given the right, internal adjustments and a healthy response from the government, many businesses will come back stronger and more versatile than ever before. This is a time for creatives to do what they do best… And for strategic planning regarding future steps.

Connect with Hassan

Instagram: @capital_books
Facebook: @webuybooks
Email: urbanaftermath@gmail.com

Cap Region Cooks in Quarantine: Amy Koren-Roth

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Amy Koren-Roth is the Founder of Taste of Troy Food Tours, walking culinary and historical excursions offered in both Albany and Troy, with stops in five local restaurants. During the crisis, Amy has put together Mother’s Day gift boxes featuring handmade foods from her favorite vendors and makers. Click here for info.

We asked Amy for some of her favorite go-to meals, and here’s what she sent.

Amy in Quarantine

Since I was in high school, I have been drawn to cooking. Salads have always been a fun way to pull from what is in the kitchen and pantry. Half the members of my household are vegetarian and I mostly cook vegetarian to make it simpler. My cupboard always has canned beans, pre-cooked lentils,  a variety of cheese, different vinegars and fresh produce. I find preparing food very  meditative and many of my recipes are a basic plan open to options of what is on hand.

Warm Lentil, Roasted Vegetables and Cheese (Halloumi or Goat Cheese)

Wash, cut assorted vegetables (cauliflower, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, winter squash, assorted sweet peppers, onions, garlic etc.), toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled, don’t crowd them. Roast in 425 degree oven for 30 minutes, flip vegetables and switch the trays, continue for another 15 – 30 minutes. Wrap whole beets in aluminum foil and roast along with veggies, leave in oven once veggies are done, turn off heat and leave until tender.

Warm package of vacuum-sealed pre-cooked lentils in microwave (2-4 minutes). Place on chopped fresh greens (romaine, spinach, massaged kale etc.). Arrange roasted veggies on platter with lentils and greens.  Peel and slice beets if using. Arrange on platter.

Grill haloumi cheese slices in lightly greased skillet to brown on both sides, or slice soft goat’s cheese and coat with egg and breadcrumbs and lightly brown in skillet, or sprinkle with crumbled feta.

Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds (if you have them) or roasted nuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Serve.

Arugula, Pear, Walnuts and Shaved Cheese

ACE Test Kitchen: Big Thumbs Up!

Wash arugula, press in a towel or spin in a salad spinner. Place on a platter. Toast walnuts at low temperature (200 degrees) for 5 minutes or so or warm on low heat in a skillet. Core and slice ripe pear into ¼ slice from stem to base. Place slices on bed of greens. Use a vegetable peeler to get thin slices of Parmesan or Asiago cheese. Thinly slice red onion to toss on top of all and sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil to serve.

Roasted Zucchini Half Moons with Garlic, Served with Pasta or Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Approved by the ACE Test Kitchen. Loved it!

Wash and slice zucchini down the middle length wise, cut into ¼ inch slices. Lightly Sprinkle with kosher salt and let sit in a colander for at least 30 minutes. Toss with olive oil (1/4 cup to 2 lbs of zucchini). Roast in 450 degree oven for 12 minutes. Add 2-3 cloves chopped garlic, flip zucchini over, and roast for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

If using spaghetti squash, cut in half, scoop out seeds and roast in 350 oven, cut side up on baking sheet for about 1 hour . When skin is tender to the touch, remove,  and let cool 10 minutes. Use a fork to scrape out the flesh, it will separate into strands, like spaghetti.

Alternatively, boil water and cook dried pasta (our favorite is bow tie but any short shape will do.) Toss zucchini with either spaghetti squash or bow tie pasta.

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