suns along the Mohawk

Posted by: David Giacalone | September 18, 2013

the 2013 Walkabout houses

– 215 Union Street, the Edward Ellis House/Turnbull House –

– update: find 50 photos from the 2013 Walkabout here –

People seems curious this year as to whether there will be a Stockade Walkabout, and especially if there will be houses to enter and explore this time. I’m happy to tell those who don’t yet know that the 53rd Stockade Walkabout will take place (as always) on the last Saturday of September, which is the 28th this year, from 11 AM to 5 PM, rain or shine; and there will be a fine selection of eight homes, including a gorgeous mansion, open to Walkabout ticket-holders.

You can get more details, including ticket-purchasing information at the Association’s Walkabout ticket page, and at the Stockade Walkabout 2013 Facebook Page.

As always, click on a photo for a larger version. Scroll over it for a description.

Sylvie Briber, chair of the 2013 Walkabout Committee of the Stockade Association tells me there is a lot of enthusiasm for the show and the houses selected. Here’s the list of homes on the tour:

1 Union Street, The Isaac I. Yates Tenant House
9 Washington Avenue, The William C. Vrooman House
15 Front Street, The Wallace S. Clark House
111 Union Street, The Giles van der Bogert House
14 North Ferry Street, The Jemmie Boyd/Isaac DeGraff House

. . .

215 Union Street, The Edward Ellis Mansion
232 Union Street, The David B. Engleman House
234 Union Street, the Mary Cochran Ellis House

. . .

– 14 No. Ferry Street – a work with plenty of progress –

– update: 14 No. Ferry St. was not quite ready to greet Walkabouters, but 58 Washington Ave. was added to the Tour:

. .

You will find images of each of these homes in the following slideshow, which includes the photos from the back page of the September Stockade Spy, and also in the Gallery at the foot of this posting, where you can click on a thumbnail for a larger image. Of course, the highlights of the Walkabout for most participants are the many details disclosed by the docents and found inside the open buildings. I wasn’t able to get inside, but I believe the exteriors promise intriguing stories and interiors.

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Below is a Gallery with the photos from the Slideshow. Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

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Posted in Stockade Views

Posted by: David Giacalone | September 14, 2013

more golf ball fun with FCSS

– an extra hole was prepared for the Golf Ball Drop –

. click on a photo for a larger version .

Family & Child Service of Schenectady‘s Annual Golf Ball Drop and Dinner was held yesterday evening (Friday, September 13, 2013) at Stadium Golf Club in Schenectady. It was the 8th occurrence of the event, which is the signature fundraiser for FCSS, a not-for-profit organization that has worked from its headquarters at 246 Union St. in the Stockade for over sixty years, helping to make families stronger. All proceeds from the fund-raiser will be directed to the support of the programs and services offered by FCSS.

Donny Michaels of Pop Crush 105.7 FM was the emcee for the evening. Nearly a thousand numbered golf balls that had been “purchased” for $10 each were dropped from a helicopter, which was flown by Bruce Mowery of North Country Heli-flite. As usual, the three balls closest to the pin won this year’s grand prizes.

To stay out of turbulent wind, helicopter pilot Bruce Mowery flew lower than usual approaching the flag for the ball drop, and the downdraft knocked down the flag. Valiant FCSS Executive Director Bob VanZetta rushed over to stand the flag up, but a second approach knocked it down again, and it stayed that way for the remainder of the ball drop contest.

. . . .

. .

– Executive Director Bob VanZetta played many roles –

Bruce Mowery and Kevin O’Brien of North Country Heliflite with their helicopter

After the balls landed and the distances of those nearest the pin were measured, the winning golf balls, and their owners, were:

First Place: Ball #789, “owned” by Kim Powell, who won two round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines.
Second Place: Ball #903, owned by Larry Meracle, who won a custom, blue topaz and diamond pendant courtesy of Sondra’s Fine Jewelry
Third Place: Ball #697: owned by Stephen Wesoloski, who won a “Night out on the Town” package featuring overnight accommodations and dinner at the Glen Sanders Mansion and other surprised from area merchants.

Unfortunately, we can’t show you any photos of the lucky winners, because none attended the Event last night. All three winners had purchased their winning balls before last night, while playing at Stadium Golf Club. Congratulations to them, and thanks to all who purchased golf balls this year to benefit FCSS and their client-consumers. [Ed Note: I apologize for getting mangling two of the winners’ names when they were first posted.]

The following slideshow has about 60 photos, two dozen taken outside preparing for and holding the golf ball drop, and three dozen taken inside the Clubhouse, where you could find conviviality, good food, a raffle and auction, and the announcement of the contest winners. As always, meeting two of FCSS’s clients and hearing their inspiring stories — this time Nora and Christine were a highlight of the evening; and two preschoolers charmed all of us — Nicholas (3), the son of host Donny Michaels, and Zach (4), grandson of Ron Rodriguez (new husband of FCSS staffer Carla Rodriguez). Please let me know if I have misidentified anyone or mis-spelled names.

– share this posting with this short URL: http://tinyurl.com/GBD2013

. . . .

– Nora [L] with caregiver Carmine, showed us her wit and spunk (with a pretty good “stand-up” comedy routine); and Christine shared her story and played violin for us. –

Nora told us all that FCSS has done for her over the years, with special thanks for Carmine Torres, who Nora opined should get paid more. Nora listed things she can no longer do, but concluded to applause: “Everything is gone, but I’m still here and I’m going to enjoy it.” Carmine added, “You have to love what you do, and I love my job.” Chrissie gave thanks for over a decade of help from FCSS, and told us of the many wishes her caseworkers have fulfilled. She also played a Bach piece on her violin. Chrissie’s mother Pat spoke of her daughter as a role model for her family and repeated their motto, “You can do it!”

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. . .

– Fund Development Coordinator Michele Shellard [R] was instrumental in the Event’s success, and her daughter Alessandra helped out all night, too –

– want more? click to see collages (with some blurry but memorable moments) –

. . . .

– collage above: [L] misc. groups; [R] Christine & Patty

. . . .

– collage above: [L] Nicholas & family; [R] Zach & family

As always, many FCSS Board members and staffers, and other volunteers, worked hard to make the 8th Annual Golf Ball Drop a success. And, many sponsors provided financial support and donated for the live auction and raffle prizes. Pop Crush 105.7 FM was the honorary media sponsor; YNN (“only on Time Warner Cable”). Lamar Advertising, and Fennimore Asset Management Inc (FAM Funds) were the Par Sponsors. See the FCSS website for a full list of sponsors.

Click to see our coverage of the 2012 Event, the 2011 Golf Ball Drop, the 2010 Golf Ball Drop, and the 2009 event.

– the following Gallery has thumbnails of the photos above; click on them for a larger version and scroll over for a description –

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Posted in Stockade Views, visits elsewhere

Posted by: David Giacalone | September 8, 2013

scenes from the 2013 Art Show

It was a people-watchin’, photo-snappin’, slow-schmoozin’ kinda day for me yesterday, at the 62nd Stockade Outdoor Art Show. My shutter finger was way too busy, so it has taken me too long to hammer this piece, and the earlier posting presenting the Show Winners, into shape for this website. Happily, troublesome technical difficulties and delays due to my webserver have so far failed to sour my mood, thanks to the afterglow from yesterday’s enjoyable event, and the blue sky out my window. This post, as usual, has a selective but wide array of images that caught my eye while shooting yesterday or editing since then. Colors, people, light and shadow, and/or interesting art can be seen in over 70 photos.

All of the photos in the Slideshow can be found again at the bottom of this posting as clickable thumbnail images with brief descriptions. There was far too much for anyone to see or record at the Show, and I apologize to all the fine artists and interesting people and pieces that have not made it into this posting. (When you’re finished here, you can click to visit the Show’s Facebook Page. If you came from there, thanks for taking their suggestion.)

As with prior coverage of the Art Show, I hope knowledgeable people will let me know in a comment or email if I have mislabeled a person or piece, or otherwise gotten my facts confused. If I have pictured your exhibit without having your name, please let me know. The subject artists may use any of the images without asking permission. Others may also do so, if their use is non-commercial. A credit to suns along the Mohawk would be appreciated.

. . .

– both Ethan [L] and Lorraine were first-timers at the Outdoor Art Show –

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In addition to arts-related activities depicted in this posting, I’d like to mention that Bob and Sylvie Briber spent the day promoting the upcoming Stockade Walkabout. Yes, the Walkabout is back, with an impressive array of houses on the list. It takes place Saturday, September 28, from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., rain or shine. You can purchase advance tickets and save a few dollars by going to the Stockade Association’s Walkabout webpage.

– as always, St. George’s was a beautiful backdrop for many exhibitors, like Shantra Nair, above –

. . . Another venerable Stockade addition is also back: Arthur’s Market. It will be fully operational in October, but owner-manager-host-dreamer Richard Genest brought lots of goodies from his Moon & River Cafe to the Market for yesterday’s Art Show, and will also do so for the Walkabout. I was inspired to make a collage of photos I took of and at Arthur’s Market yesterday, to celebrate its return.

Click on the collage thumbnail for a more satisfying viewing of the collage.

.

. . . .

– from the Petta [L] and Wiley exhibits –

– if you missed it, click to see the winning art and artists –

– thanks again to all who helped to make the event such a success.

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p.s. Getting to know the artists has been one big benefit of taking my camera to the Show the past five years and highlighting the Show here at suns along the Mohawk. On Saturday, I missed seeing the work of several of my favorite artists from other years, like Stockade neighbors Steve Kowalski and Frank Gilmore, as well as Gail and Claire DellaRocco, and Christine Romano. When I ran into Chris and Gail and Claire on Saturday, they told me they wanted more new pieces to present before returning and promised to be back in full force next year. I hope so.

The Slideshow photos can be examined more closely in this Gallery.

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Posted in Outdoor Art Show (Stockade), Stockade Views

Posted by: David Giacalone | September 8, 2013

the 62nd Stockade Outdoor Art Show picks winners

All the ingredients for a successful outdoor art show came together yesterday around Lawrence’s Circle in the Stockade, including just enough heat, a good array of artists, and an appreciative crowd. The new management team, headed by Jessica and Charles Gelarden, and powered by a small but devoted group of helpers (including Karen Johnson, Jennifer Wells, Joe Fava, Erich Bachmeyer, the Schmidts, Zoe Oxley, Meredith Anker, and more), should be proud. They presented Connie Colangelo with a special thank you gift in gratitude for the decades of work she and her family have devoted to the Outdoor Art Show.

Click for the Stockade Art Show’s Facebook Page.

– for about 80 of my favorite photos from yesterday’s Show, see “scenes from the 2013 Art Show.“

– Peter Watrous’s 1st Place painting –

This posting features photos of the art pieces chosen by the judges in the Show’s traditional categories, and the artists, too. “Scenes from the 2013 Art Show” has scores of images of the people and exhibits and colors that made the event a pleasure to attend on many levels.

Peter Watrous took home the Blue Ribbon for best in show (see above). Deborah Angilletta took 2nd place and Millie Patnode 3rd Place prizes (click on the photos for a larger version):

. . .

-above: the 2nd [L] and 3rd place selections –

The other awards presented yesterday were:

Nick Colangelo Award for Best First Time Exhibitor: Stephanie Holt

Oakroom Artists Award: George Searing

Ernest A.R. Cohen Award for Best Depiction of the Stockade: John Morrette

Youth Awards:

1st: Charles DeMarco

2nd: Grace Lambert

3rd: [tie] Jacqueline Danek and Elizabeth Petta

Honorable Mention: Alec Acevedo, John Elliott; Eric Laffer, Tim Prendergast, Jean Thatcher, and Bonnie White.

People’s Choice Award (chosen by ballot from the public): Mary Occiogrosso

– congratulations to all the winners! –

Want more Stockade Outdoor Art Show winners? Click to see click to see our coverage of winners from 2012; 2011; 2010; and 2009

The following Slideshow includes the winning paintings and photography in each of the categories, plus photos of those winners who made it to the Circle and moved slowly enough for me to capture them digitally (I will add the People’s Choice winner as soon as I ascertain the artist’s identity.) The same photos can be found in a Gallery at the bottom of this posting. Click on the Gallery thumbnails for a larger version of the image.

Note: Artists may use any of the photos in this posting without asking permission. Others may also do so, for any non-commercial purpose. Please attribute the photo to David Giacalone and suns along the Mohawk.

Also, please let me know if I have mislabeled, mis-spelled or omitted any piece or artist.

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The Slideshow photos can be examined closer in this Gallery.

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Posted in Outdoor Art Show (Stockade), Stockade Views

Posted by: David Giacalone | July 31, 2013

a perfectly postponed picnic

With weather too good to hope for in late July, and under beautiful blue skies with imaginative clouds, the 2013 Stockade Neighborhood Picnic (postponed to July 30 due to rain on July 23) was a lovely, relaxing evening in the Park for a few score of neighbors and friends. A refreshing breeze even kept the dreaded mosquito scourge from sucking out our good spirits. Thanks go out to Valerie Ackerman, who orchestrated the event, which was sponsored by the Stockade Association Safety Committee and Neighborhood Watch, and was made possible by the efforts of many neighbors.

Maybe I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I confess to missing all the kids who livened up our 2011 picnic, as well as last year’s 2012 neighborhood picnic. It was nevertheless a most enjoyable event for me, and apparently for the other participants. Naturally, I snapped quite a few photos, but also remembered to put down my camera and take advantage of all the good will and good food. My favorite shots from the picnic can be found in the Slideshow below.

Mellow music was provided by the Kitchen Jazz quintet, which includes Stockade residents Richard Genest, Sylvie Briber, and Norm Ainslie

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

– click on the collage below for a larger version –

If you would like me to email you a copy of any of the photos in the Slideshow, please let me know.

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Posted in Stockade Views

Posted by: David Giacalone | July 21, 2013

fun inside the Zoppé tent

Thanks to an invitation from Jay Walther, who fills many roles at the Zoppé Family Circus (including the White Clown, Papino), I got to enjoy the show inside the beautiful Zoppé tent on Broadway this lovely Sunday afternoon in Schenectady. (see our earlier post for many views of the outside of the tent) It was truly, a traditional, “family” circus, with plenty of heart, skill and smiles. The current leader of the family circus, Giovanni “Nino the Clown” Zoppé, welcomed their guests outside the tent before the performance, and it was clear from the start that we were in for an enjoyable afternoon.

. . It was a treat to take photos inside a tent filled with light, shadows, primary colors, and happy people of all ages. This posting has over forty photos taken this afternoon, each of which is presented in the slideshow below in chronological order; each photo is repeated in the Gallery at the bottom of the post. Clicking on a Gallery photo will put you inside a carousel with larger versions of each photo, and a link to the original file for each image.

I put together four collages commemorating episodes from the show: Nino trying to find his red hat, with the help of a young audience member; three knife throwers showing their skills; photos of youngsters and families taken with the little horse Cavallino; and Nino trying to figure out just where Papino will allow him to play his trombone (“big trumpet”). Click on each of them for a larger version:

. . . .

……… knife play …………….. where’s my hat?

. .

……. pictures with Cavallino ……. trombone agita ………

– my first view inside the tent –

. share this posting with this short URL: http://tinyurl.com/2013ZoppeSchdy

After taking photos of an event, I often feel like I was too busy shooting to enjoy the show. Today, I figured out quickly that I needed to take a lot of short breaks from photography so I could share in the applause and smiles of the rest of the audience.

. . . .

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Below is the Gallery featuring all the photos from the Slideshow. Click on an image for a larger version.

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Posted in visits elsewhere | Tags: Zoppé Family Circus

Posted by: David Giacalone | July 16, 2013

Zoppe’s circus back on Broadway in Schenectady

follow-up (6PM, Wednesday, July 17, 2013): With a white picket fence, plus many flags and flowers, and a few more flashes of color, the Zoppé circus tent appears outwardly ready for its opening in Schenectady tomorrow. I’ve added a half dozen images of the final vision to the slideshow.

update: for a peek inside the tent, see our post “fun inside the Zoppé tent“, with the highlights of the early Sunday show.

. . .

– front view of Zoppé tent Tues. evening [L] and Wednesday [R] –

– Zoppé’s circus tent – Wednesday afternoon – July 17 –

– of course, there’s still a lot to prepare under the big top –

[original posting:]

Heading up Broadway this afternoon (Tuesday, July 16) for some grocery shopping, I saw that the circus crew was in the process of putting up the Zoppé Family Circus tent in preparation for the 4-day Proctor’s stand that will begin Thursday, July 18. There will be 8 shows, from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. The circus is at the same location as last year, next to Villa Italia and the Municipal Parking Garage, at Broadway and Hamilton Street. You can get more information at Proctor’s Zoppé webpage. Last summer, I also stumbled across the newly-erected Zoppé tent, and posted quite a few photos.

Here’s what I saw on Tuesday July 16th:

. . .

– Zoppé circus tent seen Tuesday at 3:30 PM [R] and 8:30 PM [L] –

I stopped to take photos at 3:30 and then coming back from PriceRite at 4:40. And, I returned just before sunset, between 8 PM and 8:30, when there was a colorful cloud formation in the southern sky, the tent had reached its full size, the crew was working on finishing touches. They worked hard on a hot and humid summer day.

update (8 AM, July 17): Today’s Gazette has an informative article about the history of the Zoppé circus. There’s a great quote from Giovanni Zoppé, who leads the circus as Nino the Clown:

“The artists and the crew, we all work together. We don’t separate ourselves. We’re all just family,” he said. The juggler is just as much a part of the crew as the truck driver is a part of the show.

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– above: pinnacle of the tent seen from the 3rd floor of the Municipal Parking Garage –

The slideshow below has photos from all three shooting sessions.

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P.S. My curiosity over the meaning of the word zoppé in Italian got me googling and brought me quite a surprise. Zoppé or zoppia apparently means lameness in Italian. As the Smuckers family might say, “with a name like lame, we’ve got to be good.” There appears to be nothing at all lame about the Zoppé circus.

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Posted in visits elsewhere | Tags: Zoppe Circus in Schenectady

Posted by: David Giacalone | July 13, 2013

Jumpin’ Jack’s fireworks were late but great

Fast and high water on the Mohawk River on June 28 caused Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In to postpone its annual fireworks display at Freedom Park in Scotia until this evening, July 12, 2013. With the show coming well after Independence Day, rather than on the traditional Friday before the 4th of July, the audience seemed to be smaller this year, but those who attended seemed as pleased as ever with Jumpin’ Jack’s show. (click on a photo for a larger version)

. . .

But, alas, my photography once again suggests that I should stick to daylight shooting, and leave the fireworks photography to those with steadier hands and more patience than I. For proof, see the slideshow below, which has pictures taken at the rear of 1 Cucumber Alley. Many of the images are inexplicable, even if lovely. In fact, I’d like to see a show that actually looks like this slideshow some day — without the use of controlled substances, of course.

. . . I enjoyed the challenge of capturing the frantic, blazing displays just above tree level on the Isle of the Cayugas, which is right across from Cucumber Alley. Their reflections in the Mohawk River are perhaps my favorite part of the Jumpin’ Jack’s shows.

. . The Schenectady Gazette covered the “post-holiday treat” here. (but subscription required to view the article.

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for a representative sample of Jumpin’ Jack’s show, see our posts covering the 2009 and the 2011 fireworks

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Posted in river seasons, Stockade Views | Tags: fireworks, Jumpin' Jack's

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suns along the Mohawk

the 2013 Walkabout houses

more golf ball fun with FCSS

scenes from the 2013 Art Show

the 62nd Stockade Outdoor Art Show picks winners

a perfectly postponed picnic

fun inside the Zoppé tent

Zoppe’s circus back on Broadway in Schenectady

Jumpin’ Jack’s fireworks were late but great

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