I am relatively new to Saratoga Springs and moved here in 2006 but born and raised in the Capital District in Clifton Park, NY. I graduated from Shenendehowa Central School with a Regents diploma and went to SUNY Alfred, majoring in Executive Secretarial Science. I enjoy downhill skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer. I also love to read and spend time with various arts and crafts such as crocheting, crewel embroidery, needlepoint and basket making.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married and have two grown sons and four step children and eleven grandchildren. The big kids range in age from 45 to 53 and the grandkids range from 5 to 25! I am married to a wonderful man who spoils me rotten. We have enjoyed traveling all over the United States and have visited Austria, Italy, Denmark, Costa Rica, St. Thomas, VI, and Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and Capetown in South Africa. We love spending time with friends and family and just taking care of our yard in the summer.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently retired from the Hospitality Industry which is a wonderfully enjoyable career choice for those who genuinely like people as I do. Initially, I worked as a secretary at General Electric,. When I returned to work when my children were older I worked at many part time jobs and finally landed in a law firm as a Closing Coordinator. I then had the opportunity to enter the hospitality field and once there, realized it was where I belonged. I started as the assistant to the General Manager of the hotel and after many years and a move to Kentucky and back, I ended up as a Director of Sales and I loved all of it. When both my husband and I retired we took on the position of Secretary/Treasurer of an international collecting organization which met twice a year all over the US. We spent 10 years planning the 4 day meetings and accompanying day trips and dinners, writing Newsletters, taking minutes and doing the general day to day operations of any organization. We still maintain the position of Treasurer which keeps us sharp! I would have to say that the most rewarding part of all of these different positions is that I was fortunate to meet so many wonderful people along the way. I truly enjoyed my jobs.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I am partial to The Thirsty Owl – I love their Dry Riesling, The Brook Tavern and The Lake Ridge Restaurant to name a few. Saratoga has so many choices that it’s hard to pick.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Saratoga For 16 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This community has so many interesting people that it is literally impossible to choose. I think my husband, Charlie Wheeler is pretty interesting because he has done many interesting things in his life before and since I met him!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I love St. Thomas, VI and the Amalfi Coast of Italy. St. Thomas is a quick trip and I love the weather and the beautiful seas. Positano on the Amalfi coast is so unique and charming that I could spend a lot of time there!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie is a toss up between An Affair to Remember or Sleepless in Seattle. I enjoy NCIS and Blue Bloods.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t wait. Too many time people put things off for one reason or another…we all need to remember that we only get one life and that this is not practice! There are no ‘do-overs’
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I can honestly say that there is very that I really want. If I died tomorrow, I would not say “I wish I had…..”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Eagles
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Adelphi Hotel. When my husband and I were first dating we loved going to dinner there and then having a drink in the gardens in the back. Miss them.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Morgan Freeman at Saratoga National
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think our parks, both Congress Park and Saratoga Spa Park are wonderful places but if I didn’t say the Saratoga Race Track I’d be tar and feathered!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully right here and still skiing and playing golf.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I was extremely shy as a child.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Victoria Falls…awesome in the truest sense of the word.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December, Christmas, June 29, my birthday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pretty close!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, Charlie.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and roses.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Where I belong.
