My family settled in upstate New York when I was pre-school age and I consider myself a New Yorker. I attended public schools in Gloversville and Schenectady and got a BA from Hiram College in Ohio. I met my future wife, Cheryl, a third-generation Californian, at a graduate program in museum studies that was affiliated with the SUNY located in Cooperstown. We joined the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the early days of the bicentennial and held various management positions in the Hudson Valley. We moved to Saratoga Springs in 1981. At the time of her retirement in 2004, Cheryl was assistant director of the Saratoga-Capital Region of State Parks. I served as director of the state’s historic sites program for almost thirty years. I was on museum boards at the state, regional and national level which gave us the opportunity to travel extensively, often combining professional meetings with personal vacations. We considered ourselves fortunate to work for State Parks where we made many lasting friendships. And we both felt very lucky to live in Saratoga Springs and observe its renaissance firsthand.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have one older brother, retired, who lives outside the Washington. D.C. beltway.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I loved working with individuals who shared similar values — preservation and public enjoyment of objects, buildings and landscapes.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Amigos Cantina in Schuylerville and Next Door in Ballston Spa. I also like several restaurants in Saratoga Springs, but these two are my favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here since the fall of 1981.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Barbara Glaser
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve been to Greece, but I’d like to see Portugal, Spain, Italy and more of the Mediterranean countries.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I like action movies and mysteries.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind to others; respect and take care of our planet; don’t litter!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Return to the parks in the southwest like Yosemite, Zion, Arches and visit more F. L. Wright properties.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Maybe the Eagles but I really don’t have a favorite band. Classical music is always in the background at home and often when I’m in the car.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I remember when deJonghe Original Jewelry first opened in a hole-in-the-wall on Caroline Street. It was my wife’s favorite store and therefore my “go-to” for her presents.
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?
Ed Lynch, my predecessor as director of the state historic sites program. Probably Scallions.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The extraordinary architecture of Saratoga Spa State Park.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, continuing to enjoy my own home and garden, supporting causes and organizations I believe in — Pitney Meadows, the Preservation Foundation, our hospital . . .
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was born in Seattle. Both of my parents grew up in the state of Washington.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
So many choices, but the giant redwoods of California and the parks of Utah would have to be in the running.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I don’t have a favorite month or holiday. My favorite season is fall.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
199 Woodlawn Avenue.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My late wife.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly baked bread, lilacs.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My Abyssinian; my wife’s favorite saying — “This is a nice house”.