I was born and raised in Mechanicville and moved to Saratoga 6 years ago.
I am the youngest child of 5 and grew up working in my families Italian grocery store.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wife Tressy for 21years and together we have 3 kids and 4 grandkids.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked most of my career in the food service industry. First in my parents store and then working in various restaurants throughout my life.I have worked every job in the industry from bussing tables to business owner. I am currently the Food Pantry Coordinator for Franklin Community Center.I love what I do because I get to connect with people on a personal level while also helping provide them with many of the essential items we all need to lead a full life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I just discovered Village Pizzaria & Ristorante in Galway and it is my favorite spot for pizza.The Triangle diner,The Brick at 2 West, Uncommon Grounds and Putnam Market are also some of my favorites.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have worked in Saratoga for the past 7 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
In my current position I have met so many thoughtful,kind and giving people,to narrow it down to one person would be a challenge.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A few places come to mind. The UK for the history,Australia for the beautiful scenery and Italy to learn more about my heritage.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am a die hard Friends fan. No matter how many times I’ve seen each episode,it still makes me laugh.It gives me a short escape from everyday life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t stress.It took me a long time to realize that stressing over any situation does not serve a purpose.Instead I try to come up with a different way to face a difficult situation.I would also advise people to enjoy their life now.Don’t put things off.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A friend of mine just told me not to call it a bucket list but a to-do list. Bucket list seems so final. I love watching tennis and would really enjoy watching a professional match at the US Open.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Music is such an escape for me and my tastes are all over the place. I usually just shuffle my music and see what comes up. It could be Luke Bryan,Madonna,Michael Buble or classic Motown.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I like going to the Saratoga Candy Company because who doesn’t love candy? Whenever I am in there I get the feeling of being in an old time candy shop.
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?
I would grab a burger at West Side Grill and have a conversation with Stephen Spielberg. I love so many of his movies and would really love hearing about his experiences.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Saratoga has a unique atmosphere about it. Even though I grew up not far from here, there is an excitement you feel when you come to Saratoga.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I believe I will still be working at the food pantry. I love my job and feel like I have found my final purpose in my career. My personal life will include a lot happy times and adventures with my family
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love Pixar movies.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Anytime I am at the ocean,drinking my morning coffee and watching the sun rise,I am amazed at how beautiful the ocean is.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love July because it is right in the middle of summer.My favorite holiday is Christmas and the best day on the calendar for me is August 24th which is my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Not to sound egotistical but my homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is the best.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and my co-workers.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh cut grass and homemade spaghetti sauce.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort, relaxing
