Planet Mandy: Meant to Be
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Bashert is a Yiddish word that in its basic form means, “meant to be”.
My introduction to the Festival of Trees was 16 years ago when I was invited to my new neighbor’s home for their holiday party.
The Parrish’s had the most amazing tree I had ever seen. Floor to ceiling design – with layer upon layers of thematic whimsical ornaments. Kristin told me she purchased it at the Festival of Trees.
Every year since, I have attended this event, either during the Victorian Streetwalk or after breakfast with Santa. Each year I fell in love with items that were already purchased.
Tonight was different.
This was the first time I went to the preview reception and was one of the first to view the trees, centerpieces, wreaths and baskets.
To set the scene, my daughters and I were like the bulls running in Pamplona.
We were frantically moving in every direction, determined to not stop. Would someone choose the tree I wanted before I was able to view it? Would anyone be in my way, stopping to ogle the simple yet perfect Merry Christmas wreath with the perfectly placed moose in the middle? (My favorite).
Oh, and BTW… Why is everyone wearing red!!! Also, does anyone have a sword?
I am happy to report that the Mittler girls purchased a tree of white designed by Diana Miller. The snow covered tree was decorated with cardinals perched on various length branches, some protecting their nests. Underneath the tree carefully placed woods animals on the tree skirt blanket of snow. My favorite part: the silver plaque on top reminding me that the holidays are about peace, love and joy.
Now, I must admit this decision did not come with some debate.
The trees competed for top prize, each with their own personalities and twinkle. The “Snowman Magic” tree utilized an old silk hat, corncob pipe and scarf to make the perfect tree topper. The “My Favorite Things” themed tree was overstuffed with items from the song, such as sleigh bells, wild geese and kittens with whiskers.
Not to be outdone, the centerpieces also deserved a “10 lords a’ leaping” ovation. These ranged from soft cozy stuff animals dressed in winter attire sitting in a painted wood sleigh to beautifully lit up candles mingled with poinsettia flowers.
As we finished our stroll through the festive room we made our way to the “train room”. In there were chafing dishes of delicious food provided by Longfellows and Olde Bryan Inn.
My favorites were the apricot, fig, apple, and pecan bruschetta and the sausage stuffed mushrooms. They both went well with my chardonnay and desserts of plenty. Throughout the various rooms there were stand alone musicians spreading holiday cheer.
Now back to Bashert-
Looking up from my spinach and crab dip, guess who I saw,
The same person who introduced me to this event all those years ago!
Hugs were exchanged, memories were shared.
This time of year is about peace, love and joy – and Catholic Charities is providing just that. To everyone.
It was meant to be.
Mandy Mittler
November 29, 2017
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Interlude
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Be There: Sister Charla Told Me So!
SARATOGA SPRINGS – It would be foolish to attempt to come up with the ultimate superlative for a person whose entire life has been the ultimate superlative.
So let us begin by appreciating the depth, dimension and nuance of Sister Charla, and then bring it back to the good works she leads as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. That would be 22 years of Festival of Trees; decades of service to this critical, humane social service organization… here I go with the superlatives – you almost can’t help yourself!
But it’s the nuances that tells the tale. And one of the nuances I have always treasured in every encounter with Sister Charla is her absolutely perfectly delivered deadpan, and extremely good-natured, yet zing-zing accurate sense of humor.
Mandy got a nice dose of that, in her first meeting with Sister Charla last evening.
They visited for awhile, while I was making the loop of the train room with my camera. Eventually I wandered back into earshot. That was the Sister’s cue:
“So, Mandy,” Sister Charla said, “you seem to have a lot going for yourself… {wait for it} – so why are you hanging out with this guy?”
I got the eye twinkle and sweet smile…
Well, first of all – I have to say that the Sister is never wrong, and I had to confess that I’ve thought similar myself. But here’s the payoff:
After taking one “for the team,” I came away feeling blessed in some crazy way.
Confession being good for the soul – I further confess that I am an unabashed fan. Thanks Sister!
While the foregoing may or may not get me a seat on the dais at her next tribute banquet, Sister Charla and I met earlier in the week – and while there was good cheer and warmth, there was no fooling around when it came to the subject of helping the unfortunate.
It was a different land in the late 70s, when Sister Charla, a native of the Syracuse area, came to our region. Her branch of Catholic Charities is in service to Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Those of us who reside in the City of Saratoga Springs can tend to forget that much of this area is still rural, and considerably more so nearly 50 years ago. In those days, when it came to Social Services, these rural areas were not just under served – they were un-served, and it was Catholic Charities that filled the gaps – just as it does today. Offering direct help with emergency finances, as well as helping to fund services such as Domestic Violence programs indirectly.
This is a special year – the 100th of Catholic Charities’ existence. To commemorate this, in the Festival of Trees’ 22nd year,some special benefactors (Tom Roohan, Michael Toohey, Stewart’s Shops and Bob Flynn were presented with special medallions celebrating their contributions to help Catholic Charities reach that milestone.
Last year, the Festival welcomed over 5,000 guests and raised over $110,000. This year, attendees can bid on 28 floor and table top trees, 350+ wreaths and centerpiece items, have breakfast or sundaes (or both!) with Santa, bid on raffles and have a glorious time. “Each year, I am amazed by the creativity that people put into designing these trees,” Sister Charla said. Over the years, she had several favorites, including “the nutcracker’s dream, the Roohans’ Doggie Christmas, Tim Healy’s Black and White Christmas was stunning, and the Adirondack Christmas” were some favorites that Sister Charla noted off the top of her head.
There are many reasons to go, and the Festival of Trees will be at the Saratoga Springs City Center through Sunday, December 3.
For complete details, visit This Page And enjoy!
Arthur Gonick
November 30, 2017
