Meet Junior Photographer Aiden Irish

This is the first year I can remember without a Memorial Day parade so taking pictures of empty parking lots and playgrounds that weekend really touched me,’ muses Aiden. ‘And I don’t think I ever missed a summer concert in Wiswall Park, a Way We Were Car Show in the fall or a Santa Claus parade just before Christmas. The thought that these and other annual events may never be the same is definitely on my mind as I think about the kinds of pictures I’ll be taking as part of a record of this period in our nation’s history.

Aiden Irish may only be 16, but when it comes to contributing images that capture The Spirit of Ballston Spa against the backdrop of the pandemic, he’s proving to be an incredibly focused young man for all seasons. Drawing upon a deep reservoir of memories of pre-COVID era springtimes, summers, autumns and winters in the village where his maternal great-grandparents settled half a century ago, Aiden is quick to observe and reflect upon 2020 transformations. “This is the first year I can remember without a Memorial Day parade so taking pictures of empty parking lots and playgrounds that weekend really touched me,” muses Aiden. “And I don’t think I ever missed a summer concert in Wiswall Park, a Way We Were Car Show in the fall or a Santa Claus parade just before Christmas. The thought that these and other annual events may never be the same is definitely on my mind as I think about the kinds of pictures I’ll be taking as part of a record of this period in our nation’s history.” In addition to contributing his photography skills to Ballston Spa Living’s 2020 heritage preservation project, Aiden is proving to be a natural at the keyboard, says his private piano instructor Cole Broderick. The composer-pianist, whose 4-CD box set titled “Seasons of Saratoga” garnered a Critic’s Choice from BILLBOARD magazine (https://ballstonspaliving.com/seasons-of-the-soul-with-cole/), describes Aiden as being blessed with attentiveness and focus. “It quickly became ingrained in Aiden when I began tutoring last year that that technique is the prerequisite of mastering the songs he enjoys practicing. I’m impressed that he is already working diligently on a Mozart sonata. I consider myself fortunate to be Aiden’s teacher not only because of his musical talent, but also because he’s a great kid,” beams Broderick whose home-studio is situated in the village. Aiden, who will be entering Grade 11 at Niskayuna High School in September, is additionally a talented vocalist who has performed as part of a chorus in several concerts within his school district as well as lending his backstage skills to high school musicals. Awards bestowed upon Aiden during the 2019-2020 academic year included one associated with Concert Chorale as well as “Estudiante Del Mes” (student of the month) for his Spanish III excellence and “Top Performers in Spanish Honors.” Leadership positions filled with distinction by Aiden have included serving as 2019-2020 secretary for the Natural Helpers Club and as the 2019-2020 Project Manager for Niskayuna PR. The previous year, Aiden carried out the duties of the latter club’s Chief Events Coordinator as well as being an active member of the Live Expressions Club. Aiden believes one of the most important lessons he has learned from this unprecedented time is that he can cope well under pressure. “When I was younger I always used to think of the ‘what ifs’ whenever something negative happened or when something potentially stressful was coming up in the future. That is still the case sometimes. But during this erratic pandemic, I have tried to be optimistic – to think about the good things that remain in my life.” In the case of his family, which includes elders in Niskayuna and Ballston Spa as well as cousins by the dozens throughout the greater Capital Region, Aiden says: “We all grew stronger during this time. We all have found out how well we do individually – and collectively. I would like to end on a note that for many of us, the Roaring Twenties of this century have not been as great as we would like them to be. But, every day I am thankful that I have an amazing family, great friends who are there for me, and my Lord and Savior looking down on me proud, as I push through all the obstacles being thrown at me this year.” When not practicing the piano or snapping photos for Ballston Spa Living, Aiden enjoys swimming, hiking, biking and experimenting with culinary arts projects. Another leisure time activity: Exploring Spanish culture in the hope of traveling abroad one day to experience it first-hand. Another reason for all to pray the pandemic will soon be history!

Ann Hauprich (E)

The literary tapestry Ann has woven over the past five decades includes threads spun from exclusive interviews with such celebrated personalities as Andy Rooney, David Hyde Pierce and Marylou Whitney. In addition, Ann -- who founded Saratoga Living magazine in 1998 and served as its editor and publisher until 2004 -- has drawn readers into the lives of legions of lesser known, but nonetheless fascinating, individuals. “I learned early on in my first job as a general assignment reporter at The Canadian Champion in the 1970s that every person has a story if you just take the time to listen,” says Ann. “I was intrigued to discover that seemingly ordinary people were often doing rather extraordinary things with their lives.”