Simply sensational Chris Vallone Bushee motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of her readers

INTRODUCTION

Among the things those savoring the Summer 2020 editions of Simply Saratoga magazine and its sister publication Saratoga Family may not realize is that Chris also holds the Marketing Director’s reins at the weekly Saratoga TODAY newspaper which includes substantial Ballston Spa content.

And that her masked face often blends in with others who practice social distancing etiquette while patronizing businesses and professionals with enterprises on 12020 turf.

And that if Chris could have an inspirational or motivational quote embroidered on the front of her face mask, it would be: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” (In fairness, Chris loves uplifting adages so much, she could easily order 100 masks with different ones on the fronts, but the above Jane Goodall gem is her daily mantra.)

Ballston Spa Living Editor Ann Hauprich recently caught up with Chris between their respective editorial deadlines to conduct the insightful and delightful Q & A that follows.

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Q: In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that I am among the freelancers who consider themselves lucky to hang saddles in your editorial stable. Why is it important to you and Publisher Chad Beatty to feature stories and photos that not only shine the spotlight on communities that border Saratoga Springs but also to have as many articles as possible contributed by those who live, work, laugh and play in those towns and villages?

A: Being the choice for local news has always been our mission — and who better to bring us local stories than the people who are lucky enough to call Saratoga County home! We welcome all story suggestions regarding the people, the places and the lifestyles of those around us. As an example of our desire to cover the area and add a wide range of articles you may not see elsewhere, the July-August 2020 edition of Simply Saratoga magazine includes a timely feature about The Spirit of Ballston Spa heritage preservation project as well as one recalling perky memories of Moe’s Coffee Coach where Ballston Spa resident Ed O’Connor and his wife (now better known as Village Clerk Teri O’Connor) once catered to the refreshment needs of customers along The Oklahoma Training Track . An earlier 2020 edition of Simply Saratoga honored the life and legacy of Mary Lyall of The Center for HOPE which lights the way for families of missing persons across the USA . I love including stories in the magazines that people will remember and sparks a memory or starts a conversation. That’s why recent editions of Saratoga Family have introduced readers to Ballston Spa personalities ranging from Jody Wheeler (BSHS Class of 1970) to champion speed skaters Rebecca Simmons and Marcus Yanagihara. And, of course, the Summer 2020 edition of Saratoga Family  included a group portrait of the Ballston Spa High School Class of 2020 accompanied by a list of the names of all BSHS Class of 2020 graduates as well as those from all area high schools. Knowing these stories are keepsakes and have meaning to those being featured is the fuel that ignites all of us and have greatly inspired many of the captivating layouts by magazine designer Marisa Scirocco that have contributed greatly to the readership appeal of our family of magazines. Nothing thrills me more than someone calling to discuss a recent (or old!) story. I often feel like I’m being paid to “scrapbook” and preserve the county’s memories, a craft I no longer have time for, but loved doing for as long as I can remember.

Q:  Prior to the State of Emergency being declared by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo in March in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, complimentary copies of your periodicals were readily available to patrons of cafes, libraries, museums and other hospitality destinations, including visitors centers. In what ways (if any) has the pandemic necessitated that you “re-imagine” the way such copies find their way into the hands of readers?

A: Luckily, we offer full access online free of charge to all our publications (including our award-winning Saratoga Bride magazine, which comes out twice annually) at SaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com. If you are not currently receiving our pubs in your inbox – sign up TODAY! Getting back to distribution – we are doing much more home delivery to new neighborhoods as well as keeping our local supermarkets stocked. Saratoga TODAY newspaper is available at all area Stewart’s Shops and both the papers and the magazines are available at these drop spots around town. (PLEASE view list of Ballston Spa locations beneath this Q&A.)

Q:  Your Simply Saratoga editorials always include gracious, gentle reminders that making thousands of complimentary copies of the full-color glossy 8.5” x 11” magazines would not be possible without the support of your advertisers. Kindly elaborate on why such support is critical to Saratoga TODAY’s ability to share complimentary copies of its periodicals.

A: Everything we do is free to the public, whether it is the newspaper, one of our magazines or our website. We want as many people as possible to pick up our products to learn about the people, places and things that make our region great. There is nothing that builds community like getting to know your neighbors — and what better way than to read about them in high-quality local publications! So, the support of our advertisers is critical to our mission. The role our readers play in supporting our advertisers makes it all possible.

Q:  One of the features folks have most enjoyed in recent editions of your periodicals have been the COVID-19 humor pages sponsored by The HUMOR Project in Saratoga Springs. How did this arrangement come about – and how have the witty perspectives shared by “Laugh Doctor” Joel Goodman and others in his FUN-derful circle of contributors helped keep you smiling throughout the pandemic?

A: I love Joel’s newsletter and it was the one thing in my inbox that without a doubt, would make me giggle! Yes, audible laughter would ring through my office in those pre-COVID days before WFH became part of The New Normal for so many. How could I not share that with my readers?!

Q: What do you miss most about The OId Normal?

A: Getting dressed and leaving the house.

Q: What do you like most about The New Normal?

A: Not having to get dressed and leave the house. Life was crazy busy before COVID and it took me a while to adjust to The New Normal. I miss the little things — being able to grab a meal with a friend, a meeting over a drink or a cup of coffee, hugging someone special, smiling at people as you pass. Seeing my uncle, who is in a nursing home and hasn’t seen us in months. But on the flip side, I love having time for a daily scrabble game with my mother, who moved in with us last year, longer talks with my daughter Allie over coffee before we walk down the hall to our “new” work areas and my dog has never spent so much time at the dog park!

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Mother-daughter memories of Ballston Spa abound

Although her name is synonymous with periodicals that include Saratoga in their titles, Chris Vallone Bushee also has strong ties to Ballston Spa.

“I was lucky enough to stay home with my now teenage daughter Allie till she started kindergarten, and oh, how I loved those stay-at-home-mom days! We spent plenty of time in downtown Ballston Spa, mostly at the public library. Allie couldn’t wait to get her library card, but first had to be old enough to sign her name. Yes, I still have the photo of that momentous occasion!” laughs Chris. “The two of us also loved eating lunch in the window seat at Pizza Works on Milton Avenue and playing chess at Coffee Planet.”

Favorite annual mother-daughter traditions that have lingered over the years include The Way We Were Car Show, Farmers’ Markets, First Fridays and checking out the shops and restaurants. They have only recently missed their first Christmas parade!

A recent SMILEstone that took place in the village was when Allie received her driver’s permit at the local Department of Motor Vehicles.

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The following is a list of the drop spots for complimentary newspapers and magazines published by Saratoga TODAY that require frequent restocking in Ballston Spa.

Creative Director & Managing Editor Chris Vallone BusheeSaratoga BrideSaratoga FamilySaratoga TODAYSimply Saratoga