A time for family: Celebrating motherhood

Hundreds enjoy concert

By Steven Cook
Gazette Reporter

May 14, 2001
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Wilton mother Doris Segrave braided her 8-year-old daughter Grace's hair Sunday on the lawn at the free Mother's Day Concert at SPAC.

Her husband, Jeff, and son Sam, 11, sat in lawn chairs reading, while her other daughter, Hannah, 14, periodically sang along to the United States Air Force Band of Liberty.

"We're just enjoying being here today," Doris Segrave said after finishing her daughter's hair, braids Grace promptly shook out. "These are the things that really matter the most."

The Segraves were among hundreds of Capital Region families celebrating with their moms Sunday at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Bringing along frisbees, coolers and flowers for mom, those in attendance listened to music ranging from classical to modern to show tunes.

For many of the moms in the audience, the concert was the continuation of a day that began early with breakfast in bed.

Hannah Zlotnick, 9, and her 6-year-old sister, Abby, awoke early Sunday, preparing their mother, Mary Zlotnick, a breakfast of bagels and coffee.

The two, not yet proficient in food preparation, know how to make little other than toasted bagels, Mary Zlotnick conceded.

The two also knew little about brewing coffee.

"They poured leftover coffee in a cup and stuck it in the microwave," the smiling Saratoga Springs mother said. "It was really sweet."

The free Mother's Day concert, sponsored by Price Chopper, was the 30th annual at SPAC.

The annual concert coincides with the opening of the SPAC box office.

It was the first for the Ciccones of Slingerlands.

Michele and Jeff Ciccone brought their 11-month-old son, Jonathan, and attended with Michele's mom, Carol Allen, and her grandmother, Jennie Barretta, along with other family members.

"It's a special day for us, with four generations here," Michele Ciccone said. "We can relax and enjoy it."

Temperatures in the 60s and a light breeze helped add to the day, organizer Mona Golub said.

"It really is quite glorious," said Golub, a spokeswoman for Price Chopper.

For some families, such as the Segraves, the concert has become a tradition. Sunday was the 15th Mother's Day spent at SPAC.

"We always look forward to this every year," 14-year-old Hannah Segrave said. "It's like `Yes! we get to go to the free concert.' "

"The atmosphere just totally calms you," she said. "You can't not smile."

Posted May 20, 2001