Saratoga TODAY April 7 - 13, 2023

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Q&A with Ray O’Conor

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga

TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ray O’Conor has worked as a financial consultant with a major Wall Street investment firm, a United States Border Patrol Agent and a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Defense. He has served on the boards of several not for profit organizations, and is the CEO of a not for profit community development company.

Close to home, you may know O’Conor as a former local bank CEO, a Wilton Town Board Councilmember, an avid mountain

SIGNS OF SPRING: SIS Trout Release

climber, the author of the book “She Called Him Raymond.”

That’s a lot of lives for one existence, now here’s one more: on Saturday, April 15 Saratoga Arts Center will host the debut screening of Veda Films’ documentary “An Above Average Day,” featuring longtime friends Ray O’Conor and Joe Murphy on their hiking and wilderness adventures while seeking answers the question: What could two men with a 30-year difference in age possibly have in common that would compel them to climb more than 400 mountains and hike in excess of 4,000 miles of trails?

See Story pg. 8-9

TOGA TRIGGERS: New Saratoga Film Sparks Title Controversy

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — What’s in a name? Plenty when it comes to how some local residents see themselves represented.

A new movie by local filmmaker Shaun Rose is garnering loud feedback from some in the community in which the movie was made - largely due to its oneword title: Toga.

“I’ve never seen this before with any type of movie on any type of level. The fanatical ones, they’re at me like rabid animals,” Rose says.

The 61-minute film tells Rose’s continuing story of a person progressing through different stages of their life. Released in January, “Toga” follows freelance videographer ‘Ellis Martin’ on assignment, scouting locations in the town where he was raised.

See Story pg. 31

Saratoga Independent School students release rainbow trout into the Kayaderosseras Creek on Friday. Photo by Dylan McGlynn. See Story pg. 18

Joe Murphy, Aviral Kapoor, Katera Noviello Kapoor and Ray O’Conor (L to R). The debut screening of “An Above Average Day” will take place at the Saratoga Arts Center on Saturday, April 15. Photo provided.

History OF SARATOGA Saratoga County’s 1898 Leadership Battle

by David Wickerham | Sponsored by The Saratoga County History Roundtable Contact The Saratoga County History Roundtable at: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com

The recent battle for Speaker of the United States House of Representatives left many astounded that it took so many votes to reach a conclusion. However, Saratoga County once went through a situation that makes the House of Representatives battle look like very small potatoes. It must be noted that Saratoga County was a bastion for the Republican Party since its inception in 1856, and generally voted for the Whig Party before that. The situation changed in 1898, although it is unknown what spurred the change. It could have been the Financial Panic of 18933 or the Spanish American War or some much more local issue that is lost to the minds of the modern citizen.

The makeup of the County was different in 1898. Neither Saratoga Springs nor Mechanicville had been chartered as cities. Saratoga Springs was still a Town and Mechanicville was just a railroad head included in the Boundaries of Halfmoon and Stillwater. Thus, there were just 20 Towns in the County, and since the advent of weighted voting was still 75 years away, each supervisor would cast one vote at meetings of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

This became a problem in 1898 when the voters elected 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats to the Board. Republicans represented Clifton Park, Corinth, Day, Greenfield, Hadley, Halfmoon, Moreau, Northumberland, Saratoga Springs, and Wilton. Democrats held the Town Supervisor positions in Charlton, Ballston, Edinburg, Galway, Malta, Milton, Providence, Saratoga, Stillwater, and Waterford. The scene was set for an epic struggle for leadership.

The Organizational Meeting was set for 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, 1898. The meeting began innocently enough with the Clerk of the Board calling the roll and asking each Supervisor to state his choice for Chairman. Ten Supervisors voted for Walter Cavert, D-Charlton and 10 voted for George Jackson, R – Moreau. The Clerk took 38 more votes, but there was no change in the outcome. Finally, on the motion of Frank Hathorn, the meeting was adjourned until the next day.

The Board was called to order

the next day at 10 a.m. J Howard Arnold moved that the voting be done by written ballots. I assume he intended to free Supervisors from being strongarmed by their respective parties. However, the clerk called the roll for several more ballots , but after 53 votes, the chamber remained deadlocked.

When the Board reconvened on Wednesday, Nov. 16, it seemed like Groundhog Day. Seven more votes were taken with no change.

In the afternoon, Frank Hathorn tried to break the impasse by proposing that each party name one member to a special committee to confer and propose a plan of organization. The resolution was blocked by the Democrats. Finally, after the 102nd fruitless vote they adjourned for the day.

On Thursday, they took just one vote, the 103rd, with the results again tied 10 to 10. After four hours of arguing, they all agreed to establish a four-man committee. George Valentine and William Donnelly represented the Democrats while Clarence Griffin and Frank Hathorn were selected by the Republicans. The next morning they reported that they were still deadlocked and the Democrats argued that they had the right to reorganize the Board since they had actually received more votes than the Republicans in the last election. The Republicans, of course rejected the assertion. At 1:30 p.m., there appeared to be a breakthrough with a compromise offered by Frank Hathorn. The terms were as follows:

Democrats to appoint the Chair and Republicans to appoint the Clerk to the Board; Parties were to split appointments of the Jail Physician and County Home physician; The Chair and memberships of Standing Committees divided equally; Official printing to be divided equally between the parties.

It looked like the stalemate might be resolved before the weekend and a four-man committee was established with instructions that they report back to the Board that afternoon with a final resolution. However, after asking twice for more time, the Board finally agreed to give them the evening to work out the details and adjourned to Saturday morning.

If the devil is in the details,

this devil was exceedingly strong. While there was general agreement on most of the issues, negotiations broke down over the makeup of the standing committees, and both sides accused the other of bad faith bargaining. After some testy personal exchanges, they took more fruitless votes and after the 110th unsuccessful vote, they adjourned to Monday, Nov. 21.

At the beginning of the 2nd week of this marathon struggle, the Democrats put forth a long resolution to explain why they were unwilling to accept Supervisor Hathorn’s proposal for organization and also would not accept his offer to give the terms offered to them to the Republicans. The resolution also offered more than a few personal attacks, and was obviously rejected by the Republican members of the Board. The positions of the two sides hardened and the rest of the session was taken up with more unsuccessful 10-10 votes through ballot 155. They met daily through Saturday, Nov. 26, continuing the unsuccessful run of votes through ballot 360.

Finally, on Nov. 28, the Democrats revisited Supervisor Hathorn’s proposal of Nov. 18, and decided they could accept it, provided the Chair of the Board had the full power to act in the performance of his duties. The long nightmare was ended, and Walter Cavert of Charlton was unanimously elected as the first Democratic Chairman of the Board.

In all, the Board of Supervisors had deliberated for two weeks, worked through the Thanksgiving holiday, and taken 361 votes before even getting to one piece of the people’s business. The Board stayed in session for another 20 days, finally adjourning for the year on Dec. 23.

The Democrats attained an actual majority in 1899 and kept it for a couple of years. With the advent of the 20th century, Republicans recaptured a majority and have held it ever since. Thus, there have been no repeats of the crazy organization battle of 1898. This story is based on the official proceedings of the Board of Supervisors. What really happened behind closed doors is lost in the mists of time, but one can only imagine the horse trading that actually went on!

Adirondack Trust Community

Fund Awards $75,560.68 to Lend-A-Hand Grant Recipients

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

During the last week of March, The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund announced that its Independent Advisory Committee has awarded LendA-Hand Grants to 35 local nonprofit organizations.

The Community Fund’s Autumn of Giving Campaign raised $85,864.08, which has been generously matched by Adirondack Trust Company, while $75,560.68 was awarded in grants. The grants were presented at the Community Fund’s Annual Lend-A-Hand Grant Award Reception on December 1, 2022, at Longfellows Restaurant.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of our communities, which enabled us to award 35 Lend-A-Hand Grants this year,” said Colleen Carlson, Volunteer Chair for the ATCCF Independent Advisory Committee. “This year, we received 54 grant applications. Although we wish we could fund every request, each year we are fortunate to be able to fund more and more as our community support grows. The awarded grants will support programs for a wide variety of needs, and will include the areas of the arts, education, health, and family activities.”

Lend-A-Hand Grant Awards for 2022 were provided to the following organizations:

A Dapple a Day Equine Center, AIM Services, Inc., After the Fire, Ballston Area Community Center, The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Inc., Caffe

$100 Million Broadband Investment for New York - High-Speed Internet to Underserved Families Across Region

Lena, Camp Abilities Saratoga, Camp Little Notch, Catie Hoch Foundation, Community, Work & Independence, Inc., C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa’s Summer Lunch Program, Flutters of Hope, Inc., Franklin Community Center, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, Hudson Crossing Park, Malta Avenue Elementary PTA, NYSARC, Inc., Saratoga County Chapter (Saratoga Bridges), Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Open Door Mission, Operation Adopt-aSoldier, Inc., Prospect Center— Center for Disability Services, Inc., Queensbury Senior Citizens, Inc., Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Saratoga Center for the Family, Saratoga County Children’s Committee, Saratoga County History Center, Saratoga Pride, an affiliate of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Saratoga/Wilton Soccer Club, Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Inc., Shelters of Saratoga, SNACpack (Saratoga Nutritional Assistance for Children), Stories for Success Saratoga, Inc., Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Congressman Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) celebrated the White House announcement March 30 that New York State will receive $100 million in federal funding to expand broadband internet services. That funding was delivered under the American Rescue Plan that Tonko

successfully pushed to advance.

“The COVID pandemic shined a spotlight on the vital need—as well as the current deficiencies—of broadband internet access across our nation,” Tonko, an author of the Access Broadband Act, said in a statement. “I was proud to help secure funding to expand and improve broadband

for unserved and underserved communities with our American Rescue Plan, and I am thrilled that these critical investments are reaching our state.”

It is anticipated organizations and municipalities will be able to submit grant proposals, and then the state will handle the allocation of those funds.

Saratoga Springs Supervisor Candidate

Floats “Drunk With Guns” Local Law

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gordon Boyd, a Democratic candidate in this year’s county supervisor election has proposed the county prepare and adopt a local law to prohibit being “armed while intoxicated” anywhere in the county.

“I call it a ‘Drunk With Guns’ prohibition,” Boyd said in a statement, adding that he is writing to county Board Chairman Todd Kusnierz to let his intentions be known.

“The gun violence that occurred

last November 20 in downtown Saratoga Springs was frightening and horrific. It put our courageous police officers in danger, as well as dozens of bystanders, casting a cloud over our vibrant downtown,” Boyd said. “The dangerous troublemakers involved in the downtown shootout have been charged by the DA, which is appropriate. However, if we had had a law making it a crime to be intoxicated while possessing a firearm, the perpetrators might

have thought twice about coming to Saratoga Springs.”

Boyd proposes the county approve a local law that specifically creates a misdemeanor crime with penalties, including fines and prison time. if elected, Boyd said he will present a local law as such, but added that he wishes the current Board of Supervisors do so at its earliest opportunity. Both city supervisor positions will be up for election in November.

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Henry Redling

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Henry Redling died March 31. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 24 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ 07512. For online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Kathleen Strollo

TAMPA, FL — Strollo, Kathleen died March 24. Services will be held Wednesday, April 12 at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY. Wake will be 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass service 11 – 12 p.m., followed by a burial at Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Mickey Walczak

BALLSTON SPA — Former Saratoga High star Mickey Walczak died in the early morning of March 28. He joined his parents and sister in heavenly peace following a lengthy and often private battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. For online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sherry Gail Dowen

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry Gail Dowen on March 30 surrounded by her loved ones. Services will be at the convenience of the family. For online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Charlotte R. Beers

WILTON — Charlotte R. Beers died at the age of 104 on March 31. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Rita (Mikki)

Casertino Young

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita (Mikki) Casertino Young passed away peacefully on March 28 at her home on Saratoga Lake. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 7 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Stephen J. Hyman

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stephen J. Hyman, 89, passed away on Monday April 3, 2023. Burial will be held on Monday, April 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the GBH Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Arrangements by William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway. Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Saratoga County Health Department Offers Free Narcan Distribution Events, Overdose Rescue Kits

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Department of Health regularly holds Narcan distribution events throughout the county.

Participants will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan, which

takes approximately 10 minutes. Participants will receive a free Narcan rescue kit, which includes two doses of Narcan, a rescue breathing face shield, a certificate of training, a drug disposal system, and a mental health and substance use disorder resource guide.

Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone. New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

These are free, drop in events. Residents who are unable to attend the distribution can register to obtain an overdose rescue kit or view upcoming events at www. saratogacountyny.gov/narcan.

SARATOGA POLICE

Justin Mechanick, 42, of Ballston Spa, was charged March 19 with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely.

Brianna Craig, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 19 with criminal contempt.

Nicholas Bush, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 18 with DWI, and two driving-related violations.

Thomas Zucco, 32, of Warwick, Maryland, was charged March 18 with harassment.

Kathina Duncan, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 17 with harassment.

James Brush, 47, of Malta, was charged March 23 with criminal mischief, burglary, and grand larceny.

Augustus Balsamo, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 23 with criminal trespass.

Zachary Michaels, 28, of Saratoga

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Springs, was charged March 23 with menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Mitchell Norris, 27, of Rensselaer, was charged March 23 with DWI, and three drivingrelated violations.

Ronald Dragoset, 37, of Clifton Park, was charged March 22 with criminal contempt.

Kevin Cuva, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 22 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense.

Rita Young, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 21 with DWI, aggravated DWI, and two driving-related violations.

Kobe Rockwell, 24, of Apex, North Carolina, was charged March 21 with tampering with physical evidence, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and burglary.

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Jacob E. Krall, 19, of Ballston Spa, was charged with assault in the second-degree in connection

with an incident alleged to have occurred on March 19 in the town of Milton. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Community Emergency Corps were dispatched to a report of a 3-month-old child in respiratory distress. The child was treated on scene and transported to the hospital by EMS with serious injuries, according to police. Krall is accused of violently assaulting the 3-month-old child resulting in serious physical injuries. Krall was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail on bail.

On March 21, Kevin Q. Tanksley, 33, of Albany, was charged with assault in the seconddegree. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to an in-progress disturbance occurring at the Stewart’s Shop at 1403 Route 9 in the Town of Halfmoon involving 3 males. It is alleged Tanksley deployed a knife during the altercation and used it to cause physical injury to a 20-year-old Clifton Park man who was subsequently hospitalized for his injuries.

Alexander McFadden, 54, of Malta was charged March 26 with felony Assault, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, in connection with a disturbance involving two males at the Budget Inn on Route 9 in the town of Malta. McFadden is accused of deploying a knife during the altercation causing injuries to the victim’s head and arm. The victim was treated on scene by Malta-Stillwater EMS and refused further medical attention. McFadden was arraigned in Malta Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility with no bail.

arrested Michael Millington, 23, of Greenfield, for official misconduct and reckless endangerment in the seconddegree, both misdemeanors. While employed as a Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officer Michael Millington is accused, without authorization, of providing confidential information to a county jail inmate which created a substantial risk of injury to another person. Millington was released on appearance tickets and is due back in Milton Town Court at a later date to answer the charges. Millington has been suspended from the Sheriff’s Office pending a disciplinary hearing.

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Franklin Community Center Receives Funding for Project Lift

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center was recently awarded several grants in support of its Project Lift program; $500 from the Town of Greenfield Lions Club, $3,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, $5,000 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match, $9,000 from The Christopher Dailey Foundation and $14,000 from The Hawley Foundation for Children. Project Lift, created in 1984 as a free after school program, addresses the growing need for youth to have

prevention-based conversations as well as the opportunity to enhance their social and emotional skills. The funding assistance will support the impactful program as well as provide for the ancillary services offered to the Project Lift students and their families.

Thanks to Franklin Community Center’s long-standing grant support, the students who attend the after-school program are able to benefit from the Back to School Backpack program, Holiday Assistance, Food

Letter TO THE EDITOR

A New Approach to Saratoga Politics

Last Friday, Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee chair Pat Tuz resigned from her position for personal and business reasons. While it is sad to see someone so dedicated to their work depart, it’s a huge opportunity for serious change in the Saratoga Springs City Democratic Committee. With the upcoming primary and general elections looming, new leadership in the committee means the possibility of a new approach to politics, an approach that’s truly unique to Saratoga Springs. An approach that is built on campaigning for hard working, dedicated elected officials who will push this city forward through common sense solutions and an open dialogue with their constituents.

The city party chairs of the two political parties wield enormous influence over the political landscape of Saratoga Springs. Therefore, the person who fills the position of chair will have the opportunity to define the Democrats’ performance in November. I would strongly encourage anyone who believes that they can bring a new and revolutionary perspective to the city committee should reach out to the committee and get involved. The only question now is, who will step up?

- Respectfully submitted,

- Benjamin Glover, SSHS Class of 2026

Assistance and Camp Assistance. Project Lift works directly with students in grades 1st to 6th in the Saratoga Springs City School District. The program serves up to 175 children and their siblings in all 6 elementary schools and the middle school, with support to the students’ families. Services include Camp Assistance, which offers scholarships for Project Lift participants to attend summer camp. The goal is to offer students a place where they may learn about and better understand themselves

in a safe, supportive, and relaxed natural environment. Providing camp opportunities to children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds helps the students to constructively learn independence and safe risk-taking, build relationships with peers and reap the benefits of connecting with nature. Community members interested in learning more about supporting the program and the services provided, can find more information at www. franklincommunitycenter.org.

SIMPSON: SCHOOL SAFETY IS A PRIORITY

ALBANY — Assemblyman

Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) attended a press conference March 30 in the Capitol alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,CPulaski), Dr. Michael Prezioso, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and several members of the Assembly Minority Conference. After many discussions with parents, teachers, mental health experts and law enforcement, the lawmakers announced the release of the final report from the Minority Conference Task Force on School Safety & Security, which included solutions and recommendations such as:

•Increasing law enforcement presence in schools

•Addressing mental health issues in schools

•Open communication

between stakeholders

•Innovative state support for school safety and security

•Identifying threats and providing support to at-risk students

“No parents should have to worry when their child goes to school that they might not return. Teachers should not have to prioritize emergency procedures or be in fear in the classroom, which takes away from their lesson plans for the day. We have a serious crisis that is not only in New York but across the country–something has to change. By implementing the real solutions contained in the task force report, with input from professionals, I am hopeful we can take appropriate measures to protect our children and teachers so this is no longer a fear and schools can be a safe space once again,” said Simpson.

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Schuylerville

Library to Distribute Free Bear

Oak Seedlings in Advance of Earth Day

SCHUYLERVILLE —

The Schuylerville Public Library will distribute free Bear Oak seedlings starting in mid-April to raise awareness of reforestation and to celebrate Earth Day, which occurs annually on April 22.

Between now and April 22 (or until supplies last), area residents can register to receive a free Bear Oak seedling kit either by visiting the Schuylerville Public Library

website (www.schuylervillelibrary. sals.edu), calling 518-695-6641, or by stopping by in-person.

Kits will include seedlings, instructions for planting, and a plant marker. Seedlings are provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery in Saratoga Springs.

According to Earthday.org,

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reforestation can provide numerous benefits including removing carbon dioxide from the air, providing habitat to animals, stabilizing land from erosion, and providing economic development for nearby communities.

The Schuylerville Public Library is in the Village of Schuylerville on 52 Ferry St. To learn more, visit www. schuylervillelibrary.sals.edu.

The 11th Annual Autism Expo & Art Exhibit: April 23

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges, in collaboration with the Upstate New York Autism Alliance, will host the 11th Annual Autism Expo & Art Exhibit presented by Wilcenski & Pleat, PLLC. This FREE event will be held on Sunday, April 23 from 12-3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, located at 522 Broadway.

This collaborative effort has been increasingly successful over its 10-year history and expects to draw over 1,000 attendees. The event provides individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families with a wide variety of essential resources in one venue. There will be more than 70 exhibitors/vendors including recreational programs, camps, technological apps, academic programs which include pre-kindergarten through postsecondary school options, and therapeutic opportunities.

Fun for the whole family, the event features an exhibit showcasing artists with disabilities from the Capital District and beyond, a Children’s Activity’s Zone with games and arts & crafts run by students from the Skidmore College Psychology Department, a Sensory Room hosted by the Sensory tOT Spot, and the Saratoga Springs Mounted Police providing an opportunity for children to experience interaction with a horse.

The sponsors for the event are The Law Offices of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC, Access Therapy, Midas, Precision Environmental

Services, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, Saratoga Today, and Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. For more information and

event details contact Julie Marks at jmarks@saratogabridges.org or visit www.saratogabridges.org/ge/ autismexpo

BALLSTON SPA — A lottery

scratch-off game sold in Ballston Spa has returned a $1 million prize.

The top prize on the New York Lottery’s Multiplier Money scratch-off game was claimed by Jeffrey Duval of Branford, CT, according to NY Lottery.

The ticket was purchased at Cumberland Farms located at 527 Route 67 in Ballston Spa.

Duval received his prize as a single lump sum payment of $546,840 after required withholdings.

New York Lottery scratch-off games generated $4,517,682,111 in total sales during fiscal year 2021-2022. School districts throughout Saratoga County received $36,848,322 in Lottery

Aid to Education funds during the same period.

Additionally, New York Lottery reported on March 28 that the Ballston Spa-based 1102023 Trust had claimed a $3,000,000 Mega Millions Megaplier prize, after matching the first five numbers in the Jan. 10 drawing. The Megaplier feature, when purchased, can multiply non-jackpot prizes up to five times. The winning numbers for that evening’s drawing were 07 13 14 15 18 Mega Ball 09. The Trust received a single lump sum payment totaling $3,001,500 after required withholdings. The winning Megaplier ticket was purchased at Smokes 4 Less located at 59 North Plank Rd. in Newburgh.

Dave Portnoy Buys Home in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dave Portnoy, founder of the Barstool Sports pop culture blog, has purchased a single-story home in the Spa City adjacent to the Oklahoma Training Track of Saratoga Race Course.

The 1,522 square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three

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baths, according to Zillow, and is located down the block from a residence formerly owned by the late pop singer David Cassidy.

The home was purchased by Portnoy’s company Smokeshowcity LLC for $1.4 million, according to a deed filed with the Saratoga County Clerk’s office dated March 7.

Q&A with Ray: Documentary Debut with Ray O’Conor at Saratoga Arts April 15

continued from front page...

Q. Where did the idea for the film come from?

A. My good buddy Joe and I have done a lot of hiking and climbing over the last 15 years. We j hiked more than 400 different mountains, most of them together and more than 5,000 miles of trail. About 2-1/2 years ago I got a message from Katera Kapoorone of the founders of the Veda

Films company – who said, “I’ve been following your adventures with your buddy Joe and was wondering if you had any interest in doing a documentary film together.” Katara is originally from Saratoga Springs. She told me how she and her husband (Aviral), both graduates of the New York Film Academy where they’d met, started this documentary film company. So, Joe and I said: sure. That’s how it all started.

Q. How did the filming work?

A. The husband-and-wife team followed us around when we went out. They were generally long days because in addition to the hiking itself, there was the setting up to take shots, second shots, third shots, and the interviewing. It’s taken a couple of years to get done. Joe and I had a lot of fun with Katera and Avi. They are exceptional people and superb storytellers.

continues to page 9...

Joe Murphy, Aviral Kapoor, Katera Noviello Kapoor and Ray O’Conor (L to R). The debut screening of “An Above Average Day” will take place at the Saratoga Arts Center on Saturday, April 15. Photo provided.

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Q. What is the focus of the documentary?

A. There are two sides to the story. One is the adventure side about hiking and mountain climbing. The other is about the relationship between Joe and I. There are 30 years between usI’m 68 and he’s 38. My wife Mary has always said that my behavior is worse than a child, and Joe is like an old soul kind of person. So, one of the focal points is the relationship between these two guys who met by chance and spent a lot of time together over the past 15 years on mountains and on trails.

Q. You go up a city kid. Where did your fondness for hiking and climbing come from?

A. Back in the late 1980s, I decided to run for the town board in Wilton and Roy McDonald was our town supervisor. Unbeknownst to me, Roy was big on hiking at the time. He had climbed Mount Marcy like 10 times. So, Roy calls me and says, “I’m going to pick you up at 5:30 in the morning and we’re going to go on a hike.” I didn’t even know where we were going, or what I needed. It was a real nice weekend, so I had on a pair of gym shorts, a T-shirt, and some work boots that I wore when doing yardwork. We wound up hiking Mount Marcy. We had a great time. On subsequent hikes, I came much better prepared.

Q. How do you decide where to climb?

A. We have a list we work on. The first was the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks. There’s a fire tower challenge - 32 mountains between the Catskills and the Adirondacks that have fire towers on them. And we’ve done all those. There’s a broader list called the Northeast 115, the tallest mountains in the northeast United States. And there are other smaller mountains – the Lake George 12ster, the Saranac Lake 6er.

The next list is the 50 highest points and peaks in the United States. I’ve already got 17 states done and Joe’s a couple shy of that. I’ve got a plan mapped out for a southern swing next month where we go to Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and Indiana. Nine states, high points or peaks in six days.

Q. For people inspired to go on a hike or climb, what local resources are available to learn more?

A. If you’re a beginner there is the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Saratoga Plan. You know you don’t have to climb Mount Everest to get the benefits emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Q. What do you get from hiking, emotionally, physically or otherwise?

A. I’d like to say it’s as good

for the mind and the soul as it is for the body. There’s something special about being out in the wilderness. The Japanese have a term they call it: Forest Bathing. Being out in the woods, on the trail, in isolation. Getting away from all the world’s troubles is magical.

The debut screening of “An Above Average Day” will take place at the Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on Saturday, April 15. Shows at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available at: www.saratoga-arts. org/events. Produced and directed by Katera and Aviral Kapoor, founders of Veda Films. Image provided.

‘Undue Pressure’ to Come to Decision, says Juror in Nov. 20 Spa City Incident

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

An unnamed member of the grand jury that last week led to the indictments of suspected actors in the Nov. 20 shout-out in Saratoga Springs intimated that they felt “undue pressure” to come to decision, and “feel ashamed that we did not do our job properly” after hearing testimony. The story was first reported April 3 by NewsChannel 13.

Vito E. Caselnova, a Rutland County Vermont sheriff’s deputy and Glens Falls resident, was indicted on eight charges, five of which were felonies and included one count of attempted murder in the second-degree.

Three Utica men - Alexander Colon, Darius A. Wright, and Christopher (AKA Christian) E. Castillo, were each charged with one count attempted assault, a misdemeanor, in connection with the incident, alleging each of the defendants “attempted to cause an injury to a person by repeatedly punching

Community Bids Farewell to Local Music Legend

him,” according to court documents.

“I am confident that the Grand Jury process was done in compliance with the laws of the State of New York, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement on April 3, following the circulation of the unnamed jury member’s comments, which were initially enclosed in a letter to Saratoga County Court Judge James Murphy.

“While I would like to respond to and answer the numerous questions I have received regarding those proceedings, those very same laws expressly prohibit me from commenting further on the specifics of the grand jury presentation,” Heggen added. “I stand by my office’s presentation and await the judicial review.”

Colon, Wright, and Castillo are scheduled to return to Saratoga Springs City Court April 25, and Caselnova is slated to return to Saratoga County Court on May 2. It is not known at this time what effect this week’s juror revelation may have on the proceedings.

by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY

SOUTH GLENS FALLS —

More than 400 people packed into St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Glens Falls on April 3 to say their final farewell to Bobby Dick. There were prayers during the 75-minute ceremony and the sprinkling of holy water, readings - by his daughter-in-law from the Book of Revelations, and by a family friend a letter from Paul to the Thessalonians. In song there was an ancient hymn titled simply, “Song of Farewell,” and, following the mass, there were stories.

Bobby Dick was born and raised in Brooklyn and began performing at a young age. He attended Quintano’s School for Young Professionals where he was classmates with Patty Duke. Duke asked him to escort her to the prom at The Tavern on the Green, but he had to decline due to a scheduled performance in Lake George.

The band with which he most often known was The Sundowners, who made upstate N.Y. their home turf. In 1965, the group opened for the Rolling Stones at the Palace Theatre and the Dave Clark Five at the RPI Field House. They toured with Monkees and Jimi Hendrix and made a cameo performance on the TV shows “The Flying Nun” and “It Takes A Thief.”

After the group disbanded in 2011, Dick continued to perform with his wife, Susie Q for the next

12 years. He battled a very rare cancer yet continued to perform up to February 2023. He died on March 27 at the age of 76.

“The world’s oldest teenager, now rocking and rolling, if I may say it that way, with the saints,” Rev. Tony Childs said from the pulpit at St. Michael’s Church.

Family and friends shared stories, heartfelt, humorous, and befitting of a gregarious soul. Dick’s granddaughter played “Love Me Tender” on her clarinet, because, she said, Bobby loved Elvis.

The last song of the Mass was played over the parish PA, a recording of Dick’s voice singing the “The Impossible Dream.” It received an ovation from those in attendance, standing and clapping across the church, far as the eye could see.

Dick is survived by his wife and an extended family that includes his children, grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter, siblings and nieces, nephews and cousins. Rite of committal will be in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

Materials distributed April 3, 2023 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Glens Falls, where a Funeral Mass was held for Bobby Dick.

Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

BALLSTON

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 12 Linden Ct to Michael Dean for $425,000

Kurt Spoonogle sold property at 15 White Beach Rd to Garrett Canfield for $285,000

BDC Cornerstone Inc sold property at 89 Cornerstone Dr to Leesa Oliver for $397,310

BDC Cornerstone Inc sold property at 76 Cornerstone Dr to Jill Mahoney for $398,405

CORINTH

Margaret Theobald sold property at 13 Locust Ridge Dr to Alex Guy for $286,200.

GALWAY

Stephen Peck sold property at 3038 South Shore Dr E to Grazyna Micco for $265,000

HALFMOON

Teresita Thompson sold property at 28 Cooks Court to Nichole Mantas for $280,000

David Cherry sold property at 89 Sheldon Dr. to Micheline Ford for $550,000

Homeland Properties LLC sold property at 15 Wintergreen Way to Bryna Peters for $588,783

McDonald Family Builders LLC sold property at 51B Bayberry Dr to Michael McDonald for $600,000

Beacon Homes LLC sold property at 1-3 Elena Ct to Hassan Ijaz for $115,000

Edward Canavan sold property at 5C Macoun Dr. to Sunchlar Rust for $510,000

PAAR Estates LLC sold property at 36 Chip Shot Way to Johnpaul Russom for $384,900

MALTA

Paul Blazejowski sold property at 23 Kozy Lane to Eric Siegrist for $880,000

37 Greenfield LLC sold property at 9 Wake Robin Rd to Eva Nagel for $285,000

Ellen Boyle sold property at 3D Applewood Dr to Cyle Haggerty for $395,000

David Levin sold property at Lot 3A 1 Rowley Rd to David Borisenok for $175,0000.

Robert Molloy sold property at 15 Candlewood Dr to Daniel Vachon for $420,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Scott Perkins as ref sold property at 305 Maple Ave to Joseph Ernst for $250,000

Qezen Property Solutions sold property at 84 Quevic Dr to Hunter Tomlin for $339,000

Diane LeCours sold property at 6 Marjorie Dr to Jeffrey Vanalstyne for $328,000.

Lauren Neilsen sold property at 47 Union St to John Kurimski for $275,000

Regatta View LLC sold property at 6 Dartmouth Way to Marvin Kreps for $695,365

Benjamin Neary sold property at 78 Trottingham Ct to Sarah Loomis for $305,995.

Vincent Vivolo sold property at 268 Broadway Unit 308 to Peter Dorsman for $1,700,000

WILTON

Shelia Riley sold property at 41

Smith Bridge Rd to Emma Falanga for $335,000.

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 18 Colleen Ct to Britton Schnurr for $541,170. Jonathan Jones sold property at 182 Ruggles Rd to Timothy Treubig for $725,000.

David Torregiano sold property at 44 Fieldstone Dr to Marisa Schickel for $468,000.

Saratoga Warren Conglomerate LLC sold property at 3 Whirlaway Blvd to Kendra Heeney for $385,000.

This beautiful home at 182 Regent St Saratoga Springs was listed by Kate Naughton of Roohan Realty and sold for $725,000.

Jones Steves Renames to Jones Steves Grassi, LLP

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jones Steves, LLP has officially announced a new named partner, as the Saratoga Springs-based firm has become Jones Steves Grassi, LLP.

The law firm is best known for its work in land use and development, representing companies such as GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Skidmore College, RISE Housing, and more. The name change adds partner Justin Grassi, Esq. to the firm’s title, who originally became a partner in April 2021.

Grassi said the new name does not change any operations

at the firm, saying he will continue to work with fellow partners Matthew Jones and Bruce Steves.

“Largely, there’s three partner attorneys here,” said Grassi. “We’ve always collaborated, we will continue to collaborate. It doesn’t change anything other than becoming a financial partner with the office.”

The firm has existed in some form since 1980 under Jones, the senior partner. Steves and Grassi both attended Albany Law School, and each joined the firm after graduating, Grassi said.

“I think we’re all excited to have found the three of us,” Grassi said. “The firm, almost certainly, will grow, but will have the backbone of the three of us. We’ve

worked together now for over a decade, which is awesome.”

Grassi said adding his name will help clients associate him as a partner.

“When they see the name on the sign, and they know you’re a partner, it’s just a little bit of a different dynamic,” said Grassi. “They understand that you have that experience, that you have that knowledge to have made it there.”

Grassi grew up in Schuylerville and currently lives in Saratoga Springs, he said, noting it is enjoyable to see and assist with development in the local community.

“We see all these projects come forth, we get to be involved with them, and watch them grow and

end up building up our city,” Grassi said. “In that regard, it’s a very fun area of law to practice in. … Living

Hay Creek Hotels to Convert Former Longfellow’s Location Into The Brookmere Hotel

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hay Creek Hotels and Restaurants have expanded its presence in the Northeast with three management deals, including the former location of Longfellow’s Hotel and Restaurant in Saratoga Springs.

“Introducing a variety of properties into our system is a critical part of our growth strategy as we remain intentional in our approach to build a portfolio of boutique, independent hotels that vary in size, segmentation, and geographic location,” Hay Creek CEO Gary Sims said in a statement.

The property will now be called The Brookmere Hotel,

according to a press release by Hay Creek Hotels. The hotel is located a mile from Saratoga Racetrack and sits on a 10-acre site abutting Saratoga National Golf Course with private access to Lake Lonely.

The project is the total transformation of the former Longfellows into Brookmere, an upper-upscale hotel with 88 rooms and suites, Clover Restaurant & Bar with seasonal outdoor porch, 3,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including an additional seasonal courtyard, and an upscale spa.

Hay Creek will be working closely with Spring City Development, Bonacio

Construction and interior design firm Sims Patrick Studio and will begin operations upon its opening slated for mid-summer 2024.

“Historically, the word boutique has been synonymous with small in scale, but at Hay Creek that word simply signifies an opportunity for us to customize and curate a guest experience for a diverse collection of hotels ranging in size and complexity, which is evident in this current mix of new hotels we’ve brought into the portfolio,” Dan Mahoney, SVP of development at Hay Creek Hotels and Restaurants, said in a statement.

here, watching that happen, it’s fun for me to talk with my family about the projects we have.”

Photo by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, provided by Jones Steves Grassi LLP.

BankWise Technology Introduces Customer Verify: A Fast, Secure, and Affordable Solution for Real-Time Customer Authentication

SARATOGA SPRINGS — BankWise Technology™ has launched Customer Verify, a real-time customer authentication solution for banks and credit unions looking to enhance their customer authentication procedures. It is an advanced and secure system that offers financial institutions a more reliable alternative to traditional methods of customer verification, such as DOB or SSN.

Customer Verify is a standalone module within the Happy Banker® ecosystem that offers a simple, affordable, real-time tool to

authenticate customers just before a transaction, change of address, or other uses that the bank may have.

It is used when the customer is at a branch, on the phone, or via chat.

Most banks already have a verified phone number on file. With Customer Verify, a CSR can authenticate the customer via SMS text or voice call. It sends a random, time-sensitive, numeric code to the customer’s phone number which the customer confirms with the CSR to complete the transaction.

Customer Verify benefits include real-time authentication,

reduced fraud, easy deployment, and an improved customer experience.

Sergei Morgoslepov, CoPresident and Chief Technology Officer of BankWise Technology, emphasized that Customer Verify is specifically designed as a customer authentication tool that works in real-time without requiring any additional hardware or software on the customer side.

The tool is particularly useful for banks that already have a verified phone number on file and want to authenticate their customers prior to a transaction or for banks to use as a routine best practice.

DeCrescente Wins Molson Coors President’s Award For 2nd Consecutive Year, 10th Time Overall

MECHANICVILLE —

In its 75th year in business, family run local beverage distributor DeCrescente Distributing Company (DDC) has won the Molson Coors President’s Award for the second consecutive year and 10th time overall.

Only 32 beverage distributors nationwide earn this prestigious award each year. Winning the award twice in two years is uncommon and a testament to the hard work and creativity of the DDC team, said DeCrescente Distributing Company President C.J. DeCrescente.

“We set a high bar here,” DeCrescente said. “Each year, we create a strategic plan for each of our suppliers to help take their products

to new heights. Winning this award proves that our entire team brought their A-Game to help us achieve our ambitious goals for the Molson Coors family of brands in 2022.”

In addition to winning the President’s Award, DDC is one of seven Molson Coors Founders Award finalists. This award recognizes the nation’s top Molson Coors distributor for exemplary sales and distribution performance over the last year. DeCrescente is the only distributor in the nation to have ever won the Founders Award four consecutive times.

The Founders Award winner will be announced later this year.

In 2020, C.J. DeCrescente was awarded the Molson Coors

“Legends” award for his impact on the beverage industry. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Carmine “Carm” DeCrescente Sr., who was named a MillerCoors “Legend” in 2005.

Founded by Angelo DeCrescente in 1948, DDC will celebrate its 75th year in business this June with a series of events for its employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.

DDC distributes over 11 million cases of beer, soft drinks, and snacks to 11 counties in the Greater Capital Region, including Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington.

Photos provided by DeCrescente Distributing Company.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Saratoga County, 81% of women will be sexually harassed or assaulted in their lifetime. That is a sobering statistic. And it’s not just women – the same nationwide survey found that 43% of men have also experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lives.

by Giovanna D’Orazio, of D’Orazio Peterson for Saratoga TODAY

In addition to emotional and physical trauma, surviving a sexual assault can bring with it a host of legal issues. This article will focus on employment and personal injury law, but readers should know that organizations like Wellspring can assist in obtaining orders of protection, accompanying individuals to the hospital or the police station, and generally help to navigate a very difficult time.

When sexual assault or harassment happens in the workplace, not only is someone’s well-being at risk, but their livelihood as well. Assault and harassment are protected forms of sex discrimination and hostile work environment under both federal and state law. The law also protects employees from coercive sexual relationships, what we call “quid pro quo” sexual harassment. This is when a boss or individual with power over your employment requests sexual favors in return for continued employment or advancement. What if an assault happens at work? Contacting law enforcement is of course always an option, and your employer should not discourage you from doing so. If the perpetrator is a coworker, you can also report the assault or harassment to your boss and Human Resources. New York law requires employers to maintain a sexual harassment policy that will lay out a complaint procedure. If the perpetrator is your boss, and your employer is large enough to have a Human Resources department or another designated individual to complain to, you can do that. If there is no one to complain to because you work at a small company, you can consider making a complaint to the EEOC or the NYS Division of Human Rights.

With respect to your legal remedies, while not all harassment is a “hostile work environment” within the meaning of the law, a sexual assault at work very likely is. Sometimes, the level of recourse you have against your employer depends upon the employer’s response. If your employer responds appropriately to investigate, protect you, and discipline the perpetrator, then you may have less recourse

for your lost wages if you decide to leave the workplace. On the other hand, if your employer does not take your complaint seriously, does not remedy the situation appropriately, or retaliates against you for complaining, the law may support what we call a “constructive discharge” – a situation where the employee resigns but still has legal recourse for their lost wages. Both state and federal law also allow for recovery of emotional distress damages stemming from a sexually hostile work environment.

New York law also protects victims of domestic violence in the workplace, and domestic violence can include sexual misconduct and offenses. The law not only protects victims of domestic violence from discrimination, but also requires reasonable accommodations for certain types of absences including to seek medical attention, attend court proceedings, and receive services.

Assaults, in or outside of the workplace, can also give rise to civil liability for the perpetrator. Assault, battery and false imprisonment are all civil legal claims that can be brought against the perpetrator of an assault in a lawsuit. It is important to keep in mind that these types of claims – which are called “intentional torts” – have a short one-year statute of limitations in New York. Currently, the NY Adult Survivors Act is in effect, which has reopened the statute of limitations, for a limited period of time, for sexual assault claims by individuals who were assaulted as adults. New York previously had this type of law in effect for child victims – you’ve likely heard about it in the context of claims of clergy sexual abuse.

Sometimes a sexual assault happens under circumstances that can also give rise to a negligence

claim. These types of claims have a longer statute of limitations. An example could be suing a property owner for lax security if they know of a threat. Recently, a New York family was sued successfully for a sexual assault perpetrated by their son against a girl sleeping at their home.

Navigating the legal process and its various options after a traumatic event can be overwhelming. Luckily in our community we have resources like Wellspring, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties, and The Legal Project in Albany, as well as private attorneys, who are able to assist.

WAYS TO LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT

SURVIVORS

THIS MONTH:

Attend the She Said event on April 10: Wellspring and Skidmore College are bringing New York Times journalist Megan Twohey to the Arthur Zankel Music Center to talk about breaking the Harvey Weinstein story, one of our most infamous sexual assault and harassment cases and a catalyst of the Me Too movement. Reserve tickets at www.wellspringcares. org/she-said/

Denim Day: Wear denim on Wednesday, April 26 to bring awareness to the stigmas and victim blaming surrounding sexual assault. This day commemorates a (shameful) Italian court case in which the judge found that, because a young woman was wearing tight jeans at the time of her assault, she must have assisted in removing them and, therefore, the assault was consensual. The next day, the women of the Italian Parliament came to work in jeans in solidarity with the victim.

According to Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for

Easter Gift Guide

with Peter Bowden:

Gardening Tips for Planting Hardy Trees & Shrubs

Finally, spring is on our doorstep. While it is too early to plant our tender annual flowers and vegetables, April is a great month to get started on planting hardy trees and shrubs. Sadly, in my line of work, I get to see a lot of dead shrubs and trees that have died within a few of years after being planted.

I always like to look them over to see what went wrong. A pattern has become apparent...most were simply planted too deep. You can still see the dirt on the stem way above the crown of the plant.

If the stem or trunk above ground is covered with soil or mulch, it hinders the plant’s ability to pass moisture and nutrients from the root system up through the bark to the branches and leaves above. It may take a year or three, but it is usually fatal.

Let me walk you through the process of planting a tree or shrub.

Written & Photographed by Peter Bowden for Saratoga TODAY

First, dig the planting hole a little bit wider than the plant’s root ball but only as deep as the root ball or the pot that contains the roots. If you’ve dug the hole too deep, fill it in a bit. Add compost or just the original soil to build up the bottom of the planting hole to ensure that the stem isn’t buried too deeply.

This is also a good time to add Bio-Tone to the planting hole. Bio-Tone provides gentle organic nutrients for the tree. Perhaps more important, Bio-Tone also adds beneficial soil microbes and several strains of Mycorrizal fungi. The spot on the tree trunk where the soil is in the pot or ball needs to still be visible after planting.

Next, place the tree or shrub into the hole and check again to make sure you’re at the proper planting depth. The spot where the trunk of the tree meets the soil of its ball or pot should exactly match the level of the soil around your planting hole. The easiest way to check this is to lay a stick (the handle of your shovel works) across the planting hole and make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. This seems trivial, but it can make all the difference to the plant’s health and survival.

Once you’ve made sure that the crown of the plant is at the proper level, fill in the rest of the planting hole. This is the point where inexperienced gardeners make another mistake.

When you dig a hole, then fill it

with a root ball, there’s going to be soil left over. What to do with it? Many will opt to pile it up around the trunk or stem. DON’T DO IT! It will have the same negative effect as planting too deeply. Use the extra soil to build a dishshaped dike or berm out away from the stem of the plant. The dark soil where the stem met the soil in the pot should still be just visible near the trunk of the tree. You haven’t planted too deeply as long as you can see the original soil that the tree came in.

The berm will collect water and direct it down to the root system below. Finally, water heavily after planting to remove any air pockets from the soil. You should also take care when applying bark and other mulches not to pile them up against the stems and trunks of plants. Remember: roots are roots and stems are stems. Bury the roots but let the stems be free to breathe.

Dig the hole wide but not too deep

Watering

The perfect depth!

Oops, the hole is too deep...

Holy Week

Worship Services

Good Friday: April 7

Easter Sunday: April 9

SIGNS OF SPRING: SIS TROUT RELEASE

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga

TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

Kindergarten and primary students at Saratoga Independent School released a group of juvenile rainbow trout into the Kayaderosseras Creek on Friday, capping off nearly six months of hands-on learning about water conservancy, life in water, Native American culture, and more.

The school took in nearly 100 rainbow trout eggs in October, and students watched and assisted as the fish hatched and grew in aquariums at the school. On Friday, the students finished their aquatic journey, releasing the fish into the wild.

Shauna Swiminer, a kindergarten teacher at Saratoga Independent School, said the project was “a perfect fit” for the school’s hands-on learning style.

“This year, we were studying both water, water conservancy, life in water, and Native American culture,” said Swiminer. “That idea of something so hands-on, that the kids can see, touch, and do, is really what we do at the Independent School.”

The eggs were provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and were part of the National Trout in the Classroom curriculum. Students met at Kelley Park in Ballston Spa to release the fish, which was preceded with words from Perry Ground, a member of the Onondaga Nation.

Ground spoke about indigenous culture, the importance of water and fish to the Haudenosaunee people, and led students through the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address. The Thanksgiving Address was established as a way to give thanks to “everything in the world around us,” Ground said.

“Once those five tribes joined together, they shared lots of stuff. One of the things that we share is, whenever we join ourselves together, is something called the Thanksgiving Address,” said Ground. “Gratitude and appreciation for the things we have around us. … The Thanksgiving Address is something that we say to say thank you to everything in the world around us.”

Swiminer said her students were “so excited” when she returned to school with the fish in October.

“They were whispering like they were real babies,” said Swiminer. “Two days later, they all started to hatch out. So there was no real waiting time, which was really meaningful to the kids, to be able to get that immediate gratification.”

The students quickly grew attached to the fish, with SIS primary teacher Kathleen Johansson saying they wrote “trout poetry” and letters to the fish. She said working with hands-on projects such as this can make it “so much more real” to the students.

“I think it just makes it so much more real to them, when they’re thinking about these creatures that we’ve had and taken care of since October,” said Johansson. “They might think twice when they see some garbage floating down, and think, ‘Hey, I really don’t want my trout to get wrapped up in that.’”

But even though the fish have been released, the project has not stopped just yet. Johansson said the students will participate in a quilt exchange through the National Trout in the Classroom curriculum.

“We’re going to make individual little quilt squares with paintings on it, decorating, and we’re

sending them all off, and we’ll get some in return,” said Johansson. “So we’ll have a giant quilt made from students all around who participated in the program as well.”

This year was the first time the school has participated in the Trout in the Classroom program, but Saratoga Independent School emphasizes many similar handson activities. Johansson said earlier this year, her class raised monarch larvae until they became butterflies.

“We did a butterfly garden last year in the spring, and we’ll start that again in a few weeks when it warms up,” Johansson said. “The kids love going out in the springtime. When they see that first monarch, they go, ‘That’s the great grandkids of the ones we let go.’ … Any of those projects where they see it happen in front of them, they just have a very

different connection to it.”

Both teachers said they hope the project can help teach their students about different cultures, environmental conservation, showing compassion and empathy, and more.

“I think learning in general is best hands-on. It is important to create citizens that care about the world around them,” Swiminer said. “There were so many experiments about pollution, garbage, and watershed, just the general learning that the kids did. Those are human qualities. Those are things you want your kids to grow up and pass on.”

“I think these are the types of activities that will really stay with them,” added Johansson. “Any of them that are interested in the environment, or watershed, it makes them aware of why it’s important for all of us to care. That would be the biggest lesson, I think.”

Jonathan Foster Memorial Theater Arts Award Given by Home Made Theater

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Home Made Theater will offer an award of $500 to a graduating senior who will pursue courses in Theater Arts - either as a performer or on the technical level.

The student needs to have demonstrated an active interest in their area and should submit the following:

•A list of activities in this area, including clubs, classes and performances which the student has been involved in for the past three years.

•Two letters of support, preferably from people within the discipline in which the

student is applying.

•A high school transcript.

•A letter written by the student that includes pertinent information on their goals, the schools to which they are applying, the course of study they intend to pursue and other information which may offer important criteria in the selection process.

The above listed information should be mailed by April 28, 2023 to: Home Made Theater, Jonathan Foster Memorial Award. P.O. Box 1182, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Please include your home address and telephone number.

Saratoga Independent School teacher Shauna Swiminer speaks with students prior to releasing rainbow trout into the Kayaderosseras Creek. Photo by Dylan McGlynn

SSCSD Bike Rodeo Returns May 4

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

The Saratoga Springs City School District Bike Rodeo returns on May 4, offering district families the opportunity to practice safe bike riding, play games, and more.

The event first became a district-wide offering last year, originally beginning at Lake Avenue Elementary School. This year’s event will be held at East Side Recreation Park from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will offer minor bike maintenance, a helmet-fitting station, games, an obstacle course, raffles, and more.

Lake Ave physical education teacher Jake Zanetti said the event initially grew as an extension of the school’s annual ‘Biketo-School’ day. He said between 200 and 250 Lake Ave students bike to school on the annual date. SSCSD’s Bike-to-School Day will take place May 19.

“We have a huge walking and biking community at Lake Ave,” said Zanetti. “So we kind of came up with this Bike Rodeo thing that we do two weeks before the Bike to School day, to get kids and their families prepped for safe bike riding. Then it kind of just kept growing and growing.”

Now, the event is sponsored by local companies such as BikeaToga, Saratoga Shredders, Trek Bicycles, Grey Ghost Bicycles, and more. The Bike Rodeo also receives support from the Saratoga Springs City Police

and Fire Departments, and Boy Scouts Troop 4016.

Zanetti said around 80 to 85 Lake Ave students attend the Bike Rodeo yearly, and that roughly 150 students from the district’s other five elementary schools attended last year. He also emphasized that the event is not solely for bike enthusiasts.

“We try to encourage kids who don’t even have a bike, ‘Hey, come and we’ll try to get you a bike,’” Zanetti said. “If you don’t have a helmet, we’ll try to give you a helmet. Give kids opportunities just to learn what it takes to get on a bike, how to do it safely, where they can participate outside of school, outside of bike rodeos.”

The Saratoga Springs City Police will be in attendance, allowing kids to register bikes in their bike registry, making for an easier recovery if a bike is lost or stolen.

“The kids love that, because they let the kids sit in the cop cars and flick the lights and do the sirens,” said Zanetti.

Boy Scouts Troop 4016 will be running a hand-signaling station, teaching kids proper hand signals for riding a bike on streets. From there, kids will move on to the helmet-fitting station, where Zanetti said they can either receive or donate a helmet.

Local mechanics will also be on site, offering examinations of air pressure, brakes, and chains for any kids having problems with their bikes.

“If you have bigger issues

than that, they’ll recommend you to one of the local bike shops that can fix you up better,” said Zanetti.

After advancing through the stations, kids proceed to the Bike Rodeo course, located on the track at East Side Rec. Zanetti said the rodeo course contains “lots of different practices,” including starting, stopping, turning, and other basic bike traffic safety.

“Then the event kind of runs itself there,” Zanetti said. “Kids are free to loop around the obstacle course.”

All kids participating will have a chance to enter a raffle for a $350 gift card to Trek Bicycles. The Bike Rodeo also includes other fun activities, with Zanetti saying the Boy Scouts will bring

an archery set, and that the National Guard has brought a rock-climbing wall in past years.

As a Saratoga native, Zanetti said “it’s really special” to see the Bike Rodeo grow in the community each year.

“Growing up, we went to East Side Rec all the time,” said Zanetti.

“Saratoga being a very bike-friendly city, it’s cool. It’s fun to be a part of. It’s all for the kids, so it’s great. ...It’s a really cool, big-time community thing that we want to keep going and moving in the right direction.”

The 2023 SSCSD Bike Rodeo will be held May 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at East Side Recreation Park.

Photo provided by Jake Zanetti.

Sweets, Meats, & Easter Treats at Saratoga Farmers’ Market

SATURDAYS

9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

by Julia Howard for Saratoga TODAY

This week holds much significance in celebrating Passover, Good Friday, and Easter. Traditions may be cultural, spiritual, or individual, and this Saturday, Saratoga Farmers’ Market invites you to shop locally for your holiday feasts, festivities, and Easter baskets.

Let’s begin with an Easter staple: eggs. Lovin’ Mama Farm, Kokinda Farm, Squash Villa Farm, Jireh Farm, and King Creek Farms have fresh, delicious, multi-colored eggs perfect for your Easter brunch and for dying in various colors—dying multi-colored eggs results in deep, earthy hues. You can even make natural dye using kale, beets, and onions.

For those highly-anticipated Easter baskets, Saratoga Chocolate Co. makes Easter easy with an assortment of chocolate bunnies in dark, milk, and white chocolate and in salted caramel. They will also have marshmallow, caramel, and chocolate eggs, and jelly beans. Brighten up baskets with crisp apples and apple chips from Saratoga Apple. Ballston Lake Apiaries has honey sticks for another sweet option. Cookie Lab Confections has your favorite Easter candies baked right into their individually packaged cookies, like lemon jelly bean and M&M cookies.

For festive decor for your holiday table, Ballston Lake Apiaries’ pure beeswax candles molded into large decorative eggs, and Lovin’ Mama Farm has spring’s first freshly-cut tulips.

For main course options, Hebron Valley Veal will have bone-in veal breast and pork loin roasts. They will also bring ham steaks perfect for smaller celebrations. Squash Villa Farm will bring fresh ducks, goat legs, and shoulder roasts. Hepatica Farm will have whole chickens and individual cuts. And Longlesson Farm has beef roasts, steaks, and ham steaks.

Maybe you’re looking for vegetarian options and seasonal vegetables. The Mushroom Shop has various mushrooms, and Lovin’ Mama Farm and Gomez Veggie Ville will be fully stocked with seasonal produce like potatoes, leeks, onions, carrots, lettuce, and much more.

For the dessert, Parchment will have a selection of Scandinavian pastries, cookies, and bread. Try their shortbread made with fresh zest and organic berries. Parchment’s egg-shaped almond Kipful cookies are perfect for dessert platters. Argyle Cheese Farmer has various baked treats like cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. Freshly baked bread, local spirits, jams and jellies, and much more will be available.

We encourage you to bring the whole family to the farmers’ market! Children may enjoy a free Easter egg wreath activity and a special Easter egg rolling race for ages 3-5 held every hour on the hour. String Duo will perform various classical and pop music on the viola and cello.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www. saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. The farmers’ market will return to High Rock Park on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

Pork Roast with Apples & Onions

YIELDS: 8 servings | PREP: 15 min | COOK TIME: 2 hrs

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 3 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 pork shoulder roast*

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 cups apple cider*

• 1 cup beef stock

• 3 whole apples*, cored and cut into wedges

• A bundle of fresh rosemary or thyme

• 3 medium onions*, sliced

• 1 whole bay leaf

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Saute onions until brown and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over high heat. Salt and pepper pork roast, then sear on all sides to give it some color. Reduce heat to low. Add apple cider, apple slices, onions, rosemary or thyme, and bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 3 hours. Alternatively, you may place in a 300-degree oven if you prefer.

3. When the roast is done, remove the roast, apples, and onions to a platter. Raise heat to medium-high and boil liquid, reducing it until thick and rich.

4. Spoon thick sauce over the roast, then cut the roast into slices. Serve with apples and onions.

Adapted from the recipe by Ree Drummond

Photos provided.

KOKINDA FARM

LOVIN' MAMA FARM

BALLSTON LAKE APIARIES

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

“I HAM WHAT I HAM”

Hello my Foodie Friends!

This weekend will draw upon many of our family traditions in what we make for the Easter Holiday. It could include: decorating Easter eggs, baking, gathering around a table with family and friends, fun events like egg rolling or the classic Easter Egg hunt! For many families, Easter would not be complete without attending a worship service at their church.

Growing up in an Italian, Catholic household my mother was very strict on making sure church and family were part of our Easter celebration. I can remember as a child, dressing in my best suit attire to attend Easter morning church services. Getting five children ready each Sunday to attend church was very much a challenge for my parents. However, we were always up and ready on Easter morning. My sisters were usually dressed in pastels with pretty sashes around their waist with a bow. I was required to wear my best attire with my hair purposefully slicked (I have very curly hair so that was interesting to do). After church, we would head to our cousin’s house for the traditional Easter egg hunt. Our Easter baskets were like getting Christmas stockings. I loved my basket and the contents filled with chocolates, and little colorful surprises within.

Easter dinner would often include ham and delicious accoutrements. I can recall the tantalizing aroma of ham baking in the oven and the spread of vegetables, potatoes, and homemade rolls all that would soon land on the dining room table. Often times, I would get the “honor” of helping to set the table and decorating it for the holiday.

There are several important tools to have this holiday: a good roasting pan and roasting rack, and an instant-read thermometer.

The roasting rack sits at the bottom of a roasting pan so that the meat doesn’t “stew” in its own juices in a pan or burn. The rack is a means of lifting the food off of the bottom of the pan. If you are going to use a metal rack, some cooks prefer flat racks, and some prefer the V shaped racks. Flat rack proponents say that a flat

Easter Ham served with Glazed Carrots and a Bacon Pear Side

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 3/4 cup orange marmalade

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/2 fully cooked-bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds)

• 1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

BACON PEAR SIDE

• 2 cups chopped leaf lettuce

• 2 cups chopped fresh kale

• 2 medium pears, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

TO MAKE THE EASTER HAM:

Parmesan Garlic Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons grated

Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk

Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, marmalade and mustard; set aside.

rack allows the meat to “spread out” and roast more evenly while V shaped racks “squeeze” the meat and prevent thorough cooking. The V rack helps keep the meat in a more uniform shape so that it will cook more evenly.

Do not forget to always check the internal temperature of your meat. Everyone should have an instant read thermometer in their kitchen, as it gives you better control over everything from chicken thighs to caramels. It is so named because it gives a temperature reading very quickly, an instant-read thermometer is an essential food safety and sanitation tool. An instant-read thermometer consists of a stainlesssteel stem that

serves as a temperature probe, and either a dial or a digital readout. One advantage of the analog type (the kind with the dial) is that they can be calibrated relatively easily, so you’ll be sure of always getting a true reading.

Enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, located at 33 Railroad Place to get your tools to assist you with your cooking creations. Make memories with your family and those you love, especially at the dinner table. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care, John & Paula

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (16-ounce) bag baby carrots

• ½ cup water

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

• salt and pepper to taste

Combine carrots, water, butter and brown sugar in a pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Cover and reduce the heat to cook on low for approximately 6 minutes. Keeping covered, turn the heat back to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the water is evaporated and carrots are tender, another 5–6 minutes.

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Recipe courtesy of: Kristyn Merkley at lilluna.com

Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes 1/2 in. deep; insert a whole clove in the center of each diamond.

Place ham cut side down on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 140°, about 2 hours.

Brush ham with some of the glaze. Bake 45 minutes longer, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes. Serve remaining glaze with sliced ham.

TO MAKE THE BACON PEAR SIDE:

In a large bowl, combine lettuce and kale. Top with pears, pepper jack cheese and bacon. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, mustard, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Gradually whisk in enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.

Recipes courtesy of Taste of Home

This Week’s Events: APRIL 7-13

FRIDAY, APRIL 7

Used Book Sale

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Select paperbacks will be on sale. Please join us on April 7 and 8 for our 3 for $1 book sale. Everything in the used book shop will also be 25% off. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, the mission of the Friends is to support the programs, staff, and facilities of the public library.

Good Friday Fish Fry ��

Union Fire Co. #2, 319 Milton Ave., Ballston

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Annual Fish Fry, while supplies last. Eat in, take -out or free local delivery. Call 518-885-7121 or Fax: 518885-3725 to reserve your order. Placing large orders in advance is encouraged. Suggested donation $15 per dinner. Menu includes fish fry, fries, coleslaw, water.

SSPD Spring Event ��

Congress Park, Circular St., Saratoga Springs | Noon – 2 p.m. All are welcome to join us in Congress Park for some hotdogs, refreshments, and family fun. Get a family photo with the Easter Bunny, receive a face painting, and tackle the Army National Guard’s inflatable obstacle course! The event is free of charge and refreshments will be provided while available. We hope to see you there!

Fish Fry Fridays

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Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 123 NY-32, Victory Mills | 4 -7 p.m. Friday Night Fish Fry will be back for 2023. It will run through April 7. Various menu items are available from fried fish to chicken tenders with French fries, Cole slaw and chowder also available. For more information call 518-695-3917.

Fish Fry Friday

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Knights of Columbus Council #246, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs

5 – 7 p.m. | Fish Fry Friday will run throughout Lent, February 24 - April 7. Advance call-in of orders WednesdaysFridays between noon - 3 p.m. Menu includes Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), each with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce; Macaroni and Cheese ($5); New England Clam Chowder (pint - $7/quart - $13); Single Order of French Fries ($3); and Dessert ($2when available). Call 518-5848547 to place your order or for more information.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Healthy Life, Happy Life

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

11 a.m. – Noon. | An informative lecture on successful aging, presented by life coach Barry Loffredo. Well-being is a threelegged stool: mental health; physical health, and emotional health. All three will be addressed with tips for positive aging. Other items that will be discussed will be the mind, “use it or lose it”, personal risk management, socialization, meaningful engagement (purpose), gratitude, and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit bspl.sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

Cat and Dog Adoption Event ��

H.O.P.E. Adoption Center, Wilton Mall at Saratoga, 3065 Route 50, Saratoga Springs

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Come meet the many adoptable pets of H.O.P.E. Many of the Dogs and Cats listed on our webpage will be available to meet. You can start the adoption process today by filling out an adoption application online at hopeanimalrescue.org/forms.

Cabin Fever ��

Embassy Suites, Saratoga Springs

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Visit the Easter Bunny too. Benefits Saratoga Shelter and Operation At Ease Inc.

Easter Egg Hunt ��

Saratoga Harness Track, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs

5 p.m. | Easter Egg hunt for children after the 2nd race. Face painting, Crafts, and Fired Up Pizza truck! We will have a visit from the Easter Bunny! We have more than 15 Raffle baskets with items and Gift Cards up for grabs from so many local places such as Impressions of Saratoga, Just Meats, Painted Pony Rodeo, Saratoga Paint & Sip, Indulgence Bakery, Roosevelt Baths & Spa, The Log Jam, Ben & Jerry’s, and many, many more!! We will also have an adult egg pick with the purchase of a program for those 18yrs and older, you could win a $100 betting voucher!! Every egg is a winner.

Doggie Paddle for Veterans

VFW Ballston Spa, 68 East North St., Ballston Spa

7:30 p.m. | Going the distance for veterans in need of service dogs. The Glenville Rotary Foundation Dinner will benefit Doggie Paddle with dinner, music, raffles, auction and more. Tickets are $65 (make checks payable to Glenville Rotary Foundation). To learn more, visit doggiepaddle.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

HAPPY EASTER

MONDAY, APRIL 10

Parachute Play ��

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

2 – 2:30 p.m. | Children aged 4-6, with an accompanying caregiver, are invited to join us for some cooperative parachute games and songs. Let’s play! Please register online, www.sspl.org.

Ozobots: Code with Markers ��

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 4 p.m. Children in grades K-8 are invited to play and learn with our

classroom set of Ozobots, the robots that follow marker lines! Learn how to code by using patterns of colors to tell Ozobots what to do. No registration required.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

Live Music with Tim Wechgelaer and Friends

Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs

3 p.m. | Tim Wechgelaer is an amazing musician and songwriter. He has a warm, rugged voice and plays multiple instruments. Join us for a beer tasting from Common Roots Brewery and light fare as we enjoy Tim’s live performance. Cost is $10.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

Stuffed Shells

Dinner Take-out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: stuffed shells, meatballs, sweet sausage, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2 / $30. (cash only).

Green Drinks

The Parting Glass, 40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability.

Poems We Love

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Poetry lovers are invited to gather the second Wednesday of each month, and read aloud a favorite, previously published, poem. The group will be facilitated by Galway resident and poetry lover Susan Dufel. Suitable for adults, teens, and youth (under 12 who are good listeners are welcome with an adult), this program is designed for participation, but listeners are always welcome! To assist with planning, please be sure to register at 518-882-6385.

Electrifying the Empire State

Zoom Program | 7 – 8:30 p.m.

League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is holding a meeting, via zoom, on Electrifying the Empire State with all-electric, emissions free

homes. This event is open to the public. Link to the meeting and additional information may be found at the League website lwvsaratoga.org/events. This meeting is co-sponsored by the LWVs of Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. Join research scientist advocate and climate activist Anshul Gupta for a presentation focusing on the science, technology, economics, and politics of building electrification in New York State. The League of women voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. It is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle, and in practice.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

The Internet of Things

Mechanicville District Public Library, 190 N. Main St., Mechanicville | 10 a.m.

A new program to help adults 60+ in our area learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. In partnership with Senior Planet, a national nonprofit which harnesses technology to change the way older Americans age, the library will be offering classes and workshops about technology, health and wellness, and socialization. Give us a call to register for our first class. All are welcome. Library cards are not necessary for registration. 518664-4646. Visit, meclib.sals.edu.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Community Room, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs

Noon – 1 p.m. | The Lakehouses at Saratoga Lake presented by Lorie Wies, Local History Librarian, retired. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines www.sspl.org.

April Doggie SocialEaster Parade

Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs

2:30 p.m. | Don your finest spring hat or outfit and join us and some pups for social hour. We have refreshments and may have some surprises for you!

continues to pg 25...

This Week’s Events: APR. 7-13 �� =family friendly

continued from page 24...

Social Security

Informational Session

Ballston Spa Public Library, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa

6 p.m. | Join financial advisor, John Kalil, as he explores the intricacies of collecting social security. Since there is no “one size fits all” approach to collecting one’s Social Security retirement benefits, individuals ages 55-70 will want to attend this free one-hour financial education program to learn how to make a more informed claiming decision. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit bspl.sals.edu or call 518-885-5022.

Business Networking & Fundraiser

Bailey’s Cafe, 37 Phila St, Saratoga Springs | 6 - 9 p.m. Join us for a fun night of networking for good and growing your business – hosted by Networking @ Night. Admission is free, however a suggested donation of $20 for the Saratoga Center for The Family is encouraged. Includes a silent auction, taco bar, and drink specials! Registration is required: NetworkingAtNightEvent. eventbrite.com

Library Mini Golf ��

Galway Public Library, 2112 East St. Galway | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The indoor mini golf course is open for all ages to play. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by calling 518882-6385. More information about the Teen Advisory Board and other library programs is available at www.galwaypubliclibrary.org.

2nd Annual Public History Awards Ceremony

Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. The trustees and staff of the Saratoga County History Center are thrilled to announce the second annual Saratoga County Public History Award ceremony. The 2022 winners are Paul Perreault and Charlie Kuenzel. Selected by a committee of historians and educators, Perreault is a retired high school principal and current Malta Town Historian, while Kuenzel is a retired Earth science teacher and board member of the Saratoga Springs History Museum. For more information, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org.

Upcoming Events

Empowering Adults to Take Control of Their Own Aging Luncheon

Friday, April 14 at the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Academy for Lifelong Learning invites you to hear Dr. Roger Landry, preventative medicine physician, discuss a game plan for healthy longevity and resilience as we age. A full plated lunch will be served. $45 per person. For a registration form, go to www. allsaratoga.org, call 518-290-6988, or email jeff@allsaratoga.org.

Lunch and Learn –Aging Successfully

The Academy for Lifelong Learning is hosting “Empowering

Skidmore’s Case Center. A free community event celebrating sustainability awareness and opportunities. Spend some time in our exhibitor hall, where you will find resources on renewable energy, zero waste, sustainable gardening, social justice, alternative transportation, food production and security, natural resource protection, energy efficiency, sustainability efforts in Saratoga Springs, and much more. Listen to our keynote speaker, Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives for The Wild Center. The day’s offerings also include an electric vehicle (EV) car show and an opportunity to test drive an EV. As well as a Repair Cafe. Bring a broken item and save it from the landfill. www.skidmore.edu/ sustainability/events/fair.php

Corning Museum of Glass Trip

A one-day trip on Wednesday, April 19, open to the public. Explore this amazing glass museum right in our own backyard. Optional sandblasting workshop available, must preregister. Lunch on your own at the museum cafe. After the museum, wander around the quaint town of Corning for the afternoon. Member price $80. Non-member price $105. Optional sandblasting workshop- add $14. Call the Saratoga Senior Center at 518584-1621 to sign up.

Vendors Wanted: Annual Spring Craft Fair

Center. The training will focus on coordination and emergency response during several simulated scenarios envisioning an incident involving injuries to a large number of concertgoers at the venue. For more information, email: ParksEmergencyMgmtExercises@parks.ny.gov

Shaken & Stirred Celebrity Bartender Party

The Shaken & Stirred Celebrity Bartender Party is an annual fundraiser for Universal Preservation Hall. Local businesses team up to compete against each other, bartending for the most tips. The team that raises the most during their shift wins. This year’s event will be 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Saratoga National Golf Course. All proceeds raised go towards our education programs through the Collaborative School of the Arts, which is an incredibly important aspect of arts for youth in our area. For more information, go to universalpreservationhall.org. There is no cover charge for this event.

Spring Fling Festival

to the first 128 golfers. Reserve your foursome today! All monies raised from this event will benefit Yaddo’s historic Artist Residency programming. Not a golfer? Tickets are also available to join us for post-play dinner, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets and Sponsorship Information: www.yaddo.org/ the-2023-inaugural-yaddo-golfinvitational/

Trip to Niagara Falls

The Olde Saratoga Seniors is hosting a trip to Niagara Falls on June 6-8, 2023 (3 days, 2 nights) The Price will be $469 per person double occupancy. Includes 2 breakfast 2 dinners, a tour of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Hornblower Cruise, Chocolate FX Tour, Niagara Falls view casino and bus transportation. If you are interested, please contact Pat Temple, 518-338-2329 or email patty61349@yahoo.com. This will be a first come first served list for the bus. For an itinerary and more information contact me.

Craft Fair –Vendors Wanted

Adults to Take Control of Their Own Aging” Lunch and Learn on Friday, April 14, 11 a.m.

– 2 p.m., at the Holiday Inn –Saratoga Springs, 232 Broadway.

Admission is $45 ($40 for Academy members) and includes a plated lunch. For registration information and form, go to www.allsaratoga.org or call the Academy office at 518-290-6968.

Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, the event will feature two, 45-minute presentations:

“Game Plan for Healthy Longevity” and “Resilience” with a served lunch in between.

Saratoga Sustainability Fair

Join Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College on Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at

The Saratoga-Wilton Elks #161 Auxiliary is holding their Annual Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, April 22 at the Lodge at 1 Elk Lane in Saratoga from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An eight-foot table and two chairs in a 6 x 8’ space is $40. Admission will be free with ample parking. There are 36 spaces available, and we are accepting a wide variety of crafters on a first come first serve basis. If you know of anyone you think would be a great addition, please share this notice with them. For more information or to signup, contact Debbie at dozolins@nycap.rr.com or 518-885-6506.

Volunteer Actors Needed

NYS Park Police, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center are holding a FullScale Training Exercise on April 30, 2023 from 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Saratoga Performing Arts

The Spring Fling Festival is benefiting the Adirondack Vets House, Inc by bringing our area’s businesses together to create a day of fun in the sun for everyone! Free admission, open to the public. There will be pony rides and farm animals, bounce houses, a dunk tank, cornhole tournament, face painting, food trucks, candle making, local vendors, live music, raffle baskets, carnival games and more! The goal is to maximize attendance and support local business all while raising very critical funds for the Adirondack Vets House, Inc. The Car Shoppe will be hosting the first Annual Spring Fling Festival on Saturday, May 20 from Noon – 5 p.m. Rain date is May 21, Noon-5 p.m. The location is 1110 US-9, Queensbury.

The Inaugural Yaddo Golf Invitational

The Inaugural Yaddo Golf Invitational takes place on May 24 at the Saratoga National Golf Club, with Honorary Chair and special guest, Dottie Pepper. Golfers will enjoy 18-holes of golf plus carts, lunch, fun contests, and admission to the dinner and awards ceremony. Each golfer will receive a signed copy of Dottie Pepper’s book, Letters to a Future Champion: My Time with Mr. Pulver. Space is limited

The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques, and farm products for the annual craft fair at Brookside Museum on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No mass produced or commercially manufactured products will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors. The fair is a rain-or-shine event. Visit brooksidemuseum. org/events/2022-craft-fair/ for more information, or contact Beth Silvestri at 518-885-4000 or bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.

Travel with Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School

Have you dreamed of living in a seventeenth century palazzo nestled on a hilltop village in the romantic Italian countryside? ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening. This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo. For more details, contact goedventures@gmail.com

Local business will go head-to-head in 100 CATEGORIES as they vie for THE BEST in their field.

Nominate and Vote for your favorite local restaurants, shops, businesses, hangouts and more!

Please allow 24 business day hours for nominations to go live.

Voting Ends April 14, 2023

Winners will be announced in May.

Puzzles

See puzzle solutions on page 38

See puzzle solution on page 38

Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling

Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices.

This Week: Wangle, Wrangle Wangle means to gain by trickery or contrivance. He wangled a job for which he had no qualifications. Wrangle means to argue or debate something angrily. The two coaches wrangled over the umpire’s call. Wrangle also means herding or tending saddle horses. Paul has been wrangling horses in Virginia for many years now.

Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com

Tootsie Coming to Proctors Next Week

Tears For Fears Announces July 2 Saratoga Show

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

This week, iconic British duo Tears For Fears, announced their North American 2023 summer tour — The Tipping Point Tour Part II – with special guest Cold War Kids.

SCHENECTADY — Tootsie, the award-winning musical, is coming to Proctors in Schenectady for a limited one-week engagement from April 11-16.

The laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act

of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

Tootsie is based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture produced by Punch Productions and starring Dustin Hoffman.

For more information, visit www.tootsiemusical.com

Produced by Live Nation, the 22-city tour kicks off in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 23, and includes a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July 2.

General public on sale tickets will be available starting Friday, April 7 at TearsForFears.com.

Tears For Fears - Roland Orzabal (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Curt Smith (vocals, bass, keyboards) formed in Bath, England 1981. Tears For Fears has sold over 30 million albums worldwide with singles such as

Suzanne Vega to Stage Show at Saratoga Springs’ UPH on April 14

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Suzanne Vega performs at Universal Preservation Hall on Friday, April 14.

Vega, who released her acclaimed debut in 1985, will be joined on stage by her longtime guitarist, Gerry Leonard, performing favorites from across her career.

Vega’s self-titled debut, coproduced by Steve Addabbo and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye, saw the release of her songs “Marlene On The Wall,” “Small Blue thing,” and “The Queen and the Soldier.”

Her 1987 follow-up, “Solitude Standing’ — again co-produced by Addabbo and Kaye — was nominated for three Grammys and went platinum in the U.S., selling three million copies worldwide, powered by her song “Luka,” and her initial, original a cappella piece, “Tom’s Diner.”

Vega’s latest album, “An Evening of New York Songs and Stories,” was recorded at the Café Carlyle in New York City.

Tickets available at: universalpreservationhall.org.

Suzanne Vega performs in Saratoga Springs on Friday, April 14.

Photo: suzannevega.com.

Tears for Fears will perform at SPAC in July.

“Shout,” “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Mad World,” “Sowing The Seeds Of Love,” and

“Woman

In Chains.” In 2022, the band released their latest studio album, “The Tipping Point.”

Tootsie will stage at Proctors April 11-16.

TOGA TRIGGERS: New Saratoga Film Sparks Title Controversy

continued from front page... be put on the presence of mineral deposits showing up as vari-colored film on the surface of a pond.” – Saratoga Historical Foundation, Saratoga California.

“I grew up in Saratoga Springs over on the west side of town by the high school,” says Rose. “Toga” is a semi-autobiographical film and a sequel to his previous work, “Upstate Story.”

“Getting into some of the biographical details of the movie, just channeling that, I think has been very therapeutic for me,” says the 37-year-old filmmaker.

“The character is a fictionalized version of me, but there’s a lot of truth in that movie; Capturing me at different aspects, different time periods of my life,” says Rose, who handled most of the writing, directing, acting, and image-making/editing of the independent film. “Pretty much everything; tackling so many different roles, but I did have some help,” he says.

“It has received good reviews from outside sources and has built up quite a few views over on YouTube. But it’s been controversial, to say the least - mostly due to the name alone and I’ve received a lot of hate from fellow locals over the shortening of our town name,” says Rose, privately sharing some of the more personally focused messages he received. Rose isn’t wrong in his labeling of these as “outright vulgar and disgusting. My girlfriend and co-producer received some as well.”

SARATOGA: WHAT’S IN A NAME

There is more than one Saratoga in the U.S. – a town in Wyoming, a city in California, and a Saratoga Springs in Utah, among them. Closer to home, the Town of Saratoga Springs was set apart from the Town of Saratoga in 1819. It was incorporated as a village in 1826, and in 1915 the City of Saratoga Springs came into existence. Its translation and spelling are varied:

•“Saratoga after an Iroquois Indian word Sarachtoue, which translates to “place of miraculous water in the rock.” - Visit Saratoga Wyoming, Carbon County Visitors Council.

•“Saratoga, it is said, is derived from an Iroquois word, Se-rachto-que, literally, ‘floating scum upon the water,’ a completely understandable interpretation to

is 73. We’ve all lived here our whole lives. I know plenty of “old” Saratogians and I’ve never heard it – Amber.

•“Among the earliest dates in which the name Saratoga appears in history is the year 1684. It was not then the name of a town, nor of a county, neither was it the name of a great watering-place; but it was the name of an old Indian hunting-ground located along both sides of the Hudson River… Se-rach-ta-gue, or the “hillside country of the great river.”Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester, 1878, History Of Saratoga County, N.Y.

TOGA? WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

An inquiry posted this week on locally focused social media channels asking folks to reply with their preferred usage of “Saratoga” vs. “Toga” returned more than 200 comments.

Some said they took no issue with either. Others pointed to the two-syllable “to-ga” as affording a clean and simple chant at high school sporting events.

Those opposed to the abbreviated version – which counted more than twice as many commentators - said they had either had never heard the phrase uttered, or set blame for its usage on everything from “the younger generation” and summertime “invaders from New Jersey” to John Belushi’s portrayal of the bellicose toga-draped John “Blutto” Blutarsky in the 1978 film “Animal House.”

Here are some of the comments:

• Calling Saratoga Toga is like calling your father “the old man,” or calling your mother by her first name, or calling your wife “my old lady”, etc. etc. Sounds cool to those of the same mindset. Lived in the area for most of my life and TOGA is just one of the many little things that irk some of us “OLD TIMERS” - Don.

• “Toga” is a nickname used by Saratoga high athletics only. Anyone else referring to Saratoga as Toga is a Neanderthal - Scott.

• We don’t call it ‘Toga. New people do – Michele.

• Toga a known cheer and chant. Nothing wrong with it. Everyone knows where Toga is - Barbara.

• My dad is 79 and my mom

• TOGA was probably made popular by a drunken frat boy – Heather.

• Lifelong born and raised, graduated from SSHS. It has always been shortened to Toga – Dee.

• Been here since 1956. Toga is an abomination. Nobody called it that when I was growing up… and get off my lawn while you’re at it – Eric.

• Notice that cranky “baby boomers” are the only ones offended – Bruce.

• Bruce - boomer here...not offended. SSHS class of ‘79 and we used to chant this at basketball and football games, taking a page from Animal House – Cathy.

• This must be coming from people who were NOT raised in Saratoga. No one I know of calls it Toga – Joan.

• Lifelong resident and it’s always been Toga! My kids, current students, call it Toga! Never found it offensive or complained about the shortened name. A lot easier to chant “let’s go Toga!” – LeeAnn.

• True natives say “Saradoga” born there, raised there, still return any time I can. Never heard the Roman sheet reference until recent times. Kind of goes with backward ball caps and flips flops, not good – Brian.

• I have called it both. At sporting events it was yelled as Toga but I normally said just Saratoga. I was not born and raised here but my kids call it both. Don’t really get what there is to be offended by but I guess that’s the way of the world at present. – Jonna.

Rose first became Inspired to make films while growing up watching movies that came into his home from the video rental store that stood in the strip mall on South Broadway.

“I used to go there all the time with my family and rent movies. I just fell in love with movies as a teenager,” he says.

“I always try to make movies to connect with people. Outside the obvious title fiasco, I’ve gotten positive feedback from a lot of people who have liked it. Something that people can connect with,” Rose says.

“When we usually see coming of age movies -it’s common to see kids transitioning into teenagers, or teenagers into adults - but what about further areas of adulthood? We don’t really see that. I think we as people never stop growing, or maturing, bettering ourselves. It’s constantly a learning curve,” he says. “I try to make

things that people can connect with, a story I’m trying to tell, and balance it with comedy or drama so people can be entertained by it as well.”

The film may be viewed on YouTube by searching “Shaun Rose” and “Toga.” Note, the film contains mature themes and strong language.

Toga, a new film by Shaun Rose.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Purchasing Department of Saratoga County will receive sealed bids in person or electronically through the Empire State Purchasing Website until 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 27, 2023, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for Transit Mix Concrete, as per specification 23-PWTM-6R

Bid forms and instructions are available at the Purchasing Office, 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa, NY between 9:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (telephone - 518-885-2210) or at the Empire State Purchasing Group website (www.empirestatebidsystem.com)

Saratoga County, through its Purchasing Department, reserves the right to reject parts of any or all bids.

JOHN T. WARMT, Director of Purchasing Saratoga County 04/07/2023, 118980

Notice is hereby given that a license, Number Pending for OnPremise beer, cider, liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, liquor and/or wine, at retail in a Bar/Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 430 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, NY, 12020, in the Town of Milton, County of Saratoga for on premises consumption. Geyser Road Partners, LLC. DBA Milton Tavern. 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118953

Notice of formation of limited liability company (LLC). Name: 221 WEST CIRCULAR ST LLC.

The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York (SSNYS) on March 30, 2023. The company is located in Saratoga County. The SSNYS has been designated as the agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNYS shall mail a copy of process to: 221 WEST CIRCULAR ST LLC, 18 Division Street, Suite 401, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. The date for dissolution is perpetual. The purpose of the company is to engage in any lawful business of

every kind and character for which LLCs may be organized under the New York LLC law, or any successor statute. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118963

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: 1980 N. Point Rd. Farmhouse, LLC.

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/30/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC

c/o Michelle H. Wildgrube, Esq., Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C., 1473 Erie Blvd., 1st Fl., Schenectady, NY 12305. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118957

NOTICE OF SUBSTANCE OF ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION OF JTBK LLC. Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on: April 3, 2023. Office location: County of Saratoga, New York. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and post office address SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Timothy Morgan, 34 Orenda Springs Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted under LLC Law. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118932

NOTICE OF FORMATION

Adirondack Kayak Fishing Charters, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State on New York (SSNY) on December 10, 2022. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 24 Terrel Way, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118922

Notice of formation of PASS MY CERT, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/26/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 12 Margaret Drive, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118909

Notice of formation of Ballston Tree & Property Services LLC, a limited liability company (the “LLC”). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (the “SSNY”) on 3/28/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC, 17 France Lane, Ballston Lake, New York 12019. Purposes: any lawful activity. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118903

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name of the LLC is: 15 LIEBICH LANE, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 24, 2023. Office Location: 15 Liebich Lane, Ste. 151, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Under section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. The secretary of state is designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address within or without this state to which the secretary of state shall mail a copy of any process against the limited liability company served upon him or her is: 15 Liebich Lane, Ste. 15-1, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the LLCL.

04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118891

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. Name: R & C Aesthetics, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 24, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 4 Pine Valley Drive, South Glens Falls, NY 12803. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. 118877

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY (LLC). Name: Always Perfect Window Cleaning and Pressure Washing LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/29/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Always Perfect Window Cleaning and Pressure Washing LLC, PO Box 5081, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under section 201 of the Limited Liability Company Law. . 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05/2023. 118785

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Redmoon Associates LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February 14, 2023. Office location: Saratoga. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, Republic Registered Agent Services Inc., 600 Broadway, Ste 200, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: for any lawful purpose. 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05/2023.

118774

Notice of formation of Izzo Management Group, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/11/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 22 Hyde Blvd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05/2023. 118764

Notice of formation of 72 Ford Street LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/13/2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 30 Pheasant Run, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, 05/05/2023. 118736

Notice of formation of Houndstooth & Tartan LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 12/28/22. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 213 Falsetto Court, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28/2023. 118705

Notice of formation of Mud Creek Brewery, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/12/2023 Office: Saratoga County. Michael Nelson has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 240 Spier Falls Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28/2023. 118699

Notice of formation of Lindsay Mechanical LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on January 5, 2023. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 893 Route 32 North, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28/2023. 118642

Notice of Formation of J & J Acres, LLC, , Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on March 15, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC at c/o P.O. Box 588, Clifton Park, New York 12065. Purpose: any lawful activity. 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, 04/28/2023. 118626

Notice of formation of Sarah Moore Photography, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/11/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 4733 Route 50, Gansevoort NY 12831. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118578

Notice of formation of Saratoga Sunflowers & More, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/23/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 969 Route 29, Saratoga Springs 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118570

JCR Dock Rentals, LLC filed articles of organization with the New York Secretary of State on 3/13/2023 with an effective date of formation of 3/13/2023. Its principal place of business is located in Saratoga County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent upon whom process may be served. A copy of any process shall be mailed to 20 Conklin Court, Gansevoort, NY 12831. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful activity for which Limited Liability Companies may be organized under Section 203 of the New York Limited Liability Company Law. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118558

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: DG APTS LLC. Articles of organization were filed with

The Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/10/2023 Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been Designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 15 Bennington Ave, Mechanicville, NY, 12118. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118552

Notice of formation of Safety Brothers Traffic Control L.L.C. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/23/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 97 Reynolds Rd Fort Edward, NY 12828. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118543

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: PBA SUNSHINE, LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on March 9, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 160 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118520

Notice of formation of MILLION’AIRE HAIR LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 02/23/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: CEIRRE COLLINS, 2405 ELLSWORTH BLVD., BALLSTON SPA, NY 12020. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, 04/21/2023. 118486

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Under Section 203 of the Limited Liability Company Law. Name: REDWYRE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC, Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on October 13, 2022. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Joseph Corrigan, 455 Moe Road, Clifton Park, New York 12065. Purpose: Any lawful act or activities. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118443

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: BaldwinDATA LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/22/2023. Office location: Albany NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 455 Braim Road Greenfield Center NY 12833. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118394

Notice of formation of Excelsior Provisions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 09/07/2022. Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: Joseph T. Moen, Esq., 63 Putnam Street, Suite 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118382

Notice of Formation of 1480 – 1482 Route 9, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on March 6, 2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC at c/o 15 Dawson Lane, Clifton Park, New York 12065. Purpose: any lawful activity.

03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118388

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: HEMPHILL PLACE ESTATES LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/24/2023. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY has been Designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, PO Box 1316, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118375

Notice of formation of Drop Back Clothing LLC. Drop Back Clothing LLC filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 1/19/23. Office location: Saratoga County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to 11 Timothy Dr. Schuylerville, NY 12871. Purpose: any lawful activity. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118367

Notice of formation of Prayha LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 01/24/2023 Office: Saratoga County. SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served. A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 184 Spring St., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118341

115 BNKER ST LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY 2/13/23. NY office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Leech Tishman Robinson Brog, LLC, 875 Third Ave., Fl. 09, NY, NY 10022, Attn: Charles McKeen.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118297

33 DOBBIN ST LLC, Art. of Org. filed with SSNY 2/13/23. NY office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent for process. SSNY shall mail copy of process to c/o Leech Tishman Robinson Brog, PLLC, 875 Third Ave., Fl. 09, NY, NY 10022, Attn: Charles McKeen. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. 118291

Notice of formation of My Move Manager LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on May 02, 2014. Office location: Saratoga County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 13 Woodmint Pl., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Purpose: any lawful activity. 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. 118154

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF GRAY HORSE PROPERTIES, LLC. On May 20, 2019, Gray Horse Properties, LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the NYS Department of State (“NYS DOS”). The principal business location of the LLC is 20 Excelsior Springs Avenue. Saratoga Springs, New York. NYS DOS is designated as the agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The post office address to which the NYS DOS shall mail a copy of any process of service is 20 Excelsior Springs Avenue. Saratoga Springs, New York. The LLC is organized for the purpose of any and all lawful business. 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. 118148

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF JC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC. On October 30, 2020, JC

Property Management Group, LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the NYS Department of State (“NYS DOS”). The principal business location of the LLC is 24 Legends Way, Ballston Lake, New York. NYS DOS is designated as the agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The post office address to which the NYS DOS shall mail a copy of any process of service is 24 Legends Way, Ballston Lake, New York. The LLC is organized for the purpose of any and all lawful business. 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. 118142

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION OF WIRED BEVERAGE ENTERPRISES, LLC. On August 22, 2019, Wired Beverage Enterprises, LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the NYS Department of State (“NYS DOS”). The principal business location of the LLC is 2443 Rt 9, Bldg. 3, Ste 301, Malta, New York. NYS DOS is designated as the agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. The post office address to which the NYS DOS shall mail a copy of any process of service is 2443 Rt 9, Bldg. 3, Ste 301, New York. The LLC is organized for the purpose of any and all lawful business. 03/03, 03/10, 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. 118136

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Schuylerville Baseball

Enters 2023 with High Hopes, High Expectations

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville varsity baseball team enters 2023 with both high hopes and high expectations, coming off an appearance in the Class B state championship game last year.

The Black Horses won 20 games in 2022, defeating

Ichabod Crane for the Section 2 Class B Championship before

advancing to their second state championship since 2019. Head coach Darrin Renner said the deep postseason runs can act as a “program builder” for the team.

“Any time you can take a team that far, it’s really a program builder,” said Renner. “Which is basically what we saw in 2019. A lot of these guys were young and watched that. The hunger was there last year, we were able to pull the team together and go and have that success again.”

Senior outfielder Ashton Morris said it was “unbelievable” to experience last year’s playoff run.

“This team has come together so much,” said Morris. “Everyone pushes each other to their limits and look where it got us.”

Brenden Steinberg, a junior pitcher, said he felt the team gained valuable experience during last season’s run.

“It was an amazing experience,” Steinberg said. “I think as a whole team, we learned a lot, and we’re ready to come back this year.”

Now, the Black Horses enter 2023 having graduated only three

players from last year’s squad. While Renner acknowledged the three were “some valuable guys,” he said the team still has “a lot of guys who have gone through a successful season.”

“So far, the work ethic and leadership has been really spot-on of what we were hoping for and expecting,” said Renner.

Renner said Steinberg and Luke Sherman, along with Trevor French, will be key pieces of the Black Horses’ pitching staff this season. He also named senior first baseman Anthony Luzadis, junior third baseman Griffin Brophy, and Morris, the centerfielder, as

other key players.

Renner said the team’s goal every season is simple: qualify for sectionals, and go from there.

“Last year, we had back a team that was 6-10 and ended up going all the way to the state championship game,” said Renner. “I think it also adds a nice element to the program, that the guys saw that we had so much success after a season where we were down. I think their expectations of themselves become higher. I think that’s a good thing.

“But as we go into this, we’ll think about sectionals first. Once we get there, we’ll take the next goal into consideration.”

Headshot photos by Super Source Media Studios

Not pictured: #8 Trevor French - Junior, #13 Luke Sherman - Junior

BRENDEN STEINBERG Junior 1

OWEN SULLIVAN Senior 2

GRIFFIN BROPHY Junior 3

ADAM DEGREGORY Sophomore 4

MARK EARLEY Senior 12

ALEXANDER RENNER Sophomore 9

ASHTON MORRIS Senior 10

ANTHONY LUZADIS Senior 11

TODAY

BOSTON REILLY Junior 16

HEAD COACH DARRIN RENNER C

JOSHUA MERRILL Junior 24

ASSISTANT COACH TYLER GREENE C

Schuylerville Softball

Looks to Utilize “Great” Team Chemistry in 2023

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville varsity softball team enters 2023 with a strong group of returning players, and strong team chemistry as they look to compete in the Foothills Council.

The Black Horses return seven starters from last year’s team and enter this season without any seniors on the roster. Head coach Katie Bottisti said she is “excited for this year, and this group.”

Despite graduating six seniors from 2022, junior Sophia Wahl said the team’s chemistry

has been “really good already.”

“We all just have a lot of fun together,” said Wahl. “I love them all, and I feel like they all feel the same. It’s kind of like family that way.”

Bottisti said Wahl and sophomore Kenna Hart will be the Black Horses’ main pitchers this season and will be backstopped by the catching duo of sophomore Taylor Dennis and junior Cat Carpenter. Bottisti said the team is full of “athletes who are going to make plays,” and emphasized the team’s chemistry.

“They want to be here, they’re really good friends,” said Bottisti.

“Just the team chemistry is going to be great. Our bats are hitting the

ball like crazy already, so I’m excited to see them pull it all together.”

Junior Gracelyn Kilburn also said the team is “like a family,” saying she is excited for the season to begin.

“There’s a lot of us who have played together throughout modified up to now,” Kilburn said. “We have a really great group of girls here, so I hope we go far in sectionals.”

Bottisti said the Foothills Council is “anybody’s this year,” saying the Black Horses have the ability to “go far” in the postseason.

“We play a lot of really good teams, so the competition’s always going to be difficult,” said Wahl. “If we can keep working together

the way we have been, and play our best each day, I really think we can do well.”

“I think that we’re going to give everybody a good run on any given

day,” said Bottisti. “I keep it simple for them, I say, ‘Have fun. Pitchers throw strikes. Fielders make plays. Hitters make good contact, and good things will happen.’”

GABI JACKSON Freshman 1

IZZY CRONIN Junior 2

RILEY KEEFER Sophomore 3

MADDIE WOODCOCK Sophomore 4

SOPHIE BODNAR 5

EMILEE ARCHER Junior 18

PRESLEY MACNAUGHTON Junior 12

BROOKE MURPHY Freshman 13

GRACELYN KILBURN Junior 14

SOPHIA WAHL Junior 19

Written & Photographed by Dylan McGlynn

Saratoga TODAY

Junior

KENNA HART Sophomore 7

TAYLOR DENNIS Sophomore 8

MALLORY SICKLES Junior 9 MADISYN AWILOW 10 Junior

CAT CARPENTER Junior 6

HEAD COACH KATIE BOTTISTI C

ASSISTANT COACH AMY WEED C

A Remembrance... HALL OF FAME TRAINER JOHN VEITCH

was owned by Calumet Farm. John hoped he could play a role in restoring the famed establishment to its former glory. He did, by developing champions Our Mims and Before Dawn, along with Alydar.

by Joe Raucci for Saratoga

TODAY

Hall of fame trainer John Veitch passed away on the 14th of February. He was 77 years old. Recently I asked his cousin, Saratoga’s resident horse racing writer and historian Michael Veitch to share some of his thoughts and recollections of him with our readers at Saratoga Today. He will take it from here.

“John Veitch was born to be in thoroughbred racing. His grandfather Silas Veitch was a very accomplished horseman who trained jumpers and flat horses in Canada and the United States for leading owners of his time such as Joseph Seagram, George Hendrie and Walter Salmon. His father, Sylvester Veitch, son of Silas, is a Hall of Fame trainer who developed five national champions for owners C.V. Whitney and George D. Widener. I have strong memories of them getting together after training hours on many mornings during the Saratoga meetings of the 1970s and 80s. It was Alydar who put John on the national scene in 1977 and 1978 with his gallant performances against the great Triple Crown winner Affirmed. Alydar

One of my favorite memories of John concerned the dilemma he faced during the 1977 Saratoga meet. Our Mims was going to run in the Alabama Stakes on August 13, the same day Alydar was slated for the rich Sapling Stakes at Monmouth Park. So John asked his father to saddle Our Mims for him at Saratoga while he would saddle Alydar in the Sapling. He won them both. Later in his career he trained for Darby Dan Farm and guided Sunshine Forever to a national title as champion turf horse. As did his father, John preferred training for a private stable, and I believe he was happiest in that role. He had deep respect for the history and tradition of thoroughbred racing, and he did his best to honor it with sportsmanship.”

Edward Bowen, former editor of Bloodhorse magazine and past President of the Grayson Foundation, was John’s great friend. He has also agreed to share some reminisces of him with our readers.

“John Veitch was a product of a former era which he revered, but he was also a horseman for his own day. I first got to know John in the spring of 1972, when he came to Kentucky with Key to the Mint, Paul Mellon’s Kentucky Derby Prospect. John was assistant to Elliott Burch. There was John, the son of a highly acclaimed trainer Sylvester Veitch and he was working for the son of another great trainer, Preston Burch.

In that situation, John thought that it was not appropriate to call his boss “Elliott,” but somehow Mr. Burch didn’t seem comfortable either. So, when speaking of Burch, John referred to him as the “The Man.” Talked to the Man this morning. The Man will be here soon, etc.”

Five years later, Alydar came into the picture. Veitch was on his own and had managed to land a job that harkened back to the old days for an owner who stressed sportsmanship and wanted a private trainer. This was Calumet Farm, the former powerhouse under Warren Wright Sr. that was now run by Wright’s widow. Calumet had fallen in lean times and Veitch’s first year as head trainer brought little success. Mrs. Markey was patient and understood that she had not turned over a lot of talent to the young man. Then Alydar entered his rivalry with Affirmed. What seemed a key moment in the series came in the Champagne Stakes. Racing a mile for the first time, Alydar laid off the pace and came running in the stretch to win by 1¼ lengths. The suggestion that Alydar would have the edge as the distances got longer was proven to be false. Still, the

impression held for some time.

I was always impressed by the way John handled those close, grinding losses to Affirmed. Even the morning after the Belmont Stakes, there he was in the Belmont backstretch sitting on the fender of his Jaguar eating a fudgesicle and in his friendly manner saying, “I still think I can beat Affirmed.”

Once while participating on a panel, John went so far as to say he would sometimes just look at Alydar and remark to himself about how God had given that horse the powers that he had. Certainly, in one way the career of Alydar was a repetition of grim stanzas. He was cast in a role of the “ almost horse” time after time against Affirmed. Then out from under that martinet, Alydar would win the Bluegrass by 13 lengths, the Arlington Classic by 13 and beat older horses in the Whitney by 10!”

Thanks to Mike and Ed for sharing their personal accounts and memories of John.

Alydar’s duels with Affirmed are the stuff of legends. On ten occasions from June of 1977 to the following August, the two thrilled racing fans across the country with one superb display of talent after another.

Putting this into perspective, recently crowned Horse of the Year Flightline’s entire career spanned just six races. Unfortunately, the star of Alydar never quite matched that of his nemesis. In their ten confrontations, Affirmed got the best of the Calumet runner seven times. Their storied duels in the Triple Crown Series of 1978 stand high in the lore of the sport. On the first Saturday in May they met in the Kentucky Derby. Affirmed got this one by 1½ lengths. Two weeks later they were at each other’s throats at the Preakness. Affirmed was best again by just a neck. Then came “The Test of Champions,” once around Belmont Park’s oneand one-half mile oval. This one more than lived up to all the hype surrounding it. Affirmed and Alydar hooked up in a duel that materialized near the halfway point of the race. From there on to

Now, let’s take a look at the extraordinary rivalry between two great racehorses that made the sporting world hold its breath forty-five years ago. continues to page 39...

Fun And Games Puzzle Solutions

See puzzles pg. 29

Alydar takes the Champagne Stakes over Affirmed. Photos provided.

John Veitch at the top of his game.

continued from page 38...

the finish line they raced as one. At the wire it was Affirmed by a head. The brilliant colt had again denied Alydar the winner’s circle.

Affirmed was named the tenth Triple Crown Champion. Alydar, with his gutsy performances in defeat had gained the respect of horse racing fans everywhere.

There would be one more chapter in the Affirmed vs Alydar series. Both parties pointed their colts for the Travers Stakes here

Sports Sports

at Saratoga. It was time to settle old scores. Where better than the Historic Spa for the race to take place. Veitch chose the Whitney Stakes for Alydar’s Travers prep.

He responded with an easy ten length romp.

Affirmed’s camp entered him in the Jim Dandy a few days later. He got the job done in a tougher than expected outing. Both were fit and ready for the showdown. This Travers had all the earmarks to be one for the ages.

A massive crowd of over 50,000 racing fans converged on the grounds to witness the event. At 5:45 in the afternoon, the horses entered the starting gate. Affirmed, despite his mastery over Alydar was only a slight favorite. The bell rang and both horses were off to a good start. The race began to materialize on the backstretch. Affirmed took the lead on the outside of Alydar. With powerful strides Alydar closed the gap on his opponent.

Lafite Pincay Jr. aboard Affirmed

chose to shift closer to the rail at the exact moment that Alydar was gaining ground on that path. The mishap caused Alydar to hit the rail and drop back a good six lengths behind his foe. He was able to compose himself and miraculously get within two lengths of Affirmed at the finish line.

The blinking lights went up immediately after the race. Affirmed’s number was taken down and Alydar was named the winner. What should have been

John Veitch’s shining moment had become a bittersweet day. The rivalry was over. The two would never meet again.

John Veitch got that shining moment in 2007. He joined his late father Sylvester and his star pupil Alydar as a newly elected member of horse racing’s Hall of Fame here on Union Avenue. A master of his trade, he will long be remembered for his part in the Alydar vs Affirmed rivalry, and as a champion in his own right.

Adirondack Northstars 14u Wins National Championship

See "Sweets, Meats, & Easter Treats" pg.

See "Jones Steves Grassi, LLP" pg. 12

GLENS FALLS/IRVINE, CA — The Adirondack Northstars 14U AA girls hockey team captured the 2023 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls Tier II 14U national championship in Irvine, CA, on Monday, April 3. The Northstars beat Team Colorado 2-1 in the championship game. Adirondack was 6-0 overall in the tournament, defeating teams from Wyoming, Texas, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Tennessee before the title matchup with Team Colorado.

Photo by Ben Marcantonio