Simply Saratoga Summer 2017 by Saratoga TODAY

July/August 2017

Simply...

Complimentary

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Summer

2017

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SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty

General Manager Robin Mitchell

Creative Director/ Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee

Graphic Designer Samantha Simek

Advertising Designer Morgan Rook

Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

Contributing Writers

Samantha Bosshart Peter Bowden Jenna Burger Nancy Castillo David Delozier Thomas Dimopoulos Brittney Eisnor Jodie Fitz Dennis G. Hogan Carol Godette Megan Harrington Carrie Rowlands Johnson Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery Fritz Matt McDonald Megin Potter Maureen Werther

Photographers Alice Corey Photography Blackburn Portrait Design Francesco D'Amico DGHPhoto Matt McDonald Kevin Mcavey Deborah Neary PhotoAndGraphic.com Randall Perry Photography SaratogaPhotographer.com John Seymour Samantha Simek The George Bolster Collection

Summer Interns Brittney Eisnor & Kylie Heusel

Published by

Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487

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Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2017, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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Welcome to

Love hearing from you!

Summer in Saratoga!

It amazes me every year when I do this issue, how much Saratoga Springs has to offer, I’ve been in this town since 1985 and I’m still in awe! Of course, everybody knows about “the big three” - The Track, Polo and SPAC, (coverage starts on page 20) but we offer so much more… Diverse dining options rivaling any larger city (see our Dining Guide on page 79), a vibrant downtown, as you’ll see by the beautiful photos in the magazine, provided by the many talented local photographers (all listed on page 12). Beautiful lakes within minutes (page 99), activities for all ages that will take you out to explore why they call Saratoga Springs “The City in the Country” (see page 68) and we’re just a quick drive to the Adirondacks if you’d like to spend the day hiking and exploring (see page 108.) This really is the ideal vacation destination! Simply Saratoga Magazine exists to cover the people, the places and the lifestyles of the area. Luckily, we have Saratoga TODAY to cover the news…. I get to do the fun stuff! …and anybody that has read one of my magazines, knows I love introducing you to people! As the Society Editor for The Saratogian for years, you can just imagine the stories Jeanette Jordan has… catch her interview (and photos!) on page 129. If you’ve ever walked through Congress Park and marveled at the beautiful gardens, you can thank “Miss Geri” the next time you see her. You can’t miss her, she has one of those faces that just lights up when she smiles! (see page 150.) Finding the people to introduce you to for this issue, was so simple and I think you will enjoy meeting all of them! Now… finding that one Iconic Saratoga Home to feature - with all the amazing choices in this town – I thought was going to be impossible.

But, luckily, I mentioned my concerns to Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Preservation Society, while we were discussing her submission for this issue (which you will love!!) and she had the most perfect house for Randall, David and I to look at. When I heard that Tamie and her husband purchased the house – for the porch – I knew this was my feature! Sadly, this is David Delozier’s last issue writing the Architecturally Speaking feature for me, as he just opened his own restaurant, Ollie’s Grill ‘n Chill, but because he makes the best Smoked Salmon - and he’s only 5 minutes east of my office on Rte. 29 - I’ll let him go. Good luck David – I’ll miss you!

Whether you are a regular reader or are here for the season, I hope you enjoy this issue – thank you for picking it up! Please mention us, something catchy like… “I saw you in Simply Saratoga Magazine!” when supporting our advertisers, they are the reason you can enjoy this publication, free of charge. Enjoy the season! PS… I ran into a little technical difficulty and couldn’t access the event photos from last year for our gala section, so some of these pics are from previous years, but they still portray the fun and excitement of each event as they raise much needed funds for their favorite organizations!

Chris

Chris Vallone Bushee Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext.201 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Hi Chris, What an amazing publication! I had so much fun reading your May (H&G) issue. Haley at Saratoga Tea and Honey, Patrice Mastrianni's article on the chef, the story about Featherbed Lane farms and the history of the downtown. Keep up the good work, it is like oxygen for me to be able to read about my hometown and the people I love. Love, Susan ISRAEL

Hi Chris, I'm so glad that you ran this! I saw the new restaurant coming in named Farmers Hardware and people saying, "what a cool name" with no idea that it was once a thriving business in town. Thank you for keeping the history of Saratoga Springs alive. This magazine is AWESOME! Heidi West Lifestyles and Caroline & Main The issue looks great! I Loved Hayley on the cover - Nice job! Patrice Mastrianni Serendipity Arts Studio

Here's your Saratoga

bucket list

(and yes this works for tourists and those lucky enough to call Saratoga home!)

• • • • • • •

In Print & Online. Sign up TODAY for FREE email delivery of our publications! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Meet Bow while taking a walking tour of the Oklahoma Track Buy a Saratoga Souvenir Learn (& see) a little track history Get to know two local musicians, before seeing them perform downtown Visit the new Caffe Lena Check out what “the locals” would suggest Choose an organization to support and attend their fundraiser (affectionately called “galas” in Saratoga Springs!)

Cover photos by

(clockwise from top left)

John Seymour Photography provided by SPAC Paul Kolnik provided by Saratoga Polo

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CONTRIBUTORS

MEGAN HARRINGTON

SAMANTHA BOSSHART Samantha Bosshart joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation in 2008. As Executive Director, she advocates for the preservation of the unique architecture and rich heritage of Saratoga Springs. Samantha previously worked at Historic Albany Foundation and Galveston Historical Foundation. Samantha completed her coursework for a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Indiana University.

PETER BOWDEN Peter has been the region's go-to garden guy for over 35 years. His knack for practical and concise explanations has served him well during his 20-year tenure as WRGB’s garden guy. He is an artist and avid photographer whose images have appeared in textbooks, magazines and travel guides. Peter lives with his wife, Sharon and their pets in an old house in the country.

JENNA BURGER Jenna Burger is a local Interior Designer, Blogger, Bargain Hunter, and avid DIYer who strives to inspire and empower others with her high-end look for less design approach. She shares daily inspiration and DIY projects on her blog, and delivers smart, stylish, and sophisticated design solutions to fit the needs and visions for each client’s space. Visit Jenna at www.jennaburger.com

NANCY CASTILLO Nancy is a co-owner of our local Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop, located off Exit 15 of the Northway. She writes The Zen Birdfeeder blog and has had her writing and photography published in BirdWatcher’s Digest and Watching Backyard Birds. You can occasionally hear her answering questions about birds on the WAMC VoxPop call-in program. Nancy and her spouse enjoy watching birds at their feeders from their log home west of Saratoga.

DAVE DELOZIER Dave is known as the eco-local guy around town, as he published the "eco-Local Living mag from 2008-13. Dave and his wife Brenda "walk the walk" having converted their small suburban Saratoga Springs residence into a Permaculture homestead, integrating elements such as edible landscaping, PV solar power & micro-farming. Dave is now a certified Permaculture Design Consultant and looks to help others who are seeking a more healthy, grounded and resilient lifestyle. ecolocal@gmail.com.

JODIE FITZ Jodie Fitz is a wife, working mother of three and the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club. She released two cookbooks in 2015; The Chaotic Kitchen; a collection of recipes to help make the lives of busy families just a little bit easier when it comes to mealtime & Cooking Up Fun; designed to get kids taste testing & experimenting with foods.

CAROL GODETTE Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, Carol Godette’s fascination with neighborhood stores began at age 11 when she frequented Rowland’s. A passionate educator, Godette taught elementary school in the Saratoga School District for 31 years. Carol is a co-owner of the local Ben & Jerry’s franchise. Godette and her husband live in her childhood home where they raised their two children. She welcomes your comments and stories/photos on neighborhood stores via email: saratoganeighborhoodstores@gmail.com

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Megan is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including national magazines, local newspapers, and websites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys training for marathons and coaching fellow runners. After spending the previous seven years in New York City, Megan and her husband recently relocated to the Village of Cambridge and are loving their new community at the base of the Adirondacks.

DENNIS G. HOGAN Dennis G. Hogan was born in New York City and his story is a common one: his dad took him to Saratoga Race Course as a boy and he’s returned every year since. He is a writer and photographer with an appreciation for Thoroughbreds. He has previously written for ThoroFan and is a regular contributor to Equicurean Magazine. He lives in Westchester County, NY.

CHARLIE KUENZEL Charlie Kuenzel is a native Saratogian who spent 36 years as a Science educator in the Saratoga School District before retiring 6 years ago. Charlie, along with Dave Patterson are the co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC who for the past 16 years have educated and entertained thousands of visitors to the city with stories to tell the exciting history of our great city.

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ Meghan is a native of the Glens Falls/Saratoga region. Her passion is to provide her clients and readers with the tools necessary to live a life full of love, acceptance, truth, peace and balance. She is an author and writer for various publications in Upstate NY and State College, PA.She currently resides in State College, PA where she enjoys spending time with her husband and family. To contact Meghan directly email meghanlemery@yahoo.com

MEGIN POTTER Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.

CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON With a firm belief that digital marketing is a must for small businesses, Carrie recently joined forces with photographer Alice Corey and created the blogging bar. The boutique agency provides blogging, SMM and photography services …and recently launched a brand new column in Simply Saratoga Magazine called, Simply… Saratoga Society. Carrie is also a licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Berkshire Hathaway. Read more of Carrie’s work (and a glimpse into life as a single mom of twin ten-year old boys) at CarrieRowlands.com.

MAUREEN WERTHER Maureen Werther is the owner of WriteForYou, a professional freelance writing service specializing in business writing, web and blog content, and creative non-fiction. Her articles, essays and white papers appear on the pages of businesses on the web and around the globe. She is also a regular contributor to numerous newspapers, magazines and journals throughout the Capital Region. She is the author of a soon to be published book, “Them That Has, Gets,” the story of historical 1790’s estate in Schroon Lake and the colorful history of its owners. Currently, she is working on a memoir detailing her roller-coaster adventures as owner of Pie ala Moe, a gourmet pie and tart company she started in 2008, in the midst of the recession.

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WELCOME TO SARATOGA!

Simply...

SARATOGA

DINING GUIDE

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

SUMMER 2017

SAVE THE DATE

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A GOOD READ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

LOCAL LAKES

159 HISTORY

111

GALAS & FASHION

169

HOME & GARDEN

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PARKING AREAS IN DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS

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Private Lot - Restricted Hours Patron Parking Only

On Street Parking is available on yellow highlighted streets. Please check local signs for restrictions. E A VMi. PL 0 1/10 Mi. 2/10 L IN C O L N 2014 JIMAPCO, INC.

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Downtown Parking Map

WELCOME TO

SARATOGA SPRINGS Welcome to the summer edition of Simply Saratoga! It is my privilege to help kick off the summer season here in the City of Saratoga Springs. Summertime is unquestionably one of the most exciting and energetic times to live in and visit the Spa City, and I hope that our citizens and guests can enjoy all of the recreation, arts, and cultural amenities we have to offer. As Mayor, I am often asked: What makes Saratoga Springs so special? I respond by saying: Our unique collection of assets. At no time of the year is that on greater display than during the summer. From our world class Thoroughbred racing at America’s oldest sports venue, to the gardens at Yaddo; from the trails and forests of the Spa State Park to our thriving downtown core; from the magic of being under the stars at SPAC to enjoying the mineral springs or eating on the patio of your favorite restaurant, our city truly has something to offer everyone. Recently launched, our bike share and ride sharing services will make it more convenient to get around. The planned 23-mile multiuse Greenbelt Trail in and around our city, the 166-acre Pitney Meadows Community Farm on West Avenue and our historic Beekman Street district are amenities we are excited to be adding to our repertoire. My hope is that, throughout the course of this summer all of you can find a way to enjoy our vibrant community. We are so fortunate as Saratogians, not just to call this special city our home, but to be able to share it with so many people year-in and year-out. Many of our citizens are people who came here once for a vacation, or for business, or just happened to be passing through and fell in love. And, the rest is Saratoga history. May this summer bring you and your family many blessings and may you enjoy your time out and about in “The Summer Place to Be”.

Photo by Joe Carey

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Mayor Joanne Yepsen JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 19

And

They’re Off! N

It's just 40 days – Friday, July 21 thru Monday, September 4 – don't miss a thing!

oted as one of the “Top 10 Sporting Venues In The World” by Sports Illustrated, Saratoga Race Course is one of

horse racing’s most beloved tracks. With historical ambiance and modern day amenities and style, Saratoga Race Course is the place to find top Thoroughbred horse racing July through Labor Day each year. The 40-day meet draws the top horses, trainers and owners in the world to try their luck at “the Spa.” Known as the Graveyard of Champions, Saratoga Race Course has earned a reputation for being a challenging track for favorites. In fact, the dominant Man O’ War lost his only race against the aptly named Upset here at Saratoga.

ADMISSION:

Grandstand admission is $5; Clubhouse admission is $8. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers Day, Saturday, 20 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

August 26, gates open at 7 a.m. Travers Day admission purchased in advance is $10 for Grandstand; $25 for Clubhouse. Travers Day admission purchased day-of at the gate is $15 for Grandstand; $30 for Clubhouse. Admission is included with all reserved seats purchased in advance.

DAILY CLUBHOUSE AND GRANDSTAND RESERVED SEATS: Daily individual reserved

seats in the Clubhouse and Grandstand, which include admission, may be purchased in advance online through Ticketmaster.com. A limited number of saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

•

Week 5, featuring the Alabama: Wed. August 16 – Mon. August 21

•

Week 6, featuring the Travers: Wed. August 23 – Mon. August 28

•

Week 7, featuring the Woodward: Wed. August 30 – Mon. September 4

FULL SEASON RESERVED SEAT PLANS:

Full-season plans, which include admission, provide a reserved seat in the Clubhouse or Grandstand for the full 40-day season. Full season ticket plans may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager.

SARATOGA SEASON PASSES:

A season pass provides fans with admission to 40 days of world-class thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course, including the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Saturday, August 26 and the Grade 1, $1.2 million Whitney on Saturday, August 5. The costs for 2017 season passes are $40 for Grandstand and $65 for Clubhouse. Season passes do not include reserved seating and are valid for one admission. Season passes may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager or at nearly 160 Stewart’s Shops locations throughout the greater Capital Region, including Warren County.

SARATOGA SEASON PERKS:

The 2017 season will feature the Saratoga Season Perks program with exclusive offers for season pass and season ticket plan holders, including:

Information and photos provided by NYRA

reserved seats for the current day is available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. at the Reserved Seat Box Office, located at Gate A on Union Avenue. (7 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 26). There is a limit of four seats per person. Cash, American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. All tickets purchased in advance of race day include the cost of admission.

WEEKLY RESERVED SEAT PLANS: Weekly ticket

plans, which include admission, provide a reserved seat in the Clubhouse or Grandstand for six consecutive days of the meet from Wednesday through

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Monday (Friday through Monday for Opening Weekend). Weekly ticket plans may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager. Week-long reserved seat plans for the 2017 meet at Saratoga Race Course are available as follows: •

Week 1, Opening Weekend: Fri. July 21 – Mon. July 24

•

Week 2, featuring the Jim Dandy: Wed. July 26 – Mon. July 31

•

Week 3, featuring the Whitney: Wed. August 2 – Mon. August 7

•

Week 4, featuring the Fourstardave: Wed. August 9 – Mon. August 14

•

Guarantee of one premium Saratoga giveaway on each giveaway day (must enter through the designated season ticket holder and pass holder lines; giveaway item must be obtained by 3 p.m. in person on the day of the giveaway at Saratoga Race Course).

•

10 percent savings to numerous retail, restaurant and professional services locations in downtown Saratoga Springs, in partnership with the Saratoga Downtown Business Association (valid June 1, 2017 through March 1, 2018).

•

10 percent savings at most Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the Artist's Village on

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•

Fridays. Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts.

deals and discounts is available at SaratogaSeasonPerks.com and will be continually updated with new participating organizations.

10 percent savings to additional New York Racing Association partners, including: 2017 Live Nation summer series at Saratoga Performing Arts Center

A season pass must be activated in order to receive Saratoga Season Perks discounts and incentives. Season pass holders are required to provide a photo in order to activate their season pass. Activation instructions, including information on how to upload a digital photo, are available at NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Discount available on lawn tickets or select lowest price reserved tickets for pavilion only shows (subject to availability). Available at SPAC Box Office only, not valid for purchase day of show.

•

Classical series performances at Saratoga Performing Arts Center Discount available on fullpriced amphitheater seats to performances on July 20; August 5; 10 and 12.

•

The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom

Discount available on admission on Tuesdays only from July 21 through September 4; daily on all other dates.

Season pass and season ticket plan holders must present their season pass in order to receive the discounts. The list of incentives,

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FOURSTARDAVE SPORTS BAR: Located within

close proximity to the trackside apron, the Fourstardave Sports Bar includes more than 80 tables available for paid reservation and a sports bar which features an extensive craft beer selection, popular food vendors, and 60 flat-screen televisions. The hospitality space also provides protection from the elements. Configurations include options for up to six people, four people, and twoperson tables. Two-person tables will be available for $30 on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and $40 on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Four-person tables will be available for $60 on weekdays and $80 on weekends.

Six-person tables will be available for $90 on weekdays and $120 on weekends. All prices include admission. Travers Day pricing listed separately (see below). Personal coolers and outside food and beverage will not be permitted in the Fourstardave Sports Bar; on-track food and beverage is allowed. The Fourstardave Sports Bar opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. Reserved seating options in the Fourstardave Sports Bar are available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster. com or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX. Season pass holders wishing to purchase a table without admission may call the NYRA Box Office.

MILLER LITE PICNIC PADDOCK:

The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is the newly designated name for the section in the backyard at Saratoga Race Course where guests may reserve picnic tables. The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is comprised of more than 100 picnic tables, which each seat up to six guests, located adjacent to the paddock and offering premier viewing of horses being saddled before a race. Reserved tables

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in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock will be available for $60 on weekdays and $90 on weekends, including Fridays. All prices include admission. Travers Day pricing listed separately (see below). Personal coolers are allowed in the reserved picnic area; coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and are subject to search by NYRA security. Additional chairs, tents and umbrellas are prohibited. For a full list of prohibited items, visit NYRA. com. The reserved picnic area opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. Reserved seating options in the picnic area are available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster. com or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX. Season pass holders wishing to purchase a table without admission may call the NYRA Box Office.

FAMILY FUN FOUR PACK:

A new offering for the 2017 season will be available in conjunction with the weekly Family Mondays series, which offers free family-friendly activities and entertainment at the Saratoga Pavilion each Monday of the meet. Exclusively available on Monday race days, the "Family Fun Four Pack" includes four Grandstand reserved seats (including admission), four hot dogs, and four 12 oz. beverages for $44. To saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 23

purchase, contact the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX or via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com.

SARATOGA VIRTUAL VENUE:

Fans may take advantage of the Saratoga Virtual Venue seating map to digitally preview their seat location and sightlines, as well as table locations in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and reserved picnic area, before purchasing tickets.

DINING RESERVATIONS:

Dining reservations for the 2017 season at one of Saratoga Race Course's restaurants, including the Turf Terrace, Club Terrace and The Porch, are currently available and can be made online at www.OpenTable. com or via the Open Table mobile application. Guests can make dining reservations by searching for Saratoga Race Course and selecting the on-track restaurant of their choice. Guests will be asked to indicate the number of people in their party and preferred date. There is only one 11:30 a.m. seating available per day for each dining location, as the table belongs to the party for the entire afternoon. Guests are asked to claim their table by 1 p.m., the standard first post time for Saratoga. All guests will be required to provide a credit card when making the reservation through

24â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

OpenTable. Dining reservations at Saratoga Race Course are extremely limited; subject to availability and require a non-refundable seating charge payment. No reservations will be accepted by phone. For more information on dining at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com.

GROUP HOSPITALITY:

A ticket request form is now available at www.NYRA.com/saratoga for groups of 20 or more interested in purchasing Grandstand reserved seats or general admission (subject to availability). Groups of 50 or more save on the regular cost of reserved seating. Additionally, group hospitality space bookings for Saratoga Race Course are currently available for the following areas: At the Rail Pavilion; Luxury Suites; Paddock Tent; Festival Tent; Big Red Spring Tent; Top of the Stretch; and Easy Goer. Group sales reservations may be made through the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX or via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com.

to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast admission is free (except for Travers Day, Saturday, August 26, when Clubhouse admission fee is required). Trackside parking is refunded for those guests exiting the track by 10 a.m. Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a firstcome, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

INFORMATION: For questions about reservations for the 2017 season, contact the NYRA Box Office at (844) NYRA-TIX, via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or online at NYRA.com/saratoga.

MORNINGS AT SARATOGA:

Breakfast at Saratoga is a long-standing tradition. Breakfast is served on The Porch of the Clubhouse, overlooking the morning workouts of the thoroughbreds on the main track each racing day from 7 a.m.

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Helping you protect your wealth. It all starts with one meeting. The Okby Group at Morgan Stanley H. Michael Okby Corporate Retirement Director First Vice President Wealth Advisor

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WM Mkt Chin Okby Saratoga LocAd

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WM Mkt Chin Okby Saratoga LocAd

TRIM SIZE: FINISHED SIZE: BLEED:

SPECIFICATIONS 3.75" × 5"

NOTES

3.75” × 5” 0.125"

POST-PROD.:

CREATIvE STUDIO 1585 Broadway, 23rd Floor New York, NY 10036 180 Varick Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10014

CLIENT NAME: PROJECT MGR.: COST CENTER:

m1 FILENAME:

DUE DATE:

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PICKUP:

8653056

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Theia Creative Director, Don O'Neill with Saratoga Trunk owner Natalie Sillery and Fashion Photographer, Lisa Miller.

The all important...

Track

Dress Code

PADDOCK SADDLING AREA & WINNER’S CIRCLE:

No shorts or abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen–collared shirts required. Box Seat Area: No shorts or jeans permitted.Gentlemen – suits or sports jackets required.

TURF TERRACE:

Neat casual attire, no jeans, shorts or abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen – collared shirts required (Management reserves the right to use its discretion to determine Neat Casual Attire).

AT THE RAIL PAVILION, THE PORCH, CLUB TERRACE & CAROUSEL RESTAURANT:

Gentlemen – No tank tops.No short-shorts, cut-offs or abbreviated wear permitted. Proper attire at management’s discretion.

LUXURY SUITES:

No abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen - No tank tops. Proper attire at management’s discretion.

CLUBHOUSE:

No short shorts, cut-offs or abbreviated wear permitted. No tank tops. Proper attire at management’s discretion.

GRANDSTAND:

Shirts and shoes required.

photo from NYRA.com by Mrs. McDougal 26 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

People 12 years and over must abide by the dress code. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Dining...

WRITTEN BY PAT MCKENNA AND MARK BARDACK

At the Track Make your reservation online with Open Table!

The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced a new digital process for dining reservations during the 2017 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course, which will begin on Friday, July 21 and continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Individual dining reservations will be accepted online at OpenTable.com or on the Open Table mobile app. “This digital platform brings ease and convenience to the process of securing a dining reservation at Saratoga Race Course for our guests. Guests will now be able to submit a reservation request on their own timetable rather than wait to phone on a specific date and time,” said New York Racing Association Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. “As we continue to modernize practices at this historic venue, we hope this process will make it simpler than ever for racing fans to enjoy an afternoon at one of our on-track restaurants this summer.” Following the reservation request, a NYRA dining representative will contact guests to confirm dates, based on availability. Seating charge payment will be required at this time to finalize the reservation. Seating charges are final and non-refundable. Dining reservations are non-transferable. Additionally, full space group hospitality reservations for the 2017 28 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

season at Saratoga Race Course will be available for the following areas: At the Rail Pavilion; Luxury Suites; Paddock Tent; Festival Tent; Big Red Spring Tent; and Top of the Stretch. There is only one 11:30 a.m. seating available per day for each dining location, as the table belongs to the party for the entire afternoon. Guests are asked to claim their table by 1 p.m., the standard first post time for Saratoga. All guests will be required to provide a credit card when making the reservation through OpenTable. Dining reservations at Saratoga Race Course are subject to availability and require a non-refundable seating charge payment. No reservations will be accepted by phone. All dining reservations are sold out for the Grade 1 Travers on Saturday, August 26. Reservations at the Turf Terrace and The Porch are also fully booked for the Grade 1 Whitney on Saturday, August 5 and the Grade 1 Alabama on Saturday, August 19. The Porch is also sold out on Opening Day, Friday, July 21. Group sales reservations will be processed through the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX or via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Track Facts AT A GLANCE

40 DAYS

July 21 to September 4 Excluding Dark Tuesdays

POST TIMES: 1 P.M. DAILY

except: 11:35 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 26 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 4 – Labor Day

INFORMATION

For information prior to the meet please phone (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000. For information during the 2016 Saratoga meet (July 21 to September 4) please call (518) 584-6200.

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

Getting Around

(Aerial view from Union Avenue)

is a 350-acre racetrack in Saratoga Springs NY. The 2016 meet will be 40 days long from Friday, July 21 to Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Saratoga is the home of the 148th Running of the Travers Stakes on August 26.

MAIN COURSE:

1 1/8 Miles

TURF COURSE:

1 Mile

STEEPLECHASE/ INNER TURF: 7/8 Mile

ATTENDANCE CAPACITY:

50,000

TRACKSIDE DINING:

2,200

TOTAL SEATING CAPACITY:

18,000, including picnic tables and benches.

GENERAL PARKING:

Free

TRACKSIDE PARKING

$12. Gates open at 6:45a.m.  (Refunds available until 10 a.m. No refunds on Travers Day Saturday, August 26)

PREFERRED PARKING:

Preferred parking available for $7 while trackside parking is $12.

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WALKING TOURS OF THE

OKLAHOMA TRACK

Exclusive tours of the Oklahoma Training Track, provided by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

32 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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FIND OUT WHY this beautiful and

historic site, located across the street from Saratoga Race Course, is a favorite base for leading trainers such as Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito. Our behind the scenes tours, offered in cooperation with the New York Racing Association, are available from June to October. The walking tour covers approximately 1 mile and lasts for 1.5 hours. The cost is $15 for non-members and $7 for members. This price includes admission to the National Museum of Racing after the tour. Sturdy walking shoes are suggested! For insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. (No children in backpacks or strollers.) Oklahoma Tours are scheduled for Saturdays only through October 28, 2017. During the six-week

race meet, July 21 - September 4, 2017, tours are offered by reservation Monday and WednesdaySunday* (No tours on Friday August 4, Hall Of Fame Induction Day or Travers weekend, August 26-27). We offer one tour a day and the tour begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and leaves from the Museum parking lot. Reservations are required. Space is limited! All reservations must be received by 4:00 p.m. the day before the tour. You will receive phone confirmation of your reservation. (Make sure you leave a phone number where you can be reached from 9am till 5pm.) For questions or reservations, please call the Education Department at (518) 584-0400, ext. 120, or email nmredu2@racingmuseum.net. For private Tom Durkin led tours, please call (518) 584-0400 ext. 109, three to four days prior.

photo by Sharon Castro

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Photo by John Seymour

MEET... BOW

A SARATOGA STAPLE This man has seen the danger, the famous faces, the real history of the Saratoga Race Course, first-hand.

“I’m always watching and listening all the time,” said Melvin “Bow” White. Fifty-three years ago, White moved with his family to Saratoga from Brooklyn. While his aunt ran one of the track’s kitchens, as a teenager, White took his first job there cleaning out the horse stalls for 25 cents each. Leaving for a time (3 years, 3 months, and 6 days, to be exact) to serve in the army, White worked as a maps draftsman for operations

34 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

intelligence. The experience left him with a substance addiction that he battled for many years. It was an experience that his friend Roswell Whitcomb, who served during the Korean War and worked as an Air Force Air Traffic Control Specialist, and who also fought his own battle with alcoholism, could relate to when the two met 15 years ago. “It’s the only battle you can win by giving it up,” said Whitcomb, who said today, he and White are like Frick and Frack. White finds healing by playing the bongos. “That’s my therapy. As soon as it gets warm, we’ll be playing,” said the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Bow, "the guillotine" and a hawk on its perch

Photo by John Seymour

Bow with Dukie

fit 74-year-old, who earned his nickname “Bow” because he would often play with his elbows. Working as a painter and finisher in neighborhood homes when he’s not at the track, White once ran his own shop downtown, Bow’s Zodiacal String Art, and still demonstrates the traits of intelligence and focus common to his birth sign; Virgo. What’s not so common is White’s almost magical connection to animals. There was the time he walked into a burning building at 60 Woodlawn Ave. to search for survivors. Finding a woman still inside because she didn’t want to leave her cat, he was able to usher both the cat and its owner outside to safety. There was the neighbor’s cat “Snowball” (who White called “Snacks”) who greeted him whenever White approached. Another animal companion, a duck named “Dukie” followed White around for nearly 30 years on the grounds of the Saratoga Race Course.

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White’s seen a variety of animals at the track, including jockey Angel Cordero’s miniature Shetland pony (who used to ride around in the front seat of his car), to jockey Robyn Smith’s piglet (who was kidnapped and barbecued by mean-spirited rivals) before she retired and married star Fred Astaire, he said. Now, while White posts the day’s changes on an antiquated scratchboard he called “the guillotine” even before the day it came down and nearly took his head off, he watches as the barn swallows peck at a hawk atop his perch on the towering pole’s golden balls. In the mornings, he’s still standing guard at the gap on the Oklahoma training track. “You have to be alert at all times. Horses come running out of that gap at 90 mph and they can turn on a dime.” Never a dull moment for a man named Bow.

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Hitting it big, really...

BIG WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTO PROVIDED

Matties, being handed his winnings for the 17th Annual National Handicapping Championship

“The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.”

-Robert Green Ingersoll

There are many ways courage comes into play in horse racing. There are the horses themselves, with names such as Inspire Courage, Unbridled Courage, and Heart of Courage. There’s the local Saratoga Courage distillery, makers of the popular race-themed Pick Six vodka. There are the jockeys, the breeders, and also the bettors.

“I got a real good advantage of how things work. I learned the difference in the results that people were getting – who was cashing in, who was making a score and grinding it out,” he said. He’s known lots of people who approach betting as simply a fun, affordable hobby. They educate themselves, learn about the horses competing, and place $2 bets their entire lives, he said.

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” -Suzy Kassem

“In racing, lots of times, you can do the right thing but not win. You think that if you lose, you did something wrong, but in racing, that’s not true at all,” said professional handicapper Paul Matties.

Sometimes an understanding of why horses win is not enough to become a successful handicapper. What can be even harder than picking the horses, is learning how to handle the nagging voices of doubt.

Matties has been betting on the outcomes of horse races for nearly 30 years. He’s had his share of devastating losses, but also some spectacular wins, including the 17th Annual National Handicapping Championship top prize of $800,000 last year. He works from his home office in Ballston Spa, day and night; combining science and art, trying to predict the outcome of a sport that will, at its essence, always be uncontrollable.

“Even after 25-30 years, self-doubt still comes in. You have to have faith in yourself - not too high or too low. You have to keep it even. Those things are easier said than done,” said Matties with a knowing chuckle.

“Everybody knows how to win, but you need to know how to lose, and that can be very difficult,” he said.

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” -Albert Einstein Matties is entrenched in the world of horseracing. His father, Chick, was a racing enthusiast who won the inaugural Horse Player World Series handicapping contest. His brother, Gregg, is a trainer, and his younger brother, Duke, is a handicapper, as well. After studying journalism at SUNY Buffalo, Matties spent time working the backside of the track, talking to the people whose lives are intrinsically linked to the horses. He also worked the frontside, behind the counter as a racetrack teller.

36 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

In the uncertain world of handicapping, successful perseverance despite the powerful skepticism of others, is crucial.

Now, as a father of three, he has a different attitude toward wealth. Working with a small team of approximately 10 people, developing a database for themselves and others who want to learn, he said he’s not as wrapped up in the money as he used to be. “I don’t look at it like that anymore. It’s more that I get to do what I like to do - every day It’s more than the money,” said Matties. In a competition like the NHC, for instance, he enjoys the contest, and comparing his technique to that of his brother Duke’s. “We go about it slightly differently. He follows me to a point and then goes his own way. I had some good winners right off the bat, but you can’t have all long shots, you have to keep getting points. I had to be really focused not to blow it. He didn’t have early winners. He had to chase me the whole way. He just kept making up the difference,” said Matties. Duke placed fourth in the competition, taking home a $100,000 prize.

“Never confuse a single defeat for a final defeat.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

“It’s a hard thing to do. If you’re not winning every minute, people doubt you,” he said.

There’s no denying that the money up for grabs, adds to the element of excitement.

The bold move to resist the doubt can be easier to achieve in certain circumstances, however.

“You remember when you’re on the line for a lot of money. You remember the ones you don’t win,” said Matties.

“It’s not like that so much here. In Saratoga, people love you,” added Matties.

“A business that makes nothing but money, is a poor business.” -Henry Ford Controlling the ups and downs to create emotional balance and financial well-being can be difficult when there is so much money at stake. In the beginning of his career, when he won a big wager, Matties would often go out and buy extravagant gifts or take luxurious trips. “The great thing about horse racing is, after a win, you get to celebrate and have fun, but not too much. I’ve seen people blow the money back too fast. You can’t get too carried away,” he said.

That is the case with the curious thing that happened at this year’s 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. At the start, Matties was feeling alive with his pick of a colt named Thunder Snow. If his horse came in, he was set to win more than a million dollars. For no discernable reason, however, Thunder Snow bucked out of the gate and refused to run. “To be out of it so fast and not get it, to not even get a run for your money. It was a unique experience. It was kind of …a shame.” SS

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HOT

Off the Press These cute clutches allow you to carry a piece of Saratoga with you everywhere! WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

“’I’VE SEEN THOSE’, ‘I HAVE THOSE’, AND ‘I WANT THAT’ are what customers say to us the most,” said Michele Blake about the limited edition purses she designs with MaryJane Hopeck for MarEle Boutique Accessories. MarEle Boutique opened as a traveling shop in 2011, specializing in pop-up online parties and in-home sales that evolved into a store in 2014. The store is now closed, allowing for the duo to exclusively focus on their trendsetting vintage-inspired purses. Made to look like a magazine, their city purses feature scintillating article titles laid out on a background image that is quintessential Saratoga. In the past, these images have included Saratoga’s Hall of Springs, the Grandstand, and Saratoga Polo. This year’s two limited edition releases feature photographs from Thom Williams and T.R. Laz, with graphic design work by Tiara Layna Designs. “When a photographer says to us, ‘I’ve got a picture for your purse,” we take a look. Right away, we loved it, and we thought it was great,” said Blake about their 17th design, Saratoga Trackside. The iconic image captures the intensity of the moment in vibrant color on a 4 ½” x 10” clutch that snaps open at the center buckle, revealing a pocket inside. It comes with a detachable silver-plated chain and duster bag for storage. Creating a chic way to communicate a message, MarEle’s unique purses are also featured fundraisers for many organizations and businesses. This year, these include the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, and the Get Back Your Rack organization, which strives to help those affected by cancer. In the past five years, MarEle has contributed $40,000 to charitable causes. “It’s so much more personal than just a trendy, fun, purse. Our customers are the ones who like the color, are horse lovers, like Saratoga and the track, and want a memory. Some are adding to their collection. For others, it’s about inspiration,” she said. For more information, wholesale inquiries and retail locations email mareleboutique@gmail.com or contact MaryJane Hopeck at (518) 441-6671. SS

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preserving

SARATOGA 38 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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One of the stable buildings showing the covered walking ring, the rounded corners, and the wall ladder to the hay loft. ©Samantha Bosshart

SURCINGLE: PRIVATE STABLE OF AUGUST BELMONT JR.

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART PHOTOS PROVIDED

WHILE EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR with the frontside of the Saratoga Race Course and its iconic grandstand, many may not be familiar with the once private stables that are now part of the property. Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sports venue in the United States, today, encompasses over 350 acres with more than 200 structures. Several prominent families had private stables that were adjacent to the Saratoga Race Course – Dupont, Madden, Sanford, and Belmont. Over time these properties were added to Saratoga Race Course. One of the more visible private stables is the former stable of August Belmont Jr, which originally was known as “Surcingle,” a reference to the leather strap used to accustom young horses to girth pressure. Today, it is known as Clare Court in honor of Tom and Anne Clare who served as successive superintendents of the track from 1924 to 1960. The Belmont family was a racing dynasty at the turn of the twentieth century. August Belmont Sr. was a wealthy financier who was a horse-breeder and racehorse owner who established the Belmont Stakes race. His son, August Jr. continued in the horse racing tradition. Like his father he was a major breeder and owner of horses who was responsible for the construction of Belmont Park. The small accessory buildings that were once used a kitchen, blacksmith shop, and dwellings. ©Samantha Bosshart

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August Belmont Jr., one of the organizers of the Saratoga Association, built the private stable that is visible from Nelson Avenue circa 1902. In the 1870s the Belmonts owned a stable at the southwest corner of the Saratoga Race Course. When the Saratoga Association, under the leadership of William Collins Whitney, made significant

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 39

∙

1905 Historic photograph showing the barn that was constructed for stabling driving horses and carriages from the “50th Anniversary The Saratogian 1856-1905 Souvenir.”

improvements to the Saratoga Race Course and rotated the track 25 degrees it necessitated the relocation of their private stables. On the new 13 acre site south of the track, August Jr. is said to have spent $75,000 to build a comprehensive stabling facility that included a residence, barns, a lawn tennis court, and structures to serve as a kitchen, blacksmith’s workshop, and small dwellings for the employees. The buildings were encircled by a private half-mile practice track. To reach his residence without having to disrupt the horses he constructed a tunnel at the cost of $10,000. While the tennis court and gardens no longer remain, his residence, barns, and other buildings stand to this day. His residence which was referred to as a “cottage” had a lofty outlook tower that gave Belmont a commanding view of the entire practice track. Unfortunately, the tower no longer exists. Today, the residence serves as a dormitory.

Current photo of Belmont Residence

©Samantha Bosshart

∙

1905 The Belmont residence showing the outlook tower that no longer exists, from the “50th Anniversary The Saratogian 1856-1905 Souvenir.” The tunnel that Belmont built which goes under the practice track. ©Samantha Bosshart

40 | SIMPLY SARATOGA

As quoted in the “50th Anniversary The Saratogian 18561905 Souvenir” the stables were “constructed with as much care as the ordinary dwelling” being built of the “best materials, by the most skillful workmanship, and is a model home for the horse.” It went on to say “Mr. Belmont is a great lover of the horse, and he has certainly erected for him here some of the most luxurious homes ever prepared for this noblest of the friends of man.” Two of the stables are single-row with 24 stalls with a distinctive gable slate roof with a wrap-around shed roof to allow for horses to be walked under cover. The vertical tongue-and-groove clad stables have rounded corners and chamfered posts intended for horse safety while using the sheltered walking ring. The stables have a full attic loft for storing hay that can be accessed by wall ladders. In addition, a barn was constructed solely for the stabling of driving horses and carriages. The carriage stable with its large double-doors is flanked by six horse stalls with a cantilevered roof on each side. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

So the next time you drive along Nelson Avenue be sure to look to the east to catch a glimpse of August Belmont Jr.’s private stable facility. To learn more about the race course, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is publishing a second edition of “The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course – An Architectural History of the Nation’s Oldest Sporting Venue” by Paul Roberts and Isabelle Taylor thanks to the generosity of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust. The book will be available for purchase in August and the Foundation will host a presentation by Paul Roberts the evening of Tuesday, August 15 at the National Museum of Racing. For more information, please visit the Foundation’s website www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. To learn more or to become a member, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org. SS Dogs enjoying the shade of the covered walking ring.

©Samantha Bosshart

A rider taking a leisurely ride on the practice track.

©Samantha Bosshart

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42 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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SARATOGA POLO Association Information and photos provided

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SARATOGA POLO CELEBRATES ITS TH

119 ANNIVERSARY

Photo by Cliff Oliver

he legendary grounds of the Whitney Field in Saratoga Springs will be kept busy this 2017 summer season as record crowds and exciting play will rule the day at the Queen of the Spas. With nine weeks of tournaments and 18 matches, polo aficionados couldn’t ask for anything better!

ON THE FIELD Once again, Cuko Escapite will bring action to the field with some fantastic players from across the world and around the corners, and Bob Bullock will celebrate for his 30th season of engaging play by play from the Announcer’s Booth. The Veuve Clicquot Challenge will pit some of the best women’s players including Hannah Reynolds up against an all men’s team lead by Cuko Escapite in a “Battle of the Sexes”. Photo by Cliff Oliver

44 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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2017

THE 2017 SARATOGA POLO TOURNAMENT SEASON JULY 7

Celebrate Saratoga Tournament Featuring Adirondack Thunder Hockey

JULY 9

Celebrate Saratoga Tournament

JULY 14

SPA Anniversary Tournament

JULY 16

SPA Anniversary Tournament The Bob Bullock "Voice of Saratoga Polo Association" Cup

JULY 21

Veuve Clicquot Challenge Tournament Hodes & Landy 25th Anniversary Cup

JULY 23

Veuve Clicquot Challenge Tournament The Veuve Clicquot Cup

JULY 28

The Times Union Presents The Mid-Summer Celebration Tournament Featuring Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

JULY 30

The Times Union Presents The Mid-Summer Celebration Tournament The Times Union Cup AIM Services Inc “Best Polo Pooch Contest”

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

AUGUST 4

The Whitney Cup Tournament presented by the Adelphi Hotel

AUGUST 6

The Whitney Cup Tournament presented by the Adelphi Hotel

AUGUST 11

The Barrantes Cup Tournament

AUGUST 13

The Barrantes Cup Tournament Featuring Cooked Perfect

AUGUST 18

The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament

AUGUST 20

The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament

AUGUST 25

Saratoga Special Tournament

AUGUST 27

Saratoga Special Tournament

SEPT 1

The Polo Hall of Fame Tournament

SEPT 3

The Polo Hall of Fame Tournament EVERY FRIDAY AND SUNDAY AT 5:30PM JULY 7 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2017 (GATES OPEN AT 4PM) TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO SARATOGAPOLO.COM

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IN THE STANDS The Whitney Cup presented by The Adelphi Hotel will once again play to a packed house on a beautiful Saratoga Summer night. All throughout the season, Saratoga guests will also be able to celebrate three great icons every Thursday night at the Adelphi Hotel with a Veuve Clicquot toast and the opportunity to win Saratoga Polo prizes and tickets to other attractions. The US POLO ASSN Brand will also premier a new line of team uniforms designed exclusively for Saratoga Polo as well as for the Whitney Cup tournament.

Some of the other highlights will include: • • • • • • •

Old Daley Custom Catering partnering for some of the best food and beverages in Saratoga, along with some amazing cocktails and signature drinks anywhere Impressions of Saratoga partnering with us at the US POLO ASSN Shop at Saratoga Polo Hodes & Landy will present their 25th Anniversary Cup during the Veuve Clicquot Challenge Tournament. orthoNY returns to present their match cup and support the EMS Crew for the season AIM Services Inc will present a “Best Polo Pooch” contest at the Times Union Cup on July 30th - and keep an eye out for their 2018 Match Cup and event featuring their “Dog & Pony Show”! Artist Frankie Flores will present some new amazing trophies for the players this year. Join the Adirondack Thunder crew on Opening Day July 7th

Saratoga Polo Association has always been community oriented in showcasing local talent, and this year will be partnering with Friends of Music Saratoga to spotlight young local talent who will be performing the National Anthem at every match. We look forward to seeing you all for this 119th season, and beyond, and thank you for supporting the sport in this beautiful iconic Whitney Field paradise. 46 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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NEW JOB? R ETIR ING?

fter a match, everyone looks forward to celebrating a victory with bottle after bottle of Champagne, and joy is in the air. But leave it to polo aficionados to focus on a ceremony that combines a little bit of the bubbly with the flair of a sword, and leave it to a strong willed woman, Barbe Nicole Ponsardin – aka Veuve Clicquot, to use this “Sabrage” technique to promote her family’s Champagne in such theatrical style.

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When she took over her husband’s company and it became the largest exporter of Champagne for the Royal Courts in the Russian Empire and France, she began to organize parties for officers to enjoy before battle. As the soldiers were riding on horseback, it was difficult to open the foil and cage and take the cork out. So, one day, a young officer took out his sword and beheaded the bottle with a stroke of his blade – and the celebratory tradition stuck. Saratoga Polo invites all its guests to join us as we present this art of the victory on the legendary Whitney Field, and salute what Barbe Nicole Ponsardin made popular the tradition that Veuve Clicquot continues today, with the opportunity to sabre a bottle at a match. This year, you will be able to join us every Thursday at 5:30pm during the Saratoga Polo Tournament Season with our Marketing Partners at the Adelphi Hotel for Veuve Clicquot specials and chances to win premium prizes - just another great way to celebrate summer in Saratoga with two historic icons.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Call (800) 932-3271 or visit us.

Photo by Cliff Oliver

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All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Before investing, carefully read the fund's prospectus which includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information about the fund. Please call us at 800-932-3271 or visit famfunds.com for a prospectus or summary prospectus.

FENIMORE ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. Fenimore Private Client Group & FAM Funds famfunds.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 47

Saratoga Polo Celebrates BOB BULLOCK’S 30 YEARS “The Voice of Saratoga Polo” I was well on my way to even more interesting opportunities where my voice has lead me.” Of his long connection to polo, Bob has said, “Learning from some great mentors since early in the 1980’s in South Carolina, I worked my way in so many events, and found a way to use my voice, my passion for polo, and combine it with my background in communications. It’s about listening and learning…and I couldn’t do it without the generosity of great friends along the way.” Bullock, who was first paired with back-up NYRA announcer Frank Dwyer in 1987, has learned from the great announcers like Tony Coppola who, after hundreds of matches, always said “that there’s nothing that should phase you…you need to take whatever comes at you in stride, and take a breath. That passion is what brings the love of the sport to the microphone”.

BOB BULLOCK’S booming voice and dulcet tones have informed and entertained guests at Saratoga Polo since 1987. He has introduced the sport to thousands of fans and has announced at many of the most renowned clubs in the world…but Bob Bullock is perhaps best known in the polo world as “The Voice of Saratoga Polo”. “Mike Bucci and I were very fortunate that Bob had already been at Saratoga Polo for sixteen years when we took over the club in 2004” said Jim Rossi, Managing Partner. “My appreciation and gratitude for Bob has grown each year as I have traveled to polo clubs around the world, and seen many matches broadcast and live-streamed. It’s no wonder that I am frequently asked about who announces our matches…because Bob has a unique and rare talent.” “It is not possible to overstate our gratitude for Bob’s knowledge, wisdom and friendship. We are so very thankful that his wife Ann and his daughters, Kate and Emma, have generously shared him with us every summer weekend for the past thirteen years and with his fans for the last thirty years ”.

These experiences, aided by a keen sense of his role as a communicator, and his heart-felt excitement for the sport of polo mixes together in a perfect blend to make Whitney Field matches come to life on a grander scale. “It’s gotten to the point where I can see some of the action on the field and instantaneously process it, and it just comes rolling out of my mouth.” One of the things Bob noticed at the polo matches was that people needed to know what they were about to see, so he developed a patter that broke down the sport so people could tell what was going on. That style, rhythm, and timing has been key to the Saratoga Polo experience because Bob knows how to share details of play that bring the match to life, what will keep the audience focused on the action, and when not to talk so people can put their own energy into enjoying the sport. Join us on Sunday, July 16th as we celebrate the season and his 30th anniversary at Whitney Field with the Bob Bullock “Voice of Saratoga Polo Association” Match Cup.

Bob’s road to becoming an announcer began in college, where he remembered being asked by a friend at a cable station to help do color commentary at hockey games at upstate NY colleges. “That broadcast experience really helped me to set goals, and establish my voice in sports.” Then in his career with the Air Force in 1979, he was tapped to announce at ceremonies including the changes of command for two-star Generals, “You develop a certain way of talking for those very specific events, and add that to all my other experiences, and 48 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Photos by Paul Konik

NEW YORK CITY BALLET: July 5–15

ach July, NYCB brings exquisite artistry and otherworldly grace to the stage of Saratoga Performing Arts Center during its annual residency. Against the backdrop of SPAC’s idyllic woodland setting, the intertwining of dance and nature is a magical combination.

Summer in Saratoga soars with the legendary New York City Ballet on their spectacular summer stage. Stravinsky Violin Concerto

Stars & Stripes

The 2017 season offers a dynamic, diverse season that features 18 ballets by 6 choreographers, including three Saratoga premieres – one by Alexei Ratmansky and two by NYCB’s celebrated 29-year-old resident choreographer and soloist Justin Peck. Peck brings one of his most recent works to Saratoga, The Times Are Racing, set to an electronic score by Dan Deacon. In this ballet, which premiered in New York City to great acclaim in January 2017, the dancers trade in their pointe shoes for sneakers and don streetstyle costumes designed by Humberto Leon. Building on numerous years of partnership, indie singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens and Justin Peck collaborated again on a new work, The Decalogue, which had its world premiere at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater on May 12, 2017. The season also features a new work, Odessa, by Alexei Ratmansky, one of the ballet world’s most acclaimed choreographers. The work was lauded as a “marvelous creation…” in a review by the New York Times.

Dances at a Gathering

Narrative ballets have captivated audiences for hundreds of years. Among the short-story ballets on the season’s marquee are Swan Lake, Firebird, La Sonnambula, and Prodigal Son. Broadway will meet ballet in Slaughter on 10th Avenue and Carousel. New York City Ballet’s Saratoga residency is from July 5 – 15. Tickets start at just $30 for inside seats. Lawn seating is $26 for adults; children up to age 15 are free on the lawn. Information and tickets at spac.org

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 51

The Ballet Gala SUMMER’S SPECTACULAR SOIREE: July 8, 2017

Photos by Paul Konik

Elegant. Fun. Captivating. Festive.

The Ballet Gala, Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s glorious summertime social event that supports the residency of the New York City Ballet, is all that and more. Scheduled this year for Saturday, July 8, the Gala is a highlight of the Saratoga social season. It features a special program by New York City Ballet, fireworks and a post-performance lawn party with live music and dancing. The theme for this year’s Gala is The Rhythm of Romance: A Tribute to Legendary Broadway Jazz Composer Richard Rodgers in recognition of the three ballets on the program - Christopher Wheeldon’s Carousel; Peter Martins’ Thou Swell; and Balanchine’s Slaughter on Tenth Avenue - all set to the music of the iconic American composer. Spearheaded by SPAC’s fundraising committee the Action Council, guests have the option of purchasing tickets to the Gala held inside the Hall of Springs, which includes a gourmet, sit-down dinner, amphitheater seating and an afterglow party, or enjoying the festive lawn Created in honor of the 100th anniversary of Rodgers’ experience, hosted birth, Peter Martins’ Thou Swell was first performed as by SPAC’s Junior part of an All Rodgers gala performance that also included Committee. Tickets Wheeldon’s Carousel (A Dance). Set in an art deco and information are ballroom, the work features four elegant couples dressed in available at spac.org costumes designed by Peter Copping for Oscar de le Renta.

In 2002, celebrated choreographer CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON created a portrayal of the romance central to Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 1945 musical Carousel. Evoking the “dream ballets” found in many musicals of that era, the work is set to arrangements of “The Carousel Waltz” and “If I Loved You.”

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Originally created for the 1936 Rodgers and Hart musical On Your Toes, Balanchine’s Slaughter on Tenth Avenue had its New York City Ballet premiere in 1968. The first full-scale ballet within a musical, and the first to advance the action of the show, it also introduced the word "choreography" to Broadway, at Balanchine's request.

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Photo by Diane Smithers

CHE MALAMBO July 20, 2017

In Saratoga, the sound of galloping horses is music to the ears. But typically, you must pay a visit to Saratoga’s famous Thoroughbred track to hear it. This year, you have another option: attend Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 20 at 8 p.m. when the all-male Argentinian dance company, Che Malambo, will storm the amphitheater stage. The powerhouse dancers will be performing the traditional South American Malambo, a dynamic blend of precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming and song. Malambo began in the gaucho heritage in the 17th century as competitive duels to test agility, strength and dexterity. The hallmark style, zapeteo, is fast-paced footwork inspired by the rhythm of galloping horses. In addition to zapeteo, Malambo features the drumming of traditional Argentine bombo, and whirling boleadoras -- a throwing weapon made of intertwined cords weighted with stones.

Photo by Diane Smithers

The dance spectacle of Che Malambo is the brainchild of Gilles Brinas, a former French ballet virtuoso but now resident of Argentina, who pays homage to this tradition while stylizing it for international audiences. Brinas first learned about Malambo while researching traditional dances. He soon fell under its spell and travelled to the Pampas region of Argentina to engage with the gaucho and further his exploration of their traditions. Inspired by the dance and the talent of its exponents, he created Che Malambo to share this powerful, passionate form with international audiences. Tickets and information are available at spac.org

“

The closing number may have surprised even the most seasoned dancegoers: a thrilling display of malambo, a traditional dance of South American cowboys…” – New York Times

Photo by Em Watson Media

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THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER IN SARATOGA: THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA, August 2–19 August is classical music month in Saratoga as the Fabulous Philadelphians return to their summer stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The Philadelphia Orchestra led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin – who holds dual roles as Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra and incoming Music Director Designate of The Metropolitan Opera – and Principal Guest Conductor Stéphane Denève will present three week-long mini-festivals thematically structured to reflect Russian, American, and French musical traditions. A spectacular Night at the Opera event, led by Nézet-Séguin will dazzle audiences with glorious arias and sublime ensembles performed by guest artists from the Met. Guest artists with The Philadelphia Orchestra will include pianists Conrad Tao and Louis Lortie along with the Marcus Roberts Trio. An annual Saratoga favorite, icon of classical music and arguably the world’s greatest living cellist, Yo-Yo Ma will also grace the SPAC stage with his unmatched artistry on August 9th. A new “Philadelphia for Families” series will enchant audiences of all ages as the Orchestra accompanies popular family films, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In addition, SPAC presents the astonishing Cirque de la Symphonie and Sophisticated Ladies, a celebration of the groundbreaking icons of American popular song, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday, led by Steven Reineke.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin Photo by Jessica Griffin Cirque de la Symphonie Photo by Jessica Griffin

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE August 4 A spectacular bravura of physical exertion – a Russianthemed Cirque de la Symphonie evening will feature exceptional aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen from around the world, performing to favorites of Russian classical repertoire.

E.T. UNDER THE STARS August 5 Conductor Stéphane Denève conducts this special evening featuring Steven Spielberg's cinematic masterpiece E.T. The Extra—Terrestrial. The movie will be shown on four HD screens and accompanied by a live performance of John Williams's Academy Award®-winning score.

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Yo-Yo Ma Photo by Jason Bell

AMERICAN FESTIVAL FEATURING YO-YO MA, August 9 An icon of classical music and arguably the world’s greatest living cellist, Yo-Yo Ma will grace the SPAC stage with his unmatched artistry. An annual Saratoga favorite, Mr. Ma is a champion of musical innovation and cross-cultural exchange, which he has pursued through such initiatives as the Silk Road Project and countless international collaborations. Conducting the program will be lauded maestro Marin Alsop, the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

AMERICAN FESTIVAL: GERSHWIN NIGHT, August 10 Maestro Marin Alsop conducts an evening dedicated to the music of cherished American composer George Gershwin. Worldrenowned jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and his stellar trio offer an exciting, jazzy reimagining of Rhapsody in Blue, as part of an evening featuring classics by the composer. Marcus Roberts Trio Photo by John Douglas

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK August 12 David Newman conducts John Williams’s epic score as Raiders of the Lost Ark, the film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes - Indiana Jones - is presented on four HD screens. Phillips and Matthew Polenzani.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, August 19 Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin indulges his passion for opera with an evening of glorious arias performed by stars from The Metropolitan Opera, including Isabelle Leonard, Susanna Phillips and Matthew Polenzani.

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SPAC On Stage

August 7, 14, 21, 28

Innovative format shakes up tradition by seating audiences on the stage of SPAC’s iconic amphitheater, with genre-blending programs spanning from Bach to hip hop. The audience experience at Saratoga Performing Arts Center is poised to undergo a transformation with the launch of an innovative new programming series, “SPAC on Stage.” Featuring a unique format that challenges concert hall convention by placing the entire audience onstage with the artists, the series will take place on four consecutive Monday evenings – August 7, 14, 21 and 28 – and showcase acclaimed ensembles whose artistry crosses both classical and contemporary genres, including the Hot Sardines, Time for Three, Black Violin and Tiempo Libre. All performances begin at 8 p.m. “The success stories of the dynamic groups we’ve chosen for SPAC on Stage underscore the importance of cross-genre thinking in the performing arts. Today’s audiences are craving fresh artistic experiences, not only in content, but also in presentation,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of SPAC. “In developing SPAC on Stage, our goal was to meet both of these demands. Positioning audiences onstage for this series will offer them a unique, visceral experience – a connection with the performance unlike anything they have experienced previously.”

Time for Three Photo by LeAnn Mueller

“We are enthusiastic about presenting a lineup that is artistically vibrant, comprised of musicians who are pushing the boundaries of classical into new directions,” she continued. “Black Violin typifies this approach with their stereotypechallenging presence across classical, hip-hop, rock and R&B genres. That no-holds-barred creative energy is also at the core of the other three extraordinary acts on the schedule – the Hot Sardines, Time for Three and Tiempo Libre.” With an onstage seating capacity of 300, Ms. Sobol noted that “ticket availability will be limited; those who act quickly will have an advantage.” “With every new season, we have the opportunity to add to SPAC’s remarkable story. With SPAC on Stage joining an already exceptional summer lineup, 2017 may be one of the most interesting, exciting chapters yet,” she concluded.

Tickets to SPAC on Stage will be $50 or $40, depending on location. They are available at spac.org 56 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

The Hot Sardines Photo by Joseph Cultice

THE HOT SARDINES, August 7 Called “one of the best jazz bands in New York City today” by Forbes Magazine, the Hot Sardines have reinvigorated the hot jazz movement by adding a hip, modern twist to the sounds of New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets, and New Orleans jazz halls. Led by bandleader and pianist Evan “Bibs” Palazzo and lead singer “Miz Elizabeth” Bougerol, combined with the Sardine ensemble of powerhouse musicians – and their very own tap dancer – music first made famous decades ago comes alive. Called “simply phenomenal” by The Times (London), they have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival and released two albums to critical raves. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

TIME FOR THREE, August 14 Time for Three and its three classically trained musicians — violinists Nicholas (Nick) Kendall and Charles Yang, and double-bassist Ranaan Meyer – happily defy any traditional genre classification. With an uncommon mix of virtuosity and showmanship, the trio performs music from Bach to Brahms and beyond, playing originals and their own arrangements of everything from bluegrass and folk tunes to

BLACK VIOLIN, August 21

ingenious mash-ups of hits by the Beatles, Brittany Spears, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and more. To date, the group has performed hundreds of engagements as diverse as its music: from the Philadelphia Orchestra’s subscription series to Club Yoshi’s in San Francisco, Carnegie Hall, the Boston Pops, Emmy-winning PBS show “Time for Three in Concert,” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Black Violin Photo by Colin Brennan

Over the last decade, Black Violin has risen to fame with a style of music that combines classical, hip-hop and R&B. Performing an average of 200 shows a year in 49 states and 36 countries as far away as Dubai, Prague and South Africa, the musicians have appeared at President Obama's Inaugural and three Super Bowls. They’ve also collaborated with a who’s who of music superstars, including Kanye West, the Eagles, Tom Petty, Aerosmith and Aretha Franklin. In 2015, the band released their major label debut Stereotypes which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. The duo has been profiled extensively by the media including by NPR’s Morning Edition.

TIEMPO LIBRE/ BACH IN HAVANA August 28

Tiempo Libre Photo by Glassworks Multimedia

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Praised by the New York Times for its “dance music of sophistication and abandon,” the three-time Grammy AWARD® nominated Afro-Cuban music group Tiempo Libre is celebrated for its unparalleled performances of timba, a joyous mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. Classically trained at Cuba’s premier conservatories, the musicians of Tiempo Libre led by founder, pianist and bandleader Jorge Gómez, have been equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs, festival stages and dance venues around the world. They have been featured on television shows including The Tonight Show, Live from Lincoln Center, and Dancing with the Stars as well as on Univision and Telemundo. In Saratoga, the band will be highlighting music from their Grammy nominated, Bach in Havana album, which connects the rhythm and sensibilities of Afro-Cuban music with the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach. Latin Jazz Network praised, “Bach in Havana is going to be held up as one that made an enormous creative leap just as Miles Davis’ did when he, Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley blew those choruses on Kind of Blue.” JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 57

LIVE

I'll Have This Ticket

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AT SPAC

Live Nation presents a star-studded concert season of music’s hottest acts!

JULY 1 Third Eye Blind 7 p.m. JULY 3 Tedeschi Trucks Band 7 p.m. JULY 10 Nickelback 6 p.m. JULY 16 The Moody Blues 8 p.m. JULY 18 Foreigner with Cheap Trick 7 p.m. JULY 19 Straight No Chaser with Postmodern Jukebox 7:30 p.m. JULY 21 Kidz Bop Kids 6 p.m. JULY 22 Rod Stewart with Cyndi Lauper 7:30 p.m. JULY 23 Florida Georgia Line 7 p.m. JULY 25 Chicago & The Doobie Brothers 7:30 p.m. JULY 26 Kings of Leon 7 p.m. JULY 29 The Australian Pink Floyd Show 8 p.m. AUGUST 1 One Republic 7 p.m. AUGUST 15 Joe Bonamassa 8 p.m. AUGUST 20 Goo Goo Dolls 8 p.m. AUGUST 24 Earth, Wind and Fire 7:30 p.m. AUGUST 25 Matchbox Twenty with Counting Crows 6:45 p.m.

AUGUST 26 Luke Bryan 7 p.m. AUGUST 30 Sting 8 p.m. SEPTEMBER 2 Zac Brown Band 7 p.m.

Live Nation Phone Charge 1-800-745-3000 Livenation.com *All times subject to change.

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WRITTEN BY BRITTNEY EISNOR, YES THAT IS THE ACTUAL 6 YEAR-OLD TICKET!

I WAS IN SEVENTH GRADE for my first SPAC concert. Of course, I’m just the summer intern at Saratoga TODAY, so that was only six years ago – 2011 – but I was extremely excited. My mom always talks about going to concerts in the 80s, and I was already in the habit of finding old concert tee shirts to steal from her and my dad. I knew that my first concert was going to be a big deal for me, and I would probably tell my kids about it someday. When one of my friends told me that her dad had gotten tickets to a show and she wanted me to come with them, I was pumped beyond belief. The concert was quite possibly the coolest lineup a middle schooler could hope for - at least in my opinion. Two of my favorite bands at the time, Train and Maroon 5, were coming to SPAC and playing a concert …together! Even then I recognized how awesome it was that two hugely popular bands were coming so close to where I lived. I had never been to SPAC before, since my family didn't spend a lot of time in Saratoga. I had pretty much no idea where I was going or what it was going to be like. I was just excited to see what a real concert was like. The day of, I put on my favorite outfit and waited by the door for my friend to pick me up. I still remember what I wore- a long yellow peasant skirt and white t shirt. Not exactly what I would wear to a concert today, but I'll try not to question my middle-school choices. My friend's dad talked to my parents for a minutethey were family friends as well- and then we headed out toward Saratoga. I've forgotten a lot about arriving to the concert, but I do remember my

first time sitting in that infamous SPAC concert traffic. When we finally arrived, I bought a Train tour tee shirt at the merch tent and immediately threw it on right over my other shirt. I don't really remember Maroon 5's performance, except for the screaming about Adam Levine that didn't stop until the lights went dark on stage. I'll never forget Train though… Singing along to Save Me San Francisco a little louder than necessary and marveling at how many songs I didn't even know belonged to them. I also got my number one concert-brag story that I still pull out at any opportunity …as Pat Monahan (lead singer of Train) walked around the pavilion singing Marry Me, he pulled me to his side and wrapped me in a hug. I was star-struck for the rest of the night- so much so that I managed to lose my (flip) phone and had to run to retrieve it from a thankfully charitable man who had found it and answered when we called. Thanks again, wherever you are! I've been to so many concerts at SPAC since then- Fall Out Boy (twice), Styx, Maroon 5 again, Mumford and Sons... some things never change, like the lines of traffic outside the park, the hour spent sitting in your car after the concert looking for the best escape route, the battles at the merch tent, the madness on the lawn. No concert will ever be as special as that first one, but nothing could ever stop me from going back a thousand more times. SS

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Meet local musician Jeff Brisbin and learn of his inspiration for his latest album

WRITTEN BY THOMAS DIMOPOULOS PHOTOS BY BLACKBURN PORTRAIT DESIGN that famous car scene in the film “Pulp Fiction” where John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson get into an animated debate? How about Mike Myers and Dana Carvey headbanging to the tune “Bohemian Rhapsody” in “Wayne’s World,” or Cheech and Chong’s rumbles in a beat-up Impala across the California asphalt in “Up in Smoke,” a drum kit dancing along with the ride in the back seat. Then there is Jeff Brisbin – musician singer-songwriter, seated behind the wheel of a large automobile, navigating the streets of Saratoga as a bevy of soon-to-be-discovered hits tumble out the speakers to accompany our ride. Ten new songs clocking in at approximately 40 minutes stretch across the terrain of his brand-new album, “Foreverly.” Brisbin began playing guitar at the age of 12, shortly after falling in love with the sound of the Beatles. He is one of Saratoga’s hardest-working entertainers, performing about 260 gigs this year alone. “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put us back together again,” he sings along to the acoustic strums graced with subtle electric tones that groove across the top. It is an irresistibly catchy tune which contradicts the themes of the storytelling: wrapped in the theme of a child’s lullaby, a parent-and-child engage in dialogue about the separation of a marital divorce. Brisbin began putting together the pieces of his sonic jigsaw last October, delivering 30 songs to producer Dave Maswick – of Blotto fame – who laid his gifted hands on the pieces and resulted in the 10 tunes that comprise “Foreverly.”

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“He helped me bring out the most from the songs,” Brisbin says. “He kept it me; He is my George Martin.” A variety of local musicians – Joel Brown and Rick Bolton among them – appear on the album, whose songs provide an insight, if not a portrait, of the multicolored selves of the songwriter’s soul. The jangling rave-up “I Will Wait For You,” invokes the joyful Carnaby Street of Swinging London in the 1960s, while a Caribbean infused Tequila melody matches up perfectly with the chicken coops and wire-mesh fencing whizzing past the rural landscape outside. Then it’s on to the lovely “Melody” based on a Valentine’s day poem Brisbin penned to his wife; the melancholy of a lonely piano and a moody pedal steel guitar of “Love Is Not A Four-Letter Word,” and the Todd Rundgren reminiscent indulgences of “Face My Fear.” The Dixieland swing of a song called “Make Up Your Mind,” features a deep trombone and a heavy bass drum. Atop the choppy waves of Saratoga Lake, the boats bounce in a syncopated rhythm, their flags keeping time, flapping in the wind. We turn back onto Union Avenue, a black Jeep breezing beyond the gardens of Yaddo, the racecourse, down millionaire’s row and past the East Avenue house he called home when he was a kid.

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“Just me and my guitar,” Brisbin says, introducing a song about dealing with loss titled “Letting Go.” It is a theme that remains prevalent in “Same Old Moon.” It is a story a father shared with his young son. No matter what separation necessary to be endured, the son need only look up at the sky to know that his father was also looking at the same stars, the same sky, the same old moon. Brisbin lost his son Joshua in 2011. “That kid was my bud,” he says. “Something like that happens…you just don’t know what to do. You carry it with you. Every day.” The title track boasts an innocent balladeering essence and shares a redemptive humanity; despite the limitations of mortality, there exists a communion in the ether that dictates paths once crossed will be forever joined:

“Just stare at the stars that twinkle is me, walk in the ocean the waves will be me, Just close your eyes that breeze will be me, just listen real closely that whisper is me foreverly, forever, foreverly...”

Jeff Brisbin’s new album, “Foreverly,” will be available at a variety of online music locations, as well as in CD form. He is also exploring a limited run of the new release on vinyl. For more information, go to: www.JeffBrisbin.com. SS

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Heat up your summer cocktail routine with Liber & Co’s Fiery Ginger Syrup in glinting copper Moscow Mule Mugs. The Savory Pantry has all your craft cocktail needs for porch, pool, and picnic! The Savory Pantry 486 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.450.1130 • www.SavoryPantry.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 61

Caffe Lena:

Still Bringing Good Things to the World

WRITTEN BY THOMAS DIMOPOULOS PHOTOS BY PHOTOANDGRAPHIC.COM

ou hear them advancing with trepidation, an apprehensive echo of footsteps atop the sturdy new staircase, creeping around the corner and anxiously peeking inside. Can the beloved space that has stood for more than a half-century ever be the same?

“They’re wondering if it’s still going to have the right vibe,” explains Sarah Craig, who has witnessed the scenario over the past several months many times. “Finally, they do this big ‘Wow! It’s a more beautiful version of what it always was,’ says Caffè Lena’s executive director. “And it’s very gratifying to hear people have that reaction.” Following a six-month renovation, the legendary café which first opened in 1960 and has played host to some of the folk music world’s biggest names, re-opened with a new look, and sound. Cameras were installed capable of producing hi-definition music videos, and a new digital soundboard punches up state-of-the-art tones. The listening room capacity has been expanded from 85 seats to 110, and the backstage dressing rooms are fitted with a shower - much to the delight of traveling musicians. 62 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Many traces of the hallowed past have been preserved, or upgraded anew. The vintage wood entry doors have been relocated to the main room upstairs, where yesterday-meetstomorrow in a frame of redbrick. Historic performance flyers were rescued and placed on display, and comfortable couches line the wall, providing a homey feel. Overall there is a funky gleam to the re-modeled space. Craig remembers the January day in 1995 she first set foot in Lena Spencer’s hallowed café. “It had this legendary reputation. It was famous and held in such incredible esteem, but when you walked in those front doors it seemed so…shabby,” she says. The bright lights grew dim, a pale-yellow hue clung to the walls and architectural signs of chipping and warpage were everywhere. When Spencer died in 1989, the cafe lost its guiding light. Craig came aboard and the café began to build anew. A nonprofit corporation was formed and purchased the building in 1998. In the new millennium, a $2 million capital campaign was launched. “I’m here to nurture the café, to help it be what it wants to be in the world,” Craig says. “I’m excited at the possibilities of building community around music and launching new artists into the world.” One of those launch pads is the weekly Open Mic night, where anyone can come and perform, read, or share a story. It is a window into people’s lives, Craig says.

Despite the newness, the threads to the past are in plain sight. Some of the venue’s tables harken back to the venue’s origins – including most notably the “Dylan” table, where the then barely-in-his-twenties folk singer is famously pictured sitting with Spencer and Suze Rotolo during one of his visits in the early 1960s. The café has also adopted Al McKenney’s record collection. The beloved Saratoga figure often seen wearing his purple Caffè Lena T-shirt and red suspenders died in 2015 and left his collection - comprised of about 600 albums and 400 CD’s - to the café, where there are

plans underway to launch a lunch-time music series during which people would bring their food and listen to the music McKenney left to be heard. “There is so much need for optimism to be fostered in the world right now and I think there are a million ways we can serve the community,” Craig says. “I feel the music you hear at the café can trigger compassion and open-mindedness, set the stage for positive things to happen and provide the opportunity to bring good things to the world.” SS

“You can be the most successful businessman in town and not the most talented guitar player, but you come down and do your thing at the Open Mic because it’s part of who you are, and you have the need to share it.” “Some people who have played the Open Mic have gone on to some big things: Sawyer Fredericks, Hal Ketchum, G. Love,” says Joe Deuel, longtime photographer and soundman at the cafe. “It’s just endless how many great and notable shows were here. This place opened up a lot of the universe to me.” Deuel first picked up a camera as a young boy and his image-capturing abilities have served the community well: his photos of Lena Spencer and Don McLean, Dave Van Ronk and Rick Danko preserve an important part of the music’s past. The fifth-generation Saratogian first wandered into the café during his high school years in the early 1970s during a Utah Philipps performance. He returned a few years later to simply help out with picking up dishes, ended up “turning a few knobs” on the soundboard, and has been at the café ever since. “Lena kind of stuck me on it and there was no getting out,” laughs Deuel, recalling with fondness Spencer’s days presiding over the room, chain-smoking Pall Mall’s, playing Scrabble and listening to music. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Photo by John Seymour

DOWNTOWN RINGS

with the A Cappella Sounds of

Barbershop on Broadway

or the past seven summers, members of the award-winning Racing City Chorus have entertained al fresco diners and visitors with a series of strolling, impromptu mini-concerts in four part harmony on the sidewalks of downtown Saratoga Springs. Already a summer tradition, “Barbershop on Broadway” is scheduled for Thursday evenings during the thoroughbred racing meet (July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) when the chorus will perform show tunes, patriotic numbers, and popular songs.

“Barbershop on Broadway” is underwritten by a several downtown restaurants and shops. Christel and Colin MacLean, coowners of Circus Café on Broadway and longtime chorus sponsors, believe the sidewalk series not only brings a festive atmosphere to downtown, it provides the kind of quality entertainment which makes the City a destination for visitors. “We have guests who make reservations to coincide with the chorus’s a cappella performances,” Christel MacLean said. “Our guests and staff love it whenever the chorus performs.” The forty-eight member Racing City Chorus is the reigning Mountain Division Champion of the Northeastern District of the Barbershop Harmony Society and regularly appear at festivals, sporting events, and other venues throughout the area. SS

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HELPING

the Homeless in Saratoga Springs… In September 2016 the Special Assessment District along with the City of Saratoga Springs installed 9 decorative drop boxes in various locations throughout the downtown area. The purpose of the drop boxes is to address the complex needs of individuals facing circumstances which led them to homelessness and to the streets asking for money. Local service provider, Shelters of Saratoga, receives the contributions made to the drop boxes. Contributions to homeless care services encourage meaningful change in one’s life and discourage the influx of aggressive panhandling the city has seen over the last several years. To date, over $3,000 has been collected and used to fund programs at Shelters of Saratoga whose goal is to provide sustainable housing to individuals living on the streets.

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PHOTOS BY ALICE COREY

ABOUT SHELTERS OF SARATOGA’S PROGRAMS: Through its programs, Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) makes over 800 contacts with at-risk individuals: •

OUTREACH – This program meets individuals who are street homeless to provide critical supplies such as food, water, sleeping bags, clothing and tents in order for them to survive outdoor living. The goal of this program is to build a trusting relationship and move the individual through SOS’ programs with the goal of providing sustainable housing conditions.

•

DROP-IN CENTER - Twice weekly individuals are invited to one of SOS’ case managed shelters to shower, do laundry, have a meal, get needed supplies and services such as sex education, public health, and connections to public assistance programs.

•

EMERGENCY SHELTER - Code Blue provides safety from harsh weather conditions from November until April. The goal of this program is to keep individuals safe regardless of their circumstances.

•

CASE MANAGED SHELTER - Two houses on Walworth Street, just blocks from downtown, house up to 35 individuals in a structured and sober environment. Individuals staying at the shelter are working one-onone with the case management staff to secure suitable employment and housing.

•

AFFORDABLE HOUSING - Graduates from the case management program receive preferential placement in one of SOS’ 7 unit income based apartments in downtown Saratoga Springs. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

3 LOCAL FARMERS' MARKETS #

# #

1. Saratoga Farmers’ Market

sets up twice a week, From May to October Wednesday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the pavilions in High Rock Park, High Rock Avenue on the edge of downtown Saratoga Springs just east of the City Center. www.SaratogaFarmersMarket.org

2. Spa City Farmers Market Spa State Park Sunday 10-3 year-round Lincoln Bath Tuesday (May-September) 3-6 National Museum of Dance www.SpaCityFarmersMarket.com

3.Greenfield Farmers’ Market

Runs every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. in Middle Grove Park on Middle Grove Road, through the second week in September. www.GreenfieldHistoricalSociety.com/Farmers-Market

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Favorite Spots

)

other than The Track!

)

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW!

DAY TRIPS

Head North: Visit Lake George, Schroon Lake, Lake Placid and the Adirondack Region, just to name a few. Head East: Walk Around Schuylerville or Greenwich and visit the quaint little shops and great eateries. Vermont is well worth the drive, and you’ll be there within an hour!

Head South: Go Antiquing in Ballston Spa! If you visit Ballston Spa on a Thursday, make sure you stay in town for one of their free concerts in Wiswall Park. (June through August, 6-8 p.m.) Head West: Drive to Sacandaga Lake and enjoy the lovely scenery around the lake and in the small neighboring towns

FREEBIES

PICK-YOUR-OWN-FRUIT

There is so much FREE stuff out there to see and do! This list is just a teaser, but the Chamber’s website is worth spending a few minutes on to find the many freebies around town— Saratoga.org.

EVENTS All American July 4th Celebration

saratogasjuly4th.com

Hats Off Festival (7/22 & 7/23)

Upbeat on the Roof at the Tang Teaching Museum

tang.skidmore.edu/calendar

Theater

Shakespeare in the Park, Congress Park, July 18 - August 5: 6pm Donations appreciated. SaratogaShakespeare.com

John Seymour

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Ariel’s Farm 194 Northern Pines Rd., Wilton (518) 584-2189 Hand Melon Market 533 Wilbur Ave. Greenwich (518) 692-2376 Winney’s Farm 113 Winney Dr. Schuylerville (518) 695- 5547

FASIG-TIPTON The grounds are open to the public, so grab a table in the courtyard, have a (very reasonably priced) bite at the concession stand and then walk around and pick out which horse you’ll beplunking down millions for.

SaratogaPhotographer.com

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COUNTY FAIRS

Susan Farnsworth

To really appreciate the label of “The City in the Country,” you need to wander out a little. What better way to check out the countryside than by going to any of the wonderful country fairs in the area? Saratoga's All-American Celebration July 3 & 4 Saratoga County Fair July 18 - 23 SaratogaCountyFair.org (518) 885-9701 Altamont Fair August 15 - 20 AltamontFair.com (518) 861-6671

Susan Farnsworth

Washington County Fair August 21 - 27 WashingtonCountyFair.com (518) 692- 2464 Schaghiticoke Fair August 30 - September 4 SchaghticokeFair.com (518) 753-4411

BOOKSTORES

There are a number of great locations in Saratoga to pick out your next summer book. From the exstensive and relatively new Northshire Bookstore to the $1-a-book deals at the Saratoga Book Warehouse, you can spend hours searching for the perfect read. Northshire Bookstore 424 Broadway Lyrical Ballad Bookstore 7 Phila Street The Comic Depot LLC 514 Broadway Saratoga Book Warehouse 68 Weibel Ave saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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TAKE THE TRAIN... FOR FUN! Saratoga & North Creek Railway

26 Station Ln Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.sncrr.com (877) 726-7245 Departing Saratoga Springs 10:00 a.m. Departing Hadley 10:49 a.m. Train departs North Creek for return trip at 3:40 p.m. Arrival back at Hadley 5:05 p.m. Arrival back at Saratoga Springs 5:57 p.m. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or crave adventure, the Saratoga & North Creek Railway can connect you to fun outdoor adventure in and around the Adirondacks. From spring through fall, the Adirondacks come alive with activities the whole family can enjoy – hiking, fishing, rafting, horseback riding and more. If you are looking to get away from it all, why not try a train ride to North Creek and enjoy a half day hike in the wilderness with Square Eddys or Step back in time and take in all the rich history of the restored 1871 railroad depot.

Saratoga Dinner Train

BREAKFAST AT THE TRACK Come to the Saratoga Race Course for breakfast! Yes, you pay to park (between $5-$10), but if you leave by 10 a.m. you get a refund. So enjoy the buffet, sip your coffee in a private box, watch the horses work out and enjoy the misty morning like royalty.

VICTORIA POOL Travel back in time and take a more elegant dip! The Victoria Pool inside the Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Drive, open 10-6 daily, $8 per person

Departs Saratoga Springs at 6:30 p.m. 7/21/2017- 9/4/2017 Tuesdays Only Looking for a unique and romantic dining experience on “Dark Tuesdays” this summer? Come ride the Saratoga Dinner Trains. With departures each Tuesday during track season, these trains offer gourmet dining and amazing sunset views from SNCR’s vintage dome cars. Offering full bar service and new menus each week, the Saratoga Dinner trains are the best seats in the house! Our chef can accommodate special dietary needs. Advance notice is required Photos from “Save the Victoria Pool Society”

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TO SEE WHERE THE LOCALS GO LOOK FOR THIS DECAL PICNICS Saratoga County has many great locations to enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visit Lock Five in Schuylerville and watch the boats, find a spot at Spa State Park, or Congress Park, or even head north to the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park.

Photo by Samantha Decker

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Have Kids? PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

WEST SIDE RECREATION

152 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs

West Side Rec is one of our top playground picks because in addition to many shaded areas and a decent playground, this park has water! A large interactive fountain sits in the middle of the grass, a refreshing invitation for hot, sticky kids. This park is a good size, and has plenty of shaded areas, some benches and picnic tables. The playground equipment is basic and there is a good sized sand box. There are bathrooms here but they are a bit of a walk from the playground. West Side Rec is a nice spot and well worth a visit.

CONGRESS PARK

ly? Stroller-friend s? Infant Swing Bathrooms?

☑ ☐ ☑

Downtown Saratoga Springs

Congress Park is a gorgeous and historic park in the middle of downtown Saratoga. With duck ponds, grassy meadows, historic landmarks and a wooden carousel, Congress Park is a great meeting place, picnic spot, or people-watching destination. In July and August, Congress Park is home to live music concerts, arts and crafts festivals, and other special events.

At-a-Glance ly? Stroller-friend s? Infant Swing Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

At-a-Glance

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

Plan it! Pack a picnic blanket from home and pick up lunch at one of your favorite downtown Saratoga lunch spots. Enjoy an afternoon picnicking in the park!

SUZANNE'S PLAYGROUND Woodthrush Court, Milton

This brand new all-inclusive and accessible playground is located on the western side of Burgess-Kimball Memorial Park, just off of Woodthrush Court in Milton. It's the newest playground in our area, and the kids are loving it so far!

At-a-G

lance

At-a-Glance Stroller-friendly? ☑ Infant Swings? ☑ Bathrooms? ☑

EAST SIDE RECREATION

Strolle r-friend ly? ☑ Infant Sw Bathro ings? ☑ oms? Sprinkl ☑ er Park ? ☑

Corner of Lake Ave and Granger Ave, Saratoga Springs

Located on the corner of Lake Ave (Route 29) and Granger Ave in Saratoga is East Side Rec. East Side Rec has a skate park, several tennis courts, baseball fields and public bathrooms. It’s a nice park for a hot summer day because it is one of four Saratoga fountain playgrounds. The fountain is nice and usually quite busy in the summertime. There is a playground at East Side Rec that was recently updated.

GAVIN PARK

10 Lewis Road, Wilton

Gavin Park is a huge complex with well-maintained fields, courts, pavilions, a gymnasium, and a nice playground featuring a brand new splash pad. There’s tons of parking, bathrooms, and the pavilion right near the playground has vending machines for soft drinks. The playground was recently updated and features a brand new adaptive playground called Kaitlin's Korner. Gavin Park offers a wide variety of sports and activities for kids throughout the year. Check out townofwilton.com/gavin-park for details on the programs offered. 72 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

At-a-Glance Stroller-friendly? ☑ Infant Swings? ☑ Bathrooms? ☑

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BURGESS-KIMBALL MEMORIAL PARK

384 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa The reconstructed "all-inclusive" playground features ADA swings, sensory panels, transfer platforms for children with mobility issues, and rubber At-a-Glance surfacing tiles for the safety of Stroller-friendly? ☑ all children. There are also special Infant Swings? ☑ ramps for wheelchairs and one Bathrooms? ☑ swing that holds a wheelchair.

KELLEY PARK/ KIDS' CREEKSIDE VILLAGE Ralph Street, Ballston Spa

Kelley Park playground, called "Kids' Creekside Village" in Ballston Spa, is a mecca for the playground enthusiast. The playground has some standard features like twirling slides, swings, and climbing contraptions, but it has some very unique things too, like giant xylophones with big mallets for kids to play, a large sandbox, and a special area just for toddlers. It’s located on the Kaydeross Creek, but the actual playground is fenced in. Visibility isn’t great here, so be prepared for a highermaintenance playground experience, especially if you have little kids.

At-a-Glance Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms?

☑ ☑ ☑

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5 Insta-Worthy Saratoga Food Stops These days, going out to eat is more than an opportunity to indulge yourself in delectable dishes and sugary sweets. Every food moment can be shared instantly with hordes of social media followers, so it’s always a plus when your order is what “foodie” blogs would call “Insta-worthy”. It may seem as though all of this food is out of your reach, with many novelty treats being served in cities like New York and Boston. However, there are a number of food stops in Saratoga more than worthy of gracing your newsfeed. WRITTEN BY BRITTNEY EISNOR PHOTOS BY MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

MAX LONDONS

Photo by @ _zaheer11

KRU COFFEE

Photo by Brittney Eisnor

COMFORT KITCHEN

Photo by @SaratogaFoodAdventures

Max Londons on Broadway serves good food at any time of the day, but their brunch (offered Fridays and weekends) is especially yummy- and nice to look at! Dishes are served in a mixture of modern and classic styles, and whether you like snapping a shot of your food for aesthetic reasons, or just to remember it, you are sure to leave the restaurant satisfied!

Kru Coffee is a relatively new coffee joint in Saratoga. It offers carefully crafted drinks and all organic and fair trade products. The atmosphere of the cafe totally encompasses this, with a wooden interior and soft yellow lighting. The baristas create beautiful latte art for each coffee, making this a great stop for a perfect coffee pic!

Sometimes all you need is comfort food. Comfort Kitchen has you covered- from your grumbling stomach to the Insta post you’ll have to make. Even aside from how cute their offerings are, a post promoting their restaurant is a post promoting local food, as every dish has locally sourced ingredients. It’s a win-win-win!

PARK SIDE EATERY

KILWINS

HAMLET & GHOST

Photo by @ParkSideEatery

Park Side Eatery is the perfect lunch stop. Their sandwiches are to die for, and a quick snap of the cross section of your meal will have people clamoring to ask where it came from. Plus, they offer some of the best gourmet doughnuts in the Saratoga area!

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Photo by Brittney Eisnor

Kilwins is a certifiably delicious sweets stop along Broadway. This cute candy shop makes their treats in the front of store, and offers a variety of chocolate-y and sugary goodness. It’s also the perfect ice cream parlor for a crush-worthy cone that will have your instagram followers marveling and drooling along with you.

Photo by @beekman1802almanac

Carefully crafted cocktails can make just as enviable an insta post as any milkshake or frap! You will find all kinds of drinks at Hamlet & Ghost on Caroline Street, from decorated creations to simple and classic ones- remember, your photo subject doesn’t have to have any crazy components to make a statement.

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in Saratoga Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tumbler, Linkedin, Facebook, Vimeo, Skype, emails, faxes, text messagesâ&#x20AC;Ś Too often the virtual world blurs our view of the real world and we miss the everyday beauty around us. Who better to capture the simple pleasures and iconic moments in life than our local photographers. With an eye for art and their finger on the trigger, they are the pictorial biographers of life. We hope you enjoy these snapshots in time

by photographer John Seymour

in Saratoga As seen by local photographer John Seymour

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SARATOGA TODAY’S

DINING GUIDE

Boca Bistro

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Breakfast, Brunch & Bakeries R Denotes outdoor seating.

Beekman Street Cafe R 51 Ash Street, Saratoga (518) 886-1606

Berkshire Mountain Bakery Saratoga

422 Broadway, Suite 2, Saratoga (518) 587-2191

Beverly’s Eatery

256 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 885-2848

Bread Basket Bakery 65 Spring Street, Saratoga (518) 587-4233 SaratogaBreadBasket.com

Bruegger’s Bagels R 453 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-4372 Brueggers.com

Compton’s Restaurant 457 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-9632

Country Corner Café 25 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 583-7889 CountryCornerCafe.net

Denny’s

468 Louden Road, Saratoga (518) 580-1598 Dennys.com

Diamond Club Grill

Embassy Suites by Hilton 86 Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 886-1111 DiamondClubGrill.com

Fortunate Cup R

120 West Ave Suite 302, Saratoga (518) 226-0800 FortunateCup.com

Friendly’s

3075 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 583-1598 Friendlys.com

Golden Corral

15 Old Gick Road, Saratoga (518) 580-0682 GoldenCorral.com

Hattie’s Chicken Shack R (Weekend Brunch) 45 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4790 HattiesRestaurant.com

Hungry Spot Café Lakeside Farms & Cider Mill

480 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-9060 HungrySpotCafe.com

The Iron Roost R

36 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3535 IronRoost.com

The Kettle

445 (Outer) Church Street, Saratoga (518) 584-9734 TheKettleRestaurant.com

Lakeside Farms & Cider Mill R

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359 LakeSideFarmsCidermill.com

The Local Pub and Teahouse R

(Weekend Brunch) 142 Grand Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-7256 TheLocalPubandTeahouse.com

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Bakery

176 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-6565

Scallion’s Restaurant R (Weekend Brunch) 44 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-0192 ScallionsRestaurant.com

Scotty’s Restaurant

215 Ballard Road, Gansevoort (518) 584-1444 ScottysTruckstop.com

Shirley’s Restaurant 74 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4532

SPoT Coffee R

Malta Diner

55 Railroad Place, Saratoga (518) 306-5323 SPoTcoffee.com

Mama Mia’s Bakery and Pizza

47 Phila Street (518) 871-1780 SweetMimisCafe.com

Mrs. London’s Bakery

(Sunday) 184 S Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-9694 thirsty-owl-outlet-wine-garden. myshopify.com

2476 Route 9, Malta (518) 899-5099 MaltaDiner.com

185 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-7783 mamamiassaratoga.com 464 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-8100 MrsLondonsBakery.com

Panera Bread R

3070 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 226-0095

Park Side Eatery

40 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 907-4337 Parksideeatery.com

PRIME at Saratoga National R

(Sunday Brunch) 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-4653 PrimeatSaratogaNational.com

Sweet Mimi’s Café and Bakery Thirsty Owl R

Triangle Diner

400 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-6368

Russell’s Deli

303 Milton Avenue (Route 50), Ballston Spa (518) 885-DELI (1700) RussellsDeli.com

Sweeney's R

70 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-5169

Uncommon Grounds R

Ravenous Café

402 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-0656 UncommonGrounds.com

Saratoga Coffee Traders R

3 Hampstead Place, Suite 104b, Saratoga | (518) 450-7989 UptownCaffe.com

21 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 581-0560 RavenousCrepes.com

447 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-5600 SaratogaCoffeeTraders.com

Uptown Cafe

Whistling Kettle R

24 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-2664 TheWhistlingKettle.com

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Lake Local

R Denotes outdoor seating.

Photo by Alice Corey

Family Friendly & Casual Dining

Andy’s Adirondack Grille 2872 US 9, Malta (518) 580-1269 TheOriginalBentleys.com

Bailey’s Café R

37 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 583-6060 BaileysCafe.com

Berkshire Mountain Bakery Saratoga

422 Broadway, Suite 2, Saratoga (518) 587-2191

The Brickyard Tavern R 70 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 884-2570 TheBrickyardTavern.com

Carson’s Woodside Tavern R 57 State Route 9P, Malta (518) 584-9791 CarsonsWoodside.com

Catherine’s in the Park R

58 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga (518) 583-4657 SaratogaSpaGolf.com

*Seasonal, poolside dining 11 a.m. to dusk.

Circus Café Restaurant R

392 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1106 CircusCafe.com

Clark’s Steakhouse

120 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-2073 ClarksSteakhouse.com

Dock Brown’s R

511 NY-9P, Saratoga (518) 306-4897 BrownsBeachResort.com/Dock-Browns

Farmer’s Daughter R

882 Route 29, Saratoga (518) 584-8562 FarmersDaughterDrivein.com

Four Seasons Natural Foods R

33 Phila Street, Saratoga 120 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4670 FourSeasonsNaturalFoods.com

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Greenhouse Chopped Salad Co.

33 Railroad Place, Saratoga (518) 540-1036 EatGreenhouse.com

Harvest & Hearth R

251 B County Route 67, Saratoga (518) 587-1900 HarvestAndHearth.com

Lake Local R

550 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 886-1373 LakeLocalSaratoga.com

Lakeside Farms & Cider Mill R

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359 LakesideFarmsCidermill.com

Park Side Eatery

40 Phila Street #1, Saratoga (the Old Palmetto Building) (518) 907-4337 ParkSideEatery.com

Ravenous Café (Creperie)

21 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 518-0560 RavenousCrepes.com

Ripe Tomato R

2721 Route 9, Ballston Spa (518) 581-1530 RipeTomato.com

Saratoga Juice Bar R

382 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1106 SaratogaJuiceBar.com

Scallion’s Restaurant R

44 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-0192 ScallionsSaratoga.com

The Great American Grill (inside Hilton Garden Inn) 125 South Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-1500

Winslow’s R

801 Saratoga Road, Gansvoort (518) 584-2489 WinslowsSaratoga.com

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Salt and Char

Photo by Alice Corey

Specialty Restaurants

R Denotes outdoor seating.

American

Hibachi Japanese Restaurant

Sushi Thai Garden

Boca Bistro R

232 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-4550 SaratogaHI.com

Izumi Asian Bistro R

Farm to Table

Cock ‘n’ Bull

Bookmakers at Holiday Inn R Brook Tavern R

139 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 871-1473 TheBrookTavern.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga (518) 682-5999 Mortons.com

Salt and Char R

353 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 450-7500 SaltAndChar.com

Asian, Fusion & Chinese Bua Thai Sushi R

1103 Ellsworth Boulevard, Malta (518) 788-8898 BuaThaiSushi.com/Malta

Duo Modern Japanese R 175 South Broadway, Saratoga (518) 580-8881 Duo-Japanese.com

3310 S Broadway, Saratoga (518) 580-9343 HibachiSaratoga.com

63 Putnam Street, Saratoga (518) 583-0008 IzumiSaratoga.com

Kraverie

78 Beekman Street, Saratoga (518) 450-7423 KraverieSaratoga.com

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out

66 E Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 584-8371

Osaka Sushi House

3084-6 Route 50, Wilton (518) 290-7271 JapanseFoodSaratogaNY.com

Phila Fusion

54 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 226-0400 PhilaFusion.com

Sam’s Chinese Restaurant

824 NY 50, Burnt Hills (518) 384-1997 SamsChinese.wixsite.com/SamsChinese

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44-46 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 580-0900 SushiThaiGarden.com

Mouzon House R 1 York Street, Saratoga (518) 226-0014 MouzonHouse.com

Next Door Kitchen and Bar 51 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3249 EatDinnerNextDoor.com

One Caroline

1 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 226-0014 OneCaroline.com

Wheatfields R

440 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-0534 54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park (518) 383-4444 Wheatfields.com

Fine Dining

15 Church Restaurant 15 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 587-1515 15ChurchRestaurant.com

384 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 682-2800 BocaBistro.com 5342 Parkis Mills Road, Galway (518) 882-6962 TheCocknBull.com

Crown Grill R

390 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1105 CrownGrillSaratoga.com

Diamond Club Grill

Embassy Suites by Hilton 86 Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 886-1111

The Inn at Saratoga 231 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1890 TheInnAtSaratoga.com

Jacob & Anthony’s American Grill R

38 High Rock, Saratoga (518) 871-1600 Marrellorc.com

Lake Ridge

35 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake (518) 889-6000 Lake-Ridge.com

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Panza's Restaurant

Photo by SaratogaPhotographer.com

R Denotes outdoor seating.

Longfellow’s

Chez Pierre Restaurant

Mama Mia’s Pizza

Max London’s Restaurant R

Indian

Mangino’s Nove R

(518) 542-7581

47 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 580-1144 KaravalliSaratoga.com

123 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-2990 OldeBryanInn.com

60 Court Street, Saratoga (518) 583-4151 SaratogaLittleIndiaRestaurant.com

1 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-2026 OneCaroline.com

Harvey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar R

500 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-0108 Longfellows.com

466 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-0505 MaxLondonsResturaunt.com

Mio Posto

Olde Bryan Inn R

One Caroline Street Bistro Prime at Saratoga National R

458 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-4653 GolfSaratoga.com/Dining

Salt & Char R

353 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 450-7500 SaltAndChar.com

Siro’s (Seasonal) R

168 Lincoln Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4030 SirosNY.com

Sperry’s R

30 1/2 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 584-9618 SperrysRestaurant.com

Thirsty Owl R

184 S Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-9694

Wine Bar R

417 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-8777 TheWineBarofSaratoga.com

The Wishing Well

745 Saratoga Road, Wilton (518) 584-7640 WishingWellRestaurant.com

French

Mouzon House R

1 York Street, Saratoga (518) 226-0014 MouzonHouse.com

979 Route 9, Gansevoort (518) 793-3350 ChezPierreRestaurant.com

185 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-7783 MamaMiasSaratoga.com

Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India

149 Route 9P, Saratoga (518) 584-5599 Manginos.com

Little India

707 Saratoga Road, Wilton (518) 583-8877 NoveSaratoga.com

Irish

14 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 583-0003 HarveysPub.com

Parting Glass R

40-42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-1916 PartingGlassPub.com

Italian

Augie’s Restaurant R 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-8600 AugiesRestaurant.com

Boca Bistro R

384 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 682-2800 BocaBistro.com

Bellini Italian Eatery R 19 Clifton Country Road (518) 348-2090 Marrellorc.com

Chianti Il Ristorante R 18 Division Street, Saratoga (518) 580-0025 ChiantiRistorante.com

Forno Tuscano Bistro R 541 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-2401 FornoBistro.com

Limoncello Ristorante R 1 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga (518) 580-8700 LimoncelloRistorante.com

Osteria Danny R

26 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 423-7022 OsteriaDanny.com

Panza’s Restaurant 510 Route 9P, Saratoga (518) 584-6882 PanzasRestaurant.com

Pennell’s Restaurant

284 Jefferson Street, Saratoga (518) 583-2423 PennellsRestaurant.com

Three Vines Bistro & Bar 32A Congress Plaza, Saratoga (518) 306-5881 ThreeVinesBistro.com

Village Pizzeria R

2727 Route 29, Middle Grove (518) 882-9431 VillagePizzeria.com

Villago R

175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake (518) 280-0311 VillagoPizzeria.com

Mexican

Amigo’s Cantina

42 Ferry Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-9595 AmigosCantina.net

Blue Agave R

135 Crescent Street, Saratoga (518) 886-9534 BlueAgaveToga.com

Cantina R

430 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-5577 CantinaSaratoga.com

Specialty Restaurants Cont.

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El Mexicano R

208 South Broadway, Saratoga (518) 226-0105 ElMexicanoRestaurant.com

Esperanto

4 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-4236 EsperantoSaratoga.com

Leon’s Restaurant R

2100 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 490-2058 LeonsMexicanRestaurant.com

Mexican Connection R 41 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4466 MexConx.com

Sunset Café

42 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 885-8550

Seafood

Fish at 30 Lake R

30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 539-3474 Fishat30Lake.com

Southern/BBQ

Hattie’s Chicken Shack R

45 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4790 3057 Route 50 Wilton Plaza, Saratoga (518) 226-0000 HattiesRestaurant.com

The Kettle Restaurant 445 Church Street, Saratoga (518) 584-9734 TheKettleRestaurant.com

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA R

1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga (518) 583-2445 or (518) 583-7427 PJsBarBQsa.com

Vegetarian

Four Seasons Natural Foods Cafe R

33 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4670 FourSeasonsNaturalFoods.com

Saratoga Juice Bar R 382 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1106 SaratogaJuiceBar.com

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Villago

SaratogaPhotographer.com

Deli, Pizza & Chinese Take-out

R Denotes outdoor seating.

Deli

Ben & Bill’s New York Style Deli 115 Ballston Avenue (Rt. 50), Saratoga (518) 782-0441

Healthy Living Market & Cafe

3065 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 306-4900 HealthyLivingMarket.com/Saratoga

Park Side Eatery

40 Phila Street, Suite 1 (518) 907-4337 ParkSideEatery.com

Putnam Market R 431 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-3663 PutnamMarket.com

Roma Foods & Market

222 Washington Street, Saratoga (518) 587-6004 RomaFoods.com

Russell’s Deli R

303 Milton Avenue (Rt. 50), Ballston Spa (518) 885-DELI (3354) RussellsDeli.com

Saratoga 5 Points Market & Deli R 42 Park Place, Saratoga (518) 584-1000 Saratoga5Points.com

Spring Street Deli and Pizzeria R 132 Spring Street, Saratoga (518) 584-0994 SpringStreetDeli.net

Pizza

9 Miles East Farm Pizza 136 Goff Road, Schuylerville (518) 514-8106 9MilesEast.com

Amore Pizza

265 Main Street, Corinth (518) 654-9991 AmoreItalyPizza.com

Augie's To-Go

223 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 580-8646 AugiesToGo.com

BWP R

70 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga (518) 763-2975 or (518) 763-2323 BeerWinePizza.com

D’Andrea’s Pizza

33 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 584-3632 654 Saratoga Road, Wilton (518) 583-3781 DandreasPizza.com

Gennarro's Pizza

46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-1900 GennarrosSaratoga.com

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Harvest & Hearth R

Village Pizzeria R

Mama Mia’s Pizza

Villago R

251B County Route 67, Saratoga (518) 587-1900 HarvestAndHearth.com 185 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-7783 MamaMiasSaratoga.com

Marino’s Pizza

46 West Circular Street, Saratoga (518) 584-3030

Pizza 7

7 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 580-2000 SaratogaPizza7.com

Pizza Nook

3775 Lewis Road, Ballston Spa (518) 885-1800 Pizza-Nook.com

Pizza Works

54 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 885-0669 722 Saratoga Road, Burnt Hills (518) 399-9494 PizzaWorks.org

Pope’s Pizza

232 Washington Street, Saratoga (518) 587-1643 PopesPizza.com

Three Vines Bistro & Bar

2727 Route 29, Middle Grove (518) 882-9431 VillagePizzeria.com 175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake (518) 280-0311 VillagoPizzeria.com

West Avenue Pizza

99 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 581-9999 WestAvePizzeria.com

Chinese Take-out Char Koon

388 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-9000 CharkoonSaratogaSprings.com

Uncle Ming’s Chinese Kitchen

74 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-5558

Sunny Wok

3084 NY-50, Saratoga (518) 583-8888

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out

66 E Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 584-8371

32A Congress Plaza, Saratoga (518) 306-5881 ThreeVinesBistro.com

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Augie's

SaratogaPhotographer.com

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R Denotes outdoor seating.

Pubs

Fortunes

Publik House Pub

25 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga (518) 581-5790 SaratogaCasino.com

Routes 9 & 9P, Malta (518) 587-7479 PublikHouse.net

13 North R

16 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-7359 GaffneysRestaurant.com

63-A Putnam Street, Saratoga (518) 584-8066 PutnamDen.com

Almost Saratoga R

14 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 583-0003 HarveysPub.com

43 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 581-0777 SevenHorsePub.com

The Barrelhouse R

86 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 886-8938 HenryStreetTaproom.com

13 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 330-2426 SpaCityTapAndBarrel.com

Bentley’s Tavern R

19 Front Street, Ballston (518) 309-3584 HenryIrishTavern.com

2 West Bar and Grille R

2 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 450-7200 2WestBarAndGrille.com

2955 Route 9, Malta (518) 400-1746 13NorthRestaurant.com

2839 Route 9, Ballston Spa (518) 587-0048 AlmostSaratoga.com 68 Beekman Street, Saratoga (518) 871-1502 BarrelhouseSaratoga.com

4 Hemphill Place, Malta (518) 899-4300 MyFavoriteTaverns.com

Gaffney’s R

Putnam Den

Henry Street Taproom Henry’s Tavern R Horseshoe Inn R

Spa City Tap & Barrel

The Factory Eatery R 20 Prospect Street, Suite 111, Ballston Spa (518) 885-0500 TheFactoryEatery.com

241 Union Avenue (518) 581-7090

The Mill on Round Lake R

Druther’s R

84 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-6665 MerryMonkSaratoga.com

381 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 306-5275 DruthersBrewing.com

End Zone R

32 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Inside Saratoga Strike Zone (518) 584-6460

BWP R

70 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga (518) 763-2975 or (518) 763-2323 BeerWinePizza.com

38 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-2022

Harvey’s Resturaunt & Bar R Seven Horse Pub R

The Local Pub and Teahouse R

70 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 884-2570 TheBrickyardTavern.com

Dango’s Fitzgerald Irish Steak R

227 Park Avenue, Mechanicville (518) 664-0063 TheEndzoneSportsPub.com

1 Gridley Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-4909 TheHorseshoeInn.com

Brickyard Tavern R

Sports Bars

King’s Tavern R

Merry Monk

Parting Glass R

40-42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-1916 PartingGlassPub.com

142 Grand Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-7256 TheLocalPubAndTeahouse.com 2121 Route 9, Round Lake (518) 899-5253 MyFavoriteTaverns.com

End Zone Sports Pub

Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grille R

39 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 886-8673 PeabodysToga.com

Saratoga Stadium R

389 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 226-4437 SaratogaStadium.com

West Side Sports Bar & Grill R

112 Congress Street, Saratoga (518) 691-0193 TheWestSideSportsBar.com

The Rusty Nail

1781 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-9875 MyFavoriteTaverns.com

Pubs & Sports Bars The Barrelhouse

Photo by SaratogaPhotographer.com

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Pop Culture : Saratoga WRITTEN BY BRITTNEY EISNOR PHOTOS PROVIDED

Diamonds Are Forever You may know “Diamonds are Forever” as the 1971 film starring Sean Connery as James Bond, but before it was a classic spy film, it was a book. “Diamonds are Forever” was the fourth novel by Ian Fleming that featured Bond. In the original story, Bond is undercover as a gang member when he is instructed to bet on a rigged horse race in Saratoga Springs. The horse racing plotline was cut from the film, however, and Saratoga lost it’s chance to make an appearance on the big screen.

Didn’t We Almost Have It All In 1987, the music video for Whitney Houston’s “Didn’t We Almost Have it All” was filmed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center during a summer concert. The video was regularly rotated on MTV. That year “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” became Houston’s fifth consecutive number one hit on Billboard’s 100 chart. It boosted her on her journey to stardom, and brought a little piece of Saratoga along with her.

12 Years A Slave 2014 Oscar Winner of Best Picture and Best Adaptaded Screenplay, 12 Years a Slave was adapted from a novel written by a Saratoga man, Solomon Northup. It tells the true story of Solomon’s life- how he was kidnapped and sold into slavery for twelve years, finally regaining freedom after managing to contact a Saratoga shopkeeper who had known him years ago. Before his abduction he had been living in Saratoga as a free man with his family and working as a musician, playing in many well known local hotels.

Disney’s Seabiscut (and Saratoga other films) Resort Saratoga has The cultural been a filming influence of location for a few Saratoga as a different moviescity reaches even notably Seabiscut, photo courtesy of the New York Post further than some photo courtesy of Wikipedia Lolita, Ghost Story would assume. and the Horse You’re So Vain In 2004 the Walt Disney World Whisperer. The first of these Resort opened what is now it’s three to shoot was Ghost Story, Carly Simon’s hit 1972 song largest vacation club- the Saratoga a 1981 film that starred Fred makes reference to Saratoga’s Springs Resort and Spa. The resort Astaire. Lolita shot in 1962, and famous race track. The song tells was inspired by historical Saratoga was overseen by famous director about a past lover of Simon’s, and and the modern city. Different Stanley Kubrick. In 1988, the all of the things that made that sections of the resort are named Horse Whisperer, starring Robert lover self-involved. One line of the after places in Saratoga, such as Redford and Scarlett Johannsen, song states that “I heard you went Congress Park and The Springs. shot scenes in the Gideon up to Saratoga, and your horse People from all over the world Putnam Motel, and special naturally won”. “You’re So Vain” is can head to Florida to experience effects in the Saratoga Spa State ranked #82 on Billboard’s“Greatest Saratoga in a condensed and Park. Seabiscut, the story of an Songs of All-Time” list. It was also idealized setting. Even for guests underdog horse rising to fame inducted into the Grammy Hall familiar with Saratoga, it offers an and success during the Great of Fame, cementing it as a piece authentic and fun getaway. Depression, was shot in 2003. of history, much like Saratoga’s Racing scenes were shot on the famous racetrack. track in Saratoga.

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Photo by John Seymour

JUNE - S EPTEM B ER

Save the

Date COMPOSED BY BRITTNEY EISNOR

2017

Save the

Date

JUNE - S EPTEM B ER

COMPOSED BY BRITTNEY EISNOR

THURSDAY, JUNE 29TH Skidmore Jazz All-Stars

SEE PAGES 51–58 FOR THE SPAC SCHEDULE

8pm, Arthur Zankel Music Center Enjoy a night of jazz featuring Jon Faddis (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (tenor saxophone) and Michael Dease (trombone). Tickets available at the Skidmore College Zankel website.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH-25TH Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival

SUNDAY, JULY 2ND Opera Saratoga Summer Festical

12pm, SPAC A full day of great Jazz bands and artists, featuring Chaka Khan, Jacob Collier, Cecile McLorin Salvant, The Suffers and more. www.SPAC.org or (518)584-9330

Adirondack Wine and Food Festival

11am, Charles R. Wood Festival Commons, Lake George This annual festival will showcase the best wineries, breweries, distilleries, food vendors and food trucks. There are even more vendors than last year! www.AdirondackWineandFoodFestival.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 27 Terell Stafford Quintet

8pm, Arthur Zankel Music Center. A night of jazz led by acclaimed trumpet player Terell Stafford. Tickets available on the Skidmore Music Zankel website.

The Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Dr. Runs July 1st-16th www.OperaSaratoga.org or (518)584-6018 *See the sidebar for summer concert series

MONDAY, JULY 3RD New York State Summer Writer's Institute Free Public Readings

8pm, Skidmore College Davis Auditorium Runs July 3rd-28th Free public readings from authors such as Joyce Carol Oates, Jamaica Kincaid, Michael Ondaatje, Robert Pinsky and many others. Selected Shorts comes to Skidmore College on July 22 at 7pm at the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Selected Shorts presents an evening of funny, moving, romantic and surreal tales filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Summer Concert Series

The Summer Concert Series is a program of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center. All concerts are FREE and open to the public and occur during the months of July and August. The July concerts are on Sundays and the August concerts are on Tuesdays. Performances take place from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the War Memorial in Congress Park. Rain location: Heritage Area Visitor Center. For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 518-587-3241 SUNDAY, JULY 2ND BETSY AND THE BYEGONS SUNDAY, JULY 9 FENIMORE BLUES SUNDAY, JULY 16 SKIPPY & THE PISTONS SUNDAY, JULY 23 HOT CLUB OF SARATOGA TUESDAY, AUGUST 8 CRYIN' OUT LOUD TUESDAY, AUGUST 15 CROW RIDGE

Sunday Summer Strolls SARATOGA PRESERVATION SOCIETY Every Sunday from June 18th through September 3rd at 10:30AM. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on various terrain. $5 SSPF Members | $8 Non-Members Hats Off to Saratoga

Photo by Francesco D'Amico

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2017

Save the

Date

JULY - AU GUST TUESDAY, JULY 4TH Saratoga's All American Celebration

Downtown Saratoga Fireworks, a parade, BBQ and dessert festivals, live music, a car show and more! For more information visit www.saratogajuly4th.com

Firecracker4 Road Race

9am, Saratoga Springs City Center Run through the streets of Saratoga, winning awards and prizes, and enjoying a number of vendors. For more info visit firecracker4.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH Skidmore Jazz All-Stars

8pm, Arthur Zankel Music Center Featuring Brandon Lee (trumpet), Dick Oatts (saxophone), and Michael Dease (trombone). Tickets available at box office: (518) 580-5321.

SATURDAY, JULY 8TH Wilton Parkfest

Gavin Park, Wilton, NY Live music from Bennie & The Jets, a petting zoo, Bryson Lang Comedy Juggling, Rock Wall Climbing and a Custom and Classic Car Show.

SUNDAY, JULY 9TH Secret Gardens Tour

COMPOSED BY BRITTNEY EISNOR

Runs through July 29th Enjoy an evening of Shakespeare, courtesy of the Saratoga Shakespeare Company

THURSDAY, JULY 20TH Upbeat on the Roof with Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra 7pm, Tang Teaching Museum Alex Torres returns to the Tang with his 12-piece band to bring energizing beats and percussion-heavy music.

Che Malambo

8pm, SPAC The explosive, foot-stomping all-male Argentinian dance company Che Malambo lights up the night with percussion, singing and whirling boleadoras.

FRIDAY, JULY 21 Saratoga Race Course Opening Day Saratoga Race Course, Union Ave. Another thrilling season of racing begins! More info at www.saratogaracetrack.com or www.nyra.com

Hats Off Music Festival

7pm-11pm, Downtown Saratoga Springs A live, outdoor music festival featuring 6 bands- from rock, to blues, to instrumentals, solists and choruses.

THURSDAY, JULY 27TH Upbeat on the Roof With Heard

7pm, Tang Teaching Museum Heard combines jazz, classical, and world instruments to form a unique arrangement of sound.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH The 1.2 Million Whitney Stakes

1pm, Saratoga Race Track One of North America's Premier Races for older horses, this will be a blockbuster day of racing that includes five stakes.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6TH Schuylerville's 23rd Annual Turning Point Parade and Festival 1pm, Broad Street, Schuylerville www.TurningPointParade.com for parade route and other festivities.

AUGUST 12 13th Annual Cardboard Boat Race Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville

Watch homemade cardboard boats race across the Hudson River, followed by live music, local food and canal-themed information.

AUGUST 13–15 A CELEBRATION OF RACING! Equestricon.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH Travers Day 7am, Saratoga Race Course This is the most popular day during the entire Saratoga summer racing meet. It is a Grade 1, $1,250,000 race for three-year-old horses.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND Woodward Day

7pm-11pm, Downtown Saratoga Springs Saturday and Sunday The Woodward Stakes is one of the premier races for older thoroughbreds in the U.S..

Saratoga Springs The 23rd annual tour presented by the Soroptomist of Saratoga County features an eclectic mix of eleven private gardens in and around Saratoga Springs. From homes on North Broadway, to a cluster of in-city yards, to a handful of suburban secrets, the gardens are sure to inspire garden lovers of every level. www.SoroptomistSaratoga.org or (518) 581-1201 ext. 4184

6pm, Alfred Z. Solomon Stage, Congress Park Runs through August 5th Enjoy an evening of Shakespeare in the park, courtesy of the Saratoga Shakespeare Company.

Saratoga Race Course, Union Ave. Live outdoor music in Downtown Saratoga Springs.

THURSDAY, JULY 13TH Upbeat on the Roof with Decoda

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2ND The Philadelphia Orchestra

Saratoga Race Track. The end of another great season of racing in Saratoga Springs.

7pm, Tang Teaching Museum Decoda is a New York City-based chamber ensemble comprised of virtuoso musicians, entrepreneurs, and passionate advocates of the arts.

SATURDAY, JULY 15TH Second Annual Chip Festival

10am-4pm, Saratoga Springs City Center Come celebrate the potato chip in it's birthplace! There will be chip varities and brands from across the country as well as dips and salsas.

TUESDAY, JULY 18TH Saratoga Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night's Dream 6pm, Alfred Z. Solomon Stage, Congress Park

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 1ST Saratoga Shakespeare in the Park: A Winter's Tale

8pm, SPAC Runs through August 19th The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to SPAC with performances including Russian Festival, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (complete with film), Sophisticated Ladies, and a Night at the Opera.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH Ballston Spa Film Festival

Ballston Spa Friday and Saturday The 10th Annual Ballston Spa International Short Film FEstival. See an array of family friendly short films from around the world and from local filmmakers.

Final Stretch Music Festival

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH Closing Day at the Track

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH Saratoga Wine & Food Festival

12pm, SPAC Friday, Saturday and Sunday Three days of gourmet events showcasing fine international wines, innovative chef prepares menus, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, upscale auctions and a luxury car show. For more info visit spac.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH Art in the Park

10am-4pm, Historic Congress Park A fine art show and sale with artists from the Saratoga and Capital regions. There will be local music, food and a Kidz Art Zone! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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What locals know about

Saratoga...

Thank you to the guys at SARATOGA TOURS for your help!

FYI…

"Saratoga Springs" refers to the City Proper, while "Saratoga" refers to the larger area.

Route 9N heads North towards Corinth, Route 9P goes around Saratoga Lake The City of Saratoga Springs is a 28 square mile area (5th largest in NYS) and a population of 28,000. The City of Saratoga Springs is usually defined by the Broadway business district as its main draw to visitors.

IF YOU GO TO CONGRESS PARK, TO CHECK OUT THE SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM (WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

DON’T FEED THE DUCKS.

Yes, we have another casino in town, but when people refer to “The Casino”… they are most likely referring to the Canfield Casino in Congress Park, which hosts the most sought-after events and contains the Saratoga Springs History Museum upstairs.

THE REAL NAME OF

“THE TRACK”

IS SARATOGA RACE COURSE

Why is it called CIRCULAR Street?

Circular Street was being designed and built by John Clarke (owner Why is it called of the Congress Spring, he was responsible LAKE Avenue? for bottling the waters) at a time when Lake Avenue used all streets in the country were straight. to go to the lake He acquired land to make the part we see by angling over today from Lake to Broadway and wanted past Yaddo, but to wrap his road around the city, but as then the road was he ventured onto the West Side he found straightened and people not willing to sell land to complete Henning now diverts the “circle” shape. Therefore interesting toward the lake. name ....but less than perfect shape.

Route 29 heads EAST/ WEST and Route 9 heads NORTH SOUTH

Why is it called CHURCH Street?

Church Street used to have many churches.....most over time burned or moved. The Stewart’s Shop on Church St. is on the location of one of those churches.

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The Town of Saratoga is the area of the eastern part of Saratoga County. The major village in the Town of Saratoga is Schuylerville. The population of the Town of Saratoga is 5,600 people. The area of the Town of Saratoga has the Hudson on the east, Saratoga Springs on the west, Wilton and Northumberland on the north, and Stillwater to the south. This area is very rural with many farms. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SARATOGA LAKE Yes, Saratoga has a lake and it offers something for everyone! » Looking to charter a boat and sail around the lake like they did in the late 1800s…

» Maybe you want to jazz up your workout with paddle boats, SUP Boards or SUP YOGA!

» Looking to rent a power boat…

» Looking to try the NEWEST THING on Saratoga Lake… (that would be the Hammock Craft)

» Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to row or how to sail… » Or you just want to laze around the lake on a canoe or a kayak…

…or maybe you want to grab a drink, a bite and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Yup, Saratoga Lake has it all.

COMPOSED BY BRITTNEY EISNOR

Thank you to the Saratoga Lake Association for these beautiful photos!

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SARATOGA LAKE

The hottest new thing on Saratoga Lake: The Kayak Shak's Hammock Craft

CHARTER BOATS: Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. allows you to cruise the lake in style, keeping the boating activities of yesterday alive in a 50-foot classic 1900’s Fantail Launch - or choose the more modern 22 foot Sweetwater Pontoon Boat – there’s something for everybody! Fully insured, NYS inspected, and piloted by licensed Captain (and company owner) Hal Raven. Conveniently located at Saratoga Lake Marina off Route 9P, just minutes from exit 14. Captain Hal offers everything from sunrise to sunset cruises… groups or private charters - the possibilities are endless!

» Adirondack Cruise & charter Co.

Saratoga Marina, 549 Union Avenue Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 956-2626 adkcruisecompany@gmail.com

POWER BOATS RENTALS: » Point Breeze Marina

1459 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 9AM–6PM | (518) 587-3397 www.pointbreezemarina.com

» Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals

Lee's Trailer Park (first left after the bridge) Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 8AM–6PM | (866) 538-9370 ext. 702

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» South Shore Marina LLC 113 NY-9P, Malta, NY 12020 8AM–8PM | (518) 584-9125 LEARN TO ROW: Ever want to learn to row? Take advantage of the beautiful Saratoga outdoors, get fit, and meet other likeminded individuals? Try the Adult Learn-to-Row Class! Whether you are returning to rowing after a long hiatus, looking to cross an item off your bucket list, looking to get into shape or thinking of joining our Master's program - you are sure to have a fun adventure. This class is made possible with the help of experienced Master's and Junior's from SRA. Sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Adult "Learn-To-Sail" is designed for those new to sailing or with little experience, this class will teach basics of sailing, "cruising", boat handling, crewing, and water safety.

» Saratoga Sailing School – SaratogaSailingSchool.org

» Saratoga Rowing Association,

543 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-6697 www.SaratogaRowing.com

LEARN TO SAIL: The "Invitation-To-Sail" is designed for those new to sailing who would just like a little taste of what it is like to be out in a sailboat. This will be a one session class designed to introduce the student to sailing to decide if it is something they would like to pursue. The class is offered on a scheduled basis in a group format or it can be taken as a private lesson. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SUP Yoga at the Kayak Shak Photo provided by Saratoga Lake Association

KAYAKING, CANOING, PADDLEBOARDING, SUP BOARDING & SUP YOGA: » The Kayak Shak (very affordable – rentals start at just $20!) All kayak rentals (singles or doubles) include a personal (adult & kid sized) flotation device (PFD), paddles, brief instruction and all the sunshine and smiles you can handle! No reservations required! SUP Boards (Stand-Up Paddleboards) allows for a unique way to get around on the water while having loads of fun! Their paddle boards are wide and stable, which can support all types of bodies. SUP boards are great for lounging, swimming, and building muscle and balance when used as a fun cross-training activity. A SUP 101 lesson is for anyone interested in learning the basics, or for more experienced paddlers who want to perfect their technique. (518) 587 – 9788 Kayak Shak, 251 Stafford Bridge Rd. Saratoga Springs NY 12866 KayakShak.com

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» SUP YOGA classes are offered all

summer long (Sat & Sun from 9-11am) for all different abilities. Weekday SUP Yoga and Stand Up Paddleboaring 101 classes are starting soon. These classes are 1 hr. and then you're free to take off and practice what you’ve learned. This is great for beginners who want to feel more confident, as well as folks who are self-taught and want to perfect their form.

550 Marina & Board (SUP Yoga classes) 550 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 886-1373 | Matthew@lakelocal.net

SWIMMING: » Brown’s Beach, Stillwater The beach is open from 11 am to 6 pm daily and has lifeguards on duty. Adjacent to the beach, Dock Brown’s offers a variety of lunch and dinner menu items with a beautiful patio view of the lake. Above Dock Brown’s is The Nest, a sevenroom inn for visitors looking to enjoy the lakeside experience. Also located at Brown’s Beach is a marina, which offers local residents slips for their motorized watercraft. Brown’s Beach also offers a large party pavilion available for picnic or party rental and a general picnic area for family fun.

Brown's Beach Resort, 511 U.S. 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 306-4987 dockbrowns@brownsbeachresort.com

» The Nest on Saratoga Lake

(518) 306-5531 thenest@brownsbeachresort.com

NON-MOTORIZED BOAT LAUNCHES: » Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch, I believe

it’s $10 to park your vehicle, takes credit cards. NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 6AM–7PM | (518) 584-2535

» Kayak Shak, 251 Stafford Bridge Rd.

Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 587 – 9788 | KayakShak.com. $5 charge per boat to launch from their docks.

» Lake Local

550 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 886-1373

» Waterfront Park at Saratoga lake

A wonderful passive park on Saratoga Lake, free and open to the public with restrooms, picnicking spots and plenty of parking. Fishing allowed, but no swimming. Free non-motorized boat launching available.

Take Union Ave. east, turn right onto Crescent Ave. and the Waterfront Park is about 1/2 mile on the left.

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SARATOGA LAKE

Dining on Saratoga Lake

From Italian to American comfort food to Gluten Free, there are many restaurants along Saratoga Lake you can visit to unwind and have a drink or bite to eat. Dock Brown’s, Lake Local, Mangino’s, Panza’s, Carson’s Woodside Tavern and Harvest and Hearth are all wonderful places to grab a meal on the water. (See our dining guide on page 79 for more information on each)

Canoe and Kayak Safety Our local lakes are perfect for canoeing and kayaking, but it's also the peak season for recreational boating accidents, according to the United States Coast Guard. To help prevent boating mishaps, follow these safety tips.

Do the following before going out on the water: • Register your boat with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Check with your state's DNR office for registration instructions and requirements. Take a boating safety course, especially if you're a beginner. You can find canoe and kayak safety courses through the American Canoe Association (ACA). You also may want to practice swimming in case your boat capsizes.

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• Pack essentials, including basic first aid items, sunscreen, food and water in a waterproof bag. Bring a life jacket for each passenger, and be sure you all wear your life jackets when you're on or near the water. The United States Coast Guard found that the majority of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. • Check the water and weather conditions, and mind any safety warnings. Rough or high water can be dangerous, even for experienced paddlers. • If you plan to go out by yourself, let someone know where you're headed. • Avoid "strainers" — such as fallen trees — that could trap you. • Share the water with other boats. Never try to "beat" a motorboat — let them pass. Wear bright clothing and use proper lighting so others can easily spot you. • Always stay with your boat, which will float even if it's full of water. • Don’t forget to bring a whistle, it’s much more effective than yelling for help (if ever needed!)

Saratoga Lake Association

The Saratoga Lake Associaton (SLA) is a not-for-profit organization, the purpose of which is to promote and enhance the health, safety, sanitation, recreation and environmental quality of Saratoga Lake and its extensive watershed. Individuals and businesses that live near or enjoy the lake can become members of the SLA for $20 per year. Membership benefits include access to community service events such as roadside clean-ups; boat and paddle safety courses; informational and annual business meetings; and membership events and gatherings at local businesses like Saratoga National Golf Course, Dock Brown’s and Saratoga Race Track. Membership also includes immediate access to the award-winning publication, Shorelines, which gives members up-todate information about local town and lake happenings. Please visit the SLA website at www.saratogalake.org for information about membership and upcoming events for 2017. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Fireworks

When: Monday, July 3rd, 2017

Where: Two lake front locations Sponsored by:

Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) For more information: slpid.org

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LAKE GEORGE LAKE GEORGE is the home of what they call “America’s Original Vacation.” It was over two centuries ago when travelers began to wander through the Adirondack Mountains, leading the way for today’s Adirondack escapes. Lake George has become one of the most all-encompassing vacation destinations in the northeast. There are many outdoor activities in Lake George, including hiking on well-maintained trails and swimming and sunbathing at one of the public beaches. Million Dollar State Beach, Shepard Park and Usher’s Park all make for great family fun. The Lake George Steamboat Company has made seeing the lake accessible and exciting for 200 years! Giant steamboats like the Minne Ha Ha make hour-long cruises around the lake multiple times a day throughout the summer. Some cruises offer lunch and dinner buffets and there is a popular fireworks cruise every Thursday night, weather permitting. Other popular Lake George attractions include the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course, the first and largest aerial treetop adventure course in the United States. There is plenty of opportunity to shop, with the Factory Outlets of Lake George. Both adults and kids will enjoy getting a taste of history at the Fort William Henry Museum. Lake George Village has great daytime dining and an exciting nightlife. The Boardwalk Restaurant and Marina on Lake George offers dining and light fare on a boathouse deck over the lake. Pablo’s Burrito Cantina is a one-stop shop for delicious and authentic Mexican food. Christie’s on the Lake is perfect for daytime family dining or a night out with friends.

Cruise the lake – 6 ships and many

personalized charters: visitlakegeorge.com/ blog/crusin-the-lake-whats-your-style

Island camping –

visitlakegeorge.com/camping/island-camping

Community concerts in Shepard Park

in Lake George Village and Veterans Park in Bolton Landing. Weekly in July-August

Prospect Mountain hike or Memorial Highway with picnic area

at the summit and panoramic views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains.

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What people are saying... » Family Vacation Critic names Lake George’s Million Dollar Beach one of the Best Beaches for Families in 2016: visitlakegeorge. com/blog/10-best-beaches-for-families-in-2016 » Newsday “Weekend Getaways Every New Yorker Should Take”: visitlakegeorge.com/ blog/weekend-getaways-every-new-yorkershould-take » Trip Advisor “Best Places to Rent a Summer Lake House” visitlakegeorge.com/ blog/best-places-to-rent-a-summer-lake-house

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Crystal clear water, great views ...and so much to do!

Fireworks over the lake –

Lake George Village – EVERY THURSDAY in JULY AND AUGUST and MANY other occasions and holidays saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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photo by Leslie Dixon

SACANDAGA LAKE The best kept secret of the Adirondacks!

THE GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE is known as the “best-kept secret of the Adirondacks.” It is one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks, and can be found nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Preserve. Created by the Conklingville Dam in 1930, the lake today is an undiscovered treasure for boating, watersports, fishing, and other recreational activities. There are a number of historical markers and museums around the lake, as well as campgrounds such as Adirondack Foothills RV campground and Alpine Lake RV resort. Crane and Bald mountains host both family-friendly and advanced trails for hikers of all ages and abilities. You don’t have to go far from the lake to find great dining, farmers’ markets, and golf courses in the Sacandaga Valley.

photo by Andrea Barry

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MOREAU LAKE

Family friendly, non-motorized lake ...and only minutes from downtown Saratoga!

Moreau Lake State Park 605 Old Saratoga Road Gansevoort NY 12831 parks.ny.gov (518) 793-0551

»» »» »» »» »»

Over 4,500 acres 20+ miles of hiking trails Grant Cottage (historic site) 148 camp sites Group camping site

»» »» »» »» »»

3 cottages Pavilions for rent Nature Center & Museum 3 boat launches 3 section swimming beach

Call for their

summer schedule!

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HEAD NORTH AND TAKE A WALK 3 DAY-HIKES TO CHECK OUT IN THE HIGH PEAKS ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF NORTH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, VIA I-87 WRITTEN BY MATT MCDONALD PHOTOS BY MATT MCDONALD & KEVIN MCAVEY

EASY CLEMENTS POND

ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 3 miles DIFFICULTY: Easy PAYOFF: Secluded ponds PARKING: Free, Styles Brook Rd.

This mellow out-and-back hike is an unsuspecting gem. You’ll find more beaver activity than crowds. Cut in 2010, the trail climbs gradually from Styles Brook Road (off 9N between Keene and Upper Jay) through white pines and intersecting brooks to a ridge at 1,750 feet. Enjoy a water break alongside impressive cliffs before descending switchbacks through dense trees to the peaceful alcove of Clements Pond. Brave the makeshift rowboat—complete with duct-taped leaks and coffee cans for bailing—on the pond’s north end, or bask in the sun while the pup takes a dip. Hint: Fancy yourself an angler? The 2.6-acre pond has been stocked with brook trout.

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MODERATE INDIAN HEAD AND RAINBOW FALLS

ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 11 miles DIFFICULTY: Moderate PAYOFF: Views of the Ausable Lakes and one of the ADK’s tallest waterfalls PARKING: Free, St. Huberts parking area/ trailheads (Adirondack Mountain Reserve) Walk up Ausable Club Road and hang a left onto Lake Road in front of the clubhouse. From here, it’s a nip over three miles to your turnoff. If that sounds like a lot of dirt road, hang in there. You’re headed for two of the Adirondacks’ most majestic (and photogenic) features. Before you reach the boathouse, you’ll leave the road and follow a short trail to the base of Rainbow Falls, where Cascade Brook tumbles 150 feet into the gorge below. Yes, you’ll probably get misted. Next, head back to the road and climb 700 vertical feet to the Indian Head promontory. With Lower Ausable Lake far below and Upper Ausable Lake glistening in the distance, you’re allowed at least one selfie. Rather than retracing your steps, descend via the Gill Brook trail for more waterfalls. Hint: If you can spare the time and leg power, hike 0.25 miles beyond Indian Head to Fish Hawk Cliffs, where you’ll look back at the Indian’s head.

ADVANCED MACINTYRE RANGE AND AVALANCHE PASS

ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 12.1 miles DIFFICULTY: Advanced PAYOFF: 2 (or 3) 46er summits and 1 (or 2) lakes. PARKING: $10, Adirondack Loj Follow the trail from the Adirondack Loj 3.5 miles to the 4,587-foot summit of Wright Peak. Though not a mandatory stop, Wright serves as a serene spot for a break and offers a prime portrait of the day’s high point: 5,114-foot Algonquin Peak, one of only two Adirondack mountains to eclipse 5,000 feet of elevation. Less than a mile later, when you crest the state’s second-highest summit, you’ll find a bald expanse of curved rock and endangered alpine vegetation to go with an up-close look at the scarred north face of Mount Colden. If you found crowds on the way up, you’ll lose most of them from here—the 2.1-mile descent to Lake Colden is steep and secluded. When you reach the trail junction below 3,000 feet, hang a left and navigate the craggy shoreline of the iconic Avalanche Lake. A last photoshoot at the muddy beach on the lake’s northeast side and a final climb to Avalanche Pass, and it’s all downhill to the car. Hint: Add a summit and a lake by extending your route to Iroquois Peak and around Lake Colden. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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THE SOCIETY PAGES BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR SUMMER INTERNS BRITTNEY EISNER & KYLIE HUESEL

The Gala Section

Photos by Alice Corey

The New York City Ballet Gala- The Rhythm of Romance WHEN: Saturday, July 8 / 8-11 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Performing Arts Center WHY: This year's annual New York City Ballet Gala at SPAC will feature three pieces set to scores by the legendary Richard Rodgers. TICKET COST: $55 – $285 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: visit tickets.spac.org See page 52 for more information.

Jake’s Help From Heaven’s 6th Annual Finest Fillies (& Some Colts!) WHEN: Wednesday, July 19 / 7-9 p.m. WHERE: Vapor at Saratoga Casino WHY: Raise money for Jake’s Help from Heaven, an organization that assists children and families affected by debilitating illnesses. A night of horse racing fun with local notables competing for the finish line. Enjoy friendly competition, laughter, raffle prizes, light fare and a cash bar. Hosted by Tom Durkin. COST: $50 ATTIRE: Summer semi formal FOR TICKETS: visit jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ 6th-annual-finest-fillies-colts

24th Annual Newton Plaza & Marini Homes Siro’s Cup WHEN: Thursday, July 20th / 6-11 p.m. WHERE: Siro’s Restaurant WHY: Benefit the Center for Disability Services. Features an open bar, buffet, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and dancing to The Electric City Horns. COST: $120, $1,100 for a group of 10 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit cfdsny.org or call (518) 944-2125 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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WHEN: Friday, July 21 / 6pm WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Celebrate the opening day of track season with music by Gravity, dinner by Mazzone Catering, and both silent and live auctions. COST: $150-$250 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: call (518) 453-3583 or visit 65rosessoiree.eventscff.org

Saratoga Bridges Annual Gala: The White Party

©Deborah Neary

WHEN: Saturday, July 22 / 6-10 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Support Saratoga Bridges, an organization that has provided the highest level of quality professional services to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 55 years. Featuring food by Mazzone Catering, cocktails, a cigar roller and bourbon lounge, Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography’s photo booth, live entertainment from GRAVITY and a fireworks display. COST: $175, $125 (Under 35). Price increases by $25 after 6/30 ATTIRE: Summer semi formal FOR TICKETS: visit saratogabridges.org/ fundraising-events/annual-gala

5th Annual Hay, Oats & Spaghetti WHEN: Monday, July 24th / 6pm WHERE: Bravo! 3246 South Broadway WHY: Kick off the beginning of racing season by welcoming the horse industry back to Saratoga with a night of food and drink. COST: $85 ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: call (518) 226-0028 or visit trfinc.org

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BLUE SKIES SMILING ON ME... FRESH STYLING STARRING DON O'NEILL FOR THEIA COUTURE ...EXCLUSIVELY AT SARATOGA TRUNK, LADY'S FINERY

finds

Saratoga Trunk 493 Broadway 518.584.3543

saratogatrunk.com

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Polo by Twilight: The 38th Annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit WHEN: Tuesday, July 25 / 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Polo Fields WHY: Benefit the Palamountain Scholarship fund, which has provided more than 300 scholarships to academically talented Skidmore students over the years. Enjoy a polo match, Spectacular Silent Auction, and gourmet dinner. COST: $75 (ages 30 and under), $100 (ages 31-40), $150 (General Admission) ATTIRE: Summer casual FOR TICKETS: visit skidmore.edu/ palamountainbenefit/mission.php

An Unbridled Affair Gala WHEN: Thursday, July 27 / 6:30-10:30 p.m. WHERE: The Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs WHY: Support Captain Youth and Family Services. COST: $125, $100 (30 and under) ©Alice Corey ©Alice Corey

FOR TICKETS: CaptainCares.org

©Deborah Neary

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WHEN: Monday, July 31 / 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Support The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and Shelters of Saratoga. Enjoy a silent auction with handbags and jewelry from exclusive designers. COST: $150 ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: call (212) 521-5305 or visit 501auctions.com/fashionablefillies2017 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Spoken

27 Church Street 518.587.2772

spokensaratoga.com

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CUT AND HOW THEY USE THE COLOR PLACEMENT FOR THIS BEAUTIFULLY SILHOUETTED DRESS BY JAX, WORN BY KARA. KRISTI IS WEARING OUR TIMELESS WHITE BLOUSE BY LYSSE WITH SUPER COMFY, YET COOL, SOFT DRESSING PANTS BY BO&NIC.

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THE SOCIETY PAGES Photos by Deborah Neary

Riders Up! Karaoke WHEN: Monday, July 31 / 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Vapor Night Club, Saratoga Casino Hotel WHY: Benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial assistance to 60 former jockeys who suffer from on-track injuries. Enjoy watching your favorite jockeys go head to head in a karaoke competition! COST: $75, $150 (V.I.P.) ATTIRE: Casual FOR TICKETS: call (630) 595-7660 or visit pdif.org/events

Fourth Annual Croquet on the Green: Amateur Tournament and Golf Party WHEN: Tuesday, August 1 / 3 p.m. WHERE: AIM Lawn WHY: Support AIM services, a non-profit organization that provided residential and community-based services to people with disabilities. Amateur tournament with prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Enjoy on-site cigar rolling from Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe, martini and bubbly tastings, raffles and catering from Deliciously Different Specialty Items at the Garden Party. COST: $100 Croquet Team and Garden Party, $40 Garden Party ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: call (518)587-3208 or visit aimservicesinc.org

Saratoga Hospital’s 35th Annual Summer Gala

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WHEN: Wednesday, August 2 / 6-9 p.m. WHERE: The Polo Meadow at Saratoga Casino Hotel WHY: The Saratoga Hospital Gala is a major source of support for the Saratoga Community Health Center. Enjoy an open bar, special event cocktails and exquisite food stations created by Saratoga Casino Hotel’s Executive Chef Shawn Nash, as well as a live auction and silent auction. COST: $175, $125 (junior) ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: call (518) 583-8765 or visit 501auctions.com/summergala saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

JUNIE SHIFT IN NAVY

Pink Paddock

358 Broadway & Stuyvesant Plaza Albany 518.438.7465 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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THE SOCIETY PAGES Photos by Alice Corey

Equine Advocates is celebrating their 21st Anniversary and their 16th year of hosting their galas in Saratoga Springs! WHEN: Thursday, August 3 / 6 p.m. WHERE: The Canfield Casino WHY: This is the sixteenth annual Saratoga fundraiser benefiting Equine Advocates Horse Rescue & Sanctuary; Chaired by Julie Bonacio & Monika Cronin. The event will honor Cornelia Guest, Jeff Gural & Former Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield. Enjoy a cocktail Hour, sit-down gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions and a concert. COST: $250 (general seating), $500 (V.I.P. seating) FOR TICKETS: call (518) 392-0175 or visitequineadvocates.org

8th Annual After the Race Cocktail Party WHEN: Sunday, August 6th / 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: A benefit for retired thoroughbreds where you can enjoy live music, artisanal foods, and live and silent auctions. COST: $100 ATTIRE: “Clubhouse” FOR TICKETS: call (518) 698-3277 or visit oldfriendsatcabincreek.com

The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon WHEN: Thursday, August 10 / 11:15 a.m. WHERE: Rail Pavilion, Saratoga Race Course WHY: Benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as well as honoring Sheila Rosenblum for her contributions to racing. Enjoy a cocktail reception, luncheon and boutique shopping. COST: $200 and up ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: call (646) 497-2615 or visit playforpink.org 118 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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lifestyles lifestylesofsaratoga.com

518.584.4665

Lifestyles

436 Broadway 518.584.4665

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DRESS BY MICHAEL STARS. SHORT SLEEVE VINTAGE-WASH LINEN DENIM TENCEL SHIRT DRESS.

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THE SOCIETY PAGES Photos by PhotoAndGraphic.com

41st Annual Museum Ball WHEN: Friday, August 11 / 7:30 p.m. WHERE: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame WHY: Enjoy cocktails and dinner benefitting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The ball will be honoring Man O’ War, a legendary race horse, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. COST: $500 (Invitation only) ATTIRE: Black tie FOR TICKETS: Call (518) 584-0400 or visit racingmuseum.org

National Museum of Dance Pearl Anniversary Gala WHEN: Saturday, August 12 / 6 p.m. WHERE: the National Museum of Dance WHY: This is the National Museum of Dance’s largest fundraiser and the highlight of Saratoga’s summer season. Celebrate the Museum’s 30th anniversary. COST: $500 and up ATTIRE: Black tie FOR TICKETS: Call the museum at (518) 583-4935 or email outreach@dancemuseum.org

Blue Spangled Evening WHEN: Monday, August 14 / 6 p.m. WHERE: Hall of Springs WHY: Support Saratoga WarHorse, a program that helps veterans suffering from psychological wounds as well as providing Thoroughbreds with meaningful work when their careers are over. COST: $250, $150 (junior), $100 (active military or veterans) ATTIRE: Summer semi formal FOR TICKETS: call (518) 886-8131 or visit saratogawarhorse.com

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Violet's

494 Broadway 518.584.4838 violetsofsaratoga.com

FIND SUMMER 2017’S HOTTEST SHOE TRENDS AT VIOLET’S. FEATURING THE BLAIRE SIDE GHILLIE SANDAL BY FRYE. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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THE SOCIETY PAGES Photos by Deborah Neary

NY Chaplaincy Brunch WHEN: Wednesday, August 16 / 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Course WHY: Benefit The New York Race Track Chaplaincy, which provides social service programs, recreational programs, educational opportunities, children’s enrichment programs, and non-denominational religious services. They will be honoring trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and wife Letty for their contributions on and off the track. COST: $120 ATTIRE: Summer casual FOR TICKETS: call (518) 428-5267 or visit rtcany.org/annual-brunch

One Fine Day – Shelters of Saratoga Celebration WHEN: Tuesday, August 22 / 1 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Contributions to the event support homeless care in Saratoga Springs via the Shelter of Saratoga. Enjoy food from Prime and a pop-up shop from Lifestyles of Saratoga. COST: $75 ATTIRE: Summer casual FOR TICKETS: sheltersofsaratoga.org/events/ one-fine-day

Racing for the Child 19th Annual Dinner & Auction WHEN: Wednesday, August 23 / 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Hall of Springs WHY: Support daycare and school programs for children whose parents work on the backstretch at Saratoga. ATTIRE: Semi-formal FOR TICKETS: call (518) 488-2103 or visit belmontchildcare.org

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Lucia

454 Broadway #8 518.587.7890

COMPLETE YOUR SUMMER LOOK AT LUCIA WITH FAVORITES FROM GENTLE FAWN, KNOT SISTERS, FOR LOVE & LEMONS AND COTTON CANDY.

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©Alice Corey

19th Annual Saratoga Fashion Show WHEN: Thursday, August 24 / 11 a.m. WHERE: The Rail Pavilion, Saratoga Race Course WHY: "World Class Racing with World Class Fashion for a World Class Cause!" Presented by Saratoga Trunk, Lady’s Finery to benefit The Ronald McDonald House. COST: $175 ATTIRE: Summer Festive FOR TICKETS: please call RMHC at (518) 438-2655 or Saratoga Trunk at (518) 584-3543. Visit rmhcofalbany.org

The Health, History and Horses Charity GALA Presented by the Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate

©Alice Corey

WHEN: Thursday, August 24 / 6-9 p.m. WHERE: Longfellow’s Restaurant, 500 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY WHY: Funds raised are distributed annually to established charities in Saratoga & Warren / Washington Communities: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. Complimentary Beer & Wine the 1st hour / Hot & Cold food stations, Cash bar, Live Music. Silent Auction & 4 Seasons basket raffle. COST: $70 ATTIRE: Summer Festive FOR TICKETS: call (518) 584-7496 or visit ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com

©Alice Corey

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WHEN: Friday, August 25 / 6:30pm WHERE: Saratoga City Center WHY: Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Senior Services of Albany, a non-profit organization that has served seniors in the Capital Region for over 60 years. This is one of Saratoga’s most anticipated charity events of the summer season. Enjoy an evening of celebration, and enjoy great wine, delicious food, and exciting live and silent auctions. COST: $135 FOR TICKETS: call (518) 465-3322 or visit seniorservicesofalbany.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Impressions of Saratoga 368 Broadway 518.587.0666

MARE IS WEARING THE SARATOGA DIFFUSION DIED TEE IN INDIGO AND CARRYING THE SARATOGA (LARGE) BOATER TOTE. Sorry, Upset the mini horse is not for sale J

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MADDY IS WEARING THE OLD FAVORITE TRUCKER HAT, A HOODED TEE IN HEATHER GREY, AND THE LADIES FULL-ZIP FLEECE IN CHARCOAL, ALL FROM THE DARK HORSE OF SARATOGA LINE. (NEW ITEMS FOR 2017!). JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 125

THE SOCIETY PAGES Photos by Alice Corey

Taste of Travers Celebration WHEN: Friday, August 25 / 6 p.m. WHERE: National Museum of Dance WHY: Benefit the Adult & Senior Center of Saratoga. Honor the 2016 Travers Stakes winner Arrogate. COST: $174 ATTIRE: Summer semi-formal FOR TICKETS: call (518) 584-1621 or visit saratogaseniorcenter.org

28th Annual Travers Day at the Races WHEN: Saturday, August 26 / 11 a.m. WHERE: Saratoga Race Course, Upper Carousel WHY: Benefit Saratoga Bridges, an organization that helps people with disabilities and their families. Enjoy Travers Day with seating, a buffet, clubhouse admission and a complimentary drink. COST: $160 ATTIRE: Track Attire FOR TICKETS: call (518) 587-0723 ext. 1242 or visit saratogabridges.org/fundraising-events/ travers-day-at-the-races-test

5th Annual St. Jude Gala WHEN: Thursday, August 31 / 6-11 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Presented by AngioDynamics featuring live music, delicious food and deserts, and a live and silent auction. COST: $175 (Gala tickets), $75 (After-party tickets) ATTIRE: Semi formal FOR TICKETS: visit angiodynamicsforhope.com

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EMBRACE THE RACE® “It’s the worldwide brand with hometown roots.”

EMBRACE THE RACE® speaks to the discerning enthusiast, celebrating and promoting The Horse Racing Lifestyle®. The Brand, founded and based in here in Saratoga Springs, ultimately combines an inspirational logo with an impassioned phrase to captivate customers. t A refined necktie for the man who loves the life! Featuring the iconic and striking EMBRACE THE RACE® Logo in a variety of vibrant and elegant colors. You’ll look classy and sharp with a suit or a sport coat. Handmade and constructed of fine silk and featuring a matte surface.

q The perfect gift for the holiday's: our exclusive ladies pendants. Wonderfully elegant, and simple yet striking - in silver, 18 k white gold and 18K gold. Handmade with care to reflect the allure of the brand, it’s ideal for the woman who knows what it means to EMBRACE ...

The Passion of Horse Racing® It’s the core fabric woven throughout a world that celebrates its personalities, participants and unforgettable moments. With EMBRACE THE RACE®, The Apparel for The Horse Racing Lifestyle®, express your passion for horse racing without saying anything at all.

From generation to generation, from on track to off. Celebrate in style. Visit the EMBRACE THE RACE® flagship retail location at 12 Circular Street (across from the Holiday Inn with private customer parking), select Saratoga retailers; online at embracetherace.com or call for a private shopping experience (518) 580-4500. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Jeanette and Augie Jordan with CBS News Anchor Walter Kronkite, his wife Betsy and Marylou Whitney upon their arrival at LaGuardia Airport, returning from the Kentucky Derby.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JEANETTE JORDAN... LOOKING BACK AT 25 YEARS OF SOCIALITES & CELEBRITIES IN SARATOGA SPRINGS WRITTEN BY CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON PHOTOS PROVIDED

cheerful mint green Setting up our interview wasn’t difficult, and white shirt plays as Jordan’s style is easy and agreeable. Her tastefully with the string major obstacle was scheduling around of white-white pearls dinner with her husband, Augie. wrapping Jeannette “I go to dinner at 5:30. Augie, what time Jordan’s neck. Her thin am I done with dinner?” Jordan tossed the hands grip a silver question respectfully to her husband as I walker, adding four waited for her reply to echo back through sturdy legs to her shaky two. I’m told the my iPhone. wide, bright smile is trademark Jeannette Jordan, not reserved for anyone in particular, “7pm,” Jordan had informed me after a but offered generously to all she meets, brief pause. It was at that very moment including me. I first realized the extreme social nature

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of Jeannette Jordan, a character trait that paired nicely with her twenty-fiveyear career as society reporter for The Saratogian. I chuckled to myself, noting Jordan’s dedication to her husband and friends and their standing daily social hour (and a half!) in the dining room of the Saratoga community where she and her husband now live. Jordan and I agreed to meet in a common room inside her complex, around her dinner schedule. After introducing me to

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Jeanette Jordan with David Hyde Pierce.

Tony Bennett, posing with Jordan,

“Very nice, very very nice… they all were, really.”

David Cassidy and Jordan posing at a Saratoga event. Jordan and John Forsythe at the Kentucky Derby, while Jordan was on-assignment with The Saratogian,

“I liked him a-lot. This was at the derby… (he was) outgoing, pleasant, didn’t shun you.”

And the photo she saves for very last, her most treasured, one singular photo which outshines one-hundred of any others Jordan could ever offer up— a group shot that includes Jeannette Jordan and her husband Augie, Walter Cronkite, his wife Betsy and none other than Saratoga’s own celebrity, socialite and philanthropist of the finest order, Marylou Whitney, all standing in front of the magnificent airplane Whitney chartered to fly the entire group to the Kentucky Derby. “Marylou flew me to the Kentucky Derby as her guest. I went twice for the paper and did stories. She said, ‘I want you to come and not have to work’.” Being flown by The Saratogian to write about The Kentucky Derby is impressive enough and very telling of Jordan’s talent, but being flown as a personal guest of Marylou Whitney’s? Her most enviable moment… especially when the friendship started with a simple interview.

Backstage at SPAC with Tony Bennett. the man at the front desk with whom she had been chatting, I follow Jordan into a tastefully decorated space and sit across from her at the room’s lone table. Reaching into her bag, Jordan pulls out the pile of photos I had requested she bring to the interview. Twenty-five years as a society columnist and when asked to bring photos of some of the “famous” people she met while carrying a pad and paper for The Saratogian, Jeannette Jordan pulls out… FIVE photos. NOT five albums, as my own editor anticipated and later asked me to clarify, but five PHOTOS. And the

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very moment Jordan finishes showing me each and every one of the five photos, I completely understand why she chose these and only these, her favorite five. No others could possibly top these, especially not the photo she saves for very last. One by one, Jordan places a photo on the table in front of us: David Hyde Pierce, at the height of his career with the sitcom Frazier, sitting with Jordan at a Saratoga event,

“I was doing interviews and he sat there and chit-chatted. He was very laid back. He wasn’t that outgoing.”

“I used to go occasionally with Marylou because I’ve known her through working at the paper. I first went to her place to interview her and I don’t know why, but she took a liking to me and we’ve been friends for years. They’ve been here (at Jordan’s current home), her and her husband… She was always very friendly and what I remember most is that people would come up to her and she never shoved them away. She was always very welcoming to anybody. She could’ve not been that way. She was always very kind and thoughtful… When she had her ball at the (Canfield) Casino she was very flamboyant. She rode in on a two-decker bus, came down on a helicopter. Hundreds of people would gather and she’d walk and shake their hands. She is an exceptional person… Marylou is always kind to everyone. You didn’t have to have money for her to be kind to you.”

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roadway SS 38 b .4 NY №

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Wherever the season takes you make sure you stop here first.

518.450.7350 CAROLINEANDMAIN.COM 438 BROADWAY, SS, NY

Jordan says you didn’t have to have money for her to feature you in her column, either. She remembers writing about parties great and small, from casual birthday parties inside the track to grand galas, such as those she covered with Marylou Whitney. “They all stood out… I looked forward to all of them. None stood out more than Marylou’s actual parties- they were my favorites. I covered so many different ones. There were very few I didn’t get excited about.” And who wouldn’t be excited by a life strung together with party after party, a stark contrast to Jordan’s earlier years, logged as a dedicated stay-at-home mom to four children. Jordan says during that time, she had no goal to work outside the home… until one day she did. So, she went through the same ritual most women did during those days - she asked her husband’s permission to work outside the home.

Jordan and John Forsythe at the Kentucky Derby.

Jeanette Jordan with David Cassidy and Connie Jenkins

“They were all pretty much in high school except my youngest, who was going into high school. When the paper offered me the position. I asked my husband and he said, ‘You can go, but be sure you have Dan’s (their youngest) breakfast on the table’.” Then Jeannette looks at me both apologetically and conspiratorially at the same time and adds knowingly, “And a woman would never do this now!” No experience as a writer, no degree in journalism— “I won an English award in high school…. Like I’m talking is how I wrote. It was something that flowed out onto paper, which is I guess good.” Jordan’s start as a reporter for The Saratogian was fifty-percent guts and fiftypercent “right time, right place.” Above that, she proved herself daily.

would go. I had more nerve. That’s how it all came about and before it was over I was head of the features department and had two people working for me.” Far from a society event, Jordan’s first assignment for The Saratogian was a simple town meeting but for Jordan an experience that gave her room to learn and grow.

up being head of the department.” Jordan went on to become the society reporter, the role in which we know her best, in the same way she volunteered for her first writing assignment.

“They used to have a woman that would do it for the race season and write about who was there. She died nine days before the race season and my managing editor said, “It was to replace someone for six weeks “They needed a reporter to go to a meeting ‘What are we gonna do?’ and I said, ‘I’ll do while they had an operation and she and I just went and covered it and wrote it.’ And she said, ‘We’ll rotate,’ and I said, ‘If decided not to come back, so they asked it and I wrote 75 inches, which is horrible, I’m going to do it I won’t rotate. I’m gonna me if I wanted to work part time. I don’t but I learned fast. They said you must learn do it.’ That’s how it began and I wrote for know if I was the aggressive type or not not to tell every little inkling. I learned that many years and continued after I retired (apparently, I was) because I was always and I was very fortunate because someone and did a few columns until I was 73 years volunteering for something and I had never left and they offered it to me and I ended old… then it got to be too much.” done a story in my life and I just decided I 132 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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“Jeannette is as genuine as they come, without a pretentious bone in her body,” said Barbara Lombardo, former executive editor of The Saratogian, who counts herself not just as one of Jeannette’s bosses, but as a friend. Tony Bennett, David Cassidy, Susan Lucci… if they were at the Saratoga Race track during Jordan’s tenure, chances were, she found them and charmed them into an interview. Even our nowpresident, Donald Trump, stopped for an interview with Jeannette Jordan. She applauds him for being a gentleman. “He came to Saratoga to look at property. He was invited to Marylou’s gala. He was at the Casino. I was writing her gala up too, so I got in line to see him and ask him a few questions. The AP (Associated Press) people walked in and almost knocked me over to try to get past me. (Donald Trump) saw that and yelled at them and said, ‘This woman was ahead of you, stand back’.”

“

SHE RODE IN ON A TWO-DECKER BUS, CAME DOWN ON A HELICOPTER. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WOULD GATHER AND SHE’D WALK AND SHAKE THEIR HANDS. SHE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL PERSON…

”

Jeanette Jordan reminiscing about her friend, MaryLou Whitney.

Now 84-years old, Jeannette Jordan is long retired from The Saratogian, but still very social, still writing… and her career may not be over just yet. “They have a paper here (at Prestwick Chase) and want me to head it, but because of some of my health issues… I said maybe I could just write a column like I did Inside Saratoga (for The Saratogian.) It comes out once a month and is read by everyone. So, I’m thinking about writing Inside Prestwick. I think people would really enjoy it.” “People trust her and naturally open up to her, to this day,” Lombardo said. “As a journalist, Jeannette was liked and respected by her colleagues in the newsroom, the people she wrote about and her loyal readers.” Yes, I think “people” most certainly would enjoy her new column. SS

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ONE CONFIDENT WOMAN

Brush yourself off and keep going. Never compare yourself to anyone else. Just keep trying to be a better you. FOR HARD-WORKING WOMEN HOPING

to advance their career, personal, and philanthropic goals, beauty pageants put passion to the test.

As one of five children raised by a single mother in Johnstown, down-time was not common for Baylee Simpson. While in high school she worked two jobs and took dance classes. Growing up, kids made fun of the size of Simpson’s nose, calling her Big Bird or Witch, and at 5’5” tall, she’s short for a dancer. At the studio however, Simpson said she always felt accepted.

“I never had a teacher look at me and say, ‘You won’t make it,’” she said.

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WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTO FLORIANNE JALAC

PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY

into account to develop a Life Passions Inventory for them.

Recently awarded Miss Upstate New York 2017, Baylee Simpson has also been crowned Miss Fulton County 2015, Miss Buffalo 2016, 3rd Runner Up at the state pageant, 1st place Lifestyle and Fitness Preliminary Award two years in a row and was Miss New York 2016’s 1st Runner Up.

“We don’t have a magic pill or groundbreaking secret for weight loss, but we give you steps and educate you on the variety of foods to fuel you. Your body is your instrument… How I’ve balanced my life, I try to influence others to, as well, and take back that control,” said Simpson.

Receiving the highest score for the swimsuit portion in the Miss New York competition was not based on being the skinniest, or having six-pack abs, it was because she demonstrated the most confidence while out on stage, she said.

While fundraising and working to advance her platform of increasing access to the arts for all children, preparing for Miss New York 2017 is also on Simpson’s spring agenda.

RESOLVE

“You have to find the acceptance in yourself and “I gave up Boston Cream donuts but I still have cheesecake, pasta and toast. It would love yourself. The body should be celebrated. I’m constantly inspired and encouraged by what be silly to cut out “X” in my diet, because I don’t recommend anyone do that,” she said. my body can do,” said Simpson. Her daily workout alternates between EMPOWERED EXPRESSION cycling classes and 5-to-10 mile runs, while also practicing her contemporary Jazz The recipient of many awards and routine to Jennifer Hudson’s powerful ballad scholarships, Simpson’s impressive “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going”. achievements include graduating magna cum laude from the SUNY College at Officially included, along with the Brockport, with a BF in Dance and a BS influential Oprah Winfrey, and Alaska’s in Exercise Science. Last year, she moved former Governor Sarah Palin, on the list of to Saratoga County where she works as a intrepid women with pageant experience, Certified Exercise Physiologist at Saratoga Simpson’s strongest trait is her tenacity. Health and Wellness. She advises us all… “Brush yourself off and Offering personal training, weight-loss keep going. Never compare yourself to anyone counseling, fitness evaluations, and else. Just keep trying to be a better you”. SS coaching, she takes men and women’s lifestyles, driving forces, and fitness goals JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 135

PRACTICING VACATION MENTALITY EVERY DAY! MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. for more information: Email meghanlemery@yahoo.com

ften on vacation you may find that you sleep better and get along with your family better. The end of a vacation can leave you feeling depressed and anxious about resuming everyday life.

Why is it that vacations leave us feeling rested and stress free? Why do we have to wait for that “two weeks off ” to let go and unwind? The key to living a fulfilled, peaceful life is to learn how to live with a vacation mentality every day, even on Mondays! The difference between everyday life and vacation mentality is the degree to which you are present emotionally, physically and spiritually. Usually when you are on vacation you are enjoying natures’ soundsthe feel of the sunshine, the smell of the clean air, the sound of waves, birds chirping or the feel of the wind blowing. You are tuned in, in a way that creates space for you to be 100% present and alert in your surroundings. This presence creates connection with ourselves and spirit allowing us to feel a sense of calmness and peace. Our minds slow down and our thoughts began to get quiet as we are conscious of the moment and our surroundings. You don’t have to wait to go on vacation to create this type of rest. You can practice presence every day. As you wake up and go about your morning routine instead of allowing anxiety to lead your thoughts try 136 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

Most people can’t wait for their summer vacations, long lazy days basking in the warm sun at the beach with no thoughts or cares in world. Vacations become a time about renewal and relaxation, melting the stress of everyday life away.

focusing on your breath more - allowing yourself to bring awareness into each task. This creates a deep inner peace and quiet that can make laundry and dishes seem like a spiritual event. As you get ready for work and begin to think about the things you need to accomplish, bills that need to be paid or the grass that needs to be cut, allow the thoughts to come in while shifting your focus from your head to the center of your chest and your breath. This shift in the physical space from your head to your heart center will allow you to practice vacation mentality every day. Living a stress filled life is about constantly being future focused. “Things will improve for me when I go on vacation, lose the weight, get a promotion, buy a house, get married,” etc., etc. The list is endless and this type of anxiety steals our joy, energy and ability to connect and engage in the moments of everyday life. This type of thinking will leave you feeling disconnected to yourself and everyone around you. Don’t wait until you feel depressed to make changes in the way you think, start practicing vacation mentality Monday-Friday! Practicing presence allows you to be more efficient in your everyday tasks. You will feel more energized and feelings of peace and well-being will increase.

This type of practice becomes a wakeful meditation that allows you to connect more deeply to yourself and everyone around you. You don’t need to wait for a beach vacation to slow down, relax and take in the sights around you. Spend more time outside soaking up the warmth of the sunshine on a walk around your neighborhood. Think about what you do on vacation that feels good and begin to practice this in everyday life. Many couples talk about “vacation sex” as being much more enjoyable than routine intimacy. Chances are when you are on vacation you are more present and connected to your partner which will increase your libido and allow you to experience greater pleasure emotionally and physically. Take time to think about how to increase your connection during the work week. Even ten minutes of slowing down to talk, make eye contact, hug or just check in with one another can help you experience deeper intimacy in every way. Don’t wait for vacations to enjoy your life. Stop and begin to focus on being present every day. This will add to your joy in ways you never imagined. Use the breath as a tool to help you slow down and connect more deeply.

YOU ARE WORTH IT! SS

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Summer

Reading Suggestions

Cradle of Crime

Memoir About Life with a Gangster Father, Had its Roots in Saratoga WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTO COURTESY OF LUELLEN SMILEY

ocals got to know Luellen Smiley when she came here from the West Coast and bought a large rambling Victorian on East High Street in 2000, which she named “Follie.” She became even more well known when she won the Village of Ballston Spa’s contest for coining the phrase, “A Village of Friends.” Now, Luellen Smiley is making a name for herself on both coasts as the author of her recently published memoir, “Cradle of Crime, A Daughter’s Tribute.” Smiley says it took her 20 years to write the book, and the process had a cathartic effect on her. It was a way to come to terms with her difficult and often painful memories of her childhood and young adulthood. Luellen Smiley was the daughter of Allen Smiley, right hand man to the infamous Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Allen Smiley, born Aaron Smehoff immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine with his orthodox Jewish parents when he was five years old. Smehoff, whose name was changed to Smiley when the family emigrated, was always looking for adventure. His father wanted his son to grow up to be a rabbi. But, young Smiley had other plans. At age 15, he ran away from home and stowed away across the border into the United States. By age 17, he was nabbed for robbing a local store and sent to Preston Reformatory for Boys in Lone, CA. It was there that the young, charming and exceedingly handsome Smiley met the director, Cecil B. DeMille. DeMille was filming part of his movie, “The Godless Girl,” at the reformatory. It was, incidentally, the last completely silent film DeMille directed.

“My dad’s looks were phenomenal and he was also very confident and direct,” said Luellen. “When he discovered that DeMille was at the reformatory, he approached him, asking for a job, and DeMille’s answer was, ‘Absolutely!’”

Luellen was eight years old. By the time Luellen was 13 years old, her mother had been diagnosed with cancer and died. It was then, that she went to live with her father, living like a prisoner at times, until she turned 18 years old. During those years, she learned some hard truths. She also learned how to never speak of things like the Mafia or anything related to Bugsy Siegel and her father’s activities. Luellen said the reason it took her so long to write about her father was because it had been drilled into her to never talk about the mob. Her first attempt to defy her father’s dictates came in the form of an 800-page fiction manuscript, which she sent to an agent. He promptly returned it to her, telling her to cut it down to 500 pages. Following that, she began to experiment with the memoir, going through four versions, before a friend told her that she was writing too much for herself and not for other readers. To improve her skills, Luellen attended Skidmore’s annual summer writers’ conference in 2000 and she fell in love with the area, eventually purchasing the home on East High Street, where she lived with her partner for the next three years. After enduring three long, cold winters, Luellen couldn’t tolerate the weather any longer. She found a long-term renter for the house and returned to San Diego, where she continued to write weekly columns for the Del Mar Times and contribute monthly articles to MORE magazine “About two years ago, I fractured my foot and couldn’t walk for six months,” said Luellen. While she was recuperating, she said it finally came to her how to write the book. “I just wrote it by instinct.” Luellen hopes that readers will consider her perspective about men in organized crime. “They bear a life and death burden as fathers,” she said. She went on to call her youth a life of both privilege and punishment.

“Cradle of Crime,” which was published in 2016, is available Once Smiley was out of reform school, he made his way to Hollywood, where he worked for DeMille until he and Bugsy through Amazon. Luellen will be returning to Ballston Spa and Saratoga this summer, where she plans to rekindle friendships Siegel crossed paths. and schedule book signings across the Capital Region. SS What followed was a long and often dangerous one-way journey into the world of the Mafia. During that time, Smiley met and married Luellen’s mother, whom he divorced when

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Summer

Reading Suggestions

Gangsters of

Saratoga W

hen the village’s charter states that gambling in Saratoga Springs is illegal, but the mayor runs a notoriously shady gambling den; crime is given a green light.

“It’s a running narrative of the first hundred years of this battle between gangsters and law-and-order in Saratoga Springs – and how the gangsters won,” said Saratoga Springs Police Chief Gregory Veitch. His research into the public records lead to a series of talks about the city’s dark days of corruption, and now, a new book, “All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them”. The title, pulled from a longer quote by Richard Canfield, explains why gambling persisted, and how everyone was in on it in the resort city, despite it being outlawed. “Gambling is a natural thing, and can’t be stopped, whether it’s with nickels or soda,” said Veitch.

Author, Greg Veitch WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED Veitch began his research five years ago, spurred on by his grandfather’s own story of a gang-shooting on Circular Street. In his book, he recounts the amusing tales of bold acts by brazen criminals. “It was easy for me to understand that it was a completely different time and the expectations were completely different. If you were a policeman at that time, your job depended on how you navigated the complete corruption and how you enforced the law,” said Veitch. There’s a story of how, one morning, lawbreakers flagrantly walked out of the police station with stolen evidence confiscated in a raid, including roulette wheels, chips and cards by the armload. Another tells of the local gamblers who escalated their criminal enterprises onto the national stage when they fixed the 1919 World Series. The ironic story of a heroic constable and his son, a corrupt district attorney is also included, among others. .

210 South Broadway, the building adjacent to the white building on the corner known as the Aldine Hotel (with the arched windows on the second story). This was the scene of a gambling raid in 1919 during which the notorious gangster Rachel Brown was arrested. Brown was also indicted for the fixing of the 1919 World Series later that year. Photo provided by: The Bolster Collection at the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

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The oldest known photograph of the members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Seated at center is the first Chief of Police George Blodget. These men would have patrolled areas like Willow Walk and Searings Alley that no long exist today. Photo provided by: Office of the Saratoga Springs Historian.

Listing the names of the residents involved, many of which likely still have connections in the area, Veitch shines a light on Saratoga’s perilous past. He paints the picture of a city much different than the one we see today, where the village lock-up was in the back of the saloon, High Rock Avenue was known as “The Valley of the Shadow of Death”, and a man’s gravestone listed how many men he’d killed and the amount of money he’d won gambling in Saratoga. “All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them”, is published by ShiresPress and is available at Northshire Bookstore. You can also buy a copy online at GangstersofSaratoga.com SS Mark Your Calendar: On June 8, Chief of Police Gregory Veitch will present the story of gambling, crime, and corruption in the early days of the village at the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Brown Bag Lunch from 12 – 1 p.m. For more information go to www.sspl.org

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MEET... UPSET

& HIS OWNER MADDY ZANETTI, CO-OWNER OF IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED

addy Zanetti was about 14 years old when she first began working for Marianne and Dave Barker at Impressions of Saratoga. She was already something of a “regular” in the shop, riding her bike to downtown often to buy Breyer horses for her collection and toys for her dog.

So it made perfect sense that, on one of her visits to the store, the manager asked her, “Aren’t you old enough to come to work here yet?”

That was 12 years ago and Maddy has not only worked at Impressions ever since; she has also become part-owner of the nearly 40-year old business.

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“We joked about Maddy becoming a partner here ever since she started,” said Marianne, adding that she could tell right away Maddy had what it takes to be successful. Maddy worked at Impressions throughout high school and summers during college. She received a degree in Business Administration from Geneseo College, graduating in three years. Five years ago, the dream became a reality saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Photo by John Seymour

They decided to call him “Upset,” naming him after the most wellknown of all the dark horses in the world of thoroughbred racing. The first Upset was the only horse to ever beat the legendary Man o’ War. Of course, Upset pulled off his victory at Saratoga in the 1919 Sanford Stakes. Upset’s namesake may be small, but his confidence and presence are mighty. and Maddy became a partner in a business that has successfully reinvented itself and continues to remain a relevant and vital part of the downtown Saratoga business scene.

“When he’s here at the store, or when we go over to the polo grounds, he gets right to work and does his job. We park the trailer and he just prances down the street,” says Maddy.

Being around Marianne and Maddy, it’s hard to miss the unmistakable rapport and mutual respect and affection the two women share. They also share a passion for the retail business, as well as a deep love for Saratoga and a desire to find new products and lines that will appeal to buyers and continue to spread the word about Saratoga Springs to shoppers who visit from across the country and around the world.

She recalls that, when they launched The Dark Horse line at Gaffney’s, Upset was there for six hours and behaved perfectly the entire time.

“Over the years, we’ve constantly changed products and added new lines. It’s been a real progression,” said Maddy. Their newest brainchild is the creation and development of Impressions’ line of products, appropriately named “The Dark Horse.” During a trip to Key West, Marianne was intrigued by the ubiquitous “Black Cat” and she thought it would be cool to create something similar for Saratoga. Both women are animal lovers and they launched The Dark Horse in 2014 to celebrate Saratoga’s reputation as the “graveyard of champions.” But Maddy says that it also represents the underdog who overcomes tremendous odds.

She adds that Upset just seems to know that, when he’s at work, it’s his job to entertain and to let people lavish him with love and attention. And, if you’ve never met Upset, it’s something that needs to go on your to-do list. In fact, it’s almost a sure bet that anyone who meets and spends time with the adorable little fella will want to take him home. But since Maddy isn’t parting with Upset any time soon – if ever – the next best thing is the precious little stuffed replica of Upset available at Impressions as part of The Dark Horse line. The rest of line includes tees, sweatshirts, hats, ties and other accessories. There is even a “Dark Horse” lawn jockey and glassware with the “Dark Horse” logo. SS For more information about Upset’s upcoming “appearances,” visit Impressions of Saratoga on Facebook or call Maddy at 518-587-0666.

Marianne relates how they jokingly talked about getting a horse to serve as the line’s mascot. “It was only about two hours later that Maddy called to say she would be picking up a horse that Saturday,” laughs Marianne. The horse she found was a deep brown – nearly black - miniature horse who had spent the first part of his career as a show horse. He had an easy-going disposition and an air of confidence that Maddy immediately fell in love with. In short, he was perfect for the job of mascot. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Coming Full Circle WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

ust fills the air as horses race around the track. Coming in at a gallop, they are a blur of brightly painted colors and native symbols. Momentum propels the rider as he jumps off his horse, lunging toward the heaving bare back of another.

“It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve seen in my life,” said Sharon Crute who was introduced to Indian relay racing when a PBS special aired one morning on television while she was practicing yoga. It came on at the exact moment that this artist and horsewoman, who had fallen in love with the exhilarating spirit of horses when she was just 15 years old, and who had worked with them for so long, was feeling a bit bored.

“It’s one of the most extreme sports I’ve ever seen,” she said about the subject that inspired her to complete her newest collection of equine art. I spoke to her while she was on the road, returning from a show at the renowned 43rd Annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show and Sale in Prescott, Arizona. An avid traveler, she and her husband, former jockey, trainer, and owner Michael Bray, have lived their lives working with horses in the trenches of this country’s greatest racetracks. This will be Crute’s 8th season in the artist’s village at Saratoga Race Course, selling pieces that range in price from $250 up to $65,000 for a massive nine-canvas spread. “I just went through this big ol’ circle, but those guys in Saratoga, those are my peeps. Now I’m very excited to be back at the track this year,” said Crute. Her paintings, completed outdoors plein air, from both memory and photographs, depict the explosive energy and powerful spirit of the horses. Offering rare, behind-the-scenes viewpoints, Crute uses her own experiences being bitten, crushed and dumped from a horse, to inform The Front Line, 18"x24", oil on canvas

Triad, 16"x20", oil on panel

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her work. She paints the horses’ throbbing veins, straining muscles, and intense gazes with the help of anatomy books spread out across the floor of her silent home studio. “For me, it’s all about the horse. My heart is in painting horses. As long as there is a horse in the picture, I’m enjoying it,” said Crute. Now, fascinated with old Western movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s, she also devours the work of Fredric Remington, whose writings and paintings chronicle life on the already disappearing American frontier at the turn of the century. Always accepting commissions, she is often working on several paintings at once. The dialog running in her head concerned with technical accuracy matters such as proportions, color temperatures and values. Turning the face of a painting toward the wall for a few days to let the idea bake, when she flips it around again, she can view it with fresh eyes, leading both artist and viewer full circle to an end product that is both forceful and dynamic. For more information visit www.SharonCrute.com

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A New Charm on Broadway

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTO BY BLACKBURN PORTRAIT DESIGN

or Joel Schlesinger, Brooklyn born and bred, Saratoga Springs is a breath of fresh air, for both his business and his state of mind. Perhaps that’s why he named his jewelry and fashion accessories boutique on upper Broadway “A Silver Breeze.”

Schlesinger owns several other retail stores in Brooklyn and he also travels around the country as a sales rep for several different lines of jewelry. Out of all of his business ventures, Joel says that A Silver Breeze is the one for which he has the most passion. Schlesinger first discovered Saratoga Springs 11 years ago when, at age 26, he was in the early stages of his career as a sales representative, selling sterling silver jewelry to local shops. One of his customers in Saratoga Springs was the owner of a small kiosk in the Wilton Mall. She quickly became one of his best customers and, when she decided it was time to sell her kiosk, she approached Joel with an offer he could not resist.

Joel added new and unique lines to the kiosk and successfully ran the retail operation for the next seven years. As his business began to grow – and as it became increasingly obvious that he would do better on Broadway – Joel made the decision to open a storefront in downtown Saratoga. His beautiful store, located at 516 Broadway, just steps away from the City Center carries several lines of sterling silver jewelry unlike what shoppers are likely to find in any other shops in the region.

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Joel just returned from a buying trip to Italy, where he acquired new lines to add to his already unique and diverse inventory, which includes Kendra Scott and Pandora. He also has an exclusive license with Pandora to carry a Saratoga charm, something that Joel is sure will be a big hit during track season and beyond. “I’m also bringing in an exciting new brand of jewelry for men and women, handmade in the USA, that’s all about the horse,” said Joel. In addition to jewelry and watches, A Silver Breeze also sells fashion accessories, purses, makeup and travel bags, sunglasses and other items. Joel hopes that, as foot traffic continues to build on the northern end of Broadway, A Silver Breeze will become a “go to” destination for fashionable jewelry and accessories for all pocketbooks. “Everyone will find something here that they can afford,” said Joel, adding that he carries all different price points, from $10 to $600. While Joel loves spending time in Saratoga, he and his family live in Brooklyn and he couldn’t even begin to imagine doing this without his longtime store manager, Sheila. “She has been with me since I owned the kiosk in the Wilton Mall, and I couldn’t keep A Silver Breeze open without her. She’s got a great sense for the retail business and she knows how to manage a lot of employees,” said Joel. “I don’t do anything without asking her first.”

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Can't Leave Town without these!

SARATOGA LANDMARKS TOTE Fill our handsome Saratoga Landmarks Wide Essentials Tote with an array of gourmet treats and carry your memories of our historic city with you all summer long! Tasty race days, picnics, and gifts are easy at The Savory Pantry. The Savory Pantry 486 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.450.1130 • www.SavoryPantry.com

PERSONALIZED COASTERS Fashioned after vintage typewriter keys - spell out a name, word, monogram, etc. Make your own unique set! Add a personalized wood holder and display your creation in style! Homessence 439 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.306.6445

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CASHMERE TOPPER Cashmere Toppers (Great for travel and chilly summer nights!) $135-165 Silverwood 398 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.583.3600 www.SilverwoodGalleries.com

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Artist Spotlight: Virginia Fretto WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY PHOTOANDGRAPHIC.COM

very woman, whether she’s wearing a formal business suit, or a cool summer dress, wants to express her own unique sense of style.

“These put that pop of personality in your wardrobe,” said Virginia Fretto, owner and designer of Razimus Jewelry. In 2012, Fretto merged her interest in sustainable fashion with her background in fine jewelry to launch the Razimus fabric jewelry collection on Etsy. She has since left the e-commerce site, and now sells on her own website, to wholesale distributors, at Lifestyles of Saratoga, and will soon be exhibiting at trade shows, as well. “I want this to grow organically, and don’t want to send this overseas – ever,” she said.

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The Brain Trust Razimus Jewelry has grown as her 4-year-old daughter Olivia, has, said Fretto. She begins each collection by spreading out her supplies on the table in her immaculate small home studio and then develops designs based on the season’s hottest colors and her customers’ favorites, which this year means in colors including Greenery, and neutrals such as Natural Linen. Her pieces are named after the powerful female musicians, from Patsy Cline and Billy Holiday to Marian Hill, that are blasting in the studio while she works. Like with many small businesses, Fretto does many different tasks (including modeling the jewelry for her product line catalog) but she also relies on help with everything from photography to construction from a handful of trusted like-minded local creatives that include her “right hand”, crafter and illustrator Carol Quirk, and fabrics from local textile artist Betsy Olmsted.

“I thought it was the bohemian 20- something woman, but it’s not. It’s the mindful shopper looking for something unique, with a story. Comfort plays a big part in their decision. They’re super vivacious, really outgoing people,” said Fretto. Striving for authentic conversations about her product and her motivations, Fretto puts personalized notes in her orders and is detail-oriented when it comes to customer satisfaction. Always taking custom orders, this year she is also offering a limited edition bracelet constructed from the American Diabetes Association’s "Red Rider" Tour de Cure performance fabric bicycle jerseys. Fretto, who is a type-1 diabetic, said the ride is something she looks forward to every year. For more information about Razimus Jewelry go to razimusjewelry.com SS

“There’s something about the Universe, it makes things happen,” said Fretto about how they all came to work together.

No Muss, No Fuss All the Razimus jewelry is made with an eye on reducing waste in fashion. The simple cords are made from strips of fabric carefully cut from deconstructed vintage clothing or repurposed remnants. One shirt can be upcycled into approximately 100 bracelets. “It’s very efficient - there’s not a lot of waste,” said Fretto. Her timeless designs evolved to include an easy-to-use locking magnetic clasp. Stackable and versatile enough to create different looks, from the elegantly classic to the modern and sporty, Fretto said she learned over time her customer is not who she originally imagined it would be.

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Saratoga Families...

The Nelson Family 148 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

“

WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON PHOTOS PROVIDED

”

I hail from Brooklyn, but Saratoga is my home. -Garland

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Garland Nelson is one of Saratoga’s most popular residents – and for good reason! Whether you meet him through his company, Soul Session Edu-tainment, Inc., or on the playground with his daughter, Garland is sure to add some positivity to your day. Originally from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn (or as Garland jokingly says, “Crooklyn USA!”), he moved upstate to attend college and graduated from Skidmore in 1996. He says, “I hail from Brooklyn, but Saratoga is my home.” Garland loves that the Saratoga region is close to restaurants, museums, major cities, and an international airport, but still gives him space to breathe. After graduating from Skidmore, Garland held a wide variety of jobs, but he never thought he’d be in the entertainment industry full time. He explains, “When I was younger, I thought about a government job, but that’s not what God called me to do.” After joining a band, Garland realized the music industry was his true calling. He eventually decided to start his own entertainment business and never looked back. His business, Soul Session Edutainment, Inc., handles entertainment for a variety of events including fundraisers, weddings, and corporate functions both regionally and nationwide. And he thanks Saratoga for shaping his career path, saying, “I’m forever indebted to this city for allowing me to grow my business and grow into the man I am today.” Garland is the proud father to Imani, age 2 ½. Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1980s, his childhood was often tough but Garland says, “With my own daughter, I’m lucky to have the chance to help her truly live, rather than just survive.” And thrive she does. Garland saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

and Imani’s mom, Brooke, take pride in exposing their daughter to as many life experiences as possible. Garland says, “I take this child everywhere we could possibly go. I’m all about exposure. In New York City it’s a lot easier to expose your family to things, so upstate we have to try a little harder.” Garland and Imani have crisscrossed New York state going everywhere from the Statue of Liberty to Niagara Falls and every holiday season, the whole family gets dressed up and attends the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. When it comes to activities closer to home, Garland and Imani are regulars at the library, the Bouncy Bounce in Wilton Mall, and East Side Rec. They also love to take walks and explore all of Saratoga’s wonderful restaurants. When speaking with Garland, it’s clear he feels blessed to be Imani’s dad. He says, “Imani is such a great kid. She adds so much not just to my life and her mom’s life, but to everyone she comes in contact with.” Beyond work and family life, Garland strives to give back to the community. He is a former board member for Saratoga Arts Fest, a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Project in Saratoga, and leads a workshop called Shout it out! Evolution of the Black Vocal Tradition during the Flurry Festival. When it comes to Garland Nelson, Brooklyn’s loss is Saratoga’s gain. This proud father and successful business owner makes the city a better place to live, work, and raise a family. SS

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MEET... MISS GERI the

Flower Lady

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA SIMEK

hen people talk of “the lady of the park”, you might think they’re speaking of Congress Park’s beautiful bronze Spirit of Life statue. Or perhaps, you think of Katrina Trask, the generous art patron and town benefactor that commissioned it, who also has a staircase there, dedicated in her honor.

“The kids know me as the lady of the park. It’s so cute. One mom told me her little girl went home and started talking about, ‘the lady that rides the machine - she talks to us, and plays with us,’” explained Geri DuMortier. Moments before, she had been crouching on Broadway’s sidewalk, planting flowers by the city’s information booth. At 69 years old, with arthritis and allergies, DuMortier said she still loves working for the Saratoga Springs Department of 150 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

Public Works maintaining the park. “It really makes you feel good. I love this time of year and doing the flowers!” Having done “just about everything” in her 17 years on the job, she’s gone from being a “plow jockey” to shoveling snow by hand, driving a garbage truck, and helping with tree removal. DuMortier said she considered retirement before her current placement working in the park, caring for the street urns, and decorating the holiday wreaths at city hall. “I just don’t know if I’m really ready to retire. It’s rewarding, it’s enjoyable, I guess that’s why I’m still here. You go home feeling good,” she said. Planting the bright begonias, hardy periwinkle, and draping

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A life-long resident of Saratoga, DuMortier said she has also enjoyed seeing the park restored back to the way it was when she was a child. Now, her grandchildren ride the same carousel she rode as a kid. That was when it was in Kaydeross Park on Saratoga Lake, before it had been relocated. Always with a watchful eye on the children visiting the park, she’s delighted to see them interact with the fish and birds. She also likes to talk to people about the flowers, and running into patrons when they return to the park after years of being away.

Bye-bye Flower Lady!

“People from all over - they remember you. It’s so great to have people come up to you and say, ‘This is so beautiful … and clean!’ It’s a good thing to hear.” SS

potato vines are among DuMortier’s favorite activities. “I just love color – it just brings such feelings.” Her emotional connection to the park extends to encompass the War Memorial and the Walk of Honor composed of brick pavers engraved with the names of local war veterans. DuMortier’s mother and ex-husband both served in the navy. Her father was in the army and a prisoner-of-war. “That’s brought a lot of peace to me. I have a lot of feeling for that part of the park,” she said.

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WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED

eventeen years ago, Gina Peca, her husband Larry Hoch and their two boys said goodbye to their daughter and sister, Catie Hoch. Catie was nine when she died of neuroblastoma, a form of cancer not often found in children her age. For Gina, the memories of Catie are as fresh today as if they happened yesterday.

The Hoch family discovered Catie’s illness during a family party. It was two-year old brother Johnny’s birthday, and the house and yard were filled with family and friends. Catie, who was six, came to her mother after falling on the slip n’ slide, complaining of a pain in her side. Gina didn’t think a lot of it, initially, and sent her daughter upstairs to rest. When Catie’s symptoms worsened, Gina and Larry decided to take her to the ER, just to be safe. What they were told changed their lives forever. A CT scan uncovered a tumor – stage one cancer – on Catie’s kidney and adrenal gland. Catie was rushed to Albany Medical Center, where she underwent a lengthy and difficult surgery to remove her kidney and adrenal gland. From Albany Med, Catie went to Sloan Kettering, where she and her family received the good news that she would not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation because the surgeon had gotten everything. One year later, her cancer had returned. This time, it was stage four. Despite the dire diagnosis, Catie lived her short life with boundless energy, endless compassion for others and a grace that both filled and sustained her throughout her three-year ordeal. Even though she was a child going through something that no child should have to endure, Catie’s main concerns were for her family and for the countless other children who were battling life-threatening diseases. Catie Hoch, who would be 26 if she were alive today, played

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an active role in the creation of the Catie Hoch Foundation before her untimely death. The Hoch family was fortunate to have the support of a large community of family and friends, who helped them through an unimaginably difficult time, both emotionally and financially. Because of their support, Catie and Gina could make the most of the endless months spent as residents of NYC’s Ronald McDonald House while Catie endured chemo and radiation treatments. For Gina, that time together is a treasured memory, which she turned into a book, “I Wouldn’t Change a Thing.”

When Catie was in the final stages of her cancer, Rowling donated $100,000 to Catie’s foundation and has been a faithful supporter for the last 17 years. SS To learn more about the amazing little girl named Catie Hoch and the wonderful legacy she has left behind, please visit catiehochfoundation.org and purchase a ticket to “Teeing Off on Cancer.”

As a cancer patient at Sloan Kettering, Catie became a New Yorker in the true sense of the word. She embraced the city and all it had to offer. Catie wanted her foundation to ensure that other children going through difficult – even terminal – illnesses would enjoy the same experiences she had while she lived in New York. To date, the Catie Hoch Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure that children undergoing treatment for lifethreatening diseases – and their families – will not lose their homes; will not be denied the simple joys of childhood; and will not be made to go without necessities such as gasoline for trips to the hospital, meals during their stays, or even the monthly mortgage payment on their homes. This year, the Catie Hoch Foundation will host “Teeing Off on Cancer” at MacGregor Links on September 9. The event includes a golf tournament, followed by a “Fore and After” party, consisting of great food and drinks, music by “Grand Central Station,” and a two-hour tasting courtesy of Springbrook Hollow Distillery from Glens Falls. Benita Zahn will emcee the evening and, in addition to more than a dozen wonderful gift packages being raffled off, the evening will be capped off by a raffling of a signed copy of J.K. Rowling’s latest book, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” “Catie was a real charmer,” said Gina. She wrote to Rowling during her cancer treatments and she and Catie soon became fast friends via email.

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Fun at the Gavin Park Splash Park!

WITH THE HELP OF SO MANY...

THE STORY OF GAVIN PARK WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

After school program staff with some attendees. Left to Right: Cindy Huff, Bridget Plummer, Matt Hart, Leah Hathaway, Kayla Benner, Denise Faulhammer

When one man does so much to make something happen, it’s natural to wonder how things will change once he’s no longer as involved as he once was. Steve Porto, who officially retires from his position as Director of Gavin Park in Wilton this year, has a positive outlook for the future of the facility. It is not a place he built on his own, he said, but the result of so many supportive people throughout the years.

“A lot of the things I’ve done, I’m happy about. When a new person with new passions comes in, I’m sure they’ll be in-step with what people want. There’s a lot left to do. We’re talking about lighting the fields and adding a community garden, but he or she has to take the idea and make it real.” FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Steve Porto spent his childhood in Long Island, where he personally experienced how important community centers can be. “The first time I made friends with kids was not on my block, it was at the Rec center. This is the same kind of gathering place; a place to make friends and have fun,” he said. After earning his BS in Health, Physical Education and Recreation while at Springfield College, Porto opened

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Art Johnson, Town Supervisor at Dedication of Kaitlyn's Corner Playground

Children at Gavin Park Summer Camp

Jr. NBA Basketball

and managed the Friar Tuck Bookstore chain. Integral since the beginning, in 1988 Porto celebrated Gavin Park’s grand opening with one of its strongest proponents, Roy McDonald, the Town’s Supervisor at the time who, in later years, would go on to represent Saratoga county as a State Assemblyman before becoming a New York State Senator. Since accepting his current position in 2004, Porto has helped to realize all of the goals they were striving for in the recreation center’s 10-year master plan. “We wanted to create facilities for people of all ages, for both passive and active recreation, to grow exciting programs and to add new programs,” he said. MILESTONES IN GAVIN PARK’S GROWTH The park, as it existed then, was much different than the one we visit today. A major addition, the Christopher Dailey Memorial Youth Gymnasium, opened in 2006. “In my mind, it was a very positive step. It has allowed us to do so many things. It doubled the size of our basketball program, and that’s just one thing we use the gymnasium for. The Dailey Foundation and the town fathers had a lot of foresight to make that happen. Thousands of kids have come to that gymnasium and certainly, the

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memory of Chris lives on,” said Porto. Tournaments giving student athletes a chance to showcase their skills have continued to expand, as have the grounds. “One of the things that made this place grow, and grow fast, was land,” said Porto. In 2009, Gavin Park was granted the rights to manage 28 additional acres for athletic fields by the Wilton School District’s Board of Education. Their continuous cooperative relationship is one of many benefitting the park and the supportive Wilton community. WITH GREAT THANKS “It’s become the center of town. We don’t have a Main Street – Gavin Park is our Main Street, and it’s because of the efforts of a lot of people,” said Porto. This includes previous and current town officials, such as Town Supervisor Art Johnson, Town Board Park Liaison Steve Streicher, the Wilton Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Friends of Wilton Recreation, a non-profit 501c3 that has given the park scoreboards, tennis court nets, outdoor exercise equipment, and more. “All the departments that we interact with have helped me for years to make this place what it is,” he said.

In addition to a park where families can get together to fly kites and play catch, there are group parties, family reunions, sports tournaments, fitness classes, afterschool, and summer programs taking place. Seasonal and special events including ParkFest, among others, all happen within the park space that now includes two multi-purpose gyms, an office area and meeting rooms, two pavilions, 15 athletic fields, sports courts, a walking path, batting cages, game room, playground, splash park, ice rink, and a concession stand. Porto said that the creative marketing by Laura Alosio, owner of Dandelion Design, has given the park its face, and that the park’s staff is its heart. “They are people who care about what they do, and without a caring group of people, it would be much more difficult to get the work done,” said Porto. AND SOME GOOD FUN Porto is perhaps most proud of Gavin’s Splash Park, an 11-year project, and the second-largest of its kind in the area. It is now a best practices model that other parks are looking to for inspiration. “It was almost like a folly in the beginning because I would bring it up so much in meetings. It was a big and scary project,

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Gavin Park – Then & Now but I’m very happy that we have that, it introduces water as a play element to the very young,” said Porto. What he’ll miss the most about working at the park, he said, are the people; from greeting parents, to telling jokes to busloads of children. “I’d get booed sometimes, but that’s ok,” he said, smiling. In his retirement, Porto hopes to continue to visit with the adults playing Pickleball. “That group of people is the nicest group. They have such a spirit of just having fun,” he said. With an appreciation for comedians like Don Rickles (who once made jokes at his expense during a show), Porto said he likes to create fun events and is the natural “ringmaster” of his family get-togethers. Once, to prepare for a trip with his family, he created (with some help) laminated lanyard tags for everyone to wear featuring a cartoon character, with a certain resemblance to himself, promoting “Schlock Tours”. Porto’s wife, Patricia, is also retiring this year. “She has given me a lot of inspiration, is very supportive, and has been a good confidant,” said Porto. They plan to take a trip to Panama Canal and hope to visit Hawaii, as well. The Portos expect to have a busy holiday season, celebrating their birthdays (which both fall the week of Christmas) with their three children, and their soon-to-be six grandchildren - a set of twins are due December 26th! SS

Steve Porto, Director of Gavin Park, being honored by the pickleball players on his retirement. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Post Time Memories with Dennis G. Hogan

Black Type Affair “All the world’s a stage,” quipped William Shakespeare, and there may be no finer stage for Thoroughbred racing than historic Saratoga Race Course. Maybe it’s the country atmosphere, the family gatherings in the backfield, or the chance to get up-close and personal with noted trainers and owners in the clubhouse that keeps people coming back year after year. Though a glance at the 2017 schedule of races reveals another possible reason - simply stated: quality over quantity. The 40-day meet begins Friday, July 21, and runs through Monday, September 4. That’s the better part of seven weeks, and in that window of opportunity Saratoga offers no less that 69 stakes races totaling just shy of $19-million in purses. And nested within this giddy tally are 43 graded stakes races - but what exactly earns them such distinction? The system of grading races was instituted in 1973, by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and it applies to races in North America. There are four levels: Grade I, II, III, and Listed, with Grade I races being the creme de la creme. One difference between them is the purse money offered: Grade I races carry a minimum purse of $300,000; Grade II require a minimum of $200,000, while a Grade III race has a minimum purse of $100,000. Listed stakes have a $75,000 minimum; they are indeed notable but have yet to be designated as Grade I, II or III. There are 14 categories based solely upon gender, age and distance. And the grading system is a dynamic one: from year-to-year purses may increase, stakes may come and go, and races may be upgraded or downgraded. 158 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

The grading system speaks to the ‘class’ of a Thoroughbred and allows owners, breeders, historians and turf writers to qualify a horse’s career based on the prestige of the races won and company kept. These races showcase the best of the best and there’s no finer place to catch them than Saratoga. Here are just a few to be offered: The Coaching Club American Oaks (100th running, Grade I, Sunday, July 23.) Contested at differing distances and venues over the years, this race honors the Coaching Club of America; membership in which required the ability to command the reins of a four-horse coach with a single hand. The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (33rd running, Grade I, Saturday, July 29.) A.G. Vanderbilt may be best known as the owner and breeder of 1950’s phenom Native Dancer. The Dancer went 21 for 22, and was a perfect six-for-six at the Spa. His likeness, along with that of jockey Eric Guerin, is now immortalized in sculpture and stands at the intersection of Union Avenue and Circular Street. The National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (33rd running, Grade II, Friday, August 4.) This may just be Saratoga’s best kept secret, as it perfectly compliments the festivities of Hall of Fame Induction Day – a must-see event for any true racing fan. The Whitney (90th running, Grade I, Saturday, August 5.) A premier race for horses 3 years and up. The Whitney legacy began with W.C. Whitney back in 1898 and is still represented by the Eton blueand-brown colors of the Grand Dame of Saratoga, philanthropist Marylou Whitney. The Fourstardave Handicap (22nd running, Grade I, Saturday, August 12.) Originally the Daryl’s Joy, it was first run in 1996, and salutes

Saratoga hard-knocker Fourstardave. The ‘Sultan of Saratoga’ won a race in eight consecutive years between 1987 and 1994, and he remains a hometown favorite. The Alabama (136th running, Grade I, Saturday, August 19.) One of the Spa’s most prestigious races, the Alabama attracts the nation’s most accomplished and promising 3-year-old fillies. Last year it was captured by the phenomenal Songbird. The New York Turf Writers Cup (75th running, Grade I, Thursday, August 24.) Nothing is more exciting or daring than the ‘jumps,’ which kick off Saratoga’s Wednesday and Thursday cards; many of these contenders are prepping for this Grade I event. The Travers (148th running, Grade I, Saturday, August 26th.) The ‘Mid-Summer Derby’ is Saratoga’s premiere event, and Traver’s week is one big party that lights up the entire town. The Woodward (64th running, Grade I, Saturday, September 2.) The Travers has always been considered the highlight of the meet, and rightfully so, but the Woodward has invigorated the Spa’s closing week with gusto and élan. Named after ‘The Master of Belair,’ William Woodward, Sr., in years past the race has attracted two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, and America’s favorite filly Rachel Alexandra. The Spinaway (126th running, Grade I, Saturday, September 2.), and the Hopeful (113th running, Grade I, Monday, September 4.) The Spinaway (for 2-year-old fillies) was named for a crack filly of the nineteenth century, while the Hopeful (for 2-yearold colts) encapsulates every owner’s dreams. You can learn more about the 2017 Saratoga stakes schedule by visiting NYRA.com SS

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HISTORY

Our

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

FOR MORE ON THIS PHOTO SEE PAGE 162.

Canfield Casino

SUMMER IN SARATOGA:

Entertain your guests with history and a walk back in time.

WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

rowing up in Saratoga Springs was the best! I loved every aspect and every season. The real fun came when I went off to college and began to invite friends to visit our great city during summer break. Not only was I very proud of my hometown, but I found that the role of tour guide wasn’t all that bad. My city had so much to show off and enjoy that I truly rediscovered the city and its history every time I entertained

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college friends. The visits and the tours continued after college as friends would visit me to enjoy the racetrack, SPAC, restaurants and the city in general. Has this happened to you? If you have lived in Saratoga Springs for even the shortest of time periods you probably have acted as the tour guide. Well get ready, summer is here and I suspect so are the guests. Here are a few ideas of how to be the best tour guide for friends and relatives.

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Early Saratoga 1829

USE THE SARATOGA VISITORS CENTER

A quick visit to the knowledgeable staff at the Visitors Center on Broadway will provide you with updates on area events, museums, lectures, shows and more. The Visitors Center also offers, during the season, low cost 90-minute walking tours of Congress Park that run daily at 10:30 AM. These are great tours to introduce your guests to the history of Saratoga Springs and the beauty of Congress Park. If you want to be the guide - that is also made easy for you – just get printed tour brochures for many popular areas in the city at the Visitors Center. The Houses of North Broadway, Mineral Springs, Westside Neighborhoods and more are available for you to impress your visitors with new-found knowledge of your city. Grab some walking tour brochures from the Visitors Center and you can direct your guests on a variety of tour topics.

SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM (CANFIELD CASINO)

The mission of this great museum is to tell the story of Saratoga Springs, and they deliver! Located in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park, the building alone is one of the jewels of the city. Built in 1870 by John Morrissey, who was also a joint founder of the Saratoga Race Course, the building was operated as a plush casino until the 1900s. Open daily from 10 A.M. until 4 P.M., you can tour the museum on your own or with the help of some very knowledgeable docents to get the true story of the city as it developed from a pine forest to a world class resort in the 1800s. If your guests are into ghosts, this is also the place. The museum was investigated years ago, by the television show “Ghost Hunters” to reveal many psychic connections. Ghost tours are offered during the summer season and the tours are based totally on the encounters with staff and the many events that have occurred in the building. For exact times and prices call the museum at (518) 584-6920 for details.

YADDO GARDENS

The Yaddo Estate is one of the special locations in the city of Saratoga Springs. Located on Union Avenue, east of the Saratoga Race Course, it was the country home of Spencer and Katrina Trask. The mansion and most of the grounds serve today as a retreat for artists and is not open for public viewing, but the beautiful Yaddo Gardens are available. Docent lead garden tours at a cost of $10 per person are available on specific days from mid-June to Labor Day at 11 A.M. and on Tuesdays during racing season. The beautiful rose gardens were a gift from Spencer to his wife Katrina and are managed today by a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain their beauty. If your guests are into ghost stories, then add Yaddo Gardens to your list. Ghost Tours are added to the schedule in the fall on Fridays and Sundays. Check the website yaddo.org for updates, prices and times.

Early Saratoga 1829

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME

The National Racing Museum is a wonderful museum that tells the story of Thoroughbred racing in America. Many of your guests will want to go to the Saratoga Race Course for everything from morning breakfast and workouts, to a full day of racing at the oldest racetrack in America. The Saratoga Race Course was founded as a site for horse racing across the street from the present track in 1863 for one year. In 1864 the owners bought 125 acres and moved operations to its present location and has been there ever since.

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A day at the track gives you the beauty of the “Sport of Kings”, but the hidden gem is found in the Oklahoma Training Track Tours. These are the absolute best way for people to learn about the horse racing business. These tours take you to the barns, training track and most importantly, the horses. Exercise riders, hot walkers, barns and plenty of beautiful horses are the content of this up-close experience. These 90 minute tours operate on the Oklahoma Track from June to October on Saturdays. The cost of the tour is a great deal because it also includes admission to the Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. For more information about these tours or the museum check the website for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame or call (518) 584-0400 Ext. 120 for current details.

SO MANY OTHER CHOICES

Since this article is limited in length, it’s impossible to write about the additional assets of the city for your summer visitors to enjoy. In addition to what has already been discussed consider the NYS Military Museum, Saratoga Children’s Museum, the Saratoga Battlefield, Saratoga Auto Museum and of course the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the National Museum of Dance… all great spots to add to your “tour guide” duties.

Our city is blessed with so much to see and do and it is all rooted in the history of our great city. So, when you get the call that the visitors are coming - don’t panic, just use these many locations and events to plan a memorable time with your friends and relatives. The great part of being a tour guide is that you also rediscover the history and the city that your visitors will see for the first time. Saratoga is great…..spread the word! SS JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 161

Rarely Seen Photos of OLD SARATOGA Springs WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL, PERMISSION FROM SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM SPECIAL THANKS TO CURATOR JOHN CONNERS, IMAGES FROM THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION

D&H RAIL STATION • 1887

UNITED STATES HOTEL

Rail service came to the city in 1832 and the first station was near the corner of Broadway and Division Street. This image shows a newer station that was built on Railroad Place near the present Price Chopper and Bow-Tie Cinema.

The United States Hotel was one of the great hotels in Saratoga’s history. The “States” was located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Division Street. and was featured in the movie “Saratoga Trunk”, with Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergmann.

Larger version on page 159.

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SARATOGA RACE TRACK • 1900

This view of the track and grandstand is at the site of today’s racetrack, built in 1864. The grandstand of today is longer than what is pictured after an addition that was added in the 1960s.

WORDEN HOTEL BAR • 1945

This famous bar was in the Worden Hotel that was located on the northwest corner of Broadway and Division Street. Today this is the location of the Downtowner Motel. Some of the great names of old Saratoga were regulars at this popular watering hole.

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“BROADWAY WAS BLEAK,” WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED

states Nelson Avenue resident Bill Finlay. With 22 vacant downtown storefronts in 1973, the odds of ever achieving an award winning Main Street were slim. But Saratoga Springs, being a gambling town, doubled down on multiple fronts and eventually beat the odds.

Downtown Saratoga Springs faced many challenges. In fact Ken Jones’ loan application for local AM station WKAJ was turned down by Glens Falls National Bank. At the time, the bank felt “Saratoga was a dying city.” Newman Wait of the Adirondack Trust instead financed the operation. The second half of the 20th century brought 3 major fires to the central corridor of Broadway. In the center of Broadway, Starbucks Department store’s 1957 massive fire left a vacant lot -the Washington Building only recently replaced this. At the south end of the main thoroughfare the 1965 fire of historic Convention Hall was a major blow to downtown. Finally, at the north end of our main street, a January 1976 fire leveled the Presbyterian Church, leaving behind a still vacant lot and threatening the Collamer Building. The 1973 opening of Saratoga Pyramid Mall, advertised as the “1 Fun Place to be” generated a lot of excitement at the time. The 50 store complex opened October 18, 1973 with a ribbon cutting from Miss New York State and gave away a free trip to the Bahamas. Erlanger’s Fashions, once a staple on Broadway relocated to the complex. David Carr, owner of Starbuck’s Department store on Broadway was hopeful the mall would bring more people to Saratoga to shop. First they would go to the mall and then come downtown. His wish did not come true. “The negative impact was fairly drastic,” recalls David Carr Jr.

“Fear is the greatest catalyst in the world,” believes Charles Wait, CEO and chairman of the board of The Adirondack Trust Company. Wait was referencing the October 1973 opening of Pyramid Mall as being the catalyst that got mom and pop merchants to band together and fight against the competition. The Saratoga Downtown Merchant Association joined the Adirondack Trust Company and the Chamber of Commerce to create the 1974 “Plan of Action.” Led by Bob Bristol of Saratoga Associates, the plan had three stages. First was to rally public opinion to put money into downtown and build a political climate for infrastructure improvement. Skidmore students created a 6 by 18 foot scale model of downtown. Local residents were invited to a vacant downtown Broadway storefront to manipulate the model and create an ideal downtown. Knowing that nothing can be accomplished without funding, three revenue streams were created, and raised 1.2 million dollars: the creation of a special assessment district; a one percent increase in sales tax; and $400,000 in Federal Community Development funds. Two public parking lots were developed, and the Saratoga Preservation Foundation, led by Julie Stokes was established. Buildings facades were restored, street trees planted and benches were installed.

“Mom and Pops” are the heart of small communities. Clearly our local “Mom and Pop” bank was integral to downtown’s revitalization. The Adirondack Trust Company bought and leveled a row of dilapidated brick buildings along Church Street and hired Bob Bristol of Saratoga Associates to design an addition to the back of the original marble structure. The three- arched brick addition came at a time when several downtown banks such as

Mechanics Exchange had moved to Pyramid Mall. The Adirondack Trust’s 1974 decision to invest in downtown gave merchants hope. It also had a ripple effect-helping the survival of businesses located just off Broadway. Adirondack Trust financed car loans for the customers of Carroll Auto Sales on High Rock Avenue, located a short two blocks from the main bank.

All of these efforts would have fallen short of today’s award winning downtown if we did not have something worth saving. Although numerous factors came together in a “perfect storm” to save downtown it was the hardworking, innovative “mom and pop” retail owners such as Norman Fox, founder of N.Fox- the oldest surviving store on Broadway, David Carr (Starbucks Department store), Edward Lenz (Menges & Curtis), Harry Covkin (Covkin’s Little Folks Shop), Alfred Gardner (Globe Supply), E. W. Heckman (Saratoga Men’s Shop), Jerry and Charlotte Albert (Glickman’s), Jack Berkowitz (Mr. Jack’s), Nate Berkowitz (Berkowitz Jeweler’s), Bernie and Caroline Serotta (Farmers Hardware), Ray Watkins (Raymond’s Bootery) and Mark Strauss (Mabou) and Firp Carroll- along with his nephews Jimmy and John (Carroll Auto Sales)who gambled their livelihood in the 1970s. One could speculate that they are the heroes of the Saratoga Springs downtown area. Their hard work laid the groundwork for the many independent businesses that thrive here today. In 2016, over 90 ribbon cuttings of independently owned businesses occurred in Saratoga Springs. This year, Julia Sanzen honored the former Farmer’s Hardware by repurposing it into “Farmers Hardware Brunch Hall.” SS

Panoramic representation of Broadway circa 1976 by Skidmore student Patti Croop.

West Side Broadway Panza's (395 Broadway) is the site of Starbuck's coffee shop today.

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449-453 Broadway now home to Soave Faire and Brueggers.

427 Broadway (Mr. Jacks) now home to Crafter's Gallery.

395 Broadway (Red Barn) now home to Fingerpaint.

(454-438 Broadway and 436-430 Broadway) National Auto is now home to Downstreet MarketPlace, followed by Silverado. Wheatfield's Restaurant is in the former McGirr's, and Caroline and Main replaces Rowe Shoes. Lifestyles of Saratoga and Cantina now occupy the other side of Caroline Street.

East Side Broadway

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This 1948 Dodge tow truck (purchased brand new) served the business for decades. Courtesy of Saratoga Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library

Caroll Auto Sales 30-36 High rock ave. #

4 IN THE SERIES...

WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED

n my own version of “Back to the Future ll”, I fanaticize that my father, who died in December 1990, appears for an afternoon cruise around Saratoga Springs with me. I anticipate his surprise and wonder as he discovers the dramatic changes of our beloved city streets. Our first stop would be the corner of Lake Avenue and High Rock, former site of Carroll Auto Sales, where he purchased every car he ever owned. The car lot, once displaying his favorite 1988 burgundy Plymouth Grand Voyager, would be unrecognizable to him now as the six-story Hampton Inn.

contract with Chrysler- becoming one of the 10 original car dealerships to sell Plymouths. In fact, Carroll Auto Sales was recognized as “the longest established and continually operating Chrysler/ Plymouth dealership in the US.” In the early advent of automobiles, many people did not own cars. At age 13, Carroll’s son Firp was fortunate to have ready access to cars. He would park in front of the grand

Carroll Auto Sales’ humble beginnings date back to 1917. James B. Carroll, founder, converted a chicken coop in Schuylerville to an auto sales and service facility. He soon moved his operation to the Algonquin Building in Saratoga Springs, selling Packards. By 1924, he was successful enough to afford the purchase of property at 30-36 High Rock Avenue in Saratoga Springs. This acquisition became the site of Carroll’s dealership for nearly 70 years. Initially, James and his wife Dorothy lived over the 3 bayed service center clearly in view of the Esso gas pumps on the curb of the property. In 1927, shortly after the Chrysler Corporation was founded, Carroll signed a permanent 166 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

hotels in Saratoga Springs and wait for potential customers to chauffeur them to speakeasies such as Riley’s Lake House. This lifelong memory fueled his passion for cars. (Lucky for him there was little enforcement in the newly created driving age laws in 1926.) Firp and his brother Leo were officially brought into the family business in 1931. Father and sons sold and serviced autos together for the next 21 years. To make ends meet they also sold Kelvinator refrigerators and motorcycles. On Sundays when Blue Laws forced them to be closed, Leo and Firp set up their lawn chairs outside the showroom, greeting passers by. Locals depended on their presence. Bill McKelvey, Saratoga’s unofficial town oracle, never missed a morning stop with his daily bellow, ”How you doing boss?” In fact, after the business was sold in 1993 to Jack Bryne, Firp became “one of those people who came to hang out,” reports Firp’s daughter Mary Carroll Assey. Owners and employees associated with the business were known for their integrity. Fifty percent of their sales were new cars and fifty percent were from used cars- often trade-in cars, originally purchased at Carroll’s.

James B. Carroll (second from the left) founded Carroll Auto Sales in 1917. Courtesy of Saratoga Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library

Lee Hudson, mechanic, was known to

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stay long after quitting time if he ran into difficulties repairing a vehicle. “Lee was bound and determined to fix the car,” reports John Conners, general manager. Forget the negative stereotypes and clichés associated with car salesmen. “My father was the exact opposite of a used car salesman. He had a way of dealing with people and they trusted him,” states Firp’s daughter Mary. “The business was his life, his major focus,” she recalls. Despite family deaths – founder James died in 1952 and son Leo in 1964- the business remained a tight-knit family operation. Leo’s son, “Jimmy” and son-in-law John Conners joined as partners in the business in 1965. They upheld founder James’ goal “not to be the biggest, just the best.” The job demanded long hours. Open from 8 am to 9 pm six days a week meant that dinners weren’t always eaten at home, but rather in the showroom.

Loyalty drove the business. The Carroll’s assured their mechanics Art Hansen and Lee Hudson that even if sales were slow, they would always have a job. Customers were equally loyal- many people bought the same car every year with a simple phone call. Prices weren’t negotiated; they trusted John, Jimmy or Firp would give them a fair price. Above all, the owners were loyal to James’ legacy and commitment to be THE BEST. SS Author’s note: A special thanks to John Conners and Mary Carroll Assey for their assistance with this story.

Carroll’s proximity to downtown workers made the dealership a convenient place for many downtown employees to have their car serviced.

Valiants to Volares; Cordobas to Caravans; Barracudas to Dusters; the gas crisis of 1973; Lee Iacocca’s 1978 efforts to bring Chrysler out of near bankruptcy; the introduction of “minivans” …this dealership weathered changes.

This November 1948 photos show the 3 bay service area. Courtesy of the Bolster Collection, Saratoga History Museum Circa 1970s. Courtesy of the Bolster Collection, Saratoga History Museum

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H&G

Randall Perry Photography

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cturally SPEAKING

Randall Perry Photography

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WRITTEN BY DAVID DELOZIER, PHOTOS BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Stewards of the Saratoga Front Porch The City of Saratoga Springs proudly proclaims itself to be a place of “Health, History and Horses.” While all that is certainly worth bragging about, there is perhaps another feature that is prominent throughout the City, often overlooked, yet cherished as much, if not more by those who have one, than the former trifecta… and that would be the front porch. In the Victorian era (late 19th century), the front porch was considered to be a handshake to the neighborhood. To not have a broad front porch facing the street was considered uncivil. There were no cars. People walked from home into town and back. Sitting on the front porch, engaging with the passersby, was the “social media” of the day. “Come on over. Let’s sit and chat. I’ve got some cold tea ready for you.” Bear in mind that walking a mile from town back to home was a bit of a jaunt. That little tea break was a welcome respite on the long walk home. And a chance to catch up on the gossip. The front porch was the catalyst. The connector. The community.

Randall Perry Photography

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There were some dark times for the front porch, however. In the late 20th century, the front porch was nearly forgotten. Considered old fashioned, new construction abandoned it for the more trendy “back deck.” A private, often secluded and isolated appendage to the modern housing subdivision, the back deck, in effect, separated residents from each other. With all the action hidden behind the house, the conversations stopped. The connection was severed. One could even argue that the back deck was the death knell to the community. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Randall Perry Photography

The front porch with a Victorian house attached Within the City of Saratoga Springs, however, the front porch never went away. Forgone, but not forgotten, it would take a new generation to see what was always there, and rekindle the spirit, the passion, and the community that thrived nigh on a century ago, on the front porch. George and Tamie Ehinger are part of that next generation who has become smitten by the Saratoga front porch. Relocating from the west coast, the couple chose Saratoga

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Springs as their next domicile. They flew out from San Francisco to check out a home on Circular Street, only to discover that another buyer had snatched it up. Down, but not out, the couple took a drive up to North Broadway, and there she was – a stately Victorian dollhouse straight out of a storybook, with an iconic mansard roof, and the most amazing porch – filigree ensconced gingerbread arches and columns that envelope the front and south side of the house. And it was for sale. The Ehinger’s had to have it. “We bought the porch,” said Tamie. “The house just happened to be attached!” JULY/AUGUST 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 173

Randall Perry Photography

Remodeling with Reverence and Respect The old dame was showing her age. Peeling paint, some rotten wood here and there, but her bones were strong. It would need some work. The Ehingers were daunted at first with their new purchase, and then humbled to have the responsibility of caretaking such a piece of history. With great respect for this architectural gem, the Ehinger’s set about the renovation. The center part of the house was a series of small rooms with an awkward side entrance that was unheated. The couple decided to gut the entire section

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and make a great room. Bold pillars and arches were added to emulate the porch detail outside. The kitchen was opened up as well, allowing the sight lines to extend all the way to the floor-to-ceiling front windows – which now bathe the interior with light. The biggest task that Tamie took was the restoring the walnut stairwell and banisters. Someone in the past actually decided to paint it. The painstaking job of scraping all the paneling, the lathe-turned balusters, the fluting …took months. But Tamie’s hard work and dedication revealed the beauty that lay underneath.

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Randall Perry Photography

Back when this house was built, the owners had live-in servants. The back part of the second floor had several rooms that were the servants’ quarters, and a narrow stairwell that connected to the kitchen below. The Ehingers reconfigured this area to become the master bathroom, closets and dressing area. The soaking tub is reminiscent of the old bath; a brick “chimney” was added to provide thermal mass and add character. The fully glazed walk-in shower down the corridor adds the modern necessity with style and grace. The former servant bedroom is now a walk-in closet. While the Ehingers have given this old house a much needed upgrade, there were some elements of the past that remain as a testimony of the past. The formal living room in front has a huge full wall mirror, surrounded by a beautifully filigreed wooden frame; the adjacent parlor also has a similar large mirror. At first Tamie didn’t like them – their wavy reflection was a bit, shall we say, unflattering, to reflected image. However, Tamie now loves them. They are like windows into the past, and she wonders at all the images that those mirrors have captured through the years. Randall Perry Photography

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Randall Perry Photography

And of course there is the front porch. The feature that drew the Ehingers to this magnificent home has lived up to all its historic glory. Just like in the days gone by, neighbors have taken to walking the sidewalks. And when George and Tamie are hanging out on their porch, folks stop by to have a chat, share some gossip and some cold tea. On a summer’s afternoon, it’s their favorite place to be. Christmas time, the Ehingers take great pleasure in dressing up their old dame for the holidays. “These old Victorians really come to life at Christmas time, and the high ceilings allow for beautiful trees,” Tamie says. “When fully decorated, the house is like a scene right out of a Clement Clarke Moore novel.”

Randall Perry Photography

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Randall Perry Photography

The Ehingers are honored to be part of the legacy of this beauty on Broadway. “It's an amazing feeling to be part of the history of an old home,” Tamie glows. “We are its current stewards but there were many before us, and there will many after. It's humbling.” Tamie is quick to point out that despite its grandiose appearance on the outside, it is a regular everyday home on the inside. SS

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Gardening WITH

PETER BOWDEN

Every year as spring turns to summer, folks present me with drowned hanging baskets or leaves of plants suffering from fungal diseases. Then there are the vegetable gardeners who can't figure out why their tomato or cucumber vines won't get fruit even though they produce flowers. Usually the cause can be traced to the same old problem… incorrect watering. There's a tendency to overcompensate for hot weather by overwatering potted plants and hanging baskets. Always feel the soil before you water... if it’s already moist, don’t water it. Wait another day and check again. Another sadly common sight in summer is a lawn sprinkler used to water a flowerbed or vegetable garden which sprays the leaves and flowers with water. WHY ALL THIS FUSS ABOUT KEEPING THE WATER OFF OF THE PLANTS?

Spraying chills the leaves, shocking the plant. On a hot day, we might think our tomato plants would enjoy a cooling spray from the hose. But actually, they don’t. On a 90° summer day, the leaves of the tomato are evaporating moisture. The tomato (or any of our garden plants) replaces that moisture by drawing it up through its roots. Along with that moisture comes the nutrients the plant needs to grow. When the leaves

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get hit with that 50°F water from the hose it shocks the plant, and it takes a couple of days to recover. Our growing season is short enough without shooting our efforts in the foot by spray watering.

Spraying our plants with water creates a perfect environment for fungal diseases to incubate and thrive. Gardeners worry about late blight, powdery mildew and a host of other diseases. Yet they'll continue to water their vegetable garden with a lawn sprinkler. Plants with dry leaves are always going to be healthier.

Spraying our plants with water washes the pollen out of the flowers. Once that happens, the plant will abort that now-useless flower. In the case of flowering ornamental plants, this means that a flower that could have lasted several days will now turn to mush by the next morning. In the vegetable garden, spraying the pollen out of the flowers means that no fruit will form until a new flower opens and gets pollinated.

Spray watering wastes water. Plants absorb water through their roots and that is where water should be directed. Most of the water sprayed on the garden evaporates into the air doing little good for the plants and damaging your garden.

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SO, HOW DO WE WATER OUR GARDENS WITHOUT WETTING THE PLANTS? Using a watering wand allows you to direct water to the soil at the base of each plant so the roots can be soaked without wetting the foliage. The wand gets the water where it’s most needed without any waste. To save time, you can use oozing soaker hoses so all you do is hook up your hose and walk away. Sometimes you want to give a deep drink to a larger plant like a shrub or tree, especially recently planted ones. To do this, just turn down the volume on the wand and let it dribble slowly at the base of the plant for an hour or so. A good soaking always beats a quick spray. Watering the correct way is quite simple. What is hard for gardeners is breaking the spray-watering habit. Remember, the lawn sprinkler is great for the lawn but has no business in the flowerbed or vegetable garden. THANKS FOR THE READ.

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Birdwatching with Nancy Castillo

BIRD FAQ Q. DO BIRDS HAVE EARS? A. Yes, they do, there's just nothing showing on the outside! Like us, birds have openings to their ear canals on the sides of their heads, but their openings are hidden under specialized feathers called auriculars. The feather covering helps protect the ear opening and cuts wind noise.

Also like us, birds have an outer ear, a middle ear, and an inner ear. If you ever have the opportunity to see a bald bird (a temporary condition that can affect some Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals during their fall molt in August), you might have the opportunity to see their ear openings.

IT'S HOT OUTSIDE! BE SURE TO PROVIDE WATER FOR BIRDS During the hot and often dry conditions that make up the dog days of summer, you will be doing yourself and your birds a big favor by providing them with a reliable source of water. Water is very important to birds. Whether they are the type of birds that visit birdfeeders or not, all birds need water. Offering 184 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

a dependable source of water throughout the year is one of the simplest and important step you can take to increase the variety of birds you see in your yard. And adding movement to your birdbath with a dripper, mister, or solar fountain will help attract even more birds as they are drawn to the sight and sound of moving water. Having a source of water in your yard can also increase your enjoyment of birds by allowing you to watch them kick back a drink, enthusiastically bathe, and fastidiously preen their feathers after a bath. As entertaining as it is for us, water (or the lack thereof) can be deadly serious for birds. Birds must be ready to fly at all times, and bathing is a critical part of feather maintenance and keeping them in top flight condition. Water is also vitally important when it's hot and a bird’s ability to regulate its body temperature can become stressed. Birds do not sweat and must remove excess body heat through their respiratory system. So when temperatures rise, a bird's respiration rate increases, sometimes to the point that it can be seen panting, mouth open, similar to a dog. However, this response dehydrates birds and increases their need for a reliable source of water to replace lost fluids. So, while the addition of a bird bath, fountain or mister to your yard can supply hours of enjoyable bird watching entertainment for you, it may also be providing a lifesaving necessity for the birds. SS saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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ENTERTAINING Made Easy!

HI, I’M JODIE FITZ! I’m so excited to be sharing some of our family favorites with the readers of Simply Saratoga magazine! I have spent the last six years traveling in SIX (!) states cooking with kids & families…I can relate to the BUSY COOK : ) As my recipe collection continues to grow, I am starting to share some of the recipes that you will find at our house for meals… Enjoyed by both family… and friends! I am always experimenting & creating tasty bites, finding the simplest way to do it & love sharing great flavor and time saving finds along the way.

MINI TRIFLES Ingredients •

1 pound cake

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8 oz. whipped topping, thawed

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1 pound of fresh strawberries

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4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

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3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

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2 teaspoons vanilla extract

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at www.jodiefitz.com and www.facebook.com/jodiefitzcooks, or check out my new cook books - available on my website! 186 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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Directions

Wash, hull & cut the strawberries, but leave out several whole strawberries to top off your mini trifles. 2. Remove the pound cake from the packaging and wrapper. Slice it. And, then dice it into small cubes of cake. 3. Mix the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar & vanilla extract together. Fold it with 4 oz. of the whipped topping. 4. Using canning jars, perfect for picnic travel, begin to build mini trifles; Layer 1: pound cake pieces Layer 2: cut strawberries Layer 3: cream cheese mixture Layer 4: whipped topping Layer 5: pound cake pieces Layer 6: cut strawberries Layer 7: cream cheese mixture Layer 8: whipped topping 1.

Finally, top it off with a whole strawberry for serving. Enjoy!

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Can't Leave Town without these!

TOTE BAGS Totes by Crab & Cleek, $55 Silverwood 398 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.583.3600 www.SilverwodGalleries.com

PENDANT OR CHARM

CAR MAGNET Stinky Dog Car Magnet, $4.99 Stinky Dog 488 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.450.1939 • www.StinkyDog.com

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Spirit of Life pendant or charm available in Sterling Silver or 14k Yellow Gold. Starting at $90 deJonghe 470 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.587.6422 • www.dJoriginals.com

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Freshening up the Home to be SUMMER ready! WRITTEN BY JENNA BURGER PHOTOS PROVIDED

ith the plethora of soirees during the summer in Saratoga, it’s often a ‘who’s wearing it best’ or a ‘seen and be seen’ type of atmosphere. Food and drinks are flowing while the décor is dazzling.

Whether planning a gathering for four or a party for 30, a similar style setting can be achieved in your own backyard (minus the cameras and fancy dresses… well, maybe). But first, your home needs to be SUMMER ready. Lights, Camera, COLOR… Let’s get the home ready for the summer season!

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Out with Winter. In with Summer.

Whether your spring cleaning is complete or you decided to skip the seasonal transition entirely, there are a few easy and important ways to get the instant-Summer feeling!

In short, ditch anything that holds a reminder of winter (that includes taking off the Christmas wreath that still adorns the front door). It’s time to soak up the summer sun, so pack up the heavy WRITTEN BY JENNA BURGER PHOTOS PROVIDED blankets and replace them with lighter linens. Swap out dark pillows for white & light styles. And don’t forget color and prints. Bright hues of yellow, green, coral, turquoise, and pink in bold or graphic prints are the perfect complimentary colors for your décor to dive right into the summer season. Once the layers of the home have been revamped, give some areas – indoors and out – a fresh coat of paint. Late Spring / Early Summer, when the temps aren't too hot and it's lighter later, is the ideal time to freshen up the walls of the home, as well as the outdoor surfaces like the deck, doors, and picnic tables, with a new coat of paint. Guests will think you’ve been busy all winter, when actually a few simple updates and swaps was all it took…

Sort and Stock

➢ To achieve a bold, striking table setting, mix and layer prints with solids. Add in colorful plates and introduce other materials like rattan and wood.

After sorting and packing away the winter wares, it’s time to stock up on the summer essentials. Grab-and-Go is key! Get a cute basket (or two) from Target (or hunt through your closet as you probably have one on hand!), place it by the main door that you typically use for outdoor access, and fill it with the necessary items for summer. Sunscreen and bug repellent are a must! For the deck or patio, position a large waterproof storage box near the grill and dining area and fill it with paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins, tablecloths, and the grilling essentials. Because who wants to spend the precious hours of this amazing weather indoors cleaning dishes?

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Farm to Table

Summer is the ideal time to freshen up your weekly staples and get ready to entertain. Flip through your favorite cooking magazines to look for new recipes with fresher, lighter fare. No need for heavy stews this time of year. Instead think of new dishes with seasonal favorites - zucchini, peppers, squash - straight from the farmers’ market! Every Wednesday and Saturday in Saratoga, you have access to the freshest food in our area. Whether a pasta dish with fresh vegetables or a healthy, hearty salad, there is nothing better than food direct from the farm.

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Fresh Flowers

From the dining table to the mantel, adorn your décor with fresh flowers during Summer. A simple gathering of wild flowers cut from the backyard or a structured bouquet from Dehn’s Flowers will bring color, height, and a beautiful focal point to your décor.

➢ Get the look without spending! Snip 1-2 tree branches and place them in a tall vase to add height and a focal point to your table

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Create an Outdoor Oasis

Whether a deck, porch, or patio there are ways to bring the indoors out to create a beautiful, serene, and inviting outdoor oasis. With comfortable seating, stylish layers, and lots of fresh flowers, an outdoor space will become the most used “room” in, and outside, of the home for the summer months. Creating an outdoor living room that is truly an outdoor oasis is similar to designing an interior haven. Surround yourself with things that are most meaningful to you and elements that bring you happiness. Make an outdoor space fun and unexpected by introducing a pretty patterned table cloth, wind chimes that blow in the breeze, and pops of color through pillows. For you and your guests this summer, you want to evoke an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Introduce soft, ambient lighting through string lights or lanterns, and the party will definitely last into the wee hours of the morning. Prep now so you can enjoy every moment of the summer season later! With these easy-to-implement ideas for getting ready for the summer season, you’ll be able to create new memories and enjoy every moment of soaking up the sun. SS

For more summer decorating ideas and DIY projects, visit me at www.JennaBurger.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Bye-bye horse, see ya next summer!

Love, Lucas 194 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2017

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